Showing posts with label StarCat70. Show all posts
Showing posts with label StarCat70. Show all posts

Thursday, August 06, 2015

StarCat70 Plays | The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut





Summer is almost over.  But there's still a little time to do some gaming.  Which is what I've been up to these past few days!

I finally put my Steam gift card to some use and picked up a couple of titles I think I'll enjoy.  The first one is Five Nights at Freddy's 4.  Not sure what I was thinking on that one.  It'll be a while till I can sit through that one very long.  It's bloody creepy!  

As for the second title, well, it's the one in that video up there.  The Witcher:  Enhanced Edition was released a little while ago, 2008, I believe.  It is the reconfigured version of the original Witcher game.  

The Witcher:  Enhanced Edition Director's Cut was developed by CD Projekt RED and published by cdp.pl and Atari.  The game is available for Windows and Mac OS.  

Now, I need to add a little something about running the game on Windows 8.1 (64 bit), or running it on any 64 bit Windows version.  I, and many others, had problems with the game crashing to desktop on a multiple occasions.  But I found a fix!  If you're having the same trouble, check out this discussion thread on the Steam forum which describes how to apply a patch:

For more information on The Witcher story, you might want to check out this website: http://thewitcher.com/witcher1/
Okay, so what did I think of the game?  
Well, I had some trouble getting away from it!  I became immersed in the story and didn't want to quit.  I guess it's pretty good if it can cause a problem like that.  

The Witcher world is rich in detail with plenty of atmosphere.  The weather changes, night and day happens, and there are small things like bugs and birds to see and hear.  With a decent set of headphones, you almost expect to feel a cool breeze, or to feel cold water drops on your back in those dark and dank places.  

There is so much more to the game than I can adequately say here.  It's probably the first game I've played with choices that have lasting consequences.  Things are not so black and white.  I didn't realize this when I first started playing.  I chose to say something to the blacksmith that offended him.  After that, he wouldn't speak to me!  And I really wanted to purchase something from him.  Lesson learned.  haha!  There are other, perhaps, more important choices to make, such as, what battles you want to fight.  I've only encountered one such incident, since I'm not very far into the game.  I could choose to battle the monster in the beginning of the game, or to help Triss in the laboratory.  Well, I chose to go with Triss.  I don't know what would have happened had I gone to fight the monster.  One day, I'll replay the game and find out!

Combat in The Witcher is different than I expected.  I think I'm used to left-click, left-click, left-click, in rapid succession!  In this game, one needs to time a left-click just right, or else the attack chain won't work.  My gaming mouse will probably thank me for this.  

Oh, I forgot to mention there is magic and alchemy.  

In many of the RPGs I've played, there's magic.  I tend to like things like that.  And the alchemy is similar to what you'd find in Perfect World or even Final Fantasy, where you go on quests to collect items or ingredients to make potions or create gems to strengthen armor and weaponry.  This is standard stuff, I guess.  The game layout for the Inventory, the Journal, and Equipped Weapons are similar to what you'd see in those other games, too.  Also, the Skill Tree has some similarity.  The graphics are interesting and there are several different iterations of skills you can obtain.  

I guess you can tell I like this game.  

Maybe I'll do another video on it in the coming weeks.  We'll see how far along I get.  I don't think I could do a Walkthrough video, simply because the game is so long and I enjoy zoning out into the world.  I might do it, though.  Who knows!
In the meantime, enjoy the video!  (^.^)v       

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Rainy Day Makeup: Trying Wet n Wild Spoiled Brat Shadow Trio



Ever since I can remember, I've been putting some kind of stuff on my face.  Sometimes it was even actual makeup!

I still like to play with makeup.  I particularly enjoy trying new eyeshadow palettes.  It doesn't really matter what brand they are, so you won't see a lot of prestige makeup in my collection.  There's a bit of everything, really.

The latest addition to the group is the one I try out in the video, the Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio - Spoiled Brat.  What attracted me to it is the vivid fuchsia color paired with black.  I still don't know when I'll use the silver.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio - Spoiled Brat
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio
Oh, the price!  How could I forget to mention that this eyeshadow is less then $3.00!  I can't remember if I got mine at Walmart or Target, but the price is about the same.  I've also seen it at Walgreens.  The quality of the shadows is comparable to that of brands in the mid-price range.  This particular shadow trio is surprisingly pigmented and easy to blend.  You can't tell from the above picture, but the black shade is sparkly and quite pigmented.  The fuchsia is sort of iridescent and satiny, easy to blend and pigmented.  The silver is, well, it's silver, a bit frosty, creamy and easy to blend.  I'll give it a go next time.

