Bradley316's Journal

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

2008-11-13T08:04:09Z

Yeah, so I just got home from the big midnight launch of the new expansion for World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King!

I was lucky to get a copy of it, too. The store I went to totally sold out of their copies, but I was able to get mine just in time! My brother, Mike, also was there to get his copy. The line was only an hour long wait, which wasn't too bad I suppose. Of course we ended up chatting with some other people while in line, but that made the time go by fast and it was kinda fun to chat about the game.

Anyway, time to load up! The servers are most likely going to be crashing a lot in the next few days, but my main goal is to just get the new expansion loaded up.

Soon, Bistro will be level 80!!

http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Doomhammer&n=Bistro

My Taste In Art

2008-10-22T21:59:01Z

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Balanced, Secure, and Realistic.

14 Impressionist, 3 Islamic, 12 Ukiyo-e, -14 Cubist, -15 Abstract and -4 Renaissance!

Impressionism is a movement in French painting, sometimes called optical realism because of its almost scientific interest in the actual visual experience and effect of light and movement on appearance of objects. Impressionist paintings are balanced, use colored shadows, use pure color, broken brushstrokes, thick paint, and scenes from everyday life or nature.

People that like Impressionist paintings may not alway be what is deemed socially acceptable. They tend to move on their own path without always worrying that it may be offensive to others. They value friendships but because they also value honesty tend to have a few really good friends. They do not, however, like people that are rude and do not appreciate the ideas of others. They are secure enough in themselves that they can listen to the ideas of other people without it affecting their own final decisions. The world for them is not black and white but more in shades of grey and muted colors. They like things to be aestically pleasing, not stark and sharp. There are many ways to view things, and the impresssionist personality views the world from many different aspects. They enjoy life and try to keep a realistic viewpoint of things, but are not very open to new experiences. If they are content in their live they will be more than likely pleased to keep things just the way they are.

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

New Chair!

2008-10-11T11:38:36Z

Today I get my new recliner! Well, it's my mom's chair that she doesn't want and is giving to me since my recliner broke after four years of use (abuse).

It'll be nice to have something to sit in again!

Today

2008-10-05T02:38:42Z

So, the Brewers actually won a playoff game! What a nice way to end what was otherwise a horrible day of gambling for me at Oneida casino. The last time we went there, we all won, but today did not repeat. Back to being unlucky and losing...but I still had fun!

Roctober

2008-10-01T21:50:16Z

October 1st. already? Next thing you know, it'll be be Christmas! Then after that it'll be the 4th. of July! That I'm certainly looking forward to as that is when my car payments will officially stop and I'll have a free and clear title. Plus, I'll have some cash to spend again.

In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to enjoy the fall season, which is my favorite. This time of the year always makes me happy. I could never really explain why it has, it just does. I guess you could say it is because of "all the leaves, the colors..."!

Writer's Block: R.E.A.D. in America Day

2008-09-28T23:29:23Z

In celebration of R.E.A.D. in America Day, tell us about what you're reading. How is reading important to you? What would you recommend to others?

View 500 Answers

Been reading "Elric: The Stealer of Souls" by Michael Moorcock. Great classic fantasy series starring the ultimate anti-hero and his demonic sword, Stormbringer...Elric of Melnibone! Also reading various comic books and non-fiction such as the history of myths and legends to the baseball encyclopedia sprinkled with a little Neitzsche.

Reading has always been important to me ever since I was a child. I always had a strong imagination and reading was a blessing for me since I could imagine what was being written. Watching a movie is nowhere near as vivid as reading a good book and imagining the story visually in your head. Plus, reading for me really expanded my vocabulary and made me into a language geek of sorts. It's so sad to see the state of the English language these days by and large by people who don't read books. Reading is only a good thing. Reading is good! I think we all learned that lesson from The NeverEnding Story. Ok, the real lesson from the NeverEnding Story was that it was OK to beat up and get revenge on people who have been bullying you, but seriously, reading is good!

The Brew Crew?

2008-09-28T23:14:01Z

I thought I would never see it...The Milwaukee Brewers actually made the playoffs. Not since the 1982 Brewers has this happened. Guess it was a good idea to fire Ned Yost after all!

I'm happy to see them go in despite the fact that their chances of getting past the wild card games are pretty slim. Who knows? Maybe it'll be a Boston vs. Milwaukee World Series!

Friday Night Videos!

2008-09-27T00:10:46Z

Being that I'm too lazy to upload any pictures from my recent vacation, I did manage to find the time to upload the three (really bad) videos I took. The videos show Devils Tower in Wyoming and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota!

I apologize for the quality of these. Sorry, lack of a steadicam really does in the hand held cheesiness of them. Now the regular pics that I took are much more spectacular. You'll just have to wait until I upload them!

Enjoy!

