The Digital Life

A Wii bit of Inadequacy

2009-08-23T22:35:00.001-04:00

Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man is exactly what I looked like, I just couldn’t get use to the controls. How the Wii may have destroyed my life…

Recently, some good friends of mine stopped over at my humble abode, to play some Wii, and not only did I disappoint my guests but I was ashamed of myself. As an avid gamer and game journalist, it saddens me to confess, I am just not that good at the Wii.

Having grown up on Mario and the other band of character stereotypes, I felt as if I had the hand eye co-ordination thing under control, until the Wii came along and ruined everything. It hadn’t even dawned on me of my Wii inadequacies until playing Steven Spielberg's, yeah I'm a name dropper, Boom Blocks. My lack of whipping motion caused me to come in last in every single mini game.

The progress I was making left me feeling as if I could be beaten by a five year old, or even an eighty five year old. Don’t get me wrong, I have full respect for five year olds, their turkey hand art is phenomenal, and I love the clumps of dusty candy the elderly crowd gives out. I just didn’t want to be beating at video games by either one of them.

The next step was a Wii boot camp. A regimented, army-esc style training. I wanted to be a contender, a champion, a fighter. With my glass o’ eggs, I was ready to become the Mohammed Ali of Wii gaming. After hours of “training,” I still found myself a bit behind, so I knew then this wasn’t going to be an easy task.

Perhaps as the years, or even decades pass, I too will hit the ranks of a Wii champion. But for now, I will awkwardly navigate Mario into enemies and black holes.

It’ll Rot Your Brains Out…

2009-08-12T23:15:00.001-04:00

While doing my part for society, watching my soon to be sister in law’s cats, I came into an appalling scene. The cats were watching The Jerry Springer Show. The television was left on to keep them company, but it may have only rotted their tiny little brains.

It made me flash back, to a time much simpler than now. A time where Sitcom’s ruled the world, and talk shows exhumed journalistic integrity. But then it was all shattered by the reality show revolution. And just like any Sci-Fi Dystopian plot, society had crashed and burned.

It was how enthralled they were with the show when I walked in. Both sitting so calm with a hint of eagerness, they were like small children watching a Saturday morning toy commercial. They looked over only for a moment before returning to the TV.
They were just as in love with the human misery as we normally are. So the TV Executives finally got the coveted demographic of the house hold pet.

When you look at television scheduling you will see some of the most primetime and popular shows are reality love shows. Like this year’s smash hit, More To Love. A bastard child of The Bachelor/Bachelorette love show formula. You look at those shows and say “hey, at least that ain’t me.” First off, you guys have horrible grammar, and secondly its true, we love to see other people go through the torturous trials of love.

I don’t blame the cats for watching this daytime gem. Between Springer and Judge Joe Brown, the programming schedule of most television networks is just down right wrong.

And now, what you have all been waiting for, hot Human on Human fighting action. Enjoy.

A new age...

2009-08-11T01:45:00.001-04:00

Following the latest trends, is what The Digital Life is all about. Follow me on my trek down the mobile road.

New posts and new ways of posting is the new face of The Digital Life. With up to date news on all things digital, you will wonder why this hasn't been done earlier. So, just sit back and enjoy.

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- Robert
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Why not take a Vacation to Post Apocalyptic Washington DC: A Fallout 3 Review.

2009-06-04T12:19:00.001-04:00

Hello to all you cats out there in the capital wasteland, it’s me Three do... Sir Robert with your lowdown on the ghoul ravaged wastelands.

A game like Fallout 3 only comes around once in a long time. A game with this complexity is usually adored by the gaming elite and kept in the vast “vault” of nerdom. However, Fallout 3 has been adopted by the vast spectrum that makes up the gaming community.

Let’s start with the rich storyline that this game follows. Set in a post apocalyptic nuclear wasteland, you follow the life of the young lad from Vault 101. The opening scenes are a flash back to the first moments in life for the young vault dweller. This is where you begin to choose your path by flipping through the bright and colourful book of your attributes and choosing which way your character will learn throughout the game. The game follows every step in Vault 101, until the day your father, voiced by Liam Neeson, leaves the Vault mysteriously. Since he is the only parent you know, as your mother died during labour, you leave the vault to explore that bright and radiation soaked land that lies at the door of your humble abode.

