March 13, 2007
A distict lack of quality
(Don't you just hate it when some people starts telling you something you already know in a way that makes it sound like he thought of it first? Well, brace yourself, for I am one of those people, and this is one of those times.)
I also wanted to address the lack of updates recently, and put it in a wider perspective. Because it's symptomatic for a lot of people, I think (have you visited The Question Quest or Cogitatums blog lately?); not getting shit done. The way I see it, it comes down to several factors, some more important than others, but all contributing in some way or another. Laziness may seem like a big problem, but in actuality it's powerless when on it's own. Far more important is the way we perceive time as being short in itself, which of course is a bunch of half-digested Big Mac crap. But anyway, this perception, dangerously common in western society nowadays, makes us think that "we do not have time for this shit", that "we have more important things to do", which we, unavoidably, end up not doing. Because we did not take the time for that shit.
But before I get too carried away on the problems with believing one is time's personal bitch, let's get back to the matter at hand. For 'tis was my claim, that laziness is easily overcome unless supported by other, more powerful, factors (or, if you will, Factors of Power). The uncontrollable (but entirely culturally constructed) urge to "make the most of life" (whatever the fuck that means) is but one of these factors. Another, and one I believe to be among the most troublesome, is quality control. Now, this is a complex issue, enough to fill an entire blog post by itself (or possibly even, y'know, maybe a book?), for example; it has way too much to do with self-confidence, but basically it's similar to perfectionism: Thinking you could do better. When applied to blogging, it's as easy as this: The post you're thinking of writing isn't quite funny enough, smart enough or topical enough. Bloggers are probably especially aware of the topicality (probably not a word), since a blog is essentially a public diary, and so has to be updated with the latest whatever, whether it is one's personal doings, world news, or something else entirely.
But of course, quality control isn't a problem for everybody. In fact, a lot of people have too little of it (Norwegian web newspapers, I'm looking at you), but the critical difference between these people and you is that they actually get shit printed. So give yourself a fucking break already. In case you're thinking this applies only to blogging, or even writing in general; it doesn't. Maybe it's easier to spot this problem when expressing oneself creatively, but it does affect everyday issues as well, even if it manifests itself in different ways. Some may have trouble deciding what clothes to put on for a party (or for just leaving the house), some have trouble talking in a group of people because they weigh their words too carefully. But, most importantly, it affects what we do with our time, because we think time is so fucking precious we automatically apply quality control to it.
You may have guessed I have a big bone to pick with time.
But all this has gone on quite long enough. Let's see if there's some sort of conclusion to be found, shall we? The whole thing was supposed to be about not getting shit done. Which, in my humble (and one hundred percent correct) opinion is largely due to our perception of time and our perception of quality. There's another big one, though, that I haven't touched on yet: Distractions. Guilty pleasures. Like TV shows or sex with contraceptives. But these are mainly your instincts kicking in when you become too frustrated to think of all the things you haven't done yet. You could call it escaping from reality, but then you'd be wrong (because the concept of reality is a very, very large and unruly beast, and I simply do not have the psychological stamina to tackle it right now).
Oh, the concluding and stuff. That's what I was supposed to get to now. Well, In a post about not getting stuff done, the perfect conclusion would actually be not getting the conclusion part done. So I'll leave it at that. Discuss.
Sometime soon, however, I'm hoping to write something meaningful about games as art, or art in games. This may or may not happen, but for those who are interested I'll leave a link to an article about Peter Molyneux' hopes for including love in Fable 2. Also, here's a link for Gamasutras coverage of Game Developers Conference 07, which may or may not have some interesting articles for y'all. Sit yourself down to the chairs, enjoy, and make sure to have a chat afterwards.
