Cyber Scum

I’ve encountered various people through the years, both offline and online, and have been amazed by the sheer diversity of the species. But what interested me the most were the reclusive online acquaintances, who spend tremendous hours in front of a computer assuming their online alter egos. Some of them I’ve met personally, and let me say that most of them were shy, but you can tell that they were very smart and really had a lot to say (if given a chance). I guess that’s why blogs, and forums are very popular these days, especially among cyber conscious crowd. It gives them the power to say (others preach) what they otherwise can’t in person. This used to be reserved to people in power, the media, and activists. Well technology has changed all of that, making a seemingly average person the ability to practice what we usually take for granted, Freedom to Speak. And speak-out we all did. All of this is well and good, but the phenomenon has also created a sub-species (make that two) that has generally spoiled the cyber culture. These same cretins already existed before, but has found their way to the domains of cyberspace, and as much as I loathe them (and I’m sure some others do as well), they’re here to stay, and there’s nothing much we can do. So who are these pests? I present to you the obnoxious Fanboys and the arrogant Elitists. Lets break them down, shall we?

Lets start with the ever-annoying Fanboy. You’ve met at least one throughout your lifetime. They were already annoying before, but the power of the web has transformed these slugs into total nutcases. You see them usually in their natural habitat, The Forums. My favorite forum to hunt for Fanboys is through Video Games Forums. While others simply seek cheats and walkthroughs, these Fanboys do nothing but brag about their favorite Game Console, their favorite Game Creator, their favorite this and that. At the same time, they will flame anyone who has a different preference. This usually resorts to Fanboy vs. Fanboy word wars, and as annoying as they are, you can’t help but feel amused by how ridiculous they all are. A sample word war could involve something as simple as “my avatar is better than yours.” But what really heats up a discussion is Game Consoles, “X-box is way cooler than your Piss-S2”, or “Nintendo has got the best games, X-box is crap.” They’re like moronic sports fans that obsess about their respective teams, while insulting the rivals, and for what? So they can have some credence, or a sorry claim for dominance? I’m sorry dude, you’re just plain lame.

Moving on, we now talk about the oppressive Elitists. They are similar in some ways to a Fanboy, including their fervent, fanatical preference for a single brand or product. But what differentiates these snobs from the scums, is that most generally belong to the upper-classy. They prefer to acquire certain products, not because their better or easier to use, but because their expensive and they can afford it. An example of this can be found in Mac Forums, were they bash Windows users, and build shrines for Steve Jobs. Being a Mac user myself, I got caught up in that shit as well, during my newbie days. But the more I got involved, the more I realized how arrogant, and ridiculous it all was. You use a Mac because the OS is stable, and the GUI is easy on the eyes, but when you start buying Macs simply because it makes you look cool when you hangout in Starbucks is just plain sad. The Elitists are people who like to trend-set and showcase expensive toys just because they can, will punish those who can’t with sly remarks, or outright insults. They like to pretend they know everything, and bask in the glory of feeling important. Like the Fanboys, Elitists are all screaming for attention however way you view it.

Well there you have it, the joy-suckers of the online world, one just as sad as the other. Some people can live with them, others can’t stand them, but you have to admit, it all adds spice to an already tasteful experience on the web. If you happen to know or meet one of them, do as I do… ignore them, and just mind your own business, let the others swat them away.

Lazy Holiday

It’s Bonifacio Day on the 30th, but the Powers That Be have decided to move the holiday today. I’m not complaining, with the SEA Games and all, I don’t even want to try the traffic going to Manila. I’ve also been lucky that my DSL service has been steady (if a bit slow at times) for the last two days. Heres hoping my luck holds on. Which brings me to my topic: Death To PLDT!