As I mention in the video, it's fun to try out eyeshadow shades without breaking the bank. You can see what colors work for you.  And if they don't work, no worries, with a product like the Wet n Wild shadow trio, you're just out a few bucks!  

The Wet n Wild brand eyeshadow has been consistently good quality and affordable.  It was one of the first brands I used as a teenager.  It's nice to see that Wet n Wild is still around offering great products that pretty much anyone can afford.  I think I need to try more of the shadow trios in this collection!   

Alrighty, that about sums it up!
Enjoy the vid!
Take care out there! (^.^)v 

Monday, April 13, 2015

Hard Candy Natural Eyes Review | First Impression



The eldest daughter gave me the new Hard Candy Natural Eyes palette to try.

It was hard to believe the palette retails for $8 at Walmart, but yet it does.  It is said to be the dupe for the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette ($36), both having similar shades and case design.  So how could I not give it a go?

The video says the rest, I suppose.

Enjoy! (^.^)v

Monday, April 06, 2015

How to Make a Simple Memory Wire Bracelet




The other day, I posted this little vid about how to make those memory wire bracelets I've been talking about.

The simple bracelet in the video was inspired by the movie Interstellar, which just recently came out on DVD.  The black celestial crystals represent the blackness of space and the colorful glass beads represent the galaxies, stars, and nebulae.  If you couldn't already tell, I like space... a lot!

As for memory wire bracelets, they are easy and fun to make.  With a bit of imagination, some beads and charms, they can be be quite interesting and beautiful, too!

Here are a few I made~~
Image (c)ShaunaChan 2015

Image (c)ShaunaChan 2015

Image (c)ShaunaChan2015
I hope you enjoy the vid!  (^.^)v

:::Merch:::
Nature-lovers, I have a new design in my Spreadshirt store!
Check it out here   http://starcat70.spreadshirt.com/

:::Partnership Info:::
Have your own YouTube channel? Interested in a YouTube partnership?
Click here to see if your channel qualifies for Maker Gen/Maker Studios http://awe.sm/iKYQR


Thursday, March 05, 2015

A Short Drive | Rain, Ice & Finally SNOW! | Allen TX March 4, 2015



Surely, I'm not alone in thinking Texas weather can be a little wacky at times.  These past two weeks are no exception to the wackiness.



We'd all been coasting along, finally enjoying some near-80 degree temps, when suddenly a blast of cold and ice happened, with a little dusting of snow.  Then, a week after that, a repeat.  Warm weather, rain, ice, snow.  All of this just a couple of weeks before spring break (that should probably be capitalized. . . all of it!. . .SPRING BREAK!!).  It's sort of like winter was pretending to happen, right up until spring was due to arrive.  Surprise!  And welcome to Texas. haha!



This short video gives an example of a day of weather transitions.

Enjoy~~ (^.^)v


Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Some Chat & A Saturday Morning Drive | Allen, Texas


Saturdays are made special, now.

Instead of sleeping in, us big peeps go out before sunrise to get a cup of coffee and orange juice.  And sometimes, we drive around a bit.  It's a nice little break from the week's goings on.

This last Saturday was no exception, as seen in the vid.  Well, at least you'll see it after the complaining I do at the front of the vid.  haha!

Anyway...
We drove around Allen a little, just a small part of it, and captured fast moving clouds on camera.  Another beautiful day, it was.

Aside from enjoying the weekend, I've been thinking about what videos I should make soon.  For some reason, though, my motivation is lacking.  I know what I want to do, just can't seem to get started.  I'll be working on it!

In the meantime, enjoy the vid.  There's more to come soon!  (^.^)v  

Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.


Thursday, January 08, 2015

The Bella Cat Waltz

The Lady Bella took her time kneading a fuzzy blanket prior to her nap.  Several minutes went by before she settled down.  She's pretty much adorable. \(^.^)/

FitVlog #42 Adventure Walk | Allen Station Park

There was at least one absolutely beautiful morning happening this week.  I decided to take a nice walk that morning and make it into a video!  A bit of adventure was to be had.

The walk ended up being an hour long, so the vid is the condensed version.  It's funny how time just flew.  I think the chatting along the way must have helped.

