Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 35
January 10, 2016
Virtual Tourist - Grim Fandango 1/10/16
New game this week!
Introducing Grim Fandango - this is an old game that's been remastered with textures and a new sound track. I ran across it in Steam.
Premise: You are Manny Calavera. You're serving time collecting the dead from the land of the living as they pass and then selling them a travel package to the afterlife. The more high end packages he sells, the sooner he gets to go on the trip himself. (He's basically in the land of the dead paying his dues before he can move on.) Unfortunately, only good people can qualify for the high end packages, and Manny has been getting stuck with lemons for a while. He's got to find a way to get better assignments before he gets fired and then has no way to pay off his dues.
Think 1940's architecture and the old black and white private detective films for the flavor. :)
Of course I was so caught up in everything I didn't think to take pics for a while. DOH!
Long view of Manny's rival's office. Manny is the one in the blue suit. Don is the one having fun with the punching bag. :P
View from the other side of Don's office. Notice all that awesome 1940's classic artstyle and architecture.
Manny Calavera. His office is behind him. The yellow icon at the bottom right is the inventory button. The big arrow is one of the directions you can choose to go.
Manny's computer terminal. Mix of 40's and 80's. :P
Inside Manny's inventory. This particular item is his scythe.
Garage in Manny's building. That's the portal to the living world.
Having fun with the game so far. :)
Back muscle is freaking out this weekend (AGAIN! WHY????) so won't get to play anymore or probably do anything for the rest of the weekend. Also means no more post prep, so the blog may be a little empty this week. (Out of meds - this is going to make the day job so much fun this week. *cry*)
Introducing Grim Fandango - this is an old game that's been remastered with textures and a new sound track. I ran across it in Steam.
Premise: You are Manny Calavera. You're serving time collecting the dead from the land of the living as they pass and then selling them a travel package to the afterlife. The more high end packages he sells, the sooner he gets to go on the trip himself. (He's basically in the land of the dead paying his dues before he can move on.) Unfortunately, only good people can qualify for the high end packages, and Manny has been getting stuck with lemons for a while. He's got to find a way to get better assignments before he gets fired and then has no way to pay off his dues.
Think 1940's architecture and the old black and white private detective films for the flavor. :)
Of course I was so caught up in everything I didn't think to take pics for a while. DOH!
Long view of Manny's rival's office. Manny is the one in the blue suit. Don is the one having fun with the punching bag. :P
View from the other side of Don's office. Notice all that awesome 1940's classic artstyle and architecture.
Manny Calavera. His office is behind him. The yellow icon at the bottom right is the inventory button. The big arrow is one of the directions you can choose to go.
Manny's computer terminal. Mix of 40's and 80's. :P
Inside Manny's inventory. This particular item is his scythe.
Garage in Manny's building. That's the portal to the living world.
Having fun with the game so far. :)
Back muscle is freaking out this weekend (AGAIN! WHY????) so won't get to play anymore or probably do anything for the rest of the weekend. Also means no more post prep, so the blog may be a little empty this week. (Out of meds - this is going to make the day job so much fun this week. *cry*)
January 6, 2016
Picture Kaleidoscope 1/6/16
Morning everyone!
Let's do this!
20 of the Top Wedding Photographs of 2015 by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel (Above photo by Danny Dong) (Don't know if the pic will show. Something is not working today)
This Wedding Photo Shoot Was Held in the Rubble of War-Torn Syria by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel. Photography by Jafar Meray.
Had some glitches this morning, so this one will be shorter than usual. Weirdness abounds! :P
Let's do this!
20 of the Top Wedding Photographs of 2015 by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel (Above photo by Danny Dong) (Don't know if the pic will show. Something is not working today)
This Wedding Photo Shoot Was Held in the Rubble of War-Torn Syria by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel. Photography by Jafar Meray.
Had some glitches this morning, so this one will be shorter than usual. Weirdness abounds! :P
January 4, 2016
Mind Sieve 1/4/16
Bad luck in the new year - already?!?!?! Sigh. This might be a short post due to some technical issues. Wheee!
