Lining up early went well. In fact, too well... there were barely 10 people in line by 4pm at my gate. I have no idea where everyone was. I'm used to dozens of people lining up by noon! Also it didn't seem like any VIP people had floor tickets, or maybe there weren't many of them... I was able to get a great spot at the barrier. Muse's performance was great; the 360 stage worked a lot better than I expected and they made sure to play to both sides evenly. The visuals were amazing as usual, and I'm always happy with whatever setlist they pick (Matt could sing the phone book and I'd be happy!). Of course I would have loved if they played CE or mixed up the setlist from other tour dates but there were still some nice surprises; like I wasn't expected USoE at all so that was pretty great. Unfortunately the audience seemed pretty dead except for a few groups of people around the arena. Of course there was cheering at the end of songs, a few shout-outs to the band, but to think that I was at barrier and actually had space to stretch my legs behind me and take a few steps back because the second row wasn't even moving in? My group was going crazy the whole set but it seemed like most people barely moved. That was disappointing.

Ahh exams... I need to start focusing on those. Hope your studies are going well! Best of luck on exams.

I've definitely had that happen to me quite a few times. Similarly with Guiding Light, and Revolt which is definitely not the best but is SO catchy.

That's true . I'll look up Ex Machina. Almost on winter break so it's great timing! I wasn't the biggest fan of Gravity but it did ignite a lot of interest in space films.

I guess I was told wrong, because one of my friends just got 10 (the maximum number he could get) a few days ago. He asked everyone who wanted one first-come-first-serve so I got one. Planning on lining up really early on the day of the movie to get good seats. I've heard the stage setup is actually pretty good (at least for the American batch of tour dates; Mexico's was more of a preliminary setup?). I'm worried about the talk of VIP people getting first dibs at the GA spots, since they get in before everyone else; I'm planning on getting to the arena in the morning to line up for barrier but it would be disappointing if the whole front row was already taken up. Haha I can't help but look at the setlists! I'm pretty happy with them so far. Of course, for the songs that seem to be getting switched out every now and then I've got some preferences. Like I'd love to hear Citizen Erased which hasn't been played at all the shows.

Gotham is now on hiatus for the winter so it's a great time to catch up . Flash and Arrow have both been good so far. Glad you're enjoying it!

That's fair. Yeah readings for classes are extremely time-consuming . Heh, yeah, the Mars stuff was a lot more enjoyable. I was surprised about the swearing too! Unfortunately sci-fi gets ignored so often except for things like special effects and sound-mixing. However I'm really glad to see space movies reaching broader audiences, through movies like Interstellar and The Martian. I'm hoping it'll somehow ignite some more interest in space studies as a whole! (says the possibly biased astrophysics student, but yeah )

Ahh, that's too bad. And wow, I didn't know about the South America prices. Muse tickets for the concert I'm going to were about $90 after taxes for the most expensive option, which is $70 in USD (yes our dollar sucks right now )

Thanks. Being at the barrier will be painful, but worth it. Nice! Glad you got those tickets. For big movies like the new Star Wars and the last Harry Potter movie I like to go to my local theatre for opening night. Not the best quality theatre but it has a great community atmosphere. Unfortunately tickets aren't on sale there until December 11th... hopefully I get in line early enough to get on. I'll also have been waiting in line for the Muse concert the day before for like 12 hours

Have you been caught up on Gotham? I think this season has been a huge improvement on the last one.

You definitely should. Not sure if you've read the book, but it sounds really good too. I understood some of the science, but only some . My thesis supervisor who's been a consultant for a lot of sci-fi shows said it was pretty good science. How was Sicario? It's gotten great reviews, and I like Emily Blunt a lot. I'm planning on seeing it when I can.

Damn, sorry to hear about the bad timing. Have you made a decision yet?

Just bought tickets for the Vancouver concert this morning during presale. Thank goodness it doesn't conflict badly with finals for me, though some of the others I'm going with (at the moment) aren't so lucky. I'm curious to see how the setup is in the centre of the arena now, instead of on the traditional stage at the front.

Your dogs qualify

That's awesome!

I was given a pre-screening pass for the Martian and saw it last night. It was fantastic. It had a great level of laughs through the whole thing without making it overpowered, had good science and was really tense at some points (not predictable). I'd see it again!

Darn :\ might still be worth it though, who knows when they'll be back!

Yeah Reading is awesome value for all the bands you could see. Yeah the camping is a bit iffy, I think. When I walked by the grounds on the way to the stages there were beer bottles and party cups everywhere - and I mean EVERYWHERE. It's a very loud, young crowd. That being said, I've heard some areas are better than others. The different camping areas are different colours, and one of them (I think the white-camp) was meant for families, so that one is meant to be a lot quieter.

