If you read this blog regularly you may remember this post about the Shaman I was levelling.

She’s level 80 now and got her 4 piece Tier 9 bonus now so she’s in a good position, gear wise. I was lucky enough to get the Battered Hilt in Forge of Souls and decided to do the questline (which was fantastic) so she’s got the yummy mace from there.

This is merely an update to say she’s been added to the WoW Persona page now.

There’s a quote in the film The Thomas Crown Affair (Brosnan version, not McQueen) that proclaims “Regret is usually a waste of time, as is gloating.” I partially agree, I don’t really have many regrets but there are a few. Two of which are stopping playing the violin and the piano.

I was quite young when I started playing the violin but my heart wasn’t really in it at the time. The same goes for piano. My heart being in it was quite a large factor in me giving them up, another was the fact I can’t read music. I’ve tried, I mostly know what all the little lines and blobs are when they’re on their little lines on the paper…in the same way I know roughly what the letters of the Swedish alphabet are. But ask me to string them together in an eloquent and stylish sentence and it’d be utterly hopeless. Kanske om musiknoter såg ut som bokstäver skulle vara lättare? (Thanks, Andrea!)

I did okay with playing piano by ear and I still, periodically, play a little bit when I can – not having a piano at home makes things tricky, too. But I don’t necessarily think knowing how to read music is essential to being able to play well, time with the instrument, however, is.

I think the main problem with violin and piano, for me, was that I never learned to love and appreciate them until later in my life. I think, had I known about people like Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee of FUSE when I was still at school, I probably would have continued or at least started up again. My music tastes changed a lot when I was growing up but they’ve found their settling place now, it seems. Thankfully, there are people like Linzi and Ben who break the stereotypes of violinists and the music they ‘should’ be playing. Of course they’re not the only ones doing it, but they are very good and, as it happens, they have their debut album out at the moment (links at the bottom). Apocalyptica, whilst not playing violins, are another favourite of mine.

A friend, whose band I was in when I was at school, got me into guitar and I didn’t do too badly with that. I still have my guitar and play it occasionally. Once I’d found tabs it became so much easier, it was a bit more straightforward for me, not being able to read music.

I’m always looking for a nice, cheap piano to pop up on the market and ever since Vanessa Mae exploded onto the popular scene I occasionally looked into getting an electric violin. I liked the look of them and the more ‘gadgety’ aspect to them – I already have an amp and jack leads from my guitar – but being unemployed I didn’t/don’t have the money, especially not for Linzi and Ben’s new £1m Swarovski violins (see vid below)! Having CFS for so many years, it’s not like I can say I don’t have the time.

It always gets me thinking though. Maybe I’m not a giver. I’m certainly an appreciator of music but whether I can give people the joy of it is quite another matter. I love playing the piano but I’m not going to be a Rachmaninov, and whilst I love violin I’m not going to be another Ben Lee or Nigel Kennedy.

I think the plan should be to save up, get myself a piano and a violin and just do my best. Who can ask for anything more than that? At least that way, when my tired, cramped and crippled hands have had enough of the violin I can relax a bit and play the piano.

As Linzi said in the image at the top of the page:

“No pain…power to the pinkie”

Linzi on Twitter - Ben Lee on Twitter - FUSE band on Twitter

Buy FUSE’s album for download at Amazon, Play.com or iTunes

I like to think I’m a modern kind of chap for the most part. Sure, I’m quite traditional…sort of tweedy geek, I’ll stick with that description. I like cooking, I like clothes (I don’t really know anything about them, but I like them), I like flowers, I like fast cars, Land Rovers, guns, horses, dogs etc etc. I like to think I’m a nice mix.

Some chaps do the fast cars and guns things, some chaps do the cooking and clothes. But there’s one universal thing us chaps like, regardless what sort of things we also like. Let’s look:

I think that’s pretty accurate. Never underestimate the importance of baked goodies and cake. NEVER!