Fan Fun
Zootopia Official Trailer #2 - so cute!
The Secret Life of Pets Official Trailer #2 - ROFL!
Gods of Egypt - Official 2K Ultra HD Trailer #1 - talk about collateral damage!
The Huntsman: Winter's War Official Trailer #1 - evil times 2!
Have a great Monday!
Fan Fun
Zootopia Official Trailer #2 - so cute!
The Secret Life of Pets Official Trailer #2 - ROFL!
Gods of Egypt - Official 2K Ultra HD Trailer #1 - talk about collateral damage!
The Huntsman: Winter's War Official Trailer #1 - evil times 2!
Have a great Monday!
January 3, 2016
Virtual Tourist - Final Fantasy XIV 1/3/16
Hope everyone is having a great morning!
Final Fantasy XIV
Golden Saucer
Missed one last pic for the Golden Saucer last week. Really a neat place. :)
Dungeon - Sastasha (In La Noscea)
Doesn't look friendly does he? :P
Dungeons in FF XIV are not what I am used to. You have to have parties of 4. They do have a neat cue system though, so you're not forced to be on at the same time as other friends to do a dungeon. You get bonuses if anyone in the party has never been there, completion speed, etc. Which means I have to take pics during the intro movie because once we're in people speed on! :)
Loved all the glowing flora here.
Pirate dude.
Unhappy creature. Him and his peeps have taken this place for a spawning ground?
I believe they are trying to summon one of the old gods.
Dungeon - Tam-Tara Deepcroft (In the Black Shroud)
Our second dungeon! A very dark place, so pics are so-so.
See what I mean? :P You have to look closely to see stuff on this one.
This has better detail.
The objective!
Hope your entry into 2016 has been joyous so far! :)
Final Fantasy XIV
Golden Saucer
Missed one last pic for the Golden Saucer last week. Really a neat place. :)
Dungeon - Sastasha (In La Noscea)
Doesn't look friendly does he? :P
Dungeons in FF XIV are not what I am used to. You have to have parties of 4. They do have a neat cue system though, so you're not forced to be on at the same time as other friends to do a dungeon. You get bonuses if anyone in the party has never been there, completion speed, etc. Which means I have to take pics during the intro movie because once we're in people speed on! :)
Loved all the glowing flora here.
Pirate dude.
Unhappy creature. Him and his peeps have taken this place for a spawning ground?
I believe they are trying to summon one of the old gods.
Dungeon - Tam-Tara Deepcroft (In the Black Shroud)
Our second dungeon! A very dark place, so pics are so-so.
See what I mean? :P You have to look closely to see stuff on this one.
This has better detail.
The objective!
Hope your entry into 2016 has been joyous so far! :)
January 1, 2016
Movie Review - The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur
Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla, Ryan Teeple, Jack McGraw, Marcus Scribner, Peter Sohn, Steve Zahn, Sam Elliot, A.J. Buckley, Anna Paquin, and more.
Directed by: Peter Sohn Original Concept by: Bob Peterson Story by: Peter Sohn, Erik Benson, Meg LeFauve, Kelsey Mann, Bob Peterson Screenplay by: Meg LeFauve Music by: Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna
Premise: On an alternate timeline, where the giant asteroid missed Earth 65 Million years ago, dinosaurs continue to exist to develop language, civilization, and other skills. Three young dinosaurs hatch on a farm to live and grow with their Momma and Poppa, where they grow corn and raise chickens. While Libby and Buck prove quite apt for the life there, Arlo has problems. Trying to help him, Poppa gives Arlo the job of catching and killing the critter who's been stealing from their corn stores, otherwise they might not have enough food saved for the winter. But things don't go as his Poppa had hoped. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Raymond Ochoa and Jack Bright are adorable as Arlo and Spot. Sam Elliot was perfect for Butch. His character was a neat surprise along with Nash and Ramsey. Jeffrey Wright and Frances McDormand were great as Arlo's Poppa and Momma. Peter Sohn as Forrest Woodbush, the crazy old hermit triceratops, was a total hoot. :)
2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: I didn't think it possible, but Disney and Pixar have pushed animation up another notch. From the first scene of the film to the last you'll be trying to remind yourself the backgrounds are animated because they look so completely REAL! The seamless integration of the characters into their environment shows they must be animated; but you'll still find yourself not believing it. Honestly, the realistic quality of the environment was a total jaw dropper! The reflections, the detail, I was flabbergasted!
