If you haven’t seen it yet, Adam Lambert performed tonight as the final act for the American Music Awards. I have to say – it’s quite disgusting what they let musicians do these days. Don’t get me wrong – I’m no ultra-conservative. I think America does need to “lighten up” when it comes to sexual stuff in the media. How is it OK that we let our kids go watch movies or play video games with tons of violence (a la Modern Warfare 2) but one little nipple and people are up in arms?

Anyways, Adam Lambert’s performance was just…  ugg. I know I’m probably going to his fans up in arms but really…  I’ve already seen people praising this craptastic junk. I didn’t like him in American Idol and now I have even less respect. His voice was utter crap, off-key in many spots. Then the actual show…  he DRAGGED a woman across the stage? Yes, let’s get back to where we are degrading women…  way to go AMA’s. Then he has a chain linked to two guys crawling around like dogs, followed by some hip thrusts with his crotch in one guy’s face??? Shortly after, a dancer wrapped her arm around his leg and literally had her hands right on his crotch. When the hell did it become OK to do this type of stuff on a live performance that is nationally televised?

I couldn’t care less that he kissed a guy during the performance – he’s gay and just showing off, imo. It’s no bigger a deal than the Britney/Madonna kiss…  it’s showbiz and gets them attention. But come on people…   this type of stuff is really getting out of hand. I really hope there weren’t many kids watching this. Honestly, what has happened to the classy musicians?

Recently I’ve been sort of bad for bouncing between games. I just reactivated my Eve Online account. Not long ago I started playing World of Warcraft again, but I haven’t done much with it. I played a full season of Madden 10, winning the Superbowl with my Dolphins, then putting it down. I started playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, but realized quickly that so many people are way ahead of me in unlocks… so I die fairly often. Just bought Borderlands recently, seems like a good game so far. Oh and I downloaded Final Fantasy 7 off the Playstation Network.

It’s just felt a little weird lately, how I can’t seem to stay committed to a certain game. I was pretty dedicated to playing WoW for around 4 years, but none of these other games seem to pull me in as much. I do really enjoy Eve, but since my wife has had pretty much no interest in it, it cuts down on my playtime some. I do plan on playing it, but I’m also waiting on a few other games to come out.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2 – I’ve long been a fan of shooters, all the way back to the days of Unreal and Quake. I’ve been in “clans” for various shooters, which is really where it gets to be a lot more fun than your average play. I lead a Clan for awhile for Battlefield 1942, playing the Desert Combat mod. So after seeing the below preview, I’m definitely looking forward to checking out this game. The big debate is whether to buy it for PC or PS3.

Left 4 Dead 2 – If you haven’t played the original, I highly suggest picking it up. There have been an abundance of “zombie shooters” over the past few years and this one is actually pretty decent. Fair warning though – there is very little storyline to this, it’s all about killing massive hoards of zombies, as it should be.

Final Fantasy XIII – I’ve long been a huge fan of the Final Fantasy series, starting with the original. FF7 was definitely one of the best RPG type games of all-time in my book. The last few haven’t been as great, but by all looks they are bringing the series back to some of it’s roots with 13. The graphics are just drool-worthy. I am really hoping this one turns out well, I am definitely going to pick it up when it releases in the spring.

Last but definitely not least, I am really looking forward to playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you haven’t heard about this one, it’s an MMO being developed by none other than Bioware, the same RPG masters that created Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, two of the most acclaimed RPG’s in the past 10 years. I’m really excited to see if this MMO will be better than the other Star Wars one, which was a huge flop imo.

So, what games are you looking forward to?

The couple seated behind me was having a conversation – but not your normal run of the mill conversation. They were holding their conversation – a bit loudly – over their “walkie-talkie” cell phones. You know, the ones that Nextel promoted for so long, that beep at you, then someone else’s voice comes out loudly through the speakers? Well, this couple who looked to be a mother & son, were holding conversations with someone on the other end and we could hear the entire thing. I’m fairly certain I could easily repeat just about their entire convo. Something about someone joining the Army… blah blah blah.

Anyways, it really got us to talking about how the world around us has changed so much over the past 20 years. I ask you, fair reader – Where has the common courtesy gone? These people seated just behind us had to know that others could overhear them – those phones are annoyingly loud. Not to mention the fact that I turned completely around in my chair to look at them a couple times – of course, this got totally ignored by either of them. The only reason I decided not to cause a bit of a scene was I really didn’t want to embarrass my wife. Seriously though, I know Olive Garden isn’t really “fine dining”, but I’d consider it a bit of an upscale restaurant compared to most in the area. I’d expect something like this in Golden Corral.

