A Cat Fell onto Railroad tracks, You'll Never Guess What Happened Next...

       The date was August 13, 2013. The air was cool yet durable. A slight dew covered the grass around the local train station in Blandville, Idaho. Patrons were lined by the dozens near the local station, awaiting the arrival of the next train. It was an already considered a special since it is one of only 250 towns to still use trains as a large source of personal transport (with the encroachment of subways and the dramatic rise of vehicles in the late 20th century many train stations had closed down).


       The people sat silently as the ground began to shake and a faint whistle could be heard. The Train had just peered over the horizon when the folks of Blandville realized a Cat by the name of Fellow, was running down the tracks (in the opposite direction from the train).



 Fellow was a local hero of the town, after getting lost 3 years in the wilderness, but returning to his loving owners surprisingly unscathed. The news stayed mostly local, but she became an icon for the town in a very short time.She was a calico cat, and piercing green eyes. Fellow unlike most cats was a very vocal cat, capable of releasing a loud meow when choosing to.

Fellow, the Cat

A meow was exactly what alerted the men and women near the station of Fellow's location along the tracks. Instantaneously a group rushed towards Fellow to remove him from the track as the train was now becoming incredibly close.





    What happened next was surprising. The people cried out to Fellow, catching his attention. The cat stopped, and looked at the people she had come to know and love. They were still a distance from him, but it was clear the cat recognized them. One pointed behind him, shouting to Fellow about the oncoming train. To the people's surprise Fellow looked back, as if she had fully understood what was happening.

Many of the witnesses were quoted as saying "It really seemed like Fellow understood English far better than we had realized."

As the people approached, so did the train. With one amazing push of strength, Fellow Relieved himself of his bowels before the train turned him into a sheet of animal paper. So what happened? Fellow passed away.
What did you think was going to happen? It's a cat on a railroad track. (These events are not representative of any know actually event, any similarity is entirely coincidental). So the moral of the story?
-Stop clicking on articles with titles like these. It's a trap and you're only encouraging the media to pull you in and make you read countless amounts of useless information for about an ounce of knowledge.
You keep feeding the machine, and you know what will happen? This:

Man Walks Into a Bar, You'll Never Believe What Happened Next...

Cue Useless Fluff, and pictures to antagonize your emotions...
More Useless words
I once saw a moose assault a llama, not really but it was weird because I saw a tree that I thought was a bear so I went to give it a hug and it turned into a water buffalo. I don't know what that is but I'm sure google can tell me all about the Alpaca shortage in Antarctica. Oh right you came here to read something that had to do with the title...
He received a concussion, and lost 4 years worth of memories.
Though I understand the want to grapple viewers in with titles that give no information away, but now I'm seeing it in more important news. You can't continuously hook people and drag them in, nor fall for the bait. Journalism is already a dying practice (true journalism i.e. unbiased writers), I don't want to lose helpful news titles either. And don't you worry I'll have a serious post eventually

The End of a Semester

As the Weather Channel so aptly put "Read it and Weep"

When asked how my day went today I would probably answer it went as well as a bird who see a worm only to find out it's a reflection of its beak as it contacts your window. So not a bad day, it started slow, had a moment of excitement (and I thank you guys for that too) but here we are... dead on the ground.

Whoa? how'd we get there from such a deep post last time? Because this blog is like the ocean. You've got shallow and you've got deep. Whales end up in both, but only one is suitable for it. If you're thinking it's the deep you're wrong. Giant Squids.

Today marked the last day of the semester for college so that was something. But then again so is a dead bird. It's something, it's just not a nice something. But on the topic of something, how can someone eat blue cheese and still have the confidence to get out of bed? It's the equivalent to thinking biscuits and wheat thins are the same thing, or rocks and rice crispies. (Product placement).

You could tell by the vacant stares of my fellow survivors that we're far from over. No the party is just starting. Finals. We felt accomplished because today felt like we were slightly freed, but in reality finals are waiting in the alley we just passed holding a hammer to give us one of the most uncomfortable doses of beatings we could ever expect.

You know what the problem with old books tends to be? Dust. Dust comes at you like a window to a birds face (I will not let this go), and you know what? I'm allergic to dust. Oh and library books.

