I captured/rendered another video for my buddy. Afterwards, we gamed for about 2 hours on the MLG servers. Good times.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Atomic Chalupa
I captured/rendered another video for my buddy. Afterwards, we gamed for about 2 hours on the MLG servers. Good times.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gears of War 3
I loved the first and 2nd version. Can't wait to see what Gears of War 3 has to offer.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
California Voter's Guide
Today is election day. It’s time to go hit the ballot box. It’s your responsibility as a citizen to cast your vote and let your opinion be known.
The following is a voter’s guide for California Propositions. This primary features 5 of them. Read up below to find out what it’s all about. Some background: I am a fiscal conservative, social libertarian and a political independent. Some of my good friends refer to me as an evil right-wing propagandist. Regardless of my background, I try my best to offer an unbiased summary of each proposition.
When you are done reading my post, please comment. I would appreciate opposing points of view. What’s important is that you are informed before you vote. Democracy works best that way.
Proposition 13 – LIMITS ON PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT. SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
If you own a building and you spend money to seismically retrofit, you will no longer have to worry about your property taxes going up. Obviously, a seismically retrofitted building is safer for you and the public. This will cause the property value to go up. This law will prevent property taxes from being reassessed until you sell the building. Everyone is for this and no one is against it (No argument against was submitted on the California Voter’s Guide). The State Senate and Assembly both passed this proposition by a unanimous vote. Vote Yes.
Proposition 14 – ELECTIONS. INCREASES RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
Our current election systems features a Primary Election in June and a General Election in November. The Primary Election is segregated between the political parties. For example, if you are a registered Democrat, you would vote for the Democrat candidate you want to run in the General Election.
This proposition would amend the Constitution to allow all California voters, regardless of party affiliation, to vote for any candidate running in the Primary Election. Democrats can vote for a Republican, Republicans can vote for a Green party candidate, and Independents can vote for Democrats. The top two candidates from the Primary Election results would then face off in the General Election in November. Candidates running in either election will no longer have to claim a political party.
This is known as an Open Primary. The theory is that it will result in more Moderate candidates facing off in the General Election. A Moderate politician is more likely to work with other politicians once they gain office. This is supposed to get rid of the gridlock in the California Senate and Assembly. The final result is more things will get done and more problems will be solved.
In my opinion, the theory will prove true if this proposition passes. I believe more Moderates will be elected and the gridlock will go away. I think the California State Government will become much more efficient when it comes to getting things done. If this is something you want, vote Yes on Proposition 14.
I will be voting No.
I do not want a super efficient California State Government. I think a state government that gets along will pass more bills that lead to more programs and higher taxes. Gridlock in Sacramento may not a good thing during the current economic crisis – but – an out of control State Government during boom times will only lead to more spending and fiscal irresponsibility. This is what got us into the mess we’re in now. Thinking long-term, this bill is a bad idea.
Proposition 15 – CALIFORNIA FAIR ELECTIONS ACT.
Candidates running for Secretary of State will now run using public funding. The funding initially will come from a Lobbyist fee and not tax dollars (except voluntarily by individual tax payers per Section 18798.1) . This is a pilot program to see if publicly funded elections is a viable solution to special interest dollars affecting elections.
On the surface, I think this is a great idea. When someone comes up with a new idea, it’s always a good idea to try it out on a small-scale. If it works out, you can think about expanding it to a larger spectrum. If it fails, you can ditch the idea and move on to something else. Of course, the trick is to make sure a true account of the pilot program is presented to the public before deciding whether or not to implement the program on a larger scale.
The problem with this 9 page proposition is the details. For starters, this bill will repeal section 85300 of the Government Code.
“No public officer shall expend and no candidate shall accept any p
ublic moneys for the purpose of seeking elective office.”
There is no amendment to the Government Code to prevent other offices from using public money to pad private election funds. This loophole is too big for my taste.
Another loophole of concern is the funding sources. The proposition sets up a Fair Elections Fund that receives the majority of funding from Lobbyist fees. However, there is a provision that allows the Legislature to appropriate additional revenue from the general fund (section 91135 e and g). That means tax dollars.
I am in favor of publicly funded elections. I hate the fact that a CEO of some huge corporation thinks she he or she can buy her his or her way into the Governor’s office. Even if I agree with him or her. These days, it seems like you need to be loaded to get anywhere in politics. Publically funded elections would be a great way to level the playing field.
With that in mind, I think this law has a few holes that need to be fixed. For one thing, I think there should be an expiration date to this “experiment”. I will be voting No this time around. Hopefully they fix the law to be a bit more palatable for next time.
