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The Jamanoid

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Posts posted by The Jamanoid

  1. Posted

    Yeah I'm with you there - there is quality gaming to be had, but since they're focussing on online gaming to make their game "big", the single player game suffers, if not in quality, very much so in length.

    I think single player campaigns are what should stand out, with online gaming a bonus making it worth replay after completion.

  2. Posted

    Nono, not just third person perspective...I'm actually quite good with those such as the tomb raider stuff, uncharted, syphon filter, MGS and other things like that (though for shooters, I prefer the first person perspective.)

    The thing I have is the "off centre" characters...like this:

    http://savetherobot.files.wordpress.com/20...fallout-3-2.jpg

    http://thesituationist.files.wordpress.com...vil-5-image.jpg

    See how they're off centre there? to the left?

    I hate that...and yeah usually makes the whole thing just annoying and uncomfortable to me...

    Whilst the number of options and graphics has increased the addictability and gameplay has decreased. Sometimes less is more. I am no expert on games these days but the latest games seem to use all the buttons (8 or more) combintions are out of control and this detracts from easy fun play. Games these days seem to be designed for no life gamer prodigies.

    That I can deal with but yes find it a tad of an annoyance too.

    The 32-64 bit games had it down for me...

  3. Posted

    But I thought I'd get it out there anyways...

    This is something that's been annoying me with games lately, almost to the point that I just don't feel like I can truly like them as much as I ought to...and what disturbs me is that for some genres of game, it seems to be becoming a trend.

    Actually, what I'm about to speak of has even stopped me from playing a couple of games I REALLY thought I'd be playing - I'll get to that momentarily.

    The game that started this all for me, Resident Evil 4.

    I had played everything resident evil up to this point, re 1, 2, 3, cv, even the *ech* on-track shooter "survivor", played #0 which I think was one of the best RE games I'd ever played and hope to get it and finish it one day - only played temporarily.

    Now, later on I tried RE: OUTBREAK and wasn't overly impressed but then with time I think I could maybe get into that one. That's shooting forward a bit.

    So, I bought RE#4 quite a while back, really looking forward to continuing in the footsteps of one of the protagonists of my favourite "classic" RE game (2), Leon Kennedy. I had read that this one wasn't actually about zombies, well, not really...and hey, I'm all for change and mixing it up within reason and that didn't deter me whatsoever.

    So I turned it on and then got my first taste of something I've come to hate.

    I'm not sure what it's actually called in terms of perspective, but I'll just call it "off centre syndrome/OCS".

    I tried.

    I tried to get past it, I tried to get into this game but I just couldn't.

    The controls felt clunky, you couldn't turn around fast enough for my liking, the "backing away/shooting" approach to me felt like it stalled the game significantly, your character felt less maneuverable, and when you did turn around you couldn't see SHIT behind you, there didn't appear (could be wrong) to be a "look behind you" kind of feature that might be at home in a racing game, and to be honest feeling like the character is constantly obscuring a larger chunk of the view than usual just pissed me off...so surprisingly even to myself, I gave up on RE4.

    It wasn't just that I'm against change. Code Veronica changed. RE#0 changed even moreso, both evolutions for the better if you ask me - It's just this goddamn perspective and control style I cannot get along with.

    Don't get me wrong...I don't just spastically spin around in circles shooting all around me panicking like a little girl, I CAN use games in this perspective/system, and I could probably finish them too if I were so inclined - but I just cannot subject myself to something that constantly annoys me.

    Since then I've encountered OCS in the conker remake (though only for a small portion, and you could actually select alternative view, so I dealt with that) I've seen it in fallout 3 though I've not played that due to having sequel phobia about games I haven't played the precursors to, and of course resident evil 5 which to be honest I was expecting after RE4 and while it looked like a well made game, having spent about half an hour on that just last night it's another one I'm about to write off.

    Now, you'll probably read that, and figure I haven't spent enough time trying - that's the usual reaction. Though to be honest a lot of the time if a game hasn't struck me within the first 10-15 minutes (rpg development aside) I won't consider it to be a game I can really get into. Could make me a judgemental gamer, but hey if that's me, that's me.

    Besides - I do put in more time to games if I really want to try...one of my other recent run-ins with OCS and perhaps the most disappointing, for example, was Batman - Arkham Asylum.

    Anyone that's known me for more than 5 minutes will know that this is a game that I would REALLY want to play, more-so than anything else that's out right now. For this game, I played into it until 5% completion.

    Wondered around, had a good look, and even got past the fact that it was a bit more of a stealth title (another pet hate, one I HAVE learned to deal with), and all up I played for a couple of hours at least, before I just stopped - I was just sick to death of even TRYING to enjoy this game.

