...phew. I type you after a long, long day. I slept in, went to the beach, had all three meals, and still managed to find time for a 7 hour Zelda-thon. 'Twas a good day.
You know, I've never been much of a beachgoer. In fact, I've gone as far as saying I hate beaches. Theres always a lot of sand, it's hot, the waters gross looking and tasting, sharks scare the crap out of me, etc. It's always been in Maine or Cape Cod (where there are the added bonus of rocks...) and I never could understand how people I knew from California and Florida, and, you know, all my Jamaican friends, seemed to love the beach. That's why they love summer. It's hot and you could go to the beach every day. But now, in the land of 65 percent constant humidity, I begin to realize the fascination that some possess with beaches. It's awesome! There's waves, you can boogie board, or if you're more like me, lay down a towel, plop yourself down, and get engrossed in a good book while building a tan that would make David Hasslehoff proud. And no, I've never gotten a tan. Or read a book at the beach. Maybe my favorite part of the beach is that its not school!
And, now for the news of the day. (It's my blog, I can make stuff up all I want. When you have one, you'll understand)
"Hey, have you given up? We don't mean just depressed. We're talking to those of you who are ready take the precious gift that each day of life is, attempt to put it back in its clamshell packaging and return it for store credit. Then you might just be ready to take on the Pandemonium Warden, a newly added Final Fantasy XI boss that guild Beyond the Limitation plugged away at for 18 hours before finally giving up the fight. They estimate that with 5 or 6 more hours of work they could have finished the job. "People were passing out and getting physically ill," guild leaders said. "We decided to end it before we risked turning into a horrible new story about how video games ruin people's lives." So, to recap: There's a boss in Final Fantasy XI that's so tough that people who play Final Fantasy XI enough to be in a guild don't think it's worth their time. Moreover, he was so difficult it was enough to force them to start making responsible choices with their lives. Mother Brain, you can consider yourself trumped. -- Justin McElroy, Joystiq" (taken from Kombo.com)
18 hours. Plus 6. equals 24 hours. I don't know how many people can even fathom that. I just played Wind Waker for 7 hours (with dinner and two bathroom breaks) and I'm exhausted. That's and entire day. Not only just playing a video game, but doing the same thing, in a video game. I'm going to go hit the hay while those of you who still have 2 hours of daylight ahead of you let that sink fully and completely in. Stay super-duper, internets.
-Will
"I would just like to establish the fact that I am a purple person"
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Do
....lalalala life goes on. I once wrote "When life gives you lemons, Miyamoto give us Zelda." To that, I give a resounding "oo-rah." I'm now at the last boss of Minish Cap, and after I beat it, then onto the middle of Wind Waker. Thank god for those games. And my iPod. Anyways...
So, first impressions of DA...besides whatI wrote/relayed yesterday? Well, let's see. The lockers are ridicuoulsy small and poorly placed. The whole place is built like a giant fortress. 10 foot tall, white washed wall surrounding it with an entire security force and bars on every window. I know theft is a big deal, but still. Everyone seems very plastic faced. I don't know if I just forgot how much I hate school, or if this is really that much worse. But even just the first two days were just so...taxing. I walk home feeling as if I just got off a few rounds of the life-sucker from The Princess Bride. I guess I'll give it a week or so before I say I hate it, but it's off to a bad start. No music class? And no, I don't count handbells as a music program. I'm really starting to realize how much I took Quebec for granted. That place was really cool and I made friends there in like 30 seconds. Here, I don't know, people are generally friendly but everyone already knows everyone else. It seems like its going to be hard to get in the loop. Anywho, I'm going to go catch up on some sleep and dream of a Dakar Gamestop branch and drinking water straight from the tap. Nighty-Night!
So, first impressions of DA...besides whatI wrote/relayed yesterday? Well, let's see. The lockers are ridicuoulsy small and poorly placed. The whole place is built like a giant fortress. 10 foot tall, white washed wall surrounding it with an entire security force and bars on every window. I know theft is a big deal, but still. Everyone seems very plastic faced. I don't know if I just forgot how much I hate school, or if this is really that much worse. But even just the first two days were just so...taxing. I walk home feeling as if I just got off a few rounds of the life-sucker from The Princess Bride. I guess I'll give it a week or so before I say I hate it, but it's off to a bad start. No music class? And no, I don't count handbells as a music program. I'm really starting to realize how much I took Quebec for granted. That place was really cool and I made friends there in like 30 seconds. Here, I don't know, people are generally friendly but everyone already knows everyone else. It seems like its going to be hard to get in the loop. Anywho, I'm going to go catch up on some sleep and dream of a Dakar Gamestop branch and drinking water straight from the tap. Nighty-Night!
-Will
"It's not my fault being the biggest and the strongest. I don't even exercise."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
First Day of School
Sorry for the completely unoriginal title, but just a quick entry for today, seeing as I do have HOMEWORK on the first day as well as about 76 syllabi for me and my parents to sign. I just thought I'd share with you some of my personal favorite entries to the "Dakar Academy Student/Parent Handbook", some of which made me actually laugh out loud*.
Skin-tight clothing, transparent clothing, and clothing with rips or ragged edges are unacceptable.
