Microsoft's Xbox One Reveal

It's big, it's black, and it's sexy! Ladies and gentlemen, Xbox One, the new console from Microsoft, has been revealed.

Photo credit: Microsoft

It's powerful, and it does a lot of things. You can read all about the tech specs on IGN, cnet, Gizmodo, Forbes, NBC, you name it. You can read the Microsoft release (though as of 1:30 MST, the server is waffling between slow and broke).

Photo credit: Turn 10 Studios

But just look at it. That beautiful box may not read "sleek" to everyone, but its prismatic and sharply angled design brings to mind high-horsepower muscle cars, a fitting comparison considering that Forza 5 was the first game announced for the console.

It's not all about the console by itself either: the new Kinect, which will be included, has a 1080p camera that can supposedly measure a heartbeat and works in tandem with the controller. Speaking of the controller, it will have better sensitivity and is designed to be more ergonomic.

Xbox One is definitely not just for gaming: it will be seamlessly integrated with television and apps. The demo on-stage during the reveal shows that you will be able to control everything from the guide to fantasy sports teams with your voice. The console is "always ready," meaning you simply say "Xbox on" and it turns itself and the TV on. I'm no technophobe, but I am wary of how many aspects of my life and living room that the Xbox may take over.

Now, I've never been one to feel the need to buy a console as soon as it comes out, but I am already pretty giddy about this. It is one fine and impressive piece of machinery so far. I can't wait to see how Xbox One does at E3 in just a few weeks.

What are your impressions of Xbox One so far? Love it, hate it, still unsure? Let me know in the comments!

They mostly come out at night... Mostly

To many people, Old Town Fort Collins is a magical, romantic place to enjoy dinner, followed by a moonlit stroll through the square. But for others, it is a place to get your drink on until the bars close or you run out of money, followed by a moonlit stumble through the square.

It is this second group that has shaped one rule for me: avoid Old Town Thursdays through Saturdays after 4:00 p.m. Sure, most of these drunks are harmless, but even at their best, they are annoying and difficult to get rid of.

On a warm Friday afternoon in the early spring, my parents and I were enjoying a round of beers on a street-facing patio in Old Town when we were intruded upon by a drunk guy coming up to us from the sidewalk, complaining about society's assumption that he was the asshole for saying hello to strangers. Strangers or not, he was an asshole for interrupting our conversation. He blathered on with little input from us for several minutes.

The further into the night one lingers in Old Town, the drunks become more and more creepy. This was made apparent to me on one Halloween night. Of course, it's always risky to go out on a holiday, but it was also my friend's 21st birthday and I was obligated to chaperone  her first spin around the bars.

As the sober one among my two friends, I had already noticed the inebriated young man in a wig guarding the entrance to the Rio. There was a small, plastic bow on his shoulder, a suction cup arrow in his fist, and his pants were spray-painted orange over his crotch. His plainclothes friend stood with him, somewhat less intoxicated.

The one holding children's toys noticed us as we approached. "I like your costumes. Do you know what I am?"

One of us ventured a timid guess, "...Katniss?"

"Ha ha ha, close," he chortled. "It's 'Munger Games.'"

My friends and I were silent, and his friend shook his head in embarrassment, disbelief, laughter, or all three.

"You know 'Munger Games?'" he asked, gesturing at his spray-painted crotch.

My friends and shook their heads. I had never heard of it, but I had a good enough idea and I didn't want an explanation.

His friend laughed, "You should look it up."

"I lost a bet!" Katniss exclaimed proudly.

"Okay," I said hurriedly, finally taking charge of the situation. "You guys have a nice night."

I herded my friends into the Rio without looking back to finish our Halloween with chips, salsa, and anonymity.