Goodbye, for now.

I must admit that this is a bit surreal. It has been almost a year and a half since we started the EverCast Show. Upon anticipation of the grand revealing of EverQuest Next, we first embarked on our journey into podcasts July 2013. The whole idea originated from an amalgamation of love for online gaming and thrill for the new big promises that awaited us at SOE Live. The story itself started on Reddit, believe it or not.

The EverQuest Next Reddit had just come online and we were about 2 months from the reveal at SOE Live when I started to post and search for the perfect team of hosts to make the dream of an EQN podcast a reality. Little did I know at the time, Tannlin, Gogojira, Rek, Fantomex, and more were already creating the spark that would transform the group into an enormous community. A community, that instead of squelching opinions, encourages participants to speak out, advocate, criticize, dream, and share in their passion for not only Landmark/EQN but the entirety of virtual worlds.

EverCast started as an idea founded around bringing together the community. The idea was to first invite hosts from a variety of opinions and gaming backgrounds to discuss and elaborate on possibilities that may be possible in the new age of MMO gaming. A hopeful era of player contributed worlds where the essentials of the lifeless theme park would fade into the distance.

Over time, EverCast grew into being one of the main voices for EQN/Landmark news. We brought together guests from all corners of the community to spread their ideas and let their voices be heard. We have had our ups and our downs, as can be expected with any project, but we continued to push to create quality entertainment that encouraged group participation. Did we succeed? I think so. Could we have done it better? I'm sure. In the end though, EverCast is now its own domain. It is a life that supercedes the hosts themselves and it is a name that I truly believe will continue to live on bringing quality news and entertainment for both EverQuest Next/Landmark, and, maybe one day, all things Norrath and online gaming.

So, here is where my somberness lies. It is time for me to end my time here with the show. From early conceptualization to the scheduling of hosts and often heated debates over the direction of these new games, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with my talented co-hosts. Along the way, I have met more friends than I could ever have imagined meeting. Friends who allowed me to share my passion for virtual worlds and accepted me as one of their own.

The reason for my departure isn't founded in the lack of interest for either the podcast or the games we cover. I am entering a transitionary time in my life that requires more time than I have to give. With a wedding, moving, and a full-time job around the corner, EverCast just simply isn't in the cards. I do not wish to let the show's content falter due to my lack of availability. For this reason, I am taking leave from EverCast with full expectations of maintaining my close friendship with Caeleste, Flattus, and Tannlin and supporting ECast as much as possible in the near future. Do not expect my complete absence from the community either. I have long lived in the world of Norrath and never plan to leave my home amongst friends.

Expect EverCast to continue strong and grow in the near future. I might be taking leave, but the hosts are as dedicated as ever to continuing the name and adapting it into a show that can continue for years to come. This isn't a decision that was reached lightly and it also isn't a decision that is irreversible. However, for now, this is goodbye.

Thank you for all of the amazing memories of ECast over the past year and a half and I look forward to our future adventures together.

-Chad "Chuina" Albritton

Tolerance - HeForShe.org

Let's start this off with some facts that not everyone knows about me. First off, while you may think I am the exemplar of a "true man", all joking aside, I actually grew up without a father figure. I was an only child raised by two women and instead of testosterone filled nights of football, I grew up spending nights with my mother and grandmother. We'd travel around to local cities and focus on the beauty of life or simply sit down to a nice movie. You know, amidst the crises filled nights of back and forth yelling between myself and them. Or the nights where I was "restricted" for being disrespectful. Or maybe the time when I decided to steal all of the jewelry and hide it in my bunk-bed as retaliation for some miniscule act that of course had no meaning.

The point of all of this is the fact that even though I grew up with two women as my role models, I wasn't raised a feminist. My grandmother grew up in a time where mysogyny and sexism was the norm, but she cared more for the little things in life. My mother was very passionate and open with me but never delved into theoretical debate. They never really were the kind of people to act out against societal problems. They were more focused on creating a happy life for me. They gave me the distance and respect any child deserves while disciplining me whenever necessary. Which if you read above, I expect, was quite often.

