My Thoughts On EA DLC News

Earlier today or tonight depending upon your timezone there have been more than a couple news articles released in regards to the DLC content for ME3 and it’s cost. Rather, how it has (And possibly soon to be had?) been released as free but quite possibly, was truly intended to come with a cost. Now this will more than likely be a re-hash of what everyone has already said but I just feel the need to toss in my own two cents upon the matter.

First, let us look at the basic facts & evidence. EA & BioWare released a game called Mass Effect, said game took off like a wildfire. A sequel was released, which also was widely accepted as awesome etc. A third part was released, and it pretty much tanked. Now after all that you had the Retake movement started, charity/donation drives, you name it. I mean EA was actually falling in terms of stock worth etc! If that is bespoken of the movement having an actual effect upon them I don’t what would.

When faced with all this, it would become increasingly apparent to me that EA would be willing to try almost anything to curb the insanely large PR bomb that was slammed down on them. I’m not saying we as a movement should “go easy” on them, quite to the contrary, what I am saying however is that we need to keep watch for any and all tactics which they may try to utilize, with the end goal more than likely being stopping the Retake Movement, causing the members to pack up, and head off home.

In that light, I feel the DLC release was nothing more than a PR tactic. People were very upset with the game’s ending and multiple plot holes, (And rightly so!) as such EA pushed a DLC that at the least will be temporarily free, more than likely hoping to satiate the angered majority. All in all, my gut feeling is that this is totally not the end, there will be more to come, with more for us to do and defend. Regardless if you feel that the ending sucked or not, or if you feel that EA/BioWare should just curl up and die, remember one thing…

How much are you willing to sacrifice to make your point? 

This may be just a fluke caused by a company rushing to make money, but even if that isn’t the case, this isn’t their first game nor do I feel it will be the last. Don’t completely shove them away for one mistake, you deserve a second chance at times, shouldn’t they be given the same option?

After all, that’s part of what this movement is all about…

 

RetakeMassEffect – A Movement Worth Listening To

Recently BioWare released the third (And final?) installment to one of the most popular game franchises ever, Mass Effect. Titled Mass Effect 3, it took the gaming community by storm, selling almost 1 million units within the first 24 hours on sale.

Soon after, many players of the franchise had completed the third installment or knew of friends etc who had done so themselves. The results (In regards to the third game’s ending.) were anything but satisfactory to the players and fans, leaving most with a feeling of disappointment. A widely spread emotion of sadness for their beloved character, Commander Shepard, quickly sweeping the globe wherever the game was released.

Most felt that the ending was not taken to it’s full potential, others felt that the ending was in need of a revision, or at the very least an addition to fully complete it was required. Within days a massive amount of tweets could be seen on Twitter, comprised of hashtags such as #HoldTheLine, #MassEffect, #MassEffect3, #RetakeMassEffect, #RetakeMassEffect3, and #RetakeME3 just to name a few of the many being used.

Petitions, letters, posters, postcards, backgrounds for computers, a flourish of all began to appear in tandem with the release of Mass Effect 3, most, if not all, of these promoting the idea of a new ending or at the very least a new DLC for the game.

The effect of the effort is almost immediately visible, with reports of it showing up in different BBC news articles, gaming magazines, web-zines and the like. The effects are spreading with such velocity that recent reports circulating different BioWare forums have alluded to Amazon giving refunds for purchases of the game, with many users citing a refund for their purchase.

With every passing day the effort is growing, more letters and the like are being sent, more and more fans are joining the cause to restore one of the best selling franchises to it’s once known glory. Interviews have occurred,  articles have been written, even a DLC for the game was released! And out of all this what message have we the community sent? We have sent one of unity, strength, and resolve. We were there during it’s conception, we were there during it’s release, and we will be there as long as it is.

If you would like to help out and join the effort please check out the following groups & resources!

Main Websites & Links:

• Twitter: @RetakeME3 @HTLcom
• YouTube: @RetakeME3 @HoldTheLine
• Facebook: Demand a Better Ending to ME3
• Main Website(s): HoldTheLine.com, BSN Forums

If you wish to help support the effort on Twitter please use the following hashtags in your tweets!

#HoldTheLine, #MassEffect, #MassEffect3, #RetakeMassEffect, #RetakeMassEffect3, and #RetakeME3

All Source(s) Used Can Be Found Here:

• Game Sales Stats ~ Article by Gamerzines.com
• Amazon Gives Refunds ~ Article written by Examiner.com
• Refunds by Amazon ~ Forum Discussion on BioWare ME3 Forums

I would like to thank Krista Hauser, Yesika Reyes, Victoria Cooper, Sarah Smyczynski, Amanda Benson, Kaitlin Selzer, & Josh Elliot for being behind me 100% and beyond during the writing of this article. Thanks guys for being some of the best friends a guy could have, I love you all.

