Pop Music Thursdays - It's a New Day - will.i.am

Once again, I'm inspired by the events of last week. It really is a new day. 'Nuff said.

Posted by email from bigepaz is eileen (posterous)

I will lose me to Animal Crossing

I'm definitely outing myself as a BIG dork here (although I think that's already been established), so here goes. I love Animal Crossing.  I really do!

If you don't know the game, let me explain. You have a character, you live in a town, you get a job, you make friends, you help the town prosper, and everything is cute and cartoony. It's kinda like the Sims, but you don't have to sleep, eat, or go to the bathroom. Think "low maintenance" sims.

For me, Animal Crossing is easy and relaxing. Now don't get me wrong, every once in a while I enjoy  gaming that involves visuals with blood, gore, and death -- but not all the time.

The game is generally all about keeping peace and harmony, and avoiding bees! I like walking around my AC town, leaving notes for my neighbors, decorating my house, digging up fossils, and fishing!  And as cheesy as I can be, you bet I'm lovin' that my neighbors are talking animals like Pandas, Birds or Dogs!

Then there's the soundtrack (this is from the original version), which I absolutely adore.



I first discovered Animal Crossing several years ago when we bought the game for our Game Cube. Then I got the DS version which was terrible because the addiction became portable!

But on November 16th, Animal Crossing: City Folk releases for the Wii and it'll be the first game to use Wii Speak.

Crap! You mean to tell me I can have multi-player Wi-Fi gameplay with my sister in San Jose, and speak to her at the same time (we've actually put our phones on speaker, while visiting each other's towns playing the DS version). I know the notion of voice connection and gaming isn't revolutionary. Hello, Xbox Live anyone? But it's another positive advancement to this game that will dig me deeper into the AC world!

I predict Animal Crossing: City Folk will be all sorts of trouble for me. I may never surface from my couch again, but at least you'll know how to contact me ;)


So, what's your funny (or not so funny) addiction?

Jango bein' Jango

Jango destroying new toy from Eileen on Vimeo.

I finally have a quiet Sunday, and bored enough to post this random raw video that is bit too dark. Sorry!

A little background on the video: Jango's Auntie Charisse always delivers a shiny new toy when she visits. Last night she got two! However, the second "Christmas-like" toy was pretty weak, resulting in the above destruction.

The Obamas will rescue the new First Dog soon...

...and Barney is grumpy about that.



Looks to me like he's a little grumpy about his pending move! Many thanks to @engnr_chik for this video.

But seriously, I'm thrilled to hear that the Obamas plan to adopt their first dog. Upon further reading it's not quite clear if they will adopt from a shelter, but i'm crossing my fingers. Of course rescue dogs are near and dear to my heart since adopting Jango over 4 years ago!

I tend to be preachy about the millions of dogs in shelters that need a homes, but it's just a fact that cannot be ignored. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. Just glance at the "Pets" section on craigslist and you'll see plenty of URGENT listings from shelters.

Please think about your lifestyle before adopting a dog. Think realistically about the time you have to devote to a four-legged family member. Do your research and don't get a puppy just because they are cute. Puppies take a lot of hard work to raise and need you to be their leader. Lots of dogs in shelters that are 1-3 yrs old will not only lead long healthy lives, but are housebroken!

Please consider shelter animals before you go to a breeder. Please.

E

PS - I think the puppy cam is cute, but I'll be less enthused if these dogs come from a breeder.

PPS - If you only want to go the pure-breed route, then read @engnr_chik's comments below. She makes good points on what to consider.

PPPS - this afternoon Barack Obama addressed the puppy issue at his first press conference post-election. How timely was this post?

Posted by email from bigepaz is eileen (posterous)

Pop Music Thursdays - "Crush" and a little "Revolution"

I'm a HUGE fan of American Idol. Look -- I love the karaoke contest and I'm a damn good karaoke singer myself, so layoff the judgement!

Since we've got that out of the way, my tune of the week comes from last season's runner-up, Mr. David Archuleta. Yes, David Archuleta -- the 17 yr. old, mormon, who looked petrified every week, with the big voice, cutie-pie. I voted for this kid every week.

Sorry David Cook fans, but DC sounds too much like Nickelback (who I hate), but I reserve judgment until I hear his album. Although I heard his new single "Light On" and I do not like it.

Archuleta's first song post-Idol is called "Crush" and it's a perfect pop tune. Its got a catchy hook and he delivers with the vocals.



Archuleta's debut album releases on Nov. 11th. I've heard it already and it's really good. I truly believe this kid will go far. I really do.

Update: I guess he was a guest on The Tonight Show tonight!

BONUS: I'm feeling good about our President-Elect and the events of Tuesday night reminded me of one of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman. Enjoy!

Posted by email from bigepaz is eileen (posterous)