Console Preference Actually "Weapon of Choice"

      Console Preference Actually "Weapon of Choice"

     Throughout history there have been countless choices that have divided the populous along two distinct lines.  Is the world flat, or is it round?  Join the Union or join the Confederacy?   Support the New York Yankees or back the Boston Red Sox?  No clearer have these two lines been drawn, however, until the month of November, 2013.  It was upon this historic date that fan boys/girls and gamers the world over had to make their choice between Microsoft’s XBOX One and Sony’s Playstation 4.

     In 2001, Microsoft launched its first game console, the XBOX, to directly compete with Sony’s industry-redefining Playstation 2.  They certainly had their work cut out for them, as the PS2 had already been out for a year, and it had been wowing consumers and critics with graphics, game play and innovations the likes of which had never been seen before.  Still and all, the XBOX, with its 40gb hard drive, (which did away with the need for external memory cards), post-modern console design and most importantly, its implementation of their online service “XBOX Live,” garnished their fair share of fans, and therefore a good deal of the market.

     Flash-forward a few years to the year 2005.  Green Day and Kelly Clarkson are at the top of the Billboard charts.  King Kong, Batman, Willie Wonka and Star Wars all return to the big screen.  Overshadowing all of that, though, is the launch of Microsoft’s vision of the future of gaming…the XBOX 360.  Though troubled by technical bugs and glitches that one can expect from any new technology hitting the market, (overheating, the well-documented “red ring of death,” etc.), few could argue the effect this console had on both the state of gaming and of its future.  With a triple-core processor, 512mb of RAM and a proprietary ATI video card, not to mention a variety of hard-drive sizes to cater to individual customers’ pocketbooks, the XBOX 360 took the gaming, and one might argue the entertainment world by storm.

     A year later, Superman, the X-Men and James Bond returned to the silver screen, Justin Timberlake brought “Sexy Back,” and Sony launched its’ own next generation system, the Playstation 3.  Touting a stronger processor than the XBOX 360, and having the advantage of a year to learn from its competitor’s mistakes, the Playstation 3 was considered by critics and fans alike to be a stronger, more stable gaming console.  

 

     However, this innovation did come at a price, and that price was roughly $200 more than an XBOX 360.  For primarily this reason, Sony’s growth in the console market was slow, but steady.  As prices became more competitive, though, sales of the Playstation 3 picked up.  Then, of course, there was the debate of HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray DVD as the new standard for hi-definition movie viewing.  After a much publicized battle for domination, Blu-Ray won a decisive victory, giving a leg up to Sony and dealing a crushing blow to the XBOX 360.  The XBOX 360, you see, supported HD-DVD’s with the purchase of an additional drive.  The PS3 came packaged with a Blu-Ray player in every unit.  Sales for Sony picked up again, and it has been a close race between the two ever since.

     That brings us to present day.  For the first time since their war began, Sony and Microsoft launched their consoles near-simultaneously.  This year begins the true head-to-head battle of these giants…the “Clash of the Titans,” if you will.  Both carry a hefty price tag, but many say that the prices are lower than they expected.  Without even taking inflation into account, the PS4 launched at a lower price than the PS3 did in 2006!  The PS4 retails for about $400 in the U.S., and the XBOX One is $500, but it does include a Kinect in every box.  Though both are hard to come by, with inventory of either being little to none at most stores, reportedly due to an overwhelmingly higher demand than expected, the war between the fans carries on undaunted.

     Here’s the odd thing about this particular battle in the nearly decade-long console war between Sony and Microsoft: strip away the box surrounding both system and the hardware, or at least its capabilities, are nearly identical.  Both Sony and Microsoft’s systems carry an eight core processor.  Similarly, both are rocking eight gigabytes of RAM under the hood, (though the type of RAM utilized by the companies differs).  Also, both have proprietary video cards made specifically for their individual systems by ATI technologies.  Finally, both the XBOX One and the Playstation 4 include a Blu-Ray DVD drive in every unit, so there will be no “war over media” in this go around.

     Simply put, it all comes down to personal choice when it comes to your console purchase in this current generation.  One must also never forget that a console is only as good as the games available for it.  Does anyone remember the Sega Dreamcast?  Okay.  Point made.

  Are you a fan of “Gears of War” or “God of War?”  Do you fancy “Forza Motorsports” or “Gran Turismo?”  The preference of system in this iteration of consoles will, more than ever, come down to the preference of the games exclusive to each system.

     So, do your homework.  Watch game trailers and videos, read reviews and try demos if you can before you make your game console investment this year.  For, let’s not forget, at $400 and $500, respectively, these system purchases are, indeed, and investment. 

My first car didn’t cost that much.  To be fair, however, my first car couldn’t play Blu-Ray DVD’s or let me eviscerate a zombie either.  Happy Gaming!

Scribbles by W. Patrick

Understanding Feline Superiority

     Understanding Feline Superiority

     Before I begin, it must be made clear that this is not an exposition on how cats are better than dogs.  It is an age-old, useless argument, as cats and dogs are two very different creatures who affect our lives in very different ways.  One may as well argue the benefits of a jackhammer versus a peach cobbler.  In short, it makes no sense.  No, what I am going to attempt to make clear is how the feline species is, in almost every way imaginable, superior to that of the human race.

     First of all, I own a cat.  As a matter of fact, I own several, so from an observer’s standpoint, my opinion can be considered expert.  During this time of careful observation and attentive consideration, I have noticed a good many things that have proven to me that these cats are, indeed, higher up on the food chain than we naked apes, and moreover, they know it.