Yes, it would be very groovy if my girlfriend (this is hypothetical) gave me a new gadget or something, but if I was given a bowl of Joy The Baker’s Apple Crisp I would be a very very happy chappy. Sure, the gadget would last a long time but there’s nothing quite like the knowledge that your loved one has made something for you, and made something quite as awesome as something baked.

In How to Impress a Boy by Baking Joy says:

“Note:  If your particular boy doesn’t like baked goods… I’m afraid I don’t understand. He’s weird. I’d question his motives.”

She’s totally right. What sort of chap doesn’t like baked goods? This would and should raise suspicion (genuine medical reasons can be excused).

She also says:

“You know how boys… the good ones, at least… bring flowers to a first date? I think girls should bring brownies.”

But I have to be honest, I’d feel guilty if I had just bought flowers. Personally, I’d bring flowers but if the lass in question had brought brownies I’d feel the need to build something for her. Something I’d crafted at least. Unless, of course I had done the flower arrangement myself… which, thinking about it, I probably would’ve done. I did once get a certificate for flower arranging, be a shame not to use the skills. Notalotofpeopleknowthat.

But even so, for the normal chaps who have bought a bunch of flowers. Brownies > Flowers. Always. Fresh brownies smell better and taste much better too; roses are thorny.

Note: Don’t bring roses on a first date, by the way, unless they’re her favourite flower, but I don’t know many girls who say they are. Lilies and orchids are often popular but find out first.

Lastly:

But really… I think that boys like it best when you just throw on some tight jeans and a cute t-shirt.  No makeup. I’m also pretty sure that boys are happiest with a simple meal that involves steak, barbecue sauce, and warm chocolate chip cookies.

I can’t speak for other chaps but for me, yes. For sure. Personally, I like a girl who looks like she’s just come back from the stables or from taking the dog for walk on a windy day. No makeup, jeans, boots, woolly jumper and blustered hair. Yummy. Never underestimate the appeal of simplicity…

…and baked goodies and cake.

<3

Follow JoyTheBaker on Twitter.

Those of you ‘in the know’, as it were, will have seen my title and instantly continued singing the rest of the song. Good on you! I am, which is going to make writing this blog quite tricky. …I’m making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS!

Anyway, those of you not in the know are probably wanting an explanation. Portal. That’s what. Yes. Portal. I’m glad we’ve got that cleared up.

You want more of an explanation? Demanding!

Portal is a game by groovy developers, Valve. It is also one of the most enjoyable games I have ever played. Ever. More bold italics!

Portal is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.

Players must solve physical puzzles and challenges by opening portals to maneuvering objects, and themselves, through space.

A brief run-down would go something like this: The game works off a level system with each level becoming increasingly difficult – as it would. In these levels you’re presented with obstacles or seemingly impassable problem areas…if you were to walk or jump through. But that’s where your nifty Portal gun comes in handy. With the ability to create two portals you’re able to pass through one and emerge out of the other…thus making the obstacles much less impassable. Passable, as it were.

You can also, and will need to, pick up objects with your Portal gun in order to complete various levels, one of these objects is the, hugely popular, Weighted Companion Cube. It’s a cute little thing which, in one level, you must get from the start to the end. Hence being your companion I suppose.

If I hadn’t mentioned it, I love Portal. I love the puzzle aspect of the game, I love the narration and interaction from GLaDOS (the computer guiding you through) and I especially love Jonathan Coulton’s “Still Alive” song. Oh and if you like cake, the game is a must. I love it so much I made a background for my Blackberry, which is at the top of this post.

I really want to try it out on the Xbox360 so I might try to get hold of a copy of The Orange Box at some point, just to see what it’s like after playing through on the PC.

It doesn’t cost much so if you like puzzles I really recommend Portal. …Look at me still talking when there’s Science to do…

(Portal song with cool kinetic typography below)

Some days, due to my health, I just like to spend some quiet time relaxing and it’s usually on those days there’s a lot of noise going on. At the moment I have my sister, brother in law and nephews visiting – who I love dearly – but they’re not the quietest of families…hard to be with a 4 year old, really. But anyway, I love peace and quiet; I’m a pretty quiet chap, I like sitting down and looking at things. I’m quite happy sitting at the side of Frensham Pond just watching the world go by and taking in the fresh air.

