Re: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim announced (2 years ago)

A release date of 11/11/11? Will there be some store offering a gimmicky 11% off if you buy it at 11:11am?

Re: 28 Months Later finally happening (2 years ago)

Hmmm...for Danny Boyle to get involved he must be coming up with something original. I mean, look at his resume, he's not exactly one for repeating himself. And isn't he supposed to some kind of creative director of the next olympics? (one opening ceremony I might actually watch).

And Russia? Yeah cool, but (and my memory is not reliable so I might be thinking of something else...) but didn't 28 weeks later end with a vague scene of zombies running towards a rather famous landmark...not in Russia? I guess it might not mean anything more than suggesting the virus had gone global...

Re: Let The Right One In - on Tonight (2 years ago)

Agree with you on the title - as a foreign film remake I expected that they would dumb down the movie, but to go to the extent of dumbing down the title? It's lost so much of it's complexity...(IMO)

I hope those that have never seen it before and taped it last night hold off and watch it in the dark it's a moody film and deserves a special screening.

Re: The Gym/Losing Weight thread (2 years ago)

I'm no expert, but if you're going to try and up your calcium some way, yoghurt is probably your best option. If you're not into milk...and it's probably better than cheese because you'll not only get the calcium but the bacteria as well, plus it's a lot lower in fat. Having said that, I usually stick to the full fat versions (which are usually only 4% anyway) but if you read some of the labels the low fat versions can have the same kjs as the full fat, which means they probably just up the sugar to replace the fat. I wouldn't worry about the fruit in yoghurt impacting on your daily fruit intake considering just how little is in most yoghurts...but then you've just gotta pick the right one. Those that are sold in cafes and some supermarkets that have layers of fruit through them put me off - it looks just like a syrup you would put on ice cream, I could only imagine how unhealthy they really are.

Re: Anxiety/Depression Awareness Month + Nat. Mental Health Week (2 years ago)

Kyle, that is one tough story! I don't know what else to add as you're seeing a psychologist and so you've probably heard it all before. I guess the thing that really sticks out is that feeling of not being grown up. I get that completely - I see people around me getting married and having kids and wonder 'how did you get there??' but I think that fear is really trapping, especially for a child, (and your past certainly sounds very scary) and so it's no surprise that people can be held back at that stage.

Im not going to pick apart your story by any means, but the other thing I would say is don't worry about how the rest of your family has coped with what happened early on. You went through what you went through. The reaction to it and the pain you may feel is yours to feel as you need. (ugh...I don't think this is coming out right...) basically, there is nothing wrong with you because other people seem to have dealt with it. If it is a bigger deal for you, then that's just how it is. It doesn't matter what kind of affect it has had on others, it's about the affect on you (there...I think that's it)

Re: Anxiety/Depression Awareness Month + Nat. Mental Health Week (2 years ago)

Wow, this is such a powerful thread. I can't help but admire those that have shared such personal stories.

I usually flick between two forums - this one when I'm feeling 'normal', and another (which I won't name, as it is too revealing) when I'm feeling messed up. I'm also in the middle of a series of counselling sessions, and last night's was just so horrible that I needed to sort of escape, which is why I came here. Even though this thread wasn't what I had in mind, I do feel a little better for it. I did have a few thoughts to share (if you don't mind)...

To those that feel held back by their anxiety or depression, I just wanted to say that success in life is relative. It's important to recognise who you are and that doing some of the little things in life can actually be huge achievements. Be proud of what you can achieve (in my opinion, reaching out and sharing your story is huge - something that has taken me years and years).

I would just give a word of caution about counselling sponsored by Medicare. Others may argue otherwise, but I found the approach very cookie cutter like, and didn't really address the problems *I* had, but was rather a generic 'this is how you live' and was really a painful waste of time. If you know you have something specific to deal with, seek out specialists. I know funding is often a problem, but there are free organisations out there (if you're willing to sit on a waiting list for a while).