Oh man, the more I listen to The Globalist the more I love it. It's become my favourite song on the album. Also, guilitly I actually love Revolt

Unfortunately no, it was a bit too expensive to get there by bus and I didn't have a car. Oh well! The amusement park in Vancouver here is open a little longer so maybe I'll just have to settle with that instead haha. That's a big list of movies, a lot of which I haven't heard of. I'll look them up. Glad you've got a lot to look forward to!

I think you're right; it makes sense and it really is strange to announce dates so late if they really are going to be here within the next few months.

My 2011 experience at Reading was a lot of fun, though I wasn't one of the weekend campers so I can't comment about that experience (it would definitely be interesting though!). It's a neat atmosphere and has so many great bands playing, your bound to find out some new music!

I enjoyed all the previous ones, so I'm sure I'll like it. Thanks! Having a nice time so far, very relaxing. Might try to get to the old Six Flags park that's about 2 hours out of Amsterdam; been a long time since I've been on big roller coasters . Ehh, well JW was just as you said, a decent mindless summer film. To be honest I'm getting a bit tired of seeing Chris Pratt. Only movies I'm looking forward to now for the the rest of the year are The Martian and of course Star Wars.

Ahh yeah, those are so bad

Same, I'm still surprised they haven't made any announcements yet, not even anything past some extremely vague comments here and there! I heard about the UK tour too. I really wonder where they will fit in the US tour, and if it'll be extensive (i.e. come to Vancouver ). Revolt? Interesting choice.

Haha yeah my family isn't big on musicals either, so thankfully there aren't any cast recordings on repeat or anything

Wow, that's great praise then! I should definitely see it when I'm back home (in my last week living in London, by the way... then it's off to Amsterdam until September). So glad you enjoyed it! Aww I wish Maggie Q was in it too, definitely hope she'll return. Oh man, I'd love to see them making fun of the heels! It was really so stupid

That just reminds me of silly things in shows and movies in general, like zooming in on crappy security footage and getting impossible resolutions. Some things you just really have to shake your head at!

Apparently Muse will be touring the US sometime later this year, so maybe the tour will start around December and continue into 2016? I hope they announce it soon...

Haven't played with Sergeant! I'll look out for him when I play Fallout 3. Definitely sounds like it makes for an interesting playthrough

Haven't seen a concert yet, but I did see Phantom of the Opera at the West End, which was fantastic. Last time I'd seen it was when it toured Vancouver 9 years ago. I haven't seen many musicals I've liked but that one is definitely an exception.

So glad to hear that! Haha sounds like an interesting summer. Let me know the movie is; I hope you like it!

I think I got Eugene but haven't used it because my Guns score is so low! Same with grenades, haven't ever gotten that good at them. Maybe on my next playthrough...

Yeah, I like Arcade Gannon, he's pretty funny! And ED-E is really useful. I'm not playing on a hard difficulty so even if they die they come back . I'd go through them so fast if I was on a harder difficulty

Agreed!

Yeah, I did . Ahh no, I've looked up bands playing here but I didn't see any that I was interested in. It might be worth it to go somewhere just for the experience because London/England has such a great music scene. Honestly, I haven't been sightseeing a lot; probably should though. I think I'll see Stonehenge next weekend!

How's your summer going so far?

I'll keep working on it . Yeah I really like the big guns. The Tesla Cannon is super satisfying to use and SO strong. Yeah I've been looking at all the news updates and speculations, it's exciting!

Finally heard the album now! I did enjoy the Globalist, not my favourite though. Drones is definitely a weird closer. I can tell what they were going for with it but it wasn't my thing. Yes, Revolt is pretty hated here . It does sound a lot like that "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" part in the Killers song All These Things I've Done.

California was pretty nice! Very hot though. I was able to get a day in San Francisco which was a LOT cooler than Mountain View. Got to see Fisherman's Wharf, and then Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz... not close up, but from the wharf. Other than that I was at the SETI institute for a bit and later got to see NASA Ames. Pretty cool! Now I'm in London for the next two months.

Yeah speech is great. I'm the total opposite about computer hacking vs. lockpicking - I ALWAYS mess up the lockpicking, even the super easy ones, and enjoy computer hacking so much more . I've been thinking of what kind of character to build next. Might go for a stealthy sniper.

Oh most definitely, the more puns the better! Ahh no I haven't yet, still waiting on the album to arrive and I can't find it on youtube. I could download it but I feel weird about doing that with hotel internet haha. I did hear all the other songs though - Drones was very strange, I was not expecting it. Not sure what I think about it yet. I did really like Revolt though! I think Drones and Aftermath are my least favourite so far. Once I hear the Globalist and the whole album through a few times though I'll have a better idea.

