2009 winter holiday gaming plan

It is the winter holiday season again, and what better way to spend this cold season locked up in front of the big screen playing video games?

This year I got games covered throughout all the systems.

Modern Warfare 2 for the PC.

Grand Theft Auto Episodes From Liberty City for the XBOX 360.

God Of War Collection for the Playstation 3.

Nothing for Nintendo Wii because I don’t own one as I never considered it as a gaming console. Although stories of guys who successfully lured women into their caves with the help of the Wii are quite enticing, I know I’m not that desperate.

Modern Warfare 2’s single campaign was pretty fun; with that ‘epic feel’ going on from start to finish. Lots of explosives and lots of shooting people on their faces with modern weaponry that could fill 10 Bruckheimer movies. The multiplayer was even better, but they got nothing compared to Battlefield Bad Company 2. Cannot wait for that game to come out!

GTA Episodes From Liberty City contained the 2 previously released downloadable additional content (the lost and damned + ballad of gay tony) and both episodes were nothing short of spectacular, although having different ‘feel’ and atmosphere to it. It was also cheap, and probably the best deal in gaming for 2009 for how much content it offers yen to yen.

God Of War Collection ports God Of War I & II into HD, and put it into one bluray disk at a low price; how can that be bad? Although an already old game, a good game is a good game, and the HD fix made it compatible with today’s high definition TVs. Cannot wait for God Of War 3!

With all the time I got, I am not very sure whether I could finish all 3 games during this holiday. Hell, I got tons of more games to finish… and I haven’t even opened the plastic wrappings for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 yet!

And I still haven’t finished playing the first one yet!

Plus, both are really, really old games already!

Time, is something that I don’t have.

What's YOUR gaming plan this holiday season?

James Cameron’s Avatar 3D Review

I know I’ve written my last movie review for 2009, but I just got back from watching Avatar, and it is impossible to wait for 2010 to do this.

First of all, Avatar is the latest effort from the guy that made Aliens and Terminator; that fact alone is more than enough to raise the hype-bar to an impossible level. He also directed Titanic, so this guy really knows how to make big budgeted blockbuster movies.

Having hype is great for any entertainment media, but it also comes with the risk of disappointing the fans if that hype is not fulfilled; and Avatar has a hype-rate that is almost impossible to achieve.

Although it was more expensive (1800yen plus 300yen for 3D glasses), I choose to watch the 3D version of the movie. I am not really a big fan of 3D movies but I heard the 3D technique in the movie is new and different; so why not?

Ok enough about me, here goes the review.

The movie progresses in a very methodical way, and the story is nothing new actually, taking ideas and themes from Braveheart and Last Samurai. Nevertheless, James Cameron has successfully created a fantasy world so finely detailed and rich with content that it took about 2/3 of this 170 minutes running movie to introduce the world and build connection between the characters and viewers; one very important element if you want your viewers to care about the climax and ending.

Although it was quite long, this anti-war and eco themed movie was nothing short of amazing, taking little time for the viewers to be absorbed into this fantasy world make-believe. To summarize the story, a wheel-chair bound soldier gets a second fighting chance when he gets to take control of a Navi body, the natives of Planet Pandora where humans are trying to conquer its rich resources. The motive of the initiative is to infiltrate the natives from the inside and learn their way for the benefit of the humans. The new found strength and agility that the Navi body gives was a refreshing freedom, but he was left with a difficult decision to choose which side to take, as he falls in love with the people of Pandora and its culture… and this also means that he HAD to fuck the native tribe leader’s only daughter. So as I said, the story was nothing new, but it was really good nonetheless and was never boring because the pacing, atmosphere, acting, music and level of detail put into every element was nothing short but impressive.

Talk about acting, I have never seen a movie that translates human emotion so flawlessly through computer generated images, and for the first time I forgot that I was watching a CGI movie. The technology used to make this movie in term of motion capture is truly years ahead of anything out there.

The 3D feature in the movie was something new too. Other 3D movies out there tend to bring images ‘out’ from the screen but Avatar uses a totally different technique that emphasize on depth and distance between object in focus and out; achieving an effect of ‘being in the movie’ instead of ‘being brought to’. I really don’t know how to explain it.