Much like other Action/RPG games, you follow a complex quest driven storyline. Every action you take in the game determines the outcomes. A karma based system helps to determine how evil or good your character is. When I say every action, I mean every action; from Nuking a city to stealing a tin of food will determine your “street cred” with the other characters throughout the game.

Game play wise, it is very similar to Oblivion, another Bestheda mammoth, only this time you get guns. Not only do you get guns, but you can modify and create your own. Weapons range from pistols to alien blasters, which used in the right situations, could leave you walking away with more experience points and new sense of self satisfaction. The main player in game play is the VATS system, standing for Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System. This system allows for you to momentarily freeze the game play to focus on certain areas of your foe. Depending on how much AP, or attack points, you have you can select specific parts of the body in which you would like to aim for. Even though you have selected it doesn’t mean you will hit the target. To actually hit your target you need to upgrade your gun skills so you can gain power and accuracy out of your shots.

This game has mood, and nothing creates the mood more than the eerie soundtrack that comes with the game. There are two main radio stations in the game, first being a station with a call to arms speech by the Enclave President John Henry Eden, voiced by Malcolm McDowell. The reason this adds to the mood is that it is a loop of the speech, which means it doesn’t determine to the player if he is still alive or how long this call to arms radio has been playing. The second and perhaps the most mood creating is Galaxy radio. This station spews out 1940’s/50’s post war big band and jazz music. Which when you are walking through a nuclear wasteland filled with mutants and other people with a bad disposition towards life, it creates a surreal atmosphere.

With a few big name actors and a few not so big name actors, the voice acting is phenomenal. From names already dropped in this review like Liam Neeson and Malcolm McDowell, add the polish that the game gives off. Not only is the acting polished, but the graphics are definitely living up to the potential of the current generation consoles and PC hardware.

Even though there are hours upon hours of mutant slaying game play, the team at Bestheda have released multiple expansions as downloadable content. The first release was Operation Anchorage, which follows the simulated battle for Anchorage, Alaska during the invasion from China. The other piece of Fallout downloadable content is The Pitt. This chapter takes place in the enslaved Pittsburgh of the future, which follows as you fight your way to release all the enslaved humans from the enclave. And the last released is the Broken Steel, which is a continuation of the original story line where you finally rid the wasteland of the Enclave menace.

So if you find yourself in a post apocalyptic future, where everything is out to get you, it’s time to pick up your PIP-boy 3000 and your hunting rifle and do your part for the sake of humanity.

Going Viral…

2009-02-08T23:48:00.001-05:00

Creating videos for the web has become a phenomenon throughout the world. I thought I would dissect the thought process behind why one would dedicate such time creating these videos on the web.

The act of creating internet videos, spawns from the same thing that all artistic mediums come from, Inspiration! And the idea of becoming an internet sensation.

“Well there were a few reasons mainly. part of it was because I've always had a love of acting, editing and making videos,” said Dave Stiles, an internet video creator.

Just like anything else on the internet, home brew videos have become huge, because viewers can easily become producers. Any digital recording device can produce a decent quality image. Using the internet, self made video stars can easily distribute their works.

“The other part was how easy it is to share your works and ideas with others with the convenience of streaming video websites,” said Stiles. “You didn't have those options back in the late 90's early millennium.”

Social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube have become effective tools for the internet Spielbergs.

Choosing the right team can make or break the success of the web series. Working with people in which you know and have a similar vision will make the whole production side much easier.

“We all work together but never all three at once. we mostly think about creative and new ideas while we go about our daily routine,” said Stiles. “That tends to generate daily phone calls and three way messaging to express those ideas to one another.”

Now with that said, the best scripted internet videos have seen the highest viewings on You Tube. Showing dedication to your ideas will eventually pay off.

“We try and have one day a week where we come together and polish out a skit,” said Stiles. “Before the actual filming begins later in the week.”

So if you have a great script, good production value, and you have loaded the video on to the web, how do you advertise your series or one time video to your viewers. Many people start with word of mouth, going through venues like friends, family and co-workers.