Library books are the bane of my existence. It's not that I detest books it's just I value my health... or I just coddle my immune system. Because in every single library book you find left overs of the person that had it before you. If you've ever checked one out, you must surly know what I mean. I assumed the previous owner did something like this:

             Shadows danced upon the walls of the dark room as Steve's eyes rested upon the red sleeve of the book. Light reflected from the protective plastic sheath guarding the outer edges of the mighty adventure that awaited him.
             His fingers caressed the delicate white pages until his forefinger met the shedding piece of cloth which marked the place he had ceased previous. Like the seas in the days of Mosses, the pages parted revealing a small printed number around one inch by one inch from the lower right corner, the number read 54. His eyes flickered with excitement as they gently flowed through the lines of text as if it was silk sliding through his fingers, until finally reaching the text which he had left forty-two hours ago. His mind jolted as it came to life evoking the text on the page beneath into images, and worlds within Steve's head.
          "To judge the morality of ones actions, one can not for him self decide for a mind is biased to it's creator" this line echoed within the mind of Steve as he continued on "The world around him lay in but ash and dust, each rising to the sun mocking it's failure to protect those beneath it. Echoes of silence filled his mind, as he heard the screams of all the fallen he could not save."
           Steve's eyes drifted upward as he imagined the sorrow of the fallen man. The page quivered as his hand raised to his face. A sensation ran to his ear as his index finger glided like a jet into his nasal passage. Like the canals of old, his finger the vessel, his nose the calm waters, he was at peace. The soft grip of mucus clung to the ridges of his slick wrapped phalanx. The ecstasy overwhelmed his mind, as the elasticity of the mucus was tested. Like a feather falling to the ground, his finger slipped from the cavern it had been within the path  it continued on, before returning to the page bellow, forever leaving behind a stain of green and red, like the man broken on the page bellow. 






Yes. That. STOP DOING THAT. Can you not go 10 seconds without excavating your nasty human air filters? It's not like they are that efficient anyways...







But I digress. College finals, things. So here I go having another semester under my belt, think of the pride I feel, I made it. Considering less than five months ago I was undergoing a massive identity and personal crisis, and almost left college all together, I am pretty glad I stuck with it. I guess if your dreams are important enough holding on to them is the only thing that matters. Because the paths taken until we reach our dream lives don't always take the easy way. Sometimes the path is twisted, long and scary at times but perusing it, gives you a better chance of making it through. And plus, even if you don't reach your dream, at least you tried. You had honor, and that's what counts. Do you think that bird quit at it's dreams? No, because it probably didn't have any because it's a bird. And now it's dead.

So to answer the question on your minds:
If you're wondering if a bird actually died against my window today, don't worry. It may have. I'm not going to confirm or deny that a bird hit my window because it just as likely may have, or may not have. BUT I can tell you this: sometimes it's better to think with your stomach than with your mind. I want food.


Bathrooms

At this point I'd advise you to stop, I've lost control of what I'm thinking. As time marches swiftly forward towards the pre-dawn light I find myself in a state of I don't care.

The greatest question in the Universe is this: Who in the heck thought it would be a good idea to make bathrooms acoustic?

I mean let's face it, everyone has to eventually brave the cold embrace (or warm if you'r unlucky) of the Public Restroom (the very words make my tremble with fear). That alone is one of the most horrible experiences of my life. So there you are minding your own business when suddenly the guy three stalls down sounds like he's the big bad wolf huffing and puffing and trying to blow the little pigs  house down, and judging by the horrific grunting he's making, he's having about as much luck as the big bad wolf did on the brick house. But hey, who am I to judge, maybe his diet consists of only nails and lead, and that's why he sounds like a dinosaur about to give birth.

Then on the opposite side in the corner across from you, you've got the rocket ship guy. I swear if NASA contacted him, they wouldn't need to spend all that money on proportion, because from what I can tell he's probably flying a couple of feet off the seat every second.

But really everybody just tries to be quiet. Why? I don't know, it's not like only some of us go to the bathroom, why do we have to treat it like such a shameful thing?
It turns what could be an efficient I'm in, I did what my body naturally does with things I don't need, into an awkward contest of who can be more quiet in a game of firecrackers.

Instead of people being in the bathroom for 3-5 minutes, they end up lasting for 20 as they attempt to draw out the combustion over a longer time, while only resulting in them having to muffle their heavy breathing. You can literally tell when they are covering their mouths with their hands to make their breathing more quietly, it makes a very distinct noise. And as much as I don't want to know how much toilet paper you're using, stop slowing pulling it out of the contraption. It makes a weird hollow echo that sounds the the distance beat of war drums, and that's the last thing I need to worry about in there.

I'm sorry, but if I have to go through the experience of using a public restroom I don't want to have to pretend I don't go to the bathroom, in the bathroom. I mean what else are bathrooms for? (MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER). Instead of being efficient places, they slow us down. And make us feel shame. Well guess what, everybody does the poo. (If I ever get a girlfriend this will be embarrassing).