I don’t want this to be any longer, so here is Avatar in a nut shell: One extremely well made albeit methodically, movie that uses new technology that could change how big-budgeted movie are made from now on. The story was not revolutionary, but the combination of drama, detailed fantasy, stunning images and action scenes could definitely stimulate the senses and leave the viewer wanting more, made this movie one jewel that is hard to miss. The 3D feature adds to the experience tremendously, and I highly recommend the 3D version. Even without 3D, this is simply the best movie of 2009, and its mainstream broad appeal won’t scare even the most strict movie mania.

So people, go watch Avatar. NOW! You will not regret it. Get ready to experience something new from the movie industry. Next I'm going to watch the 2D version to see how different the experience could be. I'm also buying the blu-ray the first thing it's out.

Yes, I have become an Avatar fanboy. Good job Mr Cameron!

Win 7 Network Hassle

I remember praising Microsoft for their effort on Windows 7.

Well, I take that back.

Because they made resolving network problems such a pain in the anus hole of chipanzeez godamnit I don't know how to spell the closest species to humans correctly!

A couple of weeks ago, I suddenly cannot access the internet.

It says (by it, I mean the network and sharing center) that I got only Local Area Network but no internet connection.

So I did the obvious, and checked my ipconfiguration through cmd>ipconfig/all

Everything was OK and pinging the default DNS server gave a positive response.

Then I tried pinging google but to avail. 100% failure.

I understand that there are thousands and thousands of reasons for this, but after changing my LAN Adapter (yes, that’s a hardware change) and upgrading it to the latest driver (I have another computer with Win XP running flawlessly) with no improvement what so ever, I cannot avoid from being angry; anger management can't fix my network problem can it now?

I tried releasing ip through cmd>ipconfig/release and then force it to generate a new one through cmd>ipconfing/renew but nothing changes too.

I even tried the cmd>netsh winsock reset catalog command but still, nothing happens.

I am pissed like a muslim from a third world country in a stupid cartoon demonstration.

I must admit that I am very new user to vista and win 7, and I got me some heavy fast reading through the internet to get a hold of the idea of the new ip protocol, the Ipv6.

I tried turning off Ipv6 and just use Ipv4, and still nothing improves.

Even my last effort, the hidden card; to make a OS reinstall did not improve the problem. I am scratching my balls and pulling my hair for this.

At this point, I realized that I have used my entire network troubleshooting knowledge, so I decided to bring the computer to the professionals.

I put the darned heavy beast in the car, and drove to the nearest PC DIY store.

The computer guy boots up my computer, put the Ethernet/LAN cable in, and magically, the damn thing got internet connection!

It's like David Blaine is hiding there somewhere with a hidden camera to capture my reaction to his latest magic trick. Damn you David Blaine! You're so fucking cool.

I am so pissed that I really want to slap that computer dude’s face with a HUGE wood dick that they used in Penis Festivals in Japan, even though he did nothing wrong. I just hated his unnatural smirk that he has on his face, a common facial feature in geeks.

So my hardware is 100% OK, and this means that the real culprit is my ISP, or maybe it is just a compatibility problem between my LAN Adapter and NTT's Hikari Fiber line.

So I contacted my apartment’s administrator to get hold of NTT so that I could ask their DNS server because I want to manually set up my network for my new but troublesome core i7 Win 7 setup; but they said that NTT cannot give that information because of security reasons.

Does NTT really know their own shit?

How the fuck could I invade their security by just knowing their DNS server address?

I can’t believe this shit is happening to me during this cold winter holiday; I could have been bothered with something else!

I need to talk to the NTT guy personally, and I’m going to smack his ass on the phone; because the act of smacking ass through physical means is illegal in Japan, and I am a good citizen.

And this does not mean that Win 7 is not a partner in crime. The new HOMEGROUP network setting is such a hassle when one wants to link to another computer using OS other than Win 7.

