I was in EB Games today, and observed a young man no more than twelve years of age, with a wad of cash in his hand, and his mother in tow. He approached the counter, and in his yet-to-mature voice, asked the clerk for Blitz, the League. Recalling Bill Harris's rants in regard to the failure of the ESRB ratings system, I eagerly observed the transaction. The clerk looked at the mom, and advised her that this was a mature-rated game. Success! See, it does work!
The mother read the back of the box, verbalizing something about violence and drug use, and handed the box back to the clerk. Her little man in training basically said "pretty please," and she replied, "Oh, go ahead, it's not like I'm going to get the Mother of the Year Award."
No ma'am, you are not...
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone had a happy holiday!
For those of you with primarily boys 8 and older, let me recommend a pretty cool game I picked up for my son for Christmas: Heroscape. The basic premise is that you actually build your own battlefield out of pre-cut hexagonal pieces, or create one based upon the maps included with the game, choose your armies from all kinds of "heroes" throughout history and fiction (Airborne troopers, Vikings, Samurai, mechs, etc.), and play against each other to accomplish the mission objective. Cards document the range, movement, attack, and defense of each "hero" type, and dice rolls determine the outcome. Pretty cool stuff! There are also expansion sets available. I can see my son and I playing this one on rainy days for many months to come. Why didn't they have cool games like this when I was a kid?! I digress...
I hope you got everything you wanted!
And, please allow me to wish you a Happy New Year!
For those of you with primarily boys 8 and older, let me recommend a pretty cool game I picked up for my son for Christmas: Heroscape. The basic premise is that you actually build your own battlefield out of pre-cut hexagonal pieces, or create one based upon the maps included with the game, choose your armies from all kinds of "heroes" throughout history and fiction (Airborne troopers, Vikings, Samurai, mechs, etc.), and play against each other to accomplish the mission objective. Cards document the range, movement, attack, and defense of each "hero" type, and dice rolls determine the outcome. Pretty cool stuff! There are also expansion sets available. I can see my son and I playing this one on rainy days for many months to come. Why didn't they have cool games like this when I was a kid?! I digress...
I hope you got everything you wanted!
And, please allow me to wish you a Happy New Year!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Who Says the Gamecube is for Kids?
While doing some last-minute shopping at Meijer this afternoon, I decided to browse through the video game section to see if there were any good, last-minute, deals. Unfortunately, nothing caught me eye, but that's beside the point. While working my way down along the glass cases, I approached a young man (I'd say in his early 20's) playing Mario Soccer on the Gamecube. As I scanned the shelves beside him, I actually heard him cursing at the game, commenting in regard to Mario not being the position he was supposed to be in (although, those weren't his exact words).
The Gamecube, a "kiddy" console? I guess not! I have to wonder about someone expecting Mario Soccer to be a realistic simulation of the sport, though. Hmm... How long before Man United signs Donkey Kong?
The Gamecube, a "kiddy" console? I guess not! I have to wonder about someone expecting Mario Soccer to be a realistic simulation of the sport, though. Hmm... How long before Man United signs Donkey Kong?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
What Makes a Game Great?
To some, it might be the game's composite rating at GameRankings. For others, it might be the graphics, or ultra-realistic gameplay, or Xbox Live compatibility, or something else. For me, a game is great when I think about it constantly when I'm not able to play it. There is just something about these kind of games that challenges me, frustrates me, and rewards me to the point where I'm preoccupied with it throughout the course of the day. It inspires me to search various message boards, GameFAQs, and other websites scrounging for information to improve my approach, tactics, and strategy. Games like these make playing video games a worthwhile investment in time and money as a hobby for me.
For what it's worth, of the games I'm playing now, NCAA Football 2006, FIFA 2006, Baseball Mogul 2K6, and to some degree, Operation Flashpoint, are great games, by my above-mentioned definition. Heroes of the Pacific and Jade Empire (two of my other recent acquisitions), eh, not so much. I'm eager to get into Fight Night Round 2, but I haven't as of yet. My only problem is I don't have time to be preoccupied with so many quality titles! Oh well... the life of an employed father-gamer...
For what it's worth, of the games I'm playing now, NCAA Football 2006, FIFA 2006, Baseball Mogul 2K6, and to some degree, Operation Flashpoint, are great games, by my above-mentioned definition. Heroes of the Pacific and Jade Empire (two of my other recent acquisitions), eh, not so much. I'm eager to get into Fight Night Round 2, but I haven't as of yet. My only problem is I don't have time to be preoccupied with so many quality titles! Oh well... the life of an employed father-gamer...