And just as quickly as the bird saw the worm, it died. Farewell until next time.

And Yes, I did talk about doodoo

Christianity and Science

Where science thrives, so does Christian bashing, or so it seems to be for me in the United States. I can't say I entirely blame the scientists, just go onto any forum about evolution or the big bang and you'll find a christian tripping over themselves in an attempt to prove that they are right, where there statements are often fragmented, not well thought out, and here's the kicker: most of their stances aren't even in the bible, which they claim to know better then the back of their hand. The conversations always divulge to fire and brimstone where the man of science spills out theories as if they are fact, and the "bible thumper" tells the scientist that they are going to Hell. It's a lose-lose situation.

These Christians may feel that they have accomplished something by sending their foes into a blind rage wondering how the other can even breathe, but at what cost? The Catholic church has done it's fair share of damage to the world of science, and if it wasn't for them, we'd probably be more technically advanced. Do I hate them? No, I just find their arrogance to be disgusting. Baptists, Lutherans and all the other denominations are also to blame, all have played a part. The cost of these people who prowl the world via internet, campus or wherever result in the scientific community generally looking down upon those who call themselves Christians.

It is very angering to me because the two don't have to war like they have for centuries. Each has a shared guilt in this moronic conquest to prove the superiority of the other.

Why....

To The Church

Let me start with the church, you speak evils and hate on such an intense level I wonder if you have ever opened a bible yourself. Sadly most people of faith blindly follow the words of their pastor/priest without checking to see if what they are saying makes sense, we are taught to be Christ like, not pastor like.

 Without knowing the bible on a personal level how can one truly call themselves well versed in god? I'm not saying you have to be experts in the bible, but realize the gravity of your actions when claiming what you believe is in the bible, because often it is not.
What do I mean? When quoting a verse a few things must be taken into mind: you must understand the context of the time, you MUST understand the context of the verse, those one hit wonder verses typically have nothing to do with what you speak, and finally know who is being addressed in the book. Without those key points your quotes are pointless, because you are human and lack the authority to put words in gods mouth. If you know beyond a doubt that your verse is applicable in both the situation and in context(s) then by all means use it.

Next, realize the bible is about faith and spirituality, and is a guide for how to live, as well as many other things. But you know what it isn't? The bible isn't a scientific road map as many of you seem to think. In the bible I notice they do not mention subatomic particles, or panda bears. Does this mean they can not exist? No, of course not, it just did not find that mention such objects was important. Did the bible state that some animals are capable of altering their abilities to survive in otherwise unsurvivable habitats (like invasive species for example)? No, because again it was not important.
Why was it not important? Because believing in intelligent design by god through evolution, or believing that the Universe originated in a single point, or anything along those lines do not have to do with your righteousness (right standing with god). I am no biblical expert, but I know this to be true, how?

Ephesians 2:8-9 -"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."

Romans 3:28 - "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

Galatians 2:16 "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." 

I'm going to stop there but there is plenty more stating the exact same thing. It does not say that you are saved though belief in Jesus Christ and belief in scientific principals told by the church, no just saved through Faith by Grace, no science is involved in the salvation aspect, therefore I see no reason why a book meant to help guide and redeem you would need to include such matters at such a precise level.

Also does it not say:

Romans 12:18 - "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

So please stop picking your battles in at attempt to do who knows what because in the end all you are accomplishing is widening the schism between science and Christianity.

Did Jesus not come and teach us love? That despite the cruel world we live in, we are to be respectful loving people? It is hard yes, and we will all fail, but why do we have fight useless fights that only separate others further from god?
God is love, and we need to strive to be better, not because we have to be better but because we have been given a beautiful gift, a gift we should offer (NOT FORCE) it to others. If they wish not to heard, why make them? It is their choice. 

There is no spiritual gain, nor godly gain in blasting those with different views. God is just, and perfect while you are not. No matter how perfect you believe you are you still sin, so what makes you good enough to have the right to judge everyone else? You don't.

I just don't like him because he's cockier than
Hawking, and less intelligent

To the (Christian disliking) Scientists

My statements will be shorter to you, but that does not make you any less at fault. One thing scientists seem to fail to understand is that what you believe is not set-in-stone. Yes, many of the theories ad laws are mostly likely correct, considering they can accurately depict the actions of an object in a set field of requirements, but they do not always prove to be perfect.