-Pretty basic rule, not that I could see any of the stereotypical missionary kids that fill the white fortress walls to the brim wearing anything "transparent"
Undergarments must be worn and must be completely covered by outer clothing.
-No commandos in the army this year, sarge.
Pictures and logos on shirts must conform to the christian philosophy of the school.
-Must I even touch this one? Forget the ridiculousness of the actual rule, they even said the word "conform"
now I'm not done with the dress code yet, but let's check some other rules and regulations out, shall we?
Under "Public Display of Affection"
Out of common courtesy and in consideration of all residents, there will be no romantic expression of affection that would include hugging, kissing, embracing, holding hands, etc.
- Besides my general aversion to this rule, I would just like to point something out, just in case you haven't noticed. From the text,
"that would include HUGGING, kissing, EMBRACING, holding hands, etc."
I don't know if there's a special difference here, or if they've had problems with hugging (or embracing!!) in the past, but whatever the cause, I thought I'd point that out.
No dances will be sponsored by or allowed on Dakar Academy Property. Students are not to dance when they are in a group that represents Dakar Academy.
- At the West Africa track meet? NO DANCING. On campus, listenin' to tunes? NO DANCING. Just gotta boogie? find your way of of the big white prison because there is NO DANCING here.
Keep in mind this part is after the dress code. Theres a whole hierarchy of 4 step discipline plans, for both the school and individual classes. Yet:
Dress Code Violations: Incidents of serious misconduct may warrant more serious disciplinary measure; therefore progressive discipline steps may be by-passed.
And, on with the dress code:
Pajama pants are not appropriate school attire.
-I gotta hand it to em on this one, they're the only school I've been to where thats actually been in the dress code, not just "frowned upon." There goes Will's Pajama Day.
Now this one's gonna take a while to type, and, while reading (aloud), you're only allowed to breathe at the periods, and must speak as if it's just one long word.
Shorts are to be measured from the back of the knee to the crook of the thumb when the hand and thumb are held in an "L" position. This is approximately 4 inches above the knee. If one has a particularly long hand, then measure with a ruler, rather than one's hand. Shorts cannot be rolled or pulled up. Sophees brand or its equivalent are not acceptable.
- I miss the charter days when the "longer than arms laid down rule" was the norm. That up there is quite a mouthful, eh?
Spandex clothing is generally unacceptable
-Well, CRAP!
Well, turned out to be longer than expected. Just had to get those rules out there to mkae sure they're not some big prank on me. Hope you've enjoyed, I'll probably give my actual thoughts about school later. Happy interwebing!
-Will
"Going to learn, to get some knowledge!!"
-Marlin, Finding Nemo
* Please keep in mind that if you, the reader, laughs out loud during this blog post, do not give the credit to me. The parts in bold are all directly out of the handbook, so give all due credit to the Dakar Academy school administrative staff. I didn't make this stuff up.
Skin-tight clothing, transparent clothing, and clothing with rips or ragged edges are unacceptable.
-Pretty basic rule, not that I could see any of the stereotypical missionary kids that fill the white fortress walls to the brim wearing anything "transparent"
Undergarments must be worn and must be completely covered by outer clothing.
-No commandos in the army this year, sarge.
Pictures and logos on shirts must conform to the christian philosophy of the school.
-Must I even touch this one? Forget the ridiculousness of the actual rule, they even said the word "conform"
now I'm not done with the dress code yet, but let's check some other rules and regulations out, shall we?
Under "Public Display of Affection"
Out of common courtesy and in consideration of all residents, there will be no romantic expression of affection that would include hugging, kissing, embracing, holding hands, etc.
- Besides my general aversion to this rule, I would just like to point something out, just in case you haven't noticed. From the text,
"that would include HUGGING, kissing, EMBRACING, holding hands, etc."
I don't know if there's a special difference here, or if they've had problems with hugging (or embracing!!) in the past, but whatever the cause, I thought I'd point that out.
No dances will be sponsored by or allowed on Dakar Academy Property. Students are not to dance when they are in a group that represents Dakar Academy.
- At the West Africa track meet? NO DANCING. On campus, listenin' to tunes? NO DANCING. Just gotta boogie? find your way of of the big white prison because there is NO DANCING here.
Keep in mind this part is after the dress code. Theres a whole hierarchy of 4 step discipline plans, for both the school and individual classes. Yet:
Dress Code Violations: Incidents of serious misconduct may warrant more serious disciplinary measure; therefore progressive discipline steps may be by-passed.
And, on with the dress code:
Pajama pants are not appropriate school attire.
-I gotta hand it to em on this one, they're the only school I've been to where thats actually been in the dress code, not just "frowned upon." There goes Will's Pajama Day.
Now this one's gonna take a while to type, and, while reading (aloud), you're only allowed to breathe at the periods, and must speak as if it's just one long word.
Shorts are to be measured from the back of the knee to the crook of the thumb when the hand and thumb are held in an "L" position. This is approximately 4 inches above the knee. If one has a particularly long hand, then measure with a ruler, rather than one's hand. Shorts cannot be rolled or pulled up. Sophees brand or its equivalent are not acceptable.