Even More FIFA 06
I played around with career mode today, and it's pretty cool. You have three variables that are impacted by your performance and your actions (more on that in a minute): job security, team chemistry, and fan support. How much you win, and how you respond to media inquiries and other requests, as well as your financial performance, affect your job security (on a scale of 0-100). Don't let it dip too low, or you'll get fired (which happened to me)! In addition to your wins and reputation, how much you charge for tickets (low, medium, or high) affects fan support. Lastly, where you play players, who you play, and how you juggle the roster through transfers and signings impact team chemistry, which (supposedly) impacts player performance.
Periodically throughout the season, you will receive e-mails from management, questions from the media, and special requests (like visiting the sick child in the hospital). You're given a list of choices to respond to the inquiry, and what you choose can positively or negatively impact the three aforementioned variables. Football Manager fans are yawning right now, but I believe this is uncharted waters for console "football." EA has really made strides to add some of those extemporaneous features that mainly only text sims offer. They're not nearly as fleshed-out, but I appreciate the effort, and it adds to the immersion.
Other niceties include the ability to upgrade your coaching staff, which (supposedly) has in impact on the dynamic player ratings (they change game-to-game), and the ability to send a scout to different regions in the world to locate and sign players (outside of the transfer window, to boot). This all costs money, and your only sources of revenue are the sponsor contract you sign and ticket sales, so solid fiscal strategy and planning plays a role, especially considering that you'll want adequate funds for when the transfer market opens up. The one thing I don't like is that when you upgrade a coach (on a scale from 1 to 10), it actually gets rid of the old coach and gives you a new one. Realistically, during the season, there would never be that many coaching changes. I'd prefer to see some type of licensing system (like the real FIFA uses) instead, but it's a minor detail for me.
As I mentioned, while simulating my first year, I actually got sacked after a fairly long losing streak. The game simply simulates to the end of the season, and then you're back to where you started - taking a job, signing a sponsorship contract, and so forth. My friend Adam will be delighted to hear that his beloved Hartlepool welcomed me with open arms after I failed miserably with my less-than-adequate Columbus Crew! It is a game, though, and it wouldn't be fun if it were TOO realistic!
Periodically throughout the season, you will receive e-mails from management, questions from the media, and special requests (like visiting the sick child in the hospital). You're given a list of choices to respond to the inquiry, and what you choose can positively or negatively impact the three aforementioned variables. Football Manager fans are yawning right now, but I believe this is uncharted waters for console "football." EA has really made strides to add some of those extemporaneous features that mainly only text sims offer. They're not nearly as fleshed-out, but I appreciate the effort, and it adds to the immersion.
Other niceties include the ability to upgrade your coaching staff, which (supposedly) has in impact on the dynamic player ratings (they change game-to-game), and the ability to send a scout to different regions in the world to locate and sign players (outside of the transfer window, to boot). This all costs money, and your only sources of revenue are the sponsor contract you sign and ticket sales, so solid fiscal strategy and planning plays a role, especially considering that you'll want adequate funds for when the transfer market opens up. The one thing I don't like is that when you upgrade a coach (on a scale from 1 to 10), it actually gets rid of the old coach and gives you a new one. Realistically, during the season, there would never be that many coaching changes. I'd prefer to see some type of licensing system (like the real FIFA uses) instead, but it's a minor detail for me.
As I mentioned, while simulating my first year, I actually got sacked after a fairly long losing streak. The game simply simulates to the end of the season, and then you're back to where you started - taking a job, signing a sponsorship contract, and so forth. My friend Adam will be delighted to hear that his beloved Hartlepool welcomed me with open arms after I failed miserably with my less-than-adequate Columbus Crew! It is a game, though, and it wouldn't be fun if it were TOO realistic!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
FIFA Quirks
All is not perfect in FIFA land, as I've found a couple of things that bother me...
First of all, I haven't found a way to turn off the "auto switch" on defense. Many times I'll be controlling a player, working my way into position for a tackle, and the computer switches me to another player. Or, I'll use the "A" button to manually switch, and get someone trailing the play by several yards. This is another example of player control where WE is far superior to FIFA. It shouldn't be this hard to control my players when playing defense.
