Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Read Kubrick’s Game, You Will Love It

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On August 29, 2016

In Book Review

Read Kubrick's GameKubrick’s Game by Derek Taylor Kent
My rating: [rating=5]

Have you ever finished reading a great book that you enjoyed so much you have to tell everyone about it? The problem is you don’t know where to start. It was a problem I faced after reading Ready Player One, and it’s the problem I am facing after finishing Kubrick’s Game. Coincidentally Kubrick’s Game has been compared to Ready Player One, and rightfully so. It’s another puzzle-adventure novel whose clues and characters will keep you turning the pages.

Kubrick’s Game is about a brilliant UCLA film student named Shawn who receives a very unusual package. The contents will take him on a quest to solve a puzzle left behind by the late Stanley Kubrick. The answers he seeks are buried in the legendary filmmakers movies and his life. A prize awaits the first person that completes the game; a prize that will “change the course of history”. Shawn’s task isn’t going to be easy, there are other nefarious groups also on the quest and trying to stop him.

A Book For The Movie Nerd

I am a huge movie nerd and I love a great movie so I appreciate Stanley Kubrick’s films. Granted I haven’t seen all of them, but just a couple of chapters into this book and I was ready for a marathon! Many times I thought about popping in 2001 or The Shining just to see the clues for myself. Throughout the whole book I was trying to anticipate how it will end and what the prize will be. Just when you are convinced that you know what is going on the author throws in a twist as clever as Stanley Kubrick himself, and your mind is blown. A part of me was waiting for the cliché reward at the end but instead, it’s perfect. It’s a prize worthy of the puzzle and the man who created it.

Kubrick's Game Audio Book

Narrated by Jonathan Frakes (aka Commander Riker)

I had the privilege to read Kubrick’s Game before the publish date (on September 26th) and it’s definitely comparable to Ready Player One and other great puzzle books like The Da Vinci Code. The author uses a perfect balance of fiction and non-fiction similar to writers like Ernest Cline and Dan Brown. He collaborated with the founders of The Fantastic Race to create the film-based scavenger hunt. By the end, Kubrick’s Game easily claims a spot in my top 5. If you love movies, and especially if you love Stanley Kubrick’s films, then this book is a must read!

If audio books are more your speed then the treat gets even sweeter. Jonathan Frakes, Star Trek’s Commander Riker, provides the narration with Yvette Nicole Brown providing the voice of Desiree Jackson. The audio book will also be available September 26th on Audible and iTunes.

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diablo3-readingThe more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
– Dr. Seuss

War of the Ancients Prepares You For Legion

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On August 25, 2016

In Gaming, World of Warcraft

War of the AncientsWhen Blizzard announced the release date of Legion I began reading War of the Ancients by Richard Knaak. My thought is that it would be a great warm up for the coming expansion. Unfortunately I feel behind, as I often do because life happens, however, I did complete the first book in the trilogy, The Well of Eternity. I’m obviously not going to finish the other two books before launch, which is this coming Tuesday. Granted we don’t know if Blizzard even considered War of the Ancients so any correlation could just be coincidence.

If you haven’t read any of the books, or you’re teetering on the fence about it, let me share my thoughts. Maybe it will help make the decision a little easier. It will also help if you are familiar with what is coming in Legion. The book mostly takes place in Suramar, which is a zone where we will be questing. It’s also the location of Malfurion’s home. Of course there is Illidan who teams up with Lord Ravencrest and they will travel to Black Rook Hold.

While the Burning Legion is the main antagonist, Malfurion will confront Lord Xavius at the end of the book. After reviewing a few of the dungeons, Lord Xavius is a boss in one of them. I’m a little curious how that is possible, and you will see what I mean when you reach the end.

I really enjoyed reading the first book and now I can hardly wait for Legion. I think Richard Knaak has a “knack” for articulation in story telling (see what I did there). His writing style isn’t convoluted or complicated which makes it a pretty fast read. It helps when you reach a point where you can’t put the book down. After I read the last page of Well of Eternity, I barely took a breath before I read the first page in Demon Soul. If you are going to play Legion, or you enjoy Warcraft lore then I would recommend at least reading Well of Eternity.