The great thing about Fallout is that it does have tons of replay value. I still feel bad about robbing people, I can't stand losing karma! Yeah I'm a big fan of the energy weapons, although finding enough ammo for them can be a bit harder I find. I like the sci-fi feel to them instead of your average gun. Basically I'm kinda going for a sci-fi build so I specialize in energy weapons and science mainly, and speech because it's hilarious at how great you are at convincing people and you can get away with a lot . I'm pretty bad at the lockpicking, even the easy ones...

Yeah that's what I'm expecting too. I'll probably still just play on a desktop

Yeah she was used for "convenience" a lot instead of writing her practically. Same with me, Cisco grew on me a lot! He's one of my favourites. I can't imagine anyone but Wentworth Miller playing him he's so perfect.

Yeah I heard there was a leak?? I've been tempted to download/listen but I'm forcing myself to wait, for better or worse. So I've only heard the ones I've gotten download codes via the deluxe edition (i.e. Psycho, Drones, Handler, Reapers, Mercy, and Defector). I'm loving all of them so far, especially together - listening to them in a row works really well, they really add to each other. Not sure which is my favourite so far. I do really love the guitar part in Defector that comes in at 2:38... so much! I've heard so much talk about the Globalist on the forums. But I will wait!

I'm in California now! I need sunscreen...

Heh yeah I'm always very thorough with looting. I'm pretty new to the Fallout franchise so I haven't played too many expansions or dlc. My first playthrough is always as the good guy, and I always try to play a bad guy later... but I find it really hard... unless a very charitable bad guy counts... lol. Do you prefer energy weapons then?

Excited about Fallout 4

Yeah, I know right? The first episode I was laughing at how cheesy it was but it grew on me so much. I would be lying if I said I didn't cry throughout the finale. I think the acting is great, there are characters you really care for (although Iris can be pretty selfish), and it's a really well paced story. I just hope they don't burn out with all the great antagonists they've featured already.

Thanks! Ah, nice to hear it's been a bit cooler than the average summer. Hopefully it won't be too much hotter than Vancouver . Nice, Fallout 3 is great. I've been playing through New Vegas. I'm the kind of person who tries to hit every single side quest for fear of missing something (I can't help it!) so I'm not that far into the storyline but... let's just say I'm very well off in the bottle caps and weapons department....

Ahh, that's too bad they were not closer! Hopefully they will stop by in their North American Tour and you'll hear those songs then!

Yep, it was pretty great!

Done with finals (went well) and now on to a research position. I'll actually probably be going to California in a bit too. This summer is so busy! How have you been?

I'm pretty out of the loop too; recently I haven't really been looking for new bands, just been content with the music I have now.

Man, how long would it have taken to get all those beer cans ready

"THEY'RE DRINKING ALL THE BEER"

I've heard! I really hope they announce the NA tour soon.

Thanks!

Exactly, I was an entirely different feel than the last two seasons! I know she's supposed to be the "good guy" but whenever I saw Heather Dunbar I wanted to punch her in the face . Doug scared me a lot this season though because I was never entirely sure whose side he was on.

I can imagine . Apparently they'll be in Vancouver this May, might think about going. I should really look up other band tour dates; I'm really out of the loop these days!

That's true. I really hope they bring Assassin back especially, and I'm always up for old favourites .

Thanks!

Good! Me too; just accepted a undergrad research award at my university for the summer which I'm really excited for!

Haha that's true, definitely nobodies talking about it anymore. I finished House of Cards by the weekend after it was released. It definitely has a different feel than the previous seasons; more emotional I think, and it's different seeing Frank not in control of things and instead reacting to them.

Listened to the whole album. Disappointed there weren't more albums; I really liked it! It has a really good mix of indie rock and heavy.

Cheesy and on the nose describes it well . I was even wondering if all the drill sergeant parts were actually part of the song. They probably are though. Yeah, they usually come a bit less than half a year from album release date, so fall/winter sounds about right. I better not be working or writing an exam or something when tickets go on sale

Ahh yes, the naive new main musers

I can't see myself going unless I was really sure I knew I had solved it, but at the same time it would be quite the adventure. Apparently no-one's solved past the first 2 (out of 9) clues so it could be a long while before it's found. I'd like to think I'd at least try, not now but sometime

That's so great, I'm glad you've had a good semester and time in Belgium!! I've been okay, really swamped with a lot of school. But I recently got offered an undergraduate research position at my university with one of my favourite profs, and the position might even mean going to do research at the Imperial College in London! I'd probably try to see other parts of Europe too; I have friends in Amsterdam who I can stay with, so hopefully I can at least hit there! The school is still not sure yet whether that part of the program will happen (since they need to find a prof and student in the UK and that would do an exchange) but it's a possibility!

Anyways, haha that's awesome that they love Vancouver so much! And glad to hear the internship went well!

