I have road rage. Not to the point where I'm going to try to drive someone off the road. But I get really, really, REALLY mad at people when driving. So here's a list of things that you shouldn't do when you drive your car in no particular order other than when I think of them. Because if you do, you're stupid.
1. People who jump lanes at the last second.
I CANNOT STAND PEOPLE WHO DO THIS! Why? That's all I want to know. Why do you do that? If you know you are going to need to turn left, then why are you in the right or middle lane? Why not be driving in the left lane? No, instead people constantly, CONSTANTLY, wait until the very street they need to turn on, then they slide barely through cars and jump into the left turn lane and turn. I do not understand it. Why do that? Just stay in the lane you need to be in. Why push your way through cars, disrupting the flow of traffic? I've seen more accidents caused by these kinds of people than anything else, I think. Because you cause everyone to slam on their breaks, then you turn and people rear-end each other and you get off scott-free. I really don't like you.
2. People who don't know how to get into the turn lane.
Once again, why? There are two types of this form: 1) those who break twenty feet away from the turn lane and then get into it when they finally reach it and 2) those who wait until the last possible second to get into the turn lane. I guess #2 goes hand in hand with #1. Turn lanes are a certain length for a reason. Get into them and then start breaking and you will be just fine. Don't wait until you have just two feet left of the lane and then get into it and turn. AND don't get into the middle lane and ride it for 30 feet until you turn. You stop people from being able to turn into the right parking lot because you're driving down the wrong lane.
3. Excessive breakers.
Those people who start breaking 30 feet BEFORE the suggested break time. I can't take watching the red break lights flash over and over for five minutes before you stop.
4. Tail-riders.
If you ride my tail, I will consistently slow down. I won't break quickly because you're probably stupid anyway and will rear-end me so instead I will promptly lift my foot off the gas pedal and slow down and down and down and will not press it again until you pass me.
5. Getting in front of me and then going slow.
Okay, so you felt like you had to get in front of me but then you're going to go ten miles under the speed limit. I don't get it. Why do that?
6. People going 10 miles under the speed limit.
GO THE STINKING SPEED LIMIT! It's there for a reason. Why not go as fast you're allowed?
7. Those people who make their own lanes on the freeway.
You know when you're stuck in traffic on the freeway? There is ALWAYS those stupid people who think they're better than everyone else and instead of waiting like everyone else has to, they drive down the shoulder then cut someone off to get back into a legal lane. I wish every single one of those peoples' tires gets flattened. Every single tire. Flattened. They don't deserve them.
8. Those people who turn across your lane prematurely and make you slam on the breaks when there is NO ONE behind you.
So someone from the opposite side of the street is turning into a neighborhood and must cross your lanes in order to do that. No big deal. Until they suddenly no longer have a thinking brain and they turn when you're within 10 feet of them and you have to slam on your breaks or hit them. And they always seem to do this when there is NOT A SINGLE PERSON BEHIND YOU. Again: why? When there is nobody behind me why do you feel like you have to turn and make me slow down for you when you could wait another 10 seconds and turn without a problem.
and finally
9. Those people who take your turn at four-way stops.
I hate those people. You are not better than I am. Your time is not better than my time. And just because you're a guy doesn't mean you get to go before me. They know it's not their turn. They know it. And they go anyway and cut people off because they're selfish and stupid. They shouldn't be allowed to drive.
Okay, that is the end of my diatribe about stupid people driving. I know I am not the only one who thinks these things. And ultimately, people do these things because they are selfish and think that their time is more important than anybody else's or that they should be allowed to do what no one else can. That's really the bottom line. Or they're just really stupid. One of those.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Invalid CD Key for Skyrim?
Hey Everyone!
If you're just here to find out what to do about an invalid CD Key, please jump down to where it says in giant purple letters: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CD KEY IS INVALID. If however you want to read about my experience, read on from here! Oh, and this is for the PC version.
So, recently I finally decided to cave and buy Skyrim. For those of you who don't know what Skyrim is, it's entire title is: "The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim." There are add-on versions of Skyrim now but this is the original. Skryim is part of the Elder Scrolls series but don't get confused. It's just number 5.
Skryim is a role-playing game just like the other Elder Scrolls. You don't have to have the other Elder Scrolls in order to play Skyrim or to understand what's going on. Skyrim is its own independent game.
The premise to Skyrim: "Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel and the future of the Empire hangs in the balance. As Dragonborn, the prophesized hero born with the power of The Voice, you are the only one who can stand amongst them."
Skyrim is absolutely HUGE. It will take you forever to finish the game. The plot is extremely long. The graphics are beautiful. There are many, many places to adventure to. Many skills you learn and level up. It's an amazing game.
If you want to preview it, there are a TON of Play-With-Mes on YouTube for it. My personal favorite is Luke Conard's: www.youtube.com/lukesarcade. He has a whole series on Skyrim and his commentary is hilarious, in my opinion.
So after seeing Skyrim played by a few different people, I knew that I wanted it. And EVEN BETTER, Target was having a sale on it in my area this past week. I didn't find out about the sale until Saturday night which was the final day of it. So after rushing home from work (of which I didn't get off until 9:30, and for those of you who don't know, Target closes at 10), I had had to stop at 2 different Targets before I found the last copy that a store had that I was able to purchase. Note:Skyrim is rated M. If you are underage, you will not be able to purchase the game. Target even scans your Drivers License to validate that you are old enough to purchase it. The M rating is for: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, and Use of Alcohol.
I was SO excited to get home and play it. So after loading it in my computer, and started the installation, it pops up with the screen that requires your Cd Key Code. "No big deal," I think because it's printed on a label directly beneath the CD. Except IT WAS A BIG DEAL. Because my CD Key was INVALID. Of course, I tried everything. I typed it without the hyphens. With the hyphens. With the capitals. Without the capitals. With the caps lock on. With the cap locks off. Typing just the first three sections of numbers/letters. Just the last three. None of them worked. So finally I got onto the Steam website and saw that there was a section on Invalid CD Keys. I figured out that mine had to be one of them. I contacted both Steam (the one that runs the PC versions) and Bethesda (the actual publisher) through e-mail and explained my situation. Both of them replied within a day, Steam giving me a customer service number to call for them to handle it because they confirmed I was given an invalid key, and Bethesda requesting a whole slew of information:
Hello XXXXX,
If your code is invalid, please verify first that you are entering it correctly in-game. If you receive a message that the code is invalid, you have misplaced, lost your code, or did not receive one with your purchase, read the following:
Please note that rented copies or used copies are not eligible for a code. The code is only provided for the original purchaser of a new game purchase. If you purchased a new sealed copy of the game for Windows, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and it was missing the sheet with the code. please provide the following in order to obtain any appropriate codes.
- A dated proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) showing the purchase of a NEW copy of the game(not a rented or used copy, nor a copy purchased from Ebay).
- Was the game shrink-wrapped like new at the time of purchase?
- A scan of the package and game disc(s) and the code sheet.
- What country was the game purchased in?
- What country are you in?
- What country is your Console account based in?
If you need further assistance, you can also reach us online at http://support.bethsoft.com or our technical support staff at (410)-568-3685. Please include all previous replies when/if responding to this message.
SO, I took pictures of everything I was asked for and extras of everything I could think of. I replied to the e-mail answering all of the questions. After all of this, I got an e-mail saying the EXACT SAME THING from a different employee, like he never even read what I had responded. I also had included the previous conversation with my original employee I spoke to like it was requested at the end of the e-mail.
Therefore, I decided to just call the number Steam gave me. The number was essentially to Bethesda Technical Support. After speaking to an employee there, I was told to send a separate e-mail with just a picture of the receipt and the invalid CD Key and to call back in about a half hour and they would tell me what to do next. I did what he asked and called back in about 20 minutes because they were going to be closing. I spoke to a different employee this time and after giving him my case number, he said he needed to put me on hold to speak to his supervisor but that it looked like everything he needed was there. After he spoke to his supervisor, he told me he'd be sending me an e-mail with a valid key. Which he did within 10 minutes and now I am successfully downloading Skyrim as I'm writing this.