It wasn't until my early 20s that I really started to take note about the bigger picture of how society worked. I suppose it was simply due to my upbringing or perhaps some un-developed lobe in my brain.

As I grew into young adult-hood, the biggest lesson I learned was that intelligence and ignorance were not mutually exclusive. How easy it is to misunderstand another person and their plight; to commit confirmation bias when faced with disagreement.

In college, I was lucky enough to have professors who taught on the basis of disruption. It wasn't about sharing just one viewpoint and reinforcing facts. My lessons were filled with the antithesis of memorization. To my professors, facts themselves didn't exist. It allowed me to really start to question not only my surroundings, but myself; who I was internally and what I was to stand for.

Recently, the announcement of a UN based organization called HeForShe has motivated me to write this post. HeForShe is a movement for gender equality; a new age Seneca Falls. It's a movement that in itself is synonymous to the civil rights movement or the legalization of gay marriage. These movements might focus on different groups of people with different reasons for acknowledgement but they all focus on one simple humanistic trait, tolerance.

The movement is called HeforShe and claims to be a solidarity movement against all gender stereotypes and not just those we confine to women. Its main audience is men which I think is a great rhetorical strategy, but has the potential to be quite off-putting if not handled correctly.

Recently actress Emma Watson, a GoodWill Ambassador to the United Nations, gave a speech announcing her involvement with the organization. She vehemently stood in front of the leaders of the world and shared her stories of growing up in the eye of the media. How herself and her friends were confronted at an early age with societal stereotypes and how the adversity impacted their life choices.

Yet despite all of her great allusions to the problem at large it was the first sentence of her speech that really stood out to me. A problem that I have always whole-heartedly stood behind and that is the word feminism itself. The word "feminist" often encapsulates the pejorative terms applied to strong women such as: bossy, bitchy, or prudish. It has been construed to be an "other". By using it, you aren't standing as a 'normal' citizen' but as someone who is easily ignored as a fanatic. To me, part of the reason is because of the instant divide it causes. Feminism has taken on a connotation of "Us vs. Them" which is divisive for most men.

You may say, "Of course! It is the men who got us here!" and you wouldn't be incorrect, but fighting intolerance with intolerance is only going to bread more ignorance. The reason I am choosing to spotlight HeforShe is the same reason I thoroughly enjoyed our feminism in gaming episode of the EverCast Show. The movement may call for men to help make the change, but it doesn't focus on the principle of delegitimization. Instead, HeForShe looks to bring forth the decline of gender stereotypes. The truth is, more men are choosing to stay at home with the children. Modernized society and the need for less masculine labor has reduced the need for gender roles and men can often feel just as pressured as women to maintain a certain identity.

But still, let's be honest. Women still appropriate less income than men working the same jobs. (Goodley, 2014) They are still taunted by mass media to somehow make something of themselves while "knowing their place" (below). Take for instance John Oliver's recent coverage of the Miss America pageant who, believe it or not, is the largest single supplier of woman-only scholarships in this country. Oh and they barely give out any money while still judging women like they are slaves in the stocks that ready to be bought at auction.

If you somehow disagree with this movement, I don't know what to say. I wasn't born a feminist. I wasn't fooled into being one either as some critics might argue. I, for one, know that I want my fiancee, mother, grandmother, and, one day, my daughter to share equal experiences with men. I want my son to grow up in a world where he can be himself; not afraid of being bullied into a stereotype. Even bigger than that, I want humanity to be able to finally shed its primal instincts of territoriality. For how is society to evolve when we are stuck on issues like intolerance and misunderstanding? None one is perfect, but do yourself a favor and learn every day. Learn from everyone and reciprocate beliefs that can make this world a better place.

Please take the time out of your day to watch both Emma Watson's recent speech and the segment from the John Oliver's Last Week Lately show below. 