Proposition 16 – IMPOSES NEW TWO-THIRDS VOTER APPROVAL REQUIREMENT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Proposition 16 was written by PG&E. PG&E has spent more than $30 Million to support Prop 16. What is it? It’s exactly what it says. The new law requires a 2/3 vote from citizens if a city or county wants to invest in a public utilities. The law is very short and to the point.
I am usually for giving voters more control over how their money is spent. If this proposition was on the ballot in my county or city, I would be voting yes. However, since this is a State Constitutional Amendment enforcing rule of law on local governments, I will be voting No.
Regardless of PG&E’s corporate interests, I don’t like big government taking away the rights of local government. If you want a 2/3 law for your city or county, petition your local government/city council for a local ballot initiative.
Proposition 17 – ALLOWS AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BASE THEIR PRICES IN PART ON A DRIVER’S HISTORY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
This is an even argument. This laws will allow Auto Insurance companies more freedom to vary their rates based on driver variables. Those against this law say Insurance companies will unfairly target drivers who have a legitimate lapse in coverage.
In my opinion, the auto insurance market is saturated. If you are a safe driver, you can get a great rate. If you have speeding tickets or other issues, it’s not fair to depend on the State Insurance Commissioner to keep your rates down.
Then again, there is a problem with lapse in coverage. If you are in the military and you leave for a 12 month deployment, that is considered a lapse in coverage and you could pay penalties. Other examples exist where a legitimate lapse in coverage could cost safe drivers.
I will be voting Yes on this proposition. I think the market will work out the kinks. If enough drivers think they’re getting screwed by a company, they can look to other companies to get better rates.
If you think the lapse in coverage issue is too big of a hurdle, you should vote No.
There you go…
There is a basic voter’s guide to the California Propositions. I hope this helps you to understand what they’re all about. For the full text pdf of each proposition, go here. Do your duty and go vote. If you are reading this sentence, you can consider yourself part of the informed electorate.
The following is a voter’s guide for California Propositions. This primary features 5 of them. Read up below to find out what it’s all about. Some background: I am a fiscal conservative, social libertarian and a political independent. Some of my good friends refer to me as an evil right-wing propagandist. Regardless of my background, I try my best to offer an unbiased summary of each proposition.
When you are done reading my post, please comment. I would appreciate opposing points of view. What’s important is that you are informed before you vote. Democracy works best that way.
Proposition 13 – LIMITS ON PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT. SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
If you own a building and you spend money to seismically retrofit, you will no longer have to worry about your property taxes going up. Obviously, a seismically retrofitted building is safer for you and the public. This will cause the property value to go up. This law will prevent property taxes from being reassessed until you sell the building. Everyone is for this and no one is against it (No argument against was submitted on the California Voter’s Guide). The State Senate and Assembly both passed this proposition by a unanimous vote. Vote Yes.
Proposition 14 – ELECTIONS. INCREASES RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
Our current election systems features a Primary Election in June and a General Election in November. The Primary Election is segregated between the political parties. For example, if you are a registered Democrat, you would vote for the Democrat candidate you want to run in the General Election.
This proposition would amend the Constitution to allow all California voters, regardless of party affiliation, to vote for any candidate running in the Primary Election. Democrats can vote for a Republican, Republicans can vote for a Green party candidate, and Independents can vote for Democrats. The top two candidates from the Primary Election results would then face off in the General Election in November. Candidates running in either election will no longer have to claim a political party.
This is known as an Open Primary. The theory is that it will result in more Moderate candidates facing off in the General Election. A Moderate politician is more likely to work with other politicians once they gain office. This is supposed to get rid of the gridlock in the California Senate and Assembly. The final result is more things will get done and more problems will be solved.
In my opinion, the theory will prove true if this proposition passes. I believe more Moderates will be elected and the gridlock will go away. I think the California State Government will become much more efficient when it comes to getting things done. If this is something you want, vote Yes on Proposition 14.
I will be voting No.
I do not want a super efficient California State Government. I think a state government that gets along will pass more bills that lead to more programs and higher taxes. Gridlock in Sacramento may not a good thing during the current economic crisis – but – an out of control State Government during boom times will only lead to more spending and fiscal irresponsibility. This is what got us into the mess we’re in now. Thinking long-term, this bill is a bad idea.
Proposition 15 – CALIFORNIA FAIR ELECTIONS ACT.
Candidates running for Secretary of State will now run using public funding. The funding initially will come from a Lobbyist fee and not tax dollars (except voluntarily by individual tax payers per Section 18798.1) . This is a pilot program to see if publicly funded elections is a viable solution to special interest dollars affecting elections.
