So, I'm starting a blog/website strictly dedicated to video game writing. Reviews, previews, features, , that kind of thing. I am no longer writing for New Gamer Nation, so things that would have ended up there will be on my own site instead. I will likely no longer be making any video game related posts here, as it makes more sense to toss those up on Game In The Veins. The layout is pretty basic right now, but over time (when I have the time) I will be making some tweaks and throw up new content more regularly.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Two Changes That Victoria's Secret Can Make to be More Guy-Friendly
I don't shop at Victoria's Secret as I am not a woman nor a cross-dresser, but my girlfriend does. I have spent more time than I would like to admit or care to remember, standing in place in the corner of a Victoria's Secret store, waiting for my girlfriend to come out of the changing room. I am rarely the only male there as other boyfriends, fiancees, husbands (whatever) get dragged along as well. During this time I have had to revelations as to how this store can make all of the men like me more comfortable.
1. Give Us Someplace To Sit - This goes for all department stores, but especially Victoria's Secret. The store is almost always busy and because there is not designated "Sit here until your girlfriend is done" waiting area, I am always in someone's way. I attempt to cram myself into the most disused corner of the room, away from the lacy undergarments and PINK t-shirts, but it doesn't really work. At some point I have to move because someone wants to look at whatever it is I happen to be blocking; so I do move. Then, like clockwork, I find myself in another shopper's way and scuttle somewhere else. I already get death-glares and odd looks just for being there, I don't want to be on the receiving end of even more negative attention.
Perhaps more importantly the the fact that I always find myself in someone's way, a chair would be nice for my achy body. It sounds pathetic, but if you are standing (mostly) still for upwards of 20 or 30 minutes, you start to feel a bit stiff. Should I have someplace to sit at my disposal, that could be prevented. Chairs would be good for women, too as oftentimes ladies shop together. Those who are not trying things on themselves or are waiting in line for a free dressing room, would probably love to take a seat.
2. Stop Spewing Pink Everywhere - Seriously, didn't whoever designed all Victoria's Secret stores have more than just pink in their Crayola box growing up? I understand that they are trying to be feminine and sexy, but that does not mean that everything outside of (some of) the closing (literally in some of their stores) has to be pink. Red and black are supposed to be sexy colors, too - use those and accent with pink. Last time I was in a Victoria's Secret, the walls, shelves, drawers, countertops, ceiling, just about everything was pink. I would think that even if this was your favorite color, you would recognize that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Please Victoria's Secret, recognize that your customers and employees are not the only people that set foot in (sometimes unwillingly) your stores. Please, help a man out. With the alterations in place, I might not feel so miserable the next time my girlfriend asks me to go to the mall with her (maybe).
1. Give Us Someplace To Sit - This goes for all department stores, but especially Victoria's Secret. The store is almost always busy and because there is not designated "Sit here until your girlfriend is done" waiting area, I am always in someone's way. I attempt to cram myself into the most disused corner of the room, away from the lacy undergarments and PINK t-shirts, but it doesn't really work. At some point I have to move because someone wants to look at whatever it is I happen to be blocking; so I do move. Then, like clockwork, I find myself in another shopper's way and scuttle somewhere else. I already get death-glares and odd looks just for being there, I don't want to be on the receiving end of even more negative attention.
Perhaps more importantly the the fact that I always find myself in someone's way, a chair would be nice for my achy body. It sounds pathetic, but if you are standing (mostly) still for upwards of 20 or 30 minutes, you start to feel a bit stiff. Should I have someplace to sit at my disposal, that could be prevented. Chairs would be good for women, too as oftentimes ladies shop together. Those who are not trying things on themselves or are waiting in line for a free dressing room, would probably love to take a seat.
2. Stop Spewing Pink Everywhere - Seriously, didn't whoever designed all Victoria's Secret stores have more than just pink in their Crayola box growing up? I understand that they are trying to be feminine and sexy, but that does not mean that everything outside of (some of) the closing (literally in some of their stores) has to be pink. Red and black are supposed to be sexy colors, too - use those and accent with pink. Last time I was in a Victoria's Secret, the walls, shelves, drawers, countertops, ceiling, just about everything was pink. I would think that even if this was your favorite color, you would recognize that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Please Victoria's Secret, recognize that your customers and employees are not the only people that set foot in (sometimes unwillingly) your stores. Please, help a man out. With the alterations in place, I might not feel so miserable the next time my girlfriend asks me to go to the mall with her (maybe).
Monday, December 3, 2012
Follow Up: The "Suck for Luck" Campaign
Last year the Indianapolis Colts won two of their sixteen games and finished last in the entire league. This year, they appear to be playoff bound and are being led by rookie QB, Andrew Luck. He has done everything expected of him and more. He is breaking records, leading his team to come from behind wins, and looking poised every step of the way.
While I know that the Colts never intentionally lost games last year for the chance to draft Luck first overall in last April's draft, I think that they would have done so had they known how great he really is (if they needed to anyway). Luck's talent is as advertised, only even more impressive (similar to Robert Griffin III) Peyton Manning has come and gone (and playing very well himself in Denver) and I don't think that Colts fans are missing him too much.
While I know that the Colts never intentionally lost games last year for the chance to draft Luck first overall in last April's draft, I think that they would have done so had they known how great he really is (if they needed to anyway). Luck's talent is as advertised, only even more impressive (similar to Robert Griffin III) Peyton Manning has come and gone (and playing very well himself in Denver) and I don't think that Colts fans are missing him too much.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Follow Up: When Can I See Master Chief Throw A Plasma Grenade at Marcus Fenix?
Super Smash Bros. is one of my favorite game franchises EVER and since I've never owned a Wii, I've only actually put real time into playing the first two games. Nintendo hit a huge home run when they decided to pit their best characters against each other.
Sony has followed in Nintendo's footsteps with the release of PlayStation All-Atars Battle Royale. The game definitely is not a carbon-copy of Super Smash Bros., but clearly was inspired by it. Why has Microsoft failed to produce a similar franchise?
When this question is brought up (which is rare), people tend to point out that Microsoft does not have as many exclusive characters as its Japanese competitors. These people fail to recognize the fact that that does not really matter. Super Smash Bros. Brawl features Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid franchise. These games have been on Nintendo consoles, but are actually better known for being featured on the various PlayStations. Also, while no characters from Assassin's Creed are actually in PlayStation All-Stars, some have hoped that Connor from ACIII would make it into the game at some point.
Microsoft, I beg of you, make this happen. Your version can have a significantly different feel than the other two franchises. It will sell, I guarantee it (as long as you DO NOT make it a Kinect game).
Sony has followed in Nintendo's footsteps with the release of PlayStation All-Atars Battle Royale. The game definitely is not a carbon-copy of Super Smash Bros., but clearly was inspired by it. Why has Microsoft failed to produce a similar franchise?
When this question is brought up (which is rare), people tend to point out that Microsoft does not have as many exclusive characters as its Japanese competitors. These people fail to recognize the fact that that does not really matter. Super Smash Bros. Brawl features Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid franchise. These games have been on Nintendo consoles, but are actually better known for being featured on the various PlayStations. Also, while no characters from Assassin's Creed are actually in PlayStation All-Stars, some have hoped that Connor from ACIII would make it into the game at some point.
Microsoft, I beg of you, make this happen. Your version can have a significantly different feel than the other two franchises. It will sell, I guarantee it (as long as you DO NOT make it a Kinect game).
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