Something else very similar happened just last Friday. We went to see the movie Law Abiding Citizen (good action flick btw), at 10pm. You would think such a late showing, a week after the movie came out, would cut down on the number of younger children in the theater. Not to mention the R rating… you would think (again) that this would cut down on those under the age of 10. You’d be wrong. Oh and let us not forget the wonderful invention known as cell phones. Seriously people – they repeatedly ask you to turn them off – so why then, do we see your glaringly bright cell phone screen DURING THE MOVIE? Is it that damn important to send a text message, are you so worried about missing that so ever so important message that you just can’t sit down for 90 – 120 minutes without looking at your cell phone? Klutzy Shutterbug was complaining throughout the entire movie about a woman about 3 rows ahead of us that was constantly on her cell phone. Have some respect for those around you… if it’s that damn important, step outside! This is the point where I really just have to say THANK GOD for Netflix. It’s getting to the point I’d rather not pay for a movie that is going to be ruined by the people that are apparently super important – I mean obviously they are going to prevent World War III by sending a text message while watching a movie.

Another story to relate – this one is a tad older, but glares bright in my mind as a perfect example of how this trend is being passed on to children. Klutzy and I were having dinner at a wonderful place already mentioned – Golden Corral. Now, mind you, I don’t go into this establishment expecting uppity, higher class citizens or fine china. Far from it… but what happened on this evening just blew my mind. We had both eaten our fill of the food from the serve-yourself bar… so I decided I’d like a little machine-made fake ice cream. I got up, moseyed my way over to the big silver machine… and just as I placed my small bowl under the dripping milk – only to feel a push against my leg. I look down to see two young children (I’d estimate between 4-6 yrs old) pushing their way through me to get their bowls under the same machine I was about to use. Being the type of guy I am, I step back… and look around, expecting to see an adult that would chastise the kids for their behavior. No grown-up is in viewing distance, so I watch entranced as both of these little evil-doers try their best to dispense the ice cream into their bowls. A waitress walking by sees them struggling and asks where their parents are. The little devil children by this point are frustrated and are starting to whine (loudly), so the waitress helps them fill their bowls and they run off screaming… to the front register, where their mother is apparently still paying for their meals. One thing I should point out here… Golden Corral is a buffet, so you pay before you eat. Meaning these little bastards hadn’t even eaten any normal food, and already they had ice cream (which they were currently dripping all over). The mother never once said a word to them, she just picked up her tray and found a table.

I remember from a very early age, as I grew up, my parents and even those adults that were simply around me would discipline me for various things. Back in those days (and I’m only 30), it was not unheard of for me to get a stern word spoken, a slap on the butt, or a threat of what I would get when we got home. God forbid if I was to do something like these kids did that evening – my father would have surely ripped me a new one. But it wasn’t just my father – any adult that was a friend of the family was allowed to discipline me if I was acting up. Hell, one of my introductions to my step-father in my teenage years was getting my hand “forked” for reaching across the table.

Anyways, I really have to wonder what has our society degenerated into when common courtesy is no longer used in today’s world. Where are the gentlemen that open a door for a lady (and not just on a date, not that this happens anymore either)? What happened to the grown adults that actually discipline their child for acting like idiots in public? Why do people have no respect for those around them? How did we let our society get to this point, that a little respect for your fellow human beings is looked down upon by the majority?

Hell, maybe we should dust off the old books that were used in school in the old days to teach a woman how to “act like a lady”, update them for the times and make them a requirement for every student in every grade. LOL, sorry I found this pic and just couldn’t resist including it.

Feel free to share your own stories.

You may be asking what changed so much in our life… or you might not care at all, but I’ll tell ya anyways. For those who haven’t really followed this blog at all, I was a member of the U.S. Army for the past 13 years. Note the “was“. Almost 3 years ago now, I started having pain in my hip. I went to the doctor and found out after a long, drawn out evaluation that I had what is known as a labral tear. Several months later, I had major hip surgery. The doctors successfully repaired the problem, I don’t have the pain levels that I did before surgery… but I was not able to do things I used to. After 2 years of going to various physical therapies and realizing that I just couldn’t do the running, jumping or carrying heavy loads, I got sent to a medical board. They decided I was unfit for duty, and as of September 9, 2009 – I am now a civilian.

