Kayaking

Today I kayaked five or six miles down the Susquehanna River with Nod the Jaffa (dad). It was a lot of fun. Although the rapids weren’t real thrilling, except for one. Though, at EVERY rapid, the jaffa got stuck on a rock. Quite funny, it was. And at the second one, he got stuck twice! I swear, the rocks loved dad. If I bumped one or got caught, they’d let me go. But dad...they had his name on them. I didn’t really have any great rock problems until the end where it got really shallow and I got a bit careless. It was great to go kayaking, since I only did what seemed like ten minutes on the last day of Girl Scout camp. Though, the jaffa forgot to take the water bottles out of the freezer an hour or so before we went, so for most of the time, our water was ice.

By the way, I’m SO glad that yesterday’s Stargate episode didn’t end in a “to be continued”! Though, I’m not sure if I like SG-1’s new big enemy...after all, they are replacing the Goa’uld, so they’re already getting on my bad side...

Game Review: Final Impression: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

Even though almost halfway through, I lost the data of this game and had to start over, I finally finished it today. I must say, I did like this game! It does challenge you, but not so much that you get frustrated. Though, it could have been harder. I do look forward to playing the second game-coughideaforauntaralcough! Hm...and the doctor said that the cough should be gone by now...anyway, according to saur_kid’s post about Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves, it sounds like it’ll be better than the first. The earning of skills aspect of the game was interesting, and followed the plot well, but got annoying because if you missed one of the clues to open the vault that contained a page with a new skill or something on it at the beginning, I would have to trek up back to the beginning and get it, or if it wasn’t possible, I would have to start the level over again. Also, I believe it would have been cooler if there was more then one spot where you could have been Bently. Oh! Okay, so here’s the plot:


Okay, so when It’s Sly Cooper’s time to inherit the Thievius Raccoonus, a book that contains the Cooper family’s thieving secrets (he comes from a long line of thieves that steal from other thieves, thus calling themselves “Master Thieves”), the Fiendish Five steal the book, each taking a section of the book for themselves. So, Sly goes around to their hideouts, defeats them, and takes back the pages of the book. The leader, Clockwerk, apparently has been trying to disgrace the Cooper line for a long time (he’s hundreds of years old), and this time he stole it in order to prove that the Coopers are nothing without the book, but in the end he’s defeated (though at the end of the credits, it’s not definite, and if you read saur_kid’s post about Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves, well...you’ll see.

Game Review: Final Impression: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

I must say, despite how easy it is, I do love this game. I usually always love multiplayer games. It’s just seems so different having someone that is alive fighting side-by-side with you (or against you) rather then the stupid computer player. For the first 6 levels of this game, I played it with the Tok’ra. The reason it took SO long to finish it was because that “ok” rat wouldn’t play it with me! So, for the last chapters I played it on my own and finished it today. Boy, the bosses are SO easy (including Gannon; I didn’t even know what I was suppose to do at first, but I easily defeated him!). What were hard were the dungeons themselves. Several times, the Tok’ra and I would wonder aimlessly around until I went on the Internet and found out what we were suppose to do. Surprisingly, even though the Tok’ra almost never wanted to play, she was BETTER then me point-wise! Oh, I forgot to tell you! In each area/dungeon, you try to get the most points. You earn points for having the most Force Gems (which, when collected enough, gave all players’ swords the power to “conquer evil”, or something like that), most enemies defeated, and most hearts (energy/stamina/HP) left. You lost points for dying (duh :P). However, this “point contest” only occurred if there were two players or more players.

Oh, another thing I have to explain to you...the plot...I may be a bit wrong on the beginning parts since it was a while ago since I started it...but anyway, there has been unusually bad weather in Hyrule and the surrounding area, so Zelda, the six maidens (they are part of protecting the seal on the Four Sword), and Link go to check on the seal of the Four Sword, that was used to seal away Vaati (evil; can control winds). Well, Zelda and the six maidens are captured by this “Shadow Link” (created by this Dark Mirror, you find out later in the game), and you have to break the seal in order to get the Four Sword, and you become four Links: green (original), red, blue, and purple. Now, you have to save all the maidens, Zelda, defeat Vaati only to find out that Gannon was behind all of this (you actually can assume this much earlier then when Zelda does...or at least I did when the little evil shrubs were praising him in the forest), etc. When I did play with the Tok’ra, she was green and blue, and I was red and purple. Anyway, I recommend this game to only those who can find someone to play it with them and will 100% commit to it. It’s much more fun with multiple players, in my opinion. And another thing you must know is that you have to have Game Boy Advances or SP’s and the cables to hook it up if you want to play multiplayer.

