You may be wondering, "What is a Kazumi?" However, what you should be asking is, "WHO is Kazumi?"
Kazumi Frederick Takemasa is my husband's long time friend. They met in middle school in Western New York. If I have this right, and I think I do, Kazumi was born in Austria to Japanese parents. He became an official United States citizen when he married a native Hawaiian who he met in New Jersey. He and his wife bought us a rice cooker for our wedding. We love that thing.
Oddly enough, I had already planned to devote a blog entry to Kazumi. So, while his topic suggestion is not exactly humble, it is entirely acceptable. Kazumi may be the reason we are all here. No, he is not some prophetic Japanese mystic (though his name does mean "beautiful harmony" and I wouldn't be surprised to find out he knew something the rest of us didn't.) Simply put, my husband would not be the gamer he is today (nor I the voyeur) without Kazu.
First, my husband credits Kazumi with introducing him to role playing games. He says he still remembers renting Final Fantasy II at Kazu's suggestion and becoming immediately consumed with its world and characters. It was also thanks to Kazu who has family back East, (or would you say West?), the hubs had access to video games only released in Japan. And finally, no one is a better gaming buddy than Kazu. I am fairly confident he and my husband have logged thousands of hours on hundreds of games playing together over the years.
Everyone should have a friend like Kazu, but not because his mom makes mad awesome Japanese noodles or because he lives in Hawaii or anything having to do with gaming. But, because he is weird and relaxed about it, while the rest of us are weird and busy covering it up.
And, so, because I couldn't resist, here is my Ode to Kazu (and because they met in middle school I chose acrostic):
Kazumi
Kazumi, not everyone's cup of Japanese tea
A bit socially awkward if you ask me.
Zealous for gaming, both console and PC
Unbending in his taste for his mama's sushi
Manly in Speedos, this Asian can fly
In every measurable way, he scores super high
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Laundry Achievement Points - (Darcy B.)
Laundry is my least favorite. Here are some reasons why:
1. I am bad at it. Though, I suppose it is unclear whether I despise it because I am bad at it or I am bad at it because I despise it. Either way, I am a lousy laundress. I usually wait to do wash until the piles seem insurmountable. And then, instead or sorting by color, I sort by person. I will dig through an enormous heap of dirty laundry and pick out every last thing that is mine, shove it all into one load and finish it first. Because, heck, if I have to wash all of these clothes I am surely gonna have something cute (and clean) to wear while I do it.
2. It's way down in the basement. This has nothing to do with agility or strength and everything to do with out of sight, out of mind. I cannot hear my washer on the first floor and my dryer does not buzz. Therefore, I have left many a load wet and limp or dry and wrinkling until the next morning. Not only does this make me feel even more inept than I already do, it draws out this heinous process until, well, I don't even bother making the trip down the stairs.
3. Socks. They are somehow ubiquitous and elusive at the same time. Just today, I found five baby socks in the living room alone. It does not help that my 10-month-old removes her socks often and with the stealth of a ninja. They are her favorite toys, after all. She loves to wave them (and subsequently fling them) around like she is about to set sail. To make matters worse I had the brilliant idea to buy the girls large packs of matching socks for Christmas. I must have been in a stuff-the-stockings shopping stupor because now, while I am tirelessly attempting to match socks I must make sure the tiny sizes match too. My grandfather used to safety pin his pairs together. I will never do this, of course, but I no longer think it is ridiculous.
4. It never ends. Most domestic chores are like this, I know. But, laundry is different. It permeates the entire house. Even if all the clothes were miraculously clean, what about the sheets? towels? snuggle-in-front-of-the-television quilts? curtains? dish towels? throw rugs? winter coats? `Oh boy, I need to stop. I am shvitzing.
I don't know what Laundry Achievement Points are, but I certainly like the sound of them. I can't entirely avoid doing laundry so it would be fabulous to unlock some LAP in the process. Let's mull this around, shall we? To be continued...
1. I am bad at it. Though, I suppose it is unclear whether I despise it because I am bad at it or I am bad at it because I despise it. Either way, I am a lousy laundress. I usually wait to do wash until the piles seem insurmountable. And then, instead or sorting by color, I sort by person. I will dig through an enormous heap of dirty laundry and pick out every last thing that is mine, shove it all into one load and finish it first. Because, heck, if I have to wash all of these clothes I am surely gonna have something cute (and clean) to wear while I do it.