Until next time,
Chad

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July

Oh how I have longed to write a drawn out conceptualization of the lies of American democracy and patriotism. I'd thoroughly enjoy discussing the many difficulties we face as a nation and the hypocrisy that fills our bowels. I'd love to join conspiracy theorists and shout from the highest tower that America isn't about a unified dream; that it isn't a proverbial heaven amidst a problematic world. Yet, deep inside, snuggled up against my utter disregard for our divided government, lack of food regulation, over-abundance of political money lobbies deciding our future, and extreme flaunting of our outward despotism; I love this country.

I said it, I love being an American. You might think I'm an idiot for saying as such or that I only love this country because I choose to ignore its problems, but that simply is not true. Every country in our world is riddled with complexities and hypocrisies, corruption and poverty. Yet as Americans, we stand up on a daily basis, not only confronting our inner problems but expanding our hands out to the multinational-geopolitical crises abroad. We fight daily against xenophobic tensions that are rooted in our collective identity. We choose to volunteer and help thy neighbor. In times of justified war, us Americans can grow into such a fierce patriotic frenzy that no enemy in the world would want to face.

Our freedom of the press, our right to assemble, even our controversial right to bear arms is what sets us apart. We scream individualism yet strive towards a common society. Are our freedoms perfect? Are they absolute? In theory, sure, but in reality, it would be silly to think so. But that isn't the point. On this anniversary of our country's birth; a birth bloodied with war, riddled with conspiracy, and grown out of racist tendencies, let us remember what makes life here so special.

Yes we might over work, over stress, and over complicate our lives in this fast paced society we call home, but we do it because our individualistic society beckons us to not sit idle. Our society encourages us to compete with ourselves to be better. It doesn't matter what your personal cause is. You could be growing a garden for your family to produce organic treasures. You might donate time at a local food bank or build online charities. 

The point I'm trying to make, is that you don't have to ride to the top to make a difference. Every positive step you take in life affects others around you and it is because of this that our country is so grand. It isn't our national calling cards for being the best or our syllogistic need to logically prove so. It is within the microcosms of the American identity and culture where our true patriotism can be found. It's in our immigrants who work harder than any other because they choose to live here and not anywhere else. It's in our innovators who dedicate themselves to higher education and their 12-hour days in the lab. It is that beautiful smile you see as your favorite waitress approaches, even though you know she has had a terrible day. We lean on each other, we guide each other, and, if it comes to it, we fight for each other.

Patriotism isn't ignorance towards our problems. It is the ability to stand up together, despite our difficulties, and progress towards a united future. 

Happy 4th of July, everyone, and thank you to those who work diligently to keep us safe and moving forward.

An Updating Life

Just like a modern program attaches to an update server, our lives are connected and networked to a point where we are somewhat force-fed life patterns. It always seems to amuse me how our world is so complicated, so diverse. Yet, despite all of the odd near-randomalities that may happen in a day -- the chance that they were bound to occur is no mere coincidence.

Freedom of choice, freedom to live, freedom to eat, these may seem like the existential ideals that we preach to ourselves and others but when you dive below the fold, there may be little choice to be had. Don't get me wrong, I am no believer in destiny, but I do believe that our lives, like a complicated artificial intelligence, are bound by the relations our brain makes to others and the social construction of our reality we inherent: a stigmata.

At this point, you may seriously be wondering where this thread is going and I don't think you'd be "normal" if you didn't. I wanted to address this issue because it is something that is close to me at this point in my life. Graduating in May means that I just have a few months to apply to as many careers as possible and decide interminably a plan for my life. My fiancee and I are set to be married in October (finances allowing) and I am at a point in my life where I am finally ready to move on to a new stage.

Sure, I know my interests. I honestly have a good idea of what I am wanting to do with my life, which I am completely grateful for! I love my degree in Communication and Media Studies, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to look into why someone communicates a certain way and how the political economy we live in constitutes a reality created by media. I love the power of rhetoric both in the written form and the visual. I love the puzzle that is human relations, but here is my anticipation fear of my future. Is my future really what I make it, or is there a set of variables waiting to force my path in a different direction?

