Xbox 360's Biggest Asset May Be It's Biggest Problem

Nintendo easily had the most disappointing presence at E3, more because they should gave blown our socks off and less because it wasn't any good. But, a new, unique console (that both Microsoft and Sony are already trying to emulate via Smart Glass and PS3 Vita connectivity), fantastic looking 1st and 3rd party software, and strong 3DS support show that Nintendo's future is bright.

Sony continues to struggle in the handheld market and continues to show a great lack of thought and innovation in their products. But, strong, exclusive software (ignoring PlayStation All-Stars) and a focus on games shows that, while the company is struggling greatly, they're in it for the long haul and are willing to fight.

Microsoft has just lost it.

My Low Expections for The Avengers Were Crushed

This past Sunday, my wife, son, and I saw The Avengers even though I was initially against the idea. The reasons for my not wanting to see it were many. I'm not a fan of Marvel. To be fair, I'm not a huge DC fan either, unless we're talking Batman, who, in a fight with any other comic book hero from either universe would triumph. The Avengers solo films were blah at best (Iron Man), out right stupid at worst (Iron Man 2). And Joss Whedon, who co-wrote and directed The Avengers, is responsible for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The only way I could want to see this movie less is if Whedon had also been partly responsible for any Michael Bay film.

Friendly Apple Blogs? I failed to find one.

In my previous post, I was going to recommend Macgasm, but...., started out as an attempt to find an Apple blog that was open to those of us who are merely interested in what's going on in the Apple world but aren't necessarily fans of the company or it's products. Macgasm was going to be shining example of what one should look for until the events in my post transpired. I was pretty angry about it, and probably lashed out needlessly, but it is what it is and I don't regret what happened. I've learned from it and moved on.

I Was Going to Recommend Macgasm, but....

It's no secret that I'm incredibly critical of Apple. It's also no secret that I used to be just as critical, if not more critical, of Apple's fan base. I've called them fanboys (and fanbois, which I learned after using the boi spelling once is apparently a term for a homosexual, so I stopped). I've called them mindless. I've called the zombies. Until, one day, a dear friend of mine, Paul Skidmore, called me out on it and showed me how narrow minded I was being or at least appeared to be by attacking a group of people and stereotyping them. Paul is as big an Apple fan as they come, but he certainly doesn't fit the stereotype. Criticizing a company is one thing. Lumping certain people into a false stereotype is not right. I admitted my mistake and set out to change how I acted and try to embrace my fellow tech enthusiasts, even though we have disagreements.

Why I hate the current DLC model

I like DLC. It is a wonderful thing that can be used to breathe new life into games and give gamers a reason to come back and enjoy it all over again. Unfortunately, there has been a disturbing trend with video game companies deliberately withholding content to be sold as what may as well be called "premium content," and even selling weapon advantages in multiplayer games to those willing to pay the price.

Oh look, it's Kelly

Hey guys. I'm going to post something soon. I promise.

Cross my heart and hope to fly. 

Stick a cupcake in my eye.

Mockingjay

If you read my thoughts on Catching Fire, you'll remember I said it was weakest of the three books. That's because so little of it was important to the overall story arch. It was still a good read. You'll also remember that I compared the series to The Matrix trilogy. The Hunger Games, like The Matrix, is the best of the three and works on its own. Catching Fire, like The Matrix Reloaded, is a great book but depends on Mockingjay for it's conclusion. Unfortunately, like The Matrix Revolutions, Mockingjay is necessary for those who read Catching Fire and is the worst of the three on every level. However, unlike The Matrix Revolutions, Mockingjay does tie up any loose ends left by Catching Fire and doesn't suck all of the life right out of you.