Month: March 2025

March 3, 2025

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

March 3, 2025

The Drama around Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed

Obsidian Entertainment, a gaming development studio known for narrative-heavy games like Fallout: New Vegas and Outer Worlds has released a new title that has the opportunity to bring their name back into the public eye and save them from gradual marginalization. Avowed is the newest first-person RPG from Obsidian Entertainment.

To understand the situation, let’s first put Avowed into context. Avowed is based in the world of Eora, an IP created for Obsidian’s real-time strategy series Pillars of Eternity. Pillars met its success because of its generous Kickstarter contributors allowing the continued development of the games beyond normal budget constraints caused by the falling out of a deal with Microsoft. Obsidian would get back on its feet later after finding a publisher in Private Division for the sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds, lauded by many as a spiritual successor to Fallout: New Vegas due to its narrative focus. All was not right, however, as The Outer Worlds had many criticisms, including its shorter-than-average story and the fact that it lacked game world outside of main story paths. There simply was not enough of a world for the player base of games like Pillars to become immersed, and the narrative focus bored the broader audience Obsidian had wished to attract to make up for this. Avowed comes at the tail end of this, starting development around when The Outer Worlds was released. The title is drawing inspiration from both major releases since the Studio’s financial crisis. Many believe it has the opportunity to make up for the shortcomings in Pillars’ less than stellar gameplay and graphics while keeping the identity players of the game had become attached to in the world of Eora.

All in all, Avowed has an opportunity to put Obsidian Entertainment back on the map for AAAgames. I personally am looking forward to seeing if the success of this title can fuel more titles for the series’ while still allowing their developers to avoid falling into a “use this IP or we’ll all go bankrupt” mindset. One of the greatest virtues of Obsidian Entertainment is its willingness to experiment, as any casual consumer of their games can attest, and losing that would be catastrophic when the current gamingindustry is so taken over by an overwhelming monotony of live service “free-to-plays.”

 —Aiden Gervais

March 3, 2025

Nonverbal Cues: How Do Different Sports Use Them? 

The world of sports is full of nonverbal cues and language, which are often used in basketball, hockey, baseball, and rugby. But how are they used and what do they look like? Each of these sports have their own respective methods of nonverbally communicating key aspects of their game between players. Not every sport mentioned will get coverage here. However, of the two that do, the hope is that the language will become more understandable, both in terms of what it looks like and how it’s used in the game.

Baseball has always been a sport that doesn’t allow for much verbal communication. Therefore, players and coaches must utilize nonverbal cues to communicate. For instance, a catcher may discreetly hold out a signal of one, two, three, and so on, while his hand is behind the batter. This is meant to tell the pitcher what type of pitch to throw (e.g., one for a fastball, two for a curveball, etc.). Coaches can also give subtle instructions to players through the use of predetermined motions such as touching different parts on their bodies (e.g., the brim of a hat, belt, or nose). There are many other nonverbal signals used in baseball; however, to keep things short and sweet, this is all we’ll be able to cover on the sport for now.

Ice hockey is another sport that doesn’t allow for much verbal communication during a game due to its fast-paced nature. Therefore, players and coaches implement a number of their own nonverbal cues in-game to keep everyone on the same page. For example, you may see coaches waving their hands towards the boards that separate players from spectators. This is done as a way to signal to a player that they should move to that area to cover an opponent. In other cases, you may see them pointing to the middle of the ice. This is meant to show a player that they need to move to the center position (center ice) when on defense. Coaches may also perform a “chopping” motion with their hands, which is meant to signal a quick pass of the puck.

In the players’ case, quickly tapping a teammate’s hockey stick with another, while neither has the puck, is meant to indicate that they should be more alert and ready to receive the puck; a more forceful tap is meant to convey urgency. Lastly, if a player is across from a teamate with the puck and rapidly taps his stick on the ice, he’s trying to tell his teammate to pass the puck.