2. It's way down in the basement. This has nothing to do with agility or strength and everything to do with out of sight, out of mind. I cannot hear my washer on the first floor and my dryer does not buzz. Therefore, I have left many a load wet and limp or dry and wrinkling until the next morning. Not only does this make me feel even more inept than I already do, it draws out this heinous process until, well, I don't even bother making the trip down the stairs.
3. Socks. They are somehow ubiquitous and elusive at the same time. Just today, I found five baby socks in the living room alone. It does not help that my 10-month-old removes her socks often and with the stealth of a ninja. They are her favorite toys, after all. She loves to wave them (and subsequently fling them) around like she is about to set sail. To make matters worse I had the brilliant idea to buy the girls large packs of matching socks for Christmas. I must have been in a stuff-the-stockings shopping stupor because now, while I am tirelessly attempting to match socks I must make sure the tiny sizes match too. My grandfather used to safety pin his pairs together. I will never do this, of course, but I no longer think it is ridiculous.
4. It never ends. Most domestic chores are like this, I know. But, laundry is different. It permeates the entire house. Even if all the clothes were miraculously clean, what about the sheets? towels? snuggle-in-front-of-the-television quilts? curtains? dish towels? throw rugs? winter coats? `Oh boy, I need to stop. I am shvitzing.
I don't know what Laundry Achievement Points are, but I certainly like the sound of them. I can't entirely avoid doing laundry so it would be fabulous to unlock some LAP in the process. Let's mull this around, shall we? To be continued...
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Top 10 sexy video game chicks to play as - (Ryan D.)
I am not in the business of objectifying women. But, I am also not in the business of going back on my word. In the official rules of my self-inflicted 30 Day Writing Challenge I agreed to have the readers submit topics and my husband choose the finalists. And, since I assume at least half of you are men, here is the list:
10. Morrigan Darkstalkers
9. Sophitia Soul Calibur
8. Hana Fear Effect
7. Cammy Street Fighter
6. Fran Final Fantasy XII
5. Ayane Dead or Alive
4. Chun Li Street Fighter
3. Miranda Mass Effect 2
2. Tifa Final Fantasy VII
1. Catwoman Batman: Arkham City
In case you were wondering, yes, I dutifully looked up all of these "women" online and gave them each their deserved once over (ok, fine some times I looked them up and down twice.) As I am sure you could guess they all have HUGE brains. I did chose a favorite, though. It's Chun Li.
Alright, go ahead, ignore the rest of this post for now and "Google Ogle" the rest.
For those of you who remain (or have returned, disillusioned) I now would like to educate you on 10 additional women you may not know. These women come from a wee little book a friend gave me on my 18th birthday entitled, "365 Women Who Made a Difference." I remembered it while writing the beginning of this post and actually found it in the attic. I then spent at least an hour perusing it. This is what I learned (5 for now, 5 for later. I enjoy spreading estrogen laden love...wait.):
1. Virginia Apgar, 1909-1974 - One of the first women to graduate from Columbia University's medical school, Apgar became the first full professor of anesthesiology there. Having attended 17,000 births, she introduced her Newborn Scoring System (and test) in 1952 which is now used all over the world.
2. Antoinette Brown Blackwell, 1825-1921 - Became the first woman minister of a recognized denomination in the United States when she was ordained by the First Congregational Church in 1853. She graduated from Oberlin (the Alma mater of my friend who gave me this book.)
3. Mary Elizabeth Bowser, 1839-? - After gaining her freedom upon the death of her master, she went to Philly on his family's dime to be educated. When the Civil War began, she returned to Richmond and became a servant in Jefferson Davis' Confederate White House. There she gained access to verbal plans and even written documents. She leaked her information to her benefactors who happened to know Union General Grant personally.
4. Margaret Brent, 1600?-1670 - Named executor for the will of the governor of Maryland, she owned her own land and frequently represented her self in court winning every case. In 1647 she made a landmark request to be granted two votes in the assembly. It was denied, of course, but Brent left her mark as the first American suffragist.