    It's a well made game, don't get me wrong...great storyline, good voice acting and a really good atmosphere. I do have some issues with the slowdown during hand to hand combat (they COULD have done something more like "rise to honour" more effectively for faster fighting if you ask me) but that's not what did it for me. It was the goddamn OCS - it was like eating something delicious, but burning hot at the same time.

    This, even though the RE series came close, is probably my biggest OCS related disappointment by far.

    I get that it's the "in" thing at the moment, and I get why. It looks more cinematic, but yknow what? It's a fuckin' game not a movie...for me it's just a source of constant annoyance, like a comfortable shoe with a squeak...feeling like I can't move around as fluidly/fast as I could, feeling like my character is obscuring the vision of the scene in front. I don't want to have to turn around to get an idea of what's on the left/right...it's just tedious.

    So I write this, wondering - am I the only one this gets to?

    Surely I can't be?

    I'm just sick to death of this annoying style...I mean shit, at least throw in the option for various views...shouldn't gaming have become MORE customisable rather than less?

    Ok, rant over.

  5. Posted

    Fair enough...that does sound a bit off, hadn't heard of all that stuff personally...though it doesn't make me really overall consider it too much of a threatening substance. Sitters I'd agree are a good idea, if not for the safety of the person in question but also the property?

    I suppose I was going largely on my effects and those I'd witnessed personally so I guess that's my slightly biased point of view on it?

    Since hearing about the effects of the leaf I have to say that actually sounds like a nice idea to try if ever one were so inclined etc etc standard disclaimer ha

    I tend to burn and electro-prod myself and silly friend when alcohol is involved...it just seems like such a good idea after a few drinks to try and withstand pain...see, this is why I'm into more relaxing things

  6. Posted

    All good, folks.

    Poo - One rouge de marmande seedling has your name on it.

    dbbard - One of everything has yours.

    I guess if you can pm me with your availabilities of time and transport etc, we'll be able to work out when you can swing by.

    If either of you would like any more of what's left, just let me know in good time.

    Well, looks like the rouge de marmande tomatoes are all gone, but don't worry any other Sydney folks who wanted some - Bunnings has them, and so does Eden gardens.

    So from this point I have left:

    6 Small-medium aloe-vera as described above.

    3 Jades

  8. Posted

    Uh, if you feel like sending some to NSW and think they'll survive the process, I'm always happy to take a look at something new? Actually I have no idea what they even look like...but hey, hit me back if it's viable.

  9. Posted

    Heya folks, none of the things here are particularly unique/hard to find items, but I guess they're not usually free eh?

    So yeah, I just thought I'd throw them in as a "hello" to the Sydney folks here, while other things I might be able to share/trade are still a work in progress.

    It's a northern suburbs area.

    Rouge De Marmande (2)

    So if you're not sure what a "rouge de marmande" is, it's a tomato.

    A BIG tomato, ridged top for an unusual look.

    One of the "beefsteak" class which means...if you make a tomato sandwich or hamburger, one slice has you covered, which I think would be kinda cool.

    Of course results in size may vary but if cared for properly they get HUGE.

    They're known for having a very deep flavour making them ideal for cooking into sauces as well.

    Another thing, is to stuff them - as they're large in size, their capacity for fillings is very spacey.

    Here's a picture of some that have been cut:

    RDM1.jpg

    They will need to be staked as the fruit has been known to be so weighty that the plants end up on the floor.

    I'd recommend planting in the ground, with some controlled release fert/nutrient soil mix mixed into the surrounding earth, or an organic/plain soil mix with ONLY base nutrients if you intend to feed them any ferts/nutrients that you will apply yourself. Expect the bush to be 1/5-1/3 bigger than your average tomato plant. They can grow potted, but you're looking at a large (bucket or bigger) sized pot.

    They're about 6cm tall at the moment, they are VERY healthy and hardy, and will come in a small plastic pot full of nice quality controlled release fert soil mix. Ready to replant, and I'd suggest within the next 2-3 weeks tops.

    Aloe Vera (X7)

    Young, healthy, but not so pretty at the moment (not gonna lie)

    See, what happened was, for about seven years we were meaning to re-pot our large adult aloe-vera. Beautiful specimen.

    I thought it had just started to grow more bits n pieces, but what had happened was it had spawned offspring.

    So I removed about 13 little ones of varying size, tiny to medium.

    Due to the restricted root-space that they'd been sharing with the monster, they'd all of them been suffering a bit of malnutrition, actually I am surprised they lived as long and as well as they did.