 

Apples & Oranges

I recently had the pleasure of coming across a video done by Aatma Studio regarding Apples latest release of the iPad. It’s a concept video in it’s entirety, yet it was very well done. So well done in fact that when you first see the video you almost think it’s real. I myself had to watch it three times just to be sure that what I was seeing was real or not.

Now while I must say it was a very well done video I don’t think some of it is even possible at this stage in terms of current technology available to companies such as Apple© etc. Part of what I speak is their concept for a holographic display. To my knowledge I don’t know of a fully functional holographic display, at least one that’s available to the public that is.

Also, what kind of power source (Not to mention the raw processing power.) would be needed for such a display? The latest iPad by Apple© purportedly has a full 10 hours of battery life lasting through some fairly heavy stuff but I highly doubt it could handle producing a holographic display for any length of time, not to mention one with which you can interact.

The other thing I see somewhat of an issue is the Internal Magnets and the NFC (Near Field Communication) they show being “used” in the video. How would work exactly? Would that cause even more drain on the internal power source? I myself would think so as the iPad(s) would have to provide more processing power to match the displayed image across both screens thereby draining important battery life.

Needless to say, it’s all pure concept at this time, not to mention something I do not see happening any time soon. In the meantime, watch the video, show Aatma Studio some love for their awesome video(s) and idea(s), and comment below on what YOU think we’ll see in the future from Apple© and other similar companies.

Here’s the video, enjoy!

 

Activism, Acts of Futility?

Hey guys! I’d like to take some time today to talk about Activism. Specifically the stigma surrounding activism and the major causes which it contains during these current times. I am not saying I do not support activism, I am quite in favor of it. What I am not in favor of however is the type of activism in which people will post on their favorite social networking site such as Twitter or Facebook regarding the latest and greatest cause.

Now before you assume that I do not like people posting about the latest causes coming up in the world let me explain what exactly I mean. First let us look at the true definition of activism. If we look at the Merriam-Webster dictionary Activism is defined as the following.

Activism ~ noun

A doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.

It is also defined as the following from Dictionary.com.

Activism ~ noun

1. The doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc.

With the above definitions we can begin to form a hypothesis of what activism is and means to us as a society and people. Let’s start with the first definition, specifically the part where it says that activism is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes “direct vigorous action”. Action you say? Doesn’t action mean actually doing something? Like, physically? Yes it does! Activism isn’t completed by just sitting at home, on your computer or phone, and posting about it on Facebook etc.

It implies actually going out into the world, digging in with both hands, yanking hard on that proverbial chain, and getting involved with all that you are. Sure, you can probably make a difference by posting about your favorite cause online but in truth, that difference of which I speak will be so minimal compared to someone who is actually there, serving at the root of the problem.

Now I’m not saying you should just stop posting about causes online. No, I’m definitely saying that. What I am saying however is this. Don’t let it be that all you do is post it somewhere and nothing else. Truly get involved! Get active in your community, your school/college, your local hangouts with friends, your church, the list goes on and on.

There is literally thousands upon thousands of causes in our world today, but how many of them are truly supported? Many of the so-called “supporters” of the causes today usually do not even know of at least half of the methods with which they can support their cause. Most colleges have message boards in the student areas, most schools will have something similar. Churches too will have something along those lines.

Post flyers, start a group at your school, hold a rally, make a video and post in YouTube! Actually and actively get involved.

In closing, don’t let your cause become just a status on your Facebook, Twitter, or whatever else it is that you use, instead let become a part of your life. Dig in with both hands, hold on tight, and don’t let go. Support it, nurture it, cherish it, care for it. Let not your cause become;

An Act of Futility…

 

Darkest Of Days Part Four – A Short Story

Darkest of Days – Part Four

The Fountain of Peace, a beautiful and serene place. One filled with green trees, bright flowers, and solitary fountain. Hark! Doth thee hear the sound of hooves beating against the ground? Voices rise on the air, then suddenly stopping completely. Within seconds the ringing sounds of swords being unsheathed fills the air.

Looking his companion the Knight asked, “Didst thee hear something in the woods behind? I feel we have been followed for a short time.” said he. Nodding his head in acquiescence the Abbot began to ready himself for conflict, pulling a large longbow from the sheath strapped to his back.

