Spring Break!
The Griswold's are heading South! We're going to Disney World (aka "Wally World") for a 9-day romp through the parks! Kellie will be holding down the blog in the interim, and may have a few things to say, time permitting. I'll be back and posting again the week of April 9th.
For those of you that have never been, Disney World truly is a magical place for kids of all ages, including my advanced age of 35! What really strikes me about the place is the attention to detail and the backstory for the majority of their attractions, destinations, and hotels. It really stimulates my imagination! Before I first went to Disney, I assumed it was like Six Flags or Cedar Point, but designed more for kids. Boy, was I wrong. I've been back probably 8 times since, and it never gets old. There's plenty for everyone to do. And, since it's vacation, I'll also have some "do nothing" time by the resort pool. I could type all day trying to put it into words, but I'll spare you. Experience it yourself; then you'll know exactly what I mean.
The unpaid infomercial is over… Now back to our semi-regular programming…
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Freelance Life
Ah, the dream life. Getting paid to play and write about games. Sounds glamorous, doesn't it? Who wouldn't want a career like that, as opposed to schlepping for the "man" 9-to-5? I often wondered that, but after being exposed to this on at least a small scale, I thought I'd share with you what it's really like, at least so far.
I'll be getting my first check shortly. My contribution: one article and two reviews. My pay: $50 per contribution, plus the games are free. Granted, the "professionals" undoubtedly make more than that, but even at $250 per contribution (a total guess on my part), spread out over multiple publications, it would take at least 10 reviews a month to make a starting teacher's salary (in most places). And, to do it right, it takes probably an average of 15 hours per game or so, at least. That's full-time hours already. Plus, at least in my case, I get assigned games; I don't get to choose them. I have to learn to play stuff that I'd never pick up at the store, and be objective and thorough about it. Also consider that freelance work isn't guaranteed or regular, the workload could get very light at times, and then double or more around the holidays. To make a living freelancing is hard work for comparably little pay. It really is a labor of love. Or, it could explain why there are so many crappy reviews on the 'net and in magazines!
I read in Electronic Gaming Monthly that the folks who write strategy guides make about $10,000 per book. They have to hole themselves up for hours playing the same game, trying to work through cheats, shortcuts, and the best strategies. I believe it takes something like 2-3 months to complete a guide. That has to get monotonous, and it must take incredible discipline. In reality, it turns gaming into "work." Ironically, most of us game to get away from doing work!
My guess is that many reviewers are like me. They have regular employment, and supplement their income with their passion for gaming and writing. Please don't read this as me complaining. I love the opportunity, and I'm thankful to have it! In reality, though, I have the best of both worlds. I make very good money in my employment, and get paid to have a little fun on the side. I'm just glad I don't have the pressure of making a living from gaming. My kids need to eat, and I'm not that good!
I'll be getting my first check shortly. My contribution: one article and two reviews. My pay: $50 per contribution, plus the games are free. Granted, the "professionals" undoubtedly make more than that, but even at $250 per contribution (a total guess on my part), spread out over multiple publications, it would take at least 10 reviews a month to make a starting teacher's salary (in most places). And, to do it right, it takes probably an average of 15 hours per game or so, at least. That's full-time hours already. Plus, at least in my case, I get assigned games; I don't get to choose them. I have to learn to play stuff that I'd never pick up at the store, and be objective and thorough about it. Also consider that freelance work isn't guaranteed or regular, the workload could get very light at times, and then double or more around the holidays. To make a living freelancing is hard work for comparably little pay. It really is a labor of love. Or, it could explain why there are so many crappy reviews on the 'net and in magazines!
I read in Electronic Gaming Monthly that the folks who write strategy guides make about $10,000 per book. They have to hole themselves up for hours playing the same game, trying to work through cheats, shortcuts, and the best strategies. I believe it takes something like 2-3 months to complete a guide. That has to get monotonous, and it must take incredible discipline. In reality, it turns gaming into "work." Ironically, most of us game to get away from doing work!