    So we got to work seperating all the roots...not real fun...took AGES.

    We re-potted everything, in adequate space and a nice mix of controlled release and organic soil mix. We've kept them watered and they're doing quite well.

    So as I said they're not pretty right now, but given some time and TLC they'll be fine - their outer parts are kind've brown and may or may not make it, but the inner parts are doing excellently, they're a very nice stunning green with new growth in the centre as well. These plants can be, and will be absolutely beautiful.

    Now, I'm keeping the big one as it's just legendary size now, and I'm keeping the one TINY baby I have left, and I've given some away to mates with gardens - apparently they're all doing VERY well after being planted.

    What I have is 7 small-medium sized aloes left, and I would love for them to go to a good home.

    Ideally they'd have earth to be planted in, but they will do fine given a correct sized pot.

    They survive - and well. They really require very little effort, and can be left months on end (but please dont...) on one good watering. They're very pretty as you'll know if you've seen them, they make a nice garden feature, and the sap can be (sustainably please) harvested to make drinks, and healing salve, but even if not - they look great, they spawn themselves somehow, and like all plants throw nice oxygen our way for very little in exchange.

    Jade (x4)

    Wow...these things are just everywhere, and grow from cuttings.

    But maybe you want some without having to attack a local plant to get it?

    See, these is another (at the moment) not-so-pretty item...the previous tennants left them here, and while we've done our best to water and care for them, we do live in an apartment and didn't have any bigger pots available...so they're not in the best condition. Two of them are even a bit ugly...the other two are "ok".

    They're all ok really, considering all they need is a bit more space, a garden ideally, and about 1-2 months of care and occasional watering to spruce themselves up which they do very fast. The only thing "bad" looking about them is that right now they don't have a HUGE amount of "leaves" on them, but they have new growth and everything - as far as I can tell, space restriction is their only problem.

    I'd actually keep these myself but I've recently spent a lot of my excess cash on other things for the garden, and have no pots here large enough to accommodate them, and well I do already have a smaller one growing here too.

    They make a great addition to an outdoor garden and can actually be a barrier plant, but grow fine in large enough pots too. They will just get bigger and bigger, as I said they grow easily from cuttings so if you want more it's like having our own factory. They don't tend to attract bugs either so they're not very problematic to grow as a companion plant to others either. For best results, I'd mix a succulent mix potting soil in with an organic with base nutrients. No water retainers or anything like that needed, they're incredibly hardy and will store water for miles.

    So there you have it, that's the stuff I've got to give away.

    I don't need anything in exchange...though I do have a green thumb and would be interested in anything anyone might want to bring ianyway, such as any herbs, succulents, anything that smells nice without being too bee-attracting (allergic) and we're also after planks of wood of any various shapes and sizes.

    But hey if you've got nothing to share, and you want some of this stuff it's all good, just hit me up and we'll organise.

    So as the numbers are limited it's first come first served...I don't really even know if anyone will want these things, but I hope they're able to find a good home - even if you can't use them, think if there's any friends that may be able to use them, or any people you know not particularly good at caring for plants for the second two items, all they need is the occasional glass of water.

    I'll check in a bit later for any replies.

  11. Posted

    I've yet to try it myself, but yes I'll be doing a split order with a few friends soon.

    Not sure how/where to obtain seeds or bushes...I'm sure that considering our relatively hot climate it's not unrealistic to expect that some specialty nursery would have them here?

    As for seeds, I'm certain those are available.

    I'll keep looking into things and come back in here with any given results.

  12. Posted · Edited by The Jamanoid

    i think prohibition is stupid but i think your last post is way off. when i got salvia legally at nimbin a while back they gave us an info sheet about using a sitter and how dangerous items/environments are not wise to include in a salvia experience.

    Way off in what respect?

    I mean I get that it can be "dangerous" dependent upon individual reaction, and environment, but then so are many substances alcohol (very much so) included.

    I still fundamentally believe that it's also about control, sure it may be harder to retain while under the effects I would think it's doable. With effects of this nature, I'd be more inclined to try and get some inner reflection going on if I were so inclined...but yes I do believe people overindulge. Enough was taken at the time to experience no ill effect, because it was done so in moderation. If people go straight for a high strength concentrate or a large amount without having at least dipped their toes in the water so to speak, I think it's a bit irresponsible of them as they will more than likely experience the negative effects associated, as will others around them (from them) and bad word travels.

    I'm not really sure what information was or wasn't provided with it as it was not essentially my purchase.

    oh yeah i am curious how much of the 30X cone your FOAF inhaled

    Didn't seem like too much at the time, but it was about 2/3 done - Might have been a relative lightweight, but I think considering the experience it was "enough".

