No work talk tonight. Three years ago, I went to the Xbox Launch Midnight Madness at EBX in Redmond Town Center and bought an Xbox for a game called “Halo” that was supposed to be kick-ass. I couldn't believe people would stand in a line two blocks long for a game (note: it wasn't just the free pizza). I've been ass-kicking and getting my ass-kicked for 3 years since then. I've melee attacked with the best of them and came away humbled. For me, it's about the trash talkin when you have 16 people in 2 rooms playing Halo and they all call you the chump for picking the crappy 18in TV in the corner (yet you keep kicking their ass anyway because they aren't cheating/distracted by looking at your screen- you know who you are G***s).  Anyway I digress.  Tonight, I had in my hands a shiny, shrink-wrapped copy of Halo 2 at about 5pm.  I gave it up to a less fortunate co-worker.  Why?  Because I'm going to Midnight Madness at the EBX store in Redmond Town Center- it's not just about picking up the game, it about the event.  I'll be there, needing a haircut and wearing my black Dickies jacket with the Player icon on the sleeve (ever notice how it looks like a target?).

As for my buddy who got the game and has now played through the first level, he says this: the way they close the chapter of Halo 1 was great. That's all I'm going to say for now besides Red vs.Blue still rocks. Send me your Gamertag in email and we'll tangle.