NESpresso: About TStodden

I like to describe myself as a "misplaced soul" in the world. I probably would fit better on the west coast, once I lose some of my conservative ways. However, due to the inflated prices, I'd probably get stuck in the midwest because everything's cheaper here. Life in Iowa is practically what the South Park stereotype it. Our lifestyles are about 2 years behind the coasts, but it's not all bad. The standard entertainment like video games still make it here, but the cult stuff like DDR usually have problems getting momentum.

Most of the tastes in Iowa are pretty simple, but you can find some international tastes here. On Television, you can find shows from Canada & the BBC on PBS. It may surprise you that the Red Green Show really pulls in the pledges for Iowa Public Television. One lesser known fact about Iowa is that we had Twin Galaxies, the world authority on video game records. It's pretty interesting that Iowa has the ice cream capital of the world.

I started playing video games at the early age of three with the Atari. It was two years later when I got hardcore into gaming when the NES was released. In fact, I was practically raised on Nintendo which would explain my loyalty to them. I didn't really expand to other systems until 2000 when I fell in love with You Don't Know Jack series on PC. I then later developed into a reasonably rounded two-system gamer. I still play the old games now & again to enjoy the simpler times when graphics weren't entirely everything, but I keep up-to-date with the gaming industry with the more recent games. My gaming tastes are well-rounded, with the only exception of traditional sports. I'll usually try game out once or twice before passing judgement. One surprising taste of games are the quirky little music-based games like DDR, Amplitude & Groove. These games usually grabs you to keep the beat & sometimes forces you to do more than just pressing buttons with your fingers. Other odd taste is for those lesser known games, which includes studentware (games developed by students as a project). These games may not get all the attention like some big-budget games, but sometimes these simple games can be fun! Games like Snood, Bejeweled (aka Diamond Mine) & Bookworm are simple games that I could blow countless hours playing.

For my online persona, I'm usually a quiet guy in the chat room or the bulletin board. I usually try to get a grasp of the conversation before jumping in. Sometimes I post stuff that can be interesting or helpful to others. My post counts may be lower than most users who register around my time, but my posts usually have a better content quality than others. I don't actively spam boards, but I may slip up once & a while... I'm only human! For the people who know me online, I have a tough exterior with a soft interior. This two-sided front is from online experience, where those who aren't jaded will either become jaded themselves or have a complete personality change. Anyone who isn't on my buddy lists that contact me will get the cold shoulder until I can figure our who you are, either online from a common place, or in real life (like a friend of a relative). My "cold shoulder" defense may not be the best method to talk to strangers, but it's the only defense I have. I don't put up with offensive language, personal attacks & spam from any stranger. Those who break that rule gets blocked. I am, however, more lienet with friends.

For my online popularity/power (however you look at it), I do hold some power, but not enough to cause a serious splash online. Within the Nintendo NSiders, I'm an elder & a sage. I've been around since November 29, 1996 & experienced most of possible events that are held. The Sage status is a small recognition with the NOA's that says that I'm a pretty important guy. Even though it does often a few doors, I do have to be on good behavior there. The NOA's like me just for being myself! Within Twin Galaxies, I hold some power there as I am the referee for DDR as well as the N64 & the Gamecube. Being a Ref isn't that glamourous since I'm now taking heat for some of the game rulings made, but at least I get to see World Record quality gameplay as well as practically immortalizing my name.

There are some times that I actually do some "pond hopping" and go international, conversing with others in different parts of the world. It's interesting to hear ideas from other without US corporations making the rules. If you can catch me, you may want to drop a line.