Dismounting his steed, Sir Eldric took two quick steps forward, and carefully examined the cold ground while asking his companion, “Do you recognize this Sir Knight?” Pointing to multiple indentations amongst the ground with his bow he tapped them twice, his brow furrowed in thought. “This print is one which belongs to a heavily laden beast of war. Our enemies have indeed followed us to this place.” The Abbot tested his bow, then disappeared into the bushes which grew along the much worn path.

Sir Guthrie took his sword into his hand, and pulled his silver shield from his horse. “Abbot? Where have thee gone?” He was standing still, listening with the utmost intensity when he heard them. Footsteps, ones which made the softest of sounds coming from behind him. “Ahhhh!!!” He yelled whilst swinging his blade in a swift, shining arc behind him. A sword appeared, attempting to parry his blow but failing, his attacker relenting to his blow.

Holding the point of his sword to the throat of his attacker he said, “Yield now or die! I shall not show leniency for long. Do you yield?” With his attacker nodding in acceptance to his forceful speech, Sir Guthrie sheathed his sword and began to question his attacker, “Explain thyself! Who art thou and what doth thee hope to gain by this attack?” His attacker lowered the cowl which covered the whole of their face, revealing the features of a young man who could be no more than the age of twenty summers. He was tall, a strong brow that bespoke of much wisdom well beyond his young years.

He looked at him and stated, “My name is Micheal Leblanc, prince of this domain, protector of this fountain.” The Knight was amazed, here before him was a young man, a prince, yet a knight as well? He held out his hand to, helping him from the ground. Bowing he spoke humbly, “Forgive this humble Knight your Highness, I would have never…” The Prince raised his hand, preventing him from expressing his thoughts.

With an authority long practiced he spoke, “There is nothing to forgive Sir Knight, you have been expected. You have been guided here, to where you are needed most. There is a battle upon the horizon which must be fought. Thou shall be part of it as will your companion, Eldric.”

Sir Guthrie looked about him only to see his friend, Eldric Johann, silently standing there with his longbow in his worn, scarred hands. “Forgive me Sir Knight but you had to be tested. You have been weighed in the balance of time, your worth hast shown you to be equal to the task which is now at hand.” With confusion running wild in his mind, the Knight began to wonder to himself. “What of this supposed prince? He speaks of war, yet I see no signs of battle.” His thoughts kept he to himself, hoping to learn more in the coming days….

To be continued.

 

Idiocy and Lunacy

Idiocy? Or lunacy?

I recently had the extreme pleasure of coming across and article by C|Net, which happened to be on the much discussed Miley Cyrus. Why does this interest me you ask? What on earth could possibly possess me to read an article about a person such as her? Well the title for one, which reads

Miley Cyrus to Twitter: Stop the death threats

The article continues on to discuss Miley’s tweet(s) on Twitter in response to the death threat themed posts and other idiosyncrasies by a majority of so-called “fans” etc. A quote by C|Net regarding one of Miley’s tweets is,

“@MileyCyrusBz I wont tolerate someone telling me 2 die. I think Twitter needs to take some responsibility and make it a safe environment!”

Now my concern does not hold so much regard on the fact of her receiving these threats, as I’m certain she is the recipient of them on a daily basis. No, my true concern is regarding her comment in response to the threat(s) and to Twitter etc as it was my understanding that Miley supposedly left Twitter ages ago! With that thought in mind, if she left then why is she concerning herself with any of the recent events happening on Twitter? Moreover, why is she insinuating that Twitter needs to get itself in gear and fix the issue(s)? Now, if she wants to sign back up on Twitter that’s her decision and her’s alone, but I do not feel she should expect any different than what was originally on Twitter…

Twitter hasn’t changed, except in terms of graphical appearance and ease of use. It’s membership base has stayed the same in regards to the genre of it, nor has the posts and topics by said membership base changed. That has stayed the same so why should she expect any different? For her to say that Twitter needs to do something about it is something akin to say, smacking yourself on the hand with a hammer then getting mad at the hammer for your pain. You did the action, not the hammer. With that in mind, Miley herself has subjected herself to the threats running amok on Twitter, not Twitter itself.

It is a separate entity, one that hosts the thoughts of many people, they do not cater to any one individual and to ask them to is beyond ridiculous. Sure, there are some things Twitter could do to hold a bit more safety upon & within their site, but as it is now, it’s only as safe as you yourself choose to be. If you follow the spam bots, you will receive spam. If you follow the pornography and otherwise crass/rude/inappropriate twitter bots, you will receive that type of information to your feed. It’s your decision(s), your action(s), your choice(s), not someone else’s.