    Back in 2000 I was sitting for a few guys usuing sally ,one guy managed to consume 12 cones i a row before calmly picking up the glass water pipe and throwing it full force against the wall right above where another personwas sitting the scary thing is when i grabbed him and sat him down he' was saying 'what the fuck is everybody upset about all i did was throw the bong at the wall' he knew what he had done but just acted like it was normal everyday behaviour , he proceeded to leaver the house we were at and i had to chase him up the road trying to talk sense into him for the next 15 or so minutes and this was plain salvia leaf no extract or anything Sally can be a wonderful friend but also a very powerful enemy use her respectfully and wisely at all times

    Not sure how different the plain leaves would be...but 12 sounds a bit like a problem waiting to happen?

    Generally I try and go at things like that relatively minimally at first, and I agree with and appreciate your view on usage.

    But yeah sounds like that was a bit of an odd reaction, most of what I've seen/heard is people being overcome by gales of laughter? Though some of the videos people have up on youtube show some pretty paranoid type effects with the stronger extracts...I have to say I don't think I'd even be willing, if I were so inclined, to even go near an 80x.

    Smoking Salvia divinorum sucks, y'all need to get some plants growing and chew the fresh leafs!

    That sounds alright, might be a way to have some nicer, more mellow effects...what was it like as such?

  13. Posted

    Yeah the banning thing is pretty strange to me..it's not like people would do much more than effectively stumble around and have a good laugh...but I guess as per usual some idiots overindulge and make a bad name for it...

  14. Posted · Edited by The Jamanoid

    So I assume this is talked about in here a bit?

    Some years ago, sometime before 2001, ha...myself and a few people, my lady, my mother, her boyfriend, road tripped to Nimbin...that place, a whole other story...a pretty obvious story perhaps for another time.

    Though right now I'll talk about my introduction and thus far sole experience with Salvia D.

    Now, one of the guys I was with is a kind've sucker...anyone would tell him that something would give him some kind of

    intoxicating effect and he was right in it - though in this case it was a good thing, because walking into the ?I think it was? happy herbal high shop, I looked around and having tried a few smoking mixes etc that I'd found relaxing but not much more...I wasn't overly thrilled to be there.

    Though he said he'd heard of the stuff. Picked up a bag of SD 30x extract.

    Looked like burnt tea leaves. We split the cost, I hadn't heard of it at all and knew nothing of it's legal status at the time or effects -only the reputed effects which of course coming from the guy selling it, was expected to be something of an overstatement.

    I was actually alone at the time, well my girl was in the house, but thinking it would just do nothing or very little as per my experience to that point with "alternatives", I didn't bother to go get her.

    So, I packed and lit up.

    Half way through a regular sized inhalation, I noticed a strange almost, but not quite ?metallic? taste and then stopped to ponder this...then the metaphorical truck hit me. That fast, the effects were upon me.

    I experienced a completely differed distance perception as the most obvious effect, I was sitting on my bed at the time, looking at the floor wondering why I couldn't touch what seemed to be so much closer - then of course looking at my arms was some good fun too. They had a fuzzy surface, and looked both far away and incredibly close at the same time.

    When I stood up, well, to say the room was spinning would be a bit of an overstatement, but it was a little like the being drunk delayed visual perception without any of the ill effects...though, I thought it best to sit back down because it really felt like walking anywhere wouldn't be a real successful attempt.

    Euphoria came next...to a previously unknown height for me. I haven't had much experience with substances like this, I'm usually pretty clean and green only, and while I've tried a few other interesting things here and there, nothing came close to this, man made or otherwise.

    I caught myself laughing...and then I laughed because I didn't know what I was laughing at. Let me tell you...if you think anything else has bought on the giggles, this here turns you INTO the giggles. I caught my breath and tried to focus and calm down a little to better analyse the effects - I lay back, and closed my eyes.

    It was at this stage that the most profound (IMO) part of the effect occurred. I could not tell which way was up. It was very confusing but not altogether unpleasant. I literally felt like the reality I knew had disappeared and I had entered a new one when I'd closed my eyes. Though there was nothing but darkness, it felt as though I was moving and tumbling through space. No anxiety, no fear, everything just pretty much melted away.

    ...this all happened in the space of about 5 minutes....

    Then, I "woke up" which is the only way I can think of to describe it. There was no gradual come-down, no after effects, it was simply as though I'd snapped out of it. I sat back up, opened my eyes, and felt completely refreshed - throughout the day following I had no after effects or anything like that either.

