While I realize this is not a new game, it is, surprisingly, an excellent one. I started playing this on a borrowed PSP and I am enthralled, it;s hard ot put it down. I have played the batter in the PSP dead multiple times. Now admittedly I can’t sit and play for hours on end I have to play in small bits from 5 to 20 minutes long., normally. However it’s an excellent game and if you liek turn based RPG style games it’s well worth the play.
yeah, yeah…i know this isn’t the real thing. I’ve heard it all…it’s the musicians reject
The game Perfect World has been around in Asia for quite some time, however it wasnt’ readily accessible to westerners. They have now remedied that. As of today, 09-02-08 at 2:00pm PST (5:00EST) Perfect World International goes into open beta for North America.
I have been playing for the last week, (not very long, but I just stumbled across it) and I have enjoyed it greatly.
Pros:
1. The world it’s very open, and you get to most places.
This is achievable via double-jump, and the fact that you can actually jump up most slopes (some are too steep)
Also there is no falling damage, which makes it safer to explore elevated locations.
2. The graphics, while it requires a minimal system Perfect World offers some truely beautiful graphics!
3. Perfect World offers some eunique game features which I have never experienced before.
4. The spell effects and mechanics of the game are quite good.
Cons:
1. This game uses a cash shop for upgrades etc… though admitedly, I didn’t see anything in the cashshop that makes the game more playable for people who use it.. it just adds some variety that isn’t available to those who don’t use the shop. For example, you can buy the right to speak on the world-chat channel… if people who had anything worthwhile to say did this it would be cool… however in the cloased beta at least, it was mostly people who just wanted to troll for flame wars on religioun, politics, and various other topics.
2. While character creation is almost limitless on how you specialize your individual character (depnding on the race and gender) there is a relatively limied number of character types.
Overall I like the game, I’m goign to play more once open beta is up and running and see what I think after some higher level play.
the game client can be downloaded here.
Check out this website. I spent two hours watching their Mockumercials, they are hilarious!
They make a lot of sense.. just not sure if I’m man enough to wear a Utilikilt ..
I found the following World of Warcraft Scoop at MMOWNED
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- World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King: Friends and Family Alpha
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Welcome to the World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Friends and
Family Alpha. The list below contains information on the current
available content available for testing and general information.
This information is subject to change.
General
- The continent of Northrend is now available! To travel there, visit
one of four transportation masters in either Orgrimmar, Undercity,
Theramore,or Menethil Harbor.
- Transportation between Howling Fjord and Borean Tundra can be found
at the Tuskarr villages in those zones.
- NPC Transportation Locations
Horde:
Undercity to Vengeance Landing (Howling Fjord)
Orgrimmar to Warsong Hold (Borean Tundra)
Alliance:
Menethil Harbor to Valgarde (Holwing Fjord)
Theramore Valiance Keep (Borean Tundra)
World Environment Zones
- The following zones are available for testing: Howling Fjord, Borean
Tundra, Dragonblight, and Grizzly Hills
Dungeons
- The following dungeons are available for testing:
Howling Fjord: Utgarde Keep (70-72)
Howling Fjord: Utgarde Pinnacle (80)
Borean Tundra: The Nexus (70-72)
Grizzly Hills: Drak’Tharon Keep (74-76)
Classes
- All Classes are available for play. Spells and talents will be
available for testing past 70 for the following classes: Druid, Mage,
Priest, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior
- The Death Knight Hero class is now available for play.
Creating a new Death Knight will start you at level 55 in Eastern
Plaguelands.
No starting quests are implemented though Death Knight abilities will
be available for testing.
Several Death Knight talents, although they will appear on the talent
pane, are not yet implemented.
Professions
- The following tradeskills are available to train up to 450: First
Aid, Herbalism, Mining, and Skinning.
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Nice game…a little boring and predictable. I did play only the basic trial version however…i would play again if i had nothing else to play. It’s got ok graphics, but not a lot of action and dull quests in my opinion…but i’m new to mmorpg realm…so we’ll see. I’ll probably play when i have nothing else to do.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
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This is the day that we as Americans are supposed to look at our soldiers both past and present and remember those who have died fighting for our safety, freedom and way of life!
We cook out, open pools, and have a hey-ho time while today, we have soldiers in all parts of the world, the primary place we think of is Iraq, but there are soldiers all over the globe, they are there because they are proud to be Americans, proud to protect their loved ones, and the way of life that we so often take for granted.
Today when you are swimming in your pool, playing your video games, grilling out, or complaining about the price of Gasoline. Remember that we have men and women who are keeping our homes safe. They are fighting and dying, way too much, for us to maintain the right to complain about the way the president has handled the war on terror, or to gripe about senators Hilary, Obama, or McCain.
These soldiers are on the ground, in the air, and both on and beneath the sea to protect our rights. Let us remember them this day and every day.
When you see a soldier, thank them, shake their hand, tell them you are proud of them! Don’t be afraid to let tears come to your eyes when you tell them how much what they do means to you!
Reach out to the wounded who come home, do what you can, even if it’s to tell them that you pray for them and appreciate what they gave up for us.
Don’t ask a soldier why they are where they are, they are there to fulfill orders, to help the people they are protecting and to stop the bad guys. When you talk to a soldier ask them about their life here, their friends and family. Ask them about their hopes and aspirations for the future. Offer the hand of fellowship, and let them know that you are supporting them.
Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen soldiers, but I say it’s a day to remember the soldiers we have in the field today.
