OT: what blogs you reading, what shows you watching, what games you playing?
With a lull in football and basketball -- not to mention work -- its time to ask: please give me ideas for how to pass the boredom. Er, I mean, what are you reading, playing, etc.
Any good blogs? TTB is always good. The athletic. Anyone got good politics blog? (Besides infowars).
Games? I think I wanna play Oregon trail online at work one day, just because that seems silly and stupid, but fun. Any other old games you'd suggest?
Also, if anyone knows a good actuarial blog, I've been needing one for a while. (Random, I know.)
December 6th, 2018 at 3:10 PM ^
My wife and I share an Amazon account, so I found out I will be playing Red Dead Redemption 2 after Christmas.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:10 PM ^
You will be playing well into late spring. Game is a beast to get through.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:18 PM ^
How is the game? I heard it gets repetitive and boring. I loved the original; so was hoping the new one was just as good if not better.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:19 PM ^
I think repetitive and boring are the wrong words. It does a really good job of keeping me entertained, even with the mundane stuff- taking a bath, brushing my horse, etc. You'd think it'd be lame, but it's kind of therapeutic in the midst of heists and gunfights.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:44 PM ^
I haven't felt that way at all. I've rushed through to try and beat all the missions and I'm 90% there. I could spend hours just hunting and fishing and doing the mundane. It's fantastic.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:56 PM ^
If you loved the original RDRedemption, then you'll love this game.
For those worried about the length of time it takes... if you want to blaze through it, that can be done in a few days. For those that want to milk every penny out of their $60, then you can have that life too. It honestly just depends on how you want to play it.
As for repetition, the missions have a nice variety. It only gets repetitive if you're looking to put 100 hours or more into it and be a completionist. But my assumption is, the people who are doing that (myself included) like the game enough to want to be all the way in. The storytelling/writing is among the best I've seen, that's Rockstar's forte and they don't miss a beat here.
The only 'legitimate' complaint I've seen is the combat system is pretty low rent compared to other games that focus on gunplay. But, if you're familiar with Rockstar games in general, this is just more of the same for them. R* games aren't intended to be like COD or Destiny or whatever shooters people love.
December 6th, 2018 at 7:40 PM ^
I went through the story saving periodically, (go to "story' in the pause menu) over a weekend, the whole weekend, then reloaded a save from chapter 6. After the initial chapters end there is the epilogue which is soooo linear and monotonous and became boring quickly.
Just playing for fun now, but I would say get through chapter 3 or 4 first as that is prerequisite for many side missions which, is a substantial part of the 'for fun' play. Oh, and designate a custom outfit AND horse for crimes.
December 6th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^
Easily one of my favorite games, so much to do and can just go off and explore. Ranks up there with witcher 3 as one of my favorites. Story and voice acting is so good and the NPCs are the most "real" ive experienced ever.
December 7th, 2018 at 2:07 PM ^
I never finished witcher 3, know it was a huge success and well liked story and game.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:57 PM ^
I have heard this one is excessively long. This is making me not want to play it. I'm a fan of long games, such as Assassin's Creed (I have played every console game in that series), but some people are saying this new Red Dead is just too much. I enjoyed the first Red Dead Redemption.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:19 PM ^
Rookie mistake on your wife's part. My brother (and parents for that matter) uses my Amazon account. But, for Christmas shopping he signs in as a guest so no one sees what he is buying.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:22 PM ^
Better this than the new Assassin's Creed if you're looking for an especially long game.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:39 PM ^
I don’t play many non sports games. I will eventually get RDR, but really not a fan of long games like that. But if it’s not repetitive, I will most likely get it. The first one was one of my all time favorites.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:43 PM ^
I think this one takes the good things RDR1 does and builds on them really well. It's probably my game of the year, and I play way too many video games. I think if you're not accustomed to the style, it may feel repetitive, but everything to it has a purpose. I've been playing Spider Man trying to finish 100%, and THAT is repetitive- you fight the same enemies, you do the same challenges, you press the same buttons, etc. It's feeling like a chore at the end of the game, and I hate it when that happens to good games.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:52 PM ^
Appreciate the feedback.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:58 PM ^
I recently started Odyssey. I chose to be Kassandra.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:07 PM ^
Same. The protagonists from the last 2 AC games have been the best parts.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:10 PM ^
Jaleel or No Deal
December 6th, 2018 at 3:12 PM ^
Reading: The Handmaid's Tale
Watching: Not really enough time. Dragon Ball Z and Super with my son. Got to finish Ozark. American Vandal.