But you say, "Chad, no worries. Everyone at this point in their life is a tad bit worried about the future. It's human!" I understand this, trust me. I do, but I express myself better when writing things out than to just let them sit inside. There are a lot of future career possibilities that I would jump head over heels for, but is there even a chance of it happening? Is it just a sticky-wicket not wanting to go down? Is it a waste of time for something that may never evolve?

A close friend of mine recently applied to Google with as strong of an ambition as I have now. He spent months preparing his presentation and interview and was even flown out to the campus. Then, suddenly, it happened. Despite his background at NASA and his near flawless GPA, it just didn't work out. There was no reason from Google to why they didn't accept him and there will probably never be any feedback to help him understand what might have gone wrong.

Now, my conviction (though not absolute) is not going to stop me from fighting to achieve what I believe I am capable of achieving, but I still have that real fear of it simply not working out. After all, our lives are determined by the lives of others around us. There simply are things that we cannot control, no matter how hard we try.


Well folks, let's give it a try anyways. I am blessed to have such a passionate group of friends and family here to progress with. I think in the end we will all be fine, but "whoo" this period of waiting is torture.

Next post I am thinking that I will expand on my career interests a bit and a few industries I'd clamor over to work in. (I am still working on that Sea World post, slowly...)
Oh, and I promise it won't be two months apart like all my other posts have been. **wink** Time for some regularity!

And with that, eat your fiber and I'll see you next time!

A Liquid Life

Much time has past since I last wrote and the accumulation of events within these past few months would hardly be possible to capture with depth, but lucky for you I am quite friendly with a guy known as brevity (my fiancee would tell you different). 

In review, first, Kelly and I were given the amazing opportunity to join Sony Online Entertainment and fellow journalists, friends, and communities last August in Las Vegas for SOE live 2013. I was able to sip a little booze, grab some amazing news, and make connections that will hopefully last for many years to come. SOE was more than friendly with their guests and those in attendance hopefully really got to experience the magic that comes with the industry of game design. The casino didn't hurt too much either.

On top of this and of a different tone, my family lost a few very valuable members this past summer. My great aunt and uncle were a cornerstone in my life, a foundation for when times were hard, and were the epitome of a loving family. It was devastating to lose them but this brings up the point I want to make in this blog post.

In a recent scholarship looking at the emergence of a work-based culture, Mark Dueze coins the term "Liquid Life". It's a life where societal influence and media creations are being modernized to include consumer production and the fact that our lives are in constant flux. We as Americans never turn off. To me, the term liquid life refers to a fluidity among our personae and our movements. We can't control everything, there is a bigger structure to life than we give credit to. It isn't a grand destiny but more of a narrowing of situational outcomes. 

Throughout my life, I have never been the one to really let stress rule which is near impossible for some. Work, school, friends, and family are always expecting you to stay busy, whether you are working on your new promotion or trying, pushing your life in a new direction or simply doing house chores. We are told over and over again by news outlets, teachers, business leaders, and family that we simply are not doing well if we aren't doing something. I am stepping on my soap box here and saying it isn't that relaxation is the opposite of productivity. Our definition of productivity prescribes to a western ideal, one that belongs in the trash.

I don't believe we are ever not productive. Our lives ebb and flow like the waves off of the sea, each particle of water interacting with each other to create our lives. We are connected to those around us and society as whole and the conceptualization of productivity is mismanaged and misconstrued. Productivity should not just be measured by the tangible. It's the intangible of the friendly smile or the helping hand that advances our society just as much as the discovery of sub-atomic particles or the new thin Ipad. Sure, to some people there are degrees to which one act improves society but the specialty of productivity relies in critical mass. It's the fact that deeds reciprocate and expound upon each other. This applies to both your personal and interpersonal lives. Take that break, enjoy that movie, spread that smile and let life push you forward. 

I don't believe in a hard plan, I don't believe in limits. I guess I am asking that you try the same as well. I'm not talking about being lazy, or doing everything on the fly-- do what works for you. Our lives are constantly moving forward and often pushing us towards different outcomes. If you enjoy the ride and keep your possibilities open then I truly believe you will go far. 