To blame someone else for your own afflictions is to put any and all responsibilities away from yourself, thereby removing any dignity you may have had. Being responsible for your own self is the right thing to do, it’s a responsibility to not only yourself but also the human race! To do otherwise is an act of complete idiocy and lunacy, it isn’t right nor is it proper.

So in closing, while I am saddened to see the threats against someone’s life, I am even more saddened to see the idiocy spread about by a so-called adult. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions, hold yourself accountable for your own mistakes and the like, but more importantly, never blame others for your own issues. While everything does have a cause, it’s not always someone else who caused it.

 

Photography? It happens!

Sometimes, it is simply amazing what applying a filter to a photo can do… It can royally screw it up, forever ruining your perception of the image, or, it can make it that much better… Well, today I found the latter…

I took this image, which had turned out just awesomely in it’s original form, and flipped it, letting the beauty of it shine through…

This next image is one I treasure greatly, because it shows the aspect of death yet life at the same time… Something passes on, only to have something flourish in it’s place.

This image to me shows the ability of something to survive in even the most of unlikeliest of places. Nothing but stone and a wooden bench is here, yet this small flower has flourished, hidden from immediate view but if one goes and looks beneath that which immediately meets the eye, they shall find a hidden jewel, one that shines akin to the brightest of stars.

Lastly, this image which I feel just shows how beautiful the simplest things can be is this one… Sure, it’s just a pic of a simple fire hydrant but to me it still has beauty…

There are many things that have beauty, and sometimes, they can be the most simplest things of them all…

 

Tolerance, And It’s Effect Upon Society

In recent years (And by recent I refer to the past 20 to 30 yrs.) there have been many topics and and issues relating to “Tolerance”. Well first let us look to the dictionary as our guide. What is tolerance? What does the word mean and imply? And, even more importantly, what effect does it hold upon our daily lives? In Webster’s Dictionary we find the following…

Tolerance, n. [L. tolerantia, from tolero, to bear.]

The power or capacity of enduring; or the act of enduring.

Tolerant v. t.

To suffer to be or to be done without prohibition or hindrance; to allow or permit negatively, by not preventing; not to restrain; as, to tolerate opinions or practices.

Toleration n.

The art of tolerating; the allowance of that which is not wholly approved; appropriately, the allowance of religious opinions and modes of worship in a state, when contrary to or different from those of the established church or belief. Toleration implies a right in the sovereign to control men in their opinions and worship, or it implies the actual exercise of power in such control. Where no power exists or none is assumed to establish a creed and a mode of worship, there can be no toleration, in the strict sense of the word, for one religious denomination has as good a right as another to the free enjoyment of its creed and worship.

From that we can concur that to “Tolerate” is to endure a particular opinion, practice, and/or belief that inherently differs from our personal opinions & beliefs. All over the world you encounter people who support the view of tolerance. Now, why did I say “The view of tolerance” you ask? Well because, tolerance itself is a viewpoint and belief. To tolerate is to hold the belief that other ideas, practices, and beliefs should be allowed to have their voice in this world. The hard part is, keeping the core of that view in the focal point…

Many different people belonging to many different beliefs, views, opinions, and practices will go on and on about tolerance, and how that there isn’t enough of it in this world. Yet in that same breath they will spit upon any view or belief which they feel is wrong… That in itself is not true tolerance, but neither is it fully intolerance.

It holds the line at that little grey area which is found in many different places throughout our society these days, that small area which everyone hates yet allows to be. If you believe that other opinions etc. should be tolerated and allowed to have their voice, then go with that mindset 100% instead of picking and choosing which you prefer out of the pile.

Now as to the “Effect” that tolerance/intolerance has upon society well, that is widespread and almost impossible to fully describe. It’s amazing how many conflicts, battles, debates, and troubles can arise simply from mentioning the word tolerance. Either you’re tolerant or you’re not, there shouldn’t be a middle ground. Because as soon as you have that middle ground, it opens up channels for the aforementioned debates, conflicts, etc.

In closing, whenever you begin a debate or argument, try to remain fully tolerant. Do not pick and choose from the proverbial pile of what you are tolerant of and what you’re not. Instead, grasp the fact that everyone is different from you, and that not everyone will share your values. While you may not agree, respect their decision, nay their sovereign right as human beings to hold a difference of opinions and beliefs than you.

Because if you do that, then you’re truly remaining tolerant and I guarantee, that’s what counts.