February 16, 2007
Warning: Post may cause homicidal tendencies. Proceed at own risk
You see, it just so happens that some rude English guy has made four of the best free point-and-click horror adventures (although technically, only three of them involve pointing and clicking) you will ever download. His name is (not) Yahtzee, and the games are sometimes referred to as the John DeFoe quadrilogy. If this is not news to you, then you will probably (and wisely) nod in agreement when you read that these games rock, and that they're very much worth the money you spend on them (if, by now, you are thinking "oh, and how much do they cost?" or "screw it, I'm not paying for some old and boring games without teh Grafix of Power" then you are obviously a moron and should read this post again. But what the hell, I'll repeat it since I'm in a good mood: The games be free, yo). But you may not know that the fourth (and allegedly final) entry in the series was released in January, and that it's actually the best of the bunch (although it's not as scary as the rest. But, you know, whatever).
Maybe a short presentation of these games are in order, then. They're point-and-click (with one exception, which is a bit annoying but quite acceptable), they have some decidedly retro graphics (but if you really care about that you're not actually an adventure gamer, are you?), they're serious horror adventures (but not entirely devoid of humorous touches) and they will scare you shitless (this, of course, very much depends on your tolerance level).
Some more: They're relatively short (Will Not Eat Your Life, a plus), for the most part easy (which means they'll challenge you but not make you feel like the idiot you are), and all of it is made by this one bloke army. In other words, it's a real fucking impressive piece of work. So, no more of my yakking, go download, go play. One more thing, since y'all are probably to thick to figure it out for yourselves, this is the correct order of enjoyment (complete with links to each game. Damn I'm nice today): 5 Days a Stranger, 7 Days a Skeptic, Trilby's Notes, 6 Days a Sacrifice. Feel free to drop a comment here afterwards, and remember to spread the good word.
I just realized, if noone clicks these links I've just wasted a lot of time. So do it, ungrateful bastards, do what Papa Smurf tells you, or Rome will fall. I will see to it.
January 12, 2007
How many Husseins can a Saddam Hussein?
"In the playground we have Saddam Hussein running after Saddam Hussein, behind Saddam Hussein who is ahead of Saddam Hussein but too far from Saddam Hussein... it can all get a little confusing," he (villager Mohammed Hassan Abbas) said.
Yeah. I trust my readers to already know who this so-called "Saddam Hussein" was and how he, quite recently, ended his life. It was all quite ugly. Of course, only crazy people cries for a guy like that, but there's politics in this, which complicates matters. Let me put it this way: A high-profile court case like this should not be handled by a bloodthirsty mob that only wants revenge. I mean, yeah, if my family had been persecuted, tortured, killed and whatnot by someone, I too would probably be pretty pissed at that person and would want to see him (or, in the interests of equal rights, her) very very dead. I'm not saying it's not understandable, I'm just saying it's moronic. So now Saddam is more popular than he ever was while alive, and the western world a little more hated. Nice work, everyone!
Of course, Saddams wasn't the only celebrity death last year. Actually, 2006 was a pretty risky year to be famous, it was a regular superhero showdown. On the side of the villains, there's the aforementioned Moustached Madman, Slobodan Milosevic (sometimes known as The Cleanser), and of course Mr. Pinochet, mostly famous for donning a pink mask and cape and calling himself "Baby".
In the heroes corner, we had Steve Irwin's famous Death By Stingray (the Stingray is also destined to become a supervillain, if only he survives the climate changes), Robert Altman, and of course the Sex Machine himself (not to be confused with the Sex Automaton). There were others, I'm sure, but this is a blog, not a bloody death almanac.
Also, some Angry-La Awards for 2006: Borat, last years Best Comedy and also Smartest, Most Important Film, and Children of Men, Possibly the Most Realistic Sci-Fi Ever and also last years Smartest, Most Important Film (yes, this is possible, Because I Say So). If you go see them both, you will become Smarter and More Mature. Which may be a Good or a Bad Thing, depending on your preferences and your Goals In Life.
