Yet another amazing song from John Boswell (AKA Colorpulse) has been released just a day ago. It’s a more low-key song, featuring Carl Sagan, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall. I’ve embedded the video, and you should check out the Symphony of Science website as well, where you can find the mp3 download and additional information about the song.

Okay, let me get it out there in the open: I love Lenovo!

A few years ago when I had heard that IBM was selling their PC division to a foreign company that I had never heard of before, I had reservations. However, my tune has changed to the complete opposite since owning two ThinkPad laptops.

I want to specifically talk about my recent dealing with my T61p laptop and the problems it was having. After moving home, I opened up my laptop for the first time and booted up into it (Running Ubuntu 9.10.) I opened Skype to call my girlfriend, and it closed in the middle of dialling. Other programs continued to crash for no reason. Running them from the command line, some of them were segfaulting, others giving odd errors. I tried to do an apt update/upgrade, wondering if there was a problem with the recent upgrade I had done earlier in the week. However, even that failed. Wondering if my linux install was b0rked, I booted into the Windows 7 install I had on the same laptop. Explorer.exe crashed right away, and would not run. I knew something was amiss, but as I had a very busy week coming, and I had just moved, it wasn’t on top of my priority list. Looking at it later on, I concluded (from running a LiveCD and doing some HD Diags) that it was not the hard drive, but either the motherboard or ram that was the problem.

I then decided to call up Lenovo, as last time I had a problem they sent me out a box to put my computer in, I sent them out my computer, and within a week I had my computer back with no problems. Calling Lenovo customer support was a great experience. I was in automated prompts for about 30 seconds, then on hold for another 30 seconds or so before speaking with an actual human being. He was clear and asked me a few questions about my laptop, and about the problem I was having. I explained that I was not the average joe with computers, and he seemed receptive and didn’t ask me non-important questions. He sent me an ISO for PC doctor, which would do a checkup on my hardware (Get it, checkup, doctor? haw haw) and it immediately failed on the RAM, but passed all other tests. I then ran my own Memtest86+ test on the RAM overnight, and it returned over 38,000,000 errors. I then called Lenovo back, and once again was talking with a real person within a minute or two. I told them my case number, and explained the results of the PC doctor test and my own. They then confirmed the type of RAM I had, my address, and told me that my RAM should be there tomorrow. I was so impressed, but I hardly believed that I would have the RAM the next day. Lo and behold, the next day came, and at 9:30 AM the UPS truck rolled up and delivered my RAM. I swapped it out, and it works perfectly!

I am very impressed with how this was handled by Lenovo, and would recommend both their products and buying the extended warranty with them. This is exactly the way that customer/technical support should be handled.

Hey everyone, this is DJ Bo Vice here. I decided to cap off the year 2009 with a few articles. This one and another one are a series in what is called the “Disappointments of 2009 (Gaming Division).” It only sounds cool but there are only two games that I have played where I can give a good synopsis of them. You can also look forward to some other future articles that are lighter in tone.

The decade is almost at an end and I still can not comprehend this. What have I been doing for the last 10 years? Before I am all philosophical and the like, I would like to take about two disappointing games in 2009. They certainly did not live up to their expectations and hype. In short, it “talked” the talk but could not produce the results. Of course, this is my personal opinion.

Edit: This article will have one of the two most disappointing games of 2009. The other article will be posted at a later date.

Now that formalities are out of the way, let’s start the bashing. First on the list, we have Resident Evil 5. I knew there would be a Resident Evil 5. I was psyched when I heard its release date. I checked out a few gameplay videos and it looked fine. The demo was fun and hard (like all Capcom games). Of course, the game had received a lot of heat. It was basically a racism issue. Please look this up on your own time as it will take up too long to explain.

I pre-ordered the game with high hopes. I picked up the game on release day, Friday, March 13, 2009 (I kid you not). Of course, I wanted to play it as soon as possible. As I started up the game, I was prompted to sit through the mandatory game data installation. After that, the game went downhill from there.