The more advanced we get the more we learn, but as we learn the ideas and beliefs we had tend to evolve, or even completely fall apart. On top of that the more we learn, the less we realize we know. You are not perfect, just because your theory has a few points to it doesn't make it correct, so stop saying everyone else is wrong because yours is absolutely right. In order for it to be absolutely right, without any doubt you would need a non-compromised observation, which sadly the human mind itself is compromised and is known to alter things, thus how can you say anything you know is certain?

I am not just saying your deputing of a god, but the way you treat other theories. You act as if yours alone is the only way, which is not how real scientist should think. Their minds should be open to anything, seeing as how the universe is infinity complex and ever changing to think you alone are right is foolish. 

So to put it more clearly: Scientist need to open their minds, not just to the possible existence of a god, but to so many theories that get pushed back because they don't believe it fits the standard model, only to find twenty years later it was exactly what they needed. You are holding the human race back, keeping them at a walk when they could be running. Open your mind, there is so much to see and so much that we don't know.

My Thoughts

I am pursuing Astrophysics in college and I also am a devout christian. This to some would seem like a paradox, but for me it just makes sense.

I believe what the bibles says, I believe that god created the universe I believe Jesus died for me, and I believe that there is a heaven and a hell. I also believe the bible is meant to guide me spiritually, as well as make me into the person I am supposed to be.
But I also believe the world is billions of years old. I believe gravity exists (as I hope everyone else does...), I agree with most if not all of the current physics models, because to me it makes sense. The universe has laws and regulations to keep it going, I can deny it all I want but logic and observable experiments prove that it functions in certain ways.

To me the universe is beautiful, and studying and learning about the physics and astronomy is not a test against my faith, but rather builds my faith. The vast complexity, and beauty only makes me respect, and love my god even more. For me worship is looking at his work and seeing the creativity and wonders he has made. It is truly amazing.

Why can't I believe that a creator set in motion the world around me? We know not what started the Universe, so why can't I believe it was god? I do and it is just as valid as believing the universe started with particles that were just there.

I pursue the knowledge of how the universe works to better see the beauty of my creator, that is how I can reconcile the two, because they don't need to fight. It is people that make the two clash.

If you see a typo or something that doesn't make sense, I had a migraine while writing this so just ask if you're confused. I am a logical person, so if that is in question, please comment. 

The Eagle

It's story time! Are you ready for an adventure? Well so am I.

