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2015 Assesment & 2016 Goals

Every year I make a tangible goals and attempt to accomplish it by the end of the year.

1.) Finnish 5 Video Games:

Why?

Back when I was a bachelor in 2008, my video game library went out of control. I lived in a Bachelor Pad with 4 other guys, each one has similar, if not greater, passion in gaming. My personal collection grew to the point that my ratio of Play to Completion has severely suffered. Like most gamers with disposable income, I would buy a game and play it for a few hours and then leave it collecting dust, and so this lifestyle came to a halt for me when I discovered that I had only completed a mere 10% of what I’ve purchased. This was a waste of money and reminded me of my upbringing, my grandparents wouldn’t buy me a new game until I passed my last one. I had to make a decisive choice and hence this goal was made. I must at least complete 5 Video Games a year or I will forever hang up my gaming controllers. With that said, here were the games I passed in 2015

• Sleeping Dogs
• Deception IV: Blood Ties
• Oddworld: Strangers Wrath
• Counter Spy
• The Wolf Among Us
• Kick and Finnick
• Minecraft (PS Vita)

The games I played without completing was

• Chrono Trigger
• Skyrim
• Zero Escape: Virtues Last Reward
• Walking Dead
• Soul Sacrifice
• Borderlands 2
• Broken Age

For this year, I am going to continue this goal, with hopes of beating the 50% ratio of 2015.

2.)  One article a week for Gospelgamers

I finished the year with 48 articles, 4 articles short from my goal. Though it was my first year in doing this, I cant help but feel disappointed in myself. This year, I have a better system in regularly updating my site as well as doing some alterations on the articles I am writing based on the interests and searches you guys showed.

For this year, I will not only attempt to accomplish 4 articles a month, but have a series of micro articles reflecting on current news that pops up on my radar. These micro articles are in addition and to the 52 articles.

What’s new for this Year, 2016?

I had recently gotten back to woodworking. I saved up enough money to purchase new tools and have made a decision in doing quarterly projects. With these tools, I will be exploring what furniture, designs, and things I can make using Pallet Wood.

For starters, I have been making plans on starting off with a Work Table. With every project, I will be documenting it and giving my reflection as well as level of difficulty.

Please continue to share the love and as the year progresses, depending on the general interests of this community, I will adjust accordingly. Be well and God bless!

5 Great Gift Ideas For First Time Fathers

Since the beginning of time, whenever a Man becomes a Father, there is a complex undertaking that biologically shifts in him.  Being a first time father myself, this undertaking has been great in many ways, specifically to my hobbies and how being a dad alters things.  With this in mind, here are 5 Gift Ideas to give a First Time Father for any occasions. 

1.)  Portable Battery Charger

Such a small thing can be so useful.  There were many a moments when my cellphone would give me the 5% warning while I was rocking my baby to sleep and no charger or wall plugs near to aid me in this situation.  Lets be real, Dads can be tender yet efficient, we can rock our baby with one hand and send emails and browse the web on the other. 

2.)  Cordless Headphones

When carrying, walking, or pushing a stroller, it can be a real mess when your headphones get tangled up on the baby bag or stroller.  I have broken at least 2 earbuds because of this and there’s also your baby grabbing the wires and pulling it off your head as well.  By getting a wireless  headphones, this can save you time, stress and frustration, and trust me when I say, “You can never have too much headphones.”

3.)  Portable Gaming Devices

I know most dads use mobile phone apps to get them by on their baby watch but in the end, all it does is kill more of your precious battery life, add more ware and tare, and accumulated charges (those micro transactions are insane).   Get the dad a PS Vita or a 3DS XL instead.  Sure you are looking at arround $200 for this purchase but trust me, those dads will love you for it.  They get to play quality games, on a device they can take with them everywhere.  As a father who has an insanely powerful Gaming PC and a collection of Console Systems, I’ve been using my PS Vita 90% of the time since becoming a father.  I cannot recommend this gift idea enough, this will be a massive game changer for those dads who want to remain relevant in the gaming space.

4.)  Manly Backpack

As a man, I cannot stand how sexist most of these baby bags are.  There is just something wrong about these Baby Bags, it could be the cute little embroidered designs, the shoulder pinching strap, the inefficient height the bag rests when maneuver arround with it… all in all, these bags are uncomfortable and emasculating.  Sure they are new dads, but that doesn’t mean they turn in their man cards as soon as their baby breaks out right? I recommend a backpack with the most straps, buckles and zippers as much as possible, something like a Bugout Bag or a Hiking Backpack, something rough, strong, tough and tells everyone around him “Don’t mess with me, I am ready for ANYTHING!”

