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Day 2 of the camping weekend. Nice campsite, pretty bug free. Too bad the weather is chilly and a bit damp. Oh well. At least it is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of home life. And the campground had electricity and water and bathroom/shower facilities. And they seem to have wifi going. Or, at least my iPhone can pick it up.
Sitting outside watching Mummy tomb of the dragon emperor.
Rough camping trip, huh? I wonder if I could have brought my 360 and gotten in some games? Maybe next year. 
 Dear elderly lady on Michigan Ave. during lunch who almost caused a major accident,
I would like to commend you on your exemplary driving skills in the face of being confronted with a full turning lane allowing you no room in which to merge in. Unphased by that prediciment, you, in your infinite wisdom, decide that you will just attempt to force your way into the lane for surely someone will just move out of your way and let you merge. Had that plan worked out for you, perhaps you would be commended on a bold move to get into a lane allowing you to continue on your way to your destination. However, as expected, people do not like making room for someone impatient and clearly making a driving maneuver that is highly dangerous and should not be attempted, ever. Whatever possessed you to think that pulling out of a business and driving straight across 3 lanes of traffic only to park your vehicle perpendicular to the flow of traffic until you could enter the turn lane was a good idea? Driving along with the flow of traffic, one does not expect to find a vehicle stopped in such a way as yours. I must bow down to your stellar thought process. Never you mind the lunch that I was looking forward to sitting peacefully on my passenger seat, perfuming the air with its roast beef goodness. No, as a result of your bright maneuver, my lunch was forcibly ejected from its seat only to tumble down onto the floorboard and spilling its contents everywhere. Not to be left from the fray was the cup containing my beverage of choice as it spills its liquid goodness all over my passenger seat causing the cushion to remain damp even still.
Perhaps I should thank you for your brash move that once again showed me just how great some other drivers can be.. Perhaps I should be thankful that only my lunch was damaged in the process and that I was able to stop in time. Perhaps my honking and verbal assault was really unnecessary as evidenced by your nonchalant smile and shoulder shrug as if to say “why are you upset?”
I think, however, you should be thankful to whatever deity you worship that I was able to see you and stop in time instead of hitting your vehicle squarely in the driver side door and most likely killing you on impact while totalling both of our vehicles. Perhaps I would have been injured and survived. In either case, my lunch would have suffered. I think my actions to your reckless driving were clearly the proper choice as you continued on your way oblivious to what you had done and I, angered and frustrated, went back to my desk with out the lunch I was so looking forward to.
So, I’d like to thank you again elderly lady. You are a shining beacon in an otherwise mundane sea of drivers.
 What an adventure these past few days have been. As if trying to recover from a RROD was not enough, then I had the distinct pleasure of running into a brickwall concerning Microsoft’s licensing and their DRM for purchased and downloaded content through the Marketplace on the 360.
Once I set up the 360 and ensured that I was able to log in and launch a game, I proceeded to check on the downloaded content that I had previously purchased and placed on my system’s hard drive. The content was still intact and I was able to access it. That was, however, until I logged off to check the arcade games. As expected, the arcade games would only play in trial mode. I knew that this would happen because content purchased is tied not only to the gamertag that purchased it but also the console id it was downloaded to while signed in. Armed with this information, I set out on a frustrating excursion to remedy the roadblock thrown up before me.
This past summer, Microsoft bestowed upon its website a DRM tool that allows you to transfer all licenses on other consoles you logged into and purchased content on to a single console id. However, for whatever reason, the tool would not work for me and I could no do a transfer of licenses through the website. Generally you should not be buying content on another console, but people will do so when visiting friends, or using another persons console for whatever reason. The issue with the DRM is that if you have a console fail on you and get it replaced, all of your purchases on that defective console are tied to that console id. On your replacement console, you will not have the licenses and only be able to use that content while signed in. Normally I use my content while signed in as I admitted in a previous post that I am all about the achievements. However, there are times when I wish to game in silence or allow a friend to play one of the arcade games I bought signed in with their own profile or while not logged in at all. Because of having my console replaced, this option was taken away from me.
All said and done, it took me 6 calls to Microsoft to have the issue straigtened out. The first call was to report the problem. While on hold to be escalated to their higher up support desk, the call was disconnected. Call number 2 was able to get me in touch with a supervisor that took down my information and let me know that my issue would be investigated by yet another part of the helpdesk and that I would receive a call back or an email with status. A day went by with no email or call. So, call 3 was to check on the status and I was told that nothing had been updated and there was no status to report. Cal 4 actually came in from Microsoft. They asked me to fax over some information from the old console and the new console as well as a copy of the receipt showing the new console serial number. I did as asked and again waited. The next day I received call number 5 from Microsoft advising me that my request to transfer the license was denied because I upgraded my system and because I did not provide an exchange receipt. After running around in circles explaining my issue to the person on the phone, a highly frustrating experience because the helpdesk is not located in the USA, I ended the call quite upset. The next day, I called in again to open a new issue. I explained that I was unable to use purchased and downloaded content while offline because of DRM. I explained that I had a 360 Elite system that had a 3 red ring hardware failure and that I had the console replaced by Best Buy and received a 360 Elite system in return. He asked for the old console id, new console id and new console serial number. He then stated that he would start the process and that I should receive an email or call within 5-10 business days letting me know when it was completed. Two days after that call, I received an email message that stated my request was completed, all licenses were transfered to my new console id and that I woul have to download all content again to have the licenses refresh. So, many hours yesterday going through my purchase/download history and I am completely squared away with DRM and can use my purchased content on or offline. Phew. If only the first call had gone that smooth.