Sports can be very interesting when you know what to look for, so the next time you’re watching a favorite sporting event, keep an eye out for the nonverbal communication and ques that keep the games running smoothly

 —Seth VanEss, Sports Editor

March 3, 2025

Run the Day

Having a healthy mindset can aid in building a better self-care schedule. While following the typical routine advice of eating healthy, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and exercising can do many things for you (physically and mentally), there’s more to it! Changing up your routine, even if it were to benefit you, is difficult. Adding in healthy habits when you’re not accumulated to them, is just hard, but I have a piece of advice that helps me do it!

The other day, my friend sent me a picture at eight in the morning of the sourdough donuts she just made. Eight a.m. We’re second shifters, and we get done between 9 p.m. and midnight. How did this woman manage waking up and baking sourdough donuts before eight? So, I asked her just how she did that. Her answer?

Having an incentive.

Motivation.

For my friend, she loves the time alone. She is either reading or baking before her son wakes up and after her husband leaves for work. Her time alone is her incentive. I think that has to be the biggest piece of advice to help maintain a positive mindset: giving yourself a reason to keep going. A reason to not give up.

Incentives are hard to come by, especially when you’re simply struggling to get out ofbed in the morning. And trust me, I’m there some days, too. But what gets me up on those mornings? My dog (pictured above), who just wants to spend some time with me, to go on a walk or play. So, some mornings, my incentive is as little making sure I spend some time with her while enjoying my morning coffee.

Sometimes, there are bigger ones. My friend is in the process of starting her own sourdough business (starting with the options of cookies, donuts, and bagels), so she needs to get up and get baking if she wants her business to be successful. And for me, I want to have a shelf dedicated to my own work when I’m old and my grandkids run around me. If I want that, I gotta get a move on writing!

There’s one motivational quote that I think fits the idea of having an incentive to keep going pretty fantastically:

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” —Jim Roh

March 3, 2025

The Return of the Bob

The bob haircut is making a major comeback, and it’s no surprise why! The timeless style, first popularized in the 1920s by fashion icons like Coco Chanel, is back in full force and more versatile than ever. Today, the bob is one of the most popular haircuts because it suits everyone and can be styled in countless ways.

Whether you prefer a sleek, sharp bob or a soft, textured look with waves, this haircut offers something for every personality. The bob It can be customized to match your face shape and hair type, making it a go-to for those seeking a chic, low-maintenance style. You can even add bangs or experiment with asymmetry to make it your own!

Celebrities and influencers love the bob, but it’s not just for the red carpet. From the classic chin-length bob to the “lob” (long bob), this cut is suitable for both suits casual and polished looks. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and perfect for those who want a fresh, stylish look without much effort.

If you’re considering trying something new with your hair, the bob might be the perfect choice! It’s a fun, flattering, and versatile style that can suit any vibe.

March 3, 2025

Wandering Wikipedia: Titanium

This week, I was feeling positively elemental, so when the element Titanium came up as my Wikipedia random article, I got to reading.

Titanium is the 22nd element in the periodic table. It is a transition metal¹, and it has various applications from mobile-phone parts (such as certain components of the iPhone) to pyrotechnics or even spacecraft (such as NASA’s Jupiter orbiter Juno.) Titanium was discovered in Cornwall, Great Britain, by a man named William Gregor (a clergyman and amateur mineralogist) in the year 1791 while he was studying deposits of sand. Titanium can also alloy² with many other metals, such as Iron, aluminum, vanadium, and molybdenum. The resulting alloys are strong, lightweight, and versatile. Some applications of the alloys are in aerospace, military, and automotive. The two most useful properties of this metal are its corrosion resistance and its high strength-to-density ratio.

And that’s all the useless knowledge we have for you this week. Tune in next week for the next edition of “Wandering Wikipedia!”

Footnotes:

1. A transition metal is a metal with ions in two of its electron shells instead of just one, allowing it to exhibit more complex (and often colorful) chemical behaviors.
2. To alloy simply means “to mix”, for example: two alloyed metals are two metals that have mixed together into one metal alloy. A common example of an alloy is brass or bronze. brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, while bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.

March 3, 2025

Meme of the Week: Weezer’s Blue Album

The world changed forever on May 10, 1994, with the release of Weezer’s Blue Album. With the unique style riffs, catchy tunes, and distinct personalities, Weezer quickly divided the music world. Some people adored their point of view, while others scoffed at their different kinds of sounds. Over 30 years later, Weezer still is going strong in the most Weezer way possible: memes.