Vacation...today!!/YouTube Video

2008-09-12T15:29:54Z

I was lucky enough to get today off from work and that means I get to leave on my vacation a bit earlier today! Later this after noon, my mom and brother will pick me up and we can head on out to South Dakota! I've got everything ready...including my digital camera.

Last night I tested the video on my camera for the first time to see if it would work. Indeed it did. As a matter of fact, you can see the results right now on YouTube! Yes...I have now sunk to new lows by uploading a video of myself on YouTube! Pay special attention to my hair...You can't see it, but I have a fan blowing on me. My voice is as deadpan as ever...trust me folks, I can speak normally when I'm not as tired as I was when I recorded this video!

Enjoy or vomit at your own risk. Since I recorded it last night, it's pretty dark, so you might want to watch the video in full size mode...at your own caution. You have been warned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PweC374yZ-U

Vacation!

2008-09-09T21:57:00Z

This upcoming Friday after I get home from work, I leave on my vacation to South Dakota and Wyoming! Much needed!

This time around, we'll have plenty of time to do stuff. Gonna do all the sites in South Dakota again. Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, Deadwood, etc...Then we are taking a day to go to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. I'll let you all know if I encounter any aliens there.

Life On Mars/Ashes To Ashes

2008-09-02T22:18:00Z

So, today my bootleg DVD sets of Life On Mars and Ashes to Ashes arrived in the mail today! I've been wanting to see Life On Mars for some time and now I have the complete series on DVD! It's a shame that there is no Region 1 version yet, but I'm sure there will be soon since there is going to be a stupid American remake of the show! Being that I'm cheap these days, I'll settle for cheap bootlegs!

Looking forward to watching both shows! Initially, I wasn't interested in watching a cop show that is set in the '70's...but when I found out about the whole sci-fi/time traveling element, I knew it was something I had to see.

New Brakes

2008-08-14T22:01:44Z

My car now has new brakes. My rotors were saved. They only had to resurface them and that saved me a lot.

Did I ever mention how much I hate cars?

In other news, the workload continues! Looks like I'm going to be working even more overtime next week...Oh joy. Still, the extra money will come in hand for my South Dakota/Wyoming trip in September.

More Thoughts on Dark Knight/Random

2008-07-30T22:16:15Z

It's really been bugging me over the past couple of days, a couple of things that irked me about The Dark Knight. Yes, I did think it was a good movie, but I must get this off my Bat-chest.

1. The cell phone gadget thing that Batman uses at the end of the film was very lame. VERY lame.

2. Christian Bale really sucks as Batman. His performance was insipid in my opinion. When you have a cast with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger, and even Aaron Eckhart, Bale's acting was not up to snuff. He really pales in comparison. Granted Heath Ledger stole the show, but Bale just did not have a lot of compelling screen presence.

On a random note, I'm going to work 60 hours this week. Already got 30 in. 30 more to go! They are going to pay me big bucks to help pay for my car's brakes.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-28T04:11:53Z

Well, I just saw The Dark Knight.

I thought it was a good solid movie. A different kind of superhero film this summer. Iron Man and the Hulk you could turn your brain off for the most part, but the Dark Knight was much more psychological. It's one of those films that really gets your brain into overdrive. Was it dark? Yeah, I'd say so. It is not a happy film by any means. Dark, disturbing, and depressing is what The Dark Knight was. And I enjoyed that. It definitely took Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns as an inspiration.

Heath Ledger was good as the Joker, but I really don't think he'll win an Oscar. That is just a bunch idiot comic book fanboy talk. Still, he was very creepy and his version of the Joker as a terrorist was very interesting.

Aaron Eckhart was great as Harvey Dent/Two-Face...They really nailed his character down in this film. Very pleased!

I was very satisfied by the film. It kept my interest. So, it was good.

Inevitable

2008-07-24T22:25:48Z

I knew it would happen sooner or later, but my car is going to need new brakes soon.

I really hate cars! And paying for them!

Movie Night

2008-07-19T03:39:04Z

So, I went to see a movie after work today with some friends. Nope, we did not go to see the new Batman movie...we are saving that one for next week. Instead, we saw Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

Really enjoyed this flick. Even better than the first film in my opinion. Highly recommend it to all you comic book geeks out there!

Big Finish...Free!

2008-07-15T21:53:00Z

I love it when I get totally unexpected mail. No, I don't mean the junk mail from the former tenants of my apartment! How about a free Big Finish audio CD?

I got free copy of The Zygon Who Fell To Earth. It's an 8th Doctor adventure starring Paul McGann.

CAST:

Paul McGann (The Doctor); Sheridan Smith (Lucie Miller); Steven Pacey (Trevor); Malcolm Stoddard (Urtak); Tim Brooke-Taylor (Mims); Lynsey Hardwick (Aunty Pat); Katarina Olsson (Grakus)

SYNOPSIS:
There are no monsters this time... are there?