It’s been a little strange, going through the transition – all I’ve known is the Army, since I was 17. I’ve traveled to many places and seen many things I never imagined seeing as a kid, and I appreciate the things the Army did for me, but honestly – I’m rather glad to be out. It’s not the same Army that I remember. But that’s another subject entirely.

Nowadays, I am working as a contractor for the U.S. Army, doing the same secret squirrel stuff that I was doing while in the military. I’m making LOTS more money, and enjoying the fact that I managed to get a job back in our hometown, where both of our families live. I work a bit of a weird schedule, but the pay easily makes up for that – we’re living a lot better than we ever were in the Army.

Anyways, I should be back to blogging hopefully a lot more… feel free to comment anytime!

Last eve, we visited a tavern in Ilshenar near the Humility shrine. Many foul creatures roam near the area; I can see how quickly someone not paying attention to their surroundings would learn Humility. Skylar and I were able to safely make it to the tavern, though we did have to assist one unfortunate soul who had succumbed to the foul Junta. I remember the time when the Junta first appeared in Sosaria, but I will leave that to another page. I placed Zeus in a nearby stable, though I found it strange to see it was empty of any stable hands. Thusly, did I have to check on Zeus every so often to ensure he did not get angry with me for not feeding him. He can be so foul-tempered if not fed.

The tavern was not very crowded yet when we first arrived, though it filled quickly as the hour grew late. I was most pleased to see such a gathering, as my return had not brought me into much contact with old friends yet. Pleasantly surprised was I then, to see a very old and familiar face – none other than Talon Skyfire, the illustrious leader of Sanctus. There were others as well, some of whom I had come into contact with already – Malicite from Moonglow; the Sheriff of Britain, Orelen, who is also currently a nominee for the Regent position; and quite a few others whom I did not recognize from my previous life here.

Much happened throughout the eve, too much to even put down on your pages here. Most significantly though, discussion of past times, past glories and battles, old friends and groups did occur. The topic even turned at one point to my most cherished memories, those of my time in the Heralds of the Awakening. I shall never forget my time spent as Sage of Honor. Talking about those times brought back so many old faces – the Oracles – Aleph and Azrielle Aeirs, Dayel Stormcrow, all mentors of mine. My fellow Sages – Lilyth Noir and Molly Teach, Analeiza and Jenna, Narisse and Lionel, Kronos and Thorin, and even the orc, Gub-Gub. Oh, how I miss each and every one of them!

Talk turned from this, of course, to the Virtues themselves. Quite a grand discussion took place. It surely made me remember giving classes during my time as a Sage. I have to admit that the dialogue did leave me deep in thought over my cherished Virtues. It seems that much of Sosaria these days does not hold the Virtues as dear, which greatly saddens me. Unquestionably, something should be done to return the people to our fold.

After Skylar and I left the tavern, we returned home to our bed. Unfortunately, my mind was afire from the discussions of the evening. I was unable to rest, so alight was my mind – as Skylar likes to say, “the cogs were turning”. I quietly crept from under the covers and padded downstairs, pulling on my clothing. Off into the night I rode, Zeus carrying me as ever to my destination. As I rode, I pulled out an old runebook that I had not used in many years – since right before my departure from beloved Sosaria. Opening it slowly, I saw the inscriptions for an all too familiar place. Murmuring the words, I felt the magic tingle through my body as it whisked Zeus and I across the world.
Dismounting, I patted Zeus’ nose gently, letting him know to remain. Pushing through the overgrown weeds and foliage, my eyes came to rest on the shrine that I could forget. Kneeling on the worn stone at the base of the shrine, my thoughts turned to past times. Without conscious thought, I recited the ritual words. “Summ, Summ, Summ”. This had been my mantra, my calling, and my very life in a time before.

Why must I refer to it as a time before? The world may have changed, I may have changed in some way, but my beliefs have not. I still hold the Virtues within my heart, as I know Skylar and others do. The ritual words continued to flow from my lips as my mind swirled. Perhaps it is time that the people know hope again. Perhaps it is time that the shadows feel the light shining upon them again. Perhaps it is time for a Reawakening.

The Army today is not the same Army I joined back then. I see things happen today that would have never (or very rarely) happened when I was a private. I also believe the Army’s current promotion system is broken. I have seen people that are promoted to NCO’s at 2 years – most times, others have to pick up their slack due to their lack of experience, or worse…  lack of care. I get evaluated yearly… and because I have struggled with my weight after having major hip surgery, my evaluations are never rated “excellent”. My last evaluation was written by a rather inept senior NCO. These evaluations mean I won’t see promotion for some time – nevermind the fact that my performance is rated above average.