To sum it up, it was pretty much a rehash of Resident Evil 4 with better graphics and split-screen co-op with a real person/friend or a crappy AI partner. The controls were exactly like Resident Evil 4 with the exception of customizable mapping of guns and items to the D-pad. At some point in the game, they even decided to implement some half-assed cover system. I mean, what the hell? Either make this like Gears of War or not.

The antiquated control is a la Resident Evil 4. It worked back when Resident Evil 4 was released. It fact, the controls were amazing for its time. It gave the Resident Evil franchise a much needed reboot. Trying this control scheme years later seemed like a good idea at first. Capcom was wise to follow the adage, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

My experience with Resident Evil 5 was an absolute nightmare. You have the following actions available: move (walking or running), aim, shoot. Here are your options when fending off enemies: move, aim and shoot. You can only choose one or the other. Sounds fun, right?

Let me tell you one thing, it is the exact opposite. Ever since I played Gears of War and Uncharted, I viewed third-person shooters in a different light. For it to be successful, you need the Holy Trinity of Third-Person (over the shoulder) Shooters. What is this you ask? It is the ability to move, aim, and shoot at the same time at any time (with some exceptions).

Here is an example using Uncharted 1 and 2. In the game, I have plenty of options available to take down enemies. I can be on the run and blindfire (shooting without aiming). I can hide in cover to prepare an ambush. If I wanted to and I often do, I take aim, move towards the enemy, and shoot at the same time. If done correctly, it looks totally badass.

Your AI partner is pretty much useless. It does an amazing job of using up all the ammo and healing items you allocate to the AI. If you stand in front of an enemy, the AI will fire at you at a foolish attempt to help. Luckily, there is no friendly fire. The worse part of the mandatory co-op experience? You have to buy, equip, and upgrade gear for your useless AI partner as well.

The inventory system is back to Resident Evil’s root. You can only carry nine items on you at all times. Items include guns, healing herbs, and ammo. As you play through a level, you are quickly overwhelmed by the amount of free swag you encounter. You do have a choice in this matter. The AI partner actually has a use now. It does an amazing job of being a mule. It carries all the stuff you do not want to carry. Make sure to never leave healing items with the AI as they will use it liberally when such resources are scarce as in any survival horror game. Though Resident Evil 5 in no way resembles traditional survival horror games.

To sum up my experience, Resident Evil 5 did not live up to its hype. It did, however, advance the story in an interesting direction. Too bad I have no motivation to keep playing it to that point. Another disappointing fact was an asshole move on Capcom’s behalf. A few months after its release, Capcom released a DLC (downloadable content) “unlocking” a multiplayer deathmatch option.

It sounds interesting, right? Wait, it gets better. The asshole part of Capcom I wrote about earlier? You essentially pay $5 (plus tax based on your location) for an unlock key. You have got to be kidding me, right? I am paying more money to you assholes for “sheet” that I already have. Bravo, Capcom. Bravo, Capcom.

New York State Senator Diane Savino made this speech before New York voted against gay marriage. I think it’s the best speech on gay marriage I’ve ever heard.

The Symphony of Science (aka John Boswell) has released their third song. It’s called “Our Place in the Cosmos’ featuring Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, Michio Kaku and Robert Jastrow. You can see it here, or visit the Symphony of Science website.

In a stunning piece of astronomical news, the planet Sol III — better known as “Earth” — has been completely obliterated. In connection with this sudden catastrophe, authorities have questioned a resident of neighboring planet Sol IV (Mars), who is known to have made threats against Earth in the past. This questioning is thought by many to be a formality, as most sources indicate that the destruction was caused by a foolhardy group of scientists in central Europe.wired.com, Earth Destroyed By Large Hadron Collider; Martian Questioned, Nov 2009

I’ve recently found out about a electronic/ambient artist, Colorpulse. This music is *excellent* and I recommend it to everyone. What I really would like to point out is a project by Colorpulse called The Symphony of Science — a project from Colorpulse. From The Symphony of Science website:

The Symphony of Science is a musical project by John Boswell designed to deliver scientific knowledge and philosophy in musical form. Here you can watch music videos, download songs, read lyrics and find links relating to the messages conveyed by the music.