- I miss the charter days when the "longer than arms laid down rule" was the norm. That up there is quite a mouthful, eh?
Spandex clothing is generally unacceptable
-Well, CRAP!
Well, turned out to be longer than expected. Just had to get those rules out there to mkae sure they're not some big prank on me. Hope you've enjoyed, I'll probably give my actual thoughts about school later. Happy interwebing!
-Will
"Going to learn, to get some knowledge!!"
-Marlin, Finding Nemo
* Please keep in mind that if you, the reader, laughs out loud during this blog post, do not give the credit to me. The parts in bold are all directly out of the handbook, so give all due credit to the Dakar Academy school administrative staff. I didn't make this stuff up.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hell on Earth- Now With 100% more Soulja Boi
Just when I thought I had escaped the song that was the bane of my very existence for a few long months, it follows me halfway around the world, to the beach, from a monitor the size of the boat we took to the island.
After a nightmarish first day, things have been a little better, though not any cooler, since then. We went to the beach on...Saturday, I think, and that was actually a lot of fun. Of course, at our houses, it was another incredibly hot day, so once we got into the cool, clear water, all the worries of taking a taxi, a ferry, and a short walk in a place that barely speaks your second language, washed cleanly away. The water was beautiful, cold, and clear, which was good because black sea urchins are apparently a big problem and "they really really hurt."
After a nice day at the beach, it was time to change and jump right into ping pong. The ersatz ping pong table (two large green wooden boards on a table) is easily my favorite new feature of the house, though the gecko infestation is a close 2nd. I'm the best of me and my brothers, although Sam has beaten me a few times. We've played that more than the Wii since its been set up, and those of you reading this who know me and my brothers well should be pretty shocked by that. We'll miss it when we move into our actual place in January.
And one other thing before I go; the housemaids. Of course, growing up in southern Massachusetts, I have not ever had a maid or housewife or whatever you wanna call em. And to say that there are pros and cons to hiring one, would be a complete, overwhelming, understatement. Lets see, so I'm not allowed to walk around in my own house without being completely clothed. And, no, I don't walk around naked, you try getting business done when your own shirt is drenched with sweat! The natural reaction is to take your shirt off! And the both of em cleaned the only 2 bathrooms out of 5 with working showers right when I was trying to take one. And the traditional African dish they made for us on Friday had chicken of questionable...everything in it, along with some other unrecognizable little....things. But you bite into one of those juicy homemade burgers, in the middle of fresh, warm, homemade buns, next to your crispy homemade fries, crafted from potatoes you bought 2 hours ago, and tell me that the housemaids are a bit annoying. Didn't think so. I rest my case.
-Will
P.S.- The housemaids, by the way, are very nice ladies, and if they spoke english I'm sure we could have some engaging conversations. Don't let me paint em as bad people, I'm just not used to em yet.
"I am the gatekeeper of my own destiny, and I will have my glory day in the hot sun."
- Jack Black, Nacho Libre
After a nightmarish first day, things have been a little better, though not any cooler, since then. We went to the beach on...Saturday, I think, and that was actually a lot of fun. Of course, at our houses, it was another incredibly hot day, so once we got into the cool, clear water, all the worries of taking a taxi, a ferry, and a short walk in a place that barely speaks your second language, washed cleanly away. The water was beautiful, cold, and clear, which was good because black sea urchins are apparently a big problem and "they really really hurt."
After a nice day at the beach, it was time to change and jump right into ping pong. The ersatz ping pong table (two large green wooden boards on a table) is easily my favorite new feature of the house, though the gecko infestation is a close 2nd. I'm the best of me and my brothers, although Sam has beaten me a few times. We've played that more than the Wii since its been set up, and those of you reading this who know me and my brothers well should be pretty shocked by that. We'll miss it when we move into our actual place in January.
And one other thing before I go; the housemaids. Of course, growing up in southern Massachusetts, I have not ever had a maid or housewife or whatever you wanna call em. And to say that there are pros and cons to hiring one, would be a complete, overwhelming, understatement. Lets see, so I'm not allowed to walk around in my own house without being completely clothed. And, no, I don't walk around naked, you try getting business done when your own shirt is drenched with sweat! The natural reaction is to take your shirt off! And the both of em cleaned the only 2 bathrooms out of 5 with working showers right when I was trying to take one. And the traditional African dish they made for us on Friday had chicken of questionable...everything in it, along with some other unrecognizable little....things. But you bite into one of those juicy homemade burgers, in the middle of fresh, warm, homemade buns, next to your crispy homemade fries, crafted from potatoes you bought 2 hours ago, and tell me that the housemaids are a bit annoying. Didn't think so. I rest my case.
-Will
P.S.- The housemaids, by the way, are very nice ladies, and if they spoke english I'm sure we could have some engaging conversations. Don't let me paint em as bad people, I'm just not used to em yet.
"I am the gatekeeper of my own destiny, and I will have my glory day in the hot sun."
- Jack Black, Nacho Libre
Thursday, August 7, 2008
If I had a Nickel...