My guess is that many reviewers are like me. They have regular employment, and supplement their income with their passion for gaming and writing. Please don't read this as me complaining. I love the opportunity, and I'm thankful to have it! In reality, though, I have the best of both worlds. I make very good money in my employment, and get paid to have a little fun on the side. I'm just glad I don't have the pressure of making a living from gaming. My kids need to eat, and I'm not that good!
Monday, March 26, 2007
11 Things To Do
Let me start by saying I am not “green.” I drive an SUV and I don’t recycle. (By now you either love me or hate me. Wait! It gets better…) I also procrastinate which is why I am writing about a movie that has been out for some time. (Though it has come to my attention that many of my friends and co-workers have not viewed it either.) You’ve probably seen it or at the very least have heard about it. I need to talk about it.
As if I don’t have enough to do, along comes a movie that expects even more from me. Please! I’m not looking to add to my already hectic schedule. I put off viewing this flick because deep down I knew it would affect me. I hope it affects you too. I admit, I had a lot to learn.
So, I got together with some friends and we viewed, An Inconvenient Truth. I will spare you the long discussion and heated, yet friendly (OK! OK!, semi-friendly) debate that ensued, but here are the composite views:
“It’s about politics!”
Yes, it is, especially when you learn of a leaked memo advising to:
“…reposition global warming as theory rather than fact.”
“It’s about morals!”
Yes, it is. It is morally wrong to harm the Earth and its inhabitants (assuming of course, that you believe as I do, that all life has intrinsic value). But do we care enough to fix it? Consider the following quote by Upton Sinclair that appears in the film:
“It’s difficult for a man to understand something when his salary depends upon not understanding it.”
“It’s a choice. Economy vs. Environment! How do you choose?” (Well, if we don’t have an environment in which to live do we really need to worry about an economy?)
“It’s about our kids and their future!” Yes, it is about that too.
“It’s about ice caps and *Kyoto Protocol and polar bears!” (Oh my!)
It is about all of these things and so much more. Mr. Gore wears many hats throughout this movie – Former Vice President, Comedian, Concerned Parent, and Educator, just to name a few. He grabs you and holds you, beseeching you to understand our plight and the truth about global warming. He is serious, comedic, well informed and passionate. It is that didactic combo that holds your attention and commands your respect. He won’t let go of you until you’ve heard, understood, and learned the truth. I learned that I still have a lot to learn and I can make a difference.
Al Gore made me think. He made me question many things (including, once again, our current administration, but I digress). He asked if I was ready to change the way I live. The 10 things he asked of me will not make my life any more or less hectic. They may however, make my life better – and yours too – and even future lives. So, here’s what we can do:
1. Change a light (switch to compact fluorescent light)
2. Drive less
3. Recycle more
4. Check your tires (proper inflation improves gas mileage)
5. Use less hot water
6. Avoid products with a lot of packaging
7. Adjust your thermostat (just 2 degrees down in the winter and 2 degrees up in the summer!)
8. Plant a tree
9. Turn off electronic devices when not in use
10. Be part of the solution - visit www.Climatecrisis.net
I am adding one more to the list.
11. Please, watch, share and discuss: An Inconvenient Truth
As the movie comes to a clima(c)tic end, an old African Proverb appears:
“If you believe in prayer, pray that people will find the strength to change.”
___________________________________________________
*The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an amendment to the international treaty on climate change, assigning mandatory emission limitations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the signatory nations
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol
Kellie
As if I don’t have enough to do, along comes a movie that expects even more from me. Please! I’m not looking to add to my already hectic schedule. I put off viewing this flick because deep down I knew it would affect me. I hope it affects you too. I admit, I had a lot to learn.
So, I got together with some friends and we viewed, An Inconvenient Truth. I will spare you the long discussion and heated, yet friendly (OK! OK!, semi-friendly) debate that ensued, but here are the composite views:
“It’s about politics!”
Yes, it is, especially when you learn of a leaked memo advising to:
“…reposition global warming as theory rather than fact.”
“It’s about morals!”
