Hooray For The Sims 4

Recently, I got a first look at a game I've been looking forward to ever since being blown away by The Sims 3:

The Sims is fascinating in that, somehow, it always finds a way to exceed itself. While becoming unrealistically more comical, each generation of The Sims is still more lifelike than its predecessor. Each generation opens more doors for your Sims (and their lives) to walk through.

"Omg! They have cars now!!!" - Me (upon the release of The Sims 2 in 2005)

However, as a long-time fan, I've discovered a few patterns that make me wonder how long the Sims innovation will continue. Will The Sims 4 be yet another awe-inspiring leap for the game? Or will it simply be "same game, different box"?

If you're not familiar with the franchise, it's not difficult to understand. The Sims is a life-simulator wherein you create characters (Sims) and live through their lives (i.e. get them jobs, have them start relationships with other Sims, have children, etc.). The game starts with the base game (The Sims, The Sims 2, The Sims 3, or The Sims 4) and becomes more fun as you add expansion packs to it (e.g. House Party, Night Life, Showtime, etc.).

The base games are pretty standard; you can't do much more with your Sims than the basics. Though, fans of The Sims probably notice a trend in the expansion packs...

Deja Vu?

Hopefully, The Sims 4 will incorporate some of the beloved aspects of past expansion packs into the base game so that players don't have to wait for and buy expansions packs to keep up with the last generation!

Some other things on my wishlist:

• Bring back the ability to plead to the grim reaper to save a loved one. (For some reason, you could do that in 1 and 2 but not 3)
• The Sims have had "juice bars" for a while, but in The Sims 3 Late Night it was tongue-in-cheek acknowledged that there was alcohol in those beverages. I think the ability to get drunk (and make bad decisions) would be awesome in The Sims 4. 
• It would be cool if you could ask a friend watch your child instead of hiring a babysitter. Or at least choose your babysitter.
• Something totally new...

Of course, there are also gems within the previous games that I hope remain in the newest installment. But, for now, these are the major things that come to mind as I anticipate the release of more details about this game. In the meantime, we have this: 

What do you think so far?
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TV Fall Preview Review

Summer is sadly coming to an end. On a lighter note, along with Autumn comes... New Television Shows!!!

Hulu put up a few previews of this Fall's new television premieres. If you're a TV-buff, you're going to want to check it out. Let me know what you think on the Very Geeky Girl Facebook Page.

In the meantime, I'll be the judge! This is my - connoisseur of television - first impression of some of this Fall's lineup.

The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC)

I think it's brave that Michael J. Fox is returning to television in this way. The Family Ties star has been fairly absent from television for many years while coping with his real-life Parkinson's disease. The Michael J. Fox Show is reminiscent of the Dick Van Dyke Show whereas it seems to be a lighthearted approach to telling the story of the title actor.

My only concern with TMJFS is whether the public will be able to handle the mobility problems associated with Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's disease. At times during the preview, I felt uncomfortable. I sympathized with Mike Henry's (Fox) inability to be still, and it was quite distracting.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (ABC)

Now that we've come to the realization that there are superheroes, we've got to get them organized. In the Avengers-Justice League-Teen Titan-X-Men fashion, S.H.I.E.L.D looks to bring together all the people with powers in the Avengers universe to do good for... the government? That wasn't made entirely clear in the preview.

I feel my fellow geeks getting excited about this show, but I'm not entirely certain how long it will last. Smallville was on television for a decade, but Heroes only lasted 3 seasons. It's hard to tell how well these superhero-sci-fi shows will do. (Or how well they will last...)

Once Upon A Time in Wonderland (ABC)

After only two seasons, Once Upon A Time has gotten a spin-off. Unlike The Jeffersons, The Simpsons, and Frasier, many modern spin-offs don't go very far. However...

The special effects, the mystical merged with reality, the reintroduction to familiar characters! Once Upon A Time in Wonderland has the same charm that made us fall in love with the original Once Upon A Time. Unlike the original series, though, Wonderland focuses on one story instead of colliding multiple stories.

The Goldbergs (ABC)

Warning: The preview might as well be the pilot. That aside, the Wonder Years style of this show paired with the modern comedy complemented by the awesome cast has me on the edge of my seat.

The 80s: The Era of Awkward Family Photos

It looks like a period piece done right! I wasn't hyper-aware looking for timeline continuity errors (e.g. a Miley Cyrus poster in the 80s) because I was too busy laughing. I trusted this show to have done its homework. That says a lot.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)

This show is one big SNL sketch (circa 2010). It's pretty funny, albeit corny at times, and it's a refreshing look at the typical cop drama.

Historically, this series has a few key elements that make me think it will last beyond the first season: the odd couple vibe between Samberg and Braugher, SNL alums typically make awesome television stars (30 Rock & Parks and Recreation), Fred Armisen's appearance hopefully foreshadows a series of hilarious guest stars. Must give this show a try!

This Fall's lineup seems good so far. I'm anticipating lots of geek-friendly programming and plenty of laughs. 

What do you think? 

Two People, One Family, One Facebook Page?