    I honestly don't think I'm going too far to say it was one of, if not THE most fun substance I've ever indulged in.

    Since the legal status of the plant could be a liability, some of this thread has been edited.

    So anyways, I hope someone got some info and/or laughs out of my story.

    It's something I personally don't think there should be any laws against, but would definitely advocate moderation for anyone were so inclined to try. It's unfortunate though, because it sure seemed harmless enough fun to me.

    I'd love to hear about any other experiences with this great (?is it?) "herb" (of course I'll assume it was consumed at a time prior to 2001) always find that they're entertaining to read about how people had a fun and funny time.

    Thanks for reading

    - B.

  15. Posted

    So for those that don't know, it's a berry originally grown in Africa.

    When placed in the mouth and held on the tongue for a while, it does something to your sensory perception in terms of taste.

    It's been known to make sour things sweet - one thing you can read about a lot is that it'll make lemons sweet.

    Also makes sweet things a little more intense/sweet, and can make other things taste completely different - one I'd personally like to try is Guinness, which is reputed to taste like chocolate milk.

    In the states, where they seem to have become a popular fad among certain crowds, people have actually went ahead to host paid functions called "flavour tripping" parties, in which the guest is invited to consume the berries/extract, and provided with a smorgasbord of various foods, drinks, fruit and vegetables.

    A novel idea, I think.

    One great thing about it, is that for people undergoing chemotherapy, it can be used to remove the odd/bitter/metallic taste in the mouth that can sometimes come from treatment.

    Info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_fruit

    Videos here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScbMv8hfdTM

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGX6YIim9zQ

     

    SO There's extracts, powders, candy and the dried berry itself available from some retailers online.

    I was actually hoping to obtain a plant from an Australia based nursery if they're available at all, try my hand at maybe growing a little tree indoors, even if it was bonsai'd to fit.

    So yeah...I reckon it sounds pretty cool...I'd like to try a few of the things that I don't actually like eating to see if there's any improvement whatsoever (brussels sprouts anyone?) and of course try some things that I do like, just for an interesting comparison.

    So if anyone here has tried some, I'd appreciate a quick description of your experience if possible?

    If not, I'm glad I got the info out there...these things look pretty damn fun...

    - B.

  17. Posted

    I have done, here'n there.

    I usually go with Ritmeister? I dunno, one in a crimson can that has a kind've cherry-ish vibe.

    Mainly have them if I'm sippin' some port.

    I've had some other really nice ones, here in Sydney there's a guy that does the rounds of the markets such as paddies etc, tried a $16 one from him which was great, one large one worth about $25 that I didn't think was worth the money compared to the last one, a great little port infused one for $6, and a hand rolled "organic" cigar which was quite good and interesting by comparison.

    I never really go dead cheap on them, but The rits do the job.

    As I said, only an occasional habit.

  19. Posted · Edited by The Jamanoid

    This is meant to be something of an intro thread, wasn't sure where exactly to put it, or even if you do those here...but yeah I'm gonna go ahead and put this here, and if it needs moving, I'm good with that.

    28 yr old Sydney guy here, with chick of 27.

    Enjoy cooking and have studied some commercial cookery and food prep - mainly for personal use, I don't particularly like or enjoy the art when it's part of the industry, but love cooking with/for friends and teaching what I can when I'm able.

    At the moment I've finished my studies for the year and looking for work, also partially through some security training so that should help on the job front.

    Come the new year 2010, I'll be re-enrolling in the next part of my course - companion animal services at TAFE p/t.

    Myself and THE LADY are largely into greens more'n anything, and like to indoor garden some of our veggies.

    Both of us are also advocates of healthier methods of use, such as extracts and vapourisation.

    What else...I don't have a current gen gaming system which kind've pisses me off, but hey...Though a cool mate of mine is lending me his xbox360 while he hammers this HUGE rpg on PS3, so that I can play Batman: Arkham Asylum before it's too ancient. Hell yeah.

    I volunteer with the S.E.S

    I hope to eventually move into the role of RSPCA inspector/compliance officer, after doing my studies, maybe some shelter volunteering, and work as a security dog handler for a while.

    More? I like sci-ci films, and "weird" cerebral horror.

    So yeah, I've been looking into some "other" things to try and hopefully be able to look more closelyf in the future...we're not too into anything else, but shrooms were fun, salvia was just...wow... and peyote and san pedro sure sound pretty interesting..

    We also garden outdoors, grow what fresh vegetables we can - even though it's only on two balconies, we do quite well.

    So yeah anyways, I'll be around here'n there so I'm sure I'll talk to you all at some point.

    - B.

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