Bad, bad boy Microsoft.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

hatoyama wants you to live

it is winter.

and this means the season for suicide in japan.

for 12 years straight, the number of suicide cases in japan has always been over than 30000 annually.

the new prime minister, hatoyama sends a special winter message to let those who had lost hope in life to know that the government actually tries to do something to help them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gprYFxPjTEc

what a sad video.

i still think it's a not so bad move by the new prime minister.

to cover his money scandal, that is.l

xmas eve

the television is telling the whole of japan that it is christmas eve.

when i get ready to get off from work today, one of my senpai asked me:

"it is christmas eve. what do you do on christmas eve?"

i don't want to tell him the truth, but i have to.

"well, i am not a christian, so christmas is not something that i felt attached to. so i don't plan for anything special this christmas eve. (maybe i wrote a thing or two about it in my blog)"

"japan is not a christian nation, but we kinda celebrate it in some ways. what do think about this?"

"that is what so interesting and mysterious about japan... or maybe this just shows how much influence the japanese mass media have on the ordinary japanese citizen."

I said my goodbyes and left with a feeling that I might have said something rude.

キリスト教徒じゃねーからクリスマスを祝うんじゃねーよ　という誤解があるかも。

そういうつもりで、皮肉的に言った　のではない。

なぜなら、クリスマスなって、キリスト教にまったく深い関係なんか。。。ない。

これを細かく説明する暇はない。

それに、ややこしい事になるから、止めとく。

In Japan, Christmas is portrayed like a major event, but the truth is that it is nothing more than an empty Japanese misunderstanding of a foreign culture.

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Japanese Cake Manufacturers and Love Hotels.

And I like it.

I like the illuminated lights.

It may have no meaning, but I like the scenery anyways.

This is also a great time to shop, as everywhere is Xmas Sale.


lastly, i would like to wish a warm merry christmas to all those celebrating; christian or not.

※ 'coz christmas have nothing to do with christianity anyways. ※

i hope you have a great time with your beloved ones.

Last Movie Reviews for 2009?

G.I.Joe Rise of The Cobra – 8.0

Another cartoon series from my childhood made into a movie; and I was sure this is going to suck badly. I am so wrong. Of course the movie is filled with Hollywood action movie clichés but the amount of entertainment found in the movie was surprisingly plenty, and I was never bored from start to finish. Highly recommended for action movie fans, even if you don’t watch G.I.Joe cartoons. Can’t wait for Cobra on the second movie! Lastly: this movie is way BETTER than the transformer movies combined!

The Big Lebowski – 8.4

Dude! The movie is so fucking cool, it made me felt like I’m fucking cool too by just watching this movie. If you want to be cool, just like me, watch this movie! Great acting, amazing story, and probably the most fucking cool male character in a goddamned Hollywood movie!

Funny People – 8.4

I think Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow is made for each other, and this shows in their films. Adam Sandler never played a different character in any of his movies, but this one is the best of them all because it felt very translucent and 'real'. Some of the stand-up skits in the movie are so good, they ought to make a special that packs ONLY the stand-up content. Although the last part of the story felt a little bit 'dragged on', overall a very funny movie, especially if you like Adam Sandler and American Stand-Up culture. Recommended!

District 9 – 9.0

Unknown director. Unknown actors. Amazing movie. Imaginative storyline. With more budget, the special effects could have been better but I have never seen such a 'different' sci-fi action movie this year. If you like Sci-Fi Action movies, you will love this sure-cult-to-be movie. Amazing how the director manages to suck the viewers into his world and make it so real, giving the audience to experience something out of this world in such a short time. Highly Recommended!

Ip Man – 8.8

If you like Kung-Fu movies, you cannot go wrong with Ip Man. Simply put a kick-ass martial arts movie with an excellent story and superbly entertaining fight scenes. It might have a little Chinese VS Japanese theme to it, but it was done in a good sense; that is the Japanese Imperial Army IS the devil. Based on a real person, this movie is truly one HUGE proof that you can’t beat Hong Kong film makers when it comes to martial arts themed movie. Highly Recommended!