5.)  Heavy, Steel Thermos

There is just something soothing and assuring about a good, steel heavy thermos.  It could be because of its industrial sleek design, its secondary use as a blunt weapon or the fact that you can hide any liquid inside it without getting the judgmental disapproval of the other parents and nannies at the park.  One glance at a thermos that fits this description says “I enjoy my privacy, leave me alone while I father.”

Top 5 Reasons to STILL Purchase a Surface RT/2

 

Its been 3 years since I’ve picked up my Surface Rt. My experiences with the device had its bumpy roads but all in all it was and still is a delightful experience. I was came from a Ubuntu OS experience and was curious and excited to learn where Microsoft was taking the masses of PC users with its new user interface. I also purchased this device because I knew it was the beginning of something new in the tech world, a device that was to replace a laptop and tablet with a sleek design unique to Microsoft and the best place to relearn Windows.

With that said, here is my 5 Reasons why it is STILL worth looking for an picking up the SURFACE RT and SURFACE 2.

1.) The Price

Let’s take a look at the current prices of Microsoft Office. If we were to purchase a similar set up to our own PC/Laptop, it would cost $149.99 but this will not include Skype, Onedrive, and Outlook. If you would like to have those, then you would have to pay $99.99 PER YEAR or $9.99 per month. Personally, the subscription plan is not for me and I would rather pay for the full price.

Now on to the SURFACE RT. You can get the SURFACE RT refurbished for $80 at Cowboom.com or a Surface 2 for $199.99 at Woot.com. With these prices, you have MS Office and a functional device to surf the web and for media consumption. Hunting for a refurbished or used SURFACE RT/2 isn’t that difficult thanks to Google/Bing, but it is important to do your due diligence in going on secure and safe sellers. I can’t say this enough, SURFACE RT is worth it for the MS Office. Its interesting actually because the new SURFACE 3 only has 1 free year of OFFICE, This deal was too good to last I guess.

2.) Mobility

The trend in technology has always been portability (with exception to smartphones I guess) and sleek styling. The Surface RT is extremely light even with the Typeboard attached this device feels light and almost weightless when placed in my backpack. It feels like I’m holding 2 issues of “Wizard Magazines” or “3 Comic Book Annuals,” yet I never really felt worried of the Surfaces durability.

If you were like me, using a 5 year old, 8lbs laptop, then that laptop most likely held only 3 to 4 hours. With the Surface RT, it would last arround 7 to 8 hours with productive use, meaning using Office and surfing. I believe with constant streaming, it seemed to be more like 4 to 5 hours. Because the Surface RT is a light weight OS, it doesn’t use much power and with that the advantage of amazing battery life.

The Surface RT is lightweight, durable, and the Battery lasts a reasonable amount. This is perfect for those who are transient and always on the go.

3.) Secure

With the ARM chip set and a closed Windows RT system, the Surface RT is possibly one of the more secure devices you can have. With its biggest faults (not being able to use legacy programs), it is also its greatest strength, no viruses can install itself into the tablet. I’m pretty sure if you really are irresponsible and lack practical knowledge of what not to click and download you can figure out a way crack the security system, but for the most part it is safe and you can confidently do your private work online with little worry.

 

4.) Style

A big part of purchasing anything (clothes, car, phones, etc) is how it makes you feel when using the device. With the Surface RT/2, each time I use it, I would get comments and questions about it. Most questions are about the cool red Typecover, thinking it was an Ipad accessory where I would then reply with confidence that it was a Microsoft Surface. There is always a cool feeling whenever I need to pass some notes or have someone see a document by pulling the keyboard off and hand them the screen, it’s a cool parlor trick that still surprise and impress. The Magnesium back casing looks like a dark sheet of sleek metal separated with a strong solid line for the kickstand. The front screen shares a similar element, the screens darkness flows to the bezel with no interruption but the silly 4 square Windows emblem.

The Typecover and Touchcover adds a vibrant atmosphere with the sleek professionalism of the actual tablet, similar to an Italian Supercar, you have style weaved into precision. The Surface RT, even at 3 years old is still one desirable looking device.

5.) Expandable Memory & USB support

Because of the crazy deals one can find for the Surface RT now a days, its really difficult to find anything really wrong with this device so long as you know exactly what it is capable of. You have a tablet with a focus on production. Whereas the new Ipad Pro highlights its access to MS Office, you are stuck with its built in memory. For my personal Surface RT, I have expanded my memory with a large Micro SD card and I bring a sizable USB thumb drive for any really large projects. This device has it all plus the ability to use the USB port for other things like gaming emulated SNES/Genesis games with an Xbox controller and other uses a USB port offers

All in all, its Practical

Picking up this device, even at such a discounted affordable rate, you must be honest with yourself (a task very difficult for most tech addicts) and ask the question, what tasks do I really do on the go? If you are like so many students, teachers, business professionals, this device is all you need. You have smooth access to the internet, the standard for creative programs, a responsive keyboard and lightweight, what more do you really need? If you are someone who uses Photoshop and video editing, or using hard core gaming programs then obviously this isn’t for you. The original price range was for students and practical productive/creative uses, if you seek a device for Photoshop, video editing, and other high usage programs you should fully commit to a 1k laptop or a solid desktop, the Surface RT is built for the Office and research crowds.