Ten years later and Aunty Pat is in her prime. She's snagged herself an ex rock star at the Kendal Folk Festival and now, in the brave new world of the early 1980s they manage together a snazzy hotel on the poetic and shingly shore of Lake Grasmere. However, still waters run deep and friends from the past are returning, intent on milking the old cash-cow...

Featuring the song "Falling Star" sung by Steven Pacey with music by Tim Sutton and lyrics by Barnaby Edwards.

Why did I get this? Well, apparently I got it as promotional "gift" just because I had placed an order from the 10th Planet online store from years ago. I'm in their database of customers you see...So, they sent out copies of the CD to everyone in the hopes that we will subscribe to the the various Big Finish audio ranges!

I don't think I'll do that! But I will accept the free CD! Have not listened to a Doctor Who audio in some time. The 8th Doctor audios are certainly not my favorite, but it was such a nice surprise to get the CD in the mail that I'm looking forward to listening to it!

I must say, I wonder how David Bowie feels about that title...

World of Warcraft

2008-05-06T23:10:24Z

For those who care, here is my character sheet for my World of Warcraft character, Bistro! She's a level 70 holy paladin.

http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Doomhammer&n=Bistro

Bet you want to see some pictures, too, eh? Most of these screen shots were taken with a lot of my older gear. They are mostly of me in the Alterac Valley PVP battleground, but I got some shots of my epic ground mount and my slow chicken and swift chicken flying mounts. I am doing the Netherwing reputation dailies, so I will soon have a drake as my epic flying mount.

Snow Again??

2008-03-21T13:59:47Z

After what seemed like the end of the snow a couple of weeks ago with higher temperatures and nearly complete melted snow, we are in the the midst of a major snow storm as we speak. Only yesterday it was 50 degrees out without a cloud in the sky and right now it is completely white out. Supposed to snow all day today with at least 6 inches expected...maybe more! WTF?

Tomorrow it is supposed to warm up again! At least it'll melt quickly.

Enough. Baseball is starting soon. Go away snow.

Sad Day In Wisconsin

2008-03-04T23:01:47Z

Well, it would seem the unthinkable has happened. Brett Favre announced his retirement today. If this is his final decision, then he will be truly missed. He has been our QB for the Green Bay Packers for the past 16 seasons. I was still in high school when he took over and helped turn the Packers around.

It's gonna be weird not having him be the starter. I just hope that Green Bay doesn't go through another 30 years of mediocrity!

What The?

2008-02-17T20:50:12Z

Earlier this week, the weather forecasts had predicted this huge snowstorm for today. Upwards of up to 10 inches of snow they all said for southeastern Wisconsin. Supposed to start at 2:00AM.

I haven't seen one snowflake yet and it is almost 3:00PM. It's been very cloudy out, but no snowfall.

And here I busted my ass last night to get some supplies for staying indoors today!

Doctor Who Quiz

2008-02-14T21:41:53Z

Stole this! Since others have posted this Doctor Who info, here is this fan's thoughts...

1. When did you start watching?
I started back in 1982 or 1983. I was very young. Only 5 years old!

1a. Why?
My mom always was into sci-fi and she thought it would be a good show to watch on Saturday nights. I guess I have her to thank for making me into a fan!

2. What was your first episode?
The Keeper of Traken.

3. Which episodes have you seen?
I have seen every existing story and most of the existing episodes from the original classic. The new series I also gave up on...it's just too painful to watch. Perhaps someday I will watch them, but for now...no.

3a. Favourite?
Logopolis has always been my favorite...can't really explain why. I just love that story. Most of my personal favorites are from season 18, Tom Baker's last.

4. Are your friends/family interested in the show?
Yes, my mom and brother watched as well and it became a family tradition on those Saturday nights...good memories.

5. Which Doctor is your favourite?
Tom Baker will always be "my" Doctor.

6. Which Doctor is your least favourite?
I like everyone, but if I had to pick a least favorite, probably Peter Davidson. But he is still loads better than any new series Doctor!

7. Which TV companion is your favourite?
Always loved Sarah Jane Smith.

8. Which TV companion is your least favourite?
Mel. I still don't like her!

9. Do you listen to the Big Finish Audios?
Yes, I have a few.

9a. If so, which is your favourite?
An 8th Doctor one called The Chimes of Midnight.

9b. Also, which BF companion is your favourite?
N/A.

10. Have you listened to any non-BF audios?
Yes.

10a. If so, which is your favourite?
N/A.

11. Have you read any of the novels or short stories?
Yes. I have read many.

11a. Have you written any of the novels or short stories?
Are you kidding?

11b. Which is your favourite?
The Christmas Short Trips collection.