And last, but not least (which may seem like a clichèd figure of speech, but actually is a somewhat retarded pun): Would you, by any chance, want to buy a really, really big egg? Then go here, and bid your heart out. Of course, since it's an auction, the link will only stay active for about five more days. Oh well.
November 27, 2006
By the Power of Santa Claus
But enough of that. Soon, the dreaded Season of Psycho Shoppers is upon us, and my guess is you're already trying to find that perfect gift.. well, either that, or you're trying to do a Neo and realize the truth: There is no christmas. Which, as we all know, is wrong. But no matter, because your god and idol (that would be me) is here to save the day (and your soul; but I don't have time for that right now). This year, you will buy Carnivale, the best television series ever, for all your friends and family. It's scientifically proven to be the perfect gift, and the ones you get it for will worship the ground you've trod on forever (and maybe yourself as well, but no promises). Not bad, eh? And if that fact doesn't convince you, allow me to make a few more arguments:
1. It is the best television series ever made.
2. Buying the first two seasons on DVD is the best way to convince HBO to order more seasons, since it was cruelly cancelled last summer. Make no mistake, more seasons of Carnivale would be the best thing since Jesus. Probably even better.
3. You can wear it to parties and it will make you look suave (lie).
4. It's an infinitely better gift than that lame one you were thinking of.
5. You'll go to Heaven when you die (probably true).
In summation, your mantra this christmas will be this: Buy Carnivale. Oh, and did I mention it's the best television series ever made, objectively speaking? Some of you may be thinking, how can it objectively be the best anything? But those who've been paying attention already know the answer. Normal rules apply; if you don't like Carnivale, then what does that make you? A moron. And you don't want to be a moron, now, do you?
November 10, 2006
I choo-choo-choose you
Maybe things will change for the slightly better now, and maybe not. But I'm left wondering whether this is a babystep in the right direction, or just another random election. I'm thinking the latter. It might be that I'm just pessimistic, but then again, I'm not paid to be an optimist. Actually, I'm not paid at all, but that's another subject entirely.
November 09, 2006
Welcome to the rest home
Anyway, following my Birthday of Ultimate Darkness I've started feeling old again, as I usually do around this time of year. But this time, I want to help others avoid becoming as miserable and cynical as me, so that's why I'm going to dispense some sage advice. Kids, this is from the guy that's old enough to have a beard but still, mysteriously, is unable to grow one:
A silly man once said; "Time is short and flies fast". Well, the man may be silly, but in this he was right (duh). Therefore, it is important to make the most out of the short time we are given. To put it another way, if there's a drug you still haven't done, try it. If you've never killed, raped, or pillaged, do that also. Build bombs and blow stuff up. Laugh at the physically and mentally impaired. Masturbate in public. You know, live a little. And then, when you're done living it up, kill yourself while there's still time. If suicide was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for you.
Before I go, I also have something for the people who are older than me: Face it, you're old. I mean, you're older than me, and I'm old. Old old old.
Cue evil laugh and rubbing of hands.
October 20, 2006
Film Industry of Ultimate Darkness
Short answer: No. Long answer: Fuck no! Given the amount of pure crap that's getting good reviews, I'm thinking there's two possibilities: Either the critics are actually throwing dice or they're just plain retarded. Which brings me to my next point: Norwegian film critics are retarded. I've seen critically acclaimed Norwegian films which looks like something Uwe Boll pieced together in college. Even our good films aren't very good. But why? What makes Norwegian film so second-rate? What the hell is wrong with these people?
I will try to shed some light on this, but not right now. In my next post (yeah, I know, you've all heard that before. But this time I mean it! Really!) I will try to examine a few Norwegian films that got it wrong, and at least one that got it right. Wait, is that the smell of a bold, new move by me'n'my blog, the sweet smell of ambition?
No it is not. It's just me, fed up and bitching as usual. The thing is, we did get it right a few times. The Excellent Norwegian Film Thing is not just a myth. However, the Norwegian Film Critic With a Shred of Anything Even Remotely Resembling Intelligence, is. And how, then, are we, the audience, supposed to know what films we should see? But anyway, I know this was a shoddy update. I promise to do better next time. See ya later, niblets.
