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Canadian Gamer Spotlight – Nailz333

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Canadian Gamer Spotlight – Nailz333

When we first proposed the idea of a truly Canadian Gamer Spotlight, we had no idea the response would be so huge (and overwhelmingly positive).  And no single gamer has received as many passionate nominations as our next Canadian Gamer Spotlight target – Nailz333.  This fan favourite from just outside of Ottawa is a man of action that lives by the credo ‘if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself’.  Take it away Nailz…

Jade: So Nailz, word on the street (that would be the Xbox forums) is you just celebrated your birthday?

Nailz333: Yep, I turned 27 years old on August 4th!

Jade: How long have you been a member of Xbox Live?

Nailz: I've been on Live ever since I bought my first Xbox, so early 2003.  Xbox

Live was what convinced me to purchase the Xbox.

Jade: So let’s talk about this reputation you are getting in the Xbox Canada forums as a real Hero of the People…how’s it feel?

Nailz: We have a great online community built by great Canadian people.  It didn't take much time for me to find my way into the Canadian forums and to see what I was truly missing.  As far as Hero of the People, I don't consider myself any different then the other members.  We all have something to offer.

Jade: Spoken like a true Canadian Nailz, you are too modest.  Tell me about the Canadian backgrounds you have created for the community?

Nailz: I went ahead and created a Canadian background to use as a theme for the

Xbox 360.  With all the discussion about the Canadian gamerpic (which is now available for free download, thanks Xbox Canada), I decided that we should have a theme to go along with it.  I tapped my photoshop skills and went ahead to create the Maple Leaf background.  Since then, I've also created a couple more themes, one based on the Québec flag for my francophone friends and another based on the Ontario flag. 

Jade: So quickly, how can someone put the Canadian background you created on their own Xbox 360 system?

Nailz: The way I do it is by connecting my Xbox 360 to my computer with Windows Media Connect, then head to the Media blade, select Pictures, Computer.  I then select the folder where I saved the image, then I highlight the image.  Once highlighted, click X

to apply as background and that's it!  I'm sure there are other ways if you don't have Windows Media Connect but I haven't had any experience first hand.

Jade: I noticed from your posts that you are a blogger…is this a secret passion for you or part of your day job?

Nailz: I am a blogger, although I haven’t been doing it for long.  I bought my domain (iamjay.ca) in early June then took a few days to create my website.  I used to be a

Web designer a few years back.  It's a hobby of mine, it gives me something to do while I'm on summer vacation, when I’m not gaming on my Xbox 360.

Jade: What’s your dream job?

Nailz: I can honestly say that my current job is my dream job.  I work as a

teacher.   In September I'll be teaching a fifth grade class.  Aside from all

the perks, such as great hours, plenty of holidays and great pay, I can

truly say I actually enjoy what I do.  It's really something I desire to do on a

daily basis and come home feeling satisfied at the end of the day.  The

challenges are numerous but the rewards are even greater.

Jade: What are you playing right now on Xbox?

Nailz: I just purchased Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting.  My a** has been handed to me a few times already.  I'm really going to have to practice some more before hitting it on Xbox Live again.

Jade: I’m also an Xbox Live Arcade addict, so many good games released this summer!  But what video game coming this holiday season are you most excited about?

Nailz: Gears of War.  I'm a big fan of 3rd person shooters (Ghost Recon being one of my favourites).  Everything about it seems right.  Just as Xbox Live convinced me to purchase the Xbox, Gears of War convinced me to purchase the Xbox 360.

Jade: Best video game to come to Xbox 360?

Nailz: So many of them.  I can't narrow it down to just one choice.  Single player:

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Multiplayer: Ghost Recon: Advanced

Warfighter.

Jade: What about the best video game of all time?

Nailz: Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES.

Jade: What is your favourite Halo 2 custom multiplayer game set up?

Nailz: This is embarassing.  I've never played Halo 2.

Jade: Wow, I love a man with honesty, but I have to say…really?? We have got to change that.  Who’s the video game character most like you?

Nailz: I'd have to say Link.  I try to be helpful as often as I can.

Jade: If you could bring one thing on a desert island to entertain you?

Nailz: Jessica Alba (if Dapper is ready to share ;))

Jade: E-rated Nailz!  What’s your funniest truly Canadian experience that only another Canadian would appreciate?

Nailz: BBQ'ing in December when it's -30C outside.

Jade: Ah yes, been there, done that in an ice shack.  What do you want every Canadian to know about you?

Nailz: I'm leaving for Paris, France in a week.  I plan on taking my girlfriend of seven years up the Eiffel tower and proposing to her there.  So when I come back guys, I might not be able to play as much Xbox as before ;).

Jade: The trick Nailz is to get her to embrace your addiction – just have her play Hexic and she’ll be lost along with you.  Any last words?

Nailz: I'd like to thank GeeBee for nominating me for the spotlight and the others that supported my nomination.  There are so many Canadians that deserve this, and they will get their chance too.  It's been a pleasure Jade.

And thank you Nailz for supporting the Xbox Community here in Canada.  It couldn’t be what it is without you.  You can check out Nailz’s killer Canadian Gamer themes and download them for your system at http://blog.iamjay.ca/?p=143.  

To nominate a gamer for the Canadian Gamer Spotlight, email me at jade@microsoft.com.