The Halo 3 check list for both Halo Eve (September 24th, 2007) and Halo Day (September 25th, 2007).

• Insure Xbox Live account is not set to expire
• Controller fully charged or set of new batteries ready (package opened with battery units easily accessible)
• Controller already in-synch with console
• Any game or movie disc removed from console disc tray
• Correct profile set as default with auto-login enabled
• 6 pack of Mountain Dew Game Fuel chilled in refrigerator
• Assortment of favorite snacks ready (e.g. chip bags opened, candy unwrapped in bowl for easy access)
• Audio levels set on sound system
• Correct audio/video inputs set on HDTV and sound system
• Volume on sound system set loud
• Subwoofer powered on
• House environmental conditions set to comfortable level (e.g. AC/heater degrees)
• Vehicle used to pick up Halo 3 game has plenty of gas
• Vehicle used to pick up Halo 3 game is 100% reliable (full tune up recommended)
• Tire pressure in vehicle used to pick up Halo 3 game at recommended PSI
• Back-up vehicle identified in case of failure of original car
• Favorite CD/MP3 ready in vehicle for commute to/from game store
• Work vacation request form submitted and approved for 9-25-2007
• Copy of Halo 3 already paid in full before midnight on 9-24-2007
• Gaming area cleaned
• Pee before leaving to pick up Halo 3 game at midnight
• If applicable, line number for midnight launch in wallet or pocket
• Halo 3 game receipt in wallet or pocket
• Pray console does not break (e.g. inflected by RRoD syndrome)
• Back-up plan in case console breaks (e.g. buy another, borrow friends)
• Headset charged and ready
• Ringer disabled on phone
• IM set to “away”, name changed to “I’m playing Halo 3, leave me alone” or logoff entirely
• Fastest route from game store to home identified and tested for accuracy
• Sharp object (e.g. box knife) ready for faster and easier unwrapping of Halo 3 game box
• If applicable, universal remote preset to activity for launching gaming components
• Electric bill paid
• Internet bill paid
• Internet connection and upload/download speed tested and acceptable
• Path from console to sitting location clear of unnecessary obstacles
• Coaster ready for Mountain Dew Game Fuel
• Napkins ready for keeping hands clean if snacking occurs
• Pizza or other easily readied meals purchased and made ready for consumption
• If applicable, baby sitting and back-up baby sitter identified for 9-25-2007
• If applicable, spouse fully aware of agenda for midnight on 9-24-2007 and trained in the case of immediate assistance needed (e.g. if a flat tire occurs on the way home from game store, spouse should know to rush immediately to location and switch vehicles allowing game owner to continue home while they change the flat)
• If applicable, spouse fully aware of agenda for 9-25-2007 (e.g. wake up, play Halo 3, let Xbox 360 cool down at noon while at theater watching new Resident Evil movie and eating popcorn for lunch, play Halo 3, dinner while building Forge map, play more Halo 3, bed)
• Depending on bodily waste discharge cycle, no Taco Bell or other stomach upsetting foods consumed within cycle’s time frame when compared to Halo Eve
• If applicable, shelf space reserved for display of Legendary edition helmet (thanks to Ryan)
• Have the DVR (e.g. Tivo) set to record favorite shows on both Halo Eve (Heroes!) and Halo Day
• Cancel any job meetings, kids' school parties, friends' marriage party invites, etc that involve you directly (thanks to Gooseheaded)

"My baby! My baby!" cried the Game Room as its prized possession was finally safely home where it belonged. Although a week behind the rest of the USA in the reported outstanding Bioshock and 28 days away from the most highly anticipated launch of the year, Halo 3, the Xbox 360 is back from its battle with the widely-known disease taking the lives of many consoles, the 3 rings of death. One can now only hope for two things: 1) the unit will consistently performs properly and 2) retain the brand new look of the former console (this is under the assumption the replacement console is refurbished, not new).

Years ago I became acquainted with an individual and their circle of associate partners. This friend was wise, powerful, and well known among his fellow comrades as the leader in appealing to a wide variety of personalities. A friendship developed between us soon after meeting. Our relationship gradually built over the years forging a strong bond between us. We were frequently inseparable and always there for each other. Not only loved by my family, but also by their circle in society, this entertaining individual deserved a lot more than what they received – especially of recent.

Not long ago, my friend became victimized by a widely-known disease. It is unfair for such an accomplished figure in society that embraced the community by giving back hours and hours of hard labor to be affected in such a way. They’ve had a life without ever being mistreated, an object of abuse, or ridiculed. Now their frail condition cannot grant them the ability to perform their desires for fulfilling enjoyment in others.

I often have flashbacks of the valued time we spent together. We had similar hobbies and interests that tricked down to influence my children’s likes.

The 3 red rings has taken my friend. I miss my Xbox 360 as they venture their way through rigorous surgeries and instrumental treatments. I anxiously look forward to their return from the care institution and our reunion.

There are so many good games coming out on Xbox 360 during the remainder of this year. It’s to the point where there are too many games resulting in the possibility that sacrifices will be made. I was going through IGN’s release dates and compiled a list of my must-have games:

An average game takes me a least one month to complete just the campaign. For example, The Darkness, which is considered to be a short campaign, is unfinished after many weeks of ownership. The above list has, at minimum, 2 games coming out each month. Some will be very time consuming such as Mass Effect and Halo 3. Perhaps some will end up on my Xboxmas list and those surrendering may be Orange Box and Project Gotham Racing 4. Both Blue Dragon and Viva Piñata Party Animals are mostly for my son, Justin. Considering those solutions (or justifications for getting all of them) to this challenging game selection I feel confident I can realistically meet my gaming objectives for 4Q07. However, other titles under consideration are:

If any of these possibilities score high on the game review matrix then it could cause major competition between my time and titles. Sleep will be boldly defied as my numb mind blasts its way through level after level of achievement unlocking and online carnage.