Grand Theft Awesome

Perhaps you were able to predict the content of this post from the title. If not, dear readers, I would like to discuss Grand Theft Auto IV. I was able to attend the midnight release of this long awaited and much anticipated title with approximately 200 other people. Indeed, it was glorious in spite of the uncomfortable cold and the repeated ID checks. I got in line at about 10:30 and waited alongside two delightful gents who were more than happy to discuss the latest happenings in the video game industry and other nerdy discussion topics. I was roughly the 10th person in line, so I was able to obtain a copy and make it home by approximately 12:15. I rifled through the packaging like young chap on Christmas morning and put the disc into my Xbox.

The opening cinematic sequence was nothing short of amazing, resembling several well known films. I was only moderately irresponsible, staying awake until about 3:30 before succumbing to crushing fatigue. In that brief time, I have formed several important impressions of the game. The story and cinematic sequences are easily on par with even the finest Hollywood films. The themes of capitalism, the perennial struggle between good and evil, what it means to be human, friendship, and love are all portrayed through compelling and well-written characters. The mission structure is excellent, and when one of your friends calls you just to hang out, the conversation is just interesting enough for you to oblige. I am quite enraptured with the story and am really enjoying myself.

Although at least half of the reviews I've read hand out a 10 to this game, I do not think I'm able to do so. I've indeed played games that were more enjoyable and better made than this, especially from a technical standpoint. The dialog has cut out on me a few times, trees/lamps popping in have caused me to lose races, the multiplayer has some very egregious technical issues as far as lag or being able to even enter a match, and a very small minority of the missions are really not very good. Overall, I would have to give this game a 9.5/10 because the glaring technical shortcomings are far outweighed by the sheer quality of the experience as a whole. Cheers to RockStar for making an outstanding title that will be played for many years to come.

/end

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Top of the Table / Portal

Today I am a happy man. Arsenal has finally taken back the top spot in the Premiership with a solid win over Manchester City. Emmanuel Adebayor has exploded onto the scene this year as not only one of the finest strikers in the Premier League, but one of the finest footballers the world over. Adebayor brings deft moves, lightning speed, and raw power and strength to the Gunners in a way no other player does. His incredible consistency and focus has really aided Arsenal in their 2007/08 Premier League campaign.


Adebayor added two more goals yesterday, one in the 9th minute and another in the 88th to bring his goal total to 11 in the last 8 games. Eduardo scored on a pass from Adebayor in the 26th minute as well, meaning the Togolese striker had a hand in all 3 of Arsenal's goals. Arsenal played fairly tight at the back as well, holding the stellar Manchester City offense to just a single goal. A 3-1 result put Arsenal in position to take back the top spot from Manchester United. Just a few hours later, ManU drew against Tottenham 1-1 and Arsenal reclaimed their position at the top of the table.

I'd like to take a moment to comment on Portal, part of Half Life 2: The Orange Box (360, PS3, PC). Portal equips you with a portal gun (such an unexpected name, right?) that can create what is essentially a wormhole from one location to another. The catch is that you may only shoot the gun at solid surfaces. As you can imagine, a top notch game development team like Valve can work wonders by throwing very devious puzzles at you. I cannot express just how impressive and innovative this game is, it is one of the finest games in ages. These are my first impressions, I'll post my full review soon.

My apologies for the infrequency of posts recently, I have been rather ill. Apparently University Health Services is filled with inept medical professionals and I have quite simply never seen such disreputable health care. Anti-shout out to you, UHS.

I'm out.

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Australian Open Finale / There Will Be Blood

Before I begin, I'd like to make a quick announcement that I've posted my Assassin's Creed review just a few minutes ago.

The Australian Open came to a close today as Novak Djokovic pulled off an impressive victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Djokovic, a heavy favorite, dropped the first set, but then cruised to three straight to win the match. I really like Djokovic and wish him continued success.

Ordinarily I wouldn't talk too much about golf, but Tiger Woods just posted one of the most dominant performances of his career, winning the Buick Open by 8 strokes. There is some significant buzz as to whether or not he can win a calendar Grand Slam this year. I for one fully believe in Tiger's ability, especially his rock solid mental toughness. Best of luck, Tiger.