“We figured, going into this, that the best way to attract viewers would be word of mouth and through online networks (facebook), generally friends, co-workers and family.” Said Stiles.

Another way is to link yourself to search engines and other websites to maximize your viewership. And with a lot of work many have created niche fan bases around the world.

“If we become a big enough hit with those then we may end up trying to market and publicize ourselves more so in the community,” said Stiles. “Davey actually garnered a very small fan base in Poland, so i guess we might be big in Poland someday.”

To see Dave Stiles and the rest of the Lame for Fame group go to:

Lame For Fame You Tube link

Just to give you a taste here is their first entry:

Guys Night In

Doctor, Doctor Tell Me the News…

2009-01-24T00:29:00.001-05:00

It is a strong statement to say, that the recent announcement from the FDA to allow the first human trials of stem cell research, is ground breaking. But, it is the only thing that best describes it’s impact on the medical community.

This is a glimmer of hope for the regenerative science community, since the executive order by the Bush administration, to limit stem cell research in 2001. Although there has been research done, the previous trials have been done only on test animals.

What does this mean? it could be a potential shift of possibilities in medical science.

The first trials are set to begin this summer, in different places across the United States. The initiative has been giving a $3 billion dollar injection from the California State government.

Although it started out with a big leap, the next few years will proceed with baby steps. As scientists unfurl a new realm of science, the potential of major breakthroughs could lead to major medical marvels.

Klaatu Barada Nikto

2008-12-02T22:53:00.001-05:00

What makes a great Sci-fi film? Lasers, Robots and Spaceships? Well the 1951 “The Day the Earth Stood Still” encompassed all of these traits and paved the way for future Science Fiction movies.

Watching it recently, it made me truly appreciate the roots of not only Science fiction films, but the whole history of compelling film making. Although the film has strong Sci-fi tones, its use of thoughtful story telling and the underlining theme of Human conquest and paranoia, shows exactly how fragile we are as a society.

People will look at that same film with different mind frames. Comparatively, it is a Neanderthalish film for today’s standards. But, if you think back to 1951, you could see why it became an instant classic. Its use of lighting tells a story in itself. Using the condensed dramatic eye lighting, shows the fear Helen, played by Patricia Neal, has while aboard the spaceship. The crispness of the black and white again creates an eerie yet picturesc tone throughout the film.

The acting is over dramatic, as were most of the films in this era. However, it shows well the paranoia brought forth by the mysterious alien from over 250 million miles away. Klaatu, played by Michael Rennie, was an excellent choice. As I read the inside jacket of the DVD, it explains the choice. Michael Rennie was a British actor not known by the American audience, so when he first appears without his space helmet, he is sterile to the North American audience.

For collector’s, this is a must have. For film students, this is a definite have. And for anyone else who enjoys substance to a world of sub-plot less Sci-Fi films, this is an essential experience.

It is a black screen for a few seconds into the trailer.

A Platformer Which Makes Mario Look Like a Pile of Puke.

2008-12-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

Mario brothers paved the way for side scrolling games, but much has changed since the tenacious plumber rolled onto the scene. A new fascination with side-scrollers or platform games have created a new niche for artistically designed games.

The latest in the complex puzzle driven side scrolling games, Limbo, relies solely on artistic beauty rather than innovation. Although there isn’t much known about Limbo, www.limbogame.org .

What is known is that it is being developed by Arnt Jensen, who has been developer for games such as Freedom Fighters

and Hitman 2. It has been recently infused with funding from the Danish Government, just to make sure the game is finished comfortably and with the help of other professionals. With it’s film noire style artwork, the game looks more like a dream straight out of Tim Burton’s head.

Gritty and compelling, are two words that can accurately display the first impressions of this game. As I said before, there are very few details on the game thus far, but I am hoping that more information will be released soon.

If this game looks intriguing to you, then check out another artistically inclined scroller called Braid. A strong puzzle based game is a great lead up to Limbo.

Hail Thee Technology!

2008-08-24T22:26:00.004-04:00

It accesses and sends files, opens doors, maintains heart beats and keeps us up to date on "Branjolina," but does technology keep us together or does it push us further away from one another?