So, Peace and Quiet, from Nerdstock:

Peace and Quiet

<spoken>
Through the fury and the storm
Keep me still, keep me warm
Give me calm,
Give me peace,
Give me quiet.

When the noise begins to grow,
Stroke my brow so I’ll know,
That I have, amidst the riot,
Peace and quiet.

<sung>
When the thunder starts to roll,
Let your spirit take my soul,
Give me calm,
Give me peace,
Give me quiet.

Let me pray through the day,
And the night, so I’ll say,
All I need is a diet,
Of peace and quiet.

Peace and quiet is my creed,
Peace and quiet’s all I need.
Give me calm,
Give me peace,
Give me quiet.

Take your noise and your strife,
Leave me here with my life,
Oh dear friends, you should try it,
Peace and quiet.

So let’s all clap our hands,
Praise the Lord for his stance,
What a world of calm,
A world of peace and quiet.

Peace and quiet (x many times for comic effect)

So, dear friends, you should try it…peace and quiet!

In the grand scheme of things I also like to think I’m quite laid back and forgiving, but I do have some morals and rules I live by. One of which is to do with friendship and forgiveness.

Friendship, to me, is something earnt. I try and talk to my friends as often as I can because I appreciate them all. Sometimes there are periods where we don’t talk and if that’s my fault I always feel bad about it, whether it’s because of my health or whether I’ve just been a bit crap, I feel bad but when we do talk I always apologise for it, to let them know I do appreciate them – there are some who I haven’t spoken to for a while and if you’re reading this and know who you are, I’m sorry, it’s a combo of health and being crap but I love you all <3

Anyway, one of my 'rules' is that I will forgive people – depending on what they've done – but if they've done something to throw the kindness I give them back in my face then I will forgive them and accept their apology. Once.

I'm more than happy to give someone a second chance, but don't abuse it, make the most of it. If you've been given a second chance, don't do exactly the same thing all over again. If you do then I'll have had enough and, frankly, you don't deserve to be my friend. If someone can't respect the kindness and friendship and abuse that, I don't want them in my life.

I also live by treating others how I'd want to be treated. If I had been an arsehole to someone twice I'd expect them to tell me to GTFO, I'd certainly deserve it.

Your friends are precious, respect them, appreciate them and, even if you don't speak to them for a while, let them know you think they're fab.

Well that was thoroughly enjoyable, although I’m a little stuck for what to do now. They give you the option to take your ME2 character and play through again without losing any levels. However, I was quite looking forward to playing an Adept through instead of another Solider…well, the same Soldier I suppose.

I do want to play through again at some point, explore some of the other possibilities from the dialogue. I usually consider playing through as a totally different personality (I usually go Paragon, I’m nice, deal with it) and opt for the Renegade side of things but I always find myself going back to ‘me’ and going “aw I’ll be nice”. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet this time and try for a Renegade run through. I’d like to get the level 30 achievement so that will mean playing through with him again.

I was a little disappointed I didn’t lose any of my team on the Suicide Mission, but very happy at the same time. I think next time I run through I’ll choose different people and see how that goes. At one point I thought I’d lost Miranda (my love interest this time), of all the people to die I really didn’t want her to be the only one, thankfully she was okay though.

So yeah, next time through I think I’ll be a Renegade and switch it up a bit, explore some other options. Hmm who to romance this time…thoughts?

I don’t remember much of Mass Effect 1 I have to admit, I mainly remember wanting to trade it in because it “wasn’t my thing”. However, Andy convinced me to give it a go and I absolutely fell in love with it. With such fond memories of ME1 I had high expectations for ME2. I’m not entirely sure if this left me with a rose tint of it and I think I was focused too much on not screwing up my character for ME3 to pay attention to the actual game. I do remember some great sections of dialogue and the relationship between Joker and EDI was brilliant.