Among the many things I found interesting about Sword Art Online, I found the marriage concept interesting. Players who got married in the game gained access to their spouses weaponry; they shared useful items in the game.

Anti-climactic, I know. How is that any different than couples sharing assets in real life? That's what I found interesting! The game was surprisingly realistic in that way. The idea of people joining together not only in real life but in their virtual lives is interesting.

I recently came across a Mashable article about people combining their virtual worlds - not through online games - through social media. It's apparently a growing trend for couples to blog together, have joint Instagram accounts, etc. However, some people are not so open to that concept.

No one wants to be Scumbag Steve and Stacy...

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this. 

On the one hand, it's kind of sweet that couples want to share a typically private part of their lives with each other. (I mean, they do that in every other form of life, right?) Also, as a friend of newlyweds, a joint social network is a great way of watching a real-life love story unfold.

On the other hand, it is a little creepy. Perhaps it's unsettling because it is so uncommon, but the idea of a joint social network sounds like a couple smothering each other. It's a subtle sign that these two individuals no long exist; there is only "the couple". It's disconcerting to friends who were there before "the couple" existed.

How much do you want to bet DJ Jazzy Jeff doesn't hang around as much anymore?

What's the proper etiquette for this? Is it too soon to join accounts if you're not married? If the relationship doesn't work out, what happens then? Is it something to put in a prenup? This is far too complicated for me.

Social media is an extension of yourself, of sorts. It often represents the way you want others to see you. (Whether accurate or not.) I suppose sharing an online medium with a romantic partner is a way of publicizing the way you want others to perceive your relationship... No different than being in a public space in the real world...

What do you think? Should couples share social networks?

Share your thoughts on Facebook.  

The House of Life That Will Probably Kill You

Back in December, I bought a book about Feng Shui as a Christmas gift to myself. Ever since, I've gained a greater practical understanding of how exterior/interior design effects mood and well-being. I have also been hyper-aware of bad Feng Shui...

Pretty, but you'll never have a good night's sleep in this bed.

This morning, I turned on my television and caught a little bit of Extreme Homes on HGTV. One of the interesting homes they showed was: Bioscleave.

The idea is that this house will keep you active physically and mentally. This constant activity is meant to enhance your metabolism, nervous system, and overall life. Bioscleave is designed to help its inhabitants live longer. 

But I'm not quite convinced.

Just looking at this house takes minutes off my life! Perhaps I'm too lazy to navigate the mountain-climbing floors and plug my devices in sideways, but I couldn't imagine coming home to this insane house! I feel that, in order for this home to work as it should, you'd have to reduce stress in all areas of your life. Imagine coming home from an exhausting day of work to that house.

"I just want to go to bed!!!"

Children are not allowed in the Bioscleave House, and adults must sign a waiver before entering the house. Why? Because you could lose your footing walking through the house and injury your self. This house is the antonym of Feng Shui.

There are also no doors in this house. (Not even the bathroom.) Privacy is almost non-existent. At any given time, your roommate in Bioscleave House could come over a hill in the floor and catch you on the can!

Look at all of the colors and the shape of this place! It's meant to be a visual stimulant that triggers brain activity, thus helping your think better? But it looks like someone played LEGOs with a bunch of other houses. It's loud and busy, and I know I would hate it.

What kind of car do you park here?

Bioscleave is an impressive feat of architecture, for sure. An important point of Feng Shui That Makes Sense is that Feng Shui is subjective; the practice has guidelines but if something works for you, then go with that. However, I doubt this house will be any kind of health benefit. I'm pretty sure this house is more likely to cause anxiety and other health problems to the people who live there.

Also: The website for the design company is just as impractical and busy as the house!

Would You Be Able to Live In Bioscleave House?

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Terminally Geeky

Sad news. Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons has been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. The Simpsons have been my foster family on plenty of occasions, and the thought of one of the masterminds behind that groundbreaking television show passing away saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family.

He was not married and had no children. In his last months, he's been dividing his fortune into several important causes that he believes in. He hopes to help lead the world into a better place before he leaves this world for a better place. For this, he is quite the venerable gentleman in my book!

His generosity, and the causes in which he decided to align it with, made me wonder what I would invest my fortune in if I were a dying television mogul...

It is noble to invest in things you believe will right the wrongs of the world. For example, you thousands of dollars to an organization committed to reversing the effects of global warming because you see it as being a great problem with the world.

However, there are so many problems in the world that even the richest man in the world couldn't leave nearly enough money to make a dent in creating a utopia. Call me selfish, but I'd rather invest my money in something more positive.

Kickstarter is a crowd-sourcing way of raising money for projects. It's the Internet-equivalent of passing around a hat and asking people to invest in your idea. A surprising amount of money has been raised using this website, and some of the projects are simply amazing!

This challenge to the Next-Gen consoles (Xbox One & PS4) started on Kickstarter! Over 63,000 backers raised $8,596,474 for it!

Many of these projects have been innovative and creative hits! I would love to donate money to a cause that creates something new and enjoyable for everyone. 

