John's shared items in Google Reader

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Reagan-Appointed Judge Strikes Down Gay Marriage Ban | Cato @ Liberty

Reagan-Appointed Judge Strikes Down Gay Marriage Ban | Cato @ Liberty

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Roland Zarate Reviews "Legacy" for Late to the Game

Roland Zarate takes a look at the old PC game "Legacy".  Here's a snippit:

"Horror is a genre that shines on the format of video games. Nothing will immerse you in the awful goings-on of a story more than being in control of whether your character lives or dies. It works so well that you can find horror elements in many of the major franchises. Games like Halo, Bioshock, Left 4 Dead and Half-Life are a major force in the video game world and I'd argue that that's due, in part, to how well the designer evokes the feeling of fear. Fear is just easier to create within the interactive nature of games; it's fun, it's safe, and the fear is personal."

It's worth a look.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

The top 10 video games of the past decade - CNN.com

The top 10 video games of the past decade - CNN.com

And now 10 more games to add to my list...

Late to the Game

I've started a new blog recently called "Late to the Game", a blog considering older "classic" games from a critical perspective. I'm working on numerous reviews thus far, however, a special preview about my frustration with Batman: Arkham Asylum is up. Surprisingly, I'm not enjoying it so far.

On paper I should love this game. Largely considered one of the best licensed games, Arkham Asylum comes from a who’s who of Batman pedigree. Character designs by Jim lee, written by Batman comic and animation alumnus Paul Dini (perhaps my favorite), and most importantly voiced by the same actors of the animated series - Kevin Conroy, Arleen Sorkin, and Mark Hamill's delightfully energetic demented Joker. And it’s Batman!

Please jump in and tell me your thoughts, recommendations, and the like.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Escapist : Extra Punctuation: Stealth

Great article on stealth games and why they mean more than a kill machine. The Escapist : Extra Punctuation: Stealth

Monday, May 03, 2010

Some People Running : Dot Physics

Some People Running : Dot Physics

Millions of Americans cancelling or cutting back on cable - NYPOST.com

Cord Cutters, all of them. Millions of Americans cancelling or cutting back on cable - NYPOST.com

Child's Final Superheroic Wish Is The Greatest Thing You'll Read Today - Superheroes - io9

An entire day and city for one child's dream :) Child's Final Superheroic Wish Is The Greatest Thing You'll Read Today - Superheroes - io9

Abrams gets back in the Spy Game

Undercovers sounds like a simple premise. Breaking: NBC picks up J.J. Abrams drama 'Undercovers' | Ausiello | EW.com

KN | Kitsune Noir � Shanghai Expo

Check these out at the KN | Kitsune Noir � Shanghai Expo

Go Into The Story: Why I gave away 30 story ideas in 30 days

More on a Story Idea a Day on Go Into The Story: Why I gave away 30 story ideas in 30 days

The Ludologist � Blog Archive � NYU Announces No Quarter: An Exhibition of Games

Definitely doing this. The Ludologist � Blog Archive � NYU Announces No Quarter: An Exhibition of Games

indiePub Games - Play Indie Games Online

Not a game designer myself, but if YOU are, take a look here: indiePub Games - Play Indie Games Online

The Superstitious Writer

Fun thoughts from Wordstudio: The Gist

Via Brokelyn, Brooklyn Artists, barter for your next physical exam | Brokelyn

via Broklyn Brooklyn Artists, barter for your next physical exam | Brokelyn

Chris Samnee’s Thor Sketches | Project : Rooftop

This new "Blog It!" tool in Chrome is very useful.

Here are Chris Samnee’s Thor Sketches | Project : Rooftop

Douchery of Broken Dreams

I just had to post this.

SUBWAY DOUCHERY

Friday, April 09, 2010

Japan: The Strange Country

Found this piece at the above link:

Japan - The Strange Country (Japanese ver.) from Kenichi on Vimeo.



It's a great piece about Japan and its cultural eccentricities and history.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

R.I.P. Carl Fredericksen

Carl Fredericksen was my mentor. At Athenian Upper School, the man took me in and listened to all of my pseudo-intellectual chatter, and guided me toward pursuits that would expand my thought process, and shaped me into the person I am today.

From Dick B., head of the school (abridged):

"It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Carl Fredericksen, former member of the Upper School Humanities department. Carl was a man of many interests and talents. Here at Athenian he taught both history and literature, edited the literary magazine, and created the Humanitas course that has become a hallmark of our curriculum. Carl was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in 1997."

I had an active and inventive imagination when I met Carl. Carl captured that, and honed it into an aggressively inventive imagination. He found in me a curious mind that wanted to experiment with every idea possible. He was a philosopher, a questioner, but most of all, he was a teacher.

He will be missed.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Congratulations Mr. President

The Health Care summit should redefine open communication in this country. Can we get past talking points and talk about issues?

Or was I hoping for too much.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hollywood's Mathematical formula

Study of highest grossing Hollywood movies from 1935 to 2005.

Some analysis from the Go Into the Story Blog

I would also say that there have been many cultural taste changes over time, especially in editing style. My first thought here is still correlation and causation, and some statistical problems as in 1980 - on more films were produced AND "New Hollywood" found the formula we tend to watch today. Screenwriting and story gurus such as Joseph Campbell and Robert McKee really began to take hold in this time as well, which emphasized structural guidelines.

In other words, this mathematical analysis seems skewed directly toward already formulaic films.

That being said - that formula has been arrived at by nearly a century of trial and error, measured by box office success.

Thoughts?

Monday, January 04, 2010