5. Jackie Mitchell, 1914?-1987 - The first woman to sign a contract with a professional baseball league, she pitched for Chattanooga in an April 1931 exhibition game against the Yankees. She struck out both Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Now, don't go sayin' I never taught you nothin'.
10. Morrigan Darkstalkers
9. Sophitia Soul Calibur
8. Hana Fear Effect
7. Cammy Street Fighter
6. Fran Final Fantasy XII
5. Ayane Dead or Alive
4. Chun Li Street Fighter
3. Miranda Mass Effect 2
2. Tifa Final Fantasy VII
1. Catwoman Batman: Arkham City
In case you were wondering, yes, I dutifully looked up all of these "women" online and gave them each their deserved once over (ok, fine some times I looked them up and down twice.) As I am sure you could guess they all have HUGE brains. I did chose a favorite, though. It's Chun Li.
Alright, go ahead, ignore the rest of this post for now and "Google Ogle" the rest.
For those of you who remain (or have returned, disillusioned) I now would like to educate you on 10 additional women you may not know. These women come from a wee little book a friend gave me on my 18th birthday entitled, "365 Women Who Made a Difference." I remembered it while writing the beginning of this post and actually found it in the attic. I then spent at least an hour perusing it. This is what I learned (5 for now, 5 for later. I enjoy spreading estrogen laden love...wait.):
1. Virginia Apgar, 1909-1974 - One of the first women to graduate from Columbia University's medical school, Apgar became the first full professor of anesthesiology there. Having attended 17,000 births, she introduced her Newborn Scoring System (and test) in 1952 which is now used all over the world.
2. Antoinette Brown Blackwell, 1825-1921 - Became the first woman minister of a recognized denomination in the United States when she was ordained by the First Congregational Church in 1853. She graduated from Oberlin (the Alma mater of my friend who gave me this book.)
3. Mary Elizabeth Bowser, 1839-? - After gaining her freedom upon the death of her master, she went to Philly on his family's dime to be educated. When the Civil War began, she returned to Richmond and became a servant in Jefferson Davis' Confederate White House. There she gained access to verbal plans and even written documents. She leaked her information to her benefactors who happened to know Union General Grant personally.
4. Margaret Brent, 1600?-1670 - Named executor for the will of the governor of Maryland, she owned her own land and frequently represented her self in court winning every case. In 1647 she made a landmark request to be granted two votes in the assembly. It was denied, of course, but Brent left her mark as the first American suffragist.
5. Jackie Mitchell, 1914?-1987 - The first woman to sign a contract with a professional baseball league, she pitched for Chattanooga in an April 1931 exhibition game against the Yankees. She struck out both Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Now, don't go sayin' I never taught you nothin'.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Gamer personality - (Matthew W.)
QUIZ BELOW: What Your Man's Video Gaming Says About Him and His Potential
A la Cosmopolitan, answer these questions to discover what really matters: your man's video gamer personality.
1. When did your man start playing video games regularly?
A. At a young age, possibly under the influence of a Japanese friend, or other socially awkward companion
B. In high school or college because every one else was staying up til 2am doing it
C. In the womb
2. When your man is playing what do you have to do to get his attention?
A. Stand directly in his field of view
B. Wait until he dies and then say his name sharply and loudly
C. Nothing, it is impossible to get his attention
3. What is your man playing right now?
A. Skyrim in an attempt to beat it before Mass Effect 3 comes out
B. Modern Warfare 3 in an attempt to put that 12-year-old online snot in his place
C. What is he not playing?
4. When your man is playing games what does he prefer you do?
A. Sit close by, provide positive feedback and help him solve the puzzles
B. Simply share a snack or do something you enjoy on your own
C. Leave the house
5. How many pieces of video game inspired clothing does your man own?
A. A few
B. None
C. That is all he owns
Mostly A's: Video Game Geek - your man may be obsessed, but he is super cute.
the good: his hobby is harmless. he has plenty of room for you.
the bad: you may hear more about the adventures from his latest video game title than his actual life.
the bedroom: blow his mind with 8-bit inspired lingerie.
