The monetary incentive of the vending challenge that was offered to beat myself for a set period of time was not very persuasive.  This wasn't as much due to the the amount of money as it was to the stupidity of the bet.  Chris and Danny would have been adequately satisfied regardless of whether I won or lost and either way, I would be the loser.  My counteroffer was to compete against Danny in a weight loss competition.  This way, we would both be in pain and we both have the potential to lose.  After some preliminary negotiation, Danny agreed.

Yesterday, as we were trying to gain as much short-term weight as we possibly could before the initial weigh-in, we came up with the rules for the challenge.  Chris, and the rest of his code monkeys helped to finalize the conditions of the bet.  The challenge will last two months and the final weigh-in will occur at 11 am on October 29th.  The official scale will be the one in our building.  No diet-pills, metabolic enhancers, elective surgery, parasites or symbiotics are allowed.  Competitors must be able to stand without assistance on the scale for 30 seconds during the final weigh-in.  The wager is a flat $50 plus $20 per pound of difference between the competitors with a cap of $100 total.

At the initial weigh-in, Danny was measured at 186.4 pounds.  I weighed 188 pounds even.

In tandem with this challenge, I am betting Brian that I can go one month (ending September 29th) as a vegetarian.  I think approaching these two challenges at the same time will increase my motivation and my success.  I don't have an exact strategy yet, but I plan on using this blog to keep a record of what and when I eat, what I am doing for exercise as well as my weight loss progress along the way.

We've come to the end of the week, radio fans, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the line. There's still so much going on at BlogTalkRadio.

Regulars to BTR know we're more than just a website hosting radio segments, we're a social radio community and network. Almost all of our segments feature chats and opportunities to call in, and our hosts would love nothing more than for you to stop by and participate. Stay tuned because we'll be unveiling more ways for you to interact as a community. And remember, there's plenty of opportunity to participate here at the BlogTalkRadio blog too! Tell us about your segments or favorite hosts in the comments or ask questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll find the person who does!

In the meantime, have some highlights. All times are EDT unless otherwise noted.

• Buzzworthy Radio is pleased to welcome daytime diva Days of Our Lives' Mary Beth Evans. Don't miss the dish at 11:00 a.m.

• Underground dance music artist DJ Freddy Fresh is visiting Radio Free Nation this evening at 10:00p.m.

• Join Golf.com Radio's Tommy Dee and Jessica Marksbury as they chat about all the action at Oakland Hills with on site writers and editors from GOLF.com and Sports Illustrated  at 10:00 a.m.
  

• BTR's own Nikki Star is going to turn you on to some great music while you play the picture game. That's right, it's my favorite day...Causual Friday on Nikki Rocks the Politics! Be there or be square at 10:00 a.m.

• Another member of the BTR team is hosting a segment this morning. Add a little humor with our own Kris Smith and Life in the Can. 10:00 a.m.

Good thing all of these segements are available on demand immediately after the live broadcast, so don't worry about missing one show because it's the same time as another.

Here's a few more:

• Shift Radio has the Code Monkeys! Chris Melissinos is joined by Matt Mariska, one of the creators of the popular show "Code Monkeys" on G4TV. We will talk about Matt's background with games, inspiration for the show and more. (NOTE: This is their first 'Mature' rated show. The fun begins at noon.

• Liz from The Mole visits This is My Reality this afternoon at 5:00.

• Dangerous Lee and her sidekick HP are talking with Jason and Taye from season 3 of Making the Band, catch it at 8:00 p.m.

• Best of YouTube - ide o video podcast- myslím že názov hovorí za všetko
• Code Monkeys - tiež video podcast- je to animovaná zábavná show. Bohužiaľ celé časti tejto show sú platené
• Discovery Channel Video Podcasts - sú to výbery rôznych relácií z Discovery. Napríklad Man vs. Wild, Mythbusters, When We Left Earth, Deadliest Catch, atd.
• Drum&BassArena Podcast - väčšinou sú to DJ-ské sety... občas video z nejakej párty, alebo rozhovor
• Excess Baggage - podcast z Radia BBC... cestovateľský podcast... tento som si vybral kvôli angličtine, tak ako aj ostatné podcasty z BBC
• G4 Videogame Trailers - G4 je skvelá internetová televízia :) konkrétne tento podcast sa venuje trailerom z hier
• Grammar Challenge (Learn English) - ďalší BBC podcast... o čom? to viete z názvu ;)
• Headbanger_FM Podcast - podcast rádia_FM ;) je to 2 hodinová reláciu o metalovej hudbe. Vychádza každý utorok
• HudbaSveta_FM Podcast - tiež relácia rádia_FM. Vychádza každý pondelok. Najradšej tento podcast počúvam vonku na reprákoch, pri bazéne, na lehátku :) vtedy v mysli precestujem celý svet
• Jeff Curto's Camera Position - je to zvukový podcast, ale je spojený aj s obrázkami, ktoré sa priamo premietajú k hovorenému slovu. Super podcast o fotografii
• NočnýŽivot_FM Podcast - ďalší FM podcast... relácia nočný život- každý utorok a stredu. Počúvame to celé dni v robote :)
• NuSpirit_FM Podcast - zase FM_ko ;) Dj Kinet a Dj Magálová. Každú nedelu dvojhodinovka NuJazzu. Na pohode ma tiež milo prekvapili svojím setom
• Podkest LoloFoxa - kedysi ma tento podcast celkom bavil... hlavne preto, že vychádzal každé ráno o siedmej a chalaň v ňom hovoril o veciach ktoré ho zaujali predošlí deň. Tento podcast sa však postupne začal pretvárať na Lolové paranormálne zážitky... a už v podstate ani nevychádza
• Talk About English (Learn English) - zase podcast BBC o angličtine
• Wild Chronicles Digital Shorts - video podcast od Nationol Geographic. O krajinách, kultúrach, prírode...
• X-Play Game Previews - video ukážky najnovších hier, rozhovory, recenzie
• 29MotoGuide - ďalšie videá- tentokrát o autíčkach. Žiadne komentáre, nič... len proste krásne autíčka
• 6 Minute English - BBC learning podcast... tento z tých anglických počúvam najčastejšie... vždy 6 minút na určitú tému

