Already Swamped

Since the last time I posted…

• Classes are going well but I already have a ton of work. I have a technology beat for my reporting class, which means I may have a chance to interview the folks at the Champaign-based company Volition (Red Faction, Saint’s Row). I’m also taking Graphics & Design, which focuses on “alternative story formatting” – think graphs and sidebars. The editing software is going to require some practice, but I’m excited to develop a layout skill set. (I’m also aware of the irony of discussing effective formatting while completely misusing bullets).
• I’m so relieved that the Coens are still able to make movies like “Burn After Reading.” It’s been so long since they produced a funny comedy, but my faith has been restored. Pfarrer’s basement project and the J.K. Simmons’ briefings were the standout moments, but it’s the little background details that make BAR so special. Chad’s “intimidation” tactics, “Coming up Daisy,” even the Putin portrait in the Russian embassy…while I think comparisons to “Big Lebowski” are misleading, BAR is just as packed with comic touches.
• Yakuza 2 is worth your time if you were a fan of the original, but I wish the story would just stick to the pulpy mob war stuff. One minute, Kazuma’s chasing down leads on the Goda family, the next he’s doing a part-time bit as a male host or trying to turn his adopted daughter into a pop idol. Just bizarre. Look for a review “this week.”
• I’m really bad at staying on schedule, so disregard any of the promises I made last time. If you’re really curious about what I’m up to, I guess you can consult my twitter. I already feel like a tool, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop updating.