The dinosaurs and other critters are easily identified as animated, and looked great. Lots of lovely expressions and other visual cues. Good textures for the reptilian skins and more. Everything around them though is so amazing, it makes you wonder if Pixar was afraid of doing the same with the characters, so that the drama might become a little too real for young viewers.
The realism of the scenery make for some amazing cinematography! The two scenes with fireflies are utterly wonderful. :)
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Think of the movie as dinosaurs meet Little House on the Prairie meet Bonanza and you'll have the general feel of the film. It's definitely a coming of age story and seems aimed more at the tween age group than the younger kids, though there's enough going on to keep them interested as well, even if they don't get everything being presented.
It was a lot of fun to see the dinosaurs as the civilized species. The human boy, Spot, has reasons for being wild but even then his ingenuity and intelligence shine through, showing humans are still in the game despite the meteor missing the planet. :P The swap between roles, though, was a lot of fun. And that isn't the only surprise they've prepared for us either. (Arlo and the chickens are a hoot!)
So though the story itself will be familiar, the trappings and stage settings make it fresh. It was also very well done besides. Major themes are about family, belonging, finding your true self, and being open to experiences. There are several poignant moments, so if you're like me, make sure to take a handkerchief or two.
Conclusion: The Good Dinosaur is visually fantastic! The animation of the surroundings is so detailed you'll swear they're real. Well worth it just for that alone! The short for the film is called Sanjay's Super Team and it is super adorable!
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Saw two other films this week, but won't have time to do full reviews - so here goes: Mojin - The Lost Legend: (Combo of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider) cool effects. Story a little disjointed, but still fun if not looked at too closely. 3.5 out of 5. The Hateful 8: acting is awesome, cinematography as well, but plot had several issues. :( 3.0 out of 5.
Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla, Ryan Teeple, Jack McGraw, Marcus Scribner, Peter Sohn, Steve Zahn, Sam Elliot, A.J. Buckley, Anna Paquin, and more.
Directed by: Peter Sohn Original Concept by: Bob Peterson Story by: Peter Sohn, Erik Benson, Meg LeFauve, Kelsey Mann, Bob Peterson Screenplay by: Meg LeFauve Music by: Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna
Premise: On an alternate timeline, where the giant asteroid missed Earth 65 Million years ago, dinosaurs continue to exist to develop language, civilization, and other skills. Three young dinosaurs hatch on a farm to live and grow with their Momma and Poppa, where they grow corn and raise chickens. While Libby and Buck prove quite apt for the life there, Arlo has problems. Trying to help him, Poppa gives Arlo the job of catching and killing the critter who's been stealing from their corn stores, otherwise they might not have enough food saved for the winter. But things don't go as his Poppa had hoped. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Raymond Ochoa and Jack Bright are adorable as Arlo and Spot. Sam Elliot was perfect for Butch. His character was a neat surprise along with Nash and Ramsey. Jeffrey Wright and Frances McDormand were great as Arlo's Poppa and Momma. Peter Sohn as Forrest Woodbush, the crazy old hermit triceratops, was a total hoot. :)
2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: I didn't think it possible, but Disney and Pixar have pushed animation up another notch. From the first scene of the film to the last you'll be trying to remind yourself the backgrounds are animated because they look so completely REAL! The seamless integration of the characters into their environment shows they must be animated; but you'll still find yourself not believing it. Honestly, the realistic quality of the environment was a total jaw dropper! The reflections, the detail, I was flabbergasted!
