Archive for February, 2009
Game On Exhibition
Ok odyssey fans I’ve finally got you real gaming article. Now you can finally shut up about my gaming cred Colin.
Queensland Library hosted “Game On”, an exhibition on the history of Video games which was presented from the 17th Nov, 2008 through to Today. I was lucky to catch it on it’s final day. The exhibition featured old old OLD SKOOL Arcade machines, including classic spacewar cabinents through to today’s current tech with the Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3 making an appearance.
Exhibits included pretty much EVERY handheld gaming console, a timeline of working, playable consoles (which included the Sinclair, Magnavox and Famicon) and a mockup of the original Spacewar oscilloscope game that started it all. While I could have done with more information on the games and systems, it was a nice trip down memory lane. Tegan and I were a little disappointed in our own way that Soul Calibur didn’t make an appearance. Me as it’s Dreamcast incarnation is still rated in the top 10 best games of all time by Game Rankings, and her as it’s the only game she can play.
It was cool seeing the Lynx and Game Gear handhelds in all their double A chewing glory and getting an insight into the planning that went into GTA3. It’s just a pity that all of you that haven’t gone to see the exhibit yet have missed out! Fail.
I was unable to take my camera in, due to some bullshit rule, but Tegan went rogue and snuck in her Olympus, taking a few cheeky snaps which you can check out after the break.
Raining Again
Rain seems to be a bit of a theme of my adventures so far. Rain on Australia Day, rain around Sydney and, now that I am in Brisbane, constant rain for the past few days. Not that I’m complaining at all. I love the rain. Sitting on the veranda listening to the drumming rain on the tin is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. Anyone who thinks that rain is depressing is a little tapped in my opinion.
My friend Tegan has been kind enough to offer me a place to stay in Brisbane. It is a shed out the back of a share house and it is perhaps the most wonderful place I could ever have imagined. The rain falls hard on the roof. I am awakened by the scratching of Bush Turkeys and the purring of Lilou the cat, and the vibe is just great. I have met pretty much the whole house, and we went out drinking last night. Brisbane has a very Perth feel. The city is very young, just growing up. I am looking forward to exploring more in the coming few days.
Sony’s Next Stupid Piece of Shit
My mate just gave me the heads up on this very humorous bit of Onion news report gold. I suggest everyone who’s ever bought Sony equipment (I have pretty much exclusively bought Sony home entertainment gear all my life) should check this out.
It’s NSFW, so whack those headphones on, children.
Sony Releases Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn’t Fucking Work – Youtube [Thanks Dylan S]
Monopoly
Last night was my last night at the Railway YHA with my new friends and I got to do something I have been hanging out to do for ages: Play Monopoly! I love Monopoly. I brings out the best and worst in people. It shows you how people think. How they reason. Something that can be difficult to discover when there is a language barrier. I met some more Canadians during the game which by the way, was very entertaining. For dinner we made Burritos and then had a few send off drinks down Sidebar. I woke up on the couch in front of an episode of Carnivale at 4am. It was a great end to an awesome 3 weeks at the Railway.
I’ll miss my new friends, but I am looking forward to getting know the new group of people I am staying with at Whynot Street in the West End of Brisbane. Tegan set us up the Shed, and everyone has been very welcoming. I have about two weeks here then head back to Sydney to head to Japan.
Video Blog #3
Here it is folks, the next installment in the series of video blogs for this site. It’s a bit of a hodge-podge. Just a series of videos from the past few weeks. Just hit the link below and enjoy!
Recipe for Awesomeness
Take 6 crew, 25 sailing enthusiasts, a 75 foot America’s Cup yacht and the Sydney Harbor. Shake vigorously. Serve under blue skies with a selection of fruits and sandwiches. Best enjoyed with legs overboard.
In the Drink
Ok, I know I said I was going to try and limit my “I’ve been out drinking” posts, but this particular night calls for a special mention.
On Friday I caught up with my old mates John and Brett, starting the night with a fantastic dumpling dinner in what has to be the smallest and dingiest restaurant in China Town (you want the truth? YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”). Following that we had a couple of quiet drinks at a pub in Darlinghurst. John jumped on his train, and at about this point the night got off the hook.
We attempted to get into Sidebar, so I could show Brett the hottest bar chick in the world, but he was refused entry because he had no ID, so we resorted to the last resort: Scubar. We sat in the corner, drank too much Jager then met up with some of the crew from my Hostel. Sick of Scubar we formulated a new plan.
Jumping in a taxi we headed out to a club on Darling Harbor. Dancing ensued, as well as much drinking and debauchery and things got hazy. They only really get clear again when Brett and I stripped off and jumped in the harbor out the front of the club. We were quickly moved along, then got grabbed by Rangers who attempted to a) tell us we couldn’t swim in the harbor (which I called shenanigans on because there was no signs saying we couldn’t) and b) tried to bust us for indecent exposure as we were walking around in our undies. We had to get dressed while still soaked. Smelling like wet dogs we wandered the streets causing a ruckus and tooling about in general.
I got home at about 4am, smelling of harbor water and booze. It was a great night and, seeing as I’m still around to write this: proof that swimming in the Harbor isn’t as dangerous as it may seem.
Max & Pascal
Yesterday I said goodbye to a couple of new friends, namely Max and Pascal. Ever the party animals these two brothers from Quebec have been traveling around causing a ruckas and breaking the hearts of ladies all over the shop. They are two of the biggest stoners you’ll ever meet. I am glad to have got to know them these past couple of weeks as their antics always brought a smile to my face.
Viva Quebec fellas, enjoy your road trip to Melbourne with Jeff, Alban and Anrie and I’m sure I’ll meet you again in my travels.
Alcohol Free Days
I’ve hit the point where I need another AFD. I’ve been drinking too much. Way too much, as shown by the multitude of nights out photos that have graced the blog. It’s hard not to go out all the time when you’re surrounded by like minded people, and it’s kinda my tradition that whenever someone new comes into a dorm, we have to take them out on the town. People come into our dorm a lot. I think if it weren’t for my insistence on AFD’s at least once a week I think the entire blog would be just a series of blurred drunken photos of the interior of clubs.
I promise that from now on I’ll be limiting my “I’ve been out drinking” posts but for now: here’s a series of blurred drunken photos from the interior of a club.
Salsa Steve
One of the best and most interesting characters I’ve met so far in my travels is Salsa Steve. Harking from New Zealand, inventor of 6 hour mozzarella and accomplished musician Steve travels the world in search of the worlds best Salsa dancers and competition nights.
I had the pleasure of attending one of the organised Salsa nights that Steve had been chasing around the world and had a great night. The mood of the room was infectious, and had even the audience of spectators shaking their hips. I am glad I made the effort to see Salsa Steve in his element. It is something that will stay with me long after this trip is over.
Keep dancing Steve, may your adventures on this Earth always be filled with sexy Salsa ladies!