New Phone

Those very close to me know that I've been struggling to keep my cellphone alive. A routine of taking the battery in-and-out just to get it to charge wasn't something that was convinient to do. Now that I think back on it, it was downright annoying to do.

But, no longer!

Ok, that was a bit dramatic. But yeah, I got a new phone. It's a Samsung Instinct with Bell Canada. I can already hear some of you: "Why didn't you get an iPhone instead? The iPhone ROCKS!" etc... I know. I love the device and does what it does great. The answer is quite simple...

In Canada, Rogers Mobile has the exclussivity to the iPhone. It wouldn't be a big deal, but I did my research [reviews, CRTC, Rogers' website, etc]. Conclusion: Rogers Sucks! Okay, they're awesome for Cable TV [normal and digital] and outside of Atlantic Canada, their internet is awesome too. But when it comes to cellphones, there are far better choices for coverage area (49% less coverage than their competitors in Canada), network speed, and prices for the plans (voice and data). Comparing the plans and what they cover compared to competitive plans, it's just not a smart choice to sign up to Rogers Mobile. They have the iPhone, but can't back up the service.

After that out of the way, I researched plans and phones at the two other competitors in New-Brunswick and after three weeks, got my hands on an Instinct.

It's a great phone for me. It's no iPhone and isn't perfect, but really - the iPhone is far from perfect either.

The Full Moon Show - Episode 36 Released!

Why is this episode so special? It's Insomniac Games first-ever video podcast!

Click here!

Poll Results - 3-way

Wow, I didn't expect that. A three-way tie between Maya Fundamentals, Photo Retouching, and "Secret" Project 2.

I had to go with "elimination" coin tosses. A two round process. First round I toss a coin for each results. The one that's different get eliminated. Second round is which ever gets head and the other tail, head wins.

Round 1

• Mastering Maya - Tail
• Photo Retouching - Head
• "Secret" Project #2 - Tail

Round 2

• Mastering Maya - Tail
• "Secret" Project 2 - Head

So this week I tackle "Secret" Project 2. Here's another hint: It's a craft that is only about two hundred years old, while the 'sister' craft his over two thousand years old.

Not Much to Write About

My last Blog post was 16 days ago. Looks like I fell in the "forgets-about-the-Blog-for-awhile", but no. I just don't have anything interesting the say right now. For the sake of keeping this Blog alive, here are some random ramblings...

Some of you, I'm sure, were expecting a Resistance 2 Review or Impression. Truth is, nothing I would've written would've stood out or be any different from the good reviews out. The game is Epic. I'm not using this word as a qualificative word for "awesome". It truly feels big and large. The very first thing you see when you can control Hale you think you see something far in the background. You walk to an open area and *BOOM* that thing you thought was in the background is actually right in front of you. The story is fantastic, the gameplay mechanics are very smooth, and the multiplayer is simply awesome.

I honestly don't understand how some people can critisize the game. All the complaints have seen so far are unfounded, ignorant (wouldn't have worked in the game), or simply ignore the design-direction of the game. There is a reason for the two-weapon system, there's a reason why there's no narrator, there's a reason why there are no vehicles... I guess it's true what they say: "It's easier to hate than to love."

The only little thing that gets me in Resistance 2 is not about the game. It's about me as a gamer. You see, I'm not a big fan of FPS games. Even less on consoles. I hate horror movies, and even more horror games. This game is way outside my comfort zone... but Insomniac Games did such a great job with the gameplay, the atmosphere, and the story that it actually feels good to be outside my comfort zone. I just take my time a lot with the game.

Last winter, I injured my hand. I had to step aside from my dad's worship group (liturgical animation) during the Christmas time, which was one of their last for several months. The group started playing again during the summer and I just recently joined back. It's great to work with motivated and talented young people. It's also great to work in music again. I missed writting and arranging music. I'm hoping to stay in the group a while. They seemed to like the addition of my flute (and maybe soon an Irish Flute too).

And Now for Something Completely Different ((I love Monty Python, hehehe)) I recently continued masteringMaya: The Fundamentals. I didn't have time yet to do much, but I did finish the Constraint lessons. The end exercice was pretty sweet. I exported a Playblast of it, but I need to get a good video editor that's able to do some compositing. I think I found one that's not too expensive, I need to do a little bit of research first. I'll post it once it's available.

On a more personal note, Cancer struck another of my mother's sibbling recently. I feel pretty bad about it because I'm not reacting to it anymore... I'm sad about it, but I think I'm getting a little numb to the reaction of the news. This is the forth uncle or aunt at the rate of almost one-a-year. Cancer is ruthless. No one is safe from it. But news of it just doesn't hit me anymore. I'm asking my readers to have my aunt in your prayers or thoughts (if you don't believe in a "Maker", which is fine) on Monday. She's getting surgery and only has a 50% of coming out of it, and 20% of that 50% of being paralyzed.

Now my coffee is getting cold and I need to leave in an hour. Yes, I'm drinking coffee. As some of you may know, I have an intolerance to a certain (high) concentration of cafeine. It really sucks because I could live on coffee. I love the taste of it, the smell of it, the 'd'exture (Austin Powers in Goldmember reference). My body can't take either a high dose of cafeine (too much of it) or really concentrated doses (dark roasts, pure expresso, etc.). But coffee is too good for me to pass... I just have to drink it with moderation...

I added a Poll for the weekend. I'll let you, my dear readers, decide what I should work on this week. Poll is on the left above my Twitter.

"Secret Project" Hint
The secret 'snowflake' project is now put on hold for several reasons. I still have a hint for you!


I have another 'similar' "Secret Project" in queue for Christmas. I didn't start it yet though. It's much smaller (in terms of time) than the first one.

If you have any ideas on what my Secret Skill is, please post in the comment (Arista, you know it already - don't spoil my fun plz!?!)