The second niggling thing for me are the camera options. I fell in love with the "End-to-End" camera in practice mode, getting comfortable facing the goal with the majority of the field in front of me. However, when playing my first game in career mode, I noticed that the orientation doesn't change, so for half the game, I see the majority of the field behind me, not in front of me. It's too darn hard to play offense that way. So, I had to switch to the "Sideline" camera, which forced me to change all of my stick movements by 90 degrees, and didn't show me as much of the field. Needless to say, it's time to go back to the practice for me. A positive of the "Sideline" camera is that the speed is better represented, but there is a bit of stuttering from time-to-time.
Again, I'm still happy with FIFA, but it frequently reminds me that it's not WE on the pitch.
First of all, I haven't found a way to turn off the "auto switch" on defense. Many times I'll be controlling a player, working my way into position for a tackle, and the computer switches me to another player. Or, I'll use the "A" button to manually switch, and get someone trailing the play by several yards. This is another example of player control where WE is far superior to FIFA. It shouldn't be this hard to control my players when playing defense.
The second niggling thing for me are the camera options. I fell in love with the "End-to-End" camera in practice mode, getting comfortable facing the goal with the majority of the field in front of me. However, when playing my first game in career mode, I noticed that the orientation doesn't change, so for half the game, I see the majority of the field behind me, not in front of me. It's too darn hard to play offense that way. So, I had to switch to the "Sideline" camera, which forced me to change all of my stick movements by 90 degrees, and didn't show me as much of the field. Needless to say, it's time to go back to the practice for me. A positive of the "Sideline" camera is that the speed is better represented, but there is a bit of stuttering from time-to-time.
Again, I'm still happy with FIFA, but it frequently reminds me that it's not WE on the pitch.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Viva la FIFA
Disclaimer: Although I really enjoy soccer, I'm still learing the game. These impressions are based upon my less-than-intermediate knowledge of the sport, so those of you with more experience and understanding my have some different opinions. If so, please feel to offer your thoughts in the comments section!
I've put in about 3-4 hours with FIFA 06, and I must say, I think this is shaping up to be the finest version of EA's FIFA that I've ever played. Yes, it's still the little brother of Winning Eleven in terms of gameplay, but it is definitely improving. Add in the off-the-field stuff that WE lacks - specifically, licenses (yes, I'm a license whore), and online play - and I think FIFA is a nice compliment to any soccer lover's collection.
The biggest change is that your teammates and opponents appear to behave much more naturally and realistically this year. Your defenders will creep up into the attack. The opponent will seek you out defensively, as opposed to standing still until you run into their "zone of coverage." Also, the set pieces appear less like structured one-on-one contests and more like team plays, and the defenders scramble to get the ball out of the penalty area. Goal kicks still don't travel as far as I think they should, but maybe it's just that I need to improve my understanding of the power meter. Given the six pages of instruction in the manual, I'm pretty sure I still have a lot to learn with the controls. At least EA included a practice mode, and about 1 minute's worth of tutorials (why can't they do something like NCAA Football '06? I digress.).
FIFA really falls short of WE on the pitch in two main areas, in my humble opinion. First of all, the ball just doesn't move as freely as it does in WE, especially when using the through ball to kick the ball into space. It still seems like a string is attached to the ball, to some degree. Also, although FIFA has decent player control options with First Touch, the Pace button, and the Move Stick, it still doesn't seem as uninhibited as WE. WE just has more move combinations available, and I think it does a better job of limiting what the lesser players can do with the ball on their foot.
It's still early in the game, and I have no idea how well balanced it is, but so far, I'm liking it. The 15 year career mode is very enticing to me, and I can also play out the World Cup by creating a knockout tournament, so with a little effort, I won't need to purchase a whole new version of FIFA as I get caught up in the World Cup frenzy. For $39 new, I think I'm going to get my money's worth.
I've put in about 3-4 hours with FIFA 06, and I must say, I think this is shaping up to be the finest version of EA's FIFA that I've ever played. Yes, it's still the little brother of Winning Eleven in terms of gameplay, but it is definitely improving. Add in the off-the-field stuff that WE lacks - specifically, licenses (yes, I'm a license whore), and online play - and I think FIFA is a nice compliment to any soccer lover's collection.
The biggest change is that your teammates and opponents appear to behave much more naturally and realistically this year. Your defenders will creep up into the attack. The opponent will seek you out defensively, as opposed to standing still until you run into their "zone of coverage." Also, the set pieces appear less like structured one-on-one contests and more like team plays, and the defenders scramble to get the ball out of the penalty area. Goal kicks still don't travel as far as I think they should, but maybe it's just that I need to improve my understanding of the power meter. Given the six pages of instruction in the manual, I'm pretty sure I still have a lot to learn with the controls. At least EA included a practice mode, and about 1 minute's worth of tutorials (why can't they do something like NCAA Football '06? I digress.).