I mean come on! PLDT's myDSL service really sucks! And to think that they’re supposed to be the premier local telecommunication company, says a lot about our industry. I don’t plan on paying their monthly fee if only to get intermittent connections, or slow dial-up-like speeds. What kind of crap is this? I sought help from fellow subscribers in a local Internet forum, and what I got instead were more complains. At least I knew it wasn’t an isolated case. I did learn that subscribers in Parañaque have it worst. It’s a case of too many subscribers, minus the necessary upgrades to the system, equals shitty service. To add salt to the wound, their tech support is nothing more than pretty voices, reading manuals, and trained to say, “ We are sorry sir! We will immediately forward your problem to our technicians. Have a nice day” That is, if you ever get through their congested lines (probably loads of complainers). I’ve pondered on cutting my subscription and switching providers, but the more I look into this matter, the more I learn that everyone is having problems with their respective broadband. The companies seem to have jumped on a technology that they have not fully realized. It’s all about the money, “get as much subscribers now, and we’ll worry about the congestion later.” As for other subscribers planning on suing The Company, forget it! “Lusot” on all Law Suits.

Well instead of whining I better just take advantage of what I got today, and hope things get better (yeah right!). And before a PLDT personnel accuse me of being a Globelines agent, I’m gonna go do something creative instead. Maybe that way I can forget about their mother****ing service!

GIDGET: My New Digital iPal

A few weeks ago Steve Jobs announced the new 5G iPod, “now with video.” Like any iPod user, I was both curious and excited about the announcement. It was long speculated in rumor sites, and forums, and so it wasn’t such a big surprise when Jobs finally unveiled it to the world. Well I was able to get my hands on one of the new iPod a few weeks ago, but instead of writing a technical review (which is available in countless tech/gadget websites), I decided to write a sort of diary about my new iPal. From my quest to finding the said iPod, to opening the box, to marveling at the new design, to plugging it to a Mac and synching it with songs and videos, and to actually road-testing it. Think of it as …A Day In The Life Of Gidget.

I was browsing the web when I came upon Apple's website, and saw the new 5G iPods. My old iPod mini (ok so its just over a year old), was quickly running out of disk space, and would soon be unable to accommodate my ever-expanding collection of mostly rock music. I had thought of purchasing a 30GB iPod photo, but the introduction of the new iPod couldn’t have come any sooner. This was great news for me, as the price of the 30GB iPod video was the roughly same as the 30 gigger iPod photo. So guess which one I should buy? Suffice to say; I decided to wait for a few weeks before I made the purchase. This way I would get additional feedback about the product from early buyers, and from tech reviewers. It sure was a difficult three weeks, because the more I read about the reviews and clamors, I was really excited getting my own unit. And so after resisting the temptations this long, I finally gave in and commenced my quest to acquire the new iPod.

Armed with my trusty credit card I set off for the mall in search of the new iPod. But even after a few weeks of waiting, I wasn’t sure if it was already available in the nearest local shops. Well it turned out that I was right. None of the local shops even knew that the new iPods even existed. Defeated I waited for a few more days until I tried to go to other malls, still no luck. After a few more days I decided to head for Apple Center (which I was definitely sure had some in stock already). I was hoping I wouldn’t have to make the trip to Makati because of the traffic, but hey I badly needed my techno fix, and so… To make the long story short, I finally went home with a brand spanking new iPod at hand (yey!).

Upon arriving home, I immediately opened the box and check if everything was in there. Never having owned the large iPod before, I didn’t really take notice of how big the new screen is (unlike most people who reviewed it). I did notice that the click-wheel was the same size as that of my mini. Having seen an iPod nano from my cousin, I would say that the material used are the same with the iPod video, which would mean that it is also prone to scratching. That bothered me a bit, but at least it came with a slipcase. Comparing it with my mini, I would say that the 30GB is just as thin as the mini (haven’t really proven that yet). Time to boot up the sucker and sync it with the computer!

