FaceofFox's Blog

Video Game - E3 2009 - Attack of the Show

 

     I stepped into the office this morning to find many of my coworkers raving that today is the day. Today is Earth Day, Earth Day, Earth Day! Supposedly today is the one day that North America focuses on the Earth. But what does this day really mean? Are people really taking time out of their life to better the crumbling ecosystem of our planet? Are they focusing on banning gasses that are depleting our Ozone layer? Or are people simply treating this day like any other day, kind of like President's Day or some other commonly looked over holiday?

 

     I personally think it is a valid question. Why is today Earth Day? Why can't every day be Earth Day? Perhaps I should just be glad that there is at least one day out of the year dedicated to our planet. I have to stop here and sigh momentarily because I find myself wondering how many people take the phrase 'our planet' for granted. If you think about it, there are many things people take for granted about our planet, like the ability to breathe. Not to mention the chill I get when thinking about the people who happily destroy the planet simply because profit is more important than survival.

 

     So by now you might be thinking something along the line that this blog is a waste of time. Who wants to read another article about someone complaining about humanity's inaction? Well since you are part of 'humanity, I damn well hope you care. It's absolutely moronic thinking, it's almost a moronic sense of nature to not worry about these things till later. No need to make a difference now, the game's on....' Seriously what the hell is wrong with you?

 

    I was out at a coffee shop a few days ago, and as I got out of my car to walk over to the establishment a car full of teenagers drives past and throws his trash out the window. I distinctly remember this because the kid doing the act looked me in the eyes to convey that he is a true rebel. He is the definition of cool. All the while I just wanted to pick up his trash, chase down his car and repeatedly smack his head against the steering wheel. I hate violence, but it was the only way I felt I could get the message across. Why do people think its okay to do this?

 

   On the other hand I have to sympathize because I think it is in our nature. It wont be until our air is 90% toxic, 90% of all animal species is extinct, our water is undrinkable, oceans can barely sustain life, and the only way you can know what a tree looks like is by searching for it in a history book that humanity will finally realize that we screwed it all up...perhaps now its time to make a difference.

 

    The beautiful thing, though, is we don't need to let it go that far. So perhaps its cool we have an Earth Day. So go plant a tree this afternoon, recycle so trash, even throw away some punk moronic guy's litter. Rome wasn't built in a day and the world will not be saved in just one. But today is good as any day to start. I wish you all the best.

 

   Mark Underwood.

 

 P.S. A little something to take you back....

 

 

 

    The pilgrims that inevitably founded what is now known as the United States of America did so because they wanted to break away from the oppression and tyranny of the Monarchy in the ol' British Empire. In fact our founders were so moved to do so that they wrote in our Nation's Constitution that there will be a clear separation of church and state.
     Today much of our Constitution seems to be simply overlooked. Our country has religious bullies telling other that they cannot be gay because God HATES gays. And it goes further with individuals who proclaim themselves to be pro-choice, of equal marriage beliefs, or (God forbid) atheist. 
      Here's my issue. Our founding fathers gave a unique freedom to the people in stating that anyone (and they mean anyone) the right to practice whatever their heart so desires. Today that is not true. In some circles it is unsafe, sometimes a risk to your own health, to announce that your a Islam, atheist, gay, etc. And it is socially rude to question the religion of Christianity. Why? This is not freedom, this is blatant oppression of free will.
      Hell our former President's final decision to declare war on Iraq was not because of events that took place here in America, but because God told him to do so. And what are the chances of becoming an elected official if you are to say you are atheist? Slim to none? God hates non-believers and therefore they should not rule? Its starting to sound a lot like the rule of the old British Empire. Everything we did, the Revolution, the bloodshed, the sacrifice-nullified. Forgotten.
Further, how is any of this fair? How is it moral? How are these actions upholding the Constitution? Are they at all? Has the Bible become more important than the writing that granted us our freedoms? America has digressed into doing things in the name of God, not in the name of the people. What did happen to "We the people"?
       Now none of this is to say that religion is wrong by any means, but it does not belong in our government. And religion has no right to bully the nation's citizens politically or socially. What do you think?
 