The one time I really enjoyed this multiplayer game was during one of the mini-games, where the goal was to catch the most chickens and toss them into the bin. The Tok’ra and I were very close, but the Tok’ra was ahead near the end of the game. So, both the Tok’ra and I chased this last chicken into a cave and kept on slashing each other, trying to get it (if you slash someone while they’re holding the chicken, they’ll drop the chicken). Accidentally, I press the “B” button (sword) while holding the chicken and facing the Tok’ra's Link, and I swung the chicken down on her, stunning her Link! I was able to separate myself enough from her to put the chicken in the bin. She got SO mad at me, even though she WON, calling me a cheater, but now I think she’ll agree it ‘twas very funny.

On a side note, Tan Lucy Pez got me pastels today as a birthday present (thanks, again)! I got hooked on ‘em while at Girl Scout camp (I think I mentioned this...). Anyway, since the scanner wouldn’t scan it properly, here’s photo of the picture I drew with the pastels that was inspired by the game (picture is of original Link and Gannon):

Band Camp: Version Penn State

As I said in my last post, I was away at band camp from July17 through today. I believe I learned a lot at this camp. At some times, I had fun, and at others, it could become boring, but I think the overall experience was very enriching and I’d love to do it again next year.

Anyway, on Sunday, we arrive at Penn State, and I have finished the sixth Harry Potter book (since I was reading it almost all of Saturday; I think it’s the best book yet :D). And for band camp, you have to audition to know what part you’re going to get...and to try out for orchestra if you want to (since they only allow three Trombones in it). Well, being the little perfectionist that I am sometimes, I became really nervous and...well...coughcriedcough. Anyway, I didn’t make it into orchestra, but I guess considering that I don’t think my audition went well, I was lucky to get the 2nd trombone part (out of 3) in concert band, plus I was one of the youngest people at the camp, so I’m guessing a lot of the people there have played trombone longer then me.

The next day, was a little hectic, learning where everything was and I had some schedule changes, but here is what my final schedule was:

Period 1: Music Theory
Period 2: Orchestral Listening
Period 3: Concert Band
-LUNCH-
Period 4: Brass Choir
Period 5: Conducting
Period 6: Trombone Sectionals
Period 7: Concert Band
-DINNER-
Period 8: Wind Listening
-CONCERT-
(Yep, we had a concert EVERY night. They were cool at first, but then they got longer and longer...and they cut into the little, if any free time we had)

I learned a lot in music theory (well...more of a refresher/reminder since I haven’t had music theory in a while), conducting, brass choir, and trombone sectionals. Brass Choir, although listed as a chamber group, was actually just a group of brass players who talked and learned about a variety of things, such as the Circle of Fifths, review of scales, musical periods, etc. The trombone teacher for concert band was very good, and I learned a lot from him. Wind listening and orchestra listening didn’t really teach me much, besides give me ideas of orchestral and wind CD’s I would like. In concert band, I did like the pieces that were selected, and they did challenge me, and I believe they resulted in a good concert on Saturday.

On our birthday, luckily, was our “free day”. We only had three periods in the morning, group photo, and then we were allowed to go anywhere on campus and some places downtown. Although it obviously not the best of birthdays, I had fun looking around in the shops, and I was able to buy a bucket hat (since my last favorite bucket hat was lost/stolen).

Anyway, I’m a bit too tired to say anymore, so I might edit/add more things to this post later...but I think that’s it...oh, but I did see the Stargate episodes from yesterday today. I really liked the Stargate SG-1 episode! Though, yet again, I’m a little mad that it’s a “To Be Continued” again. Though, looking that the “on next week’s episode”, I’m guessing we’re going to see the replacement of the Goa’uld :(. The Atlantis one was okay...but I still think it’s no match for SG-1.