There are currently two releases from The Symphony of Science. The first features Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking:

The second is called We Are All Connected and features Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Bill Nye:

I love these songs, and if you do as well, I’d recommend making a donation to Colorpulse/John Boswell for the amazing work he’s done. They’re available as free downloads, so check them out!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Today was the greatest baseball day for me. Let’s list off great highlights of the day.

1. Watching my first ever LIVE grand slam (Victor Martinez)
2. Receiving four Boston Red Sox player’s autographs (Jonathan Papelbon, Paul Byrd, Josh Beckett, Dusty Brown)
3. Catching (and fighting for) a Boston Red Sox player’s first career home run baseball
4. Gaining the privilege to enter the Boston Red Sox player’s parking lot

I have never been a greater fan than right now during the Boston Red Sox’s 2009 regular season.

It was the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and no one on base. It was Dusty Brown’s turn at bat. Then all of a sudden, he hits a big one right onto the Green Monster. Instinctively, I quickly calculated the baseball’s trajectory and its estimated landing area. Suddenly, I was wrestling with five to six other fans for the baseball. Then in a few short moments, I emerged victorious with the baseball in hand. It all happened so fast as I can feel my heart racing as I was cheered on by the section. High fives were offered here and there.

I was given information that it was Dusty Brown’s first major league career home run and hit. I was dumbfounded as I was also told that security might visit me soon to ask for the baseball. True to the word, security arrived and escorted me to the Boston Red Sox player’s locker room. As I left the Green Monster, people were congratulating me and offering high fives. I was then asked to go with another guard.

As we walked through the concourse, the guard briefly explained what is going to happen. In return for the baseball, I would be able to request some items within reason. All of this was happening so fast and before I knew it, I was at the door to the player’s locker room. I followed the guard to the player’s parking lot.

I was asked to wait in the area for a few minutes. After a few minutes, a Boston Red Sox official arrived and asked what I wanted. I was still overwhelmed by the excitement of catching my first ever home run baseball. The official had just received an autographed ball from the starting pitcher for the game, Josh Beckett. The official asked if it was a deal. I was lost in thought and the official suggested I accept the deal.

I now have an autographed baseball from Josh Beckett. I asked if I can have a picture with Dusty Brown. The official did not object to it and asked another guard, Ryan, to watch over me. The guard was very friendly and courteous. He congratulated me.

Ryan further explained a few rules of being a fan with the privilege to be in the player’s parking lot.  I cannot ask for autographs from players nor can I have a picture taken with them. I did not object to the conditions as they are Major League Baseball standards. I was escorted to where all the players parked their cars. I was in awe as I’d never imagine the players driving such big luxurious cars.

I really had no idea how long I was waiting but I did not mind. As I was waiting, I can hear to the tunes of “Dirty Water” by the The Standells as the Boston Red Sox have won the game. Ryan then told me that it would be very busy as the players would be getting ready to leave. A Boston Police officer told me that he sits in the Boston Red Sox player’s dugout during every game. I was in awe at his privilege.

Slowly, I saw the players and Jerry Remy leaving the parking lot. In no particular order, I saw the following players in the parking lot:

Brian Anderson
Jonathan Papelbon
Hideki Okajima
Dustin Pedroia
Kevin Youkilis
Alex Gonzalez
Victor Martinez

I politely asked Ryan if would be not too much if I may have Dusty Brown’s game used hat to commemorate this special occasion. He discussed with some guards over the radio. A few minutes passed and I was told that I would not be able to have it. He was, however, able to procure the cleanest baseball I had ever seen. He suggested that I’d ask Dusty Brown to autograph it. I also learned from Ryan that pens are best for autographing baseballs. I reached into my right pocket and retrieved a Pentel R.S.V.P. fine point black pen.

