Today the Diablo 3 beta was released to the public. Basically - for all those non-nerdy people out there - a beta is basically the development stage of any video game or software. Blizzard's expected release date is May 15th, which is only a few weeks away, and what they've decided to do is let anyone play the game (albeit only about an hour or two of gameplay) for this weekend. Very interesting marketing strategy, and very effective in my opinion. They are allowing anyone to play the beta, for free, for the next three days, thereafter shutting down the beta right up until the game is officially and commercially released. From a consumer's perspective, quite a sweet deal, because if you were uncertain of whether you wanted to buy or pre-order the game or not - well - here's your chance to decide. Being a general real time strategy fanboy, I obviously welcomed this announcement with open arms, and enjoyed the few hours I did get in last night, playing with my room mate making it even more fun. Even in the beta, they've enabled co-op, so you can play with up to four players in total. Here's a neat cinematic released awhile back which I guess could tantalize those metaphorical tastebuds for any gamers out there:
In other news, the first episode of The Ricky Gervais Show, Season Three started today.
Ah, how I've missed Karl Pilkington's insights. If you're not completely aware of who Ricky is, he's definitely my favourite British comedian, the guy who brought you greats such as The Office and An Idiot Abroad. Before Ricky (and his two best mates, Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington) were relatively famous, they used to do work as a team on a UK based radio station, which eventually ended up moving to the format of podcasts. Much later, they decided to turn these podcasts into an animated series. This animated series was named The Ricky Gervais Show (humble, isn't he?). It's absolutely brilliant. They all are so hilarious, plus Ricky just have one those amazingly contagious laughs. I would recommend anyone and everyone try get a hold of the first two seasons of the show, if you haven't seen them yet.
Also, on a side not, if you enjoy Ricky Gervais, and appreciate his work in general, he blogs! Yes, can you imagine that, I'm not the only bloke typing his thoughts out into an internet browser. And his blogs are actually informative and interesting, haha. Check it out here : http://www.rickygervais.com/thissideofthetruth.php .
On a slightly more personal note, it seems as if my visa extension is taking longer than originally planned. What a bummer. I mean it will inevitably go through, I'm 99.9% sure about that. But like - American Homeland Security isn't exactly fond of foreigners working in their country, evidently. Especially South Africans. Originally when I arrived in Florida last year November, we were supposed to arrive late September/early October. Homeland security just delayed the petition's approval for ages. The same thing has happened here, so instead of late April in New York, my employers say it'll probably be just after Mother's Day (mid to late May). Which isn't that bad, but not that good either. I'm pretty excited to just go to New York, one of my "must see" places in the world. Just now it's going be a little bit more time till I get there.
So I've spoken a bit about gaming. My other (and very much more important) passion would be in the form of my girlfriend. Now I know what you're thinking. Oh god, he's not going to get all sappy and romantic is he? And no, I won't say thing's like she's the most important thing in my life and that nothing else matters (even though that may be the case if truth be told) but what I will say is that I'd like to talk a bit about love - and relationships in general.
Yesterday I went over to a friend of mine's apartment because she needed me to fix something with her pc. Yeah, around these parts I have apparently inherited the title of the guy who can fix anything of yours when it breaks - as long as it is in any way technology inclined. More often than not, it seems like I always end up fixing someones laptop. Now anyway, my point is that while I was waiting for an application to install on her computer we got to randomly talking. Talking about guys, girls, sex - the usual, haha. She is a relatively pretty girl, so I asked her (out of mere curiosity) how things with the guys were and if had anyone special. She replied that she didn't and when I queried further, she basically stated that - apart from a few unofficial "things" in high school - she had not really had a proper relationship before. I was so amazed. I asked her why she thought the reason was. She said guy's didnt seem to want to be in one with her. I found this hard to believe, because she really is a nice girl, and it's not as if she's bad looking or anything either. Later it actually made me kinda sad when I thought about it. I mean, she wasn't particularly sad, she's usually a really happy person, but she had never been in love, or been loved. I wish that every good person in the world could experience how I feel every single day of my life. I guess it makes me appreciate what I have that much more. Even though the long distance (temporarily, hopefully) is difficult, the companionship, the love I feel for my girl makes me so overwhelmingly happy and at ease, that I couldn't imagine a life without it. I guess - as they say - "everything is relative". If the girl (the one whos laptop needed fixing) hadn't experienced love, then she didn't actually know what she was missing, and was blissful. Ignorant. But blissful. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, I'd like to urge those of you out there (if there is anyone actually reading this, other than the love of my life) that don't know what it's like to love and be loved, just take a leap of faith. Be forward with those who interest you. Be suggestive. Be honest. Make a move. What could it hurt.
My ultimate wish is that everyone out there, in this big, wide world, can - at some point in time - be exposed to happiness. Even just for awhile. And appreciate what they have. We never know when those we love won't be there when we wake up the next morning.
Ah, now I miss my family. I hope you're all safe back home. I've been thinking of you guys a lot recently. Much love from across the sea.
I guess this has turned a bit personal. Well, then again, isn't that what blogging is supposed to be? haha.
I've decided that, at the end of each blog entry, I'm going to post a song and a picture/photo/image that made me think, or affected me in some form or manner. I guess I'll be hoping that they might affect you too.
This song is relatively well known, however I find it haunting each time I listen to it. Plus it has a hint of epicness too it. Can you imagine it being the soundtrack to your life? I sure can, haha.
I was talking to a friend earlier today about his decision to move up north (coincidentally also New York) and how he was unsure about his decision. I told him that if he hadn't of taken the job he had been offered, he may have regretted it at a later stage in life, and that you cannot live life being afraid of change. Because even though change may take you out of your comfort zone, it may place you in a zone that you may be even MORE comfortable in. How poetic am I right? haha. Basically, I think this photo summarizes what I was trying to get across to him. Don't be afraid to do new thing's because nothing truly lasts forever. The picture however was ironically literal, but I think you get the point.
Have a good weekend folks