Arsenal got back in action yesterday, and achieved a solid 3-0 result against Newcastle United in FA Cup 4th round play. Emmanuel Adebayor continues to impress me as one of Arsenal's finest players in many years. He scored twice, in the 50th and 84th minutes to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead. Cesc Fabregas took an excellent free kick in the 88th minute which was headed into the goal by Newcastle's own Nicky Butt (what an unfortunate surname...).

Finally, I'd like to make a comment on There Will Be Blood. This film is so extraordinary that it made me wish to see it a second time straightaway after my first viewing. I was absolutely glued to the screen for the full 2 hours and 38 minutes. Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the greatest performances of the modern film era, he is nothing short of transcendent. Day-Lewis simply must win the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the other nominees do not even come close. Paul Dano also plays his part with exceptional skill and looks poised to be part of the next generation of great actors. This movie is so powerful and overwhelming that it is destined to stay with you long after you watch it. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Cheers.

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A Few Points

After a brief absence, I have a few things to talk about again. I just finished Assassin's Creed (360) and I must say that it was a massive letdown. There is almost nothing about this game that I would consider impressive. It is extremely repetitive and boring, so I'm going to have to suggest you avoid this one.

The new semester has just begun, which is why I've been absent for a few days. Genetics is wonderfully interesting; my professor is an eccentric Italian chap with shaggy hair. I finally get to go inside the Genetics-Biotech building... hooray! Gen-Bio is one of the newest buildings on the UW campus; it's a state of the art, multi-million dollar research facility. It quite scratches my science/nerd itch.

I also picked up the remastered version of Casablanca on HD DVD. It is in 4:3, but it looks AMAZING for a 70+ year old film. Casablanca remains one of the finest cinematic achievements of all time, and indeed one of the top 5 greatest movie stories ever. I could not be more impressed with the remaster and I highly recommend it.

A quick recap of the Australian Open- Maria Sharapova easily cruised past Ana Ivanovic, 7-5, 6-3 for a convincing victory in the Women's Final. Sharapova completed one of the greatest tournament runs in recent memory, failing to drop even a single set. In the Men's draw, Novak Djokovic stunned world #1 Roger Federer, defeating the Swiss master in straight sets. Federer's legendary run of 10 straight Grand Slam final appearances has finally ended. Djokovic, the feisty Serb, is quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his emotional flare and humorous, lighthearted approach to the game. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, an unseeded Frenchman, upset world #2 Rafael Nadal in an absolutely mindblowing performance. Tsonga played out of his mind- I've simply never seen a better show. This sets up an intriguing final of Tsonga vs. Djokovic, with Djokovic entering as the heavy favorite. This match will be one to watch and is sure to be filled with surprises.

Finally, I'd like to say a few words about the current internet war against Scientology. No religion is wrong and everyone on this earth is entitled to believe what they wish. If you are a Christian, or Muslim, or Buddhist, or you believe in the flying spaghetti monster (real religion... Google it) it is of your own free will that you choose to believe.

The Church of Scientology is a cult whose rammifications are terrifying. They degrade any member outside of their church, and church law gives members freedom to cause any necessary harm to non-Scientologists. The Co$ is a sham designed to make money and ruin lives.

Anonymous, a group of hackers, has declared war on the Co$, and has already brought down several Scientology websites with denial of service attacks (DDoS). Anon has already made news with their deeds. I implore you to get educated, and read any information as it becomes available. All religions should make their private documents to the public and they do not have the right to silence and suppress critics or non-believers. The church has even gone so far as to insist that Jesus was a pedophile among other absurd statements of slander. Furthermore, the church is responsible for numerous deaths as well as other disgusting acts of human abuse. John Travolta will not treat his severely autistic child because he does not believe in psychological disorders. Please assist in the spread of information in any way you can, it is essential for change.

"Knowledge is Free.
We Are Anonymous. We Are Legion. We do not Forgive. We do not Forget.
Expect Us."

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