Mostly B's: Video Game Gangsta - your man may be charged with testosterone, but he has found an acceptable outlet.
the good: his drive will equal success in all areas of life. stick with him and reap the rewards.
the bad: he may be using video games to compensate for a self-assumed shortcoming.
the bedroom: stroke his ego. or controller. or both.
Mostly C's: Video Game Goner - your man may be lost, but you can still show him the way.
the good: he needs you.
the bad: he might not notice you.
the bedroom: dress up as Laura Croft, Catwoman, Princess Peach or similar.
A la Cosmopolitan, answer these questions to discover what really matters: your man's video gamer personality.
1. When did your man start playing video games regularly?
A. At a young age, possibly under the influence of a Japanese friend, or other socially awkward companion
B. In high school or college because every one else was staying up til 2am doing it
C. In the womb
2. When your man is playing what do you have to do to get his attention?
A. Stand directly in his field of view
B. Wait until he dies and then say his name sharply and loudly
C. Nothing, it is impossible to get his attention
3. What is your man playing right now?
A. Skyrim in an attempt to beat it before Mass Effect 3 comes out
B. Modern Warfare 3 in an attempt to put that 12-year-old online snot in his place
C. What is he not playing?
4. When your man is playing games what does he prefer you do?
A. Sit close by, provide positive feedback and help him solve the puzzles
B. Simply share a snack or do something you enjoy on your own
C. Leave the house
5. How many pieces of video game inspired clothing does your man own?
A. A few
B. None
C. That is all he owns
Mostly A's: Video Game Geek - your man may be obsessed, but he is super cute.
the good: his hobby is harmless. he has plenty of room for you.
the bad: you may hear more about the adventures from his latest video game title than his actual life.
the bedroom: blow his mind with 8-bit inspired lingerie.
Mostly B's: Video Game Gangsta - your man may be charged with testosterone, but he has found an acceptable outlet.
the good: his drive will equal success in all areas of life. stick with him and reap the rewards.
the bad: he may be using video games to compensate for a self-assumed shortcoming.
the bedroom: stroke his ego. or controller. or both.
the good: he needs you.
the bad: he might not notice you.
the bedroom: dress up as Laura Croft, Catwoman, Princess Peach or similar.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Do you miss softball? - (M. Kendall L.)
When I was a lass I fancied myself a tomboy. I rode my bike, climbed trees, abhorred pink and played softball. I loved going to Orioles games with my dad. My favorite player back then was #12 Mike Devereaux.
I started playing on my church league when I was 8. My cousin, Nicole played with me on my team. She pitched and I caught. We were a dynamic duo of sorts. When I started out, I played behind the plate because, frankly, I wasn't that great. As I got older, the game became more interesting (stealing bases, facing 65 mph fast balls at only 40 feet, colliding with girls twice my size, dislocating thumbs) and I played behind the plate because, frankly, I was good.
My softball career ended when I graduated from high school. As an adult, it did enjoy a brief revival in the social scene. For at least two years I was a proud member of the Polk Audio co-ed slow pitch softball team. Believe it or not, we did not drink on the field. We were serious. And, we seriously lost most of our games. It was fun.
I actually don't remember too much about those days (clearly due to the brain cell loss I have suffered since. I blame pregnancy and what results.) I do, however, remember going out after the games. We would hit a local restaurant that serendipitously offered two for one pizzas and imports those nights. Actually, I am not sure that was a real deal, but we (not me specifically) knew two very well endowed waitresses that, for some reason I do not understand, hooked us up.
Moving on, I don't think I miss softball, exactly. But, I do miss getting out and playing like I did when I was 8. I miss sitting outside in the warmth of a summer dusk eating sweet potato fries with my team, all sweaty and dusty from a game.
Addendum (a first in voyeur history): I can't leave the subject of softball without mentioning comedian Brian Regan. Here is audio of one of his more famous bits on Little League. If you want to skip to the softball minute try 5:35, but I recommend listening straight through. (I apologize for the ridiculous photo stills, but I guess a lot of his older live stuff is down now due to copyright issues.)
I started playing on my church league when I was 8. My cousin, Nicole played with me on my team. She pitched and I caught. We were a dynamic duo of sorts. When I started out, I played behind the plate because, frankly, I wasn't that great. As I got older, the game became more interesting (stealing bases, facing 65 mph fast balls at only 40 feet, colliding with girls twice my size, dislocating thumbs) and I played behind the plate because, frankly, I was good.