            Once upon a time there was a great wilderness. It's thickets rose blocking the sky above, and covering the ground below. The times were dark as the sun barely broke the canopy, save for the gaps of fallen trees. Green brush filled the area between the wall like build of the trunks. Few ventured the lush land for thousands of years.
           One day this all changed. An inquisitive Bald Eagle wishing to find what was hidden in the forest bellow devised a plan. To the east of the mighty wilderness lay a patch of bone dry trees, the Bald Eagle planned to drop a piece of burning tinder upon the dry earth beneath, hoping the flames would erupt, removing much of the foliage. The trick would be finding such tinder.
That night while the Bald Eagle rested the sound of a mighty roar echoed from the edge of the wilderness, rocking the bird into a frenzy as he peered down. The source of the sound seemed to be emanating from the forests edge. The Bald Eagle jumped from his perch sliding through the air like a dolphin through water. The stars shown brightly above as he landed.
          The brush began to rustle, as something moved within. About five feet from the tree emerged a lion, it's thick mane reflected the moonlight as he shook his head. Staring intently up at The Bald Eagle, the lion asked "What brings you to my domain?"
         A pause fell over the Eagle as he processed what to say, "I require your assistance, if you will. I wish to acquire some tinder and flame in order to burn down the forest so that we may know what is within."
        The Lion cogitated for some time before replying "I can acquire tinder, but fire is beyond my capabilities. However, I have heard rumors of a dragon in the land capable of such a feat. I can take you to the one who told me of such things, if you wish. But we must wait till dawn to depart."
        The Bald Eagle nodded, hoping that this quest would pan out as well as he hoped. He returned to sleep until the early hours of the sun as it rose in the east. A deafening scream rang out, confusing the Bald Eagle, but the lion seemed not to mind.
       "That is the one we seek, the rooster calls, and now we can find him." said the Lion "follow me."
       The Bald Eagle and the lion traveled west along the line of the forest crossing rivers and valleys. The sun was at it's zenith when they came upon the roosted who sat upon a stump.
       "Good day Lion, who is it that follows behind?"
       "This is the Bald Eagle, he seeks the dragon of which you spoke. Do you know where it dwells?"
       The Rooster appeared puzzled, "Why do you seek the dragon?"
       "We seek the dragon to acquire fire in order to burn the forest down, so as to find what is inside." replied the Bald Eagle.
      The Rooster pulled a map from under a moss covered stone, pointing to the mountain at the edge of the land, "This is where the Dragon resides. I will take you there."
      "Much thanks." replied the Bald Eagle as the three moved westward through the fields and plains.
      As the curve of the world began to swallow the sun, the field around the lion and rooster became of gold. It flowed like silk as soft winds swept gracefully over the tops of the grass. The crickets arose from the depths to sing songs to the stars as the danced in the twilight. The Bald Eagle looked about, wondering how much farther they would go for the day when a screech rippled through it's skin as it found itself in a downward spiral. Disoriented the Bald Eagle twisted it's body upwards as it struck the now red grass below. Above it was a Black Eagle.
      It's mouth opened as it began to speak "Why have you, Great Bald Eagle crossed into my lands? We were separated by the mighty winding river, a boundary in place by the world itself. But here you are on my side of the line, what brings you to my home, my territory?"
    The Bald Eagle defiantly struck back, knocking the Black Eagle backwards. The Bald Eagle rose, flying straight upwards, the Black Eagle right behind. The two locked talons and spiraled towards the ground, as the clouds above glowed of blood red. They both began to twist in hopes of crashing the other into the ground. The Bald Eagle waited for the final moment before releasing all force. Causing the Black Eagle to slip underneath, slamming into the ground. It flopped around as it slipped in and out of consciousness.
    As the Black Eagle came to, the Bald Eagle responded "we have come in order to gain fire from the dragon in the mountain at the end of the world. With that fire we plan on burning the forest down so that we may find riches, or things of great excellence inside."
    The Black Eagle thoughtfully looked to the sky. "With my assistance the journey may be faster, if you will have me!"
     The Bald Eagle, Rooster, and Lion spoke for some time before concluding that the Black Eagle would be welcomed on their quest. All four rested until the dew was aglow as the sun overtook the horizon. Through the fields they traveled, from morning to evening. Ahead lay a patch of trees extending a mile to the foot of the mountain. As the four entered a low growl echoed in their skin, as the became afraid. From the right, where the trees were red and tall stood a great Bear. It's claws extend, and teeth flashed as it approached.
  It's thick brown fur shook as it's muscle tensed, "I am the guardian of the mountain and of the worlds edge. For what purpose have you come?"
     "We seek fire from the dragon, in order to burn the forest down, so as to find riches and unite the land as never before seen" replied the Lion.
      "Riches, and unity. I shall let you pass, but I must accompany you in this land."
      "Fair enough" replied the Eagle, as the five began the climb.
      The sun now fell behind the lion casting a shadow upon them. The land was barren and beaten from a time long gone. Together the group worked their way to each natural terrace, until the Lion grew tired, and ran ahead with the Bald Eagle.
     By morning the group had arrived at the mouth of the cave. Darkness poured out, evaporating in the sun. Bones of fallen creatures lay scattered on the ground, burned and near ash.
     The Bald Eagle, with great boldness and no feared called out into the darkness "Dragon who dwells in the deep, I call upon you for a favor, where riches and gold may find you."
     A grumbling erupted as out of the cave came a dragon. "And how, do you suggest we find gold and riches?" asked the dragon in a daze.
      "We ask for your fire, and with our tinder we can burn the mighty wilderness down to reveal what it hold within."
      Without hesitation the dragon responded "I shall assist you, let us make haste."
       The six powers moved swiftly east to the untamed forest, where with the help of all a fire was started and burned from end to end of the wilderness.
      Great and mighty riches fell upon them all as the controlled the world around them. A group, they did make of mighty power. Lesser animals of far away kingdoms ask to join their United Nations, and many were accepted, but at a lesser voice than the Six. The Great Bald Eagle, being the brainchild of the Unity, and the most powerful of the land began to centralize his power, taking from the other five.
     The Bald Eagles arrogance made him believe that they others would bow before his decision, regardless of how pointless and unintelligent it was. With the reasoning that without his pursuit into the unknown none would have any power, he took control. The five let it be, thinking the Bald Eagle had the interest of all in its mind. And for some time the Bald Eagle appeared to keep its course, keeping the main goals of the six in line. But as time passed and greed filled the heart of the mighty bird, it became apparent that the only interest of the Bald Eagle was the Bald Eagle.
       The Great Bald Eagle with a cape around its neck flew high above looking down upon all as they worked in their fields. It swept and took whatever it chose, leaving the others hungry. Many of the smaller nations tried to grow so that they too could be one of the six, making it seven, but the Bald Eagle refused, limiting what little they already had. Many smaller nations fell into revolt leading to great disarray in the unity.
        Soon the Great Five grew tired of the Bald Eagle and plotted in secret behind his back. The Great Bald Eagle soared above watching all, recording all but failed to catch these secret summits. Soon a darkness once again fell over the land as the Five waited for the Eagle to rest. As it slipped into sleep, the Five surrounded it, making sure that it would never wake again.