On the surface, I think this is a great idea. When someone comes up with a new idea, it’s always a good idea to try it out on a small-scale. If it works out, you can think about expanding it to a larger spectrum. If it fails, you can ditch the idea and move on to something else. Of course, the trick is to make sure a true account of the pilot program is presented to the public before deciding whether or not to implement the program on a larger scale.
The problem with this 9 page proposition is the details. For starters, this bill will repeal section 85300 of the Government Code.
“No public officer shall expend and no candidate shall accept any p
ublic moneys for the purpose of seeking elective office.”
There is no amendment to the Government Code to prevent other offices from using public money to pad private election funds. This loophole is too big for my taste.
Another loophole of concern is the funding sources. The proposition sets up a Fair Elections Fund that receives the majority of funding from Lobbyist fees. However, there is a provision that allows the Legislature to appropriate additional revenue from the general fund (section 91135 e and g). That means tax dollars.
I am in favor of publicly funded elections. I hate the fact that a CEO of some huge corporation thinks she he or she can buy her his or her way into the Governor’s office. Even if I agree with him or her. These days, it seems like you need to be loaded to get anywhere in politics. Publically funded elections would be a great way to level the playing field.
With that in mind, I think this law has a few holes that need to be fixed. For one thing, I think there should be an expiration date to this “experiment”. I will be voting No this time around. Hopefully they fix the law to be a bit more palatable for next time.
Proposition 16 – IMPOSES NEW TWO-THIRDS VOTER APPROVAL REQUIREMENT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Proposition 16 was written by PG&E. PG&E has spent more than $30 Million to support Prop 16. What is it? It’s exactly what it says. The new law requires a 2/3 vote from citizens if a city or county wants to invest in a public utilities. The law is very short and to the point.
I am usually for giving voters more control over how their money is spent. If this proposition was on the ballot in my county or city, I would be voting yes. However, since this is a State Constitutional Amendment enforcing rule of law on local governments, I will be voting No.
Regardless of PG&E’s corporate interests, I don’t like big government taking away the rights of local government. If you want a 2/3 law for your city or county, petition your local government/city council for a local ballot initiative.
Proposition 17 – ALLOWS AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BASE THEIR PRICES IN PART ON A DRIVER’S HISTORY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
This is an even argument. This laws will allow Auto Insurance companies more freedom to vary their rates based on driver variables. Those against this law say Insurance companies will unfairly target drivers who have a legitimate lapse in coverage.
In my opinion, the auto insurance market is saturated. If you are a safe driver, you can get a great rate. If you have speeding tickets or other issues, it’s not fair to depend on the State Insurance Commissioner to keep your rates down.
Then again, there is a problem with lapse in coverage. If you are in the military and you leave for a 12 month deployment, that is considered a lapse in coverage and you could pay penalties. Other examples exist where a legitimate lapse in coverage could cost safe drivers.
I will be voting Yes on this proposition. I think the market will work out the kinks. If enough drivers think they’re getting screwed by a company, they can look to other companies to get better rates.
If you think the lapse in coverage issue is too big of a hurdle, you should vote No.
There you go…
There is a basic voter’s guide to the California Propositions. I hope this helps you to understand what they’re all about. For the full text pdf of each proposition, go here. Do your duty and go vote. If you are reading this sentence, you can consider yourself part of the informed electorate.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thank You, Sammy
Sundays at Chevy’s Fresh Mex. Margaritas are 1/2 off. w00t!!! I usually drink two margaritas with my Mesquite Grilled Steak Tacos. This one is my first.It’s called the Cabo Wabo Rock n’ Rita and they make it table side.
They start off with a healthy portion of Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Tequila. Sammy’s tequila is one of the most easy going tequila out there. Very smooth. Great flavor.
From there, they add the citrus juices; Fresh Orange, fresh Lime, fresh Lemon.
It is then shaken and poured into your choice of sugar rimmed glass: Watermelon sugar… Lime sugar… or my favorite, Pineapple sugar.
This is a very sweet tequila but not too sweet. Most of the flavor is from the fresh fruit. However… and this is very important to me… Sammy’s Cabo Wabo is still a dominating presence.
I have never been disappointed with this drink. Chevy’s is very consistant with the mix. It will always taste the same. Overall, I would give this a 9 out of 10. It is not my all time favorite Margarita but it is definitely great.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Rebirth App
The very first synth emulator I ever "bought" was Propellerhead's ReBirth. It was recently decomissioned. Now it has been released as an iPhone app for $6.99.If you've never used ReBirth or any type of syth emulator, don't get this app. You'll just be wasting your time. If you have experience with emulators... don't get this app.