And, yes, that park can be creepy.  The whole family thinks so, though none of us can put our finger on the cause of it.  Maybe it's just weird that it's there, looking all spiffy, and hardly anyone is there to enjoy it.  Sort of like those fancy neighborhoods with their mountainous homes and not a soul in sight.  I've biked through those neighborhoods.  The sound of my bike changing gears echoed off the cold walls.  Sometimes, I heard the wind in my ears.  Where were all the people?  Maybe this is what the apocalypse would be like in the beginning.  You know, before the crumble of the mortar started.

The park, though, has some lovely spots.  Sadly, development has changed its appearance over the years.  I'm not sure where it's headed.  Is this progress?  We've lost loads of trees and natural spaces.  In the past, I'd be intensely angry about such destruction.  But I've been here a long time.  Maybe too long.  A person can become numb to consistent assault of the land.  Especially, when the majority seems to welcome the changes and sees little value in trees and green things where the animals dwell.  No doubt my opinion on such matters would be laughable to most.

This reminds me of arguments I've had over the years concerning nature and its value.  There are actually some who believe people are more important than any animal.  To the point where an animal's habitat is only valuable if it can be paved over and there's money to be earned from its destruction.  There are those who have the mentality that our "progress" is paramount, regardless the consequences of injecting poisons into the earth and waters.  I'd say there is no advancement if you stomp around childlike on the good things the earth already provides.  Now, learning to live with all the creatures of the earth in a sustainable and healthy way, that's progress.

Until such a state is achieved, I'll appreciate what's left around me.  The small strips of green where the birds sing.  And I'll do my best to preserve what I can.  This may involve slapping myself in the face to wake up from the uncomfortable numb.  ha!

Enjoy the vid! (^.^)v
        

Video captured with GoPro Hero3 and Samsung Galaxy S5

Monday, December 29, 2014

Winter Break & Lost Voice

At last we are on Winter Break!

I like to capitalize the "holiday" because it's quite welcome right about now.  Winter Break is comprised of the couple of weeks in the year during which Christmas and New Year's occur.  Oh, and school is out!

But before all this happened, there were school parties.  And that is where we all caught our latest illness.  Sore throats, aches and chills.  Yep.  And now, nearly a week later, my voice (gruff from chatting and coughing) has given out on me.  So the vids, if I get many  made this week, aren't going to have much talking going on.  Unless, of course, the voice makes a decent comeback.  

In the meantime, I'll be thinking of what's coming next.  You know, for the new year.  I've some plans already.  Here's hoping 2015 is gonna be a good one!

Enjoy!  (^.^)v

Video captured with Samsung Galaxy S5

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Updates: I'm Still Here! (The Excuses for Lack of FitVlogs)


Here they are!  My lame, and not so lame, excuses for falling off the fitness wagon (yet again).

Actually, I just finished a monstrous amount of, well, paperwork of sorts.  And I've researched a subject to near exhaustion.  I hope I filled out the forms right!

More on all of that later.  There's a process that needs to take place before I discuss it at all.

For now, enjoy these vids and whatever vids that follow.

Take care out there! (^.^)v

Video captured with Samsung Galaxy S5

Thursday, December 04, 2014

FitVlog #41 Getting Back to Fit & Nature!

Yeah, I get a little blue during the holiday season.  It's starting to show up in my vids.  Just keeping it real.  haha!

There's hope, yet, though.  I show how a nice walk lifted my spirits a bit.  It's the little things.  Oh, and there's some nature!  Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, Texas.  Nice place, that is.  My favorite part of the vid!

Enjoy! (^.^)v


Video and stills captured using Samsung Galaxy S5.

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Replacing an Electric Water Heater--How We Did It! | DIY

It took about a week or so of planning (and of having enough money) to do this project.  But, at last, we completed the replacement of our electric water heater.  This video shows some of what we went through.

Not all steps are shown, however.  We both, Fargo and me, worked on this project and sometimes the camera didn't get turned on.  Even so, I think it's a nice way to document yet another of our DIY projects.

It's a good idea for me to remind everyone to be careful if you decide to do a job like this yourself.  I have a little plumbing experience from years ago, so I do have some idea of what I'm doing.  But I am NOT a professional plumber, nor am I a professional electrician.  When in doubt, hire the pros!!  Otherwise, any work you do is entirely at your OWN risk!  Do your research and be careful!

Oh, and enjoy the vid. (^.^)v  

 

FitVlog #40 Updates & Fighting the Blues

This was the last FitVlog I posted to YouTube before Thanksgiving holiday.  In it, I'm clearly fighting the blues and general burnout. Ha!