The band is no stranger to making fun of themselves and geek culture. In their music video for “Pork and Beans,” they reference the popular YouTube song “Chocolate Rain” by Tay Zonday. They also reference “Damn Daniel,” a popular video on the app “Vine,” during their song “California Kids.” Besides the song and video mentions, they also have taken past Tweets from stan fan accounts and made songs from them, with the most famous ones being a Tweet wanting a cover of “Africa” by Toto. So, what does Weezer do? They release a whole album of covers.

The most recent wave of memes was Photoshopping The Blue Album. Since the cover is so simple, there are a million different ways to make it funny. Lots of people take the four guys and do silly things with them. They also change the title to match the image. It’s not super hard to recreate, and if you’re anything like me, it’s hilarious.

Weezer has been around since the ’90s, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The band will live on forever with the power of memes and awesome ’90s sound. To annoy or please your friends, send the “Buddy Holly” riff and hope for the best.

March 3, 2025

Fantasy Fight Club: Elektra Natchios vs. the Red Hood

When it comes to trained killers from the Marvel and DC universe, none are more quintessential and lethal than Elektra and the Red Hood.

First off, let’s give a brief introduction to both of our contenders. Let’s welcome the ladies first! Stepping into the ring at an unsuspecting five-foot-nine and 130 pounds is Elektra! At a glance, one would not expect this little lady to have a kill count of over one hundred. Elektra Natchios is the pseudo-sidekick to Daredevil; however. she’s no traditional sidekick. She has no qualms about using her Sai (Okinawan piercing weapons) or even her bare hands to bring about one’s end with her extensive martial arts training or Olympic-level athleticism.

Now, let’s welcome our other contender for tonight, standing at 6-foot-nothing and a striking 225 pounds, Jason Todd, also known as Red Hood. Red Hood is classically trained in martial arts by various groups and individuals. Additionally, he is also trained in marksmanship and has a strong preference for pistols, specifically of the Israeli variety.

Taking a deeper dive into Red Hood, or Jason Todd, he is also trained by the League of Assassins and various martial artists, meaning he may have more training than Elektra. Additionally, his favorite weapon, his dagger, can canonically cut through Batman’s armor and arsenal, a nearly impossible feat. Now, one may say that Elektra still has the upper hand because she was an Olympic-level athlete, but this skill would only go so far against Red Hood.

In conclusion, After a mighty, drawn-out trading of blows, slashes, shots, and stabs, as the battle rages on, Elektra begins to fumble, her training being outclassed by Red Hood’s years of experience. Eventually, Red Hood emerges victorious, Elektra’s Sai taken as trophies.

Now, let’s get onto the main fight for tonight! Batman vs. Daredevil! 

March 3, 2025

Fantasy Fight Club: Batman vs. Daredevil

Welcome back to Fictional Fight Club, where we take two characters and have them FIGHT TO THE DEATH!!! With the first fight coming to a close, it’s time for the main event between two sides of the same coin. One is raising hell in New York while the other prowls around Gotham. Please give it up for Marvel’s Daredevil and DC’s Batman! We will fight three rounds, consisting of abilities, villains, and personality. Whoever wins gets to be the official “just a guy” hero! Let’s rumble, people!

Let’s start with the abilities. Like I said earlier, they are both just dudes with weapons. What Daredevil has that Batman doesn’t are heightened senses. Since Daredevil is blind, all of his other senses are more prominent. Batman may not have super senses, but he is a master at martial arts and weaponry, since he can use basically anything to help him in a fight. Both of them are also skilled in critical thinking and detective skills, both using their wits along with their fists.

If they were to go hand-to-hand, I feel like Daredevil has a bit of an up on Batman because of his senses. With the ability to hear, smell, and touch, Daredevil can sneak up on Batman and get some heavy hits in. So, the first round goes to …

… Daredevil.