Lastly, (this one I add tentatively) there is a book that some might find useful called They F*** You Up (I hope that's not too offensive, but that is the title). It's a bit controversial, so take from it what you will, but it talks about how the kind of treatment you received up to about five years of age can affect your personality and behaviour throughout your life. I didn't get any real solution from it, but it was comforting to think that I am who I am more of because of what I've lived through rather than just someone who is fundamentally broken, if that makes sense.

Take care of yourselves! I like Island_Wolf's list of things that relieve depression. I would add massages and having a pet

Re: The Social Network (2 years ago)

I downloaded the score sampler...I had to...it is nine inch nails afterall...and what I heard was a good sign. But I also watched the little preview thing and I just wanted to slap the guy who plays Zuckerburg. I'm guessing that was what the writer and/or director wanted? I certainly hope we're not supposed to celebrate his arrogance

I don't know...I'm in two minds about this one. It *looks* like a good movie, the pacing of that one scene was perfect, making it quite intriguing in just that short clip, and it's got a lot of credible people attached...but it's still about Facebook...even if just a little.

I'll still see it of course.

Re: Interesting/amazing news (2 years ago)

Great photos, although I do feel sorry for any bike riding kid who ends up living in some of those circular streets.

Re: What made you smile today? (2 years ago)

Lunch with workmates at a notorious dumpling place in Chinatown. The food is always tasty but there's always the thought that touching any surface would be risking your life.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 years ago)

My iPhone alarm went off an hour early this morning. I can't figure out the logic of it...yeah daylight savings came in yesterday, but if anything it should have gone off an hour later...it's set for 5:59, the clock on the phone is correct edst and the alarm time is right. I turned the alarm off and started getting ready for work on autopilot and it wasn't until I looked around at some other clocks (that I haven't bothered changing of course) and saw they were all pointing to 4:00. WTF? It won't wanna pull that kinda BS again tomorrow...

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 years ago)

I hear ya. And the detour signs make no sense to me. They've been up over a week and the ones I've seen have said something like 'to go to Geelong take this road...to go to Melbourne take this road' but the roads they've suggested are about a kilometre or more away from the sign, so I don't know how that works!

Re: Movies (Rules on First Page) (2 years ago)

Lol... That's very true! But as long as they keep coming up with new and inventive ways to bump people off they'll find an audience.

I saw Wall Street 2 yesterday. The first three quarters were excellent. I can't really comment on the last quarter as I was drifting in and out of sleep (not the movie's fault). I really hope Frank Langella is nominated for something for his performance. I always see him in movies as a real one dimensional angry man, but this time around...well...he was something else.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 years ago)

I used to think that, but I just got sick of arguing with the staff at Readings. I agree that Readings has the better screens, but they have the worst customer service. At least at Village the staff give an impression that they know what their doing and make some effort to be helpful. Plus, Village is about a whole 5 minutes closer to me

Edit: oh and I forgot the most important reason for me choosing Village over Reading tonight - I wanted to see a 3d movie with a voucher. Village allows upgrades, Readings don't. And that point so belongs in this thread because that also ticks me off.

Re: What are you watching? (TV Discussion) (2 years ago)

I'm glad to see some positive reviews on Boardwalk Empire! I have such expectations for that show...but I like to watch entire seasons all in one go, so I'll wait to see...

I'm watching Kill Point at the moment...three episodes in. I know there was some talk about it on here a little while ago...I'm not loving it so far...there have been a couple of amusing moments though. When the robbers first rush into the bank I just kept thinking of the conversation later between a hostage and a cop

Cop 'what did the lead robber sound like?'
Hostage 'what did he sound like? He sounded like the weird slobbery creature in that ice cartoon my kids are always watching!'

Yeah...something about John Leguizamo with a mask...if I can't see his face he just automatically turns into the sloth from Ice Age (I want to say 'Manny'?) and I couldn't take him seriously

The next thing I noticed was just how many The Wire people are in it!