Takže to je z mojích podcastov všetko... kludne mi nejaký v commentoch odporučte. Ja vám tiež podcasty vrelo odporúčam. Je to podľa mňa výborná forma média. Pohodlná, praktická.... no žiaľ na Slovensku málo rozšírená. No čo poviete? Začnete podcastovať? :) Nepotrebujete k tomu iPod... da sa to aj v počítači, mobilné telefóny... a všetky ostatné mp3 prehrávače. Tak sa teším na reakcie :P

Since I've been blessed with a tendency to become addicted to "deviant" behavior--be it sex, drugs, or doing drugs while having sex--It's only natural that I find myself drawn to television shows such as "Code Monkeys" (Sundays at 7pm ET on G4).

Maybe it's the 8-bit character graphics, or the 16-bit backgrounds, or more likely the random violence and nudity that run rampant throughout most episodes, or the fact that it's set in the early 1980s, the coolest decade of the 20th century... I have a feeling it is a combination of everything the show offers that forces me to watch, that or the peyote Dr. Gonzo gave me (take it from me, there is no "magic" button that lets your car "pass" through walls..)

If this press release is to be believed, I am one of but 20 million viewers who tuned in during the shows first season. For the rest of you who have absolutely no idea what the hell I'm talking about and are kicking yourselves for reading this far, I've put up the special "420" episode that aired on, um 4/20, so put down the design magazine and check it out because it does not get any more mindless than this...(the episode is broken up into two parts... top vid is 1st part...)

Now where did I put that Dago-bong....

[wpvideo hNpuc80A]
[wpvideo TQZjfbYb]

*Note: I did not decide to change my writing style.

1- The password is on this blog (It's not hard to find, no digging required)

2- It's an Anime tv show- Not Bebop

~~Good luck entering~~

Anyways, Sunday's Code Monkey was not what I saw advertised.  It was completely different!  I was disappointed, I wanted to see that episode.  It had the theme on if gamer-makers are responsible for "influencing" decisions made by consumers.  Dave was on trial!  No spoilers from me! =P I guess it'll be shown this Sunday.

Todd's got a new game called Cock Goblin.  Sad I know. But he, of course, thinks it's the best game idea known.  Meanwhile the company is trying to get insured so they send a person to do psychological evaluations on everyone.  The poor soul.......

A little something during Black Steve's evaluation on why he's angry: *Flashback*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5l76sgwF0&feature=related

I'm so not going to miss the new episode this Sunday at 6 CDT!

I didn't know he wrote the song that became the intro to Code Monkeys, That makes me like the show exactly 7% more. Now I'm up to 59%.

http://www.g4tv.com/codemonkeys/index.html

Just for those who don't know:  This show is set in the 1980s, two game developers (Jerry and Dave) who's video game company they work for is sold (by Steve Wozniak) to Larry-a person who knows nothing about games.  They make Atari-like videogames, some okay most bad (E.T. video game anyone?)  Basically it's a hilarious show!

Code Monkeys to serial emitowany przez amerykańską stację G4. Fabuła jedynego (póki co) sezonu koncentruje się wokół perypatii pracowników firmy wydającej gry komputerowe we wczesnych latach 80 ubiegłego stulecia. GameaVision, bo w tej firmie pracują bohaterowie serialu, zostaje w pierwszym odcinku sprzedana przez jej założyciela, Steve'a Wozniaka (każdy, kto kojarzy, przybija sobie piątkę) bogatemu biznesmenowi z Teksasu, "Big T" Larrity'emu, dla którego przemysł konsolowy to kolejny sposób na zarobienie pieniędzy. Jego nowi podopieczni, czyli zboczony Dave, odpowiedzialny Jerry (ta dwójka stanowi głównych protagonistów serii), feministka Mary, nerdowaty fan gier RPG Todd, puszczalska Clare, księgowy Black Steve(Afroamerykanin, gdyby ktoś pytał) i homoseksualista Clarence, robiący do gier GameaVision muzykę, nie są oczywiście zachwyceni odejściem ich ukochanego szefa do pozbawionej przyszłości branży komputerowej i pojawieniem się na jego miejscu krwiożerczego kapitalisty z Teksasu.