Now, “you are prepared”!

duke-nukem-smIf zombies attack the world, everyone will run and hide. Except for us gamers, of course. We’ve been waiting for this all our lives!

Book Review: Mistress of Masks

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On August 18, 2016

In Book Review, Fantasy

Mistress of Masks (Catalysts of Chaos #1)Mistress of Masks by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to go to Goodreads)

Honestly, I was struggling for a while to write a review since I finished Mistress of Masks. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book, I just didn’t know what to say because I’ve been reading several fantasy novels lately. In fact the fantasy novel I finished just before this book was written by the same author. So there isn’t more I can say that I haven’t already said.

Obviously I enjoy her work so far since I jumped right into another book and I will be reading Betrayer of Blood next. The read feels connected quicker with Eydis, Geveral and even Orrick than I did with the protagonists in Magic of Thieves. Keep in mind the Dimmingwood books are a much longer series than Catalysts of Chaos, and I intend to read both series in their entirety. Eydis’ powers are more intriguing than Ilan’s, although the elusiveness of Ilan’s powers also makes for a compelling reason to continue reading. In fact I can even see some parallels between Geveral and Ilan. My suggestion would be to read both books to better understand what I mean.

Mistress of Masks is a good, old fashioned fantasy novel, much like the others I have read. Greenwood is in good company when you consider the fact that the other fantasy authors I have read are Christine Golden, R. A. Salvatore, etc. If you are not receiving her newsletters, I would strongly encourage you to sign up; I’m glad I signed up for her newsletter so I will continue to receive opportunities to read ARC copies of her books and learn more about the plans she has for future novels.

View all my reviews

diablo3-readingThe more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
– Dr. Seuss

The Burning Legion is Invading; Enter the Demon Hunter

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On August 18, 2016

In Gaming, MMORPG, World of Warcraft

Burning Legion is Invading

Fel “Star Destroyers” patrol the skies.

So we are a week into the pre-expansion content patch. The Burning Legion is invading Azeroth, bombarding beloved landmarks with fel fireballs from Legion “Star Destroyers“. Doomsayers are prophesying the “end of days” and dark whispers are turning the innocent into minions of Sargeras. It is time for heroes to return and take on the Burning Legion … again; however this time they will have some more help. The Illidari have come back. The Wardens have released Illidan’s imprisoned Demon Hunters and they are swarming to each faction’s capital cities. Even amidst great sorrow, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcoming their aid in hopes of thwarting Gul’dan once again.

The Burning Legion is Invading

Demon HuntersSo far this has definitely been one of the more memorable world events leading up to an expansion. It’s kind of reminiscent of Wrath of the Lich King where terror can occur at any moment while in a capital city. I think what sets this world event apart from previous expansions are the invasions. It is really cool to see both factions flock to a location to help defeat the demons invading Azeroth. In the Broken Isles scenario it is also really cool to see both factions with players actively participating in the same scenario. In fact I’d say that is my favorite new mechanic. Can you imagine what ICC would have been like if it used the same mechanic.

If, for whatever reason, you have been avoiding the demon invasions, you are truly missing out. Grab your main, grab your alt, grab your Demon Hunter and go slaughter some demons! The level 700+ gear that drops will definitely make it worth the 15-20 minutes of chaos.

Enter the Demon Hunter

Have you tried playing the Demon Hunter yet? It kind of feels like a Rogue and a Warrior; you build your resource like a warrior and you have the mobility of a rogue. You’re only going to get two talents pre-expansion, but they are still pretty fun to play. It actually makes me excited to level one to 110 just to see what other abilities they will get. I have only tried the Havoc spec, which is their DPS build, and I have seen some pretty successful Vengeance tanking even in a Heroic raid. In my humble opinion they play like the hero class the Death Knight was meant to feel like but “fel” flat (see what I did there). Also, as an avid mount collector, their Felsaber mount looks amazing (I just wish it could fly)!