I like it because I'm a geek. To be honest, this app needs a ton of work. ReBirth would be great on the iPad. The iPhone is way too small and makes writing a song very clumsy.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Halo: Reach - Spartans vs. Elites
Gameplay on Swordbase. Spartans vs. Elites. I sped up my camping session to get the video under 10 minutes.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Halo: Reach - Invasion
I just fixed my computer so I had to render something. What used to take me 3 to 5 hours to render HD at 30fps only takes me 28 minutes for HD at 60fps. Sweet!!! I didn't realize until after I rendered... we lost this game. Oops. I was doing relatively well and didn't realize the Spartans won.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Halo: Reach - Power House
Halo Reach Beta gameplay. It's really touch to get a feel for the new controls. If you play bumper jumper in halo 3, good news, they have that exact setup for bumper jumper on reach. Everyone else can just suck it up, i guess.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Mary J Blige on Oprah...
I recorded MJB rendition of Stairway to Heaven and posted it on my daughter's YouTube account. It's in HD - 1080p.
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Friend's Perfection - pt2...
My friend appreciated the first render... so he asked for another. No problem on my end. It's a hobby. Coming soon, a video tutorial on how to record your video games.
Friday, April 9, 2010
A Friend's Perfection...
It's pretty annoying watching halo videos on youtube that were recorded with a video camera. I came across such a video the other day. I contacted the guy who recorded it and told him to send me the video. I rendered it for him and now the world is whole again.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Untouchable?
I've got a couple of perfections already, but I don't have an untouchable perfection. Will I get one? I get pretty close but when the end comes, who knows what will happen...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
PERFECTION!!!!
This is part 1/2. A perfection on Big Team Slayer on Valhalla. I had an awesome team. So awesome, I didn't think I was going to get any kills at all. The other team was crap. I should have died like 3 times at least. I should've died. It's actually pretty pathetic that they weren't able to kill me.
I had my best Skyjacking ever. I show 3 angles to show off my skills. Actually, if I failed my skyjacking, it's likely the guy on top of the hill would've got me.
The recording gets a little skittish towards the end of part 2. I guess my video capture had a little hiccup. I would've fixed it but I was already too deep into my workflow to go back when I noticed it. Oh well...
At the end of the video, there will be a link to watch part 2 of the video.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Crappy MVP...
I played horrible but I still got MVP... everyone else was just a little bit worse. This is a good example of how I play when I don't get a BR to start. I forking HATE the Assault Rifle. The thing doesn't work at all on big maps like Valhalla. BRs are great for long distance and for double teaming an opponent.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Big Team Warm Up on Valhalla
When I'm playing crappy, I like to switch to the Big Team Social lobby. I usually run across a lot of n00bs and not so many 50s. It doesn't take long before I start to get my confidence back up.
In this map, I'm holding the center and just trying to kill red people. I end up making it through the whole map without dying. It's pretty sad that I did so well because my performance was pretty sub par.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Little Superstar...
After watching the most recent installment of Arby n the Chief on YouTube, I found myself starved of comedy. My buddy Justin recommended we search for an old video guaranteed to bring laughter. This is the first video that popped into my mind...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
High Definition...
I have made the move to High Definition. Observe...
This is my perfection video rendered in HD. I used the Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR rendered at 720P .MP4. This format is okay... I think I'll be going with the AVCHD .TS codec. It renders a little cleaner and there's not so much ghosting. The Justin Timberlake video I rendered (FOR MY WIFE!!!) was recorded using the AVCHD format.
If you're into recording stuff off your DVR -or- "backing up" BluRay movies that you purchased -or- recording your XBOX 360 or PS3 gaming sessions, this Hauppauge device may just be what you're looking for. It lists for around $250 but you can find it for below $200. It's very user friendly but it takes up a lot of hard drive space... for your recordings. You may want to pick up an external hard drive while you're out.
Monday, January 25, 2010
4x4x4 cube
This video was filmed with my Canon HG10 HD camcorder. I wanted to define a workflow for uploading HD videos. I used Sony Vegas Video Pro 9c to edit. The song is Foregone Destruction (MvdB) by me. It's a remix/remake of a Michael Van Den Bos track from the Unreal Tournament Soundtrack.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Perfection...
I've been playing Halo 3 since it came out over two years ago. I got the Perfection medal yesterday for the first time. I have been real close before on this very map only to get ganged up on in the last couple of minutes. I got it done this time.
I should have died during my first kill but the guy was a n00b. I went crazy with the Spartan Laser and got 7 kills. Again, only because the other team was loaded with n00bs. Seriously, who drives the warthog on Last Resort? Bad move, n00b.
I almost got myself killed inside on the stairs when I threw the power drain. I still haven't gotten used to the fact that Master Chief throws things with his left hand. Good thing I was playing against a bunch of n00bs on split screen.
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