...for every freakin' time someone told me how much I was going to enjoy Africa, I would play golf with Bill Gates every Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, this is not the case. After the best month of my entire life, we have taken our leave and flew to Africa on wednesday morning, August 6th. It's hard to believe that was just yesterday. We landed today, technically, after 20 hours of being in the airport or on a plane, and were assissted by some helpers the Adamson's had hired because of the 27 bags we had in total.
As we were walking out (6 a.m. Senegal time), there were about 30 guys waiting outside the airport to "help" with baggage. Basically a big "bleed the white men of their money" game. I was never too good at that one. I was carrying my backpack, my manpurse, and the carry-on with the Wii and many accessories in it, so basically all my most valuable items on earth were right there in my hands. So you could probably imagine that I was a little touchy when anyone came anywhere near me. But then it got really fun. I was taking up the rear for some reason unbeknownst to me, and this was about when, during the 5 minute walk to the cars, that some dude came up behind me and decided he was going to "help" with my rolling carry-on. And you'd better believe I was going to strike that man downbefore I gave him possession of one of the few things thatkept my sanity in Quebec, and as I'm pretty sure will here. After a couple minutes of trying to reply his mumbled french and incredibly broken english with my terrible french, and dad saying "no" once to him at one single point in time, the cars pulled up and we started to put our stuff in. Thanks so much for all the help, mom and dad.
Then, at 6:30 (which was 2:30 Boston time), everyone decided it was high freakin' time for some tea and biscuits. It's not like I've been hauling crap around all day, and I sure as Seth Rogen don't want to go crash at our apartment, or that I haven't slept for 24 hours. No, really, let's go have some breakfast!!!
So, finally, 3 meals, 3 power outages, 2 naps, several trips to the Adamson's, and a few e-mails later, here I am at the laptop, telling you about my first day here. Oh, and its really really hot and humid. Let's just hope we can find a voltage adapter so I can plug the Wii in and spend some quality sanity time with my favorite little white box.
-Dazed and Confused
"First impressions are often entirely...wrong"
-Lemony Snicket
As we were walking out (6 a.m. Senegal time), there were about 30 guys waiting outside the airport to "help" with baggage. Basically a big "bleed the white men of their money" game. I was never too good at that one. I was carrying my backpack, my manpurse, and the carry-on with the Wii and many accessories in it, so basically all my most valuable items on earth were right there in my hands. So you could probably imagine that I was a little touchy when anyone came anywhere near me. But then it got really fun. I was taking up the rear for some reason unbeknownst to me, and this was about when, during the 5 minute walk to the cars, that some dude came up behind me and decided he was going to "help" with my rolling carry-on. And you'd better believe I was going to strike that man downbefore I gave him possession of one of the few things thatkept my sanity in Quebec, and as I'm pretty sure will here. After a couple minutes of trying to reply his mumbled french and incredibly broken english with my terrible french, and dad saying "no" once to him at one single point in time, the cars pulled up and we started to put our stuff in. Thanks so much for all the help, mom and dad.
Then, at 6:30 (which was 2:30 Boston time), everyone decided it was high freakin' time for some tea and biscuits. It's not like I've been hauling crap around all day, and I sure as Seth Rogen don't want to go crash at our apartment, or that I haven't slept for 24 hours. No, really, let's go have some breakfast!!!
So, finally, 3 meals, 3 power outages, 2 naps, several trips to the Adamson's, and a few e-mails later, here I am at the laptop, telling you about my first day here. Oh, and its really really hot and humid. Let's just hope we can find a voltage adapter so I can plug the Wii in and spend some quality sanity time with my favorite little white box.
-Dazed and Confused
"First impressions are often entirely...wrong"
-Lemony Snicket
Saturday, May 17, 2008
It's About Time
Well it's been more than amonth since my last post so I figure I'd stop procrastinating and at least update you on whats going on. First off, the rugby season has started at QHS, and has taken top prize for least organized sports team. EVER. In a school where education takes 2nd place to the 6 month long Basketball season, you'd think that the other sports would get a some attention as well. Our nonexistent practice schedule plus the less-than-a-month season speaks volumes otherwise. Earlier this month, me and Caleb picked up Mario Kart Wii. Not nearly as good as Double Dash or DS, but a decent Wii game. rent it before you buy it, unless you have exstensively played every other Mario Kart and love 'em whether they border mediocrity or not. In video game news, which I'm sure you're all psyched about, Guitar Hero 4 will have drums and vocals (like Rock Band) plus the ability to custom make tracks. Also, WiiWare just released this last monday, and I downloaded Defend Your Castle from xgen studios. If you've got a Wii, 5 bucks, and an internet connection, this game is totally worth it. This Monday 9 games on WiiWare are to be released, and its Victoria Day (whoever that is *rolls eyes*), so no school in Canada and WiiWare for Will. Oo-rah. Last week there was a History project, english paper, and science lab report due so its nice to be able to breathe easily this weekend. Then science test this thursday, plus Indy 4's release after that! Our little stop at Quebec is rapidly drawing to a close as our 2nd to last month is halfway over. Not lookin' forward to packing again, but it'll be soooo nice to spend some quality time back home. And in case you didn't know, we're subletting a furnished house until december when we get to Senegal, so we have a chance to find a really good house. Not really my first pick, mais c'est la vie. What can ya do? See ya next time, on Will's super duper blogpost show! Now, of to defend my castle.
