Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Because it could be taken as a negative comment, I will refrain from explaining why this old phrase has returned to mind for me lately. All I really want to say is that it is still true, which makes it valuable to remember. You do not necessarily need a background in math to enjoy it though, because if you can keep it in mind when someone is showing you processed numbers, you can learn to instinctively question them. As I do have a background in math I can actively question them and know why some statistics are poorly representing facts. It's a handy ability to have, though it can also be hard because of some of the questions that naturally come with it, concerning trustworthiness.

What a Weekend!

This has not been the most interesting year for games so far, at least for me, but that is changing very soon and this weekend has been showing that off. We have had both The Division and Hitman in open betas, though the Hitman beta did require you pre-purchase the game to get in. Regardless, that is two open betas for two games that are releasing in just weeks along with many other titles to be excited for.
Besides those two we are also getting Far Cry Primal very soon, which I am looking forward to. I have played Far Cry 2, 3, Blood Dragon, and 4, though I should probably admit I did not complete Far Cry 2. It just did not attract me that much, but the others were definitely a lot of fun, which is why I have hopes for this next one. So two of these upcoming titles are part of long respected franchises and the other is just very interesting, is showing good promise (in my opinion at least), and could start another franchise. Even if it doesn't, The Division's Snowdrop engine is definitely going to be fun to watch as its use grows within Ubisoft. Both betas I have played it in have shown it to be a well optimized game with quite good graphics and capabilities, so I do hope we see it used more, assuming what we have seen so far is representative of the whole-game experience. It is possible there are trouble spots, but I hope not and that would be surprising, based on what I have seen so far.
Anyway, this is looking like it will be a good year for games. New titles releasing, modern VR technologies reaching consumers, and new hardware is coming too. Should be good and I am looking forward to it all.

It's Just the Day Before the Fifteeth

Yeah, I don't really care that it's Valentines Day, and I also don't have anyone in my life that cares either. Those two points may be related, but seriously, it is a pretty silly day to celebrate. Just think about it; the days one expects to celebrate with a significant other are what, anniversaries and birthdays. These days are genuinely special to you or them, so it makes sense to celebrate them together with things like flowers, candy, etc. because they are your days. Valentines Day is everyone's day; it isn't special, so doing something on it is not special. Doing something on a random day because you want to celebrate each other is special. (And buying up the discounted candy after Valentines Day is smart.)

I Don't Care...

about the snow storm hitting the East Coast. Why? Because I do not live on the East Coast for one, and I've experienced plenty of snowstorms in the past. It isn't like it came as a surprise and no one had time to prepare. Bundle up and do what you have to do to keep warm and safe.
Really the reason this storm has annoyed as it has is because everyone on the news cannot stop talking about it, just because it's the East Coast with New York and Washington DC. If a comparable snowstorm hit the middle of Kansas, would it be covered like this? Doubt it. Montana? No, probably not. Why? Because too many people think the world revolves around a few select cities, so the local or regional news for them has to be reported everywhere. Makes me glad I'm a gamer and have plenty of other distractions, because I can turn off the news and do something better with my time.
Be safe everyone, but please, just because the snow is falling on you doesn't mean we all have to be buried in it.

Quite a Game

I am not one who follows much in the way of sports, but I am definitely a Packers fan, and I just have to say that it was a very fun game to watch last night. Sure it was not much fun to lose in the end, but it was still a lot of fun to watch and see it all happen, from amazing catches and drives, to the weirdest start to Overtime ever.
A lose like that I am willing to take because it is with respect. We tried hard and proved ourselves, just coming up a bit short in the end. Nothing to be embarrassed about with that and it leaves me looking forward to next season.