So, my whole point in writing this is to help people like me because it was crazy trying to Google and figure out what was wrong with my CD Key. I've had a ton of Sims games with keys and never had this problem and didn't really know what to do.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CD KEY IS INVALID:
1. Of course, make sure that you're typing everything correctly. YOU WILL NEED CAPS AND THE HYPHENS PROVIDED. DON'T TAKE THEM OUT. Also, Steam has this thing where if you have the letter O, type a Q instead. It's weird. It's on the Steam website if you search Invalid CD Keys. Also there will be a link directly on the setup if your key is said to be invalid.
2. The fact is that there are retail copies that were shipped with invalid CD codes. Mine had 25 characters and looked like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. That's not a valid code from my understanding when talking to Bethesda Technical Support. At least not a valid code for the PC version. You should have 15 characters like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. My replacement code given was in that format.
3. If you bought a used copy, YOUR CODE WILL NOT WORK. Because it's already been activated. If you bought it from Ebay, they won't help you either from my understanding. Only brand new copies are able to receive new codes if the others are invalid.
4. The easiest thing you can do is to call Bethesda Technical Support: (410) 568-3685. They're based in Maryland and are open 9-5 EST. When you call, you'll be able to select which game you are calling about and which version of the game (XBOX 360, PS3, or PC). They'll connect you to a person that even speaks ENGLISH right! You'll just have to answer if you've called them before, what your name is, your phone number, your e-mail. Basic stuff. Explain to them that you have an invalid CD key. Most likely, they'll tell you to send a picture or a scan of the receipt and the invalid CD key. SEND YOUR E-MAIL TO: support04@bethsoft.com. The employee I spoke to originally didn't give me a specific e-mail to send my pictures to but I think that's because I said I'd already tried to fix this through e-mail but just decided to call because it was easier. The easiest thing for you to do for them is to type YOUR CASE NUMBER in the subject box along with a small explanation, i.e. Case #XXXXXX Pictures to Replace My Invalid CD Key. The employee should give you your case number before hanging up with you. If not, be sure to ask for it.
5. Call them back in the allotted time. Give them your case number when they ask for it once you tell them you've called before. They'll send you an e-mail to the e-mail you gave for your case with a valid code as long as everything you sent looks okay.
All in all, it's an easy process. Both employees I spoke to on the phone were very nice. I have no complaints. The e-mails however kind of ticked me off because I already sent all the information and just got the same standard e-mail reply back. And they obviously don't need all that information with the multitudes of pictures because the phone employees didn't request it. It's much easier to speak to them on the phone.
Well, I hope this was helpful to some of you! I will now be playing my Skyrim! Ta-ta!
If you're just here to find out what to do about an invalid CD Key, please jump down to where it says in giant purple letters: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CD KEY IS INVALID. If however you want to read about my experience, read on from here! Oh, and this is for the PC version.
So, recently I finally decided to cave and buy Skyrim. For those of you who don't know what Skyrim is, it's entire title is: "The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim." There are add-on versions of Skyrim now but this is the original. Skryim is part of the Elder Scrolls series but don't get confused. It's just number 5.
Skryim is a role-playing game just like the other Elder Scrolls. You don't have to have the other Elder Scrolls in order to play Skyrim or to understand what's going on. Skyrim is its own independent game.
The premise to Skyrim: "Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel and the future of the Empire hangs in the balance. As Dragonborn, the prophesized hero born with the power of The Voice, you are the only one who can stand amongst them."
Skyrim is absolutely HUGE. It will take you forever to finish the game. The plot is extremely long. The graphics are beautiful. There are many, many places to adventure to. Many skills you learn and level up. It's an amazing game.
If you want to preview it, there are a TON of Play-With-Mes on YouTube for it. My personal favorite is Luke Conard's: www.youtube.com/lukesarcade. He has a whole series on Skyrim and his commentary is hilarious, in my opinion.
So after seeing Skyrim played by a few different people, I knew that I wanted it. And EVEN BETTER, Target was having a sale on it in my area this past week. I didn't find out about the sale until Saturday night which was the final day of it. So after rushing home from work (of which I didn't get off until 9:30, and for those of you who don't know, Target closes at 10), I had had to stop at 2 different Targets before I found the last copy that a store had that I was able to purchase. Note:Skyrim is rated M. If you are underage, you will not be able to purchase the game. Target even scans your Drivers License to validate that you are old enough to purchase it. The M rating is for: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, and Use of Alcohol.
I was SO excited to get home and play it. So after loading it in my computer, and started the installation, it pops up with the screen that requires your Cd Key Code. "No big deal," I think because it's printed on a label directly beneath the CD. Except IT WAS A BIG DEAL. Because my CD Key was INVALID. Of course, I tried everything. I typed it without the hyphens. With the hyphens. With the capitals. Without the capitals. With the caps lock on. With the cap locks off. Typing just the first three sections of numbers/letters. Just the last three. None of them worked. So finally I got onto the Steam website and saw that there was a section on Invalid CD Keys. I figured out that mine had to be one of them. I contacted both Steam (the one that runs the PC versions) and Bethesda (the actual publisher) through e-mail and explained my situation. Both of them replied within a day, Steam giving me a customer service number to call for them to handle it because they confirmed I was given an invalid key, and Bethesda requesting a whole slew of information:
Hello XXXXX,
If your code is invalid, please verify first that you are entering it correctly in-game. If you receive a message that the code is invalid, you have misplaced, lost your code, or did not receive one with your purchase, read the following:
Please note that rented copies or used copies are not eligible for a code. The code is only provided for the original purchaser of a new game purchase. If you purchased a new sealed copy of the game for Windows, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and it was missing the sheet with the code. please provide the following in order to obtain any appropriate codes.
- A dated proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) showing the purchase of a NEW copy of the game(not a rented or used copy, nor a copy purchased from Ebay).
- Was the game shrink-wrapped like new at the time of purchase?
- A scan of the package and game disc(s) and the code sheet.
- What country was the game purchased in?
- What country are you in?
- What country is your Console account based in?
If you need further assistance, you can also reach us online at http://support.bethsoft.com or our technical support staff at (410)-568-3685. Please include all previous replies when/if responding to this message.
SO, I took pictures of everything I was asked for and extras of everything I could think of. I replied to the e-mail answering all of the questions. After all of this, I got an e-mail saying the EXACT SAME THING from a different employee, like he never even read what I had responded. I also had included the previous conversation with my original employee I spoke to like it was requested at the end of the e-mail.
Therefore, I decided to just call the number Steam gave me. The number was essentially to Bethesda Technical Support. After speaking to an employee there, I was told to send a separate e-mail with just a picture of the receipt and the invalid CD Key and to call back in about a half hour and they would tell me what to do next. I did what he asked and called back in about 20 minutes because they were going to be closing. I spoke to a different employee this time and after giving him my case number, he said he needed to put me on hold to speak to his supervisor but that it looked like everything he needed was there. After he spoke to his supervisor, he told me he'd be sending me an e-mail with a valid key. Which he did within 10 minutes and now I am successfully downloading Skyrim as I'm writing this.
So, my whole point in writing this is to help people like me because it was crazy trying to Google and figure out what was wrong with my CD Key. I've had a ton of Sims games with keys and never had this problem and didn't really know what to do.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CD KEY IS INVALID:
1. Of course, make sure that you're typing everything correctly. YOU WILL NEED CAPS AND THE HYPHENS PROVIDED. DON'T TAKE THEM OUT. Also, Steam has this thing where if you have the letter O, type a Q instead. It's weird. It's on the Steam website if you search Invalid CD Keys. Also there will be a link directly on the setup if your key is said to be invalid.