Yes, it is. It is morally wrong to harm the Earth and its inhabitants (assuming of course, that you believe as I do, that all life has intrinsic value). But do we care enough to fix it? Consider the following quote by Upton Sinclair that appears in the film:
“It’s difficult for a man to understand something when his salary depends upon not understanding it.”
“It’s a choice. Economy vs. Environment! How do you choose?” (Well, if we don’t have an environment in which to live do we really need to worry about an economy?)
“It’s about our kids and their future!” Yes, it is about that too.
“It’s about ice caps and *Kyoto Protocol and polar bears!” (Oh my!)
It is about all of these things and so much more. Mr. Gore wears many hats throughout this movie – Former Vice President, Comedian, Concerned Parent, and Educator, just to name a few. He grabs you and holds you, beseeching you to understand our plight and the truth about global warming. He is serious, comedic, well informed and passionate. It is that didactic combo that holds your attention and commands your respect. He won’t let go of you until you’ve heard, understood, and learned the truth. I learned that I still have a lot to learn and I can make a difference.
Al Gore made me think. He made me question many things (including, once again, our current administration, but I digress). He asked if I was ready to change the way I live. The 10 things he asked of me will not make my life any more or less hectic. They may however, make my life better – and yours too – and even future lives. So, here’s what we can do:
1. Change a light (switch to compact fluorescent light)
2. Drive less
3. Recycle more
4. Check your tires (proper inflation improves gas mileage)
5. Use less hot water
6. Avoid products with a lot of packaging
7. Adjust your thermostat (just 2 degrees down in the winter and 2 degrees up in the summer!)
8. Plant a tree
9. Turn off electronic devices when not in use
10. Be part of the solution - visit www.Climatecrisis.net
I am adding one more to the list.
11. Please, watch, share and discuss: An Inconvenient Truth
As the movie comes to a clima(c)tic end, an old African Proverb appears:
“If you believe in prayer, pray that people will find the strength to change.”
___________________________________________________
*The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an amendment to the international treaty on climate change, assigning mandatory emission limitations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the signatory nations
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol
Kellie
Doubling the Staff, Improving the Quality Exponentially
It gives me great pleasure to introduce an additional contributor to this little corner of the Internet... Her name is Kellie, and she is one of the sharpest, most insightful, and talented people I know. I've had the pleasure of working with Kellie at the "real job" for a few years, and I think you're really going to enjoy her contributions.
Kellie is going to cover movies, music, current events, and whatever else tickles her fancy. I can say with some confidence that Kellie and I definitely have different perspectives on a number of topics, and I'm looking forward to hearing her voice on things. I've learned a lot in our discussions, and hopefully you will, too. Leave some comments and let her know what you think!
I'll be posting her first contribution shortly...
Thanks,
The Management
Kellie is going to cover movies, music, current events, and whatever else tickles her fancy. I can say with some confidence that Kellie and I definitely have different perspectives on a number of topics, and I'm looking forward to hearing her voice on things. I've learned a lot in our discussions, and hopefully you will, too. Leave some comments and let her know what you think!
I'll be posting her first contribution shortly...
Thanks,
The Management
Sunday, March 25, 2007
PhD in Bracketology
I've been filling out brackets for the NCAA tournament since, well, since there were only 40 teams invited! In all those years, I don't think I've ever won a thing. The sad thing is, during my formative years, I was an ardent fan of college basketball, and familiar with most of the teams in the tournament, yet I couldn't prognosticate worth crap.
I don't watch as much basketball anymore, and I'm mostly familiar with my Buckeyes, Zips, and their respective conferences. But, luck was with me this year, or something. I actually have the entire Final Four correct! Never before have I done that. I realize I still probably need at least two more games to go my way, but I'm probably in the best position bracket-wise I've ever been in.
That said, rarely do things go my way. Bet against the Buckeyes, because I'm sure they'll lose against G'town, and UCLA will probably upset Florida. Such is the life of a Cleveland/Ohio State fan...