The dinosaurs and other critters are easily identified as animated, and looked great. Lots of lovely expressions and other visual cues. Good textures for the reptilian skins and more. Everything around them though is so amazing, it makes you wonder if Pixar was afraid of doing the same with the characters, so that the drama might become a little too real for young viewers.
The realism of the scenery make for some amazing cinematography! The two scenes with fireflies are utterly wonderful. :)
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Think of the movie as dinosaurs meet Little House on the Prairie meet Bonanza and you'll have the general feel of the film. It's definitely a coming of age story and seems aimed more at the tween age group than the younger kids, though there's enough going on to keep them interested as well, even if they don't get everything being presented.
It was a lot of fun to see the dinosaurs as the civilized species. The human boy, Spot, has reasons for being wild but even then his ingenuity and intelligence shine through, showing humans are still in the game despite the meteor missing the planet. :P The swap between roles, though, was a lot of fun. And that isn't the only surprise they've prepared for us either. (Arlo and the chickens are a hoot!)
So though the story itself will be familiar, the trappings and stage settings make it fresh. It was also very well done besides. Major themes are about family, belonging, finding your true self, and being open to experiences. There are several poignant moments, so if you're like me, make sure to take a handkerchief or two.
Conclusion: The Good Dinosaur is visually fantastic! The animation of the surroundings is so detailed you'll swear they're real. Well worth it just for that alone! The short for the film is called Sanjay's Super Team and it is super adorable!
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Saw two other films this week, but won't have time to do full reviews - so here goes: Mojin - The Lost Legend: (Combo of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider) cool effects. Story a little disjointed, but still fun if not looked at too closely. 3.5 out of 5. The Hateful 8: acting is awesome, cinematography as well, but plot had several issues. :( 3.0 out of 5.
December 30, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 12/30/15
Morning all!
Lotus Garden by Drew Hopper at Earthshots.org - such an unusual composition/situation just draws the eye, don't you think? He's got a lot of gorgeous pieces at his site!
Zion Oasis by Andre Schwabe at Eartshots.org - love the color contrasts!
There's more of Andre's fabulous work at his site. More lovely color contrasts!
Bee Benefits by Linn Smith at Earthshots.org - no website for her though. :( Lovely closeup!
Orangutan in the Rain by Andrew Suryono - won honorable mention at the National Geographic 2015 Photo Contest - article and more photos at Peta Pixel's article Here Are the Winning Photos of the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest by Michael Zhang.
Running late, but I still got 'er done. :) Have an awesome day!
Lotus Garden by Drew Hopper at Earthshots.org - such an unusual composition/situation just draws the eye, don't you think? He's got a lot of gorgeous pieces at his site!
Zion Oasis by Andre Schwabe at Eartshots.org - love the color contrasts!
There's more of Andre's fabulous work at his site. More lovely color contrasts!
Bee Benefits by Linn Smith at Earthshots.org - no website for her though. :( Lovely closeup!
Orangutan in the Rain by Andrew Suryono - won honorable mention at the National Geographic 2015 Photo Contest - article and more photos at Peta Pixel's article Here Are the Winning Photos of the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest by Michael Zhang.
Running late, but I still got 'er done. :) Have an awesome day!
December 28, 2015
Mind Sieve 12/28/15
Monday is here! Boo!
Fan Fun
Snow Cat - too cute!
Deadpool Red Band Trailer #2 (Not for the kiddos!)
Storks Official Teaser Trailer - this looks like it will be too cute! heh heh
Independence Day: Resurgence Trailer - dang!!!
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Takes on Yelp With New Service: This Week in Social Media by Grace Duffy at the Social Media Examiner. Lots and lots of changes going on. Ugh!
3 Essential Tips to Running Your Own Blog Tour [Updated] by Beth Barany at Writer's Fun Zone.
Writing AdviceDoes Our Story Have Everything It Needs? by Jami Gold. Great points on her list! :)
FiYoShiMo Day 23 – Worldbuilding and Characters by John Adamus at The Writer Next Door.