 

Darkest of Days Part Three – A Short Story…

Darkest of Days – Part Three

A cold morning, a foggy day…two riders appear from mist and shadow. Hooded and cloaked are they, sheathed swords glinting in the morning sun, steam rising from the chugging nostrils of their mighty steeds… One is our hero Sir Eron, sitting in silence whilst the other was Prior Eldric Johann, an Abbot from theAbbey of Jumièges, Normandy.

Prior Johann had found our Knight riding north to the fabled Fountain of Peace. A fountain rumored to remove all sorrow and pain, granting peace to those with true honor and complete penitence for their misdeeds. Being an Abbot of compassion, Eldric began to ride along our knight, hoping to learn of his mission.

In trying to make a small dialogue the Abbot began to question, “Good Knight why doth thee have a brow heavy and full of sorrow? Dost thee not seek honor and glory in all thy actions?”

Sir Eron slowly turned his head towards the Abbot with a look that could freeze any man to the core of his being. “What knoweth thee of sorrow? What do you know of honor, glory, and pride? Of fear, death, and hate? These things doth I know. These things I fear, hate, and despise. No longer do I wish to know these things…”

Listening to the knight with conviction visible on his deeply scarred face, without a word he held aside his thick robe only to reveal many jagged scars descending the length of his back. “What do I know of these things Sir Knight? I know much, as much as twenty long years of battle is willing to teach.”

Slowly replacing his robe the Abbot looked at the knight and asked of him, “Do you wish to be rid of pain? Of sorrow? Of fear, hate, and regret? Then journey with me, let us journey together to this fabled Fountain of Peace and perhaps we shall find that which we both seek.”

After much thought Guthrie slowly dipped his head in acquiescence to this mysterious Abbot who seemed to be more complex than he first appeared. With careful speech he asked, “Why art thou so willing to travel with one such as myself?”

Replying with deep conviction the Abbot spoke, “In my many years long have I traveled, much hast I seen, and many times have I prayed forgiveness for my crimes to humanity.”

Surprise showing with extreme clarity upon his face, the knight realized there was much more to this seemingly simple Abbot than met the eye. Glancing, the knight spake to the Prior saying, “Very well then, let us make our ways together.

Perhaps we shall both find forgiveness and peace. Indeed, I feel we have familiar stories to tell to one another…let us begin our long journey.” So together, do both the Abbot and Knight go, riding to this fabled fountain of peace. Will they find the peace and forgiveness they both seek? Or shall they not? To be continued…

 

Darkest of Days Part Two – A short story…

Darkest of Days – Part Two

Sir Guthrie lay asleep in a dreadful nightmare, his hair matted, the sheets soaked with sweat. His brow furrowed at the memory of his horrid dream which haunted him every night since that day. That horrific day of “The Battle of Blackwood Castle”. Ever would he remember that day. The enemy had lain siege to the castle for three days with a never before seen relentlessness. Sir Guthrie himself had led the charge which turned the tide of battle but not before much loss had been sustained. He himself had been gravely wounded in the skirmish, barely managing to survive.

His hair matted with blood, his shield hand broken, he surveyed the field of battle only to realize that he alone survived. The remaining enemy forces began assuming control of the castle, gathering what spoils they could.. He awoke with a start, clenching his fists at the memory, his chest heaving with the sobs. He wiped his eyes only to realize the hooded and cloaked figure sitting in his tent, one dressed in black. “What is your purpose here?” he demanded.

“I have no purpose other than to walk the path lain before me.” spake the figure. “That voice, I know it almost as well as my own…” Sir Guthrie thought to himself. Seeing the wonder upon Guthrie’s face the figure suddenly declared, “You do indeed know me Sir Eron von Guthrie, I am the monk who fought along side thee many years ago.” Sir Eldric Johann stood, removed his cloak, and reached towards the one comrade who managed to survive.

Recounting memories long held, Eldric spoke, “I was taken by Saracen soldiers on the eve of battle during your first campaign these twenty years ago. Eron, I have looked for you ever since that night fearing the gravest news. Your capture or worse, your death.” Sir Eron looked down, gathered his head in his hands and suppressed yet another foul memory… The memory of the night which his men were ambushed by Saracen soldiers upon his camp. “Too much sorrow have I faced, how long must I bear the burden of this life?”

His weary body bent, Guthrie arose. With movements long ago honed to perfection, he grabbed his sword and mail, jerked on his leather jerkin, girt his belt, and saddling his horse he rode off into the dark unknown expecting only more sorrow, pain, and regret. Surely his darkest of days would come to an end? We shall see, as there is yet hope on the horizon. For hark! A herald of peace is now following our sorrowful Knight, their footsteps matched, their journey along the same road… To be continued.