As for myself? I am currently applying to as many internships as possible and keeping eyes open for career opportunities after graduation. With hopes of working on communication within the video games industry as just one of many possibilities, I have to reaffirm to myself that things will work out for the best. It may be a tad cliche, but you aren't really living until you enjoy your life. So with that I leave you. Stay positive my friends.

Until next time,

-Chad

Rejoice! The Allure of Writing Continues!

It has been over a month since my unbelievable journey began with GameSkinny. A site that focuses on a social factory of user generated content not only provides multiple perspectives and breaking news for all types of games but more importantly gives those marginalized a way to achieve mass views to their writings and musings. There are profits to be made on both sides and the ability to test the waters in a scientific age of experts is both vital and certainly appreciated by this fellow here.

About a month ago I entered what I imagined a faraway dream. It really is magnificent the multi-layered yet linear lives that we live. The way one slight decision and the impact of another can drastically open or close doors throughout a life is something that is near impossible to imagine but like an ethereal being, it is omnisciently present.

The past few years have been a period of growth for me in ways I still cannot fully appreciate. Not only have I had the spectacular opportunity to meet the love of my life but I have had the chance to learn from some of the brightest minds I have ever met. A period of internal transition and struggle to form my own identity is still developing, but for the first time I think a path for my future might be opening up.

I have been blessed with living an amazing and privileged life.  My grandmother and mother have given all they can to make sure I secured the opportunities I have today. Unfortunately, my focus wasn't on the utilization of my possible talents but more of a nonchalant ignorance to the importance of productivity on both a personal and interpersonal level. Big dreams are persistent, but my work towards these dreams are often scattered and without vision. Focus and determination are one of the hardest skills to master but it seems I might have a dream that not only beckons the hard work but provides a not-so-far off gratification to keep my vision.

It is an honor and a joy to be able to accept GameSkinny's Dragon Prophet Correspondent prize. Not only will the 13 year old Everquest lover in me be able to go hands on with SOE's latest game but I will be able to attend the event in Vegas for free with the ability to enhance my writing portfolio and hopefully establish long-term connections for possible employment after graduation. The company itself has been my passion for years and with my current studies of communication and marketing combined my vast knowledge of gaming, I just do not see how it could go wrong. Anyways, that's for another post. One step at a time.

Kelly and I have just 26 days left until we board our flight for SOE Live and head out on our journey across the U.S. and I am starting to go crazy with preparation. I am hurriedly trying to find my video equipment, tape recorders, and get my laptop set up to do both in person camera interviews and many text-based articles with pictures. I just wanted to share my thanks for such a wonderful opportunity and am hoping this path leads to a glorious future. I don't intend to stop, I don't intend to slow down, I don't intend to not let this dream take reality.

Be sure to follow my twitter and keep an eye out for GameSkinny articles out of SoE Live. I may not have the experience but I promise to make up for it with hard work, dedication, and flirting with the developers.

See you all in Vegas~

Great Thoughts and Good Vibrations

Recently, Kelly and I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer locally. Well, to be honest, she sort of forced me to go one morning before work. Don't get me wrong, Kelly and I have been discussing the chance to volunteer for about a year or so but between school and work we never really found much time. The arrival of summer meant many numerous hours not spent twiddling away at homework and Kelly saw the perfect opportunity via internet.

As should be expected, I didn't take much notice of the event until, well, until we were actually there. I was focused on a busy Father's Day weekend at work, and a reminder to awake early in the morning sent a long forgotten memory back into my mind. "Oh that's right! She volunteered us! Crap, where are my clothes!?"

Enter scene, Feeding Kids Everywhere.

What we approached on our arrival to the volunteer location, other than a fast and expedient trip around the corner, was a simple warehouse with a beautiful logo of kids around a globe. As we walked inside the scene shifted from an industrial park to a Willy Wonka's of food production. Colorful tables, vibrant hair nets, music videos, and lights all collaborated together to paint a picture of what this organization was all about: helping through fun.

