Finding Opportunities in Unexpected Places

Sometimes I find myself in the middle of a situation where it's hard to get things going --or even to get... Sorry, I was interrupted there! I find it easier to focus on the fact that I'm in a position of bliss, because I get to make things happen --we all are. Life is funny sometimes, because no matter how much you try at certain things, they just don't happen the way you want them to. I've been trying to get a group together to make some sketch comedy and eventually a show for a while now. Finding the right group is hard.

Even when you have the right people you want to work with, life gets in the way. Some people are traveling, others are too busy and some just don't want to make the effort --and I myself fall into every one of those categories at some points in time, hey nobody's perfect. When these kinds of things happen, you feel a little discouraged. But then I remember this: Every moment you have is an opportunity to seize. You may not think of it at the time, but it's something that gets you somewhere. So, in the midst of a difficult situation, why not find other ways to approach it? Think outside the box!

I might have to be unconventional when it comes to looking for people to work with on this, because the way I've been doing it so far doesn't seem to be working. The thing is, I think it's awesome as well as frustrating. On the one hand, it's a great chance to put myself to the test, but on the other it means more work from my side. But who said you didn't have to work to get what you wanted? Mr. T once said "I pity the fool who didn't work hard in life" --so he didn't really say it, but it sounds like he did, right? Now, that doesn't mean you don't have fun in the process --that's the most important part of it all. FUN. You gotta have it, if not you already lost without even beginning.

It's time for me to beat your ass, life. You're going down.

It's time for me to beat your ass, life. You're going down.

So I've decided to write the show and sketches all on my own and then people will come to me, instead of just constantly seeking them out. I know this won't happen in the blink of an eye, it's going to take a while, but that's where I get to exercise some patience, too. It's all a test of time in the end, you just got to have Faith and Patience. They're equally important. 

As the old saying goes "When life gives you lemons, you go start a lemonade stand and then people will come and buy those refreshingly cool drinks and get replenished because it's so darned hot outside." Okay, so that's not how it went either. I don't have real quotes for you guys, but hey, at least I tried --"Do. Or do not. There is no try." See! That one's real, it comes from my good old friend Bust-a-Rhymes! Okay, that's not true... If you really need to know, it was Yoda who said it.

What about you guys? Any opportunities in the works? Let me know in the comments or on twitter. See ya.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Review

The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask for the N64 is my second favorite game of all time. So, when the Big N announced that it was going to re-release it for the 3DS as it did with Ocarina of Time --My favorite game of all time-- I was really excited! Now, does a game that was originally released in the year 2000 still hold up? Let's find out!

I first started playing it on my launch day 3DS, and it felt exactly like Ocarina of Time 3D in terms of the controls and gameplay --which is always a great thing-- I only wished there was a way to move the camera around at will. Oh wait... There was! Granted, there's a $200 fee to do so if you haven't already upgraded to the New 3DS XL. I eventually ended up buying one, which makes the game look and run better, as well as give you the new camera options. It was a great addition to the game. Was it worth buying a $200 handheld console? I'll leave that up to you. It doesn't break the game if you don't get the New 3DS obviously, it still controls and looks great, but the new features sure do come in handy. 

The graphic update was fantastic because it looked exactly as I remembered it when it was first released. I mean that in the best way possible. You know how you remember something nostalgically from the good old days? In your head it holds up great, only for you to take a look at how it actually was and... Wait, that's not how you remembered it! This WAS exactly how it looked in my head: beautiful. Plus, if you have the New 3DS it makes it look a little better and run even smoother. For a newcomer, this is one of the prettiest 3DS games out there.

I'm not passive-aggressive at all!

I'm not passive-aggressive at all!

I did notice some changes in the mechanics. In the original game when you went back in time to the First day, it would save your progress --part of it, at least. For example, if you finished a dungeon and then went back in time and saw that "Dawn of the First Day" title screen, you would still have the dungeon boss's remains and the weapon collected in that specific dungeon if you decided to quit the game right then and there --because everything else would reset. When you eventually come back to it, you would continue where you left off at Dawn of the First Day. In this new version, the only way to actually save was with the Owl statues. I found myself beating a dungeon, go back in time thinking it would save my progress and stopped playing at that point only to have to beat the dungeon once again when I continued with my play-through. This is a minor complaint, but I would've loved to know this beforehand --maybe I missed it in the instructions, who knows!

If you've never played the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask before, this would be a perfect place to start. Not only is this game very different from any Zelda game you've ever played, it's surprisingly deep, considering there are only four main dungeons. The side-quests are spectacular. You wouldn't want to miss what's going on around the town because everybody's story is very engaging and you get to see it in a very detailed way. Plus, it has the added benefit of being completely updated --just for you! The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is a gem that deserves to be played --be it for the first time, or to revisit it, because there's enough new here for everybody.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Awesome!