Reach out, talk to the soldiers you see, tell them you appreciate their efforts. If they demure and say that they haven’t done much, don’t let them get away with that. If they are wearing the uniform of the United States Military, it doesn’t matter which branch, then they are there because they volunteered. They said I want to do my part! Thank them for that courage. Most importantly thank them that they are doing it now, so that, hopefully, your children won’t have to go to war.
Remember our soldiers today the dead and the living. Keep them in your prayers, in your hearts and in your minds eye. Every-time you hear of a soldier in his or her place, picture that soldier that you spoke to, pray for them, for their squad-mates and remember.
Soldiers swear this oath when they become soldiers:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
I would like to suggest and oath for all Americans to take this day and every day:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the men and women of the United States military. As they defend and protect the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. I will stand up for them against all detractors, both foreign and domestic. That I will faith and allegiance to them as they protect my right and ability to remain free.”
That is my oath, and I would challenge every American to take that oath. We don’t have to agree with the politicians, we don’t have to agree with the way the War is being handled, we don’t have to like it. But swear this oath with me, that we will support the men and women of our military. That when you hear someone bad-mouthing them you will stand up for these valiant soldiers so that they don’t have to bear the burden of detractors but can see and feel the support of those of us who stand by them.
All men and women have the right to disagree, that’s why these soldiers fight, to protect that right. We have the right to hate war, to dislike government and to leave the country, if we choose. But let us be sure to avoid tearing down our soldiers. They truly are ours, they are our brothers, sons, and nephews, sisters, daughters and nieces; every American is responsible for the soldiers who are abroad. If you don’t have the same faith that I have that’s ok, support these soldiers. If you are a pacifist, that is your right and choice, support the soldiers who die daily for you to be able to retain that right!
On this Memorial Day, let us not forget that those soldiers we remember both past and present are OUR soldiers! They are not the soldiers of the United States, they are not the presidents soldiers, they are OUR soldiers. Remember, today and always.
These are my thoughts, and my challenge to you all,
Jonathan Wagner
Adaptivegamer.com
The following is from the artists blog of a VERY cool webcomic: http://www.userfriendly.org/
Well It’s not letting my paste it in here.. but you can click the above link. read the comic then scroll down to read this review.
From http://www.gamepolitics.com/
May 20, 2008
The judge who presided over Jack Thompson’s Florida Bar trial late last year has recommended that the controversial attorney be found guilty on 27 of 31 professional misconduct charges. The Florida Supreme Court must now rule on those recommendations.
In a report issued last week, Judge Dava Tunis writes:
After considering the arguments presented by the Florida Bar and the Respondent (Thompson), observing the Respondent’s demeanor during the nine-day trial proceedings, and carefully reviewing the record consisting of four volumes of exhibits totaling 1700 pages and approximately 2400 pages of transcribed testimony, the Court finds that the facts, circumstances and evidence presented regarding the Respondent’s conduct, supports a finding of guilt as to certain Florida Bar rules…
Tunis made 21 recommendations of guilt in relation to Thompson’s participation in Strickland vs. Sony, an Alabama case in which the anti-game attorney represented the families of two police officers and a police dispatcher slain by 18-year-old Grand Theft Auto player Devin Moore.
Tunis also recommended that Thompson be found guilty on four out of five counts relating to his 2006 attempt to have Rockstar’s Bully declared a public nuisance in a case before Miami Judge Ronald Friedman. An additional two guilty counts stemmed from a non-video game matter.
Among the Florida Bar offenses for which Judge Tunis has recommended a guilty verdict:
Judge Tunis’s full report to the Florida Supreme Court is due on September 2nd. In the meantime, a disciplinary hearing regarding possible sanctions against Thompson will be held before Judge Tunis on June 4th.
For his part, Thompson has made a number of allegations concerning Judge Tunis, including a complaint that state-mandated loyalty oaths were either not signed by the judge or were signed by others. Thompson also has filed federal lawsuits against the Florida Bar and Florida Supreme Court in relation to the Bar charges and other sanctions.
For all GamePolitics coverage of the Bar Trial of Jack Thompson, including transcripts, click here.
OOPS: I meant to put this in previously. I received this in email. the first comment links to a site with it posted and with a name… I woudl suppose it’s his writing.!
TIPS ON PUMPING
I don’t know what you guys are paying for gasoline…. but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money’s worth for every gallon..
Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period through the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening….your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.
A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps. When you’re filling up the tank donot squeeze the trigger of the nozzle too a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed , thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you’re getting less
worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas , DO NOT fill up –most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS !
WHERE TO BUY USA GAS, THIS IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW . .. … READ ON
Gas rationing in the 80’s worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor.
An interesting thought is to boycott their GAS .
Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia . Just buy from gas companies that don’t import their oil from the Saudis.
Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends. I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.
These companies do import Middle Eastern oil : 
Shell…………………….
Chevron/Texaco……… 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil ……. …….. 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway… 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco…………………….
Citgo gas is from South America, from a Dictator who hates Americans. If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION!
(oil is now $90 - $100 a barrel
Here are some large companies that DO NOT I mport Middle Eastern oil: 
Sunoco………………0 barrels
Conoco………… …..0 barrels
Sinclair…………….0 barrels
B P/Phillips…………0 barrels
Hess…………………..0 barrels
ARC0……………….0 barrels
If you go to < http://sunoco.com/ > Sunoco.com ( http://sunoco.com/ ),you will get a list of the station locations near you.
All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and h ow much they are importing.