2. The fact is that there are retail copies that were shipped with invalid CD codes. Mine had 25 characters and looked like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. That's not a valid code from my understanding when talking to Bethesda Technical Support. At least not a valid code for the PC version. You should have 15 characters like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. My replacement code given was in that format.
3. If you bought a used copy, YOUR CODE WILL NOT WORK. Because it's already been activated. If you bought it from Ebay, they won't help you either from my understanding. Only brand new copies are able to receive new codes if the others are invalid.
4. The easiest thing you can do is to call Bethesda Technical Support: (410) 568-3685. They're based in Maryland and are open 9-5 EST. When you call, you'll be able to select which game you are calling about and which version of the game (XBOX 360, PS3, or PC). They'll connect you to a person that even speaks ENGLISH right! You'll just have to answer if you've called them before, what your name is, your phone number, your e-mail. Basic stuff. Explain to them that you have an invalid CD key. Most likely, they'll tell you to send a picture or a scan of the receipt and the invalid CD key. SEND YOUR E-MAIL TO: support04@bethsoft.com. The employee I spoke to originally didn't give me a specific e-mail to send my pictures to but I think that's because I said I'd already tried to fix this through e-mail but just decided to call because it was easier. The easiest thing for you to do for them is to type YOUR CASE NUMBER in the subject box along with a small explanation, i.e. Case #XXXXXX Pictures to Replace My Invalid CD Key. The employee should give you your case number before hanging up with you. If not, be sure to ask for it.
5. Call them back in the allotted time. Give them your case number when they ask for it once you tell them you've called before. They'll send you an e-mail to the e-mail you gave for your case with a valid code as long as everything you sent looks okay.
All in all, it's an easy process. Both employees I spoke to on the phone were very nice. I have no complaints. The e-mails however kind of ticked me off because I already sent all the information and just got the same standard e-mail reply back. And they obviously don't need all that information with the multitudes of pictures because the phone employees didn't request it. It's much easier to speak to them on the phone.
Well, I hope this was helpful to some of you! I will now be playing my Skyrim! Ta-ta!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
I Hate Retail Christmas
As we all grow up, Christmas starts to lose the magic it used to hold. Santa Claus goes away. The favorite childhood movies like Santa Claus Is Coming to Town or Frosty the Snowman or The Little Drummer Boy normally get put away. And Christmas becomes another day in the year with a few extra special things to it.
I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. But honestly I just don't get into it as much anymore.
By the time high school rolled around, Christmas became a survival point. Survive the finals and then get to Christmas break. Now in college it's the same thing but with one more added bonus: Retail Christmas.
Retail Christmas
noun
1. The portion of Christmas that a selection of individuals must experience every year who have a job
in the retail world for several hours a day.
AKA the worst time of the year that includes annoying customers, needy customers, rude customers, arguing customers, stupid customers, children running around because parents don't care to control their children, children opening product because of the aformentioned parents not controlling their children, screaming and crying children. Can also include crashing systems on registers, multiple levels of identity theft and shoplifting, and finally the wielding of the all important coupons. (Although this last portion happens all the time. Especially the coupons.)
(And, yes, I wrote that definition.)
I realize that Retail Christmas isn't fun for people all around basically. For the customers it's a lot of waiting in line, waiting to get your questions answered, waiting to return items that didn't work out/you changed your mind on. But for the workers it's all of the above mentioned in the definition of Retail Christmas.
People are all about me, me, me and that they want what they want right this moment. Well tough luck. People just drive me nuts during Retail Christmas. They get even more impatient that they have to wait in line (ooh, big shocker. It's Christmas season and I can't believe you have to wait in line! How terrible!). They get more needy (aka lazy) and don't even bother looking around for what they want before asking for a sales associate to go get it for them. They feel like they need to make comments to the cashier about how long they had to wait or whatever other detail they think they need to say something about (guess what? The cashier/sales associate honestly doesn't give a crap. Take it up with corporate.) They hold up lines going to get just one more item because they forgot it even though they just stood in line for over 10 minutes. They hold up the line by digging in their purses/wallets for five minutes looking for their coupons even though they just waited in aforementioned line and therefore irritate everyone behind them because they are lazy/incompetent/just plain stupid and don't think to get their coupons out. And--my absolute favorite--the amazing anger that comes when they forget their coupons and we don't have any to give them. I mean, really? How dare we not have coupons for them! We are such a terrible store and such terrible people because we don't have coupons for them! I have a cut-cut view in life which basically means I have zero empathy. I was just not born with this gift. So when someone forgets their coupons or whatever other reason they have for not having it, I. Don't. Care. I don't feel bad for our store policy of not having coupons there for people to use. You forgot your coupon. You lost your coupon. It. Is. Your. Fault. Simple as that. Don't get mad at me. Get mad at yourself for your own stupidity. And I feel the same way about myself in case you were wondering. If I forget my Ulta coupon or whatever (which I never do because it irritates me so much at my own job when people whine about forgetting their coupons), oh well. That's my fault. I have to pay a little more. Big freaking whoop. Life shouldn't be about trying to chew cashiers out for not giving you a discount.
Don't get me wrong. I am extremely thankful for the job that I have. I'm lucky to even have a job in this economy and in this world. Which is why I suffer through Retail Christmas every year.
My whole point is that I've experienced two Retail Christmases now. And basically Retail Christmas has ruined my Christmas spirit.
Because I am someone who is unable to retain my anger at people doing the same things and cocking the same attitudes for 8 hours every day until Christmas is over. That probably makes me pathetic in a way. I do get over it obviously. But Christmas does not hold the same magic it used to anymore. Retail Christmas has forever ruined it for me. Moral of the story, kids? Avoid Retail Christmas if you can. Just don't do it, k?
I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. But honestly I just don't get into it as much anymore.
By the time high school rolled around, Christmas became a survival point. Survive the finals and then get to Christmas break. Now in college it's the same thing but with one more added bonus: Retail Christmas.
Retail Christmas
noun
1. The portion of Christmas that a selection of individuals must experience every year who have a job
in the retail world for several hours a day.
AKA the worst time of the year that includes annoying customers, needy customers, rude customers, arguing customers, stupid customers, children running around because parents don't care to control their children, children opening product because of the aformentioned parents not controlling their children, screaming and crying children. Can also include crashing systems on registers, multiple levels of identity theft and shoplifting, and finally the wielding of the all important coupons. (Although this last portion happens all the time. Especially the coupons.)
(And, yes, I wrote that definition.)
I realize that Retail Christmas isn't fun for people all around basically. For the customers it's a lot of waiting in line, waiting to get your questions answered, waiting to return items that didn't work out/you changed your mind on. But for the workers it's all of the above mentioned in the definition of Retail Christmas.
People are all about me, me, me and that they want what they want right this moment. Well tough luck. People just drive me nuts during Retail Christmas. They get even more impatient that they have to wait in line (ooh, big shocker. It's Christmas season and I can't believe you have to wait in line! How terrible!). They get more needy (aka lazy) and don't even bother looking around for what they want before asking for a sales associate to go get it for them. They feel like they need to make comments to the cashier about how long they had to wait or whatever other detail they think they need to say something about (guess what? The cashier/sales associate honestly doesn't give a crap. Take it up with corporate.) They hold up lines going to get just one more item because they forgot it even though they just stood in line for over 10 minutes. They hold up the line by digging in their purses/wallets for five minutes looking for their coupons even though they just waited in aforementioned line and therefore irritate everyone behind them because they are lazy/incompetent/just plain stupid and don't think to get their coupons out. And--my absolute favorite--the amazing anger that comes when they forget their coupons and we don't have any to give them. I mean, really? How dare we not have coupons for them! We are such a terrible store and such terrible people because we don't have coupons for them! I have a cut-cut view in life which basically means I have zero empathy. I was just not born with this gift. So when someone forgets their coupons or whatever other reason they have for not having it, I. Don't. Care. I don't feel bad for our store policy of not having coupons there for people to use. You forgot your coupon. You lost your coupon. It. Is. Your. Fault. Simple as that. Don't get mad at me. Get mad at yourself for your own stupidity. And I feel the same way about myself in case you were wondering. If I forget my Ulta coupon or whatever (which I never do because it irritates me so much at my own job when people whine about forgetting their coupons), oh well. That's my fault. I have to pay a little more. Big freaking whoop. Life shouldn't be about trying to chew cashiers out for not giving you a discount.
