RANDOM – Thanks to my friend and companion, Hulu, I’ve re-watched about just over 6 seasons of Stargate SG-1 and have experienced the same good feelings that I had when I watched it the first time. I’ve also recently finished all of Stargate Atlantis for second time which was also just as good the second time around. I’m confident that the inevitable third re-watch of either series will elicit the same euphoria. This all comes on the heels of the end of the first season of Stargate Universe. While I’ve enjoyed all the Stargate Universe episodes so far especially the season ender, it just doesn’t seem to have the same appeal. The early episodes seem to try too hard to be a Battlestar Galactica wanna be that other than the big glowing Stargate they use occasionally its hard to associate it with its earlier incarnations. The few reappearances of the old cast help to tie it in together so that helps out somewhat. I won’t stop watching the show despite my very minor gripes and I look forward to the next season.

GAMING – I just finished Rockstar’s latest open world game set in the old west, Red Dead Redemption and I must say it was very enjoyable. If you’ve played Grand Theft Auto IV, then you’ve played the same engine and the game is basically a western themed version in some respects. The story does a good job of standing on its own even if it feels forced sometimes. One of the things that really seemed to stand out to me, was the added focus on the “stranger missions” which I believe were introduced in GTA IV. It was very satisfying riding out between locations to get stopped by a stranger in need of some help or to ambush you. It made the world feel just a little more alive. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the Mexico area and while it didn’t feel totally different than its American neighbor, it did feel different enough to make you notice you weren’t in Kansas anymore. Thankfully my experiences in Red Dead Redemption aren’t at an end since they’ve just announced some single player DLC. One word. Zombies.

-v- out.