The Bald Eagle failed to realize it's own arrogance, it's own pride. Finding itself invincible only led to demise. It was blind to the world for it cared for itself alone. There is only so much that you can push before the world retaliates, and soon the world shall respond.

Journey: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

"And so here at the end of my life, I do once again betray a former master. The path ahead is fraught with peril. But I will do all I can to keep it stable - keep you safe. I'm not so foolish to think this will absolve me of my sins. One Life hardly balances billions. But I would have my master know I have changed, and you shall be my example." 
                                                                     --Mendicant Bias in the last terminal of Halo 3

My years as a teenager have come and gone, in like a lion and out like a lion riding a unicorn made of fire shooting weaponized orangutans. A brutal start to a more brutal end. 

I knew the world, what it was and how to solve everything as a teenager. I knew that when I was older, in my 20s and onward that I would conquer any task that lay ahead. College would be a breeze, I had my entire future mapped out before me. I was certain everything was going to happen the way it was supposed to happen, that everything would work the way it was supposed to work.

But here I find myself just past the end of my teenage life, and everything I thought I knew, my future, my world has shatter like a mirror. The world I thought I could control has shown the teeth it possesses, and now it awaits my response.

I truly thought that entering college I would easily pass all my course, I mean it's college and I've always been good at school. Despite the fact I am the lesser of three sons in many aspects, I still had a 3.6-7 GPA in highschool. It's not perfect, but that'll do, especially since I had a 100% chance of getting into my college since I graduated from a local highschool.

But I have fallen flat on my academic face and failed a majority of the courses I have taken. I'd like to say this was caused by my constant partying or drug use, but it was not caused by either. Being an annoyingly morally obtuse person, I would never use an illegal substance, and I never get invited to parties because during my highschool career I had painted a picture that I am this ultimate recluse, which though not far from the truth, is not the case all the time. (These parties would not involve alcohol, by parties I mean late night hanging out with friends). In addition not having a licence helps seal the deal on the lack of invitations flowing my way, my fault truly and wholly. So with those two out of the question you could assume I didn't study enough.

This too falls flat, I studies for 6 hours a night at least, and even gave up playing video games for a majority of the semester. My life became studying, and yet test after test the wild F has appeared at the top of the paper. And let me tell you, it feels great. Saracsam.

A majority of the people I knew saw me as this prodigy child, like River from Firefly (only I'm a guy).  Everyone foresaw my future, it was filled with greatness and success. But to their disappointment, I have thus far amounted to nothing. Not only did I not meet their expectations, I fell far bellow their standards of acceptable, and some now seem to look down upon me with conceit, adults and kids alike.

So at about this time in my life I feel wonderful. But hey as the River Monster guys puts it, the lows just make the highs seem so much better. Speaking of which...


As my dreams do this awkward dance like a broken toilet (seen plenty of those lately at work) and as I grasp one final time at my dreams before I flare or fade, my rage rises. It is not something I want but the continued and growing stresses of everything is causing magma to build beneath my crust. Bah volcanoes.

Meanwhile at the same time my respect for the life on this planet grows. I have to rationalize killing a bug. It's to the point where if a bug comes into my house I catch and let it go because I take unnecessary mercy on it.
I mean it's just a bug doing it's thing, it didn't consciously think hey I'm going to go mess with that human over there! No it was being a bug, so what gives me the right to end it's life? I don't always spare them, but I try. And I hate feeling like that, because Vegans... ehhhhhhhhhh not my favorite group. Not to mention the reason I find killing bugs and animals more difficult is because they can not be judged in my sight, for they are less cynical than mankind.

Through this turmoil I have had some of the greatest days of my life, for example a couple of weeks ago I volunteered at this event called Astrofest where I helped teach children about astronomy and I also got to meet some excellent people, as well as give advice to younger up and coming highschoolers. It was one of the best experiences of my life. On top of that got invited to a LAN match, which turned out to be an excellent time as I got to hang out with some of my best friends.

This fall I am taking a class where 50% of the class drops in the first week, and only a small fraction pass. The odds are stacked against me, but I am gambling. It determines my future, pass or fail, I will know the first step in this world I must take.