Don't get me wrong. I am extremely thankful for the job that I have. I'm lucky to even have a job in this economy and in this world. Which is why I suffer through Retail Christmas every year.
My whole point is that I've experienced two Retail Christmases now. And basically Retail Christmas has ruined my Christmas spirit.
Because I am someone who is unable to retain my anger at people doing the same things and cocking the same attitudes for 8 hours every day until Christmas is over. That probably makes me pathetic in a way. I do get over it obviously. But Christmas does not hold the same magic it used to anymore. Retail Christmas has forever ruined it for me. Moral of the story, kids? Avoid Retail Christmas if you can. Just don't do it, k?
Saturday, September 22, 2012
My Experience with Proactiv
I think pretty much everyone knows what Proactiv is but for those who do not know it is a skin care line that is designed to combat acne. Proactiv gets a lot of hate. All you need to do is Google it and you'll find a lot of people downing it. However, I feel like a lot of people are uninformed about it so, therefore, I decided to write on it.
And, yes, this is a pro-Proactiv post.
Now, before you go and get all mad because all you wanted to see deep-down was more bashing of Proactiv, hear me out. I have a lot to say, by the way, so you may want to just skip to the titles that interest you. It won't hurt my feelings.
Common Proactiv Misconceptions:
1. That Proactiv will work for everyone.
No, it doesn't work for everyone. No skincare regime will ever work for everyone. I think it really just depends on your skin (among other things like how you use the products). It's worked wonders for me but didn't work at all for my best friend. My acne has changed over my five years of using Proactiv but, even with my skin changes, it still works for me.
2. That Proactiv gives instant results.
Most people see Proactiv as a last resort (myself included) and then they get really upset when it doesn't work instantly. Let's face it, all humans have little patience and when you deal with acne, you don't want to wait for any product to work. You just want it to go away. But you have to give Proactiv time. I personally make myself use products for at least 2-4 months because that's really when you're going to see if something works for you or not. I really strongly suggest you give Proactiv at least 2 months.
3. That the third step (Repairing Lotion) is a moisturizer.
This one really drives me nuts. I mean, really, does nobody ever read anything on bottles anymore? The Repairing Lotion is not a moisturizer. It is AN ACNE TREATMENT. It has Benzoyl Peroxide in it. It's made to help treat the acne. And then people get upset, understandably, when their face dries out because typically they're putting the Repairing Lotion all over their face.
Quick Rundown on My Skin:
Skin type: Dry, semi-sensitive
Acne type: Surface acne (whiteheads, spots) mainly but under-the-skin (does not come to head) as I've gotten older
Makeup: I only wear BareEscentuals/BareMinerals on my face. I have a HUGE fear of liquid anything being on my face. Probably mostly because I've never used it but also because my skin is so sensitive that I can pretty much guarantee liquid would do nothing but clog my pores and break me out.
Eating habits: I eat pretty terribly. Here's a clue: My favorite foods are chicken fingers and peanut-butter sandwiches. We're a big carbs family. We eat out quite a bit. I drink soda. And, no, I'm not obese.
Past acne treatment tries: Way too many to mention. Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Clearasil (which I'm really allergic to), Nature's Cure (not sure if it's still around but you took pills as well as used a cleanser), CleanStart...to name only a few. You name it, I tried it.
I have been acne free for five years with Proactiv.
My Thoughts on the 3-Step System:
Renewing Cleanser: I personally love it. It has microbeads in it that help exfoliate your skin. My skin loves to be exfoliated so this really helps. The microbeads also help to open my pores and allow the acne medication to get into them. My skin is also pretty sensitive and I've never had the microbeads hurt my skin or anything. My skin feels really smooth with this cleanser and also feels really clean. It does have Benzoyl Peroxide in it to treat acne. Overall, I really like it.
Revitalizing Toner: Another love for me. It doesn't burn my skin, even with active acne breakouts, although I've heard that it does burn other people's skin. It helps balance my skin and also just gives me the extra boost to squeaky clean skin. Also removes any bit of makeup I may have leftover that I missed with the cleanser. Does not have Benzoyl Peroxide in it.
Repairing Lotion: Not my favorite. I don't use it too often. It does dry out my skin so when I do happen to get a breakout, I just place a little bit on the breakout and leave it at that and typically I only put it on the same breakout maybe two times the entire time it's healing to prevent excessive dryness around the area. I really feel like you just have to figure this one out on your own because, as a teenager, I applied it all over my face to prevent acne and typically didn't have any problems with excessive dryness from it.
My Thoughts on Other Products from the Proactiv Line:
Green Tea Moisturizer: I like it. It's light and soaks into my skin really quickly. I normally only use it in the morning before I put on my makeup because it does absorb so quickly. Keeps my skin hydrated. Haven't had any problems with it. Green tea is really good for your skin. However, for the price and the amount I use each morning, I don't really think it's worth it and even after purchasing the larger size, I will be just purchasing a drugstore moisturizer after I'm finished with it. I think for oily skin people this would be a really good basic moisturizer because it is so light.
Oil-Free Moisturizer: So not worth it. For someone with dry skin, it won't work. At least it really didn't for me. I still had really unattractive dry patches on my skin even after reapplying it three times in the same area throughout the day. May work for oily skin people but I've heard a lot of hate on this product on all sides of the skin equation and I personally agree and think it's rubbish too.
Dark Spot Correcter: Unfortunately, I don't have much to say on this product because, after purchasing the full size because I was unable to get a sample size, I discovered pretty quickly that it breaks me out. I don't know what it is but there is some ingredient in it that breaks me out like nobody's business. And it's the under-the-skin acne that hurts and takes longer to heal. Really wish that it didn't do that though because I would love to diminish some of my acne scarring.
Refining Mask: Anybody who purchases the kit normally gets one of these. I think it's okay. Not my favorite thing. I typically don't put masks on my face unless I'm breaking out really terribly (thanks to that lovely gift I get every month) because it just seems to throw my skin off. It does help a bit for a spot treatment but I don't really like spot treatments.
Quick Tips:
-If you know from experience that Benzoyl Peroxide is not what your skin likes, don't try this. If your skin likes salicylic acid, then use products with that in it. Salicylic acid does absolutely nothing for my skin.
-Don't use the Repairing Lotion all over your face. It has acne treating properties in it too and is not meant to be a moisturizer.
-Before spending the money on Proactiv, you may want to try isolating things that could be causing your acne. Examples: liquid makeup, any face products you're using, foods. For me, I just think that liquid makeup contributes to blocked pores. ALL makeup wipes break me out. Soda contributes to my acne. Ingesting high amounts of skim milk is shown to contribute to acne.
-Do try everything you try out for 2-4 months. Unless it automatically makes your skin worse, then it's your choice to stick it out or stop using it. Don't expect instant results with anything. I do recommend making Proactiv a last choice just because of the price.
-DO NOT ORDER PROACTIV ONLINE!!!!!!! That is something I cannot stress enough. I've heard/read too many horror stories about what goes on online with the company. If you can't purchase it locally (I purchase mine just at a kiosk at one of my malls) then try something else like Murad perhaps (I've never used Murad). Proactiv has terrible customer service and automatically bills you and sends you products even when you opt out. The customer service isn't fantastic at my kiosk, but considering where I live, I don't really think anything of it. I just walk up to the kiosk and say, "I need some cleanser and toner," and they ask if I want the 60-day or 90-day bottles and then they pick them up for me and ring them up. Simple as that. But do not order online or through the phone. Just don't.
