Rorschach.net

While looking up some local directions in Google Maps I noticed that all of downtown San Diego and most of the major streets have been Street Viewed. I was even more surprised that our house has been catalogued by the omni-present eye of Google. So if you know our address, try it out.

Based on that construction sign on the edge of our wall I’d say that the photo was taken quite a few months ago, maybe even before we moved in. Fortunately our privacy is intact considering the amount of wall and foliage between the house and the street.

Still it’s an interesting thing to know that a picture of our front gate is right there on Google for all to see. Now none of our friends can use the excuse of “we can’t find your house.” That goes for the out-of-towners as well.

Probably one of my most anticipated games of this holiday season (i.e. Oct. – Dec.) is Rock Band. Most everyone knows about Guitar Hero by now. It’s a rhythm game using a controller that looks like a guitar. You play the game by holding down up to 5 “fret” buttons and strumming in time with the music. The brilliant part is the use of licensed tracks so you’re playing along with real songs and feeling like a rock star without that whole 10+ years of guitar lessons.

Well Rock Band is the next step in that idea. It’s a full 4 piece band playing at once online or around the same TV. There’s the lead guitar, a second guitar or bass, vocals, and drums. Originally these types of games relied on remixed cover tracks for songs but the popularity has made originals the norm with only a few covers. I’m very excited about Rock Band, not only for online, but for vocals. I can sing, so the opportunity to do some slightly-less-dorky karaoke appeals to me. I wonder if I can get a mic stand and play guitar or drums while singing?

Anyway, after the jump I’ve got the current song list. There’s some really great stuff there. I’ve highlighted the ones I’ve already sung along with loudly on the radio or CD. There’ll be additional content available for download every week, including 18 Greatful Dead songs, and a rumor of the entire Nevermind album from Nirvana! Continue Reading »

Yeah, it’s over 7 months before release but I am very excited about the upcoming Iron Man movie. Here’s the official trailer with most of the stuff I saw during Comic-Con.