To note: I don't not write this so that you can all ooh and ahh, or whatever the heck you do while reading my serious blog posts. No, I put this incredibly personal and raw topic where the whole world can see (well the few of you that read) in hopes that one of you, the faceless and nameless, finds comfort in knowing that you are not alone in a world of broken hearts. Mines but ruble in a dessert of troubles, and I hope you can find some fragment of hope in knowing that there are more of you out there.

And finally:
I once convinced a government agency to send me free volcano ash just because I asked. Yup.

The Xbox One Improved

The Xbox One and Kinect

Congratulations Xbox fans and critics, for once in your life your anger actually had a positive effect rather than someone, typically a larger cooperate speaker, basically giving you the verbal middle finger from the safety of a closed off studio. You have done the impossible and made the Xbox One lose many of it's user containing features! Or Have you?

So first before I drop into my crazy idea here is what Microsoft has said from Xbox News.

Thank heavens, because I hide from people while playing campaign offline.

Good, Good.

With those being said, and Halo 5 set for next year the first thing through my mind was...






So now to the crazy.
Do you really think Microsoft would be so foolish of a business to do the equivalent of shooting itself in the foot at the largest conference in the video game world without a deviously devised plan which would launch them to a superior standing then their current hold?

Hear me out. The Xbox One was officially announced on May 21, 2013, where many controversial features were revealed. The fear felt by myself and many gamers was made only worse with E3 this past week. I figured Microsoft would grow a brain between the announcement and E3, but I was wrong as they stood by their decisions to sell us a console and games that though we were asked to purchase but would only partially be ours. I was infuriated, and vowed never to buy the Xbox One not even for my beloved Halo. I had even once considered attempting to get a job in the video game sectors, but after feeling betrayed I felt going into such a career that had anything to do with Microsoft was a crime. But look at me now, I'm crawling back and am now eyeing up the Xbox forsaking all of the rage I felt just one day ago.

But as I look back at Microsoft and as I think about my change of heart I can't help but find something that smells like week old dead fish.

Prior to the Xbox One announcement there had been leaks floating through the internet for months before May. Those leaks included the controversial decisions such as the restricted used games policy, and the always connected policy. At times the debate over whether this was truly an issue climaxed, and at other times it calmed.
If you remember back to the beginning of April the always on console rumor lit up a firestorm due to a Microsoft employees witty remarks about a console being always on and requiring a constant internet connection. It was such a huge out-lash against the company and employee that he resigned (so I read) and that Microsoft had to apologies to the community for his remarks. That must have gotten the companies attention.






The question is who leaked the information that the Xbox would be always on? and why? Wouldn't it make sense that if you are planning on incorporating a decently controversial idea with your new console that you would want feedback from the fans without release a floodgate of hatred and negativity like what happened at E3? The way you get feedback without making the company look bad is... leak your own information onto gaming forums and wait to see what the masses think.

From the beginning it seemed the masses were against this, rightfully so, and asked upon Microsoft to quell their fears. No answer was found creating paranoia in the minds of those who knew the downfalls of such specifications for a system. Then the announcement and E3 happened where Microsoft took a dive against PlayStation as PlayStation made remarks directly aimed at Microsoft as seen in this video: Used Games.

So one week later we find Microsoft announcing that they are revoking both the constant need for connection and the used game policy. Where after reading countless comments (which drastically improved my life just like youtube comments) it seems that fans are feeling appreciative of Microsoft for listening to their advice, and are now willing to buy the console since the company was so gracious. In the well fitting words of Admiral Ackbar: IT'S A TRAP.

Here goes the full blow conspiracy:
Microsoft knew from day one of releasing the leak that their ideas were unpopular since they had been browsing the internet and reading on forums what people thought, so when the time to announce their new system they decided to play upon the fear of the gamers and say their system would limit used games and need internet every 24 hours. They wanted to know how well the could do despite their controversial decisions, and despite the negative reaction. And they did surprisingly well, rising to the number one on Amazon. But everyone loves a company who loves their fans, so since that leak microsoft planned on playing it off as a mistake and that they had followed the hearts of the fans so as to get more money from your wallet. And by gosh it looks like it is working because I want an xbox now and so do many others.

Microsoft must have the greatest business team on earth because they are devious, oh so clever. But I caught you. But Halo 5 is making me look beyond this.

There is a chance I'm wrong, and in that case let's start an uproar about the price, I'd love to see that drop. So let's go people!

MICROSOFT, LET MY WALLET GO

The Xbox One

To be completely honest I missed the 1pm (est) announcement of the Xbox One, I had my hands full at that time.Well actually I was cleaning a toilet. Lots of toilets. I'm kind of like toilet boy at... toilet man at my workplace. But anyway, that's for another time.