Inglorious Basterds – 8.5

Not just another crazy Quentin Tarantino movie, this time the director is bringing his crazy over the top coolness to the World War 2 arena. Like most of his movies, this movie is packed with memorable movie moments with it's crazy characters that will probably leave a mark in movie history. Although Tarantino's approach to movie making could be considered unethical and sometimes manic, Inglorious Basterds is not one movie to miss if you are a movie fan. Highly Recommended.

My Sister’s Keeper – 8.6

I watched My Sister's Keeper one day after I watched the crazy Inglorious Basterds, and I gave it a slightly better score compared to Tarantino's latest effort; and this movie stars a talented little girl named Abigail Breslin (new kid star to watch) and Cameron Diaz; and it is a drama with some elements of tear-jerker movies. I must have been crazy, but I felt really moved by this movie. It has a beautiful story, and a pacing that never gets bored. I guess I have weak spot for sick kids. Highly Recommended.

Oppai Volleyball – 7.2

The main reason I watch this movie is because Haruka Ayase is in it; and she plays a teacher who accidentally promised her male students in the male volleyball club that she would show her tits IF they won a single volleyball match during the national volleyball tournament. I was hoping that Haruka Ayase would really show her tits, but the cute and funny story of a sexually desperate group of loser Japanese kids was pretty interesting, that I kinda forgot the main reason I have an interest on this movie. Does anyone have a picture of Haruka Ayase with her glorious breasts all open full of happiness? I don't care if it's photo-shopped. I NEED TO SEE IT!!!

K-20 Legend of The Mask – 8.0

I am honestly surprised to realize how entertaining this movie was. Of course, no one can deny the influence of big budgeted Hollywood action hero movies like Spiderman or Batman, has on this movie but I have never seen an ‘epic’ Japanese action movie that was this watchable. The alternate reality set on 1949 Tokyo was very appealing and the action sequences rivals the best from Hollywood. It got action, OK story, comedy and drama. I wouldn’t ask for more. Recommended!

Moon – 8.4

This excellent one-man-show tells a very sad and heart-breaking story of a desperately lonely worker stationed on the moon. When the truth were unveiled about the real identity of the character, I can't felt nothing but heart broken and sympathetic for the poor guy; and this result is achieved by the brilliant acting and spot on atmosphere. Recommended.

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince – 7.8

I never liked any of the Harry Potter movies, but I really enjoyed this latest one. The story was not boring, the pacing was more balanced than any of the previously released Harry Potter movies that I actually stay awoke from start to finish, and Hermione's got TITS! I remember her being so little but now damn! She has become one hot chick! In the next Harry Potter movie, they should make Hermione shows her tits more; that would definitely made the movie far better. LOLs.

Up – 7.5

To tell you the truth, I think this is just another Disney movie. It was definitely not bad, but nothing was special about it. I enjoyed watching it and that is all that matters.

The Cove – 8.0

Ahh… Whale/dolphin activists… I always think that they're mere nuisances and should be kick in the balls for being so fucking loud about an issue that does not concern them, but after watching this huge eye-opening documentary, now I know why they're so drugged up to do all the dangerous media stunts that they did. By exposing to the world what the Japanese fisherman were doing in that small Taiji cove, I hope it would make more people including the unaware Japanese public to discuss the matter more openly, and to let the Japanese people decide, do they want this to be their culture?

500 Days of Summer – 8.0

What a way to make a romance movie. Well, this movie does not specifically fit to be called a 'romantic' movie, as the story has some unpredictable turns and storyline, but it was sweet nonetheless. I will probably remember watching this movie, but I can't really put it shoulder to shoulder with the best of the genre.

Jennifer’s Body – 6.0

I loved Diablo Cody’s Juno, and with Megan Fox in it, it makes the deal sweeter; but I watched the whole movie expecting to see Megan Fox’s naked breast, and they don’t even let us see her naked ass. What is the purpose of using a hot chick with no acting talent, without letting her expose her boobs? Anyways, the 'real teen talk' script in the movie was pretty fun to watch.