Yeah the BC Lions didn't end up doing all that well... they got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs pretty badly, losing 50-17! The head coach was fired as well as some of the assistant coaches. This years team looks really different, so it'll be interesting to see how the season goes!

That's awesome, and that's a lot of countries! That's the cool thing about Europe; the US and Canada are HUGE compared to the countries there so I always find it amazing how you can drive from country to country to country in such short time! And all the countries have such different cultures and feels.

I don't watch Game of Thrones, but it's definitely popular. I think I would enjoy the plot of and the stories of the series but from what I've heard there's a lot of sex in the show and that doesn't appeal to me at all XD. I'm looking for a new show to watch so I'll check the Blacklist out!

Did you watch the last season of House of Cards?

Finally out of a rough patch of school work >.>

How've you been?

I haven't seen the Interview. It doesn't appeal to me all that much but I might see it just because of the hype. You're right; it's probably been really overhyped! I haven't watched too many movies recently but I've started watching documentaries because they're shorter haha. There are some really interesting ones out there.

Yeah I haven't heard of Royal Blood, might check them out now. $15 is a steal! Have fun

So Psycho is out! Thoughts? I really liked it; it's very raw and heavy (for Muse), if a bit straightforward, but I think that's part of the point. Super looking forward to North America tour dates being announced...!

Have you ever heard of Fenn's treasure? Apparently a bazillionare named Forrest Fenn hid over a million dollars in gold coins/rubies/etc in a box somewhere in the Rocky Mountains (it could be as far south as northern New Mexico, and as far north as northern Montana... somewhere between there!), and there is a riddle/poem that, when solved, will lead you right to it... I've been spending more time than I should be trying to solve it . It's a lot of fun. Tens of thousands of people go looking for it every year...

Merry Christmas! (belated, sorry I'm a bit late!)

Nice. I've only watched a bit of Arrested Development; got to the end of the original series run. I've been sucked back into Guild Wars 2 after a long time...

Yeah that's what I've heard about Arrow. I still think I should start watching it soon. Also, I HAD NO IDEA JOHNNY BRAVO/SCOOBY DOO HAD A CROSSOVER

Did you end up checking Flash out?

It was one of my brother's favourites as well.

Good to hear! I hope you had a nice Christmas too! And yes things are going very well for me too; Christmas was wonderful this year and I'm looking forward to my last couple weeks of relaxing before school is back. I really should watch more movies; way below how many I watched last year

Good to hear things are going nicely! I hope you have some great plans for Christmas

I'll have to check it out then! Finals for me will be over by Sunday; the binge-watching of shows shall begin .

Definitely what I've heard about Arrow . Some of the Arrow cast had the cross-over with Flash so I think I definitely should check it out soon. It's really neat that since they are on the same network and in the same universe, they can have that kind of interplay

American Horror Story:

The more I watch Flash, the more I'm enjoying it. I think it's actually a pretty good show. Great acting, lots of mystery as to who's who, easter eggs, and well-paced story progression among other things.

Oh man, you had to show me that too, didn't you! Indeed there are some great animes!

Still haven't seen Interstellar! But I really want to! Especially with all the hype about the black hole. I've actually heard it's pretty accurate with the science (save for one glaring discrepancy apparently, but whatever).

Anyways, again really good to hear that things are going well; hope they still are for you! Things are going well on my end too; as I mentioned, I'm almost done finals, and I'm feeling really good about my courses this term. Got some great courses to look forward to next term, too, and some other fun stuff planned like Emerald City Comicon. Life is good overall

I'm so sorry I've been so long! How have you been?!

Did they enjoy their time in Vancouver? If they stopped by Granville Island there is a chance I could have served them or something . How did your internship go?

Simon did get his number retired after all . And the banner that has his name and number at BC Place Stadium is right behind my seats! And yeah, all-time leading receiver for the CFL.

This season we've got a new team, Ottawa Red-Blacks (a pretty bad name if you ask me ) in the East, and Winnipeg switched over to the West so there are 5 teams in the West and 4 in the East. We're 4th in the West so far and the season is over in a few weeks - but because of the difference in number of teams between W/E, if our final record is better than the 3rd place in the East, we can do something called a crossover in the playoffs and take their place in the East Division Playoffs! We're right on pace for that, although Winnipeg who is in 5th is doing pretty well too, and the East teams are playing better now, so it's getting really close. The Grey Cup is in Vancouver again this year so we'll see what happens D:

How was Belgium? Or are you still there?

Breaking Bad was pretty great. Hank was a really good character! Yeah it didn't end well for him . Right now in terms of current shows I'm watching Supernatural, Modern Family, Flash, and American Horror Story. I just finished watching some older shows too, like Death Note - you should try it! If you are feeling like a dark, and very clever/smart show .