But yeah...not sure why it's not grabbing me. I don't think the writing is all that polished perhaps. The characters are a bit all over the place...for hostage dramas, I think I still prefer Flashpoint.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 years ago)

Bahhh...left the house about half an hour ago to see if I could catch a movie. The cinema is in the centre of the city I live in, the same city which is also holding a major cycling event next week. I hate cyclists at the best of times with all the 'we're road users too' moaning and yet blatant road rule breaking I see everyday...so I was pretty unimpressed when all the roads surrounding the cinema were closed for said event, meaning almost no parking. So I had to do a massive loop back around to where I started and when I finally spotted a park a ute in front of me had spotted the same. It was a parallel park on the side of the road and he was at least a car length, if not two, ahead of the park, so I didn't think he was actually lining up for it. By the time I do realise he's backing towards me at full speed...clearly cannot see me through his cement mixer and various other tradie paraphernalia stacked in his tray...and yeah, doesn't stop till he hits me. *sigh*

The damage to my car isn't that bad...just a bit of a hole where he's towbar hit...but still, pretty peeved...after that I had a feeling that going to the movies just wasn't meant to be, so went home...

Re: Does anyone here have Neighbourhood Cable (2 years ago)

I had neighborhood cable back in the day when I lived in a non adsl area (despite being only 4km out of a BIG regional city...) and never had a problem with speed. I feel kinda sorry for them now after setting up all this infrastructure and then having their prices well undercut by traditional providers who finally caught up. My experience with them was quite good...right before my contract ended I went on a downloading binge and went well over my limit. They called me the day before I was about to be charged $400 in excess dl and asked if I would prefer to just upgrade and pay the $30 fee.

Re: Dating/Relationships Thread (2 years ago)

To me it sounds like you're both a little bit right.

If you think it *is* a date just because she went out with someone she doesn't really know, then how do you get to know someone? It's kinda like saying don't get in the pool unless you know how to swim - you can't go out for lunch with someone (and take the opportunity to get to know someone even on just a friends level) unless you already know them. The logic just doesn't make sense to me.

On the other hand, I think maybe he thought it might have been a date (or at least leading in that direction) especially if he initiated, which you sorta make it sound like he did. He does know you exist, right? (although sometimes that doesn't make a difference...)

Re: What are you watching? (TV Discussion) (2 years ago)

Yeah, I'm thinking I might get the book (after a suitable break).

Fruity Rudy? I didn't pick up that he was a non actor while watching it, but yeah I watched all the extras. Poor guy is just lucky he's so zen to take all the insults thrown at him!

Re: What are you watching? (TV Discussion) (2 years ago)

Oh, totally agree on Firefly. That show was all kinds of awesomeness, and it's a damn shame it was canned because it had so much potential! There have been rumours (mostly wishful thinking) of the series starting again, but it'd never be the same.....

I just finished a 'one season only' show - Generation Kill. I guess it's more of a mini series than a show, but I was definitely disappointed that there are only seven episodes. Such a quality piece of work. It felt so authentic to be filled with a mix of characters from different minority groups and even guys trying to avoid prison (as opposed to most war shows or movies that have a cast that all fill that typical all American hero); the pacing was spot on, because it's not wall to wall action, but LOTS of just sitting around waiting and talking; and the writing....wow....so much trash talk! I've watched a lot of HBO shows, so I'm used to a lot of extreme language, but this was a whole new level, very creative! Still, it didn't feel forced...and the characters still came off rounded. Oh, and I have to say, it takes a bit of courage to have one of your main characters (the reporter) barely speak through the whole series, and yet still play a pivotal role.

And there's a bit of a gaming tie in. I'm not sure if anyone else who has seen this noticed this, but as I was watching episode 2(?) I was thinking 'wait, I've played this show before?!' yep, to me it feels exactly like the first couple of missions from MW2.

Re: Fallout: New Vegas (2 years ago)

I went looking for the same thing - but I can't find the collectors edition listed on any Australian site. I asked someone I know who works at JB, and they've been told to stop taking orders. I'm guessing it'll be pretty much the same everywhere. I'm kicking myself for not organising this sooner.

If you're patient, there are a few UK sites around that still have it listed. They're all quoting about GBP70. (Lucky for me, I'll be away on holidays that week, so won't be hating the delay too much...)

Good luck!

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (2 years ago)

The ad says it's only good for standard editions - does anyone know if they'd be willing to let you upgrade to special? (ie, pay cash for the difference) I want all the shiny bits in the Fallout special edition, just can't justify dropping that much cash for it!