-If you are experiencing dryness, cut back on using it. I don't ever use it in the morning. I only use it at night. And use a good moisturizer (Proactiv ones are pretty overrated though so I suggest just plain Olay which is what I use). If you're doing both of those, then I suggest moving on to something else.
-If you wear makeup, take off your makeup with a separate cleanser or makeup wipe because the Renewing Cleanser is not made to be a makeup remover but an acne treatment. I however use it as both because I find that makeup wipes just break me out. It works just as well for me.
-When your bottle of cleanser stops squirting out, take the lid off and just plop some on your washcloth/hand because I can guarantee there's probably 12 or more uses still in the bottle that just don't like to squeeze out.
-Over time, it has helped diminish acne scarring that I have.
-It has never given me cystic acne like I've heard some people claim and I've used it for over five years now. I haven't had any adverse reactions to it. I do still get an occassional pimple but it's mostly from hormonal things.
I purchase the 60-day line from my local mall kiosk. The kit runs about $50. However it lasts me 3 months instead of the 60 days. For me, the price is worth it.
Bottom Line:
I love Proactiv. It's saved my skin.
Friday, August 10, 2012
My Thoughts on LIMBO
For those of you who don't know what LIMBO is it is a popular video game created by Danish programmers. The game is unlike other video games in that it is a montone color scheme which consists of 2D animations in grey, white, and black. The game is basically many puzzles that the gamer must solve, moving on from one checkpoint to the next, until finally arriving at the final puzzle and the ending sequence. LIMBO is available in Xbox 360, PS3, and a PC version.
However, this game has a very dark theme laced throughout the entire game. There is much death shown on the screen. There is a lot of things that could be termed "gross" such as ripping creatures apart in order to use them in a puzzle. There is also very disturbing elements to this game such as the violent deaths the little boy faces each time you fail in a puzzle. Even though it is a flat, monotone color scheme, it does not tone down the ugliness of the deaths the gamer will witness.
For those of you not familiar with the word "limbo," the dictionary defines it as this:
lim·bo
[lim-boh]
noun, plural lim·bos.
1. ( often initial capital letter ) Roman Catholic Theology. a region on the border of hell or heaven, serving as the abode after death of unbaptized infants (limbo of infants) and of the righteous who died before the coming of Christ (limbo of the fathers or limbo of the patriarchs).
2. a place or state of oblivion to which persons or things are regarded as being relegated when cast aside, forgotten, past, or out of date.
3. an intermediate, transitional, or midway state or place.
4. a place or state of imprisonment or confinement.
Background Story of LIMBO: LIMBO is a video game in which the gamer is playing one character: a little nameless boy. He is nothing but a silhouette with glowing eyes. The first screen when the gamer beings the game is the little boy lying flat on his back in a forest setting. From there, the little boy starts his adventure in LIMBO. The back story to the game is that the little boy has lost his sister; and in order to find her, he must enter LIMBO. The creators are vague about the storyline for which I'm certain is because they wanted to maintain the eeriness and darkness of the game as well as leaving the happenings up to interpretation.
My Thoughts on LIMBO:
Characters: Obviously, there are minimal characters, all in nothing but sihouettes. I personally found the little boy endearing since he is so small and thin; however, he is also freakishly strong. I lent my heart to his plight of finding his sister.
Plot: I like the plot. Although this game is very dark and disturbing, I still wanted to play it. The overall creepiness that is felt thoughout the game is something that makes it unique. If you are someone who likes mind-challenging, logical games then you may want to try out LIMBO, especially if these kinds of undertones do not bother you. I like that the creators left the game open for interpretation. A gamer can simply play the game and enjoy playing the puzzles and leave it at that or a gamer can interpret everything in the game as symbolism.
Symbolism, Metaphors, and Undercurrents: There are MANY, MANY, MANY theories out there as to what LIMBO is really all about; and, in my opinion, none of them are wrong. The game is completely open to interpretation by the player. These are just my thoughts, of course, on the different symbols and metaphors and undercurrents that lie in the game.
SYMBOLISM:
LIMBO: I think this is a fitting name for what the creators were trying to achieve. I included the definition of the word "limbo" in this blog post because I think that all of the definitions are fitting for the name of this game. In the beginning of the game, there are many characters that appear to be children that are attacking the little boy. You will never see any adults shown in this game and after just the first part of the game, you will not see anymore children either. This fits with the first definition of "limbo" in which the Roman Catholic religion believes that unbaptized children are relegated to limbo before being able to reach heaven or hell. The fact that all of the characters are children and often involves the childrens' deaths lends this game a creepy, dark level on top of the eeriness of the color scheme. The other meanings are also fitting in that they all relate to limbo being an intermediate place in which you are trying to reach another place. The little boy is trying to get through this strange place with so many obstacles to reach his sister.
The Back Story to LIMBO: I have a fairly lively imagination, so in my head LIMBO's beginning is this: The little boy has been given the opportunity to enter the world of LIMBO to find his little sister. He is thrown into the world without any of his memories or his inherent qualities except for persistance and the knowledge that his sister is here and that he must get to her. The boy is not dead but he is removed from his humanly thoughts and cares in this inbetween world.
The Settings: The settings are in three major categories: 1) a rural setting, consisting of the dark forest and tress as well as lots of grass and water/rain, 2) an industrial setting with lots of machinery and switches, and 3) a new-age, space-like setting. All of the different major settings also have some of the other elements in with them as well.
As the little boy travels through LIMBO, he sees his life pass through his eyes. The rural setting represents the little boy's childhood. A childhood filled with green grass and playing outside, treehouses and playmates. The main conflicts include giant spiders and other children trying to kill the little boy. The giant spiders represent childhood fears: things as simple as spiders. The other children are trying to kill the little boy because they know that he is not dead like the rest of them. They are also ripped of their thoughts and humanness because they have been in LIMBO for so long.
The industrial setting represents adulthood. No longer is there carefree happiness but now the darkness of a mundane job. There is not much sunlight in this setting (not that there's much anywhere in the game). The main conflicts of this setting is the likelihood of being crushed by many machines representing the conflicts adults deal with emotionally mostly.There is a broken down hotel sign that must be crossed at some point, leading me to believe that the little boy is going to face much ruin in his adultlife considering the connotations that are associated with old, rundown hotels. Also, there are mind-controlling maggots that appear throughout the game, representing those thoughts that grip you and will not let go of you. The maggots react to light and only then is the little boy able to change direction. The light represents reasoning that temporarily helps the little boy "see the light" and change his mind, heading to the right direction.
The new-age, space-like setting is the ending of his life, seeing the new world come to order and being powerless to stop it. There are many switches in this level that affect gravity. Also, there are many times in which the little boy's world literally turns upside-down. In the new age, there is no reasoning. There is no order. There is nothing defined. Just like how the age-old law of gravity is simply changed by the flick of a switch.
METAPHORS: I believe there are a few metaphors in this game. To name my major one, it would be that the industry is slowing killing. After the industrial setting comes along, there is virtually no grass, no people, no sunlight. With the Industrial Revolution, the world metaphorically turned upside-down with the new creations thought up, just as the little boy's world is literally turned upside-down a few times.
UNDERCURRENTS:The undercurrents in this game are very dark, sinister, and disturbing. From the very fact that everything is a monotone color scheme, there's instantly this feeling of foreboding. There is darkness everywhere, barely illuminated. The little boy never knows what new things are just out of the screen. Eeriness and uneasiness is laced through the storyline. And, to be honest, the deaths are rather disturbing. Also disturbing things include: ripping off spider legs and fly legs and using other dead children's bodies to help you along in the game.
