Article dump #1

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/science-inspires-so-dont-let-your-art-rule-your-head-20131101-2wrjb.html
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-15-retrospective-doom
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/opinion/sunday/friedman-if-i-had-a-hammer.html?_r=0
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25576718
http://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/1007241916
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/family/2014/01/growing_up_unvaccinated_a_healthy_lifestyle_couldn_t_prevent_many_childhood.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKboLTwzFTs
http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/01/boosting-intelligence-through.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLTcVNyOhUc#t=211
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/opinion/sunday/for-the-love-of-money.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140119&_r=0
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/12/john-carmack-doom/

Kairo

For a game that centers about exploration and the wonder of discovery to be so un-engaging, clunky and visually bland is a huge disappointment. Kairo and it's themes are brimming with potential, and while the setting shows promise, it never manages to realize it :/ It doesn't even come close to the wonder offered by Proteus. I suppose if you have a long attention span and are really into exploration, this game could work wonders for you, but alas it not for me.

The Deponia trilogy

The Deponia trilogy has raised a bit of a controversy as illustrated by the review of RPS. RPS is notable for always defending politcal correctness and Walker in particular is outspoken about sexism in gaming. However the view towards Deponia seems to split according to regionality. While seemingly being criticized in the US for its unlikable lead and misogynistic story, not to mention it's humor that gets seriously dark at times, the game seems to have been met with widespread acclaim in Europe.

In my opinion the game is grossly misunderstood by some critics, as the humor and the acts that you perform during the game serve to fulfill a higher purpose. While the main character is oblivious to the harm he causes to others around him, as the player you are not, and this results in an interesting exploration of the players role in adventure games. And the jokes themselves do not serve to degrade but to illustrate the absurdity of the main character and his abhorrent personality. The solutions to puzzles are often doing the most stupid thing you can think of in the most offensive way possible, which is a challenge in itself. Ultimately this is not a comedy game, but a tragicomedy. A varied and wonderful world filled with interesting characters viewed through the prism of a narcissistic, asocial, egocentrical hero-wannabe and his story of growth and redemption.

Thank you Deadalic, for making the effor to create an interesting adventure game and kudos refusing to stick to the crowdpleasing 'good' ending :). Huzzah!

Beyond The Black Rainbow

Thanks to my friend, for suggesting this visually impeccable and emotionally compelling psychodelic horror show of a movie. Did not disappoint, 9/10 would trip again :) Reminiscent of Gaspar Noe's 'Enter The Void'.
This guy can explain the movie after you've watched it :)

The luxury of atheism

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/24/atheism-richard-dawkins-challenge-beliefs-homeless

"Soon I saw my atheism for what it is: an intellectual belief most accessible to those who have done well." The article distilled into one point worthy of contemplation.

How Frank Zappa told off Bowie

elephant blog: Anecdote #646 part 1: Uneasy Meetings with Gods part one. place: a Frank Zappa concert in Cologne, Germany 2/14/1978 my first tour of europe ever and as a member ...

The act of killing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD5oMxbMcHM
A surreal film, which gave me some insight into the nature of human morality and how people cope with actions that they deem amoral. A very surreal viewing experience from a westerners perspective. History is written by the winners and a genocide is made into a event of national pride, the participants molded into heroes. Everyone knows that it's bullshit, however the intensive propaganda will erode the public opinion, until the truth is what the government wants it be. Very recommended.