But what’s a good hero without villains, right? Batman’s rogues gallery doesn’t need an introduction. They are probably the most famous villains of all time! But with every Joker, we have a Condiment King. Not every bad guy Batman goes up against is a winner. Daredevil has a few notable villains, such as Kingpin and Bullseye. But other than those two, it’s hard to name any other bloodthirsty villains. While Kingpin knows Daredevil’s identity, no major villain knows Batman’s. Even when Bullseye killed some of Daredevil’s closest friends, it’s nothing compared to the torture, death, and pain Batman goes through on a weekly basis. For the villains, I’m giving it to Batman and his messed up bad guys.

The third and final round goes to the personalities of each hero. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire who had to suffer through the traumatic death of his parents, while Matt Murdock lived in poverty and was blinded by a car accident as a child. Both have sad backstories involving losing a parent and gaining an elderly father figure (Alfred for Bruce, and Stick for Matt). Both of them have a lot of similarities, especially in their fight for justice. But the biggest difference is how they do it. Batman wants to punish villains for their crimes; Daredevil focuses on the victims. They are both extremely complex heroes in their own right. It was an extremely close battle but … I’m going to have to go with Batman. He seems to manage to fight for justice while also feeling human (when written correctly).

Now, just because Batman wins doesn’t mean Daredevil is horrible. In fact, while researching, I became enthralled with his character. It was close, and it could have gone either way. I’m going to start watching his show Daredevil: Born Again, which comes out on March 4th. Maybe in a few months, I’ll look back at this and change the winner to Daredevil. Either way, both characters are awesome, and you should check them out!

March 3, 2025

The Lake Bodom Murders

The most unsettling true-crime cases … 

Trigger warning: Child murder, statutory sexual assault

Many true crime cases go unsolved for decades, and not all of them occur in the United States. The case we’re covering this week checks both of those boxes. Known as the Lake Bodom Murders, this case is intriguing for many reasons that will become evident later on. It involved four Finnish teenagers and took place at Lake Bodom in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, on Saturday, June 5, 1960. The teens, Maila Irmeli Björklund and Anja Tuulikki Mäki (both 15), Seppo Boisman (18), and Nils Gustafsson (18), set out for a romantic camping trip to Lake Bodom. They arrived at the lake around 5 p.m. on June 4 and settled down on a small peninsula that jutted out onto the lake. The teens then spent the rest of that day drinking, fishing, swimming, and relaxing before retreating into their single tent around 11 p.m.

As the sun rose up over the lake the next morning, two teenage boys, unrelated to the campers, were walking along the shore of Lake Bodom. At around 6 a.m., they heard a faint voice calling out and soon discovered a collapsed tent. Upon closer inspection, they noticed very large slash marks in multiple areas of the tent and two bodies lying outside the structure while two more were lying inside.

Read more … 

They’d all appeared to be stabbed and bludgeoned to death. Just then, a body laying outside tent appeared to move its legs ever so slightly. The boys saw this but quickly had their attention redirected to a man running away from the tent and into the tree line. They couldn’t see his face but felt it was time to leave at that point, so they did. The boys later recounted that the man appeared to be an adult wearing a light blue-colored shirt with slicked-back blonde hair. As the day wore on and the lake became crowded, more people observed the tent. It wasn’t until a passing carpenter noticed it, realized something was very wrong, and rushed to a nearby construction site to notify law enforcement that the police would get involved.

Once they arrived at the scene, the police began what was an unsecured investigation. It led to multiple citizens and campers walking through the crime scene, effectively disturbing and destroying crucial evidence. To make things even more complicated, Nils Gustafsson had sustained horrific injuries, including a fractured skull, yet he was the only survivor. This forced police to consider him as the primary suspect for a time and press charges against him. However, they later re-examined the case while Nils was in custody and ruled out the idea that he could be the main suspect due to the severity of the injuries he’d sustained. Nils’ trial would ultimately end in an acquittal and “not guilty” verdict. To this day, many suspects have been considered … one of whom, a man by the name of Hans Assmann (see image), had a striking resemblance to a composite sketch created of the man seen running away from the tent. Yet nobody, other than Nils Gustafson has been formally identified or charged.

To learn more about this unsolved case, check out the Casefile True Crime podcast titled “Case 194: Lake Bodom,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.