       Mark

 

 

Heroes come in many shapes and forms. You have to wonder what state the world is in when species go out of their way to save another while we simply brush them aside.

     Hey everyone, Mark Underwood here, New Mexico' Face of FOX. Here is a short list of things not to give to your Valentine next weekend. And do note, these are by far not the worst EVER, they are just realistic. For example I could put #4: a Jar of your own blood or a ring made from bone. God knows most people just aren't that creative, so with that in mind here we go...

#5: Flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals....that you picked up at the gas station and/or Walgreens.
This one is more for the guys. You need to remember that women shop around too. They know very well the line that defines quality and crap! If you happen to find yourself in line at one of the above locations and you spot the little teddy bear holding a flower made of bottom-of-the-line chocolate...just walk away.

#4: A gym membership.
Unless you already talked about this early on, this is more of a "what am I really saying in giving this" gift than it is really a gift, you fat BLEEP. And this serves as a good lesson for those of you who just suck at understanding underlying messages. You might as well buy him/her a nose job you inconsiderate mother....

#3: An empty photo frame.
Okay if I have to explain this one to you, then you do not deserve to contribute to the gene pool. Nothing says I love you more than "funny how we don't have any pictures of each other to put in this snazzy frame." Chances are that frame wont be fitted with a picture of you and your loved one standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Nope, your sorry BLEEP is going to be replaced by a picture of Mr. snuffles the cat.

#2: (This is a tie) Anything Flannel / Kitchen and or house appliances.
Noticed your special someone eying that silver toaster last week that would go well in their kitchen? Well this really is not the time to offer that one up. "I love you, now off to the kitchen." Same applies to vacuum cleaners, waffle makers and mops. Also, this goes with garments made of Flannel. Yes, there are some women who find this material to be incredibly comfortable, but they are usually in the 50s and most of the time those women will lie about being in their fifties. Its just a lose-lose. And come on! Even the word flannel is not appealing. Here's an example. Try saying the words sex/sexy and flannel in the same sentence and make it sound good.......I rest my case.

#1: Regifting something you got from your ex last Valentine's Day.
Your last relationship not work out? Too controlling? Bad communication? Crap gifts? Well do yourself a favor and do not perpetuate the errors of your past. Yes, some people's trash is another's priceless treasure, but not here. Just think what this says about you? Not only are you lazy, you're inconsiderate and stupid too. So scratch that awesome last minute idea of giving your valentine that over sized stuffed bunny stashed in your closet that you just didn't have the heart to throw away in memory of your last relationship. Instead put it in the trash. Hell, burn it! Then use your head and do something creative and move on with your life! For Christ's sake!

Well that's it. Happy Valentine's Day!

One of the good people over at FOX gave me a copy of Afro Samurai: The game. So if you happen to be in the contest to win a free copy or you are just interested in purchasing a copy here is a quick review of the title.