My softball career ended when I graduated from high school. As an adult, it did enjoy a brief revival in the social scene. For at least two years I was a proud member of the Polk Audio co-ed slow pitch softball team. Believe it or not, we did not drink on the field. We were serious. And, we seriously lost most of our games. It was fun.
I actually don't remember too much about those days (clearly due to the brain cell loss I have suffered since. I blame pregnancy and what results.) I do, however, remember going out after the games. We would hit a local restaurant that serendipitously offered two for one pizzas and imports those nights. Actually, I am not sure that was a real deal, but we (not me specifically) knew two very well endowed waitresses that, for some reason I do not understand, hooked us up.
Moving on, I don't think I miss softball, exactly. But, I do miss getting out and playing like I did when I was 8. I miss sitting outside in the warmth of a summer dusk eating sweet potato fries with my team, all sweaty and dusty from a game.
Addendum (a first in voyeur history): I can't leave the subject of softball without mentioning comedian Brian Regan. Here is audio of one of his more famous bits on Little League. If you want to skip to the softball minute try 5:35, but I recommend listening straight through. (I apologize for the ridiculous photo stills, but I guess a lot of his older live stuff is down now due to copyright issues.)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Daughters - (Zach L.)
My life's focus is my two daughters. Their very existence gives mine a deeper purpose than I would ever discover without them. Even at very young ages, their actions teach and inspire. My eldest is nearly three and already has a perspective and wit that makes me smile. My youngest is a couple months shy of one, but communicates with a confidence many adults lack. They have already developed a precious bond, one that I thought might take years. I feel pure joy when I observe them laughing, playing and snuggling together. Their innocence energizes me.
Some times, though, I feel hidden behind them, my two cute bubbly babies who steal the show. They rightly take priority over almost any thing else in my world. It would be impossible to count the showers, meals, and hours of sleep I have already lost. On occasion, I sacrifice in a state of melodramatic mommy martyrdom. Mostly, I hope, I simply woman up and do what is best. In good ways and in bad, they drain me, oh do they drain me.
Thankfully, I have recently embraced the importance of taking care of myself. It's hard, but I have the honor of being home full time with my daughters. I love them so much and they deserve the best me I can give. So, some times I put myself first. Writing this blog is one way I make time for finding my own voice. I pray it is one they admire.
"A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done, and the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy."
-Lousia May Alcott, Little Women
Some times, though, I feel hidden behind them, my two cute bubbly babies who steal the show. They rightly take priority over almost any thing else in my world. It would be impossible to count the showers, meals, and hours of sleep I have already lost. On occasion, I sacrifice in a state of melodramatic mommy martyrdom. Mostly, I hope, I simply woman up and do what is best. In good ways and in bad, they drain me, oh do they drain me.
Thankfully, I have recently embraced the importance of taking care of myself. It's hard, but I have the honor of being home full time with my daughters. I love them so much and they deserve the best me I can give. So, some times I put myself first. Writing this blog is one way I make time for finding my own voice. I pray it is one they admire.
"A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done, and the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy."
-Lousia May Alcott, Little Women
Friday, January 6, 2012
Does anyone play pong, below the root or tetris? - (Brenda S.)
In my expert opinion, the short answer to this question is: yes, no, absolutely.
Before I delve deeper, I would like to applaud Brenda on astutely listing these games in chronological order based on their US release. Pong debuted in 1973, Below the Root in 1984 and Tetris in 1987. Holy throwback, Batman.
Pong is generally considered the first successful video game on the market. It proved that games like these could make money. Pong first hit bars in the form of huge bright yellow arcade cabinets thanks to Atari.
Do people still play pong? Yes. Atari has a Pong pack available as part of it's Greatest Hits for mobile devices and the cabinets are still around. The hubs and I played on one a couple of years back at the Strong Museum. Just tonight, I played a version at ponggame.org (presumably a version very close to the original as it kept freezing on me.) Regardless, I highly recommend you reminisce. And, if you have never played Pong before, by all means, now is your chance.