Feeding Children Everywhere, via their website, "is a social charity that empowers and mobilizes people to assemble healthy meals for hungry children." The organization focuses on one simple nutritious meal. The meals focus on providing vitamins such as: A, B6, C, D, E, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and more with the goal of a healthy and filling meal in mind. As I was talking with one of the "line leaders" (volunteers who help organize the human factory) the choice to not use Soy in their meal and lentils instead was based on the large amounts of estrogen naturally found in Soy. I honestly had no idea, but I can see drastic implications for children who might consume too many hormones, both girls and boys. 

During our short time at Feeding Children Everywhere we were working on packing meals for the Oklahoma tornado victims. Just the fact that a meal I helped make would most likely help save a life was one of the most joyful experiences I have ever had. Some might dismiss philanthropy, and I might have to take pity on them because the uplift you get from such an experience is better than an hour massage or a day at the spa. There really is nothing that comes close.

By the end of our 2 hour shift, which involved much music and dancing, we were able to create some 33,000 meals and there were multiple shifts that day! A two hour experience, not even an inconvenience, was able to help so many people and not only got me out of the house, but allowed me to meet some really fantastic people. The organization itself only has a few locations across the U.S. but I highly recommend checking out their website and learning more. http://www.feedingchildreneverywhere.com/

Kelly and I will be heading back for the next event, come join us!

Point of Concern--Turkey

Point of Concern: What is it?

"Point of Concern" is to be a monthly addition to my blog with a focus on current events that are unfortunately not captivating the majority of the media. This is where I will attempt to summarize the events and the causes behind them and a place for you to leave your input in the comments. Share your knowledge and your opinions here and perhaps we can grow together.

Image Courtesy of: www.easyholidaydeals.co.uk

With the 24th anniversary of Tiananmen Square recently passing, the times of political turmoil that would hopefully be solved today only seem to be on the rise. Events such as the Arab Spring or the Occupy movement are pushing the boundaries of public dissent in hope of change. Turkey's recent social movement revolves around unhappiness with their Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a cultural background riddled with tension between secularists and religious activists.

The Background

Despite the distance between us, this conflict is not one to be ignored by the United States. Turkey has been a strong U.S. ally since their Western reforms of the late 1800s and early 1900s under Atatürk.  Turkey, which connects Europe to the Middle East was for the most part Islamic. Under the Ottoman Empire, Sharia law ruled the land, but with the rise of the new republic of Turkey came a move of reformation by
Atatürk. Turkey became more secular than ever and with it came influence of the West. Citizens of Turkey were told how to dress, forced to learn the English alphabet, and were encouraged to give up their religion. Atatürk's reforms not only established a working parliament but his move towards westernization helped grow Turkey's economy.

Enter the Present

Today's protests are an acumulation of a country on the verge of a social and religious revival. Islamification is spreading across Turkey with citizenry polarized between the church and the state. For years secularists were in control of the parliament but around 1970 the trends were changing. A religious revival started sweeping over the country and through years of struggle, they came to power. Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) are not the traditional religious revolutionists of the 70s or 80s.
"Political Islamists have not changed their rigid agenda of creating a society on Islamist rules, but only their methods and assets. It is a common perception that contemporary religious revival in Islam is targeting not only the society but also the state institutions which is the case in Turkey in the last decade" (Akayya).

Image Courtesy of: Wikipedia

Erdoğan is now serving his third term and at his limit but under his rule the law has been changed to allow him to run again after sitting out for one election term. Erdoğan is one of the most powerful leaders Turkey has seen in decades and a fear of a looming dictatorship may have Turks worried to the point of action. Questions of freedom of speech have arisen as journalists are coming forward standing up against their censorship.

The protests began over the demolishing of Gezi Park built as a salute to Atatürk's reforms. These protests were not a religious dissonance but were focused on the last green space available in the commercial district. The proposed plan would destroy the park and replace it with an Ottoman style barracks and shopping mall. The violent reaction from police caused local labor unions to join the fight and now the streets are filled with protesters both peaceful and nonpeaceful. Despite their methods of dissent, their message seems to be the same. The people of Turkey want a true liberal democracy. Erdoğan's use of power with borderline authoritarian tactics seem to be the main cause of protests and what started as a small reachout against construction has turned into a rallying call for reform.