Also, for anyone looking for Civ V...I went through all the better known websites and found 365games had it for £23 delivered! Way lower anyone else.

Re: What game are you playing? (2 years ago)

I finally gave up on RDR. Had to admit it just wasn't going to hold my attention. And then didn't play anything for a week...finally started up the latest Prince of Persia. It's okayyyy...I personally liked the last version, the one everyone hated (according to the Game store I traded it at). The visuals were amazing, I thought the banter was actually quite funny, and the orb collecting added to the wall running, pole jumping puzzles. I didn't much care for the 'kill the boss multiple tomes' set up though.

This one feels a bit under done. I don't think the acrobatics are all that smooth, the camera is frustrating when it swings into what it wants you to focus on ('the puzzle starts HERE' too bad if you want to just sniff around for a bit), and the combat is bland. It's not all bad though. The ability to freeze water is an interesting addition, and makes for some smart timing. With not much else on the gaming horizon for now, I'll see how long it takes before I get bored of this also...I'm pretty sure I've played almost all PoP's but I only remember finishing one...

Re: Great iPod Touch/iPhone Apps (2 years ago)

I still love Doodle Jump and it's about the only one I keep going back to. Sometimes Words With Friends.

In unrelated news...I've been thinking about games I used to play as a kid that would work on the iPhone and I was trying to remember a kind of logic game that I played on PC about oooh 17 or 18 years ago. Couldn't think of the name of it to save my life! So googling around I actually found out what it is and...it's actually been released as an app! It's called Sherlock the Game of Logic if you're interested (or old enough to remember!) and its free...anyway...I just love the fact that the didn't even try and polish it up at all! The layout, the graphics are just as crummy as they were way back then

Now if they'd only release Murder from Amiga days.......

Re: Portal 2 co-op trailer (2 years ago)

Oh man that looks awesome! I like the Wall-e type 'talking'.

It makes me think though...some of the later levels of the first Portal were real head scratchers. I can only imagine the hours spent arguing with someone if you had to try and work it out together.

Re: Your 2010 wishlist (2 years ago)

Fable III
Fallout: New Vegas
Civ 5
Just Dance 2 (seriously)
Rock Band 3 if the keyboards are any good

...that doesn't seem like a lot. It almost seems like I might be able to afford all that before Christmas (and that feels so weird). I might have to get a new 360 so I feel the usual end of year pinch.

Re: Fable III Preview (2 years ago)

Hurrah! All I have seen so far pointed to the likelihood that you could only play as a dude.

Where I'm guessing you can share weapons, armour...and spouses? Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised...

Anyway, I'm interested in how they handle the second part of the game. They can't exactly send you on clear the farm of goblins or deliver package A to point B type missions if you rule the kingdom.

Re: Hands-On with Kinect (2 years ago)

Hmmm, surely they would have noticed that people walking past in the background was causing interference and would have set up their room accordingly.

Anyway, I love the idea of the dance games....buuuuut, I'm not committing to buying until I see a review of Zumba.

Re: 3d movies = no discount on ta tusedays??!? (2 years ago)

This is a good tip (and was planning on offering it myself before I saw your post ) but it's worth saying that not all cinemas let you do this. From my experience in VIC, Village do but Readings (the scumbags) do not. I've never tried Hoyts.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 years ago)

That is very annoying, and I know your pain. If it's something registered (which it would normally have to be to keep it at the post office) you can call Australia Post (just their customer service line), give them the number of the parcel and have them move it from this post office to another with more convenient hours. It's not a perfect solution, as I once had a letter moved between offices 3km apart and it took five days, but if you have no other choice...

Re: new 360 controller (2 years ago)

Oh nice!! I can honestly say I haven't played more than say 30 minutes of Halo in my life, but I could probably put up with all the engravings and what not on the box and controller if it meant I could have it in that colour.

Those controllers don't look like they have the special d pad. Not that that would be a deal breaker. The only time I've struggled with the d pad is flicking around the menus on the dashboard. A few under the breath curses and a little extra patience seems to fix it.