- Will
"What a weird day. I don't understand it. But you don't get to understand every day of your life. Maybe 5, 10 days a year I'll get home and I won't know what the heck just happened. I guess everyone has days like that. Sometimes they're the nicest ones."
- Will
"What a weird day. I don't understand it. But you don't get to understand every day of your life. Maybe 5, 10 days a year I'll get home and I won't know what the heck just happened. I guess everyone has days like that. Sometimes they're the nicest ones."
Friday, April 11, 2008
I'm This Many
In the words of Ben and Arvin from Wii Like to Podcast- "Happy Bithday Will". In pretty much the coolest event that ever happened, my mom e-mailed the guys from WLTP, telling them it was my birthday, and they sent me a personalized video and an autographed picture of them. And this was only the beginning.
But before I describe the minutia of Will's April 9th , let me start with the minutia of Will's March 28th and Will's April 4th. Both quite enjoyable dates, the 28th was trivia night and the 4th was my actual birthday party.
Trivia night was by far the most entertaining thing the school has organized out of school. The concept was simple; pack a ton of people into the cafeteria (comfyish chairs), let them provide their own snacks (no restraints), and throw trivia questions at them (trivia rocks), for prizes (hello more chocolate and giftcards!). The only downside to this was that I didn't get to meet Regis Philbin or Alex Trebek, which is a total bummer because I thought they were the only people with license to ask trivia questions! the people in my team also took this as an opportunity to give eachother codenames, and incidentally, they were all birds. In other words, Agent Chickadee, at your service.
I didn't even think I was going to have a birthday party earlier in the year, but then I thought about the availability of good, junk food snacks in Senegal and decided that I needed a last hoorah, you know? It was pretty cool, only 2 people ended up actually coming but you can only play 4 player in Brawl anyway! I've heard that getting some dudes into a basement and eat candy while playing video games for 4 hours is "such a teenage guy thing", and I've now decided to now spread that tradition across the world and to all age groups. if anyone has any idea how I could do that, drop me a line and I'll get right on it.
And now, without further ado, Will's April 9th. All in all, it was an awesome day. Unfortunately, this year it wasn't on Good Friday so I did have to go to school, but even that couldn't suck the awesome out of my birthday. Before that, I had breakfast in bed, a Martin tradition (mmmmm poptarts), and got a small present on the tray (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Yes, you are allowed to drool now)
But of course, the best part of the day was the part when I wasn't at school. We got Pizza Hut pizza for dinner, a rare delicacy, and then some awesome cake. grandma's recipe hasn't failed yet, although Mom thinks it had the essence of "swampy bog" in it. Then came everyone's favorite part of Birthday's: presents. And before anyone else asks, I got:
A sweet iPod Docking speaker
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
My picture of Washington, D.C. with my class framed
My French Coach for DS (pretty much the most fun way to learn a new language)
Weights (laugh now, whimper in terror as I come back to the U.S. a veritable incredible Hulk)
and a DS charger Grip from Amazon that's coming on Monday :D
plus the video and picture from Ben and Arvin
Thanks Mom and Dad!!
So, yes, the birthday loot was flowing and I'm still taking in the music I got with the Copelands' iTunes Gift card (Thank you!!) and its playin' loud in the speaker while I play My French Coach while I lift weights with my feet and watching Sam play Zelda and the D.C. picture is on the wall and I'm watching the Wii Like to Podcast video and waiting for the Charger grip.
Oh yes.
Well, I'd better be going. I need to go see is "comfyish" is a real word.
-Will
"There is nothing in life that can't be solved by a well-placed Falcon Punch"
But before I describe the minutia of Will's April 9th , let me start with the minutia of Will's March 28th and Will's April 4th. Both quite enjoyable dates, the 28th was trivia night and the 4th was my actual birthday party.
Trivia night was by far the most entertaining thing the school has organized out of school. The concept was simple; pack a ton of people into the cafeteria (comfyish chairs), let them provide their own snacks (no restraints), and throw trivia questions at them (trivia rocks), for prizes (hello more chocolate and giftcards!). The only downside to this was that I didn't get to meet Regis Philbin or Alex Trebek, which is a total bummer because I thought they were the only people with license to ask trivia questions! the people in my team also took this as an opportunity to give eachother codenames, and incidentally, they were all birds. In other words, Agent Chickadee, at your service.
I didn't even think I was going to have a birthday party earlier in the year, but then I thought about the availability of good, junk food snacks in Senegal and decided that I needed a last hoorah, you know? It was pretty cool, only 2 people ended up actually coming but you can only play 4 player in Brawl anyway! I've heard that getting some dudes into a basement and eat candy while playing video games for 4 hours is "such a teenage guy thing", and I've now decided to now spread that tradition across the world and to all age groups. if anyone has any idea how I could do that, drop me a line and I'll get right on it.