Have a great week! 2015 is about over. Eek!
Fan Fun
Snow Cat - too cute!
Deadpool Red Band Trailer #2 (Not for the kiddos!)
Storks Official Teaser Trailer - this looks like it will be too cute! heh heh
Independence Day: Resurgence Trailer - dang!!!
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Takes on Yelp With New Service: This Week in Social Media by Grace Duffy at the Social Media Examiner. Lots and lots of changes going on. Ugh!
3 Essential Tips to Running Your Own Blog Tour [Updated] by Beth Barany at Writer's Fun Zone.
Writing AdviceDoes Our Story Have Everything It Needs? by Jami Gold. Great points on her list! :)
FiYoShiMo Day 23 – Worldbuilding and Characters by John Adamus at The Writer Next Door.
Have a great week! 2015 is about over. Eek!
December 27, 2015
Virtual Tourist 12/27/15 - Final Fantasy XIV
The morning before having to go back to work. Noooo!
Final Fantasy XIV
Ul'dah
Exterior shot of the city of Ul'dah
Entry back into the city.
Nearby environs to Ul'dah. Mining and blacksmithing can be learned in this city.
Small outpost just outside the city
Inside the city
They had some neat decorations for Halloween
Creepy, no?
Taking the airship
Golden Saucer
Heading to the Golden Saucer
The Golden Saucer is a place full of mini games where players can go to do something different.
You can get tickets from winning, which you then use to buy things.
Super colorful.
Strength game
Just like being in Vegas. lol.
Have a restful day!
Final Fantasy XIV
Ul'dah
Exterior shot of the city of Ul'dah
Entry back into the city.
Nearby environs to Ul'dah. Mining and blacksmithing can be learned in this city.
Small outpost just outside the city
Inside the city
They had some neat decorations for Halloween
Creepy, no?
Taking the airship
Golden Saucer
Heading to the Golden Saucer
The Golden Saucer is a place full of mini games where players can go to do something different.
You can get tickets from winning, which you then use to buy things.
Super colorful.
Strength game
Just like being in Vegas. lol.
Have a restful day!
December 23, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 12/23/15
Morning!
Running late as my back muscle continues to be a naughty spoiled brat. *sigh*
Cloud tidal wave! Look at the horizon.
(It's rather sad that now that we're in a tall office building giving me a better vantage point for taking some cool pics, the lights and the windows themselves botch the opportunity) :(
The sky has been looking very dirty of late. (The reflection of the window make the pic look put together like a puzzle. No?)
Sunrise!
Different angle, same sunrise.
A gorgeous sunset. Too bad the colors get washed out due to the camera.
This one is slightly better. Gives it a little of a spooky feel.
This is a lot of clouds for Texas. :)
Have a great day!
Running late as my back muscle continues to be a naughty spoiled brat. *sigh*
Cloud tidal wave! Look at the horizon.
(It's rather sad that now that we're in a tall office building giving me a better vantage point for taking some cool pics, the lights and the windows themselves botch the opportunity) :(
The sky has been looking very dirty of late. (The reflection of the window make the pic look put together like a puzzle. No?)
Sunrise!
Different angle, same sunrise.
A gorgeous sunset. Too bad the colors get washed out due to the camera.
This one is slightly better. Gives it a little of a spooky feel.
This is a lot of clouds for Texas. :)
Have a great day!
December 20, 2015
Virtual Tourist 12/20/15 - Final Fantasy XIV
The back muscle is on the warpath so this will be quick!
Final Fantasy XIV
City of Ul'dah
Sweet looking machine!
Very imperious no?
Love the Egyptian feel to this room.
That is one BIG turtle!
Dancing cacti. Kinda scary. :P
Ul'dah at sunrise!
Stay safe!
Final Fantasy XIV
City of Ul'dah
Sweet looking machine!
Very imperious no?
Love the Egyptian feel to this room.
That is one BIG turtle!
Dancing cacti. Kinda scary. :P
Ul'dah at sunrise!
Stay safe!