Why the U.S. should care about Turkey

The United States has had close relations with Turkey since their Western reforms. Today Turkey is responsible for training Syrian rebels in secret training camps providing support against Syria's
Ba'athist Party. A replacement of government officials could see the end of trainings and the move towards islamification means the possibility for radicals to take seats of power. Not only destroying any last hope for Syrian rebels but putting US relations on a thin line. 

In addition, Turkey has been seeking entrance to NATO for years now and could be a powerful ally in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Relations over this subject have to be dealt with carefully and it is important for us to give support for a liberal democracy without ruining our relations with Erdoğan and his AKP. Once again, the United States is pinned in a Catch-22 of foreign policy where each action taken could mean drastic repercussions. For now it may be wise to sit back and watch, but without any engagement, Turkey may become even more authoritative under the pressures of the protests.

What do you guys think? Are these protests called for? Do you think reform is possible? Leave your comments below!

Sources:

http://www.equatorialist.com/views/politics/rise-of-political-islam-in-turkey/

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/03/world/europe/turkey-conflict-explainer/index.html?iref=allsearch

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/06/05/turkey_s_secular_awakening

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/06/01/here_s_what_you_need_to_know_about_the_clashes_in_turkey

A possible job opportunity approaches!

Hail Traveler, A Possible Job Awaits Ye!

For quite some time now it has been a reward to indulge myself in a little writing. Of course, a liberal arts university sure pounds the words per minute out of you. Despite many, sometimes boring writings for school, writing for fun and on matters close to me, is starting to seem quite natural. With the soft-release or "open beta" (quotations due to it being more of a release than a test) of Dragon's Prophet, a new game by Runewaker Entertainment and published by Sony Online Entertainment, a gaming news site has offered quite a proposal! 

@izakillyoudead We're looking for an official Dragon's Prophet correspondent at GS, paid w/ free trip to SOE Live! buff.ly/19Gf1sS
— GameSkinny (@GameSkinny) May 30, 2013

It turns out the gaming site is looking for official writers for the new game and after trying it out, I must say I am intrigued. The game itself is set in a high-fantasy world where dragon's are numerous. In fact, a main facet of the game is collecting the dragons themselves, training them, and having them do your boring tasks like collecting! Think of pokemon with fantastic real time combat and a beautifully built world. My first experience with this game was full of death and fun--some how at the same time.

Anyways, the contest comes to a close next month and features a prize of not only a trip to SOE Live in Vegas but a paid contract for 12 months of Dragon's Prophet news. Not only would this be a perfect time to practice my professional writing but would do wonders for my resume.

Oh, and check out this awesome commercial for Dragon's Prophet UK:

Wish me luck my blog readers. For more information on Dragon's Prophet check out the website and download the client. I am playing on the server Lysaia and will hopefully one day get my livestream looking nice. 

Download Link: http://www.dragonsprophetthegame.com

My Contest Entry: http://www.gameskinny.com/ar1ia/gotta-catch-em-all

Till next time!

 -Chad Albritton

Random Access Memories---A Groove Line for Life

Random Access Memories

A Groove Line for Life

Like soft memory, disco was a relatively short-lived fad. The adoption of Blues and Classic Rock melodies with funk groove lines and four on the floor beats would revolutionize the music of the 70s, creating Disco and setting the stage for Rap, Dance, and Pop of today. Daft Punk was not one of the many who tossed disco out of their minds as new music came a long. The robots are set to release their newest studio record tomorrow and with it comes a sort of futuristic time travel where disco style rhythms meet the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and vocoders. 

 Growing up in the 90s and DJing at a skating rink meant I was sort of destined to come into contact with the music of the robots. For those lucky, or paradoxically unlucky, enough to grow up in the 90s, its hard to not have heard at least one of Daft Punk's many ear-worms. Songs like "One More Time", "Around the World", and "Harder Better Faster Stronger" have taken over the airwaves in both the homes and in the clubs with unique samples, vocoders, and a style that encompasses multiple genres of electronic dance music. Daft Punk isn't confined to a genre with their work, but are more like a satellite that constantly watches the scene and unlike those on the ground, is aware of the connections between types of music. They seem to be able to visualize the music in mathematical rhythms creating pristine music. Where most artists focus on one type of EDM like Trance or the newest craze Trapp (still don't understand this one), the robots are constantly defining and re-defining themselves with each new project. They take what has been done well and combine it with their massive amounts of creativity and technical expertise to create tracks that have never been imagined before.

