The Clever Cynic--fun free stuff to do: Runescape

One of the most enjoyable MMORPGs I have played is Runescape. If you have never played an on-line game, it is probably the best place to start. I feel that everyone should play at least ONE on-line game in their lifetime, just to experience the feeling of immersion that they sometimes provide. Runescape offers several advantages over the others:

1. It is free.....well to start anyway and I feel you can have most of the Runescape experience without ever becoming a member.

2. It plays in a browser. There is no real software to download and you can begin playing in minutes.

3. Because it plays in a browser you can play at work when you are supposed to be working--stolen pleasures are the best ;).

4. The quest system is really good.

Disadvantages:

1. The graphics are a bit dated.....but still look good.

2. Combat is not as exciting at times as some of the other games.

If you have never played a MMORPG, Runescape is a great way to try it without investing a lot of time and money before you know if you would enjoy MMORPGs or not.

--The Clever Cynic, http://theclevercynic.blogspot.com/
E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com

The Clever Cynic Word of the day: MMORPG

Google web defines MMORPG as: "A massively (or massive) multiplayer online role-playing game or MMORPG is a multiplayer computer role-playing game that enables thousands of players to play in an evolving virtual world at the same time over the Internet. MMORPGs are a specific type of massively multiplayer online game (MMOG)." Some of the most popular MMORPGs have been: Asheron's Call, Everquest, Dark Ages of Camelot and most recently World of Warcraft and Runescape.

The Clever Cynic: Reality TV Worth Watching--Shear Genius

Bravo TV on their site for "Shear Genius" says about their host for the show...
"for more than three decades Jaclyn Smith http://www.bravotv.com/Shear_Genius/bio/Jaclyn_Smith has held the public's interest." She does a fair (if a bit stiff) job of hosting the show. To her credit she holds her own opinion as a judge and doesn't let the rest of the judges override her opinion.

What they fail to mention is that Jaclyn Smith seems to have essentially the SAME hairstyle she had 30 years ago. ;) Hopefully, the show's finale is to give Jaclyn a new look. ;)

That aside, the show is worth watching.....

1. It is packed with tons of cute models strutting their stuff on the runway sporting new looks. ;)

2. There are some definate personalities among the contestants. Several sharks swimming the waters on this one--so the end-game should be interesting. (I pick Tyson and Tabatha for the final two). Tyson wasn't too smart yanking Tabatha's chain early on (she seems to be one TOUGH cookie) when he chose the order for stylists to choose models...so if he is smart, he won't let her near anything important while she is carrying those shears.

--The Clever Cynic, http://theclevercynic.blogspot.com/
E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com

The Clever Cynic: Reality Television worth watching--Gene Simmons Family Jewels

One reality program that is well-worth viewing is, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." Gene Simmons is not only an accomplished rock star he is without doubt one of the savviest businessmen in the world.

P.T. Barnum http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.T._Barnum is considered by many to be the greatest promoter of all time........but Gene Simmons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Simmons#Trivia certainly gives him a run for his money.

Why is it worth watching?

1. Gene Simmons is a master at creating a brand. He owns the rights to many different trademarks and viewers can learn a lot about how he handles promotions. It never hurts to watch winners....watch enough of them and some of it might rub off on you. ;)

2. The family is just plain cool. They are surprisingly normal and it is easy to forget that they are famous and not just a regular family.

3. According to Wikipedia...."Simmons also claims (in his book Kiss and Make-up) to have slept with over 4,600 women." (So the guy must be doing SOMETHING right). ;)

--The Cever Cynic, http://theclevercynic.blogspot.com/

E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com

The Clever Cynic: Lawncare

A lawn says a lot about the person who lives there. Fortunately, this is NOT my lawn. Although if I had my way, my lawn would be a beach ;).

--The Clever Cynic

E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com

Talking about the SImple Life, Paris Hilton and her Sidekick um... Nicole

Speaking of Paris Hilton...

I am a HUGE fan of reality television. I just can't get enough of it. Why? Because I just never tire of watching people compete in a totally contrived environment. I enjoy watching the dynamic unfold as "friendships" and "alliances" form. As the show progresses the sharks inevitably come out and slowly devour their friends and destroy those who trusted them. It is like watching a goldfish bowl filled with those fish you win at carnivals by tossing ping pong balls and suddenly someone tosses a piranha in there. Then everyone who tried to play "fair" complains...and the one who sold them out goes home with the cash..... some people never learn and I never tire of watching. I always learn something from the piranha. ;)

The Simple Life isn't truly a reality show but it is well-worth watching (but just ONCE). If you burn your hand on the stove once do you ever want to do it again? I hope the producers didn't name it that because they think Paris Hilton is "simple." That would be mean. I think it is someones idea of what a reality show would be like if Paris Hilton (and oh yeah her sidekick Nicole) ever got in touch with reality. It gives you a great insight into our culture and shows you just how desparate Americans are for entertainment. If you want more details you can find them here at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simple_Life

--The Clever Cynic
E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com

The Clever Cynic--Business BS

Is it just me or does everyone cringe when they learn that there is to be a brainstorming session at work? The minute I hear the word "brainstorming," I want to pull over my trashcan and immediately empty my stomach contents.

Why you ask?

Because invariably part way into the session, someone...usually the one with the whiniest voice...says, "we need to start thinking outside the box." Then they look at everyone else like they are the first to ever coin the term. "think outside the box." They also use this smug expression that clearly shows everyone present that they are the ONLY one who has ever thought outside the box in their life and everyone else should shut up and listen to thier suggestion, accept it as some kind of divine inspiration and stand in awe of their personal creativity.

Well.........if they were such a creative thinker and mastermind.......they would come up with a new way of saying, "think outside the box." Something like, "we need something that hasn't been overdone like Paris Hilton."

My next thought is since they have such original ideas why doesn't the rest of the team put their stuff in a box, hand it to them and take a two-hour lunch while they polish thier creation? Oh yeah, I forgot........OUTSIDE the box.....sigh. What WAS I thinking?

--The Clever Cynic
E-mail: the_clever_cynic@yahoo.com