Online 'Friendships'

Okay so the internet is a magical place, clearly there's a lot more potential for "good" friends, while at the same time still more potential for "bad" friends. Now before I go into explaining my rather descriptive theory of friends, let's get a basic list thing together.

1) Good friends: These are friends that are seriously just friends! There's no better way to explain it then a person who just wants to laugh and joke with you, while still offering you advice and a chance to vent!

2) Bad friends: These are friends who want to use you. They're not talking to you because they like you, but because they're stalking you, trying to get in a relationship with you, or simply trying to get stuff from you!



Now does this mean it's that simple? No. Not at all. It does mean however, that we've got some sort of guideline. And I love those. So now you might ask yourself, well isn't that just like a friendship in person?

It's not, the simple fact is the magical world of the web can offer this haze that our normal senses just can't detect! Basically we're stuck with tunnel vision. We can only see what is put in front of us, and not the broad spectrum of signs that a person could give. Sadly we live in a world where lying is a natural defense, and over the web, it seems an even easier place to fall prey to someone else defending themselves.

Does this mean it's excusable? Of course not, but it also means that it's not necessarily someone's sinister plot to ensnare another. I read in an article at the dentists office the other day, "Most lies are told in an attempt to simply be 'nice' to another person." And yeah, it's true.

Think about the last small fib you told. Was it to purposely hurt someone? Of course not. We don't generally lie with malicious intent. We lie to save ourselves or to spare someones feelings.

So truly if you look at the net objectively. You'll easily find that it's a well of bad in terms of friends, but at the same time. If you keep it purely over the web, you're bound to find that it can be a very good place to find good friends! Sure you can't see them, and perhaps you're restricted to playing video games and chatting on the various messengers with them,

But in the end is there really anything more fun then a 4 am FPS play while totally intoxicated?

And yes fair enough, with a friend actually there it's probably just as fun. But at 4 am. Xbox live can be the only friend you need!

Saints Row 2 + Thoughts

You know I've still been under the pressure of my shaving experiment. And even today there was no itching. (I may have a full beard before I need to shave (-_-) Anyways.. I've run into a few thoughts today. First, I was playing Saints Row 2. And let me say this game has it all. Prostitution, Drug Dealing, Drug Trafficking, Blood, Violence, Gang Warfare, Toxic Waste, Love, Romance, Guns, Stun Guns, Boats, Planes, Cars, and lots of missions.

So yes it's the best game I've ever played and definitely allows me to vent my rage on the unsuspecting residents of Stillwater. Still... They seem smarter. You burn a guy's face with some radioactive waste... And guess what, everyone hates you. It's dynamic, it's amazing... And I love it. Is this bound to be another Mercenaries 2 where you beat it and it's no longer as exciting? Of course. But regardless. It's an amazing game to say the least.

Now onto my thoughts. I've got to wonder just what's going on. Cause at this point. I no longer have any idea lol

The Shaving Experiment.

Upon my most recent adventure to the nearest Target, I had a discovery. Razor blades for my razor cost EVEN MORE! than buying a whole new razor! I mean wtf? One costs 8 dollars. The other costs 14 dollars. Sure I get two extra blades than with the new razor... But isn't something new and complete supposed to be worth more? It was rather shocking!

So I decided, I wasn't going to buy a new set of blades.

As opposed to that I was going to simply test something.

Starting two days ago, I have changed out my blade. I have had this blade for about 16 days now. And I am going to keep it in until I find it no longer offers me the close shave I need!

And by close I mean I am growing out my hair for a day or so between each shave!

How long will it take for me to grow frustrated and cave into the ridiculous price for something that should be as cheap as toilet paper? I don't know, but hopefully time will determine such!

Xbox Live: Friend Or Foe?

Okay, so today I'm going to be addressing a question I've read in quite a few places (Surprisingly I mean, **I** have been on Xbox Live for well... Since late 2002. lol) that people are a bit skeptical on just how important/good Xbox Live really is.

Well here's your answer,

It's better than the Wii.
It's better than the PS3's PlayStation Network.

I made a comparison to make it easier for those who need such. Xbox 360 and Live aren't typical gaming. (What the fck you talking about?) It's something different. To me anyway, the Wii and the PS3 are typical mainstream gaming. The Xbox 360 and Live are for the hardcore game loving fiend. Recently they released the netflix thing, and those stupid avatars (Like PS3 trying to capitalize on the Wii's Mii's)... But seriously?

Those aren't what the gamers have been addicted to the console for.

Sure now a-days it's a mere content release to make the systems all seem the same, but for those of us who love Xbox what makes it amazing will always be the online factor. And now... The achievements.

I have friends I play with on Xbox live that I've known out of the games. And I have some (Who might even be cooler than said real friends) who I've played with for 6 years. That's the amazing aspect of the Xbox. Even us hardcore gaming nerds (I would never call myself such!) can feel bad ass when we've been playing a video game for 12 hours straight without so much as a coffee break.

It's friendship, it's community, and it's something none of these other consoles offer as well. Something the PC couldn't hope to offer.

And yes I know this draws in the people who go, "Well wtfx? On PC I can do more. STEAM STEAM STEAM!!" No. You epic-failed. Why? Because let's face it. On the PC you aren't all on the same medium of technology and equipment running off of (for most) the same sort of internet connection.

So the Xbox 360 with it's massive title list and awesome online services is clearly a great system for those of us who don't want to play games alone (Or just love to talk trash.).

Are there cons? Of course. But do they destroy the pros? Of course not. Not to me. And not to millions of other gamers. But does that mean they wont to you? No.

You do get those annoying 12-17 year old kids on there who think they're God's little gift, and you get the insults about your mother (And alot of fag jokes. I have to wonder are 90% of Xboxer's homophobes?) But still. They have implimented quite a few mute options. And as I said before, if you're a hardcore gamer you (like I!) will say, "Oh I'm muting you." And twenty minutes later unmute them to talk trash about that last touchdown you made in Madden '09 (Yeah that's for you killersandwich0123.)

So in short, if you like the Wii or the PS3, great! I do too. But if you're an avid gamer who loves the internet (You must be if you're reading a blog right?) Then the 360 + live is definitely for you.