About Me: Writer, artist, musician and student. Always.

...on the homefront.

So I finally took in the marvelous visual adventure that is Moana. I know I'm not alone in my continued amazement at the way Lin-Manuel Miranda strings together rhymes. At my age the events are much like an ad-lib, and there aren't any real surprises to be had, but that does not dilute the delight to be had at its rich, tactile visuals.

Disney-Pixar's mastery of water is exceptional in this film, and presentation of the myriad of oceanic wonders is truly gorgeous. Just when you think they can't push visuals any further, they find a way to pump more detail in. It stands to reason that they won awards for visual effects, and Lin-Manuel was a shoe-in for another Academy Award.

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...who knew the kid could sing?

Before I start, I'll preface this post by giving you a moment to watch PeanutButterGamer's musical tribute to Nintendo's latest installment of Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

One word: Chills. PBG isn't 'tryharding', that's his voice, and even reverb oversaturation doesn't upset my appreciation of this powerful piece of music. Yungtown and Garret Williamson join him in a clarion call to all Zelda fans. I'd say the anticipation is crazy high by now.

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Aren't puns fun?

It was worth the wait, and possibly even moreso to have it playable in the privacy of my home where I can blast forth with gawky laughter without fear of reprisal. This isn't quite the Strange I remember from the comics of the 90s, and coming in blind was probably the best thing for me. I'd heard a reviewer say as much, and not reading the rest of their review did me all kinds of favors.

Yes I was optimistic with Benedict Cumberbund starring as the titular hero, the charm and personality we've come to expect from movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy is present, though less bombastically. So little is explained, but just enough so you aren't lost.

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... which implies I was actually away from it. (I was.)

I'm not sure how many of you have had the flu this season. I caught myself a Alien nest sized bout of flu that required antibiotics. That was two weeks ago. It lingered and moved into my lungs.

Yes, it's fun. As in not at all.

The good news is I've had studies, music, writing and family to pass the time. It's proven that having something to focus on helps you distract from how sick you feel. Let's see ... progress markers:

Sliver of Light manuscript: 82% (Assuming 45 chapters, 37 of which are complete)
Music remastering: Two tracks ... of, about 150. Realistically I'm not going to remaster them all.
Studies: Math and Religious studies (if you hadn't already guessed), lessons 5 of 14 - 35% complete

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...but now comes the submissions.

I wanted to get all political about games, and I will, but with all of the turmoil, I decided instead to get down to work. I've found that's the best way to deal with things. Act, don't complain. So here I am, not complaining.

Yes Trump is a problem, and even after he's gone - in one month, one year, whatever - the underlying issue will remain. So, my response is to counter him by telling a good story.

I've not mentioned it until now, but I've actually self-published four books in the last two years. Sales? They didn't move a single volume until I dropped their prices to free. The experiment was a success, though, and now I know more about where to target my works.

Check it out if you're curious: http://www.smashwords.com/interview/hastypixels/

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Is this the underdog gem we all love to forget?

Where I Began
I have a vague recollection of the first time I picked up a Super Nintendo Entertainment System controller that vaulted me into Chrono’s distinctive reality. Memory can be vague, and I could imagine that it was in the company of a friend, or with a “Rental” sticker on the cartridge; perhaps it was the time I relived the adventure in retelling to another Role Playing Game fan who had yet to discover the ground breaking, time travelling tale.

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We know what we're doing, right?

On the subject of game archival and the ever fluctuating stor(e)mfront of publisher release malpractice, people who remember how it used to be, and how it needs to be, serve an important role.

I was reminded of this when reading your review of Final Fantasy XIII, Jason. I couldn't get away from my distasteful experience with the PC port. I pre-ordered it ... first time ever, and never again ... and was let down in so many ways. I don't know if you heard, but it cemented the attitude players have toward Square-Enix as a negligent publisher.

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