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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 13, 2011 16:28:42 GMT -5
chug it down with some Canadian syrup lulz  |
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 13, 2011 16:30:46 GMT -5
Interested investors may soon be able to own part of the Empire State Building. Three anonymous executives involved in the plans but unauthorized to discuss them told the New York Times that a publicly traded real-estate company may be in the works. The Malkin family, a father-son duo, controls the building and several other buildings that the new company may include in their stock offerings. (More on TIME.com: See pictures of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building) The 102-story Art Deco skyscraper at West 34th street and Fifth Avenue has risen to international fame as a popular tourist landmark. Over the years the Malkins have endured long legal battles in trying to gain control of the building from competing investors like Donald Trump. But the New York Times reports that after gaining full control half a decade ago, the Malkins have spearheaded a $560 million push to renovate and improve the landmark. In doing so, they've more than doubled the rent. (More on TIME.com: See pictures of China's extraordinary buildings) The plans are still in the early stages as the Malkins still need to clear them with their partners, but hopeful investors should stay tuned for further developments. But for those of us who can't quite afford a chunk of the Empire State Building, watch it get struck by lightning three times during a storm Tuesday night. (via New York Times) Read more: newsfeed.time.com/2011/04/13/buy-the-skyline-parts-of-the-empire-state-building-could-go-on-sale/#ixzz1JRPjiiqz |
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:06:27 GMT -5
sup tho kc is not the morning but yaknowatitis
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:06:54 GMT -5
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:07:30 GMT -5
 nutritious dinner |
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:08:38 GMT -5
(CNN) -- "Portal 2" is an absolute joy.
The much-anticipated sequel expands on and improves the original's dark humor and mind-bending puzzles while providing a story that twists, turns and answers questions previously unasked.
A follow-up to the 2007 surprise smash hit "Portal," the game, released Tuesday by Valve, puts you back in the test chambers at Aperture Laboratories many years after the events of the first game end.
You play again as Chell, a female test subject who has been in stasis for many centuries and once again finds herself trying to escape from the treacherous lab.
This time, you're aided early on by a robot ball named Wheatley, who wants to get out as well.
However, you are eventually reunited with GLaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System), the homicidal computer from "Portal" that you presumably destroyed but is now seeking revenge -- in the name of science.
Game play once again features a series of platform-based puzzles that require the use of the portal gun to traverse.
The gun fires two types of portals that allow the player to get to hard-to-reach places.
Not every surface can be used as a portal, so proper selection of targets is key to advancing in the game.
The Weighted Storage Cube and Companion Cube, a small box with hearts on the side, are back to help with weighted triggers.
There are also Redirection Cubes that contain lenses to deflect laser beams, or Thermal Discouragement Beams as they are called in the game's deliciously ominous double-speak.
The puzzles require logical thinking and are smartly done. If you didn't play the first game, "Portal 2" does start with some basic puzzles to help you understand how the game's physics, mechanics and portals work.
But the difficulty ramps up quickly after a few test rooms. There are some new elements to help work out the puzzles.
"Aerial Faith Plates" launch you and other objects around the room and often help in adding momentum, which is sometimes critical to get to hard-to-reach places without a portal.
Liquid gels become available later in the game; they provide some useful abilities.
A blue gel helps Chell bounce, and an orange gel boosts her speed.
A white gel can be used to cover walls or floors that normally can't be used as portals, allowing one to be created. There are puzzles that will require one, two or all three gels to complete.
All of these additions to the puzzle-solving make for a very intelligent game. It is often best when entering a new room to stop, take a look around and analyze the scene. Be sure to look in all directions, because the way out may force to you to go in a different direction than the obvious one.
The story is fantastic, and the writing and dialogue remain one of the cornerstones to this series. GLaDOS's voice is dripping with sarcasm and malice even as her tone remains soothing and calm. Wheatley is silly, frantic and almost childlike.
The humor remains dark and dangerous, as it was in "Portal." GLaDOS often lies about pressing concerns or dangers, then admits her lie and seems to revel in the deception.
Without giving away any story spoilers, the game is pretty much divided into three parts and introduces the CEO and founder of Aperture Science, Cave Johnson. Johnson was heard in promotional videos for the game and has a sarcastic, shoot-from-the-hip attitude that just adds to the great dialogue found throughout "Portal 2."
The single-player version takes about six to eight hours to play depending on how fast you can solve the mind-bending puzzles. But the action doesn't stop there.
"Portal 2" offers a co-op version for two players, each operating a robot with a portal gun. GLaDOS puts Blue and Orange, the two bots, through test rooms much like Chell had to experience.
It is truly a cooperative game that can't be mastered by just one person. The puzzles are more complex, since they do require cooperation, but the devices and mechanics remain the same as in single-player mode.
Orange and Blue can communicate by using indicators to suggest what needs to be moved or where a portal should go.
They can also gesture to one another for a wave, a hug or even a high-five after a job well done. A random partner can be found online, but it is infinitely more enjoyable to play with someone in the same room or with a friend.
These puzzles can take some time to solve if you've never seen them before, and a friend might be more willing to cut you some slack as you analyze your options.
There is no drop-in or drop-out during co-op play. If one player leaves the game, the session is disconnected, creating another reason to play with someone you know.
GLaDOS keeps up the sarcasm but, if possible, shows even less empathy for the robots. Her dialogue, of course, remains funny and brutal.
Xbox 360 players can play each other across the Xbox LIVE network. Steam, the online gaming platform, is supported on the PlayStation 3 as well as PC and Mac computers, so players on those platforms also can play co-op with one another.
"Portal 2" was released Tuesday morning, although a Steam promotion gave gamers the chance to play the game Monday night by purchasing a package of independently produced games.
Overall, "Portal 2" is a sublime game from start to finish, with humor, wit, intelligence and drama carried over from the debut title. The action remains fresh and original, and the dialogue spurs spontaneous laughter even in the deadliest situations.
And in case you were wondering ... there is no cake.
"Portal 2" is available now for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac. The game is rated E10+ due to fantasy violence and mild language. This review was done playing the single-player version on Xbox 360 and the co-op version on PS3 and PC (through Steam).
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Post by KC on Apr 19, 2011 22:10:15 GMT -5
You and Jason have make up work to do. Get to it.
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:11:26 GMT -5
URTVKC (8:10:23 PM): now
URTVKC (8:10:26 PM): you and Jason have make up work
URTVKC (8:10:27 PM): get to it
taypizzzle (8:10:51 PM): fine
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Post by KC on Apr 19, 2011 22:12:37 GMT -5
That is not a good morning message.
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Post by Saint Nick on Apr 19, 2011 22:15:44 GMT -5
It's 8:15 PM you're not getting a good morning message.
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Post by KC on Apr 22, 2011 0:21:41 GMT -5
You're fired
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Post by Eric "Animal" Stein on Apr 22, 2011 0:33:58 GMT -5
Donald Trump for 2012 president!~ jk  |
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Post by Will on Apr 22, 2011 0:35:34 GMT -5
I would vote for mr. Trump  |
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Post by Eric "Animal" Stein on Apr 22, 2011 1:41:53 GMT -5
Fred Karger > Donald Trump Not that I'm a republican, though. But I will be able to vote in the upcoming 2012 election... scary right?  Not so young anymore, bitches! |
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Not so young anymore, bitches!