And now, without further ado, Will's April 9th. All in all, it was an awesome day. Unfortunately, this year it wasn't on Good Friday so I did have to go to school, but even that couldn't suck the awesome out of my birthday. Before that, I had breakfast in bed, a Martin tradition (mmmmm poptarts), and got a small present on the tray (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Yes, you are allowed to drool now)
But of course, the best part of the day was the part when I wasn't at school. We got Pizza Hut pizza for dinner, a rare delicacy, and then some awesome cake. grandma's recipe hasn't failed yet, although Mom thinks it had the essence of "swampy bog" in it. Then came everyone's favorite part of Birthday's: presents. And before anyone else asks, I got:
A sweet iPod Docking speaker
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
My picture of Washington, D.C. with my class framed
My French Coach for DS (pretty much the most fun way to learn a new language)
Weights (laugh now, whimper in terror as I come back to the U.S. a veritable incredible Hulk)
and a DS charger Grip from Amazon that's coming on Monday :D
plus the video and picture from Ben and Arvin
Thanks Mom and Dad!!
So, yes, the birthday loot was flowing and I'm still taking in the music I got with the Copelands' iTunes Gift card (Thank you!!) and its playin' loud in the speaker while I play My French Coach while I lift weights with my feet and watching Sam play Zelda and the D.C. picture is on the wall and I'm watching the Wii Like to Podcast video and waiting for the Charger grip.
Oh yes.
Well, I'd better be going. I need to go see is "comfyish" is a real word.
-Will
"There is nothing in life that can't be solved by a well-placed Falcon Punch"
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Can't you Feel It?
The days are getting longer, the birds have come back, the temperature is rising, and everyone's just in a better mood. Can't you feel it?
In the summer, that giant pile of snow behind us is not a hill at all. The ground behind us is normally flat. Just thought I'd letcha know. Taken on Easter Sunday
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Oh yes, winter's over and its time to get some new cargo shorts and sunscreen to put in em! Woo hoo!
Although, in Quebec, it's pretty much not spring. Everyone's still down about winter, and I'm still "Bring it on!." Think about it; these 5 feet of snow that keep falling on our heads every month could be the last 5 feet of snow I see in 3 years. Until college. Das a long time.
Anyway, actually been pretty busy with myself over the past few weeks. But just a Wii bit (Like how I threw that in there?) I've played Brawl for like 60 hours, yes, but other activities have included (drumroll please); going to Taco Bell (the only one in the city), going to a big sledding park, going to get my wonderful locks cruelly destroyed, and, yes, playing more Brawl.
So I bet you're wondering: "Will, how was your haircut?"
Well it goes something like this:
My glorious hair blows in the wind as i step into the room smelling of old hairspray and I realize that this is not the Eb Games my dad promised he would take me to. The evil lady cackling with the intensity of a thousand suns straps me into a chair and rip the long, Jerry Garcia-esque hair out of my skull and hits me over the head with a pan, then kicks the chair (which is on wheels made of dead puppies) into the 4-way intersection where I am saved by CHUCK NORRIS.
But actually I just kinda walked in, got my hair trimmed a half-inch, the lady told me I should come in more often because my hair is, and I quote, "like...umm...like crap." Maybe twice a year is not enough times to get my hair cut.
Taco Bell was awesome, best cheesy burrito I've ever had. The sledding was also wicked cool, one of the highlights of my winter activities here in Quebec.
Other than that, not much else to report. My birthday is in 2 weeks (Woohoo!) and that should be fun and I might be having some visitors up here from the States in later April, but things are all as they should be up here in cold Canadia. Happy Spring and Happy Birthday!
-Will
In the summer, that giant pile of snow behind us is not a hill at all. The ground behind us is normally flat. Just thought I'd letcha know. Taken on Easter Sunday
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Oh yes, winter's over and its time to get some new cargo shorts and sunscreen to put in em! Woo hoo!
Although, in Quebec, it's pretty much not spring. Everyone's still down about winter, and I'm still "Bring it on!." Think about it; these 5 feet of snow that keep falling on our heads every month could be the last 5 feet of snow I see in 3 years. Until college. Das a long time.
Anyway, actually been pretty busy with myself over the past few weeks. But just a Wii bit (Like how I threw that in there?) I've played Brawl for like 60 hours, yes, but other activities have included (drumroll please); going to Taco Bell (the only one in the city), going to a big sledding park, going to get my wonderful locks cruelly destroyed, and, yes, playing more Brawl.
So I bet you're wondering: "Will, how was your haircut?"
Well it goes something like this:
My glorious hair blows in the wind as i step into the room smelling of old hairspray and I realize that this is not the Eb Games my dad promised he would take me to. The evil lady cackling with the intensity of a thousand suns straps me into a chair and rip the long, Jerry Garcia-esque hair out of my skull and hits me over the head with a pan, then kicks the chair (which is on wheels made of dead puppies) into the 4-way intersection where I am saved by CHUCK NORRIS.
But actually I just kinda walked in, got my hair trimmed a half-inch, the lady told me I should come in more often because my hair is, and I quote, "like...umm...like crap." Maybe twice a year is not enough times to get my hair cut.
Taco Bell was awesome, best cheesy burrito I've ever had. The sledding was also wicked cool, one of the highlights of my winter activities here in Quebec.
Other than that, not much else to report. My birthday is in 2 weeks (Woohoo!) and that should be fun and I might be having some visitors up here from the States in later April, but things are all as they should be up here in cold Canadia. Happy Spring and Happy Birthday!