Blogs: This one.
Pods: Serial Season 2 and 3. Movie Crush.
Games: I wish. Did get my son an original refurbished NES for Christmas though with Super Mario Brothers, Zelda, and Kung Fu so I am pretty pumped about that.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:31 PM ^
I thought season 3 was much better than season 2. Maybe I expected too much of Serial season 2 after such a great first season.
December 6th, 2018 at 6:12 PM ^
Serial Season 2 was hyper focused. If the Bowe Bergdahl story wasn't interesting to you, or you didn't particularly care, then it's likely that you didn't make it through. I listened to the entire thing on a 10 hour car ride, and it was fine. Kept my interest, but I would never recommend season 2 to anyone.
I think Serial Season 3 does a better job appealing to a mass audience. That said, I think after three seasons now, we know that Serial isn't a 'True Crime' pod that Season 1 fans were hoping it would be. It's a story telling pod. And Season 3 is an amazing compilation of stories. For those unaware, Season 3 spends a year inside the Cleveland criminal justice system. They tell different stories each week from all angles - from a crazy judge, to public defender, to police, to wrongly convicted, etc. It's fascinating, and frustrating, and engaging, and infuriating.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:43 PM ^
Very cool you're watching DBZ/Super with your son. I grew up on Dragon Ball and ...I'm in my 30's and watched all of Super. DBZ was my youth. lol.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:03 PM ^
If you like true crime podcasts 11Alive in Atlanta has released the first 2 episodes of 5 Roses. My wife is the cold case reporter for ch 11 and this podcast series (her first) is being received quite well.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:13 PM ^
Also, rusty hammers welcome.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:13 PM ^
WGT golf on mobile is super addictive (and makes me think I am a much better golfer than I actually am). Just like MGoBlog, it makes my work days extra productive.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:40 PM ^
Love it but damn it’s expensive to get enough credits to buy half decent clubs.
December 6th, 2018 at 10:16 PM ^
Not a golfer but I love WGT Golf. Played off and on for a better part of a year, really liked the TopGolf part of it. Started playing World of Warships months ago.
As for Podcasts I liked Dr. Death. I listen to Already Gone, true crime series mostly of MI.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:14 PM ^
Michigan sports are just about the only thing I watch on TV besides other sports.
I read this blog, and many news/politics related blogs.
Since I've had 6 arthroscopic surgeries on one of my knees, I dont get to play sports/games as much as I'd like.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:17 PM ^
Along these lines - what podcasts do you listen to to motivate you? Motivation at work? Motivation at the gym? I'm trying to go full alpha mode so I can get ripped and get rich, and I need some podcasts to keep me on track lol
December 6th, 2018 at 3:53 PM ^
If your motivating life goals are to get ripped and get rich, maybe find some podcasts to broaden those motivations out a bit?
One nice thing about broadening influences is that the options are...broad. But I can't recommend Dave And Jeb Aren't Mean highly enough -- a critical deep-dive of the Hallmark movie oeuvre. Disclaimer: I'm a beta cuck.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:00 PM ^
The disclaimer was entirely unnecessary.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:18 PM ^
Trying to finish up with the Platinum on Spider Man (PS4) tonight before Smash comes out tomorrow, then that'll keep me busy for a while. As far as old games? This is about the time of year when I like to take out my SNES and blast through some classics (Castlevania, Donkey Kong, etc.), since my kids are old enough to enjoy them with me and we're inside anyway.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:41 PM ^
I recently got this platinum as well. Highest rate I've ever seen on PSN I think, almost 10%?
