Introducing Onward State

I haven't been posting here as frequently I did over the summer, and I wish I can say it's because I have been writing elsewhere. It wasn't, I have just been lazy. But now I can use the excuse of focusing creatively elsewhere.

My first post for Penn State's New Blog, Onward State, was published earlier this evening. Though it's not the post I was scheduled to write (that should be up sometime tomorrow - it is slated to be more comedic in nature), the idea of someone involved in voting for the teams that play in the national championship was so ludicrous (and Penn State-related), I wrote something quickly. It turned out slightly better than the things I impulsively write on here.

Onward State officially launched after Thanksgiving break, and already is filled with posts and has accrued a small following. The guys that started it up are doing a really professional job without making it dull or predictable. If Penn State goings-on interest you, you enjoy my writing, or just need another website to go to during the day, bookmark it, visit it daily, show it to friends, whatever.

I Am Near-Hypnotized By This

Even though I typically find myself disappointed by the user-submitted content at CollegeHumor these days, I will still visit the site often.

This is exactly why.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Even When Marketing Virally, LOST Is Awesome

Due to the combination of ABC's LOST being the best television drama of all time and there being WAY too much time in between seasons, I am already frothing at the mouth for the new season, which doesn't come until January 21st, 2009.

But that doesn't mean my anticipation can't grow even more - J.J. Abrams and Co. are masters at hyping the already hyped. This time it's in the newest trailer for the fifth season [WARNING: It's chock full of spoilers if you haven't seen the first four seasons], where a mysterious image pops up.

From comingsoon.net:

ABC has launched the new trailer for the fifth season of "Lost," which features music from The Fray's "You Found Me." In the trailer at the 1:34 and 2:25 mark, the studio flashes the logo for a tie-in company called Ajira Airways, which can be visited at AjiraAirways.com. The trailer, which you can view below, consists of footage from last season as well as from the upcoming season. "Lost" premieres on Wednesday, January 21st at 8/7c.

Because I'm such a good guy, I suffered through playing segments of the video OVER and OVER to get a screen capture of the image, having to hear The Fray's shit-tastic new song. It's not that I have anything against the Fray, it's just that I find their music whiny and repetitive. And it sure as hell doesn't help that I associate them with Grey's Anatomy.As you can see, it's not incredibly remarkable, but honestly, it could have been a picture of TubGirl [Ed.: Don't worry, it's not the actual website] and I would have been intrigued.

As you can see below, the website isn't much more than a sign-up for e-mail updates (and a vague message below 'Let Your Journey Begin'), but you can bet that the Ajira Airways marketing campaign won't stop there. It should be quite interesting to see where it goes, and what information gets out before the three-hour premiere.
The message below (not pictured) reads:

The skies have no limit with our new destinations launching January 21st, 2009. Take an adventure anywhere around the globe and reimagine your world as big as ours. Check back often to discover new ways to get lost in the world.
No Borders, Now Boarding - Ajira Airways.

They said "get LOST!" OMG!!!!11111!!!!

BIG TEN CHAMPIONS

See you in Pasadena.

President-Elect Barack Obama

I'm trying desperately to think of a way of distinguishing myself from millions of Americans feeling an indescribable sensation - it's incredibly frustrating but I don't care.

It came out of nowhere when Jon Stewart announced (Why not watch the Daily Show for election news?) at 11:01 that Obama would be our 44th President. I don't hate the feeling.

I would elaborate but I find myself watching the coverage in a stupor - we've arrived at a new frontier, but are suspended for the moment. Yes, he's our President-Elect, but that won't change things immediately.

Still, Obama's achievements are awe-inspiring. Overcoming not only a worthy opponent for the Democratic nomination, but yet another for the office of President of the United States is a herculean task in itself - doing so as a relative unknown who happens to be biracial in a country still rife with prejudice and ignorance is unbelievable.

This is one of the most important elections in American History, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.

Say what you will about John McCain - no matter what you thought of his platform or campaign, he went out with class. His concession speech acknowledged that the American people have made their choice and in turn have started a new chapter in history. I have no doubt that he will stay true to his word and work to make compromises between the different political ideologies in our government.

Though I keep finding myself at a loss for words - especially those bearing any originality - I still feel the need to keep writing. Truly, this is a moment that needs to be preserved to the best of my ability.

Tomorrow is a new day, and while Obama might not be in the Oval Office yet, change is coming.

This Kid Must Get Laid All The Time - Oh Wait, He's Six?

My first kid (I've already named him Kiefer) will not go to school. He will be home schooled - not because I support the idea that kids are actually better off, but because he'll spend most of his day training to do this:

Insanity.

/Just Spooged In Pants

Despite how incredibly nerdy it may be, I can't help but find myself ecstatic that the inevitable has been confirmed - a new Halo game.

The now titled Halo 3: Recon was originally supposed to debut at E3, but there was a minor fiasco in which Microsoft requested that the heavily-teased secret unveiling be delayed. It has only made the arrival of the details that much sweeter.

About two weeks ago, a teaser trailer simply called "Keep It Clean" showed up on Bungie.net, and fueled a ton of speculation - was it an entirely new game? If so, why did Halo 3's logo appear at the end? Gamespot had a great analysis, offering a number of interpretations to the trailer:

Though nothing is official yet, the title in question appears to be the "Halo Recon" project that has been rumored for months. A source told GameSpot in July the project will be "a cross between Ghost Recon and Gears of War." Instead of following the Halo franchise's usual protagonist--the SPARTAN super-soldier Master Chief--it will supposedly follow the exploits of a squad of colonial marines in a "less cartoony" and "more bloody, violent, and grim" tale of a battle between UNSC forces and the pan-racial religious empire known as the Covenant.

Well, they hit the nail on the head so far. Although the style of the game hasn't been revealed, it has been confirmed that the title is literally Halo 3: Recon, and it is an entirely new campaign with a new hero.

Personally, I embrace the idea of getting away from the series' iconic character. Players are really just interested in his abilities, rather than his personality, which is basically non-existent. As long as this "new hero" isn't a clone of him and has a decent backstory, we may have a winner. As far as gameplay goes, I'll take anything I can get. All three of the Halo games have brought me thousands upon thousands of hours of joy, and I don't expect any less from this installment. I just wish it was coming out sooner than Fall 2009.