-Will
Thursday, March 20, 2008
As Promised, My Super Smash Bros. Brawl Review
1999. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a small budget game originally slated as a Japan-only release, pitting Nintendo’s all-stars against each other, goes on to sell 4.6 million copies worldwide. 2008. After 3 delays, the third iteration of the big N’s now famous series releases on March 9th, boasting a full-fledged one-player mode and almost 3 times the amount of characters from the first game. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a game that excels in nearly every way, from the controls to the one player campaign to the always wonderful multiplayer modes.
The Smash Bros. games have always been known for their multiplayer, getting 4 friends together and playing the games can still provide hours of entertainment. But Smash Bros. Brawl improves on its predecessor, Smash Bros. Melee, in so many subtle but important ways, and adds so many new game options it’s a wonder how they fit it on a Wii Optical Disc (The game takes up a whopping 128 blocks, and to give you a yardstick, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess takes up only 1 and Super Mario World takes 4.) For instance, players can now have access to a fully customizable game mode system, where options like metal or low gravity can be put in. The biggest change to the regular vs. matches is the introduction of the Final Smash. When a Smash Ball appears on the screen, it gives everyone a very good reason to stop what they’re doing and go after it. Once you break the floating Smash bros. symbol open, you have one-time access to an attack that can turn the tide of any fight. The new characters are all well-balanced, and for the most part, incredibly fun to play. The new stages are also a highlight of the game. The Warioware stage in particular is one of the most talked about stages in the game, and for good reason. Every once in a while, the arena turns into a full screen minigame, awarding brawlers who “followed the instructions” with items like the starman or a mega-mushroom.
As you may know, there are 4 controller options, and you’ve probably heard by now that our trusty Gamecube controllers are still the best for playing as your favorite veteran or newcomer character. The Classic controller also works well, and the Wiimote and nunchuck configuration can be used in a pinch, but the sideways Wiimote works so badly I don’t even know why they put it in the game.
The game is jam-packed with unlockables, by far the most of any previous Smash Bros. titles. Between the event mode, challenge mode, Subspace Emissary, and stadium levels, any one person could play the game without unlocking everything for months or even years. With over 700 trophies, plus many stickers and CD’s to collect, the series purists should find plenty to sink their teeth into. The stage editor in particular is an option I’ve spent a lot of time on, which enables you to create your own stage, give it a name and background music, and even submit it to Nintendo for a chance to have it be the stage of the day.
The music in the game is truly worthy of all the characters’ games combined, and even before getting any CD’s in-game, there is already a massive library of Nintendo music at your fingertips through the My Music option. The music ranges from nostalgic remixes to straight adaptations of the original music, and the variety of genre in the game should also be noted. From do-op jazz to orchestral renditions to songs that sound like they should be in Guitar Hero, or songs like the Wii Sports menu music or the original Ice Climbers theme all just seem to fit in the game’s atmosphere.
One could argue that, yes, the game is still more fun in its multiplayer modes than in the one-player excursions. But let me ask you something; can you dream up a one person game that is more fun than getting 3 other friends together and beating each other up with Mario, Link, Solid Snake, and Sonic? No ideas? Didn’t think so. Online modes with strangers are very limited (2 minute brawls only, and absolutely no names or communication) but work fluidly and only occasionally lag. However, if you can go through the hassle of exchanging your Wii number (16 digits) and your special Brawl friend code (12 digits), the results are worth it. The friend code games work perfectly, with options to team up in home-run contest or other stadium modes, or just regular Brawls.
The graphics are some of the best you’ll see on the Wii yet, the audio is great, and you’ll be playing this for years to come. I give the game 9.75 out of 10. The only thing keeping this title from perfection is the online mode, which could have been the highlight of the game, but due to Nintendo’s “protect the little ones” online strategies, it feels a little restrictive. But the bottom line is; if you have a Wii, buy Brawl. If you have a Wii and don’t want Brawl, sell it and check into a home because no one in their right mind would pass on this truly spectacular game.
The Smash Bros. games have always been known for their multiplayer, getting 4 friends together and playing the games can still provide hours of entertainment. But Smash Bros. Brawl improves on its predecessor, Smash Bros. Melee, in so many subtle but important ways, and adds so many new game options it’s a wonder how they fit it on a Wii Optical Disc (The game takes up a whopping 128 blocks, and to give you a yardstick, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess takes up only 1 and Super Mario World takes 4.) For instance, players can now have access to a fully customizable game mode system, where options like metal or low gravity can be put in. The biggest change to the regular vs. matches is the introduction of the Final Smash. When a Smash Ball appears on the screen, it gives everyone a very good reason to stop what they’re doing and go after it. Once you break the floating Smash bros. symbol open, you have one-time access to an attack that can turn the tide of any fight. The new characters are all well-balanced, and for the most part, incredibly fun to play. The new stages are also a highlight of the game. The Warioware stage in particular is one of the most talked about stages in the game, and for good reason. Every once in a while, the arena turns into a full screen minigame, awarding brawlers who “followed the instructions” with items like the starman or a mega-mushroom.