The “cool factor” of this pre-expansion content doesn’t end with the invasions and the Demon Hunter. If you are a lore junkie then there is plenty here to get your fix. The recent Dalaran/Ulduar/Karazhan quest line will definitely satiate your lore cravings. Try to immerse yourself into the lore and that is where you will begin enjoying the content. I am really excited for this expansion.

duke-nukem-smIf zombies attack the world, everyone will run and hide. Except for us gamers, of course. We’ve been waiting for this all our lives!

 

Someone Got Run Over By A Greyhound

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On August 15, 2016

In General Cogitation

“THUMP! ………………… THUMP!”

It doesn’t really sound like that, figuratively and literally. It’s more of a crushing sound, bones and morale. It will take your life and your loyalty depending on the context. The worst part is, most of the time you won’t even see it coming. One minute you will be going about your day and the next you’re fodder for the wolves! Sure there are usually warnings but depending on who, or what has your attention can affect whether you recognize the warnings. Depending on the severity you might be able to come back from it, but life will be different.

Obviously the former has more mortal consequences and relies on the hands of good doctors and surgeons. The latter will require more action from you and your ability to subvert the greater evil.  If its within your means to influence the outcome, it might behoove you to take the hit. Sometimes its better to lose the battle in order to win the war. It’s important to keep in mind that in these cases you need to help yourself because its clear nobody is going to help you. It’s time to start making plans.

Always Plan Ahead

All you need is the plan,
the road map,
and the courage
to press on to your destination.
Earl Nightingale

You have to know how you are going to handle the immediate situation and you have to make a plan for the future. There is never a good outcome, only the bad and the ugly. The ugly likely means your future plan and your immediate plan are going to be the same and there is nothing you can do about that (except try to be the bigger person). The bad means you have options to consider. Will you constantly feel judged when you are walking through the halls each day? Can you endure the day-to-day and, again, try to be the bigger person? Also keep in mind that no matter how long its been since the beginning, if there is ever another hunt, which you know there will be, are you going to be the target again?

You have to think about what the future will look like, and it may or may not be a pleasant view. Has your outlook changed? Greyhounds have a tendency to make you take a second look at yourself. Talking to your peers may help, especially the brutally honest ones. It also doesn’t hurt to keep all your options open and don’t forget to weigh the pros and the cons. Unfortunately none of this is going to be pleasant; in fact its going to add quite a bit of stress but do not be afraid to make the hard choice.

It’s All About Perception

The important thing in either situation is to keep your cool; thus trying to be the bigger person. It’s obvious you already are because it was the coward that put you here. If you remain calm but keep your guard up, chances are they will be less guarded. Remember, it’s all about perception. Don’t be influenced by their jargon, especially when they tell you that eventually it will feel like it never happened. But you will never forget. Also, don’t stoop to their level and try to run someone else over; that will not make it right.

The jaded will dwell on it but only the guilty will want you to forget.

Biggs’ Labs: MythTV, Plex and FreeNAS [Complete]

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On July 30, 2016

In Biggs' Labs, Technology

MythTV, Plex and FreeNASI am crushing it on these tech projects I have going on at home, I just haven’t been very good at keeping up with posting about them. I can mark another item off the list as my MythTV, Plex and FreeNAS project is complete.  Here is the updated project list:

In Home Network

MythTV, Plex and FreeNAS (DVR and Media server)

Home Automation (in progress)

Home Automation – Raspberry Pi integration (on pause)

All of the projects I have on deck were all relying on getting the in-home network operational. I imagine I will be able to complete the remaining projects faster now that I have a proper network set up. In fact that was the case with my Home Media Server project. I have gone on a tirade before about how much I loathe doing the cable & Internet provider dance. It finally reached a point where I became tired of paying $130+ for hundreds of channels that I rarely watch. I do enjoy some of the specialty channels such as DIY, HGTV, Velocity and Food Network but sometimes those channels were more for background noise. Besides I think they will eventually be available through other media sources (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV).

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