Geek Back from the Great Outdoors

Girl Scout camp had taught me three important lessons: never regret the smell of your own bathroom, the state of showers at home, and (most) food at home. While at camp, I spent my time in tents (called Island Downstream). It was very hot most of the time, which made the experience miserable at times...however, I did have a lot of fun. I guess I should give you the basic run down of what happened...

Sunday:

We arrived. I was expecting to be the youngest in the group, but ended up being the oldest. Luckily, one other person was in the same grade as I. Anyway, we played some “get to know you” games, and it seemed like an okay group at the moment. Our group was the smallest, and there were only six girls (the seventh decided not to come). I had the worst meal in my life that evening. (Note: at Girl Scout camp, you have to have what is called a “brownie bite”. Meaning you have to take at least something of everything and eat something of it. All of my brownie bites were really, REALLY small pieces). I hate ham, so I had a brownie bite. I hate green beans, so I had a brownie bite. I had applesauce, so I had a brownie bite. I usually like corn bread, so I ate three of them. Or, at least what I could eat...the bottoms were heavily burnt, and they tasted pretty bad. Dessert was pudding so I was able to eat that. Oh, such a lovely start to the week.

Monday:

Hm...I can’t really remember this day well...oh, yes! We took our swim tests today. It was really easy, and I was able to pass it to the point of swimming in the deepest part. (Note: candy at Girl Scout camp is not allowed). On this day, two of the girls in the other tent (3 per tent) thought the third girl had candy, so asked her for some. The third girl did have candy, so she gave them some. After eating the candy, the two other girls tattled on the third! Apparently, the third girl had gotten away with it for six years! She told the counselor that she needs candy before she goes to sleep because it helps her sleep, so the counselor gave her one per night. Oh, and this night we prepare for our rafting trip tomorrow.

Tuesday:

Despite what you may think, the group I was with was wonderful. For the rest of the week, we got along and became really good friends, I think. We noticed the larger grounds had a lot of arguing. Anyway, we get up earlier and take a two-hour drive to a place called White Water Challengers. We had a blast! Rafting was one of my favorite parts of camp. On the way back to camp, we had Dairy Queen (I had chicken fingers, fries, and a vanilla ice cream; after camp food, that was pure heaven...). I believe it was this night that we discovered the joy of cards. We played Bull (also known as B.S.). It was because it was thunder storming, so we all gathered (including the counselor) into one of the tents, played cards, and chatted.

Wednesday:

Our counselor ditched us! Of course, not on purpose. Another group needed another counselor to go with them canoeing. She tired to get permission for us to go, but their weren’t enough vans. Plus, it turns out that it was 90 degrees where they went, and they practically melted in the metal ovens also known as canoes.

Anyway, our group was first with this really cool counselor. She told us that she had a great time with us, because we were much calmer and better to be with then her group. Unfortunately, we had to go with another group, but before we did, we snuck around, avoiding them. We almost succeeded, if the other counselor didn’t spot the counselor we were with. It was so funny, though! At this time, we did low ropes with the other group (we did the porthole, and the spider web, if you’ve heard of them...). I swear, this one counselor’s group couldn’t have completed anything if it weren’t for us! They spent a lot of time arguing...but then after we had to stop doing the low ropes courses, we were dumped on another counselor, yet again...then finally we ended up with the cool counselor again. We made foam picture frames, and then she let us go back and play cards for a while. It was a lot of fun. And, I believe it was this day I learned a card game called “Four Corners” and “ERS” (I have no idea what it stands for).

Thursday:

We did quite a bit of card games this day (by now everyone knows how to play Four Corners and we’d play it any opportunity we got). Today was our first day besides the swim test to go swimming. I mean come on! The title of our group was “Wild About Rivers”! Oh, well...the creek really stank, anyway. We also took a hike today, and the other girls were a bit freaked because we kept on finding bear tracks. Alas, we saw no bear. But it was creepy, because when we got back, the girls around the “singing tree” just happened to be singing a song about a bear...