I loved the game, very excited for the inevitable sequel. They did a great job of telling a complete story, but leaving just enough open ends.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:49 PM ^
Nice! I agree, I thought the storytelling was a huge plus in this game, as was the "feel" of playing as Spider Man. It's getting to a point though where it's becoming a chore to finish each of the districts, doing the same little things over and over. I like the challenges, they have a unique feeling to them trying to get the Ultimate awards, but maaaaaaaan the Sable and crime fights are a bog.
December 6th, 2018 at 6:58 PM ^
The hype for smash is extremely high for me. I've been waiting for this one for a while and I'm going to a friend's house to play with a bunch of people on Sunday. Super excited to play at midnight though!
December 6th, 2018 at 3:19 PM ^
I find the daily intelligence briefing to be both informative and highly entertaining.
Also, for some strange reason, I'm currently addicted to reruns of The Hogan Family on Antenna TV. I find Jason Bateman very likable.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:15 PM ^
WHOSE daily intelligence briefing?
December 6th, 2018 at 6:05 PM ^
All of them.
December 6th, 2018 at 7:01 PM ^
Watch bad words with Jason Bateman. Very underrated.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:24 PM ^
RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2
December 6th, 2018 at 3:26 PM ^
RDR2 is very good, highly recommend. Perfect timing, releasing it just before December.
Maniac is a cool Netflix show.
If you're a spotify person check out spotifywrapped.com for your year-end review.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:32 PM ^
I find maniac to be intensely weird. My wife won't have a thing to do with it.
December 6th, 2018 at 4:09 PM ^
Made it all the way to episode 7 in Maniac before I stopped watching - the GF loved it though
December 6th, 2018 at 3:27 PM ^
Watching alot of Big Ten basketball. It's awesome this year.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:28 PM ^
Games: friend is setting up a Pi so I can play NES games.
Just started Narcos Mexico. So far it is pretty good.
Looking forward to Momentum Generation doc that is coming out on HBO next week. Those guys were really famous when I started surfing so i grew up idolizing them.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:32 PM ^
What is a Pi? I really need to know because I got my son an NES for Christmas and thought I would only need an HDMI adapter for the cords.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:36 PM ^
A Raspberry Pi- it's basically a mini computer, but they've built gaming console (NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, etc.) emulators specifically for them that are really cool. It works off of HDMI for display/audio, and is super customizable. I love mine, it has a massive classic library on it. Check this video for some demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4CgoPuo3Dw
For your NES, I've seen issues in the past with HDMI conversion with the framerates not being compatible for new TV's so there are leftover scan lines and things that don't quite capture how you'd want them to. Pi is a better way to play on new TV's, but you can still plug into an old tube TV or try to use the A/V (YRW) plugs.
December 6th, 2018 at 5:19 PM ^
To follow up on mgoaggie, Raspberry Pi is a great way to introduce great programming skills to yourself and your children. There’s plenty of source material online and you could build your own NES emulator.
I’ve build a few things on Pi and other platforms for even menial household tasks. A friend and I programmed solar pool heater for his pool in LA a few years ago. Still works great. I enjoy some of the nerdy stuff though.
December 6th, 2018 at 3:36 PM ^
^ I am fairly positive it is a system that you use to play all retro games. I think its an emulator where you can play games from a bunch of different consoles like the dreamcast, nes, gameboy, etc.
December 6th, 2018 at 4:59 PM ^
Just to add to what was already posted.
More specifically I'm getting a Raspberry Pi setup with a RetroPi OS.
https://retropie.org.uk/
I don't know about the specifics, but I think you can get roms for N64 too. If that is the case I'm going to be playing lots of Golden Eye.