As you may know, there are 4 controller options, and you’ve probably heard by now that our trusty Gamecube controllers are still the best for playing as your favorite veteran or newcomer character. The Classic controller also works well, and the Wiimote and nunchuck configuration can be used in a pinch, but the sideways Wiimote works so badly I don’t even know why they put it in the game.
The game is jam-packed with unlockables, by far the most of any previous Smash Bros. titles. Between the event mode, challenge mode, Subspace Emissary, and stadium levels, any one person could play the game without unlocking everything for months or even years. With over 700 trophies, plus many stickers and CD’s to collect, the series purists should find plenty to sink their teeth into. The stage editor in particular is an option I’ve spent a lot of time on, which enables you to create your own stage, give it a name and background music, and even submit it to Nintendo for a chance to have it be the stage of the day.
The music in the game is truly worthy of all the characters’ games combined, and even before getting any CD’s in-game, there is already a massive library of Nintendo music at your fingertips through the My Music option. The music ranges from nostalgic remixes to straight adaptations of the original music, and the variety of genre in the game should also be noted. From do-op jazz to orchestral renditions to songs that sound like they should be in Guitar Hero, or songs like the Wii Sports menu music or the original Ice Climbers theme all just seem to fit in the game’s atmosphere.
One could argue that, yes, the game is still more fun in its multiplayer modes than in the one-player excursions. But let me ask you something; can you dream up a one person game that is more fun than getting 3 other friends together and beating each other up with Mario, Link, Solid Snake, and Sonic? No ideas? Didn’t think so. Online modes with strangers are very limited (2 minute brawls only, and absolutely no names or communication) but work fluidly and only occasionally lag. However, if you can go through the hassle of exchanging your Wii number (16 digits) and your special Brawl friend code (12 digits), the results are worth it. The friend code games work perfectly, with options to team up in home-run contest or other stadium modes, or just regular Brawls.
The graphics are some of the best you’ll see on the Wii yet, the audio is great, and you’ll be playing this for years to come. I give the game 9.75 out of 10. The only thing keeping this title from perfection is the online mode, which could have been the highlight of the game, but due to Nintendo’s “protect the little ones” online strategies, it feels a little restrictive. But the bottom line is; if you have a Wii, buy Brawl. If you have a Wii and don’t want Brawl, sell it and check into a home because no one in their right mind would pass on this truly spectacular game.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Icy Conditions Ahead
So here's Quebec Citys Weather today in a fun, easy-to-do craft:
You Will Need:
A picture of what's out a window in your house (pick a window, any window)
A good supply of cottonballs
A handful of white sand
Grey Paint
The eyesight of a 88-year old blind person
Now here's what you do:
Take the picture of the window, put it on a table. Then take the paint, and just pour it on your hand! Then handle the picture (make sure the paint is still wet) for 15 minutes whilst juggling golf balls. Then rip some of the cottonballs apart and eat the rest of them like Will Ferrell did in the movie Elf. then thickly coat the picture in white sand! Now go in one of those circular rooms where sky divers train above a giant, unseeable fan keeping them afloat and you have the weather outside today.
But honestly, what would any self respecting teenage geek do on a snow day?
1. Eat a giant lollipop
2. Play Lord of the Rings Risk
3. Watch the extended edition of Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring on DVD
4. Kick siblings' butts in Smash Bros. Melee six ways to Sunday!
Anyway, school break week was last week, and my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Pat came the week before, but I never did a single post. I wanted to, but I didn't. Sue me. And now it's a 3 day week, not taking into account a possibility of yet another snow day. This is the 4th one. No joke. Pretty standard stuff goin' on, nothing to report on that front. And finally, 4 DAYS UNTIL SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL. After it comes out, I'll probably review it and put it on this. Thanks for reading!
Merry Wednesday,
Will
"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
You Will Need:
A picture of what's out a window in your house (pick a window, any window)
A good supply of cottonballs
A handful of white sand
Grey Paint
The eyesight of a 88-year old blind person
Now here's what you do:
Take the picture of the window, put it on a table. Then take the paint, and just pour it on your hand! Then handle the picture (make sure the paint is still wet) for 15 minutes whilst juggling golf balls. Then rip some of the cottonballs apart and eat the rest of them like Will Ferrell did in the movie Elf. then thickly coat the picture in white sand! Now go in one of those circular rooms where sky divers train above a giant, unseeable fan keeping them afloat and you have the weather outside today.
But honestly, what would any self respecting teenage geek do on a snow day?
1. Eat a giant lollipop
2. Play Lord of the Rings Risk
3. Watch the extended edition of Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring on DVD
4. Kick siblings' butts in Smash Bros. Melee six ways to Sunday!
Pirate Bandana? Check.
Candy? Check.
Return of the King soundtrack for ambient music? Very check.
That's what I'm talking about.
Anyway, school break week was last week, and my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Pat came the week before, but I never did a single post. I wanted to, but I didn't. Sue me. And now it's a 3 day week, not taking into account a possibility of yet another snow day. This is the 4th one. No joke. Pretty standard stuff goin' on, nothing to report on that front. And finally, 4 DAYS UNTIL SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL. After it comes out, I'll probably review it and put it on this. Thanks for reading!
Merry Wednesday,
Will
"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
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