Not much has changed, but I'll be resuming the INSANITY workout soon!  I'm determined to finish the program and move on to the next.  I'm not sure I'll record as much video of the next program I do.  I kind of think not many find the videos useful, though they do seem to help me see what progress I'm making or not making.  I'll be thinking on it.

In the meantime, enjoy the video, it may be the last of its kind!  (^.^)v


Interested in Insanity or any other Beachbody product? Please, see my website for more details: http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan


Video captured on GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

FitVlogs #33-36! INSANITY Stuff!

The beat goes on~~
Enjoy! (^.^)v

Interested in INSANITY?  Find out more details on my website:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Video edited with Movie Studio Platinum 13.0.

Friday, October 24, 2014

FitVlog #32--Max Cardio Conditioning~INSANITY!

More intense working out has been happening around here.  This is Thursday's workout!  It was actually a bit of fun.

Enjoy! (^.^)v

*******
Interested in Insanity?  Check out my website for more details!
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

*******
Video capture with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5

*******

Friday, October 03, 2014

A Little Storm

Okay.  Yes, I know.  I'm supposed to be posting daily FitVlogs until Insanity is fini!

I had full intention of doing that yesterday, but a storm rolled in.  And me being me, I had to capture it on video.  One never knows what the weather may do.  What if I missed some big happening up there in the sky?  We wouldn't want that.

And so, I bolted down the GoPro Hero3 and commenced to filming the churning green, gray and pink clouds as they blew into town.  I also caught a little of the action on the Samsung Galaxy S5.  It was fun.  I just love the rain!

Enjoy the vid!  (^.^)v

P.S.  There will be a slew of FitVlogs to follow this post.  Just not yet.  I need a nap.  (e.o)
 

Friday, September 26, 2014

FitVlogs!! #19-#21

Okay.  This is crazy.  I know, I know.

I've resumed the Insanity workout program!  Not only that, I thought it'd be fun to vlog about it every day.  To keep myself accountable, that is.  What was I thinking?!

So far, so good.  But I know there will be something that trips me up.  haha!  It's inevitable.

As I'm typing, FitVlog #22 is uploading.  That'll have to be a separate post, I guess.  But for this post, since I've forgotten to put my latest vids here, I thought I'd cram a few of them all together.

I suppose there isn't much more to say about them.  Check them out if you like.  And thanks! :)

Coming soon is an unboxing vid.  Yep, I have, somehow, acquired an Alienware laptop!  This ought to be fun!

Take care out there!  (^.^)v
***
Interested in trying Insanity or any other Beachbody program?  Or, want to be a coach?
Check out my website for more details:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

Interested in a YouTube partnership?
Click here to see if your channel qualifies for Maker Gen/Maker Studios:
http://awe.sm/iKYQR

***


Friday, September 05, 2014

FitVlog #18 Mini Adventure Bike Ride--Cycling the Suburban Maze

My golly there's been a lot of chaos around here!  Sooo, I hopped on the bike to meditate.  ;)

I don't say much in this FitVlog #18.  No need.  It did feel good to get back out there and fight the wind.

Enjoy the ride!
Take care out there!
(^.^)v

Saturday, August 30, 2014

What IS IT?! A Short and True Mystery

The other evening, Big Daughter sent a series of disturbing texts my way.

I laughed, but nervously.  There was truly a mystery in the trunk of her car.  We may never know what the thing was that she found, or how it came to be there.  It was an oddity, to be sure.

Someone knows.  (^.~)
Just not us.

This short video shows the thing in question.  I captured it on my phone (Galaxy S5), making jokes to lighten the mood.  The whole event was strange.  Join us in suspense!

Take care out there!  (^.^)v  

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Sooo, my son was nominated by a sweet friend of his to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  He really, really, REALLY wanted to accept the challenge.  Lil Daughter thought it would be fun, too!  Fun?!

I explained to the children what the challenge was for and why everyone was doing it.  To raise awareness about what  amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is,  and to help support education and research by encouraging donations to the ALS Association (http://www.alsa.org/).

By the way, I know there are some out there who discourage making donations to the ALSA because they feel the funds are used inappropriately.  You can find more information about how funds are utilized on their website at http://www.alsa.org/ .  I know that when I made a donation to the ALSA, I was able to choose the option to have my money go to research only.  I realize that if you do not choose that option, your money may go to administrative costs, educational costs, among other things.
Here is their financial information for this year:
http://www.alsa.org/about-us/financial-information.html

Having said that, please enjoy the video.  The kiddos enjoyed making it.  (^.^)v