This night was the “final campfire”. Even though everyone in my group couldn’t wait to get home, we did shed a few tears. We had a great time because we had such good company. I believe this group was the greatest I’ve ever had, including our counselor. Other people at the campfire, were bawling, making me even more sad. However, one of the girls was able to brighten our spirits by saying, “Boy, those other girls must be beaten or something at home, because I know I don’t want to stay one more second here at camp.” I know it sounds rude, but it made me laugh and feel better. And, of course, the girl didn’t really mean to be rude.

Friday:

We had packed the night before, and prepared to leave today. Also, today was the only day we went kayaking! I had waited for Girl Scout camp only to go kayaking for what seemed like less then 10 min?! Oh, well...I’ve learned my lesson: never rely on Girl Scout camp for kayaking. Anyway, I was the first to leave. When they found out I was leaving, we were playing KEMPS (a card game that requires teams, etc.), and they at first were more concerned about getting another person to play rather then me leaving :P. But of course, they said good-bye, and I miss them all and I hope they somewhat miss me...but now, we’re all in our nice houses (though, mine is without AC).

Tonight, I saw the beginning of Stargate SG-1 season nine (and Stargate Atlantis season two). Boy, the beginning of Stargate SG-1 was depressing, finding out that all the members of SG-1 were gone. But three of ‘em will definitely be back, I think. I really liked the first episode, except for the “To Be Continued” part. Whoever decided that that should be put into slavery under the Goa’uld. After all, the Goa’uld will need the slave labor because of the newly forming Jaffa nation. Now, I’m just waiting for my sister to come home so I can begin the sixth Harry Potter book.

The National Air and Space Museum and Washington D.C.

From July 8th to July 9th, we were in the Washington D.C. area. On Friday, we went to the new National Air and Space Museum. It was really fascinating! I loved how the planes were arranged throughout the huge main room, and I took lots of pictures of them. My favorite plane would have to be the Flying Wing. The first shuttle (the Enterprise) was also on display. Honestly, I can’t remember how big I thought the shuttles were, but from my perspective, it was huge. Although, I didn’t read many of the info panels there. It seemed to have more information on the individual objects and planes there, rather then scientific facts and such, like the other Air and Space Museum. Either way, I had a great time.



And, on Friday night, we saw the Fantastic 4! I thought it was a great movie :). To me, it did seem short, but apparently it was around two hours or something. Anyway, I do recommend other people to see it.

On Saturday, we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was quite sad, reading about all the sadness and pain the Nazis caused, however I already knew much about it from school. During the main exhibit, we were given a passport thing, in which we were given information about a specific person during the Holocaust. My person was gassed upon arrival at a concentration camp at the age of 76. I didn’t take any pictures, though, because you weren't allowed to.

Oh, and I’m going away to Girl Scout camp until July 15 (Friday).

Game Review: Final Impression: Kirby and The Amazing Mirror

See Beginning Impression for plot info.

Yesterday, I finally finished this game (after not playing it for months and months...). It was overall great! It’s much different from most games I’ve played. Instead of levels, they are areas, which are groupings of different “rooms”, and each area (total of 9) has a boss, where you earn a shard of the mirror. You don’t even have to do the areas in order! And, a lot of the rooms lead to different areas, too. Each room was short, but once you went out of one room, you went into another. Plus, there were frequently more then two doors in a room, meaning there were many paths one could take. A lot of the rooms required logic in order to get to the door you needed to get to (such as getting the proper ability to cut something or pound something). I admit, I did go online for some help, but I usually only needed to know one thing, then did the rest of the task on my own. Oh! What I really liked about this game was that you could earn colors to paint Kirby! VERY cool, people. VERY cool. I mean, come on! Why have a pink Kirby when you can have a black one with orange feet?! Also, the game tells you what percentage you have left of the game, telling you if you missed something (since you don’t need all the items to finish the game). But after I finished it, I went out and found the treasure chests I need, so my game’s 100% complete :D.

My favorite Kirby Ability :)

Happy Independence Day

I made this picture out of various things I found through Google (though, I did the text and blended the pictures). The moon doesn’t exactly make me think of Independence Day...but at least it gives me a somewhat good reason to throw a Stargate into the picture. Anyway, happy Independence Day!