Coming Soon... A New Format

If you've noticed a  bit of change around here, well, then, that's a good thing. Here's why... 

In an effort to keep this site as relevant and as readable as possible, I'll be moving away slightly from lengthy write-ups and into a format that should allow for more frequent and, ultimately, more interesting updates. Now, bear in mind, that doesn't mean that I'm planning to completely abandon my earlier blogging-styles. On the contrary, in fact, these posts may appear at the same regularity as they always have; once a month. Unfortunately, there was a problem with that fashion, and one that led to a site that, as one of my friend's was quick to point out, "lacked fun." I could see why. However, for the longest time, I ignored her comments, unwilling to break away from my essay-like posts. And, thus, issues arose, as these things took a long time to write. Too long, perhaps, and their audience was a limited one at best. Something had to change. I needed to move away from a site that appealed only to my interests and instead to one that, while still reflected my likes, could capture more eyes. 

And so, starting today (maybe tomorrow or this week; I'm not completely sure), new life will begin to grow here, starting with...

PHOTO-BLOGGING: People like things they can see. Seeing colors pop from one's screens can do wonders for an otherwise mellow site. Like mine, to be honest. As you may know, I like to take pictures, and, well, I think it's time to take advantage of my hobby and use it to add a little flare and interest on these pages. Of course, you can check out my Flickr blog "here", and that's normally up-to-date.

RANTS: Sometimes, criticism is deserved, and when something really ticks me off, I'll be sure to rant about it in a humorous fashion here. Don't worry; I'll be sure to keep it balanced. 

NOTEWORTHY LINKS AND FINDS: Here's an envy-worthy feature that Tumblr packs: re-blogging. Instead of taking the time to copy and paste your finds into a new post, you need only hit one button, edit the write-up as necessary, and then post it! It's a simple feature that works, and one that I think other platforms should take notes from. Anyway, I'll make certain to report and compile any cool finds on the Internet here, and, of course, provide brief commentary along with a link. 

MINI-REVIEWS: I think I've finally learnt something: reviews can be accurate and concise. So, yes, I've decided that, rather than spend over 1000 words on one thing, I can assess smaller items in, say, 500 words or less. Look forward to those... 

In addition, I'll be keeping the "photography" section of the site as up-to-date as possible, and maybe even write a blog post for each time I make a change.

Well, there you go. Four ways this site's going to change and boast new and fresh content. Here's hoping for a new era here.

See you soon! 

On the Issue of Time...

We all know what I haven't been doing! And, as per our agreement, we won't talk about it. And yes, the title of this post is hopelessly ambiguous, and no, I don't really care that it has little to do with what I'll actually be talking about, and... well, this is getting redundant. But okay, maybe I can touch on the things I had hoped to avoid. You know, time is a bitch, and a frustrating one at that. Originally, when I had started this site, I had wanted to post at least once a week, and, as well, I had wanted there to be a heck of a lot more content to gawk at (word choice?). But time got the better of me, and the place on the Internet I had hoped to call home soon turned into a forgotten realm. In fact, an analogy I often like to attribute to other deserted places on the Internet came true here: I saw a tumbleweed fly by.

Of course, I'd like to change that, and more content is on the way, I promise.

But, anyway, let's get on with things, shall we?

I come to you at a tumultuous time, don't I? Oil spills, deficits, war... There's a lot going on these days. So, understandably, it's hard to find things that are right in this world. Have I been able to get past all that and attempt to enjoy what life does offer? Well, no, not completely, but I've been keeping myself busy enough. Admittedly, I've stayed away from the finger-pointing and blame game that so many politicians have deduced themselves to, and, while it pains me to admit that I'm only an observer to it all, I haven't been able to do much more. Anyway, let's take a routine look at the things I have been doing, playing, watching and reading...

PHOTOGRAPHY/PLACES

NEW YORK

You know what? Rather than talk aimlessly about a place you probably already know about, I'm just gonna post a few photos, dammit.

The Fairmont Plaza Hotel is one hellishly expensive place to stay. And no, it wasn't my residence.

The steps at Apple's iconic 5th avenue store. It's rather underwhelming in person.

ENTERTAINMENT

TELEVISION

Yes, 24 is over, having concluded with a bittersweet finale on the 24th of May. Interestingly, while I dreaded it weeks before it aired, by the end of the final countdown I felt satisfied with the conclusion. I wasn't wishing for more, and, for the first time perhaps, I had come to terms with the ending of my favorite show of all time. Now... bring on the movie!

As far as TV goes, I have a ton to keep me busy, even with 24 gone from my screen. When I was in New York, I managed to get my hands on quite a few shows I had been yearning to watch for some time...

Breaking Bad: Ironically, I've heard that nothing bad about this show. The story of a a science teacher turned meth-pusher, Breaking Bad has been called the best show on television by numerous sources and I just can't wait to start watching. How had I missed this one until now?!

ROME: Recommended by my brother, this drama was apparently yet another fine show for HBO, and a pitch-perfect representation of Rome during some troubling times.

LOST: Yes, I should be shot. I've yet to watch this show and, well, I'm gonna get right to it. Please don't hurt me. Of course, I'm expecting good things from one of the most hyped dramas of all time. It'll be a long, fun and head-scratching ride, I'm certain.

GAMING

Not much here, to be honest. Aside from Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Red Dead Redemption, there's been little time for me to dive into any of the other triple-A titles available. Honestly, though, it's been a stellar year for gaming, and I, along with others, are in the process of doing a write-up for some of 2010's greatest so far for Fandomania. Look for it in the coming week!

Anyway, from what little I've played of them, both Battlefield and Red Dead are impressive titles, though completely different. While one is a fast-paced shooter and the other is an open-world Western, they each have their own selling-points that make them, for the most part, winners. Granted, I've taken issue with a few things in each, especially with Red Dead's startlingly slow pace at the beginning. However, once you get past the boring introduction, things take off from there.

BOOKS

As well, I haven't been doing much reading due to time limitations, and, aside from magazines, the following have been collecting dust, awaiting me to finally pick them up:

Steven Erikson's Gardens of the Moon

W.E.B. Griffin's The Hostage

George Orwell's 1984 (what? It's a classic... that I've never read!)

Rest assured, they'll be finished.

Okay, then! Enough to fill a post. You can judge me aaaaaalll you want, but, even though I take a while, I make sure my blog posts are of some length, right? Wait - I think I'm giving myself a tad bit too much credit. Back to the drawing board, then, eh?

Where am I going with all this?