          For many, Afro Samurai is a popular Anime starring Samuel L. Jackson. The story is about a young Samurai out to revenge his father's murder. In order to seek such revenge he must first acquire an ancient and mystical headband with the lettering #2 written upon it. Possessing this headband also means inheriting a life of murder and tragedy. Did I also fail to mention that you are one mean looking black dude wielding a red hilt samurai sword? Well there you go. The game is pretty simple as you progress from area to area hacking and slashing at the same enemies over and over again. So here is how I feel about the game play....
         Graphics: The game, I must honestly say, looks beautiful. Its like walking through a 3D comic book and the graphics are are smooth and without flaw. Though every now and again you will catch yourself floating in the air if you jump too close to a wall.
          Gameplay: Its pretty straight forward. Hack, slash, and hack some more as you fight the same enemies over and over again. There is a combo system in the game, but you will find yourself press the X button over and over simply out of efficiency and because it is the only mind numbing action that seams to have any effect. Later you will find that you need to learn certain combos in order to finish the game, but its not necessary. On top of that, fighting enemies can be redundant and often cheap. Some of the fights with bosses can also be frustrating and completely unfair. You will find yourself a few times wanting to throw the controller at the screen during some of the boss battles as they are inconsistent and often unbeatable.
           There is also not much a health bar system. You have to pay attention to how much blood is on your clothing and how hard your hearth beats to know that you are close to death. Best part: the only way to regain your health is to kick a teddy bear in the face. This goes for enemies and bosses. Its all just a guess of how hurt you and they are in the battle. Th button system is pretty system in combat. You have a basic swing of the sword, a hard swing, a jump, and a kick. You also have a "bullet time" focus mode. This mode slows everything down momentarily so you can land a one hit kill on the enemy. Useful as it sounds, it is often sketchy and difficult to master. Using it regularly becomes repetitive and often wasteful.
          Overall the game is mind numbing, repetitive and pretty simple. You may just want to rent this one to check it out for its game play. Chances are you will beat it the same day. So save yourself the extra $45 or go to KASA.com/contests and enter to win this title. As I said is a slash and stab game with blood and gore to boot! Not for the kids.
           Well that's all. I hope you found this helpful. Until my next title review, see you then.

           Mark Underwood
                  Face of FOX

    "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Let me ask you, who said this? If you don't know it was JFK. I have heard many people over the last week relate Obama to JFK. Not so much in relation as they are men, but that they both have a great charisma. Now go back. When Kennedy said these words, what did he mean what you can do for your country?
     Ever since Obama's inaguration, the nation has praised him "as the change we truly need!" That this is an historical moment in our country's history. True as it may be, it is interesting to see how the world has simply turned to this one man to solve everyone's problems. He has not been in office more than two weeks, but already he has been burdened with more responsibilty than I believe any one man should carry.

      "Ask what you can do for your country."
  
     I believe what JFK said is a request. I believe that he too knew that he is but one man. He is but ONE MAN, like Obama. He needs the help of the people, of the country, of the untited citizens of America to truly make this a great land. We must help each other to ultimately help ourselves.
      As I read the news for the week, I see a common trend. I see people waiting to watch Obama fail. There has been so much expectation packed into the mention of his name that many can't help but see what will happen. Will he truly bring change? Will he bring hope? Will he alone unite the people? No. Not alone anyway. That is asking what can your country do for you.

   More on this later, I need to run.

        Mark U.

Someday someone will figure out that my blogs are in the most random order possible. The "new" blogs I practically wrote a year ago. My actual new ones, no where to be found at the moment. But that's okay. Someday it will get fixed. A boy can only hope....

     Hey, so its been a busy week for movies here in the Duke City so listen up!...or rather read up because we have 4 to cover.

      First up, we have Defiance starring the new James Bond heart throb (possibly) Daniel Craig. The movie covers events of a true story about four brothers that escape Nazi occupied Poland and hide out in the woods with a Russian resistance group. Overall I have to say that the action in this film was spendid and the story was just as good. If you are not a fan of Daniel Craig because you think he sucks, go ahead and get over yourself on that opinion and go see this film. He does well in his role and you probably won't compain. Running at 2 hours and 17 minutes, you will not feel remorse in spending the $10 to see this film.

      Next up we have Hotel for Dogs. Yes, obviously this one may not be at the top of your list and yes it is for a younger crowd of children and teens. Though I have to say, if you find yourself having to watch this film with your kids, do not dispair. The film is actually pretty good. You will relate well to this film if you happened to be a bit of a trouble maker in your tiny tot years. The film has some good action, creative ideas, and you will be sure to smile. In relation to the film Marley & Me, it is a completely different film as it will leave you with feel-good mentality when all is said and done. Every one just cried through  Marley & Me.

       Following we have Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Once again Adam Sandler's close circle of friends are lifted to the big screen to show off yet another low level comedy. I tell you right now that you will be better of renting this film 2 months from now. There is not much creativity, not too much to the story, and I'm pretty sure you already know how it ends when the loser mall cop is promoted to better things for his motto "safety never takes a holiday'. I recommend you take a holiday and see something else.

