(In no particular order) Move out west to where the bigger game companies are. Fix the economy. So far the first half of 2009 has torn asunder the old adage that the video game company is recession-proof, unfortunately. But they are still looking for testers at big places like EA, SCEA, and Blizzard. I'm convinced that being a video game tester will be the best job I've ever had.
Ability to subsist on carbonated soft drinks and potato chips for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for 5 straight weeks is a plus. So is the ability to read and write. Basically, if you can recognize bugs, figure out how to reproduce them consistently, and can clearly express this info in writing to another person, you have what it takes. You'd be amazed at how many people cannot do those three things. The best young testers are usually nerdy kids just out of high school, and the best old testers tend to be ex-jocks and/or stoners. You also have to be able to withstand being in a room with immature dudes for long periods of time. That's the dealbreaker for most guys who are otherwise great testers.
Dude. I could seriously do that job. :O Too bad moving across 3,000 miles requires more than a bit of change :-/
So, who was there today for the practice? I thought they'd be posts already but I guess I will lead it off. I parked on the Golden Gate Park side of Kezar - easy free parking - but everyone without a badge had to enter on the other (south) side. I was told of where the players entrance was (east side) and considered staying there, but figured I'd go ahead and get a seat. It's about 8:40 and I'm thinking they start at 9, I see tons of room in the stands so should be no problem. WRONG. There was a line running maybe a thousand people in front of me, took an hour to get in, but practice had not started so it was cool, and lots of Barca fans. Reason it took so long was they had one place with only two windows selling tickets (yup it cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids, at least they did not charge for my one year old strapped to my chest, occasionally sleeping). So by 9:40 I am in, at 9:58 the bus pulls up, a nice long Bauer limo IT bus (aka the google bus), and out comes the staff then players. Of course they came at the opposite end from where I was told they'd enter. Within minutes they were practicing, some light warm up and kicking (Puyol and Xavi long passing with each other for 5-10 minutes the highlight), some cool juggling, then soon to coordinated group stretching, then right into drills. Everything really well organized, going off like clockwork. everything involving the ball or many balls, with a variety of movements, lots of close possession passing drills. Everything seemed to emphasize either one touch passing/shooting, or occasionally one settle then pass or shoot, i.e. control and quick decision making with the ball. My only problems were my 16 month old girl wanted to climb and run all over the bleachers so my attention was divided more than I'd like. But still what a treat to see these guys fairly close up. Much closer than from my candlestick vantage point. Ibra did some of the drills and not others and worked with a trainer when not with the rest of the team, Iniesta worked with a trainer the whole time, seemed to move well but I doubt he'll see even a minute against Chivas. Marquez no where in sight. Henry and Ibra juggling together was pretty cool. One weird thing was that they had sprinklers on the pitch at different times. I had to leave around 11:30 (due to kid and work stuff) with practice still going on, so I did not get to see to what extent the players interacted with the fans. It was pretty much all business while I was there, only a couple players (Ibra was one) gave a wave to the acknowledge the crowds chants especially after the shooting drills. The south side of Kezar bleachers was more than half full. Around 11 they let everyone, not just the vips who paid at least $150, finish what was left of the brunch buffet --- great spanish tortillas and patatas bravas, seemingly made by Bi-Rite. Yum. Tomorrow candlestick.
EMD and Sport are saying that the target is for them to be back for the Gamper. Thanks for the write up, btw.
Well that's all very nice and all but more importantly... Just kidding. Sounds like it was a pretty cool appetizer, tomorrow night the main course.
BEST.DAY.EVER. Went to practice, got there early, and got good seats for the practice. Took over 200 pics. Scrambled to the bus to get their autos, but no go....I was 10 ft from Messi when I told him to sign my jersey, but he went directly on the bus We tried to follow the bus but by the time we looped around kezar. the bus was gone. We heard they were heading downtown, and faintly heard a local dj say the location of their hotel on the radio...I must have called like 100 times to the radio station, but no one picked up....We drove around the city to all the nice hotels. and finally after an hour, we decided to go back home and see if someone posted the info online. Right when we were going thru downtown, we passed right in front of a hotel, and I noticed some guy with a TVE mic (tv espana?), and some lady with press passes around her neck. We asked her, and she gave us the info. Sure enough, we passed by the hotel and we saw a crowd of like 20. Heard Puyol and Bojan came out earlier, and pique passed us but was overwhelmed and got into his car.....We waited, and FINALLY, Messi comes out with a trainer/guard....Everyone followed him. Imagine 30 people frantically walking in downtown, taking photos, and hovering around him until he reached the mall....Stayed in the same shop, and we just kept our distance as he walked around the perfume section. Saw numerous Chivas players too, but no one cared. Finally, he begins to head out the mall and the chase begins. Followed and followed him ,side by side, but nothing...then, a right near the hotel, I tap him on his shoulder and moments later, he turns around, grabs the sharpie, and signs my jersey...seconds later, my bro makes one last push and gets him to sign my nephew's messi jersey....I dont think he gave more than 5-6 autos during that whole trip. After, we saw muniesa and dos santos and someone else come out...they were chill, gave autos to those who followed them. An hour later, the team bus shows up. By now, there's well over 100 folks, and I make my way near the front of the bus. Finally, around 6, the team begins to come out...most went directly on the bus (Iniesta, and messi), etc,), but some gave autos....I stuck out my jersey wrapped with cardboard and got Ibra, marquez and Keita We made a mad dash to candlestick, and sure enough, they were practicing/looking over the field, but we could not go in. Going to make one final push to get the rest of the team tomorrow before the game
omg you are so lucky cant believe you got so many signatures!...i reeally wanted to go today but had no ride anyhow i will see you there tomorrow!
Nice write up Gil - I looked for you before I left but I bet you were already gone. A few more practice details: • This was a pretty low-key practice, but it was interesting to see just how ordinary some of the players seemed as they went through their drills. Lots of missed shots and sloppy passing. • At the end of the practice, Pep met with Henrique and Muniesa and seemed to be lecturing them about positioning. He didn't seem happy. • The whole team did acknowledge the crowd at the end - nice gesture. • As the team was leaving, one lone kid did a Jimmy Jump and raced across the field with a jersey to be autographed. About halfway across he chickened out and ran back to the bleachers, much to everyone's amusement. Can't wait for tonight!
Man I can already taste the tortilla de patatas, jamon de serrano, chorizo, aceitunas, queso machego, queso mahon, some sangria, vino del Ribeira del Duero and some cervezitas (no Cruzcampo ) as we tailgate in the parking lot in just a few hours prior to heading into the stadium to see Barca show us how futbol is supposed to be played! I haven't see Barca live since I saw Cadiz beat them in 80-81 season!! Viva Er Beti Manque Lopera!! Er Pichi
Chivas is playing catenaccio and hacking at our heels in a friendly--WTF? Regardless, we look like we're playing 4-6-0 with no strikers.
Laporta giving an interview in English on FSC right now, typical boilerplate interview but it's cool anyway