Upon hearing Daft Punk's teaser of their single "Get Lucky" at Coachella, I knew this album was going to be special, I just had no clue how far Daft Punk would push their repertoire of already funky and catchy songs. "Get Lucky" features Nile Rodgers, an award winning guitarists with works such as David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and the toe-tapping "Le Freak" and Pharrell Williams on vocals belting out a tale of young love and good times. 

As a musicphile, I took it upon myself to enact a plan of action, this album was to be mine. A friend purchased his copy after my enthusiasm regarding the single and my fiancee graciously surprised me with a pre-order for our anniversary. Can you say, "ka-ching!?" 

The momentum for this album has been building for months with teasers left and right. Daft Punk's marketing is genius and is as creative as the artists themselves using devices such as Vine and Facebook to release information. They even used a vine video to release the track-list--talk about new-age! The album is based on collaborations and apparently has been in production since 2009. Random Access Memories features artists such as DJ Falcon, Panda Bear from Animal Collective, Todd Edwards, House DJ Giorgio Moroder (more on him at a later date), Pharrell Williams, and the legendary Nile Rodgers.

Each song is molded around the collaborators and all have a special feel. This doesn't seem like an album thrown together with big names as featurettes but more the results of a creative synergy between the robots and their fellow musicians.

This is not your normal EDM

Now, when putting in this album it is important to not be expecting head-ache inducing drops and the constant electronic madness as of most EDM today. With chilling bass grooves and funky analog guitar, this is a trip back into the heyday of disco but with an added electronic touch. We are talking about beautiful and relaxing music that will, at one moment, have you ready to dance and at the next, ready for a soothing night drive. The album screams of quality with mega-narratives like "Touch" coupled with catchy tunes such as "Lose Yourself to Dance".

Now, I am no music expert so I compiled a list of technical reviews that I most certainly agree with. Whether you are young or old, I believe you can love this album. It may take an open mind to accept the synthesized voices but even my grandmother loved tracks like Within that can only be labeled as tasty!

Final Verdict? If you are a fan of Daft Punk or EDM, this album is a must. If you are a fan of soothing jazz and funky rock and roll, this album is a must. Lastly, if you are a musicphile that simply enjoys a creative uniqueness that only the robots can create in today's monopolized recording industry, this album is a must. Pharrell Williams, when discussing Random Access Memories on Daft Punk's Collaborator Series mini-documentaries said this and I wholeheartedly agree, "The music is so incredibly vivid.. this music represents the freedom of all human beings."


Random Access Memories brings back the soul in a music scene filled with synthetic beats. It's odd that two robots, the definition of the synthetic ruling over the natural, is responsible for "Give[ing] Life Back to Music" but it just shows how much verticality these artists have over the majority of music producers out there today. Go out and get this album, you won't regret it. My friend Travis and I set ourselves up on a trip through all of Daft Punks Albums, starting with Homework and ending with Random Access Memories. With each iteration of their music, the formula remains the same-- create a simple groove, just like the groove of the heart, and dress it up in melodies and crecendos that keep the music alive and fresh, listen after listen. Random Access Memories is an album that meets its hype.

Enjoy, my readers. I am not guiding you wrong on this one!

Some of the best reviews out at this time (Give them a read!):
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-20/entertainment/chi-daft-punk-album-review-random-access-memories-reviewed-20130517_1_random-access-memories-guy-manuel-de-homem-christo-daft-punk

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18028-daft-punk-random-access-memories/

Check out the Collaborators series on the Daft Punk Website:
www.randomaccessmemories.com


Let me know what you think in the comments below, do you love the album? Do you plan to purchase?