After a few minutes It was up and running. Videos I had already converted to be compatible with the iPod got synched without any hitch. I also had to name my new iPod. My mini was named Pogo, and I wanted something cute and female sounding. Immediately, I thought of the name Gidget. I remember it being a name of a model or something, plus it was a play on the word gadget.
After charging it for a while (it was already factory charged) I took it for a spin. The music was just as great. I didn’t really notice if it was better than my mini, but at least it was just as good. The screen was bright and clear, and I could see how amazing the videos would look. So after much delay, I loaded up Star Wars to test its video capability. All I can say is wow! It works! Even though the screen is only 2.5 inches, the sharpness makes it appear bigger than it really was. I didn’t find myself squinting at all. I was even able to read the intro scrawl. Amazing! So for the next few hours I just drowned myself with my new digital pal, and in the following few days I started adding more video content, including music videos and videocasts. The new iPod is certainly a worthy upgrade (especially coming from a 4GB mini), but despite the addition of video, I still regard it as a music player first and foremost. I don’t know what Apple has in store for the venerable iPod in the future, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. For the meantime I’m gonna go watch Matrix on my new iPod.

Console Wars Again

[Blogger’s Note: This was originally published in my old website, months prior to the Xbox360 launch. I felt it is still relevant, and so I dug for it on the archives, edited it with new content, and viola. Hope you enjoy it.]

I remember playing Family Com (Nintendo Entertainment System) in my friend’s house (when we we’re a whole lot younger) and enjoyed great yet simple games such as Super Mario Bros., Elevator Action (does anybody remember this?), Legend of Kage, and my favorite Legend of Zelda. For some time that was the only console system available, and it stood that way until the Super Famicom (Super Nes) came along). It was the time when Nintendo dominated the video game market (after the venerable Atari), and only one company was brave enough to challenge them – Sega. That was the first time (I think) a real Console War was born. For some time Sega even gave Nintendo a run for their money with the Genesis. But that was ages ago, in a time were 16 bit computing was considered “Hi-tech”. That all changed with the arrival of a new player, Sony. The Playstation became synonymous with video gaming, and sold millions of units during its time. I hardly know anyone who didn’t own a unit. It was so popular that it created a culture of its own. Nintendo (N64) and Sega, with their respected new consoles tried to compete with it, but merely dented the Playstation’s outright dominance, thus the beginning of the second Console Wars. Despite the efforts of its rivals, we all know that Sony had won that battle, thanks to unforgettable games like Castlevania Symphony of Darkness, Final Fantasy VII, Gran Turismo, Tekken, and Metal Gear Solid. Nintendo settled for second (bitterly losing its crown), despite fan favorite games such as Goldeneye, Zelda, and Super Mario 64. Sega scraped for last. The third Console War was touted as the Next Gen Wars, because the competing consoles were promising even higher processing power, better graphics, and more intelligent AI. First out the door was the ill-fated Sega Dreamcast, which served only to heighten the anticipation for the Playstation 2 and the Nintendo Gamecube. Sad to say the Dreamcast died even before it had reached its true potential. I had a Dreamcast, and I was quite impressed with it, but the lack of support meant a lack of good games, which was the reason for its early demise (and the end to Sega’s Console business). Everyone was hyped about the Playstation 2, which came out next, along with great games such as Metal Gear Solid 2, Devil May Cry, and Final Fantasy X. It had a year ahead of the competition, which now included Microsoft’s ambitious (and monstrous) Xbox. This allowed Sony to build on its game library, but when the Gamecube and the Xbox finally arrived, the Playstation 2 was in for a fight. To this date the Playstation 2 is still the most popular, next is the powerful Xbox, with its share of great games such as Halo, and Knights of the Old Republic. Sadly Nintendo is relegated to third even though it had fantastic games like Super Mario Sunshine, Legend of Zelda the Windwaker, Metroid Prime, and Resident Evil. Up to now these systems are still churning out good, quality games, and only now are they showing their true potential. There’s still Final Fantasy XII for the PS2, Zelda Twilight Princess for the GC, and Half-Life 2 for the Xbox. So there’s still life left for these consoles, and yet another Console War is already looming.