Last night I had heard that the Xbox One would be released in two phases one now and second at E3 (I believe) so I wasn't expecting much. I was most certainly not expecting to see a console. But low and behold a console was shown, and I must admit I am thoroughly impressed with the aesthetics. I'm glad Microsoft didn't take the Sony approach by showing nothing at the first conference  and then a blurry black box in their trailer for the PS4 that came out yesterday.
 It appears they may have actually planned for over heating by incorporating large vents, but we'll see. There are so many connections on the back It's actually pretty nice to see. Especially the HDMI port I like that quite a bit.

So some of the specs that are pointed out are it has an 8-core x86 processor, the HDMI pass-thru, 8GB of Ram, and a 500GB Hard Drive. Oh and did I mention the Blue Ray player? (The first one I'd ever own, I like DVDs because I'm cheap and they work well enough for me).

It sounds like they may have made a sturdy machine capable of next gen games - whatever games those may be. I wish they would have shown multiple games so that we could check out the game-play and more importantly graphics. I really want to see these graphics (in multiple instances since each developer has their own style), but alas there was no major release on that.

But... in the darkness news arose that was trending on twitter almost all day meaning it was big news: A Halo TV Series directed by Steven Spielberg is set to release on the Xbox One (how is it a TV series then?) If you read my Halo 4 Review then you know that I am a die hard fan of Halo. I own and had read every book, played every game for days and days. Yeah, so this TV series is a terrifying topic for me. Forward Unto Dawn was enough of a terror. I thought overall it was good, I liked the story and some of the scenes were comparable to high quality acting, but others were greatly lacking. They got lucky with that one, but two times? Probably not. I will watch it, but I seriously doubt it's going to make sense to the rest of the Halo Universe. But anyway.

I'm sure many of you were talking about the "always on" rumor for this new xbox. I've been actively attempting to find out if this would be true in the past few months, and with no luck in sight I decided to wait like every other person on this planet. It doesn't help the Microsoft let those rumors run rampant for months before quietly addressing them online today. And what was there response? The worst kind of response possible, next to no response:

So it very clearly states No it does not have to always be connected. Whew dodged a bullet, I thought we were going to have to worry about the internet when playing games, guess not... Hey wait what does that next sentence say? BUT....But what? "But Xbox One does require a connection to the Internet" So it does not have to be always connect, but you have to have internet connection. If we're talking about multiplayer that is fine. I mean that's how it basically works now unless you are at a LAN party. But what does that mean if it is not connected? It does end in reassuring us that they have a system if we lose our connection.

So judging by the wording and through assumptions it seems that in order to start using the console you must have a stable internet connection, and do whatever it is that they have you do before you are secured to "lose" connection. And lose obviously (oh lord I sound like a CNN reported) implies that we can only have a no connection for an undefined period of time before the gates of Hades open allowing all of the evils of hundreds of wasted dollars on this Xbox One as it goes from home entertainment to a brick.

 In fact you know what I did? I stole an Xbox One and tested it out to see how it ran with Bioshock Infinite. The internet in my house is near caveman, and has troubles steaming a standard edition movie, so you can understand my concern. Well I fired up the Xbox One with bioshock only to find out it would do absolutely nothing. It was truly a brick.

So I fought with the internet monster to give me more power (that's actually how it works) and wallah the internet worked excellently. I fired up the One and put in Bioshock infinite only to find out that it too was a prettier block of crap.

Why did this not work you may ask? Well this leads me to my final comment about this information release:

That's why the Xbox One in it's glory cannot even play the Xbox 360 games You know, the ones you spent seven-ish years on? The one you have invested countless hours and money into? Yeah none of those games are going to work for this new console.
I do get it, it's a future looking console, not a past dwelling one. But if you're expecting me to shell out money on a new product with a weak beginning game line up, then you'd better think again. Unlike every other console this has no huge blockbusters that I'm aware of that are being released essentially along side of it. Especially since they are bundling the Xbox One with the Kinect for all consoles. We know that is just going to drive the price up for a couple of cheap tricks that will never be used by me or a majority of people I know. Rather than stealing my money, why not work to help out the gamers that have backed your business all of these years?  Because one day you're going to be broke and begging for money, Mircosoft. Probably not any day soon, but as sure as the turn of the worlds you will lose your support. And when you do, remember the people who stood behind you that you ended up screwing over in the name of money. Remember us.

I guess for now I'll just wait and see if Mircosoft can salvage the damage it has done to my loyalty. But for now I'll stick to shooting up people on Halo because I love 343 industries.


I found a use for The One..

So which will you choose? Bird? Or Cage?