After a few minutes, the man of the night arrives. Ryan introduces me as the person who caught (and fought for) his first career home run baseball. I asked him how it feels and he tells me it is a great feeling. He asked if I wanted him to autograph the baseball in my hand. I replied yes and handed him the baseball and pen. Ryan then took a picture of us. I congratulated Dusty Brown and he went his way.

I asked Ryan what was next on the list and he told me that I can leave now. He escorted me to the corner of Van Ness Street and Yawkey Way. I then walked home happy and content that I received two autographed baseballs and had a picture taken with the man of the night.

On the way home, I thought up something: I should have asked if I can stay until all the players leave. Sadly, however, I was half way home. I then thought to myself, “Savor the moment and be moderate in what you request.”

This about concludes the greatest baseball day I experienced to date. I look forward to more great baseball memories and stories in the future.

Disclaimer: The following groups have forfeited their trustworthiness due to excessive use of insanity. Democrats, Republicans, Independents,  Tax Exempt Religious Institutions, Civil War Rein-actors, Greenpeace, Yours Truly, Disney Corporation, and the U.S.A. Governmental Institution.

It’s been so long, everyone. I think we should have a tea party. No, I’m not referring to a tea party where we accuse the host is Adolph Hitler, I mean the one where we drink White Tea with Baileys. It’s just been that kind of century. The only things we can show off in the history books is the Microprocessor, and a few theoretical advancements in most sciences. First, the real reason I’m inspired to host this internet Tea-Party is to toast our 111′th Congress. It was a close call, but after much deliberation we almost passed legislation for SOCIALIZED MEDICINE. After-all we don’t want to end up disease-ridden sh**holes like the UK or Canada (which is still technically the UK… fu**ing UK). However while busy fighting the oldest war in US history (not being the British), we neglected our opposite front.

India’s space program recently found new evidence of (frozen) water on the moon. They also had the audacity to refer to the US for tech support. I, however see this as a completely justified sacrifice to ensure poor people die. Everyone is accountable for personal responsibility, after all. It’s refreshing to see Washington D.C. doing it’s job: keeping up the illusion it’s trying to devour you. It also has the free time to convince everyone that it’s not run by lobbyists. Think about it. If we had a health service in this country who’s priority was patient care, they would add insult to injury by taxing soda and cigarettes to pay for it. How dare I pay slightly more for my obesity and lung cancer so it’s more affordable for me to treat!

It doesn’t end here either. This is a SLIPPERY SLOPE. It’s easy to see why a super-majority democratic congress still refuses solidarity. If we grant commie health care to poor people, then they’ll want education. If you give a homeless person education, they’ll just want a job. If you give someone a job they’ll want a place to live. If you give someone a place to live, they’ll become a consumer. If you make someone a consumer, they’ll help move currency. If people help move currency, economy stabilizes. If the economy stabilizes society will have a higher standard of living. If society has a higher standard of living, they will have less concern over keeping themselves and family secure thereby drawing attention to corruption in positions of power. Believe me when I say nobody wants that. Nobody in the position to pass health care reform, anyway.

I hope you can see how outrageous and unnecessary new laws are. They’re dangerous. You should be afraid. Why? Because I say so. If you’re not afraid, the terrorists win.  Independent thought and protest is how wars get started.  The two worst crimes against liberty you can commit is informing yourself and making your voice heard. Scurvy is a preventable disease caused by a deficiency. Most know that by simply in-taking enough healthy “knowledge” fruit can prevent such a horrible experience. Good night and good luck.

P.S. Don’t you think the new look of the blog is SEXY? (But not gay-marriage sexy)

Hey everyone. This is DJ Bo Vice here.

I know I said I will write up a review of Square-Enix’s The World Ends with You at some point. To tell you the truth, I have not even started on it. If you are patient enough, it will be posted eventually. If you just wait a bit longer, I will try my best to write it as soon as I can. Oh, and thanks for waiting.

