And we'll start with...

Left4Dead.

Ok, so im a little obsessed about this game -- it's the most fun i've had with a video game in years and i cant wait to see how this game evolves because honestly; it has the potential to rock both the competitive and pub scene. For those of you who dont know (or havnt figured out quite yet), im a nerd/geek/computer dork about video games, specifically, competitive video games. I've been playing competitive video games for roughly 5 years now, starting with the Call of Duty series, and have loved every second of it. Not many people understand why anybody would invest the time into something so "stupid" or "worthless," but I love the competition, and honestly if we can call poker a sport, please give me the benefit of the doubt.

Anyway, Left4Dead is a new game that was developed by Valve, the same people that have done the CounterStrike and Half-Life series, that is set in the middle of a Zombie Infection and you are one of the last survivors on earth who make through the infection alive, with your four other partners. Now, that's all cool, but why I really love this game is that you dont HAVE to play as a "suvivor" -- yeah, that's right, you can play as a zombie, which is incredibly fun. Take my word for it, there is nothing better than ripping apart a team of suvivors with your buddies. Point is, im really excited about this game because it's just pure fun. It isint like any other game that you have to mod in order to really enjoy, you can pick it up and go and I think it's going to become the next big name in E-Sports (yeah, i know, im a nerd, you were already warned).

However, I am a little po'd at the community right now because they seem to think that bringing this game into the competitive environment will ruin it, as seen on the Left4Dead411.com forums, however im making the statement that it will only do the exact opposite. The more people that play the game the better -- plain and simple, and as a young community, we need to try and bring this game to ALL gamers, both pubbers and hard core CS 1.6 players. Also, this game is the PERFECT lan tournament game. It's great fun to watch, 4v4 play makes it interesting and the teams are much more managable (compared to 5 players), plus the source engine is modable to the point that this game can do anything. And apperently Im not the only player who thinks this way, as I see L4D tournaments being added at serveral major lan's this coming spring and summer. So please L4D Community, dont push us a way.

Ok, next topic.

Eric Whitacre.

Ok, so im a little obsessed with Eric Whitacre as well...Honestly, his Paradise Lost is the most amazing thing that I have heard that has not come from a dead composer and I encourage everybody to listen to his stuff on Facebook, Myspace, or www.soarlingleap.com -- What excites me so much about this new music is that he's taken both sides of the spectrum and pushed them together in an interesting and entertaining way. The music doesnt sound strange, or confused -- it sounds like what he's done is the 'norm for today and that's what makes it great.

However, I'd like to point out that electronic music and classical are not complete opposite and share many qualities...I've always thought about it like this. Modern music (rock, rap, pop etc...) are all based on set formals like: Intro, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus, Outro. It's very defined and you can systematically graph what's happening and eventually predict what's going to happen next. Also, the actually music is simpler consisting of less noise happening at one time. On the other side, electronic and classical music is much more fluid and less predictable. Yes, there are still things that you can define, such as sonata form etc... however in general the music is much more linear. Also, the actual number of sounds happening at one time in electronic and classical music makes a garage band with some pedals look like three year old on a tricycle compared to a guy in a lambo. That's just the way it is. So taste in music = do you like linear motion that makes you think? or do you like to jam out and not have to worry so much about the music?

Anyway, back to Whitacre. He's awesome. Check him out.
www.ericwhitacre.com