Also, greater investments yield lasting rewards. Many projects name something after their big time investors; with enough money, your name could be all over the United States. What a legacy!

Could you imagine if a mega-corporation like Apple or FOX had begun through a Kickstarter project? The next big thing may be there waiting to be discovered.

If you get a chance, some of the awesome ideas on Kickstarter. And remember, you don't have to be a millionaire or terminally ill to donate to a cause you deem worthwhile!

Also, check out this funded project for a carnival that is essentially on fire!!!

How would you give it all away?

Share your ideas on Facebook!

Web Therapy & Your Quarter Life Crisis

Back in March, I wrote about my quarter-life crisis. For those unfamiliar with this phenomenon, a quarter-life crisis is the suffering of young adults as they transition from the comfort of adolescence to the harsh realities of adulthood.

After much investigation and plenty of thinking, I have composed a few (healthy) ideas for coping with a quarter-life crisis...

So you have a quarter-life crisis? Feeling down about where you are in life right now? Need a change of pace from your everyday? Here comes the Internet to your rescue:

Reintroduce Yourself To Yourself

What do you like? What are you really interested in? Do you have a hobby? What do you like to do? Take some time to dive into something that you absolutely love. For example, I recently began researching things that interest me like new technology, wrestling, tattoos, and cars. 

By doing this, you're getting to know yourself better. Instead of simply being able to say you like something, you can like something-specific-about-that-something and have in-depth conversations with people who share that interest.

Sometimes our interests are so vague, it's questionable whether we're interested in it at all.

If you don't know who these men are, you are not a wrestling fan.

Get Serious About Getting Your Life Together

Stop whining and start planning then doing! You may not be able to turn everything around today, but the first thing you can do a 180 on is your attitude. If your unhappy about your weight, decide to go on a diet and start an exercise regimen. If you wish you were like someone else, make a list of the qualities you admire and start adapting some. It starts with you!

Challenge Yourself

Self-esteem is a major hurdle for everyone going through a crisis. (After all, if you felt good about yourself, you wouldn't be having a crisis.) Taking on a [reasonable] challenge gives you an opportunity to boost your self-esteem; at the end of the day, you can say you did it!

Days 1-5 are going to suck, but on Day 6 you're going to feel awesome.

Distract Yourself

There is only so much progress you can make in one day. Sometimes you have to be happy with what you have until you can achieve more. Take your mind off the disappointment of your life not being the way you'd like by adopting a new hobby.

Sure, laugh. But while you were whining about your job, this guy got broke a record.

Note: It is especially worth it to do something creative! A painting or a good screenplay is something to show people and be proud of, which boosts the self-esteem.

Try Not To Make It Worse

Social Media Anxiety Disorder  (SMAD) is an easy way to discourage a quarter-life crisis sufferer. While you're worrying about your future, your classmates and friends are grasping theirs.

No one wants to be Gretchen Weiners!

Use your social media skills and censor yourself from this if you have to. There is no shame in not wanting people to gloat about their lives to you every day. You may even want to log off of your social networks until you can deal with your situation better. And remember...

Feel Good and Be Better!!!

And spread the love on Facebook!

The Next Great American Soap Opera Drama...About Barbie?

On Pinterest, I decided to take a look at JayBird53's Crazy For Barbie board. The little girl in me kicked in, and I began daydreaming - playing with the dolls in my head! And what I thought was quite entertaining.

[Note: If you're expecting to learn anything, this isn't that kind of post. Sure, if you're not well-versed in Barbie, you'll learn a little something. But overall, this is more of an entertainment post. That being said...]

The thought I had was about a 80s-/90s-style drama, like Dynasty...

Fun Fact: I (indirectly) got my name from the bad-ass main character Alexis Carrington-Colby (far right).

...about a mother and daughter.

 As we know, Barbie Millicent Roberts was "born" in the late 1950s. If you look at her then and now, you'll notice she's changed quite a bit.

I like to think of the older, more stern Barbie as actually being Barbie's mother, Margaret Millicent "Millie" Roberts. Millie's the queen-bee, wealthy socialite responsible for the family's image. She met her husband, George (the first Ken), when she was in her late teens and together they built the Roberts Family Empire.

Millie was much more agreeable in her youth. But she became an iron lady as she grew older.

By her late-20s, Millie Roberts was a fashion icon and a mother. Though she had features from both her parents, Barbra "Barbie" Roberts shined as brightly as her mother. 

However, as the young heiress grew older and her relationship with her mother became strained. Barbie wasn't satisfied with her mother's fashion-oriented lifestyle; she used her weather and family name to achieve different goals...

Among several other careers before the job market crash...

Disappointed, Millie tries to talk Barbie into returning to the fashion world claiming "women don't belong in careers like law and medicine". Her efforts fail, though, and Barbie and her mother stop speaking to each other. Barbie meets Ken, and they have an on-and-off relationship. 

I could go on, but where's the fun in that? Let your imagination run wild for a moment about your favorite childhood doll/action figure. 

(Barbie goes all "Amanda Bynes" in the later seasons of this imaginary television series.)

LOL! Don't worry. She eventually gets her act together.