12. Have you read any of the comics?
Yes, I own most of them.

12a. Which is your favourite?
N/A.

13. Do you watch any of the spin-offs?
Nope.

14. Is there any particular episode/audio/book/comic you deperately want to watch/listen to/read?
Not desperately!

Fandom

1. Do you write fanfic for Doctor Who?
No.

1a. Give us a snippet, dude!!
N/A.

2. Do you create Doctor Who icons?
No.

2a. Give us an example, dammit!!
N/A.

3. Recommend a fanic/icon/fanvid/fancomic etc etc blah blah blah
What for? :P

4. Have you been to any Doctor Who conventions?
No. I don't like to go to those things anyway.

5. Have you ever dressed up as a Doctor Who character?
I have indeed. I own two very nice replicas of Tom Baker scarves. I have a season 12 and the season 18 scarves. Nice for winter time.

6. Do you own any Doctor Who merchandise?
Quite a bit of various items.

7. Are you a fan of RTD?
I hate him.

7a. Steven Moffat?
Yes, I'm a huge fan of Coupling, so naturally I like him.

7b. Paul Cornell?
Nope.

8. What say you to season 6b?
6b? WTF is that?

9. The UNIT dating controversy?
Don't care!

10. The Blinovich Limitation effect?
Can be used to explain just about anything abnormal!

11. Multi-Doctor episodes?
The Three Doctors and The Five Doctors I'll watch, but anything else...nah.

12. What's you favourite Doctor Who technobabble?
Tom Baker's Doctor telling Eldrad..."You can't use your powers in the TARDIS. We're in a state of temporal grace." Granted that is not true technobabble, but inane nonetheless. Jon Pertwee's "reverse the polarity of the neutron flow" is much more of the classic line.

13. Have you watched other TV shows exclusively due to the presence of Doctor Who actors?
Yes. All Creatures Great and Small anyone?

14. Have you met any of the actors?
I have not.

14a. Traveled to any filming locations?
Nope.

15. What do you think of The Curse of Fatal Death?
Always loved that!

16. Do you have any fannish opinions that you think are fairly unpopular?
The new series SUCKS! Not Doctor Who. It might take a while before the people who like it realize that the new series really is not very good at all.

17. What's your favourite pairing?
4th Doctor/Sarah Jane.

18. What pairing(s) won't you touch with a really long pole?
Probably the new series combos with Rose...man did she get annoying. And let's not forget Mel who is nothing short of an abomination.

Sick Of This

2008-02-12T23:36:13Z

I love snow. I wish it would snow everyday.

...Oh, wait. It does.

Ibanez 20th Anniversary RG550

2008-02-02T19:47:55Z

Here is my 20th Anniversary Ibanez RG550. This was a limited edition model, only 1,987 made. I have #390. This is in one of the two desirable colors, Road Flare Red. The other one is Desert Sun Yellow. There was a black color choice as well, but that was not as sought after because it is a boring color and it had a rosewood fretboard. The red and yellow reissues came with the maple fretboard and the maple board is really what makes this guitar and was true to the original RG550's.

As you can see by the pictures, this type of guitar is known as a "shred machine". You can do all your heavy metal shredding on this. Finger tapping, sweep picking...etc, are a breeze on this. Best of all it has the ultra-thin Wizard neck which is what made the RG550 such a unique guitar in the first place.

Back From Green Bay

2008-01-21T19:41:25Z

So, the Packers lost...didn't really care all that much because we had a good time up at Oneida Casino yesterday!

It was pretty crazy when we got up there. It was a few hours before game time when we arrived at the hotel. We checked into our rooms and we met the actual USAF pilots that did the fly-over just before the start of the game kickoff! Yeah, these USAF pilots asked us if we were going to the game and we said no. We were just up here for a "quiet" weekend! Then they replied very casually that they were doing the flyover in their jets before the game!

Once the game started the casino cleared out and it was pretty dead in there so we had it all to ourselves and that was nice. It was quiet after all. Another unexpected, but fun thing we did was we sat in the lounge to have a few drinks and there was this Old-time/bluegrass band playing a free show there. I had never heard of them before. They are called Uncle Earl. Despite the name, there is no one named Earl in the band. In fact, they are an all-female band and they were quite good! I love old bluegrass and traditional folk music and it was a very pleasant surprise to watch this band. I even got to meet them after the show and talked shop with them for a brief moment. I also purchased two of their music CD's, She Waits For Night and Waterloo, Tennessee and I even got them autographed by the ladies themselves! Very classy. Check them out at their website here: http://www.uncleearl.net/ If you like bluegrass and traditional old-time folk, then Uncle Earl is quite the find!

All in all, this weekend getaway turned out to be a good one. It could have been much worse, but it ranks as some of the most fun I've had in Green Bay...even if the Packers didn't win.