Yesterday, Valve released updates for Counter-Strike, and Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. One of the most controversial changes they've made is to add a slight delay when using the Magnum Sniper Rifle. I can't applaud them enough for it. That weapon, in my opinion, greatly unbalanced the game.
Football news now, and despite having a man sent off, Villa beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on Saturday. Villa are currently 6th in the league, and with only three games left, European football is within touching distance. Over the other side of the pond, D.C. United dominated large parts of their game, but lost 1-0 to Chicago Fire.
I discovered today that some moron had broken into the control panel of a website on the Internet and configured it so that all its e-mail (which was all spam) would be sent to me. I contacted the owner of the site and the problem is now resolved. I wonder who the attack was aimed at? The site owner or me (or maybe both)?
I love playing Counter-Strike online against players from all over the world, and I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it plays over a 56k connection. However, I'm really beginning to hate those players who hide and use the sniper rifle instead of coming out to fight. That's not being stealthy - that's being plain boring. Wimps!
It was a disappointing weekend for my teams. D.C. United lost 3-2 to archrivals the MetroStars on Saturday, and Villa drew 0-0 with Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. On the plus side of things, Freddy Adu scored his first career MLS goal, and - despite the draw - Villa are still well placed for European football next season.
The 2004 USL A-League season opens tomorrow afternoon. I think it's a fascinating, wide-open league - any one of about six teams (Virginia, Rochester, Minnesota, Vancouver, Seattle and, defending champions, Charleston) could win it. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on Seattle going all the way this year.
I installed a web-based, multi-player space exploration game called BlackNova Traders on this site a while back. Unfortunately, there's only two people playing at the moment, and things are getting a little boring. Absolutely anyone can play, so if you're interested, click the link above and come join the fun!
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is an awesome game. I haven't been able to drag myself away from it all week! I can't tell you how satisfying it is to put a bullet in the head of an opposing player from range using the sniper rifle, or how exhilarating it is to be in the middle of a massive firefight with the enemy. Wonderful.
My favourite MLS team, D.C. United, drew 1-1 with Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday. Over this side of the pond, Villa drew 2-2 away at Bolton, and on Monday afternoon they came from a goal behind to beat "Chelski" 3-2. D.C. United plays archrivals the MetroStars on Saturday. Villa play Newcastle on Sunday.
I finished reading Drop Shot by Harlan Coben a few days ago. I love his Myron Bolitar novels - they're smart, funny and always an entertaining read - and Drop Shot is no exception. I'm now reading The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly, which after only a few chapters, is looking like being a really exciting read.
I finished reading The Black Ice by Michael Connelly last night. Superb book, great (and most unexpected) ending. Much better than The Black Echo in my opinion, but not quite as good as Lost Light, which is still the best Michael Connelly novel I've read so far. I'm now reading Drop Shot by Harlan Coben.
Actually, I've got quite a queue books to read at the moment. I've got another Michael Connelly novel, The Concrete Blonde, another Harlan Coben novel, Fade Away, and two books my good friend Vishal gave me the other day, Life Is Fair and Quest For Light. It's going to take me a while to get through all of those!
Ah, it was great jumping in the car this morning and making my own way to work, instead of paying for a taxi or using the bus like I normally do. I aim to get my own car as soon as possible, but running it won't be cheap, so the sooner I get a proper job the better. I think having a full driving licence now will help me a lot!
I just passed my driving test! Woohoo!
The Caps ended their worst season since 1977-78 yesterday with a 4-3 loss away to Pittsburgh. Three games prior to that they beat Pittsburgh 4-2 at home, tied 3-3 with Boston and lost 3-2 to the Rangers. Their record of 23-46-10-3 meant they finished 28th overall in the NHL. At least they didn't finish last.
Freddy Adu became the youngest person in more than 100 years to play a professional team sport in the U.S., as my favourite MLS team, D.C. United, beat San Jose, 2-1, Saturday afternoon. D.C. play Los Angeles next Saturday. Over this side of the pond, Villa drew 1-1 with Manchester City. They play Bolton next Saturday.
I've almost reached the end of my X-Files Season 4 DVD Box Set, so it's a good job I purchased the Season 5 Box Set last week. Did you know the Star Wars Trilogy (episodes IV to VI) is being released on DVD on September 20th? I've already pre-ordered my copy. You should, too. May the force be with you!
The 2004 MLS season starts on Saturday, and this year, I'm glad to see they've dropped the overtime periods. So, who's going to win the MLS Cup this season? It's too close to call in my opinion, any one of about four teams (Los Angeles, San Jose, Chicago, Kansas) could win it. Personally, my money is on Los Angeles.