To start, let’s talk about a revered person, the Dalai Lama. He is revered in Tibet and yet China just will not give the guy a break. I mean, he cannot even visit some countries without China hassling him. The most recent example of this is, South Africa. There was supposed to be a peace conference but that is now postponed indefinitely. South Africa is “China’s largest trading partner in Africa” and it seems a little suspicious when the country tells the Dalai Lama to go somewhere else. Some say pressure from China might have something to do with it. But where is the bureaucracy and politics? Fear not, South Africa claims that because of the World Cup, the Dalai Lama has to go. The country is slated to host the World Cup and it will be the first one held in Africa overall. Really? What do you think readers?

Next on the agenda is about the President of the United States or ‘POTUS’ if you work for the Secret Service. Recently, there has been some controversy among the Catholic Church criticizing the President of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The fact that Obama, pro-abortion, is the commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary law degree at a Catholic university drew fire from protesters. This means looking dumb when you are arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest charges. Honestly, even some students thought it was cool to even skip out on their own graduation to follow their beliefs. If the POTUS was my commencement speaker, I’d go to it because it is the POTUS. Do you understand what it means to have the POTUS as a commencement speaker? However, some pro-life students actually went to graduation and passively protested through their mortar board (the cap you wear at graduation) with two symbols on it, a Holy Cross and baby’s feet. The only instance where, I personally (my opinion now), would skip out on commencement is if the institute/school/university invites someone that did something bad, for example, an executive from the now defunct company, Enron. Of course, everyone is a critic include you, the reader, as you are now judging my writing and opinions.

One last comment before our last topic, Arizona State University’s loss is now University of Notre Dame’s gain. ASU claims Obama’s “… body of work is yet to come” as their reasoning to not confer upon him an honorary degree. Dawn Teo of Arizona Politics writes,

“Writing two best-sellers? Not outstanding. Developing one of the largest grassroots organizations in the world? Nothing special. Becoming the first African American President of the United States? Good, but nothing to write home about.”

Readers, did you think that was enough for President Obama to receive an honorary degree?

Last, we have our favorite “epidemic,” teh (yes , I wrote teh) swine flu or H1N1. On a cold and rainy Sunday, I went to Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Spring 2009 Commencement (Sunday, May 17, 2009) to see friends graduate. Before Sunday, Wentworth sent out an e-mail stating that due to the H1N1 virus and to minimize spreading, the President will not be shaking hands with graduates. Traditionally, the President shakes hands with all graduates. I, for one, think that it is silly what H1N1 has done to college and university commencements. If I spent four to five years slaving away towards a college degree to find out that the President will not shake my hand, I’d be angry. What? Alcohol-based hand sanitizers were not available for distribution for all graduates? I hear that it works wonders. Your hands may smell like alcohol but rest assured you will have a clean hand ready for shaking. But this is a time for celebrating achievements and accomplishments. I am happy for my friends that graduated and wish them well in their future endeavors. Hopefully by the August 2009 Commencement, this silly “epidemic” will have passed.

Pretty much, these recent issues have been bothering me. We have everyone complaining and worrying too much about teh H1N1.

Enjoy these other news blurbs and pictures I found surfing through the Internet. Rest assured, The World Ends with You, will be posted at a later date. Just wait for it, please?

Pictures

I’m not a kid, but I really want this hat
Humans Vs. Animals (infographic)
LEGO HALF-LIFE ² (UPDATE)

News

AMAZED doctors-Twins were born to different dads
Montreal Cop Fines Student $450 For Not Holding Subway Rail
Soldier Fights Taliban Wearing Pink Boxers and Flip Flops
Tatsunoko vs Capcom Might Get Online Multiplayer
Capcom Quarantines Its Own Employees
What to Watch Out For in Public Bathrooms

Sources

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7958881.stm

South Africa bans Dalai Lama trip

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8051435.stm
South Africa in Dalai Lama U-turn

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dawn-teo/asu-stiffs-obama-claim-to_b_185296.html
ASU Stiffs Obama, Claims Too Inexperienced For Honorary Degree