New York Times | avideogamelife

First Listen: Marilyn Manson’s “The Pale Emperor”

Posted on January 20, 2015 by avideogamelife.com

Marilyn Manson’s new album, The Pale Emperor is out today. The album is his first since 2012’s Born Villain, and is an attempt to revitalize his sound, as described in the recent New York Times article “A Dark Prince Steps Into the Light” (Melena Ryzik).

The album starts off with “Killing Strangers”a slow and brooding track that sounds familiar, although I can’t quite place it (sounds like it’d be at home on The High End of Low).

After a quick first listen, the album is calmer than most and more reflective than angry, possibly a result of the aging artist (at 46 years old). I’m certainly liking the instrumentals on the album, however nothing is really standing out as a particularly strong song. The album ending, “Odds of Even” stands alongside “Killing Strangers” as my favorites so far, but I think The High End of Low will continue to be my favorite of the modern Marilyn Manson albums.

Have you listened to the album yet (available on Spotify and at various digital outlets)? What do you think?

A few of my favorite things: Starbucks FVL and the NYT

Posted on September 28, 2014 by avideogamelife.com

This afternoon I enjoyed a few of my favorite things on a Sunday in Korea. Enjoying coffee and the New York Times became a weekly tradition last spring, and I’ve managed to continue to enjoy the tradition through my travels in Hawaii and Korea this summer.

The setting sun glows in the hazy sky above the dorms.

Unfortunately the Fall favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte hasn’t arrived at the Osan Starbucks yet, but the French Vanilla Latte is just as tasty. I love reading the ‘paper’ (in digital form of course) while enjoying a wonderful Starbucks beverage, especially while sitting outside. I miss sitting out and watching the trees and the cars back home, but it’s been nice to enjoy a relaxing hour each Sunday as I’ve counted down the days until I return (soon!).

Enjoying the NYT and hotel coffee in Hawaii.

Coffee in one of my favorite mugs on the steps back in Boise.

Morning Coffee: Happy MLK Day

Posted on January 20, 2014 by avideogamelife.com

How are you today? I’m sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the New York Times and listening to The Beatles. It’s a nice relaxing morning. I do, however, wish the sun would show itself in Boise. All week in Mountain Home it’s been sunny and warm (mid 40’s) yet this weekend in Boise it’s been overcast / foggy and cold. It’s due to the inversion I guess, which is unfortunate.

In this picture taken from Bogus Basin (the local ski mountain) you can see how the city of Boise sits below a depressing, everlasting cloud cover while the sun shines and the sky is blue above.

I’m glad to have today off, especially since we had to work on Saturday due to the squadron getting in trouble. I’m probably going to sit here and read for awhile longer and then I’ll probably get into some video games. I picked up Gran Turismo 6 last night and look forward to giving it a spin.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with an inspiring post our Command Chief made on Facebook this morning.