I think playing through again will give me a chance to have a good look at the game but from my gut feelings…it was fantastic!

If you’re thinking of having a go I’d recommend playing through Mass Effect 1 first, which is pretty cheap these days, to get a feel for the story. Especially as you meet a lot of the characters from ME1. Call me picky but I think if you’re going to play a trilogy you should play from the start and take that character through to the end…unless he dies at the end of ME2. Oh I hadn’t thought about that…I’m glad my guy didn’t die, whatever would happen in ME3 if he did die…who knows?! Aside from EA and BioWare of course.

With the decisions I made at the end of ME2 and those made by Miranda to stick by my side, ME3 should be very interesting. I think we, as a couple, may have upset him a little. Oops.

Lastly, and completely unrelated to Mass Effect, my good friend Soraya posted up a great blog post about being complimented. I’m hopeless with compliments, just can’t take them, so it was nice to read it from someone elses point of view. Click here to have a read.

• Mass Effect 2
• Can’t decide on colours
• Still not decided on the design I initially decided on
• Due to the above 3 points I’ve not really been bothered to do anything about it

Mass Effect is very good. I had forgotten just how good it is and how much I enjoyed ME1. Knowing that your squad could end up dying at the end really plays on your decision making as I want to get it all right on my main character (the one I imported from ME1) and I’d like to have him around for ME3. I’m already planning on making another character (an Adept) and playing through again to explore some of the other possibilities. Not sure on the romances though.

In other news I’m really glad the WRC is back on, I forgot to blog about Rally Sweden, which I love, but next up we’ve got Rally Mexico – starting this Thursday – which, I think I’m right in saying, will bring Ken Block to WRC. Exciting! I hope he does well. If you’re on Twitter and you like the WRC, make sure you’re following @OfficialWRC.

Also TV related, but sadly just for those of you in the UK, we have Wonders of the Solar System with Prof. Brian Cox, which should be brilliant. I’ve been watching the outtakes and little updates on YouTube whenever they’ve been posted and many of them have had me in fits of laughter so I’m really looking forward to the series actually starting. You can catch that on Sunday 7th March at 2100 on BBC2. And because I’m so excited, here’s the trailer. You should really go to YouTube and watch it in 1080p HD or…you’ll be missing out.

We all know the quote from Hamlet but for me sleep is something I hate. I loathe it. I suppose, to be fair, it’s not actually sleep I hate, it’s getting to sleep.

For someone who does need about 8 hours of sleep so I don’t feel super rough, I hate the fact that I struggle so much getting off to sleep. I find it all terribly frustrating, I can’t get comfortable, I don’t feel tired, it’s too hot, too cold bla bla. A couple of nights ago I had a really rough night and got about 5 hours sleep from about 8am to 1om, the next night I had about 11 hours, the night after that was about 6 hours on and off.

Frustrating! I go through phases where sleep seems okay and I don’t have many problems, then there are phases like this.

If only we had a switch we could flick on an 8 hour timer. Mmm that’d be nice.

It’s my birthday, I’ll play Mass Effect 2 if I want to! (I know I’m writing this on the 24th but I had problems getting on earlier, my birthday was the 23rd and I haven’t gone to bed yet!)

I also know the above picture is bad quality but I took it on my phone. I can’t have cake so my birthday candle and suchlike were placed in a chip I had with my steak – I rarely eat steak and chips so thought I’d treat myself.

My main present was Mass Effect 2, which I’m thoroughly enjoying, although I’m having issues linking my Dragon Age: Origins account and my EA account (I forgot I had an EA account when I made the DA:O one) so I need to wait for Customer Support to get back to me before I can try out the Blood Dragon Armour DLC.

As soon as I get it all sorted I’ll let you know what I think of the game, at the moment it’s bugging me…but it is enjoyable, when it’s not annoying me – but that’s a background/account problem.

I’m going to get some sleep and hopefully have something for you tomorrow…today…yeah…