In what seemed to be a normal Wednesday(3/18) night, the unwanted occurrence happened. I sat down to get in some time with my precious…. I picked up the controller, pressed the big xbox button and attained happiness as the familiar sound of the 360 dashboard came into view. Entered a code in the marketplace to download the Halo 3 Mythic Map pack and navigated to the active downloads screen to monitor its progress. Things going well, downloading fairly quickly until it hit about 46%. Out of the blue, the 360 screen flickers and goes dark. The power light was still on the 360, but nothing was responding. So, since I could not turn it off and then back on with the controller button, I get up to press the power button. A few seconds pause and I turn the 360 back on.
Houston, we have a problem. :( As soon as the 360 sound plays, the big 360 globe that you see before you are taken to the dashboard comes on the screen and freezes. Power off and on the system, same behavior. Frustrated, I turn off the system, unplug the power brick and let it sit for a minute. Plugged everything back in and turned it in.. Ah, bliss… the dashboard comes up, I get logged in and again navigate to the active downloads screen. Sadly, this would be the last thing that I see. As soon as the progress meter shows on the screen, the system freezes completely. Again, getting up to turn it off and then back on, I am greeted by a very odd sound and then the heartbreaking visual shown above. :( My 360 has died.
Luckily, I rememberd that I had bought this system not that long ago when I replaced my launch, Core unit. I sold that system and used the money to offset the cost of the Elite system. I also purchased Best Buy’s product replacement plan, a very wise decision. So, when I bought the system, it cost me $449.99 + tax for the system and $79.99 for the PRP. When I got to the store with my system and receipts, the CSR said they would have to test my system first to verify the failure. After testing it, I could see the flashing red lights from behind the counter. She started the replacement process. After 15 minutes, she had rung me up for a new 360 Elite system and new PRP on that unit. I paid an additional $6 and change for the replacement. $399.99 + tax for the Elite, price drop FTW and $59.99 for the PRP, another price drop. I had expected to have to pay $20+ for a new PRP, I did not know that dropped in price. In addition, the Elite came with the 2 game bundle of Lego Indy and Kung-Fu Panda.. So, I got to keep that as well. Consider me very happy. All said and done, I was only out of comission for one night of gaming. I hope my new 360 loves me more then the discarded one.
Life, for a gamer, is usually filled with those triple A, blockbuster titles. If you could take a snapshot of a every persons gamer profile on XBox.com, you would be hard pressed to find a person that has not played Halo 3, Call of Duty, Project Gotham Racing, any of the numerous Madden titles. You might be thinking to yourself what kind of point I am trying to make by stating the obvious. If you will indulge me, I’ll get this train into that station eventually. We all know and love these titles, for that is what makes us gamers. However, lurking under the surface are those things that many try hard to bury. Some are sucessful and their guilty secrets never see the light of day. While still others let those embarassing entries show because they are not concearned about the reaction of their fellow gamers. Or maybe it is because they choose to view those games as a sort of badge that screams “I am a gamer, I care not what you may think of me by the games that I keep!”
Part of being in the public eye, perhaps a tad more then the typical gamer, I wear my gamercard like a badge. I fully admit to being an achievement whore and enjoy seeing my gamerscore climb. Given a choice between systems on a multi-platform title, the 360 will always be my console of choice. Sure, I tell people the reason is because I like the Live experience and its ease of use and ability to quickly see what friends are doing and/or invite them to my game. But deep down, I want the achievements and that little sound that they greet me with as they pop-up up their message on my screen.  Achievement Unlocked, indeed.
Continue reading Gaming guilty pleasures, the allure of Achievement Unlocked
And another clan meet comes to a close. Well, it did a few days ago as I have been lazy and not written a post since.
These clan meets always seem to be over too quickly. As you are packing up to head home, you are left thinking to yourself that it felt like you’d just arrived. But still, they are fun events to attend, even if they do seem short.
There were many events during the meet that made it enjoyable.
Slitt Vicious presides over the offical Tattoo shots
Tattoo Shots are an official requirement at any clan meet for it to be deemed an clan meet. After much drinking previous in the day, the Tattoo bottle is opened and shots are poured. This resulted in some laughing and the introduction of fingerstaches and fingerbrows.
NJ shows off his curly fingerstache
NJ shows off his custom curly mustache to the camera. He would look more sinister if he had a top hat on and laughed with a evil snicker. His mustache is almost calling out for tying a damsel to a train track so that Dudley Dooright can come and save her.