THE ENDING:
The ending, of course, is also filled with many interpretations. At the end, the little boy comes crashing through a sheet of glass in slow motion. He tumbles head over heels and finally lands in a heap in a rural setting. Seem familiar? Yes, we're right back to the beginning in which this little, nameless, faceless boy is lying on his back in the middle of a grass area. I assume that means we have officially left LIMBO. If you try to run back to the glass area you came crashing through, there is nothing there. The only choice is to go forward. After running for a little while, the boy catches sight of his sister, sitting under a treehouse distinctly similar to the treehouse that is shown in the title screen of the game. The little silhouette of the girl is on her knees, under the treehouse and directly under sunlight. She appears to be bent over doing something. Her back is towards him. The little boy slowly approaches the little girl and as he nears, he stops. The little girl suddenly stiffens. And then the credits roll. Then eventually, you return to the title screen and the familiar treehouse image.
Okay, lots to cover.
I believe that the little girl is out of LIMBO yet hasn't reached heaven which is represented by the ladder up to the treehouse and the fact that she is bathed in sunlight. The little girl may even be bent over in prayer, praying for her brother that she has had to leave behind. When she hears someone approaching, she stiffens. I assume that they were reunited and that they were able to move on to heaven. Because, the fact is, my theory is that: the little boy has been dead all along. Confusing? Yes. But to me it makes sense. The little boy is stuck in his mind in the mid-world between life and death during this sojourn in LIMBO. He believes that he was sent to discover the fate of his sister. LIMBO is most likely different for every single person who enters. In his LIMBO, he is unknowingly passing through his life that has been taken away from him with only the thought of finding his sister in mind. Once he finds his sister, the fact that he too is dead grips him. I believe that the fact that he crashes through glass to escape his LIMBO is that he has finally passed on and that he and his sister died in a car crash. There are tires used in the game and the boy goes through glass or a windshield. In his mind, he is still alive and that treehouse is how he normally sees it. But as soon as the credits are over, we see the reality of his fate: that the treehouse is really rotted now, the grass is all wild and unkept, and there is one heap on the ground in the shape of the little boys' body with flies flying around it in the exact area he is standing in when the game cuts to the credits and one area next to the heap that is flat but also has flies swarming it in the exact area his little sister is sitting before the game cuts to the credits. In my head, that is the reality of their fates: the little boy has passed on, rotting next to his sister's grave in which she is rotting. The little boy's quest has been fulfilled and even in death, he is with his sister.
Screenshot of the ending scene (on top) and the title screen (on bottom). Look at what I'm saying about the differences.
There are many interpretations and I've read everything from the argument that the little boy is actually a villain, trying to find his sister to kill her and all of the obstacles are placed there to protect her, to that the little boy was able to get into LIMBO with the promise that he could bring back his sister when in reality his sister then kills him. However you interpret it, I think it tells a lot about who you are as a person.
My Little Tips:
Note: I have only played the PC version so I do not know if there are any differences among the versions. Also, obviously, the controls are different between Playstations, Xboxes, and PCs.
In the PC version, the controls are: UP arrow to jump/climb up something, RIGHT arrow to go forward, LEFT arrow to go backward, DOWN arrow to climb off/down something/jump down, and CTRL (control) key to perform an action. The only times you'll need to use the CTRL key is basically when pulling things or flipping switches.
Tips: For a long jump, hold down the UP arrow.
Always check around your surroundings before you start pulling switches or trying anything. Often there are certain elements that need to be put in place before you can successfully complete a level.
Most of the game is about timing. Half of it is figuring out what you need to do. The other half is actually doing what you know you need to do and most of what you need to do requires good timing and judgment.
DON'T jump off anything high because he'll break his legs. DON'T let the boxes hit you on the head because you'll die.
There is NOTHING placed in the foreground of the game for no reason. If there is a rope there, you'll be using it. If there are boxes around, you'll be using them. There is absolutely nothing placed there for no reason.
There are a lot of booby traps.
And that's about it.
You can take LIMBO at its face value and just solve the puzzles and be happy with it. Or you can break apart every little thing and find a symbol for it. Regardless of your approach, the fact is LIMBO is a very unique game.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Don't Work With Your Friends...Or Your Friends' Moms
Haven't we all been there at some point? We've said "Yes" to someone because we didn't want to hurt their feelings even though we really didn't want to agree. Well, that's what happened to me.
This girl that I'm just causal friends with told her mom that I had said we had lost two people at the store I work at. Later, her mom asked me if it was okay for her to use me as a reference. I mean, what was I supposed to say? "No, because I really don't like you"? Of course, I said yes and (of course, grrr) my manger hired her.
Since that time almost a month ago, working there has turned into a deeper level of hell.
She's already annoying. She thinks she knows everything because she worked at a similar store before back in the Southeast part of the United States. But, the thing is: that store was independent. They could make whatever rules they wanted to. We're in a chain. We don't make our rules; corporate does.
Somehow she has yet to grasp MANY concepts. Or maybe it's just that she refuses to accept reality.
1. You CANNOTread/use the materials we sell during slow times at the store.
But apparently where she used to work, the manager encouraged them to do that during "down time" in order for them to become familiar with what they were selling. Well, sorry, but corporate is not paying you to sit on your butt and read.
2. You don't get to close the registers right away.
Especially since you've only been there a month and still have no idea what you're doing. For all we know, you could be a whackjob who steals money from the registers. I've been working there for over a year now and I've just now officially learned how to close the registers because she is now the low-man on the totem pole. For some reason, she believes that vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms is beneath her and has refused to do it before. And then tonight she made a comment to me that she wouldn't need to clean if someone would just teach her how to close. So, I just told her, "Well, that's not going to happen until someone new comes along and you're not at the bottom of the ladder anymore. So, sorry, but that is not going to happen." She didn't say a word.
3. You CANNOT steal numbers and brag about telling certain coworkers off to other coworkers.
Like many other companies, our company requires that we meet certain sales goals. We're tracked on three seperate entities, sort of speak. We're tracked on two different materials we need to sell and one service that we provide. We're also tracked on membership cards and our e-mail capture. At the moment, she is above quite a few people at the store, mostly because she doesn't share. Among us, we typically share the items we're tracked on if we know that we're up in that area and who we're working with isn't. She doesn't. But then--get this--I'm ringing someone up and one of the items is something we can provide a service on and she makes this comment while standing their in front of the customer that she needs that service for the day to meet her numbers. First of all: she's already up 3% in that area. Second of all: I was not about to give the sell to her. Who does she think she is anyway? I felt like tellling her to get out of my face.
That same night, she was bragging to me about telling two of the guys I work with off about different things. I asked them both about it today. And, guess what? NEITHER OF THEM KNEW WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT! Now, I understand one of them not knowing. But both? Could she really be anymore of a drama queen and a liar?
Then tonight she was relating this story to me about something she saw on Facebook. I got on tonight to see if it was true and she twisted everything around and added a bunch of stuff.
So here is my decision: As soon as my manger gets back from his week vacation, I am asking for him to never have me work with her again if possible. And when he asks me why, I'll say it's because I don't like her.
How's that sound?
I am someone who does not like confrontation. And she's one that ALWAYS wants confrontation. And she brags about putting this person and that person in their place. Well, I've got news for her: She DOES NOT want to get on my bad side. Because, yes, I fear confrontation. But when it happens, that person better watch out. Because I get mean. Really mean. And she better watch out because I could tear her apart with everything I know from her daughter. I know I sound dramatic, but the sad truth is, that's how I am. I get really, really mean. Ask anybody I know and they could tell you.
So the moral of the story, kids? DON'T WORK WITH YOUR FRIENDS!!! OR YOU FRIENDS' MOMS. Just don't do it, okay? No matter how much you know that they need the money. It is not worth it. Just trust me. Repeat after me: It. Is. Not. Worth. It. Good job.