The internet is a hell of a thing, it has made business easier with rapid emails, video conferences and Iinstant Messaging services, but are we losing touch with our humanity as we use this technology? Sure, things like Facebook, MySpace and instant messaging clients like MSN messenger and Yahoo chat, have allowed us to maintain relationships with people we would have otherwise lost contact with years ago. However, how strong are these connections? are they merely things we feel are obligations or do we truly care about our 300+ friends on our contact list? Human nature and time act like waves on our sandbank of connections, it wipes away footprints that we have left in the past. On the other hand, with the advances of communication technology we have erected superficial and temporary barriers around each one of these connections, or foot steps. It shouldn't be a competition to have the most friends, but it shouldn't be difficult to maintain close relationships with a handful of people.

When I question humanity, I question whether we are beginning to think and communicate with more robotic mannerisms. Much like machinery we define a complicated thing, like languages, into a more simplistic lexicon. Things like BRB, ROFL and the dreaded LOL, have become such a strong staple in our society, it is being entertained by all media facets. Dropped in television shows, movies and even book titles, it hammers itself further into the English language. Even though the English language is evolving by growing and expanding, it could be said as the opposite, that if we took away the words we are losing or have lost, then the language would be decreasing into catch phrases and acronyms.

Instant pudding was just the beginning; a surge in instant gratification has pushed us for the demand of instant happiness. "Good things come to those who wait" is a saying that no longer applies to most of society. We have gotten so use to the "instant" factor that we come to expect it, rather than it being a privilege. As it was mentioned before, email and IM has allowed us to get instant answers from people in every corner of the globe. But hardly any of us have sent a letter to someone, in the same way we send emails. Yes, the cost is next to nothing with email, but this was a archaic technology that we relied on for years, going back to the dawn of communication, and now it is more or less left in the dust of technological advancement.

If we rely on the instant and easy technology, what happens in the event we are left without it. Many of us have been in that situation where the power is out and the only activities you can think of to pass the time require electricity. I am not saying we should revolt from technology and energy supplies, like hydro and fossil fuels, but to have a back up for when these things fail.

As technology evolves, society and humanity will simultaneously evolve with it, and this should be something that is watched closely. If we allow ourselves to rely soley on these advancements, we will be lost if and when it disappears.

To nerd or not to nerd? Is that a simple question?

2008-07-31T09:08:00.001-04:00

With society filled with retro hipsters, being a nerd isn't such a horrible stigma anymore. Or is it?

Reading comics and playing D&D won't leave you living in your parent's basement anymore. With uncool becoming cool again, dressing the part of the nerd is now socially acceptable, But why?

A few years ago celebrating the nerd culture, would have left you watching Babylon 5 reruns on a friday night. Its programs like "Attack of the Show," which showcase the best of nerd and tech culture. Now I am not oppose to the nerd culture, I celebrate with my Darth Vader helmet, but I am just curious why the attitudes have changed so fast.

Perhaps its the popularity of comic book movies, like Spiderman and Batman, which have made the reading of the back story socially acceptable.

Not all Nerdage, new coined phrase, leaves you Mr./Mrs. Cool. Being a hardcore nerd still leaves you alone outside of your counterparts. Things like old Star Trek and Battlestar Gallactica episodes are still too much for the average nerd to handle.

Determining Your Nerd Level

1) You have used a wrapping paper tube as a light sabre, and made the corresponding sounds with ur mouth.

2) Instead of a bikini/underwear model poster, you have a signed photo of the entire cast of Star Trek: Next Generation.

3) You can recite full scenes of Monty Python's Holy Grail.

4) You've gone to a comic-con as something other than yourself.

5) You have a 10 page list of editing errors on a show that contains one or all of the following: lasers, spaceships, Jedi's, Spock's, ghosts or robots.

If you answered yes to three or more questions, you're too much nerd for society to handle. Answering one to two means you may read some comics, but the more mainstream, like superman or batman. If you answered yes to none, then you are fonzie-esc, the epitome of cool.

Being a nerd will eventually go out of fashion, but until then keep searching for those droids you are looking for.

- Robert

Do You Have the Electronic Cold Sweats?