Brikenjon and H I McDunnough play a game of chess while Mrs. Brik watches
For a video game clan, there was much analog gaming taking place. From chess to off-the-wall card games and board games. There was something sure to entertain everyone and pass the time.
NJ shows off his guitar stance while UncleGramps drums away.
Rockband, though, was the most popular activity during the meet. Many people would jump on an instrument and play through a good number of songs. The volume was loud and the room felt like a rock venue. There were even groupies at various times cheering for the band during a set. During the meet, we all discovered that there was truly some talent in our midst as Spiderbite, aka the golden throat, belted out tune after tune. Duster gave everyone some heartfelt renditions of songs showcasing his vocal powers.
It was a great weekend spent with friends that I had met previously at other meets and new faces that had not been able to attend a meet before. I really do think that we have a great group of people and getting to hang out with them occasionally is the best part of our group. It would be nice if we all live within a few hours of each other to accommodate more regular get-togethers. But, still, I would not trade this group for anything. I have truly made some great friendships that I know will last.
Cue the 80’s hair metal anthem, Final Countdown by Europe. In one week, the gathering to end all gatherings will be held at Casa Slitt in lovely Indiana. Several times a year, our group get together for a day or weekend spent hanging out, drinking and eating much and some gaming activity. These meets are a fun way to socialize with clan members and get to know them better then just in games or on our forum.
You will usually encounter much chatting, a lot more drinking and since the release of Rock Band for the XBox 360, many wild performances from virtual bands.
Other games are sometimes thrown into the mix be they other 360 titles or analog games such as Munchkin.
It is always a fun way to spend a day or weekend with great friends. The news that makes this clan meet such a big event is that several members from outside of the northern midwest(Michigan, Illinois, Indiana) will be arriving. Several clan members from southern states will be arriving. Other further states will also be represented such as South Carolina. The biggest news is that our sole UK clan member will be arriving through customs, hopefully without a full body cavity search, to give this clan meet an international vibe to it. It should be a hectic weekend and one fully enjoyed by all and saddened when it comes to a close. I have a feeling that many pictures will be taken and I know that I will be doing my own share of photo capturing to make a picture book online.
 I often look for new and interesting games to add to my collection. Often times, if the game sounds fun from its description and the price isn’t prohibitive, I will pick up a new game every now and then. While wondering through Target one day, I stopped at the boardgame aisle to see if there was anything new or on sale. At the end of the aisle, are all the various card games. Many are familiar, Uno, Skip-Bo, and regular decks of playing cards. There are a number of them that are unfamiliar to me and I hadn’t given them much thought.
When I happened upon this game, I picked up the box and turned it over to read the description. “Head down the tracks of luck and strategy in this fast-moving sequencing card game. Be the first to get rid of your cards with the most train fares left and you win. Wherever your cards take you, this journey is sure to be an adventure in fun!” It sounded fun enough to me and at a price tag of $5.99 I decided to give it a shot.
After playing two full games this past weekend, I have to say I am glad I made this purchase. The game is fairly fast paced and moves along fine. The instructions are straight forward and once I read through them, I had a good grasp of the game. The object of the game is to play all of your cards to end the game. At the end of the game, the player with the most tokens wins. Where a slight twist comes in is that even if you play all your cards, you might not win the game if you don’t have the highest number of tokens. At the start of the game, the tokens are divided up and cards are dealt. For each turn you can’t play a card, you must draw from the pile and pay a token. At the end of the game, when someone plays all their cards, any cards remaining in your hand cause you to pay one token per card. The object of the game is to build number sequences by color from 1-12. Each color has a station that must be played before any numbered cards of that color can be played. There are a few special cards that change the game mechanics and add a twist of their own.
The game is simple enough to play and fun enough to add a bit of variety into your gaming collection. For the lower price and ease of finding it at more common stores, you cannot go wrong.
If you are interested to see what other types of games I have, I started tracking my collection on BoardGameGeek.com.
 Releasing this week comes the next game that will completely dominate my nightly gaming sessions. The first Rainbow Six: Vegas title was a wildly popular game with many members in the 8-Bit Brigade clan. Many nights were spent running continuous Terrorist Hunt sessions ranking up to unlock various weapons and armor pieces.
R6:V also spawned many legendary moments that have been the source of much laughter in our forum and nightly gaming sessions. Some of these highlights include Monkeyspit and his unproportionally large cranium, Czar and his “did they just say necissito burrito?” comment, and who can forget NJ and his love of the flashbang grenade that blinds not only the enemy but his own team?
Since this game was announced some time back, I have been anxiously waiting for its release. Now, this week, my precious will be in my little gaming hands and no other disc will see the light of day. Well, at least until we decide we need a break and toss in the old standby game, Halo 3.
Welcome to my little corner of the world. This is a pretty new place and as such, there isn’t much going on.
Over time, I hope to post many interesting things that I am sure will captivate you.
I do hope you enjoy your stay.
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