On Merging

It's time for my "grumpy old man moment" this week.

Do they not teach people any longer how to merge into traffic on a highway or any roadway for that matter?

Unfortunately, I have to drive every day to and from work through two particular areas that, at first glance to some, might appear problematic when merging into traffic. One, admittedly, can require a stop. But more often than not, instead of people stepping on the gas pedal to merge into the traffic, they instead slam onto the breaks. I've seen plenty of people get hit in the rear end of the car because they decide last minute to apply the brakes instead of the gas.

Lesson people: You must match the velocity of the traffic you are merging into for them to let you in. It can't be done any other way. They aren't going to stop for you.

Galaxy is finished

We finally finishes Super Mario Galaxy!

I must say that it was a fine road that was traveled to reach this destination. I must also admit that it wasn't really I that reached the end first, but my son who is seven. Now I'll grant you that there were a few places he needed help but I think it is a testament to the designers that there is a game out that can appeal to, and be fun for, both an adult and young kids. Both my sons (5 & 7) enjoy it a great deal. Never did I think my seven year old would finish it before me though.

Now for the spoilers!! (You've been warned!)

(drag across the text below to see the spoiler text)

The ending boss battle was a bit lame. With all the incredible environments and the amazing battles that were faced throughout the journey to the end, couldn't they have thought of something better than a minor variation of the previous THREE (or four maybe) battles that were faced previously? It was mildly tough in parts but come on, there were some amazing things that were faced off against in various galaxies through SMG and this just seemed to pale in comparison.

Now for the good! I'm absolutely grateful that they didn't just end the game there. When you return to the game, you find out that you can get 50-60 more stars to get to a special place. What a tease! I know my son is going to try for it but I fear there is a very long road ahead.

For those that have finished, Congrats! For those that haven't, the journey is worth it and a whole lot of fun. This has to be one of the more enjoyable games (on a casual level) that I've played in many many years. I can't wait for the sequel.

Paying the IRS to file?? Huh?

Well, I finished my income taxes last night and sent them in the mail today via standard postal delivery. I was going to file electronically but had a fundamental problem with paying someone to file my taxes electronically.

Does anyone else find it extremely odd and just a bit unjust that we should have to pay to file our taxes electronically?? Particularly when it happens to be more efficient and cost effective for our government to process our taxes electronically.

I happen to be getting a refund, which is great, but now I have to wait an extra 4 weeks or so (approximately) because I don't feeling like handing over $38 to help the government be more efficient. This despite the fact that they owe me the money.

Can someone please explain the logic of this to me?? (I know, it's the government, there is no logic.)

Advertising in online video - Get a clue please!!

Alright, I've just about had it with advertising in the online videos of most of the major networks and many of the other sites that have "free" content supported by advertising interspersed in the videos they give for "free".

I have the free in quotes because, frankly, a bit of my mind and patience is sucked away with every last one of the commercials I have to watch. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not some crazy person who thinks everything should be free. I realize that these sponsors help pay for the content I'm watching for "free". But who the heck thinks I want to watch the same gosh darn advertisement SIX bleepin' times in the span of 30-40 minutes! Let's get just a bit creative can we please???

I rarely rarely ever watch any of the catch up episodes of shows on the networks and, after my last experience, I'll probably watch them even less. A week or so ago, I had to catch up on a couple of CHUCK episodes. I ended up watching the same 60 second (or was it 30 and seemed like 60) commercial perhaps 6 or 7 times. It was unbelievable. I mean, come on, get a clue would you networks please? Why would I ever want to see the same thing 6 times. I get the idea the first one or two times. Really! I remember it. It wasn't that long ago.

Point of fact, I probably am now less likely to support that sponsor than ever before. I just don't like getting hit over the head with a hammer repeatedly. It hurts!

I just experienced the same thing on GameSpot, and GameTap. Both sites play the same darn commercial EVERY SINGLE TIME. Ok, GameTap does mix it up a small bit but they rotate between maybe three different videos. Thank goodness they are short.

So, come on internet web sites out there, let's get with the program and play the commercial ONCE! And I do mean ONCE!! Not once per view. Not once per hour. Not once per game. No, just once is enough. If you want to do it again, at least wait one day. I'll give you that much slack but no more. And do give me that excuse about having some commercials play more than once in a sitting on TV. No, that won't work. I've got a DVR that gets me right by those. Nope, that just doesn't fly.

Oh, and for the record, I'm boycotting everything I have to watch more than once a day.

All you websites out there have been warned!! You have no excuse now!