EDIT: Jesus Christ (and my other readers, as well), have a look at this. The Spanish King of Ultimate Darkness (non-official title) shoots drunk bear. Is this a common pasttime in Spain? Getting animals drunk and shooting them? On a completely different note, what colour is the Colgate Total Whitening toothpaste?
You guessed it, it's blue. What a strange world.
September 26, 2006
Bitches..? Party people? Anyone there?
Well, it would seem that any more than one house-warming party is considered hubris, a deadly insult to the Gods. Because as we sat there, in our holy robes (open in the back), with Ravi Shankar blasting from our speakers, waiting for the guests, guess what happened? Nothing. Noone showed up.
Noone.
Actually, we were down one as well, as the third person living here (the one who missed the first party also) left to watch a movie with a friend. Expect pictures from our party, featuring Mr. Merde (the Incredible Balloon-Bouncing Man) and a pirate balloon, soon.
Something completely different: Apparently, Oslo has gotten some new subway carriages. As I stepped into one of them last night, it felt decidedly like the future. The cold and hostile future, that is (I was also reminded of the time, when waiting for tram no. 17, I suddenly found myself boarding tram X.. very Twilight Zoney). I'll probably get used to it with time, but I'm really not very fond of this sterile, hospital-like trend that seems to be spreading. Everything's supposed to be white, clean and futuristic these days. Call me old-fashioned, but I'll take the post-apocalyptic style any day, even if we have to fuck up the earth to get it.
September 21, 2006
True Stories from the Apartment of Somewhat Unpleasant Horrors
Murder is quickly becoming the staple of this collective. Luckily, we have the big cellar, so it shouldn't be a problem. Actually, Mr. Kurva mumbled something about "army of zombies", but that might just have been posttraumatic resurrectionconfusion-syndrome, very common in people coming back from the dead. You know, if anything interesting happens, you'll be the first to know about it. Lucky bastards, you. One for the road, word combo of the day:
Candy-coloured cock.
September 06, 2006
Broken cups and strange dreams
trick them in ways that would end in their deaths. But of course I didn't succeed, because I couldn't kill my friends, and the others were to plain strong for me. The dream cut off after the second day, when I was planning some serious mass murder. It was a cliffhanger ending that I hope will continue tonight; because I really liked this dream. It was like an exciting movie, it had all the important elements: Unmotivated violence, intrigue, emotional dilemmas, and a very real sense of danger and loss.
Does thinking like this make me disturbed and dangerous? Or was this dream simply a parable of the way I think of my life? Of course, there were some additional details.. but I'm keeping those for myself.
Anyway, storytime: My very first taste of coffee came from a small, blue cup, handmade and hand-painted. I later bought this cup, the very same one, and I've had it with me ever since. I've used it for coffee, as a urinal when no other option was available, for sperm when I've been jerking off, and for money during my many begging rounds through Oslo. So you see, I've made memories with this cup, it's comforted me when I've felt lonely, and it's been my only ray of light when I've felt suicidal. And yesterday, it got broken into approxomately 37 pieces. It was broken by my (late) friend, who I lived with until I killed him and stashed his corpse in our surprisingly roomy cellar. And now I have to pay double rent. Oh well. A small price to pay for justice.
The moral of this story, of course, is this: Don't kill anyone unless you're rich.
September 03, 2006
Sofa King
In other news, I now have a sofa. It is quite big and very very comfy, in fact, it's once been used as a torture device by the Spanish Inquisition. I am hoping it will give me a new roll, since my last roll (which lasted for at least two weeks) ended approximately four days ago. I have been on several rolls this summer, but I've had this dreadful feeling lately that things are returning to normal. Which means no rolls for a long time. But we'll see. The saying goes "live and learn", but my own interpretation goes more like "live, learn, forget, get bored. Have a cup of coffee".