My hip surgery has now lead to a medical board finding me “Unfit for Duty”, two years later. I have to admit I am pleased by this. The Army has just lost it’s appeal that it once held for me. Yesterday was when I found out the results, which left me ecstatic that finally I would be moving on to a new life, outside of the Army.

Earlier this week I also went to North Carolina, where I interviewed for a job doing the same thing I do in the Army. This job is almost perfect for me – same job field (which I love), at home, great pay. The only downside is possibility of deployments. Deploying as a civilian though – that I can look forward to. No pulling guard duty. No carrying a weapon (unless I want to). No going to the range. No mandatory Physical Training (though I hope to, but at my own pace).

They called me back today…     and I got the job! Things just really seem to finally be falling in place for me.

As for gaming, I have pretty much decided to give up on Eve Online. While I do enjoy the game and the “sandbox” play does appeal to me – it doesn’t appeal to my wife. Since our first year of marriage, we’ve been playing games pretty much together – Ultima Online, Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, Conan (we’ve played quite a few). It was always great playing with her, sharing my addictions with her, being able to discuss the game with her. Eve was just not for her, so as I got more and more into it, the more we seemed to be doing less together.

I got to discussing Ultima Online with a co-worker last week and it made me feel nostalgic for all the great times we had together in it. We were part of a large roleplaying community there. Memories of those times still linger after a 4-year break. Many of the other MMO’s never seem to manage this. Sure, we had good times in them…  but I can’t remember those times as well as our times in UO. So, last weekend we reactivated our accounts. We found quite a bit of our stuff is gone…  but it did not take long before old friends had helped us out on that front. I’m already addicted to it again, and playing side by side with my soulmate makes it that much better. To those in Eve or those reading this blog because of Eve, I apologize for leaving…  but I must follow my heart. I hope you will continue reading, as I tend to talk about many different things. If you do have any interest in Ultima Online, feel free to look me up on Atlantic shard.

The economy is also a bit crazy. The Combine has been has been around for something like 10 years, in a constant state of “development” by programmers that work on it in their free time. Quite a few people are rich beyond belief, through being around forever,  stealing from others or being a leader of a large faction. Every month, factions earn income from their facilities they have built and  governments earn taxes from planets they own. The amount of money increases, but there aren’t many ways for the money to go away. Basically it’s just a continuous cycle of more money coming into the game, driving prices on ships, facilities, droids or whatever you’re looking for higher and higher. Just as an example, Bulk Freighters jumped from around 22 million credits to 30+ in the past month. This discourages most new players since they see most factions offering very low salaries.

Why does all this matter? Well, the glorious admins in all their wisdom have decided to change some fairly significant rules recently. The big part of this that applies to my group is the membership requirements. See, my group started out as a very small group of  friends pooling their assets and working together to build ourselves up on our own. We have come a long way from the 5 of us just starting out with almost nothing. Now, we have 3 factions and billions in assets. We are a government, a mining faction and a ship production faction. You could say we have been very successful for what we started with.

The admins changing the rules has threatened this. Now, they want us to have 35 members just for the government faction. The other two factions need to have at least 10 members each, bringing the total required to 55 members. We have maybe 40 active members. If we can’t get more people, we face losing our government status.

So I’m looking for your help. It doesn’t require much of you. All we need is to get some people that would be willing to log into the game once a week. You don’t have to actually play. If you’d be willing to help, please comment here or contact me and I’ll tell you what you have to do. Again, all I am asking is for you to log in to a website once a week. We’d really appreciate your help.

I hate using my blog/twitter to ask this…  but I’ve spent several years playing this game and I don’t want to lose it all because the admins decided they want to get rid of the smaller groups. I’m in need of your help. Thanks.

What am I looking for?

I’d like to find a fairly mature, active PvP corp for my Gallente. He is still below 3 million skill points so he’s got a lot of developing to do. I don’t really want highsec wars because they generally lead to station games and that gets old pretty fast. Essentially I’m looking for a PvP corp that is willing to “train” me and show me the ropes. I’ve already been through a basic PvP class that my previous faction ran and on a few 0.0 roams, so I’m not a total newbie but I know I still have a lot to learn.

As far as my Indy, I’m not sure yet if I want to just leave her in the NPC corp so I can mine without worry of wars or if she’ll tag along. Anyways, if you’d like a pilot that is willing to listen and learn, can follow orders and just wants to have fun…  feel free to comment.

Oh..  US Timezone corps only please.