I don't watch as much basketball anymore, and I'm mostly familiar with my Buckeyes, Zips, and their respective conferences. But, luck was with me this year, or something. I actually have the entire Final Four correct! Never before have I done that. I realize I still probably need at least two more games to go my way, but I'm probably in the best position bracket-wise I've ever been in.
That said, rarely do things go my way. Bet against the Buckeyes, because I'm sure they'll lose against G'town, and UCLA will probably upset Florida. Such is the life of a Cleveland/Ohio State fan...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Dancin' in Atlanta!
For the first time since 1968, Ohio State will be going to the Final Four! Well, officially, anyway. Those of you with decent memories will recall a certain Scoonie Penn/Michael Redd led squad that made it to the Final Four in 1999. However, the NCAA expunged that from the record after Jim O'Brien's admitted indiscretions. Paying players is not in line with the NCAA's rules, and it cost him his job. Not that fact that he paid players, mind you, the fact that he (allegedly) paid Boban Savovic. The best coaches know that you need to pay better players than that to have a successful program, but I digress...
I love what I'm seeing out of the Buckeyes right now. The senior-on-his-way-out, Ron Lewis, is absolutely raising his game! And, Mike Conley is coming into his own as a player. One might argue that he's the best freshman on the team. That could be true, simply because the other larger freshman that starts tends to find himself in foul trouble too often. They're also getting timely contributions from the likes of Lighty, Hunter, Cook, and others, with a different player or two stepping up each game. It's amazing that the nearly half of the rotation is made up of true freshman!
Regardless, this team played its best game today against arguably its best opponent in Memphis, and rose to the occasion. Whoever wins between UNC and Georgetown will pose a formidable challenge, no doubt, but I'm not going to worry about that right now. I'm going live in the moment for a few more days!
Go Bucks!
Kevin
I love what I'm seeing out of the Buckeyes right now. The senior-on-his-way-out, Ron Lewis, is absolutely raising his game! And, Mike Conley is coming into his own as a player. One might argue that he's the best freshman on the team. That could be true, simply because the other larger freshman that starts tends to find himself in foul trouble too often. They're also getting timely contributions from the likes of Lighty, Hunter, Cook, and others, with a different player or two stepping up each game. It's amazing that the nearly half of the rotation is made up of true freshman!
Regardless, this team played its best game today against arguably its best opponent in Memphis, and rose to the occasion. Whoever wins between UNC and Georgetown will pose a formidable challenge, no doubt, but I'm not going to worry about that right now. I'm going live in the moment for a few more days!
Go Bucks!
Kevin
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Then and Now
Hello… Hello… Is this thing on?
Where I was a almost a year ago:
I've long felt that in some way I want to express myself in writing - my passions, interests, and opinions. My first venture into this hobby came in the form of writing about video games, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, with my slightly obsessive-compulsive behavior, I tended to turn each review from an entertaining endeavor into a term paper, which wore thin after a couple of years. Next came this blog; but the lack of structure has limited my desire to post items regularly. After much deliberation, I think I may have found my niche (for the moment, anyway).I'm a big soccer fan. Soccer in the states has grown steadily over the last 10 years, but it just doesn't capture the American public like the other "big three" sports. This is evident based on the lack of "fan" coverage for our domestic league, the MLS. There are few - if any - credible "fansites" associated with MLS coverage. My hope is to add one to this small group. I'm not sure in which forum my soccer voice will appear, but I'm currently investigating my options. For ease of use, I may stay with the blog format. However, I've been interested in the challenge of creating and running my own site for years, so I'm leaning towards that option. I've actually contacted the MLS about permission to use their name and logos on my fan site, and I'm awaiting reply. Regardless, this next chapter in my life as a hobbyist writer will cover soccer in the United States.I've already got some content ready. For the time being, I'll post it here, and use this as a "trial period" to polish my skills. When I figure out all of the particulars of running my own site, then I'll launch "officially." Hopefully, I'll connect with other like-minded fans, and start a grassroots effort to cover "the beautiful game" in the context of the United States, which most Americans and the rest of the world tend to ignore.