Okay, by a show of hands, who here loved the Turtles when they were a kid? Exactly. All of you. Wait... you there. In the back. Why isn't your hand up? WHAT? What do you mean you had your focus on other things? Do you want me to slap you in the face!? Take that back. Go home and watch all of the episodes of the original cartoon AND the new version. We'll wait. You back? How was it? Thank you.

Ever since I was a wee little child, I've loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I bought millions of action figures and played around with them all day. Whenever the cartoon came on, I would gobble it up. It was just the best thing. That was my thing growing up. Okay, one of my things. These were "my thing" growing up:

  • TMNT
  • Batman: The Animated Series
  • Nintendo (anything related to the brand)
  • Garfield
  • Jim Carrey

They're in no particular order, by the way. I love them all the same. But, in this instance I'm talking about the Turtles. So, if you don't like it, you can stuff your sorries in a sack! My favorite one as a kid was Leo. I love the color blue, I love swords, that was it. He was my guy. Now, I kinda love Raph a little more, because he's just cooler than Leo. But, I love all of them very much. 

When the first live-action movie came out in 1990, I was floored --I was also four, so it didn't take much to be honest... It's one of the best movies ever made! What do you mean you disagree? No. Your opinion is irrelevant! I said good day. But really, I think that movie is amazing. I revisited it about a year and half ago, it still holds up so well. It represents the cartoon and comic so well --I have to be honest, never read the comic, so I don't really know if it represented it well... Why are you lying to these good people? Why? WHY? Anyway, the actual costumes look so real and perfect. It's action, it's comedy, and splinter makes funnies!

Now before I move on, I have to mention the fact that I haven't seen the reboot from last year. I don't want to judge a book by it's cover, but I just can't take it seriously. Who said turtles had noses? Why are they so ugly? I think they kept that "alien" theme going even though they said it was scrapped... I can't bring myself to watch that movie because of that. I've heard a mixed bag of opinions about the movie, but I just can't seem to do it. It obviously did well enough to warrant a sequel. I want to watch it, because I want to be able to say that I don't like it from first-hand experience. I almost cried when I saw the first trailer. How could they? I'll get around to doing it some day, but for now... It's just... When I'm going around the toy isle wherever I'm at and I happen to see the Turtles section, I'm always happy, until I see some action figure from that movie... Why?

Now, that's that. I mentioned it. I can talk about all the other things I love. How about that second movie? Huh? Amirite!? Oh YES. It wasn't better than the first one, but it was more turtles in an awesome package once more! They recast April, but I could live with that. I can't believe the level of fanboy I'm showing --hey, everybody's got to geek out about something, right? Okay, I geek out about everything... But that's not the point. The point is that the second one was still great! The third one? It was... It was something, all right. I liked it as a kid --but I was a kid, I didn't know better. Now? It's okay? Look, if I've got nothing else to do, I'll watch it. But, it DEFINITELY was not up to par with the other two movies.

Now for the grand finale: the new animated series on Nickelodeon? MY GOD. That is one fantastic piece of TV right there. Sometimes I debate whether or not it's better than the original cartoon. It pays homage to the original so well, but it also brings it's own personality to the table. You can tell that it's made by people who really grew up watching and adored the original series. The voice acting is phenomenal, including the original turtles alumni Mr. Rob Paulsen.

Now, I do have to say there was one thing I didn't like at first. I came to terms with it, but I didn't like it when I first saw it. It's Donnie's gap in his teeth. He's all dorky, and on top of that you give him that gap? 

Hey there, toothless. I guess it gives you some character?

Hey there, toothless. I guess it gives you some character?

It's kind of funny, I guess. I do have to say I love the dynamic between him and April. In the friend-zone like no other. It's funny. I really do think this is up to par or maybe even better than the original. I don't dare say it's better yet, but it's up there I can tell you that. What about you? Do you love the turtles as much as I do? Do you have anything else that you like as much? What is it? Sound off in the comments!

What's The Deal With Women's Eyebrows?

Here's something I don't understand: women's eyebrows. Why do they do that to themselves? Have you ever noticed when any of your female friends or S.O. --or you-- suddenly look really weird, but you just can't put your finger on it? You try to pin-point what it is exactly, but then you just give up because all you know is that they don't look the same and it's not for the better.

You let it go, and then go about your day like nothing happened... When all of the sudden it hits you! The eyebrows! It's the eyebrows! That's what it was! Now before you even start judging me, let me explain! I'm not criticizing the eyebrows per se, but the act of plucking them out until they don't grow anymore so they need to pencil them in.

That's what I don't get. Women are --usually-- born with eyebrows, but then just happen to pluck them out. They do it so much and often that they just stop growing again. Then, once they realize they don't have eyebrows anymore, they just color them in. This is all nice and dandy until you see them without the make-up.

I'm not saying you look better with make-up --unless your eyebrows are non-existent because you tore them off until they went numb, then I am. What I'm saying is that I don't understand why you do this! Why are you getting rid of them only to paint them back in? Leave them alone! They're just fine! You look great just as you are! No. Hey... Stop it! I SAID LEAVE THE TWEEZERS ALONE!