This girl that I'm just causal friends with told her mom that I had said we had lost two people at the store I work at. Later, her mom asked me if it was okay for her to use me as a reference. I mean, what was I supposed to say? "No, because I really don't like you"? Of course, I said yes and (of course, grrr) my manger hired her.
Since that time almost a month ago, working there has turned into a deeper level of hell.
She's already annoying. She thinks she knows everything because she worked at a similar store before back in the Southeast part of the United States. But, the thing is: that store was independent. They could make whatever rules they wanted to. We're in a chain. We don't make our rules; corporate does.
Somehow she has yet to grasp MANY concepts. Or maybe it's just that she refuses to accept reality.
1. You CANNOTread/use the materials we sell during slow times at the store.
But apparently where she used to work, the manager encouraged them to do that during "down time" in order for them to become familiar with what they were selling. Well, sorry, but corporate is not paying you to sit on your butt and read.
2. You don't get to close the registers right away.
Especially since you've only been there a month and still have no idea what you're doing. For all we know, you could be a whackjob who steals money from the registers. I've been working there for over a year now and I've just now officially learned how to close the registers because she is now the low-man on the totem pole. For some reason, she believes that vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms is beneath her and has refused to do it before. And then tonight she made a comment to me that she wouldn't need to clean if someone would just teach her how to close. So, I just told her, "Well, that's not going to happen until someone new comes along and you're not at the bottom of the ladder anymore. So, sorry, but that is not going to happen." She didn't say a word.
3. You CANNOT steal numbers and brag about telling certain coworkers off to other coworkers.
Like many other companies, our company requires that we meet certain sales goals. We're tracked on three seperate entities, sort of speak. We're tracked on two different materials we need to sell and one service that we provide. We're also tracked on membership cards and our e-mail capture. At the moment, she is above quite a few people at the store, mostly because she doesn't share. Among us, we typically share the items we're tracked on if we know that we're up in that area and who we're working with isn't. She doesn't. But then--get this--I'm ringing someone up and one of the items is something we can provide a service on and she makes this comment while standing their in front of the customer that she needs that service for the day to meet her numbers. First of all: she's already up 3% in that area. Second of all: I was not about to give the sell to her. Who does she think she is anyway? I felt like tellling her to get out of my face.
That same night, she was bragging to me about telling two of the guys I work with off about different things. I asked them both about it today. And, guess what? NEITHER OF THEM KNEW WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT! Now, I understand one of them not knowing. But both? Could she really be anymore of a drama queen and a liar?
Then tonight she was relating this story to me about something she saw on Facebook. I got on tonight to see if it was true and she twisted everything around and added a bunch of stuff.
So here is my decision: As soon as my manger gets back from his week vacation, I am asking for him to never have me work with her again if possible. And when he asks me why, I'll say it's because I don't like her.
How's that sound?
I am someone who does not like confrontation. And she's one that ALWAYS wants confrontation. And she brags about putting this person and that person in their place. Well, I've got news for her: She DOES NOT want to get on my bad side. Because, yes, I fear confrontation. But when it happens, that person better watch out. Because I get mean. Really mean. And she better watch out because I could tear her apart with everything I know from her daughter. I know I sound dramatic, but the sad truth is, that's how I am. I get really, really mean. Ask anybody I know and they could tell you.
So the moral of the story, kids? DON'T WORK WITH YOUR FRIENDS!!! OR YOU FRIENDS' MOMS. Just don't do it, okay? No matter how much you know that they need the money. It is not worth it. Just trust me. Repeat after me: It. Is. Not. Worth. It. Good job.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Fullmetal Alchemist
"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain something of equal value must be lost.That is alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one and only truth..."
I had never even heard of this show until one of my guy friends told me about it back in 11th grade (2008-09). He told me about how great a show it was and it was really cool and I had to watch it. I just told him that I would check it out if I ever saw it. I, of course, didn't see it for months and then one night I saw there was an episode playing on the Cartoon Network. So I stopped and watched it and by the end of it I was completely confused and didn't understand why he would ever like it.
First of all, Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime show based off of a manga. The show does not stay true to the manga, as so often shows do not stay true to what they're based off of. It, of course, orginated in Asia in the early 2000s and has since been dubbed into English (voice actors who speak English have redone the voices from the original Japanese, the anime has been changed so that the characters mouths form the English words, and they also translated everything written in Japanese on the screen into English).
Fullmetal Alchemist, or "FMA" as I like to call it for short, is mostly about the science of alchemy. Alchemy in this show has to deal with knowing the properties of elements and being able to break those elements down and create something else. For example, something used more than once in the show is dirt being changed from dirt into the shape of a horse. Fullmetal Alchemist follows the story of two brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who are only a year apart in age (if I remember right. Please don't sick a homonculi on me if I'm wrong, diehard FMA fans). At a young age, their father leaves to fight in a war that is occuring, leaving them with just their mother in a tiny town. A few years go by, and the brothers discover the science of alchemy from their father's books that he has written about it (their father is a master of alchemy). Their mother encourages them a bit in it and doesn't seem to mind their curiosity. Their mother later becomes ill and unfortunately passes away, leaving the two brothers to fend for themselves at around 10 years of age. They become obessesed with bringing her back through the forbidden science of human alchemy. The result is only ruin. Alphonse loses his entire body to the terrible reaction that comes from their attempt and Edward loses his right arm and left leg. However, Edward is able to connect Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor and is therefore able to keep his brother with him. From there, the story takes a turn to the brothers trying to locate something called a Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone is a fabled stone said to allow the possesor to be able to break the rules of alchemy by disregrading the rule of equivalent exchange (quoted above in red). If they were to possess this stone, they would be able to regain their bodies without having to give anything else up. Many, many other trials capture the brothers but they stay true to their goal to the end of the show.
Quick Review: I would suggest even trying to watch the first couple episodes. The first is a bit difficult to understand because the first episode picks up in the brother's current present in which they're involved in a situation dealing with searching for the Philosopher's Stone. The second episode on goes back in time to show how Edward and Alphonse got to their current present. There are many good characters in this show that will capture your heart. I found myself getting attached to certain characters, of course. The struggle of the boys' tugs at your heart as well. The show encompasses a lot of things: drama, depression, war, differences in religion and culture, the military, the struggle to survive, loyalty, family, desperation--to name a few.
There are only two seasons to it encompassing about 50ish episodes if I remember right. I personally watched the DVDs of the seasons because my guy friend was able to give them to me; however, I was able to watch the episodes online at a site called watchdub (dot) com.
I loved the show. Love the characters. Love the storyline. However, I hated the ending along with many other viewers. The ending was touching but at the same time infuriating.
Favorite Characters: For anyone who has seen the series previously, and are interested, here are my favorite characters:
This is EXTREMELY difficult for me! I love so many characters! So I try to break it down to a favorite for each group. Is that cheating? Probably.
Resembool- Edward Elric aka The Fullmetal Alchemist. What can I say? I love the short (teehee) blonde kid with the golden eyes. I find him so easily loveable. So dedicated to righting the wrongs he's made in his life. So determined to keep true to himself and to his brother.
Winry Rockbell. How can you not like Winry? She's a genius when it comes to automail. She cares so much about the brothers and will do anything for them. Plus, I love how she geeks out over anything mechanically related.
Other likeables for me include Ed and Al's mother Trisha, their father Hohenheim aka Hohenheim of Light, and Alphonse, of course.
Central/Military- This is probably one of the hardest ones! Narrowed it down to three though there are others as well.
Colonel Roy Mustang aka The Flame Alchemist. Don't ask me how I can find animated characters attractive. I've always been like that ever since I was a child. I don't know why I like Colonel Mustang. I just do. He really fascinated me with how he dealt with how he acted during the Ishbal rebellion. There's something mysterious about him which gets me too. After the famous "All women will have to wear tiny miniskirts!" episode, I was sold.
Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes (aka Brigadier General Maes Hughes). Once again, how can you not like this character? He's such a loving father and husband. He's always able to lighten the mood with his spastic craziness of his love for his daughter. "Look at Elicia! Isn't she just the cutest?!" Despite your first impression that the guy is crazy and spastic, he's actually quite smart and loyal. Definitely one of my favorite characters out of the entire show.
Major Alex Louis Armstrong aka The Strong Arm Alchemist. I know a lot of people find him annoying, but I can't help liking him. He cracks me up every single time he whips his shirt off or talks about a technique that "has been passed down the Armstrong line for generations!" He's so caring about Ed and Al too. He also cracks me up because you never see his mouth but only his mustache moves when he speaks.
Other likeables include Sheska (she's such a spastic, crazy girl. She cracks me up with all of her noises. Also with her theory of the homonculi. "Juliet Douglas is....an alien!"), Second Lieutenant Maria Ross, Sergeant Denny Brosh, and Lietuenant Riza Hawkeye.
Homunculi- Wrath. Wrath is my absolute favorite homonculus. From the first time I saw him on the island with those huge blue eyes and long black hair that hid his face, I couldn't help making him my favorite. Lot of viewers don't like Wrath because he's always crying and lots of the time doesn't make much sense with what he wants and his motives, but I, for one, love the little guy. Even when he's trying to take somebody's body for his own and or is choking someone who loves him, I love the stupid kid. Don't ask me why. I just do.
Other likeables are Lust and Greed. I find Gluttony cute as well near the end. "Where is my Lust??"
Random Charcters- Rose (from the first episode), Nina (Dr. Tucker's daughter), Marta (one of the chimeras), and Klaus (the girl who looks like a boy at first in the episode with the man attaching souls to the dolls).
Okay, my fandom rant is over. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. I'll probably post more about this show in the future.
I had never even heard of this show until one of my guy friends told me about it back in 11th grade (2008-09). He told me about how great a show it was and it was really cool and I had to watch it. I just told him that I would check it out if I ever saw it. I, of course, didn't see it for months and then one night I saw there was an episode playing on the Cartoon Network. So I stopped and watched it and by the end of it I was completely confused and didn't understand why he would ever like it.
First of all, Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime show based off of a manga. The show does not stay true to the manga, as so often shows do not stay true to what they're based off of. It, of course, orginated in Asia in the early 2000s and has since been dubbed into English (voice actors who speak English have redone the voices from the original Japanese, the anime has been changed so that the characters mouths form the English words, and they also translated everything written in Japanese on the screen into English).
Fullmetal Alchemist, or "FMA" as I like to call it for short, is mostly about the science of alchemy. Alchemy in this show has to deal with knowing the properties of elements and being able to break those elements down and create something else. For example, something used more than once in the show is dirt being changed from dirt into the shape of a horse. Fullmetal Alchemist follows the story of two brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who are only a year apart in age (if I remember right. Please don't sick a homonculi on me if I'm wrong, diehard FMA fans). At a young age, their father leaves to fight in a war that is occuring, leaving them with just their mother in a tiny town. A few years go by, and the brothers discover the science of alchemy from their father's books that he has written about it (their father is a master of alchemy). Their mother encourages them a bit in it and doesn't seem to mind their curiosity. Their mother later becomes ill and unfortunately passes away, leaving the two brothers to fend for themselves at around 10 years of age. They become obessesed with bringing her back through the forbidden science of human alchemy. The result is only ruin. Alphonse loses his entire body to the terrible reaction that comes from their attempt and Edward loses his right arm and left leg. However, Edward is able to connect Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor and is therefore able to keep his brother with him. From there, the story takes a turn to the brothers trying to locate something called a Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone is a fabled stone said to allow the possesor to be able to break the rules of alchemy by disregrading the rule of equivalent exchange (quoted above in red). If they were to possess this stone, they would be able to regain their bodies without having to give anything else up. Many, many other trials capture the brothers but they stay true to their goal to the end of the show.
Quick Review: I would suggest even trying to watch the first couple episodes. The first is a bit difficult to understand because the first episode picks up in the brother's current present in which they're involved in a situation dealing with searching for the Philosopher's Stone. The second episode on goes back in time to show how Edward and Alphonse got to their current present. There are many good characters in this show that will capture your heart. I found myself getting attached to certain characters, of course. The struggle of the boys' tugs at your heart as well. The show encompasses a lot of things: drama, depression, war, differences in religion and culture, the military, the struggle to survive, loyalty, family, desperation--to name a few.
There are only two seasons to it encompassing about 50ish episodes if I remember right. I personally watched the DVDs of the seasons because my guy friend was able to give them to me; however, I was able to watch the episodes online at a site called watchdub (dot) com.
I loved the show. Love the characters. Love the storyline. However, I hated the ending along with many other viewers. The ending was touching but at the same time infuriating.
Favorite Characters: For anyone who has seen the series previously, and are interested, here are my favorite characters:
This is EXTREMELY difficult for me! I love so many characters! So I try to break it down to a favorite for each group. Is that cheating? Probably.
Resembool- Edward Elric aka The Fullmetal Alchemist. What can I say? I love the short (teehee) blonde kid with the golden eyes. I find him so easily loveable. So dedicated to righting the wrongs he's made in his life. So determined to keep true to himself and to his brother.
Winry Rockbell. How can you not like Winry? She's a genius when it comes to automail. She cares so much about the brothers and will do anything for them. Plus, I love how she geeks out over anything mechanically related.
Other likeables for me include Ed and Al's mother Trisha, their father Hohenheim aka Hohenheim of Light, and Alphonse, of course.
Central/Military- This is probably one of the hardest ones! Narrowed it down to three though there are others as well.
Colonel Roy Mustang aka The Flame Alchemist. Don't ask me how I can find animated characters attractive. I've always been like that ever since I was a child. I don't know why I like Colonel Mustang. I just do. He really fascinated me with how he dealt with how he acted during the Ishbal rebellion. There's something mysterious about him which gets me too. After the famous "All women will have to wear tiny miniskirts!" episode, I was sold.
Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes (aka Brigadier General Maes Hughes). Once again, how can you not like this character? He's such a loving father and husband. He's always able to lighten the mood with his spastic craziness of his love for his daughter. "Look at Elicia! Isn't she just the cutest?!" Despite your first impression that the guy is crazy and spastic, he's actually quite smart and loyal. Definitely one of my favorite characters out of the entire show.
Major Alex Louis Armstrong aka The Strong Arm Alchemist. I know a lot of people find him annoying, but I can't help liking him. He cracks me up every single time he whips his shirt off or talks about a technique that "has been passed down the Armstrong line for generations!" He's so caring about Ed and Al too. He also cracks me up because you never see his mouth but only his mustache moves when he speaks.
Other likeables include Sheska (she's such a spastic, crazy girl. She cracks me up with all of her noises. Also with her theory of the homonculi. "Juliet Douglas is....an alien!"), Second Lieutenant Maria Ross, Sergeant Denny Brosh, and Lietuenant Riza Hawkeye.
Homunculi- Wrath. Wrath is my absolute favorite homonculus. From the first time I saw him on the island with those huge blue eyes and long black hair that hid his face, I couldn't help making him my favorite. Lot of viewers don't like Wrath because he's always crying and lots of the time doesn't make much sense with what he wants and his motives, but I, for one, love the little guy. Even when he's trying to take somebody's body for his own and or is choking someone who loves him, I love the stupid kid. Don't ask me why. I just do.
Other likeables are Lust and Greed. I find Gluttony cute as well near the end. "Where is my Lust??"
Random Charcters- Rose (from the first episode), Nina (Dr. Tucker's daughter), Marta (one of the chimeras), and Klaus (the girl who looks like a boy at first in the episode with the man attaching souls to the dolls).
Okay, my fandom rant is over. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. I'll probably post more about this show in the future.
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