Where I am now:
I've actually accomplished one of my goals, at least on a small scale. I'm now a part-time reviewer for Gameshark.com. The assignments will be few and far between, and I'm definitely the "low man on the totem pole," but hey, I'm actually writing professionally. It feels good. So good, in fact, that I've decided to re-open the Gut. I really do enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions on anything and everything, even if no one is listening. Heck, I can't even get my wife to read this stuff! Too bad; it's all about me, baby!
What happened to the soccer website idea?
The prototype is done. The reason I never launched it is that I knew I wouldn't ascribe to the standards I had set for myself. Plus, I was really burned out on soccer after the fiasco that was the U.S. Men's National Team in the World Cup. I may launch my own site someday. Just not today. The blog and my other gig will suffice for now. That said, I can guarantee that soccer will be one of the subjects upon which I spew my opinions. I love it too much not to (how's that for "professional" grammar!). And, for the record, the MLS never replied to me. Way to support your biggest fans, MLS.
As before, I'll also be writing about other major sports, family life, movies, music, technology, video games, and anything else that interests me or sets me off. I may very well have another post tomorrow, depending on how my Ohio State Buckeyes fare against Tennessee tonight! On a sort-of-related note (meaning my favorite basketball teams), I'm glad somebody finally woke LeBron up...
Where I was a almost a year ago:
I've long felt that in some way I want to express myself in writing - my passions, interests, and opinions. My first venture into this hobby came in the form of writing about video games, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, with my slightly obsessive-compulsive behavior, I tended to turn each review from an entertaining endeavor into a term paper, which wore thin after a couple of years. Next came this blog; but the lack of structure has limited my desire to post items regularly. After much deliberation, I think I may have found my niche (for the moment, anyway).I'm a big soccer fan. Soccer in the states has grown steadily over the last 10 years, but it just doesn't capture the American public like the other "big three" sports. This is evident based on the lack of "fan" coverage for our domestic league, the MLS. There are few - if any - credible "fansites" associated with MLS coverage. My hope is to add one to this small group. I'm not sure in which forum my soccer voice will appear, but I'm currently investigating my options. For ease of use, I may stay with the blog format. However, I've been interested in the challenge of creating and running my own site for years, so I'm leaning towards that option. I've actually contacted the MLS about permission to use their name and logos on my fan site, and I'm awaiting reply. Regardless, this next chapter in my life as a hobbyist writer will cover soccer in the United States.I've already got some content ready. For the time being, I'll post it here, and use this as a "trial period" to polish my skills. When I figure out all of the particulars of running my own site, then I'll launch "officially." Hopefully, I'll connect with other like-minded fans, and start a grassroots effort to cover "the beautiful game" in the context of the United States, which most Americans and the rest of the world tend to ignore.
Where I am now:
I've actually accomplished one of my goals, at least on a small scale. I'm now a part-time reviewer for Gameshark.com. The assignments will be few and far between, and I'm definitely the "low man on the totem pole," but hey, I'm actually writing professionally. It feels good. So good, in fact, that I've decided to re-open the Gut. I really do enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions on anything and everything, even if no one is listening. Heck, I can't even get my wife to read this stuff! Too bad; it's all about me, baby!
What happened to the soccer website idea?
The prototype is done. The reason I never launched it is that I knew I wouldn't ascribe to the standards I had set for myself. Plus, I was really burned out on soccer after the fiasco that was the U.S. Men's National Team in the World Cup. I may launch my own site someday. Just not today. The blog and my other gig will suffice for now. That said, I can guarantee that soccer will be one of the subjects upon which I spew my opinions. I love it too much not to (how's that for "professional" grammar!). And, for the record, the MLS never replied to me. Way to support your biggest fans, MLS.
As before, I'll also be writing about other major sports, family life, movies, music, technology, video games, and anything else that interests me or sets me off. I may very well have another post tomorrow, depending on how my Ohio State Buckeyes fare against Tennessee tonight! On a sort-of-related note (meaning my favorite basketball teams), I'm glad somebody finally woke LeBron up...
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