2008-07-23T19:18:00.002-04:00

In the midst of the information age, society has craved constant change in electronics. Has this craze gone to a complete addiction of electronics and electronic media?

It is easy to see that as our technology changes rapidly, we become more accustomed to having the newest and the best of these new technologies. The perfect example comes in cell phones, and their emphasis on the latest and the greatest. Apple has just recently revised the ever popular iPhone, to the new iPhone 3G. The original iPhone was released in the United States on June 29th, 2007, and the newest installation, 3G, was just released July 11th, 2008. Even though it left a lot of the apple fan boys disappointed in the quick upgrade, which rendered their iPhones obsolete, they still lined up for hours to get the latest edition of the smart phone.

The next prominent example is the internet. With a boundless supply of software and multimedia, it is easy to see why the service is so addicting. A major part of culture today comes from finding the most extreme and funny videos. The social networking tool is another aspect, which would keep users on the internet for hours. Much like the cell phone, huge internet usage is spent posting pictures and keeping in contact with friends.

There are even sites dedicated to device and multimedia addiction. The best example is crackberry.com, which feeds on the life consuming blackberries.

Technological feats are developed everyday, and being human leaves us unsatisfied with old technology.

- Robert

Staying WiiFit?

2008-07-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Nintendo is a master of creating demand on a product, and WiiFit is the most recent hardware to fall short of demand.

If you want a WiiFit, good luck. The peripheral is in the same demand as the console when it was first released. With low supply and high demand, retail stores can barely keep it in stock.
The hook is with product innovation. They make games which are fresh and ground breaking it appeals to a larger fan base, from casual to hardcore gamer. WiiFit also plays on the health craze. The system is good for both home exerciseds and parents who want their gamer kid more active.

Making the balance board more versatile adds to the demand. Its compatible with future releases like skate for the Wii.

If Nintendo continues to make broad demographic and innovative games, they will hold a strong demand on their products.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Your Privacy on Youtube

2008-07-16T09:01:00.001-04:00

When it was ruled on july 1st, that youtube had to submit user data in Viacom's $1 Billion lawsuit, users and pro-privacy experts were outraged.

Well, the cries were heard and now youtube can mask their user information on users who have watch videos on the popular media website. This comes with relief to both users and those fighting the obvious privacy violation.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Welcome... To The Review of Tomorrow!

2008-06-25T22:56:00.001-04:00

With the cancellation of futurama over three years ago, the cries from the die hard fans have been heard.

A four part DVD return brought the popular sci-fi cartoon back into the lime light. A few months ago "Bender's Big Score" hit shelves,with great response.

The History of Futurama

First aired in 1999, the show ran great ratings, and was the sparkle in Matt Groening's eye. Having always been fascinated with sci-fi culture, he thought there was no other way to pay homage, than to create a satire cartoon, mocking many popular science fiction classics. Unfortunately, the series only lasted four seasons before it got the mighty FOX axe.
Beast with a Billion Backs

Set directly after bender's big score, we follow as a rift in time and space, caused by massive time travel in Bender's Big Score, leaves the earth visited by a planet size tentacle creature. Using fry he tries to convert earth to his (tentacle monster) religion.

Cast

The cast remains the same, but David Cross joins as the voice of the monster. We still have the likes of Billy West, fry and others, and John Dimaggio, most notably as Bender.

Final Score

The movie definitely follows strong with the show and BBS. The jokes are just as off the cuff and witty. The film itself is just over an hour and a half, which is perfect for the content to remain fresh. Overall, I definitely suggest to buy this movie and watch it over and over again.

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Robert

A Taste of Things to Come...

2008-06-17T22:40:00.000-04:00

The intent for The Digital Life is to keep readers up-to date on all forms of digital media.

This blog will be updated daily, assuming everything goes well, and each day of the week will have a theme. For example, Media Monday will have an outline of what to watch on television for the week to come. Toying around with the idea of review tuesdays, showcasing the best cd's and dvd's of the week.

Interaction will be key to this endeavor. The idea of a day theme involving a moral or pop culture question only. Allowing you to comment or email answers to be posted.

Thank you in advance and I hope you enjoy.

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Robert