Angels & Demons – 8.0

As a thriller/action movie, this movie IS entertaining especially with the help of its interesting storyline and set pieces, but something felt very weird. I don't know how to explain this, but this movie really felt like it was made according to textbooks on how to make a Hollywood movie. Of course I enjoyed watching it, but something felt missing. I don't know, I'm not a professional movie reviewer. Too bad.

Duplicity – 7.7

A fun action/comedy/thriller that has a very surprising ending. Other than that, this one is pretty mediocre.

Racheal Getting Married – 7.5

The way they took this movie is just perfect, painting a very realistic background of a normal family with a not so normal family problems. Anna Hathaway's relaxed approach to her character in this movie a refreshing one from the once a prisoner of Disney's princesses image. Great drama.

Gamer – 6.0

There premise of the game is just another excuse to show things get blown off, people get shot and die horrible deaths, and other awesome stuff you’d expect from an action movie. The imagery might attract action movie fans, but this movie has no heart, no content, and nothing original. It only has gritty over the top violence, and bare boobs.

Paranormal Activity – 6.0

I love horror/scary movies and when I heard that Paranormal Activity was quite good; I got my hopes up only to get it crushed. Blair Witch Project is a scary and creepy movie, this one is not.

Bruno – 6.0

I love the Ali G Show. When the Borat movie was out, I can’t believe how freaking hilarious it was; it was something so new in the movie world. Then the third character from Sacha Baron Cohen, Bruno the Austrian gay fashion fantasista, were made into a movie, and I watch with much anticipation to get my funny tummy blown away, just to be extremely disappointed. The gay jokes were not funny anymore, and Sacha Baron Cohen seems so desperate for humour. Borat 2 please!

9 – 6.5

9 has an original artwork and feel, but the character designs were too 'distant' to strike any connection with the viewer thus making it hard to care for the characters and their story. Too bad.

I Love You Man – 7.0

A pretty different, and humorous take on 'brotherly' love between two straight guys. The movie is funny all the way through, but not very much memorable or special. Perfect for a lazy night watching.

I Love You Beth Cooper – 5.0

Just another mediocre teen movie. Don’t bother at all.

The Final Destination – 5.0

I loved the Final Destination series because it provided the much needed coolness and justification for all the terrible deaths that we all enjoyed watching; but their latest effort proves that there is no more milk left in this horror/gore mammary. Just like the SAW series.

hair-cut fail

went to cut my hair.

went to this unknown barber shop.

the price for a cut was not that cheap.

3200 yen.

that's about rm 121.

but i was fed up driving around without any direction trying to find a proper hair saloon.

and i knew it.

it was a HUGE mistake.

now my hair looks like a goddamn mushroom from mario bros.

note to self: always go to a proper hair saloon that has: proper male stylist and a cute girl as the hair washer and massager. ALWAYS!

Blog Hiatus

This really sucks.

But somehow my computer is having a very weird network problem that really makes me crazy.

The computer recognizes the local area network, but somehow I couldn't get into the Internet.

First I thought Windows 7 is acting up some strange shit, but after doing some inspection on the software specs and settings, I am pretty sure this is a hardware flaw.

I even tried using Vista and Windows XP to make sure this is the case.

My Xbox 360 and the PS3 connects to the Internet without any problem, so I really have no clue on the main cause of this extremely annoying problem.

Anyways, I have exausted all of my knowledge on how to fix a troubled computer; so I am going to get help from people that really knows what they're doing with computers; that they get paid to do so.

I have never faced a computer problem that I couldn't solve by myself before, this one might be something big.

Or maybe I am just not that techie anymore.

I bet the network card is the culprit, or my Internet service provider is fucking me in my asshole by manually blocking that one computer from the Internet.

Either ways, this means that I won't be updating my blogs more often than I would.

I got some 'experiences in weird japan' posts that I had in mind, but with the situation that I am in right now, that would have to wait.

Thankfully the iPhone is capable enough of letting me do most of Internet activities on it like checking emails, chatting, facebooking and like right now, blogging.

God damned computers... I really can't live without them.

What a bitch!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone