Blog Update

After a lot of tweaking and alterations I've the blog in a manner I 100% like. One of those features etc that I have added is the ability to actually subscribe to this blogs RSS via email. This prevents from any excuses. The option is under "Blog Organization" and then "Subscription Options". I would like anyone who has the current mode of getting emails from Dudel@blogspot or whatever it was to subscribe this way as I'll be removing the emails from the "update list" via Blogger's controls. This makes things less cluttered and allows for you to get an actual feed post rather then a odd looking half arsy copy of the current post and nothing more.

I've also decided to use my "Relevant Pic" to showcase old posts that I would like others to "look at again" or ones that I know will provide quick amusement for later. As of the writing of this post a frame form "The Cat Came Back" short film is resting there. The image will ALWAYS link to the post I am trying to "make you" look at, so no worrys there. This will still be updated about four times a month OR once every week. Don't count on it being a regular day.

Been trying to limit the amount of "Games" related posts as well so somethings might seem "random" or possibly "out of place" as of late but it is only to showcase a slew of amusements and not just reiterate one. Some amusements are not personally partacken in but I have heard enough about or at least think I have, in order to post. Again, if you've ideas please leave comments. A few of you have and I have already used one of them. Thanks to syst3m_blonde69 for the suggestion on "Patches". I've one coming soon that has been suggested by joo with in the next couple of days.

Now a few other things are:

• Sometimes Blogger fails at posting and I must post the entry again. When this happens the comments on the old post go away. This is rare but when/if it does happen I will leave a note at the bottom explaining what happened. Recently this happened to this post and I'm sorry your comment was lost, Reb.

• At times there will be a scheduled post rather then my usual ones. These are because I know I will not be posting the next day or because I don't want to post the next day. These posts will be blog updates or news and labeled as such. This post is because I want to play a game, its research for a later post sure.

• Don't be afraid to leave comments. I don't really "monitor" them for the reason that the blog isn't at a point where I'll have trouble but I can easily remove comments if its an issue. As of now you may leave comments anonymously if you wish but I'd request you do not as it is easier to give credit when you've an idea.

• You can now sign in which makes leaving comments etc much easier. The follower widget wouldn't keep the colors I wanted so it was really annoying me so I removed it. The sign in widget is the middle ground of not having the thing on there at all and using something that makes me a little mad. Please forgive that the links in the widget are blue, they will not change for some reason and I gave up on trying to change them.
  

• Check the watch list! It is there for a reason and that is to share with others things that randomly amuse. If they didn't then they either wouldn't be on the blog or farther down under "Site Organization". The latter is doubtful.

• Old links and their link clusters are below the watch list in case you ever want to view the links again. I have little intention of removing links, but may "reorganize them" at one point in time if I thin the lists are becoming to cumbersome.

Now that you've been fully bombarded with information you are ready to live out your life in peace. Please keep reading and maybe leave a suggestion as I'd like to have people actively giving ideas. I do use them, especially when I don't really have anything "that day" of my own. Now a little something from a reader of my blog, here. Hope you like it!

Group X

Remember Group X? I would think that anyone with a PC and access to the net back in 04 and 03 remembers Group X very well but if not and/or you are thinking you should look on youtube for their vids then I have done the work for you. Audio might need adjusting for each video.

Hands off my hot dog!



I can count to Schfifty Five.



Who DOESN'T like Johnny Poo Poo Pants?

Oh 2004 I miss you and your nonsense! Flash was the most difficult thing to animate and only "masters" could do stick figure animations while Joe Cartoon was killing frogs in blenders. Wait, was frog in a blender before or after this?

To Top

Making It Up

Sing a random song you don't know.

Make it up as you go!

Learn a beat, skip a loop or count to three.

Music is an easy thing as it is always free!

Don't be fooled by common place.

None of it needs typical space!
...or reason.

Making up songs spur of the moment for no real reason or manner other then to amuse yourself is something that Solve Unamusement is all about! Don't be self conscience you're at a PC, who's watching you? Maybe its a friend or family member, but who cares you can lie when someone questions if you did this. Maybe you admit to it and sing them a special concert of something random and absurd!

Brain not working and letting you make something fun, play a song and sing along! Do not fret you'll have fun, we all do it! Now take the next step, find music with no lyrics of a similar type you were just singing along to and make your own. Find the karaoke version on the net and don't read the words!

That too hard or difficult? Well I have another way you may still make up your funny song, no matter the reason. Lyrics first, lets find an item in the room you are at. Now find something else and instead focus on that item, rather then the first. After a bit, think of something fun you did in the last day. Got the item and the activity? THROW THEM TOGETHER IN ANY MANNER!

"Towel Gaming!"

Great we've an idea, now we need something about that idea. Let us go with the easy staple of "is fun" and add that to the end of our odd word conglomerate.

"Towel Gaming is fun!"

Nice, okay... let us NOW reverse the words.

"Fun is gaming towel!"

Finally add the phrase "because I" and throw in any reason you may or may not think of.

"Because I ate a sandwich".

PUT IT TOGETHER!

Towel Gaming is fun.

Fun is gaming towel.

Because I ate a sandwich!

If that alone didn't make you smile, you've a problem with your funny bone because it is officially broken.

There are plenty of reasons to make one of these stupid/silly/random songs and one of my favorite is psychological ware-fare. My favorite of these examples is a song I am not sure if I made up or stole from a cartoon many years ago in my elementary days. Regardless, it is great for cause of irritation.

I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves!

Everybody's nerves!

Everybody's nerves!

I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves and this is how it goes!

Anyone singing this song is immune to its effects for some reason but those not singing quickly wish the others were not around. Either way at least you, the singer have a big grin on your face. Remember: The more the merrier! So ask others to join in the fun.

Warning: Being annoying for no reason may result in bodily harm.

Treasure Hunting

Something that has been occupying many people sense the very beginning of the civilized world is finding treasure. Whether that be the finding of silver, gems and gold or the discovery of a single artifact. Many men and women, mostly men, have used up their lives in the pursuit of treasure. Some have found grand things and others have been doomed to failure.

Treasure hunting comes in many, many forms and skill levels. They range from the basic hobbyist with a metal-detector who finds spare pocket change to the savvy pirate looking for plunder. The former is the most common and has become a very popular way to spend one's time and money. Personally I find it odd you must spend money to find treasure, especially when there is not much about to be found.

However, there is the middle ground of treasure hunting that consists of ship diving and spelunking. Both require a skill set that is not difficult to learn and a small degree of danger and difficulty but most people can, in fact, do them. These types of treasure hunting are the most profitable but require knowledge of where, what and other variables that a majority of people do not wish to bother with.

Luck is a major playing in treasure hunting as well. Without a map or epic clues leading you to your destination you are basically flying blind, even with hits or tips. Its a matter of "Oh whats over here" and "Lets peek under this rock" which most are not a favor of. Treasure hunting favor's the lucking and the persistent. You can not go out one day and try it then give up because nothing was found. Most treasure hunters go their entire life without so much as a gold coin but it is the adventure they are looking for, not the monetary reward.


I do know that most, if not all, of us wouldn't mind finding a big chest filled with jewels but lets not get our hopes up and have fun with this hobby, shall we?

To Top

"Patches"

Firstly one must know absolutely nothing about the comic or the person who writes and draws it to fully enjoy. The comic itself is rather random and a bit absurd but that is its charm. While many other web-comics have a set theme they "bash" or follow, Patches does not. Its a simple comic about two hamster, rodent things (That is a slightly inside joke upon the comic itself) that live together under one roof.

Out of the two one is a simpleton. I do not mean he is "dumb" but rather is is literally retarded. His roommate is a logical being that gets caught up in the nonsense. To prove the one simple and the other more sophisticated their attire is plain to see. While the simple or stupid of the two rodents wears overals the other has glasses. Other wears depend on the joke or idea of each individual piece but the main jist is still there. Personally, I feel a litle bad for the smarter of the two but that may also be the idea.

The writer, illustrator and further more the creater of Patches sells paintings with their website as well as showcase the comic. If you are looking for something a little odd and possibly quirky you might give the person's gallery a view as well as reading the comic.

There are many other web-comics on the net as well this image below has a listing of some of the "major players". If Patches didn't fully grasp you then perhaps one of the others might.

(Image Source)

Scare-ie & Scare-er

Being scared is a case by case situation. Sometimes you're fear is founded because of the area of town you are in or the people you are around or the fire that is destroying the house you are currently sleeping in. Other times you are in a place, where fear should have no real place, like a zoo or amusement part. Understandable when you fear birds flying over your head or heights but the goal of this post is not to be scared but rather be scary.

Mainly the trick is to know your target. If you want to give someone a good fright and you know them to have arachnophobia then a simple plastic spider is a great tool for you. It gives you an unfair advantage but, provided the person you are playing the prank on has a sense of humor and isn't ninety plus years old, its all in good fun.

Now the "main trick" doesn't work to well for people afraid of something obscure like color chartreuse or if you don't know their fear. A good thing to try in this situation would be the act of surprise. A manner of sneaking up on your intended target and giving them a good jolt with a loud noise or sudden movement. This will cause most, not all, people to at least become startled.

The difference between a startled reaction and fear response is the icing on the cake. Having someone jump for a second then instantly calm down is not the same as triggering a primal key in the brain for "fight or flight". A "fight or flight" reaction tends to be more rare even when someone is afraid of something you can replicate as most people come to the realization that the fear isn't real rather quick.

(The Scream painted by Edvard Munch)

That all being said and stiled over, you should not make it an extreme habit to frighten or scare someone. Sometimes it is appropriate and amusing, other times it can and will lead to trouble. Further times you may be aloud to scare someone and they have paid for you to do it, that is the best types of work but sadly it is seasonal.

Short: Scaring is fun and funny but do it with caution and understanding of who you are in fact scaring.

Bug Catching

Something that is usually considered a childish or immature hobby can be hours and hours of fun while never leaving your own back yard. While some may look down on this activity it is something keeps the body and mind working together in order to accomplish a goal.

The trick with Bug Catching or "Hunting" is knowledge of what you are hunting. You don't need to know what each insect-oid or "bug" eats, how and/or when it breeds or the specific type you are looking for but only general details. Simple facts about a general type of "bug" you wish to possibly see. This usually can be found on the net, links provided in side bar, or you can by a cheap book on "bugs", "insects" or the specific you wish to find such as "Spiders". Furthermore you could trim it down to your location only to prevent unwanted confusion. Upon catching a insect-oid you should NEVER EVER pick it up with your bare hands without knowing absolutely what you are touching. The insect world can be filled with rather dangerous things that could end wrong if not handled properly.

Some would say that not everyone should go "bug" hunting for previous reason stated and its opposite but I highly disagree. There is a grand enjoyment when you discover something with your own eyes. Image waking up in the morning to go and "check your traps" and finding several little beings all waiting for your eyes. You can then, if you wish, even catalog and diagram and illustrate (great for artists looking for realistic things in the world while still remaining slightly abstract) the things you have found. Sometimes Mother Nature surprises you with something you'd never have thought the time was worth looking for.

Tools of the trade, they range from the drastically simple to the expensively complicated. The choice depends on how serious you take the hobby and how much time you are willing to invest. While the more expensive of the "gear" is the easiest to use it requires the least amount of effort in collecting specimens for whatever reasons you have and in my honest opinion it is lost to fun. Entomologists, mostly, use the "tried and true" bug catching methods that you see children use.

• The Butterfly Net
• The Glass Jar
• The Light
• The Sketch Book or Field Guide

"Bug" catching really has to be the easiest thing to start into. You do not even have to touch anything if you aren't "that type" of person. Its great for artists looking for something strange within his/her own world. Good for the scientific mind who seeks wonder or reason as to what and why. And BEST for those willing to give a simple joy the time to make them smile.

To Top

Living Worlds (Elder Scrolls Series)

The Elder Schools serious started out as a randomly integrated first person RPG that started out as the name implies. Arena was the first of the Elder Scrolls names and thus does not have the "Elder Scrolls" moniker the the others do. While each game is independent of the others while graphics and gameplay improve based on comments from players the best in the series is Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

This was the first one of the four to go fully 3D and start a rang of games after it. While the first two where its building blocks and their stories were great. The main draw to each of these games is the "play as you will" attitude of them. No class or race is stronger then any other, although one "combination" may work better then others upon character creation. Each game was/is a matter of play style.

Morrowind is such a grand game, in fact, that is STILL being sold retail while the game was released in 02 and its sequal has been out for some time now. There are even mods for Oblivion (the fouth in the serious) that directly alter the game to Morrowind's landscape and story.

The advancement in technology is a wondrous thing as it allows for better graphics but the story is the same regardless of the colors on the book cover.

Arena

Daggerfall


Morrowind

Oblivion

While graphically the games have been revamped and upgraded the stories take their turns. Morrowind is by far the best of the four because it has a nice balance of them all. Arena and Daggerfell get a small boost for being able to keep up with their story despite the technological restriction but Oblivion has no excuse for its weak story.

All of these games may be played on your PC, one way or another. Arena and Daggerfell may require a emulator program to operate but Morrowind and Oblivion should work with most standard systems. As far as I know, only Arena is shareware but checking the Elder Scrolls site, found in side bar, should clarify any and all misconceptions you may or may not have.

A Clever Rodent

Childhood filled with the antics of Bugs Bunny and his "crew" this is something that will never lose its charm. The age of the watcher is only limited by their own belife of what is "to old" for cartoons. Personally, I say no one is ever to old for cartoons.

Bugs Bunny is someone who teaches us all the power of being clever while in undying circumstance. The particulars of any of his situations are only lead by his slight misdirection, "I should took that left turn at Albuquerque." Always willing to look a villain in his eyes and tell him whats what then mess with his head, seconds later.


Sara Hare


If only we were all a little more like Bugs Bunny there might be a little less stupid to deal with around the world. Yosamite Sam sure takes a beating good though so maybe it might only bring forth more gun violence.

To Top

Thinking of Love (Days Go By - Dirty Vegas)

Days Go By done by Dirty Vegas is a light techno song that should be having you thinking of your special someone. It has simple words and tone that gets its point across while making you inadvertently think about your someone special. It is that latter reason as to why I, personally, fully enjoy the song. Dirty Vegas plays a form of techno sometimes called "House", although I am unsure of the differences between techno types.





The band of four members has plenty more where that came from with a range of sounds and feelings behind them. Sadly, from what I can find, the band has only one CD in release by the name of its band. Find them on facebook, myspace or iTunes and see what proceedings happen.

Hope to hear more from the band myself but if not there is still the current CD they have released upon the world. Perhaps more songs may make others think about lost loves or better yet, current ones.

(Last Post removed due to code error)

Derailing Fiction

The act of actively derailing a fictional story is sometimes frowned upon by others as poor etiquette but it is something that sometimes needs to be done. At times the piece of fiction may need a kick in one way or another to get the others participating more involved. The problem is it may cause people to not wish to participate anymore after something "overly random" or "adversely destructive" has happened.

Most only have a problem with such derails when it is drastic. One of my two recent examples have been the killing of characters and changing of a setting. The easiest thing to do is change the setting as actually killing off a character usually kill the active project more then anything else.

Snippet From De Profundis Correspondence Game

Urgent Message to Sam Montgomery;

Due to an error that was made in the regards as to whom did or did not have any ties to the crystal formations your mother, Carla Montgomery, has been a tormentingly killed. She claimed no knowledge of crystals of any sort even after a letter you sent was found on her property. You, and the rest of the Botanical Dome Personnel are hence forth being noted as traitors. There is also news that Wallace has helped in assisting with the escape of Lily, both are to be put to death.

This letter has been sent because you are a minor and as of now have no living family, do not think your treatment is less because you did no wrong. We hope to be able to re-educate you with a more proper form of thinking.

You shall be picked up and taken to a facility for your safety, arguments will be met with force.

Secretary of Space Defense.
_______

While the post itself did not actually claim any other character dead as there was no visual scene of the death, others may find it poor form. It was done anyway for purpose of this post and to show the frailties in the current rule set of the game.

However, killing of your own characters for any reason is never poor form but it still may upset others. While changing the genre and setting of a collaborative writing project it is not always best to destroy your own character while doing so as it is then to simple for others to fully remove the character from the story. That is, of course, if the character was intergrated to begin with.

That is unless there is another character created in its stead that has forced itself into interaction with many of the characters as quickly as possible. This is usually done by something large rather then taking each character and addressing them individually. Crashes, explosions and other such devices work well but like all things, if the person or people you are trying to derail are better and/or more creative writers then yourself you will be the one who gets out matched.

Snippet From Milgram High <3

It didn't take long for Commander James Q. Waller to find the safety switch that would prevent the self destruction of his ship. In a panic he smashed it into the dash thinking it was a button. Commander James Q. Waller screamed out his toothless mouth letting his neon green, glow in the dark hair burst about the low gravity chamber he was sitting in.

The galaxy outside spun itself around the tiny capsule that held the odd looking captain but he was not phased. Pressing for time as the pod leaked oxygen into the empty space about he looked for the nearest planet that resembled his own, luck would have it that Earth was not far away.

Lucky was on Captain Waller's side as he broke the atmosphere with limited heat destruction and hull breaches. The ship would never fly again, even with brand new parts but the captain was going to be alive. His ship decended quickly and smashed into the Migram High, the lunch and science areas to be specific.

It was unfortunate for Robby that the ship incoming would smash him in the face and destroy half the school in its wake. Especially as one of the science club members found a cure for Robby's infliction. Worse still that the chemical discharge from the liquid was highly explosive, if not temporarily dormant. Captain Waller had no knowledge of any of this as he opened the pod door and sent it smashing into a lunch table.

"I am Captain James Q. Waller and I come... in peace," He said loudly through the cloud of white fume came from the pod, it was sterile atmosphere but only to the captain. One unlucky student passing by and choked to death on the cloud. It seemed, Commander & Captain James Q. Waller may not be coming in as peacefully as he thinks
__________

Tricks for derailing a thread are difficult to give or follow as it is dependent on each individual writer and the ones he or she is interacting with. Some fellows will try and resurrect the mess that was caused but most, if not done lightly, will chose to not want to participate with any further projects while you are present. Derail fictional works at your own risk. This will bring bad bread if done incorrectly or with strictly malice intent.

Interactive Buddy

One of the older flash games I've played but still one of the best, Interactive Buddy is hours of fun in a simple package. The premise to the game is in its name, you get a little Buddy. He responds to your in game stimulus be that tickles, punches or explosives. The latter being the most fun. By interacting with Interactive Buddy you earn in game money to be used for in game items, modes and skins.

Most of you will torment Buddy with explosives but the most fun things happen when Buddy trusts you. when he is oblivious (new game) has has grown to trust you (again) he falls for things. The most amusing of these is the tossing of a hand grenade and him catching it. Buddy isn't sure what to make of the object in his hands, until it explodes and he gets a big sad face.

Fun Things

• Purchase the gravity shifter, drop a bunch of bowling balls and then one grenade and watch the fun.
• In Game Radio is speaker specific, which ever side its closest too is the speaker that gets audio. Buddy dances when close enough to the radio.
• Set Buddy on fire and watch him scream bloody murder and run, put him out with one of the three water hoses. The fire hose pushes him around violently.
• Hold Buddy's hand long enough, without smashing him into stuff, and he will trust you again. (Still runs from grenades but not the mouse pointer)
• Stack Objects, Buddy Included, with the "explode at mouse" god power then watch gravity do its magic. (Requires precision)
• Buddy Likes Baseballs provided they don't hit him in the head play catch with Buddy and watch him smile.
  
• When Buddy is out cold you can either tickle him awake or purchase the stun gun and give him a quick ZAP.

That is just some of the things that Interactive Buddy can do, if you get enough in game money you may purchase the mode that allows you to write your own scripts for the game. This is good for "code savvy" people, unlike myself, and it opens up a world of possibilities.

Controls are simple point and click and in game instructions, if you need them, are provided along with a help menu.

Be Buddy's savor or his curse, its up to you!

Hosted on freeonlinegames.com

Sweded (Be Kind Rewind)

The "Be Kind Rewind" video (VHS video) store is finding itself in a bit of hardship in the new coming era of the DVD, its losing business, customers and soon the building it rests in. Strugling to survive in the new world and unable to adapt the store is doomed to be shut down. Then upon an error in judgment, the store has all their VHS taps magnetically erased and its up to Jerry and his only "real friend" to make it right, save the store and restore the community.

With this the Sweded movie is born!

Self creations of popular movies made on low budget, possibly altering the contents a little, and most done in under thirty minutes. These short homey movies are so amusing that they have their own following now.

The trailer of this movie doesn't really give it much justice but gets the point across to the basics behind the film.




However, the Sweded trailer done by writer/directer Michael Gondry does the move more service then is truly understood.




The movie is a great family film with high laugh quality and a good moral lesson, if you wish to look for them. Don't be afraid by the films "kooky nature" or "happy ending mentality" this is a great view and I'm glad to have seen it myself.

Related articles by Zemanta

• What is "sweding?" (gointothestory.com)

Hand Held Emulation (VBA)

Emulation is not stuck solely for in home consoles, which is proven with the Virtual Boy Advance. The Virtual Boy Advance or VBA, emulates all Nintendo Game Boy games from the Advance down. Which allows for a vastly extended library of titles. Like the ZSNES the VBA has some interesting features that allow for enhanced play opportunities. Cheatp to play with low system reqs this is for a lot of people who aren't looking for "too much" or need a dose of something they might miss from earlier years.

Core Features
(In No Particular Order)

Windows Windowed. Unlike the ZSNES the VBA opens in an actual windows window which allows for being stretched with the mouse rather then having to adjust settings within the emulator. This is handy considering the base size for the screens is that of the systems they come from. (1 x 2 in and 2 x3 inc are standard)

Run Zip: Like the ZSNES the VBA does not require you to unzip game files in order to play them. The VBA itself must be unzipped. This saves hard drive space, but not much, and also provides simple loading and reloading.

Save States: While common among most emulators and ROM files, the save state is still a core feature to the VBA. This allows to save without the need for in game save options, which is handy.

Recording: As with a lot of emulators recording is slowly becoming standard. This allows you to, simply put, record your game sessions for whatever reason. You may also screen shot/capture.

Ease of Use: The emulator puts everything right in front of you with simple drop down and know how buttons. There is even a help menu for those that may need it.

Among those there are also many options on how to adjust the audio and video so that it will run on any machine. Forcing the frame rate, allowing the audio to adjust, as the Game Boy audio was brutal. My suggestion for options is to mute the audio on the VBA as the horrible music and sounds do not translate well into even low end PC speakers. The video will be a machine by machine base but to improve speed the easiest thing to do is boost or lower the frame rate which can be done simply in the frame rate option.

Most new emulators have these features, but the VBA was one of the first to get it working great before it was all standard. An update for the VBA has not been released sense 2005, do not get your hopes up for one.





Caution: Using emulators and having ROMs without owning the cartridges is technically illegal. Any ESA restricted titles that are obtained are illegal even with owning the cartridge.

Talk About A Crappy Day

Mr. Matsubayashi is having a horrible day that keeps getting worse and worse and ends on a high note. Do you feel sorry for Mr. Matsubayashi? Personally, I think anyone that can't blink or move their jaw any sorta deserves to get the world turning against them.

mr. matsubayashi by ~linoc on deviantART

Artwork needs no real explanation for it but I feel lazy if all I do is post the image and move on.