        Finally  Revolutionary Road. Its a chick flick, definitly for older folks or anyone who is confused or unhappy with their marriage. It holds well for both males and females as  Kate and Leonardo (our two actors) fumble over a misguided marriage. This one will score well with the Academy so go see it.....you know......if you're sensitive like that.

         Thats all from me. I'm Mark Underwood and I'm....Tired of typing. Later

     Hey everyone out there in the iSurf nation (thats the internet). Just thought I would post a little blog about some things I find interesting. First off, if you happen to like long boarding on the streets of Albuquerque, I have poseted a little video for you about the latest long board design called the "Dancer." So take a moment to watch it in action. Secondly, I was sitting here in the office this morning talking to my buddy Devon is sports. Long story short we got talking about Natalie Dylan. This girl is interesting because she is selling her virginity to the highest bidder so that she can pay for grad school. Currently the bid is up to a pathetic $3.7 million dollars.

     You Probably may have already heard this story, as it was headline news back in September 2008, but being in the little box I am in, I just found out today. All ignorance aside, all I really have to say is power to her. If there are guys out there with millions of dollars in pocket change that they can throw at her, then you go girl. All I have to wonder is what the hell are millionaires, or even more, billionaires doing with their sad little lives that they have to pay women to "love them". Even more so, purchase virginity. All I can say is when this thing goes down its going to make a great Visa MasterCard commercial.

      Virginity: $3.7million, Airfare and travel to the Moonlight Bunny just out side Carson City: $127, A night of awkward silence and crying in the fetal position after having realized you spent that much on virginity..........Priceless. For everything else there's MasterCard.......I weep for the species. Enjoy

 

I have to give credit to Leah Black on 93.3 for directing me to this little tasty treat. Everyone should know who Metallica is, even more so, their song "Enter Sandman". Therefore I present you this....

 

                         Enjoy

                                 Mark Underwood

 

  Hey everyone out surfing the web. I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season thus far. I hope you all received wonderful gifts and visited with some good people. What did I get for Christmas? The basics: SOCKS & UNDERWEAR......and some relief on credit card debt. I dropped five grand on some dental work I needed done. Apparently my wisdom teeth were causing some issues so they had to go.
   On that note, we can always talk about how money is tight during the holiday seasons and being a true statement, its still important to do some good deeds. About two months back I bought a Wii game console for myself and I have to say I was not too impressed. Maybe I'm just growing out of video games. Anyway I packed that Wii right back into its box and decided to give it away to someone whom I thought would have better use for it. Tis the season of giving. Later this month I will probably help out in a soup kitchen.
    Anyway just a quick note. Just because it is the holiday season, please remember that you are an intelligent, capable, reasonable human being. So when you are out. Don't drive like a moron....
    I always enjoy how so many spread the holiday spirit by racing through red lights or aggresively moving from the far left lane to the far right, cutting off all in their path. Way to spread the holiday cheer Texas! See you next year.

            Mark

P.S. If you feel like seeing some movies, here is a quick run down: Valkarie with Tom Cruise, SUCKED! Yes Man with Jim Carry, SEE IT. SPIRIT, kinda slow but worth a view. Anyway thats all.

WOW! So I went to 104.1's Not So Silent Night Tour last night at the Sunshine Theater and I was Blown AWAY!!! Not so much by Shiny Toy Guns, they were okay, but I have now discovered a new group that I just could not get over last night! They are called 3OH!3 (like 303 but cooler) and they are a couple boys from Colorado. And they just know how to bring a show. Out of this world. I have not been to a concert with that much energy in a long long time. Anyway check them out. Here is a video of there best known song titled, "Don't Trust Me". Enjoy.
 
      Mark

Watch this!! 

Was surfing the net and came across these videos about what is going on when we Americans go to recycle our old electronics. Turns out we are just once again dumping our problems onto the rest of the world.  Watch the videos for more info.