Oh well. Now I'm off to double, maybe triple, my daily intake of caffeine.
August 29, 2006
Wikiweirdia
While having my last cigarette before going to bed, I was kinda bored. I'd been reading about wasps (don't ask) on wikipedia, so I decided to hit the "random article" button.
I was sent here.
As I sat there staring, with a very confused WTF? bouncing around in my head, I got the crazy notion of hitting the button again.
This time I was sent here.
How did I even manage to get by in the years before wikipedia? My mind boggles at the thought.
Edit: I decided to try it one more time. After all, wikipedia can't be made up of nothing but useless information, right? There are, surely, a lot of well-written, informative and interesting articles in their database? Well.. take a look at this. I should think the evidence speaks for itself.
I feel like I could do this all night.
August 24, 2006
News, fresh like a virgins nipple
Lastly, a completely random report: If you go to India, remember to bring Coca-Cola, because you might not get a hold of it there. You see, since soft drinks are bad for you, they've been banned. Beautiful simplicity. Meanwhile, we're upset because of stricter laws against smoking.. Oh, and while the world is rapidly descending into a whirlpool of shit, the most intelligent people on the planet (yes, even smarter than me, although it hurts to admit it) hide in their attics solving math problems.
This concludes our annual news bulletin.
August 22, 2006
Mama Mia, Let My People Go
-A long time ago: First Jew born. Immediately chokes his mother to death using the umbilical cord.
-Shortly after: Jews exterminate dinosaurs. While laughing.
-2000 B.C: First Jew in space. Does not return, possibly made pact with aliens.
-36 A.D: Jews torture and kill Jesus. They also poked him with a stick.
-1913 A.D: Jews create Richard Nixon in a lab.
-1939 A.D: Jews provoke Adolf Hitler into starting the Second World War. When this proves counter-productive, they invent the atomic bomb.
-1948 A.D: Israel is created, providing a place for all Jews to rub their hands together and laugh maniacally. Here they discover the joys of killing Arab children.
-1967 A.D: Jews occupies Palestine, starts randomly invading neighbouring countries for laughs.
-1975 A.D: Jews create Microsoft, their most evil project yet.
-2006 A.D: Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder writes an essay in which he says he no longer acknowledges the state of Israel. Well, at least the one created in 1967.
Of course, this list is far from complete. Jews have also made the movie Pearl Harbor, created TV Shop, and killed your dog. If you feel I have forgotten something important, feel free to add to the timetable. Just make sure you've got your facts straight. And remember, kids: Anti-semitism is not discrimination, it's common sense.
August 08, 2006
The Dark Age
Before you make lots of strange noises with your nose and start sending me hatemail telling me how pathetic I am, consider this: The 'net is full of news. It lets us pay our bills and change our adresses in an instant. It has a far more up-to-date list of jobs and apartments for hire than all the handheld newspapers combined. It makes communication with friends, enemies and fictional cartoon characters far too easy. Besides, it's filled with delighfully random weirdness. Wondering where you've seen that actor before? IMDB. Stuck in a videogame? Gamefaqs. Hungry? Milk and cookies. Feel like reading something with real meaning, something to stimulate several brain functions at once whil keeping you entertained? Angry-La.. well, maybe that last one was a bad example. But my point still stands: Once you've learned the ways of the 'net, it becomes an external limb of sorts. If it's removed, your brain starts to limp. Allow me to provide a short, but embarassing example.
The other day, someone was saying something naughty about a certain country, let us call it Nicerael. The reason, as you all know, was that this country (consisting mostly of fluffy bunnies and evil arabs) had invaded another. Upon hearing this, I was all "what? They've invaded Iran?".
...
And there you have it. To sum up: Internet good, Israel bad. And me lazy (I always wondered what all those newspapers were for). Until next time, kids: Play nice, or else you're likely to be eaten by a Jew.