Główną treść serialu stanowią właśnie konflikty między oboma stronami barykady, "typowe" życie firmy przemysłu elektronicznego oraz wyśmiewanie całej masy różnych społecznych i popkulturowych motywów, szczególnie tych powiązanych z grami komputerowymi. Code Monkeys to przede wszystkim komedia, i widać to bardzo wyraźnie. Twórcy często i chętnie naruszają zasady politycznej poprawności. Nie jest to co prawda Family Guy, ale fakt, że Black Steve handluje narkotykami i w sytuacjach stresowych wyładowuje agresję strzelając gdzie popadnie, Clarence ubiera się w cekiny i cały czas mówi o uprawianiu miłości z mężczyznami. Todd przez sen prosi swoją matkę, żeby go pocałowała," ale tak w usta", a Big T. Larrity czasami wspomina o martwych prostytutkach w bagażniku i swoich ośmiu martwych żonach. Obcowanie z tymi żartami wymaga dużej dozy dystansu, ale warto się na niego zdobyć, aby smakować naprawdę przedniej jakości humor Programujących Małp. Uśmiech wywołują także niedoszli pracownicy GameaVasion, tacy jak np. John Romero, który proponuje Lerrity'emu wydanie rewolucyjnej gry "The Room", w którym kierujemy postacią z perspektywy pierwszej osoby. Big T. stwierdza jednak, że nie byłoby to zbyt opłacalne. Podobnych żartów, z udziałem innych kultowych gier, jest w Code Monkeys o wiele więcej.

Najważniejsze i najbardziej charakterystyczne dla tego serialu jest jego oprawa graficzna. Wszystkie postacie i tło są wykonany z wielkich, oldskulowych pikseli, co zresztą widać na załączonym obrazku. Na górze widnieje licznik punktów, a po prawej - licznik życia w postaci znanych z Zeldy serduszek. Czasami ich miejsce zajmują zabawne wskaźniki obrzydzenia, aktywna broń postaci albo skala "poziomu zboczeńca". Wraz z wykorzystywaniem wielu znanych motywów z gier (ucieczka z więzienia odbywa się w scenerii a'la Contra, a biurko Big. T wygląda jak lada sprzedawcy z Zeldy) tworzy to niepowtarzalny, ośmiobitowy klimat serialu, który w widzu wywołuje u mnie pozytywnych odczuć. Z czystym sercem mogę polecić go każdemu, kto choć trochę zainteresowany był chociażby Futuramą czy Family Guyem.

Drugim opisywanym we wpisie dziełem jest utwór Boba Ostertaga pod tytułem "w00t!". Tak, dobrze napisałem - utwór. w00t jest bowiem pojedynczym, trwającym ok. 50 minut kawałkiem - molochem, utworzonym jedynie przy pomocy dźwięków z różnych gier konsolowych i komputerowych. Zróżnicowany, ale spójny kompozycyjny majstersztyk, muzyka wybitna w gatunku elektroniki - godna polecenia każdemu, kto potrafi wykroczyć poza duszne ramy tradycyjnej muzyki przy obcowaniu ze sztuką. I, co najważniejsze, do ściągnięcia zupełne legalnie i za darmo ze strony kompozytora.

Maybe bad is a little too strong. After I saw the first ad for G4TVs video game themed, video game based cartoon Code Monkeys, I was excited.

Then I saw the first episode and my hopes died faster than Jesse Camp's career. You know the mark of quality when something arises and you don't feel the need to try and like it. You have to try to like Code Monkeys. I like G4 a lot, it gives me Ninj Warrior and AOTS. So I think think it is acceptable to assume that a show, made to look like an 8-bit game, about making 8-bit games coming from the network that covers and rates...8-bit games (among other things) would be half way cool. But that is the problem, the show is only half way cool. And we all know that a grade of 50% is failing. So lets try to figure out what it is that limits Code Monkeys from being as awesome as everyone had hoped.

Stop right there.

What did we see? The token token-black-guy (intentional use of token twice, get it?), poop jokes, a guy giving the pinky-index "rock & roll " sign over the title. Tsk tsk. Classic first season show mistakes. Lots of these things go away by Season 2, no problem. But listen to me talk about this show like I'm a regular Tony Danza. Let's look at the show's strong point, referencial video game in-jokes. Not since that one episode of Futurama with Fry and the What-If Machine have I seen so as many subtle nods to video games. The show has lots of  reminders of Nes era games as well as the liner jokes that appear in the health bar above the screen. They're funny and they reward viewers who are half way smart and pay attention. I was pumped when I realized that when the characters get hit they took the faces from River City Ransom. Also, Clarence is funny.

I hope they tighten things up on the show in the upcoming seasons, I would love to have a game show that is actually funny, and not X-Play.