There we go. Now, if you have a unibrow and don't like how you look with it, by all means, get rid of the UNI. But for the love of God, please keep the BROWS. I get that you might want to get rid of some strays here and there, but don't get rid of the whole thing! It just looks weird when you're accustomed to seeing something and then suddenly you realize it was all a lie. A LIE I SAY.

You mean, mean lady! Hey, guys have hair issues too... I'm just saying, I get it. I'm one to talk!

You mean, mean lady! Hey, guys have hair issues too... I'm just saying, I get it. I'm one to talk!

In the end, it is your body and you do with it as you please. I'm not anybody to say what you can and can't do with it. I'm just saying that it looks weird.

Too Many Games

I don't have a lot of time these days, so when I actually do have a chance I play me some video games! This year has proven to be a fabulous one for gamers. Now, the only problem I have with it -- it's a great problem to have, mind you -- is that I don't have the time to play them all when I want to play them. Now, let me also remind you that I'm playing Batman and the Witcher. 

I was playing the Witcher and had been for a good 40-50 hours, and I still wasn't even close to being done! There's just too much to do in this game -- which I love, I actually think it's my game of the year so far. But, since Batman is shorter than the Witcher, I figured I'd start playing that so I can finish it and then go back to the Witcher once I'm done. Turns out, Batman is pretty big, too!

So, while I was playing Batman, Journey came out. Now, I hadn't played it before (I know, I know, you don't have to say anything... I corrected that mistake), so I decided to play that and finish it in one sitting, because it's a really short game -- I also wanted to feel like I could finish a game, for once! Now I'm back to Bats, but, there's too many things to play and so little time!

Here's a list of all the games that are going to be released or have been released this year that I haven't played, but want to:

  • Splatoon - This was already released, but I want to support all Nintendo stuff that's good. So, I'm ready to give it a go.
  • Rare Replay - It's more of a "need to have in my collection" than anything, but still, I want to replay some of their games and play some that I never did before.
  • Madden - I haven't played a Madden game in a long time, and I want to just scratch the itch. It won't be like I'll obsess over it a lot, I just want to tinker with it for a bit.
  • Metal Gear Solid 5 - Now, this is one of the games I've been waiting for such a long time. Ever since I saw Kojima on the Microsoft stage, I just needed it. Now, hopefully I'll finish Batman before it gets here.
  • Mario Maker - Heck yes! This looks awesome. I want it. I want it! I WANT IT. Please?
  • NHL 16 - I played hockey when I was a kid, but I strayed from it for a long time. I've been getting a hankering to get back to it, so I think this would be a perfect start!
  • FIFA 16 - As you may know, football (soccer, I call football 'American Football') is my favorite sport. I didn't play FIFA 15, so I think it's time.
  • Halo 5 - Master Chief is back!? It's time for me to play! Now, here's a little nugget of trivia for you. I haven't played Halo 4 yet, because a dear old friend of mine said we should play it together... He never bought the freaking game! So, I'm still waiting. He's getting an Xbox One, at least. So, I guess I've got that to look forward to. But what do you know... Another game to add to my list!
  •  Fallout 4 - I have to be honest... I'm not a big fan of Fallout 3 or New Vegas, or Skyrim... Or anything that Bethesda does. Are you done throwing rocks? Let me explain! I was playing Fallout 3 for about 20-30 hours when it came out... On PS3. Now, I don't know if you remember or not, but that stupid game was buggy as hell! You see where I'm going with this? After that long, my game got to a point where it autosaved at a place where I just died immediately! IMMEDIATELY I SAY! I had no other saves. I had no way to revert back to a moment before. So, I just hated the game for it and never went back. All that time spent, LOST! Having said that: FALLOUT 4 LOOKS AMAZING. They won me back. I'm BACK, Bethesda! You have me again. We cool? Can't wait.
  • Rise of the Tomb Raider - I loved the Tomb Raider reboot. So, count me in. I do want to say though, you guys should probably reconsider your release date. Just sayin'.
  • Star wars battlefront - Now, I'm not sure about this, but I think this game is online multiplayer only. Do some research you say? I could. I mean, I already did the research for the list of games... It couldn't hurt, right? Let's just stick it in the maybe category. Because it looks GORGEOUS and it's Star Wars. But, if it's online only, then I have to say... No. Thanks, though.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles - This mother-effin' game. Ever since the Wii U was announced, I saw it and was in love with it. But, ever since it was announced, they actually never gave a release date or anything like that. They've been talking about it for so long. But now they finally are releasing it! YES!

When I see that list, this is how I feel.

That's a lot of games and not a lot of time! The "worst" part about it is that most of them are either RPGs or open world games that are very long! So, I don't know kids. Will I be able to finish them all? I don't know. What games are you looking forward to? Sound off in the comments!