On to Below the Root. It was released on "flashback floppy" for IBM PC, Commodore 64 and Apple II. Categorized as a single player adventure game, it was based on a trilogy of novels written just a few years prior. I am pretty sure Brenda may have been the only person to play this game, but if that were actually the case a lot of people missed out. It seemed fairly intricate for 1984. For instance, you could choose to play as one of five characters (of two separate races) each with different abilities. The graphics weren't bad for their day either. This is what the game looked like:
Do people still play Below the Root? Brenda has an iPad now so my guess is no.
Time for Tetris! I love Tetris. My passion was renewed just tonight when I played it again for the first time. Born in 1984 in Russia, Tetris came to American PC's in 1987. Then, in 1989, Nintendo (who by then owned the exclusive handheld rights to the game) bundled their brand new Gameboy device with the classic (and sold 35 million of them.)
As soon as I uttered the word "Tetris" tonight, the hubs was up the stairs (and back down) in a flash, both original Gameboy and Tetris cartridge in hand. Game on. Well, first he had to gingerly remove the acid coated AA's. And then he realized he had grabbed Metroid by mistake (or was it?) Long story short, I played Tetris tonight! Twice! My high score was Level 11 and 34,847 points. As crazy as it may be, as soon as I post this, I might enjoy another round. The juxtaposition of playing Tetris on the original Gameboy while my husband plays Skyrim on the 360 is kinda groovy.
Do people still play Tetris? Abso-friggin-lutely! They also still play "Korobeiniki" the 19th century Russian folk song more popularly known as Type A Tetris Theme Music. I found (and listened to) renditions on the following instruments: piano, ukelele, laser harp, church organ, glass bottles and cell phone. Then there is the rock remix. Ah, the internet.
Before I delve deeper, I would like to applaud Brenda on astutely listing these games in chronological order based on their US release. Pong debuted in 1973, Below the Root in 1984 and Tetris in 1987. Holy throwback, Batman.
Pong is generally considered the first successful video game on the market. It proved that games like these could make money. Pong first hit bars in the form of huge bright yellow arcade cabinets thanks to Atari.
Do people still play pong? Yes. Atari has a Pong pack available as part of it's Greatest Hits for mobile devices and the cabinets are still around. The hubs and I played on one a couple of years back at the Strong Museum. Just tonight, I played a version at ponggame.org (presumably a version very close to the original as it kept freezing on me.) Regardless, I highly recommend you reminisce. And, if you have never played Pong before, by all means, now is your chance.
On to Below the Root. It was released on "flashback floppy" for IBM PC, Commodore 64 and Apple II. Categorized as a single player adventure game, it was based on a trilogy of novels written just a few years prior. I am pretty sure Brenda may have been the only person to play this game, but if that were actually the case a lot of people missed out. It seemed fairly intricate for 1984. For instance, you could choose to play as one of five characters (of two separate races) each with different abilities. The graphics weren't bad for their day either. This is what the game looked like:
Do people still play Below the Root? Brenda has an iPad now so my guess is no.
Time for Tetris! I love Tetris. My passion was renewed just tonight when I played it again for the first time. Born in 1984 in Russia, Tetris came to American PC's in 1987. Then, in 1989, Nintendo (who by then owned the exclusive handheld rights to the game) bundled their brand new Gameboy device with the classic (and sold 35 million of them.)
As soon as I uttered the word "Tetris" tonight, the hubs was up the stairs (and back down) in a flash, both original Gameboy and Tetris cartridge in hand. Game on. Well, first he had to gingerly remove the acid coated AA's. And then he realized he had grabbed Metroid by mistake (or was it?) Long story short, I played Tetris tonight! Twice! My high score was Level 11 and 34,847 points. As crazy as it may be, as soon as I post this, I might enjoy another round. The juxtaposition of playing Tetris on the original Gameboy while my husband plays Skyrim on the 360 is kinda groovy.
Do people still play Tetris? Abso-friggin-lutely! They also still play "Korobeiniki" the 19th century Russian folk song more popularly known as Type A Tetris Theme Music. I found (and listened to) renditions on the following instruments: piano, ukelele, laser harp, church organ, glass bottles and cell phone. Then there is the rock remix. Ah, the internet.
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