     One morning, whilst feeding my cats, it occurred to me that these little buggers rely on me for their very survival.  Being unable to work the can-opener or even the more modern pull-tab on the cat food tin, they would undoubtedly starve were it not for my benevolent interference.  Oh, what a vain fool I was.  You see, it was then that I remembered that the first cat brought into the family was a stray from outside.  It had survived through the harshest of weather using only her claws, teeth and cunning to catch mice on the run or birds about to take flight.  The memory forced me to realize that, even in my absence, these cats are such born hunters and survivors that starvation would be little problem for them.  On the other hand, I can take a $40 fishing rod, a $60 reel and $15 worth of bait from the local shop, go down to the lake, (a $5.00 entrance fee), and utilize my $25 dollar fishing license to try and catch my meal.  Four hours and $145 later, I will, more often than not, be buying groceries on the way home.

     Physically speaking, there is no contest, of course.  We humans are by nature larger than the average house-cat.  This gives us a false feeling of superiority because we wrongfully think that we could overpower them at any time we choose.  To test this theory, I defy anyone to attempt to give their cat a bath.  Please note that if you try this foolhardy act, I am in no way responsible for your hospital bills.  To try and gauge just how incredibly lithe and nimble these creatures are, though, one must simply sit still and observe as a cat amuses itself around the house with nothing but gravity and its’ ability to ignore the effects of it.

     My cats, I am sure, are the Parkour champions of the universe.  I have watched them slide under an open drawer, propel off the baseboard, leap off of said drawer against the wall, (while spinning in mid-air, mind you).  They then proceed to interrupt their inertia by touching the curtain rod and end up perched on top of the bookcase that I need a step stool to reach!  In contrast, I become winded whilst walking up the stairs and on more occasions than not, trip whilst descending.  Both of which, I know, my cats find utterly amusing.

     In making this argument to friends and colleagues, it is often brought up that we, as humans have conquered activities like writing and art…that we have developed science and technology far beyond the intellectual grasp of even the brightest feline.  We’ve invented business and medicines and transportation and have even “conquered the stars.”  My response to this is that we have done all of these things in order to make our lives more comfortable.  We take medicine and put up with day-to-day business so that, at the end of the day, we can lay around the house, all warm and content.  I then look at my cats, whose days are filled with nothing but lying around the house feeling all warm and content.  I must ask you, then: who leads a superior life?

     Also, it cannot be overstated that my cats share a common lineage with the majestic lion, the lightning-fast cheetah, the impressive panther and the grand Bengal Tiger. 

Humans, on the other hand, share a common lineage with Justin Bieber and the guy who invented telemarketing.

     Thankfully, our feline overlords are more than happy to let us lead our lives of blissful ignorance as to life and our place in it.  Though they could most assuredly change their minds at any time and overthrow the human race as if we were just another ball of yarn, I do not think that this is a fear that will ever be realized.  For thankfully, it seems as if we amuse them.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a litter box calling that simply is not going to clean itself.

The Sweet Surprise of Sweet Frog

 The Sweet Surprise of Sweet Frog  

    Do you remember that hangout you used to go to with all your friends after school?  You know the place…the one with the brightly painted walls, clean tables and floors, good music being piped in over the intercom and the friendly, welcoming staff who always remembered your name?

     Of course you don’t.  You don’t remember it, because, unless you grew up on the set of a sitcom like “Happy Days” of “Saved by the Bell,” establishments like this never really existed.  That is, of course, until now.

     “Sweet Frog” premium frozen yogurt, located in the plaza at 1625 Loop 256 Palestine, TX, is just such a place.  Simply entering “Sweet Frog” harkens one back to a time when a good, quality product and top-tier customer service were the goals set by any merchant.  In this day and age, one of warehouse grocery stores and fast food restaurants, it is a welcome surprise, indeed. 

     Walking into “Sweet Frog,” one is immediately taken back by the décor.  The walls are painted in solid, pastel colors, and the bright lights confirm the shop’s absolute cleanliness, so necessary but so rarely seen in eateries today.  Though filled with happy customers on any given day, the staff is never too busy to greet you with a smile when you walk in and ask you how you are doing.  They inquire if you are a first time visitor, and if so, they cheerfully explain how the “Sweet Frog” model works.

     Against the back wall are many soft-serve yogurt machines that dispense some of the most decadent treats you could imagine.  Flavors ranging form traditional plain yogurt to their pumpkin pie flavor to the more exotic tropical fare are just a few of the many choices one has to wrestle with before they finally decide on their delicious frozen treat.  Of course, for those who don’t want to be bound by one single flavor, perhaps a mix in their small, medium or large cups may be in order.  And, if you aren’t sure if a particular flavor is for you, there are tiny cups always at hand for you to sample as many yogurts as you would like.  (Note:  This was of particular use to me, as I wasn’t sure if a caramel flavored frozen yogurt was for me.  In short, it was…and it was delicious).

     Once the chilly goodness is procured, there are literally dozens of toppings to choose from to help you perfect your indulgent creation.  Do you want almonds and gummy bears?  Done.  Perhaps some chocolate rocks and fresh kiwi?  Not a problem.  Let your imagination soar as you personalize your own symphony of sweets.  The yogurt is then weighed on a scale and the customer is charged by the ounce.  In this way, the cost is also ultimately up to you.

     So, if you’re traveling through Palestine and are in the mood for a personalized confection and some of the best customer service around…or if you are a resident who has yet to partake of this little gem, “Sweet Frog” is most definitely the place for you.  Who knows?  It may actually become that hangout you never had!