When I purchased this product, I never at one point felt like this was going to be more than what it was advertised and promoted for, a table I can do actual productive work on, surf the internet in, stream movies in a decent display, to stay socially connected and read my ebooks, PDF and comics. Sure, there is a lack of apps in the windows ecosystem, but I am one of the short few who doesn’t game in mobiles and tablets, I leave that for my Consoles and actual hand held gaming devices.

If you are planning on picking up a cheap productive and safe system for a loved one this holiday season, may it be a student, pastor, office worker, missionary, etc. I highly recommend this device.

5 Reasons Why The PS Vita is STILL worth getting

2015 is nearing its end and so seems this little console that could. With all the terrible news of this marvelous machine, the dream is nearing its stubborn end, like a college kid refusing to get out of bed to face reality. Yet here I am, with the tides against me like the waves of Persians attacking Thermopile, much like the Spartans of legend giving their lives to protect the ideas and philosophies of the western, I stand here protecting the ideas and dreams of a premium hand-held that does not compromise and kneel to the altar of cheap touch screen apps and childish game-play gimmicks. So for those who are reading this article, you sir are in the mindset of either justifying your purchase, rallying to the call of defiance or you are interested in joining the fight. I salute you.

1. For The Old School

As a gamer of the Old School, gaming is like a time capsule. I remember the days when I played Alundra on the PSX fondly and with much frustration, now 18 year later I can finally complete its stages and appreciate details this masterpiece hid from my young naive past. With the PS Store so willing to give great deals, I am able to play games that I missed out on completely, like Sukoden 2 and Xenogears. Each time I boot up an Old School game, I cant but imagine my younger self getting jealous of the future me.

2. A Portal to the New Wave

With a subscription to PS Plus, I am given 2 new games a month, most of these games are never in my radar (I do not follow Indie games), and so when games like Fez or Hotline Miami is offered, I am delighted to these unique experiences. I am so glad that Sony is doing this, games like Kick and Finnick would’ve been overlooked or games like Soul Sacrifice or Gravity Days reminds us of just the sheer power this little hand held has to offer.

3. Verifiable Hard Core

There are many opinions of what a hard core gamer is, but in this case, the Vita was designed and engages this community better than any other system. Do you want a Dark Souls like difficult experience, there is Ninja Gaiden. Want a wonderful 1st or 3rd person shooter heres Unit 13 or Killzone. How about a MMO RPG like Phantasy Star Online, Ragnarok, or S.O.A. ? There are many games available in this system to scratch the deepest stickiest itches you hard core gamers love so much.

4. Gaming Multi-tool

As me and my circle of friends grow older, the more we end up using our gaming consoles as a streaming device more than a gaming machine. This isn’t wrong by any means, it just shows us that our Xboxes and PS4’s are capable with more than just gaming. My PS Vita has been a great streaming device of Netflix, Hulu and Youtube. Why? Well, the OLE display is vibrant and its HD colors and details are wonderful. There are times I actually prefer watching movies on my Vita over my cheep Black Friday Emerson LCD TV.

The Vita also offers TuneIn Radio, Facebook, Skype, emails and other apps. All of which are usable and fine to use in a pinch. The thing with multi-tools is that it may never be the exact tool you need but its enough for you to get by, especially if you wish to save your phone battery.

5. The Community

Nothing forges a strong alliance better than adversity, with this known fact, the PS Vita community is an elite group of vocal and supportive gaming group pushing for inovation. I believe its because of this group that Sony refuses to pull the plug on this device. There is a few things that this community has accomplished in impactong Sony; One, they have pushed Sony into pursuing indie developers to port or make games for their machine, giving the Vita owners unique and sophisticated experiences not usually found in handhelds and in non Steam/PC platforms. The second thing this community accomplished is to keep Sony accountable. Big corporations need swift kicks to the groin every once in a while, and with the overwhelming success of the PS4, it would be very easy to put less efforts into blemished devices, but the Vita community through lawsuits and vocal outrage has forced Sony to keep their word in making this device stream the current PS4 games maintaining a regular presence.

This community is every open to invite new adopters into their fold and whenever one meets another Vita player in a coffee shop or bus, theres that nod of respect and proud warm smile right after.

There you have it, 5 reasons why its still worth picking up this under appreciated device. I hope this may have convinced some of you into hunting for those Christmas deals and if you already have one, you are not alone, be proud of those experiences you’ve had playing in this system and carry it with pride.