With the recent launch of the Xbox 360 in North America (despite an apparent lack of units, and ridiculous scalper prices. $3000 on eBay?), the new Console War is about to commence. Armed with solid games such as Call Of Duty 2, Condemned, a slew of sports and racing titles, and Kameo. There’s no Halo to support the Xbox this time, instead Rare has come out with the highly anticipated Perfect Dark Zero. To those who still doubt the Xbox360 Next Gen claim, games such as Perfect Dark Zero and Project Gotham Racing 2 definitely showcase the console’s power, churning out great graphics, and realistic lighting and physics. Its still much early to say whether the new Xbox is the winner that Microsoft claims it to be. It’s still a few months off before the PS3 launches, and only then will we have a real fight for console dominance. In the end, despite the various console’s strengths; the games will still dictate which one will come out the winner. And guess who the real winner is? Well, the gamer consumers who have made this video game business a billion dollars industry of course! With the coming Holidays, we are in for a ride of our life, just like the good old days of gaming.

Coming Attractions

COMING ATTRACTIONS: The Big Ape Is Back!

I’m back (and no i'm not the big ape), and I hope to revitalize and add focus (or chaos) to this blog. I was in a creative rut for a while, but now I’m ready to fire up the topics once again. I kinda’ miss my old Reflections page in my old website, which talked about anything under the sun, such as movies, music, games, and even politics. Well the title of the topic itself should hit two birds with a single stone, as it not only harkens things to come, but also has something to do with my main story, and that would be Movie Trailers.

As far back as I could remember my friends and me have always been excited to see the teasers and the full trailers of upcoming movies that we all wanted to see. It came to the point that we even paid to see a crappy movie just to see the new Episode 1 Starwars movie back in 1999. Of course those with computers and an internet connection could always download a trailer of their favorite upcoming movie, but it took too long, and the quality was just not good. Thanks to broadband, that problem has been solved. You could download a trailer of Aeon Flux, or Superman Returns trailer in a matter of minutes (even seconds for those fortunate enough to afford a higher bandwidth). Sure you still view it on a small screen, but it’s all worth it when see the movie even if it’s just snippets fitted into no more than three minutes. Most of these movies won’t even start showing for at least six months, but here it is in front of you, convincing you to go watch it when it comes out.

Most successful trailers are the once that really jump out on you, and convince you outright that this is a “must watch extravaganza”. Trailers have actually become a form of entertainment in itself. I remember the trailer for the Hollywood version of Godzilla, which never really showed the whole creature, just legs and feet, scales and tail, eyes and teeth, the occasional silhouette, and lots of destruction! I know the movie got panned by the critics, and even by the fans, but the trailer (for me) described the movie very well. First it established that Godzilla was such an Big icon that he won’t even fit in the screen (hence the body shots), and that the movie was… well about destroying and blowing up stuff, and that’s it. The catch phrase “size does matter” says it all.

Sure some movies rely on the exposition of these movie trailers to cover up the fact that the movie itself is crap (Matrix Reload and Matrix Revolution, ). But there are those that really hit it on the spot, namely Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. I’ve been a big fan of the Tolkien books (geek alert!) for years, and was ecstatic to hear that a movie was being made. But I had doubts. Could this Peter Jackson (Frighteners? Brrr) really pull it off? No Tom Bombadil? Elijah Wood as Frodo? Satan as Aragorn (Viggo played that part in The Prophecy)? Well all of my worries was washed away upon seeing the teasers for the film. Simply said, “it blew me away”. And that was reason enough to anticipate its release.

I’m glad to say that the movie itself lived up to the hype… heck the whole trilogy became a worldwide success, which brings me to King Kong. Peter Jackson’s remake of the iconic Kong, brings back the memories of Godzilla. It’s a big Hollywood remake, but it’s got an Academy Award winning director helming the project, what could go wrong? Well after viewing the latest trailer, all I can say is so far so good. It’s convinced me to go see the movie when it comes out, big screen, THX, and all. Unlike Godzilla’s trailer, this one’s really got the PJ feel in it. Show the stunning locations, introduce the characters one at a time, reveal the complications (those natives look a bit like orcs), and finally show the big daddy, Kong himself. End it with the classic Empire States building shot, and you’ve got a winner at hand. Still not sure whether it will garner the same success as LOTR, but I don’t know about you, I’m gonna’ go watch this movie.

Oh by the way, for those techno-savvy iPod owners, you could also download the Kong Trailer in video iPod compatible format. Cool huh?