FIFA really falls short of WE on the pitch in two main areas, in my humble opinion. First of all, the ball just doesn't move as freely as it does in WE, especially when using the through ball to kick the ball into space. It still seems like a string is attached to the ball, to some degree. Also, although FIFA has decent player control options with First Touch, the Pace button, and the Move Stick, it still doesn't seem as uninhibited as WE. WE just has more move combinations available, and I think it does a better job of limiting what the lesser players can do with the ball on their foot.
It's still early in the game, and I have no idea how well balanced it is, but so far, I'm liking it. The 15 year career mode is very enticing to me, and I can also play out the World Cup by creating a knockout tournament, so with a little effort, I won't need to purchase a whole new version of FIFA as I get caught up in the World Cup frenzy. For $39 new, I think I'm going to get my money's worth.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
More Good Distractions
Here I was, just a couple of weeks ago, all set to bury myself inside of College Hoops 2K6, and maybe even attempt to write a big review of it, like the good old days. I was off to a pretty good start, and then, if you've read any of the previous posts, ran into some obstacles; although they've been for the good of the family, so I'm not complaining.
This weekend, I had Christmas with my family. Santa was very good to me, and I got Operations Flashpoint Elite, Heroes of the Sky, FIFA 2006, and Fight Night Round 2 for Christmas. With so much gaming goodness, I don't think I'll be writing a thesis on College Hoops 2K6 any time soon! Counting College Hoops 2K6, I've got 5 brand new games to sink my teeth into! I was already up to 2:00 AM last night just getting my feet wet with my new titles (man, Flashpoint is hard!), and I loved every minute of it. I haven't played like that for a long time...
My plan now is just to continue to share my experiences here on all of these great titles, plus undoubtedly some good Christmas stories with the kids, reactions to the goings on in the world and the world of sports, and some family stories. I'm excited about gaming again! I'm not sure where it will carry me, but I plan to enjoy the ride.
This weekend, I had Christmas with my family. Santa was very good to me, and I got Operations Flashpoint Elite, Heroes of the Sky, FIFA 2006, and Fight Night Round 2 for Christmas. With so much gaming goodness, I don't think I'll be writing a thesis on College Hoops 2K6 any time soon! Counting College Hoops 2K6, I've got 5 brand new games to sink my teeth into! I was already up to 2:00 AM last night just getting my feet wet with my new titles (man, Flashpoint is hard!), and I loved every minute of it. I haven't played like that for a long time...
My plan now is just to continue to share my experiences here on all of these great titles, plus undoubtedly some good Christmas stories with the kids, reactions to the goings on in the world and the world of sports, and some family stories. I'm excited about gaming again! I'm not sure where it will carry me, but I plan to enjoy the ride.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
The Return of the Cadavaliers
Here I was, excited about the Cavs this year, thinking they added enough spare parts to LeBron to legitimately compete. After starting pretty strong, they've now lost 5 out of 6, and 7 out of the last 10, including a 100-94 loss at home to the lowly Hawks! I'm now sitting through a 16-4 run by Denver to put them ahead 35-33, at Cleveland. I still think they need a legitimate PG and PF, as Snow has seen his best days in Philly, and Gooden just isn't tough enough. A guy like Artest would be a perfect fit for Cleveland's needs, but I don't want that clown here. I guess, in some weird way, I feel better "losing with integrity" than winning with jerks like Artest. It's a long season; we shall see what happens.
I haven't played much NCAA Hoops lately. With my wife just going back to work full-time (yeah!), Daddy has had some extra duties. I get a little break this weekend, so hopefully I can get in some games. I must also admit that I've been distracted by Baseball Mogul 2K6. I read Moneyball again last month, and I'm determined to "Billy Beane" my Tribe to a World Championship! And on the Manager level, I don't have much to work with, just like real life. I am approaching it a little differently, by watching every game, and monitoring the daily transaction wire, as opposed to "simming" weeks at a time. The game has some quirks, like the Reds releasing Shane Reynolds, who was making $316,000 at the time, and then re-signing him the next day for $2,000,000! No wonder the Reds suck! Seriously, though, I'm enjoying it as the best "GM Simulator" on the market. Good stuff.
I haven't played much NCAA Hoops lately. With my wife just going back to work full-time (yeah!), Daddy has had some extra duties. I get a little break this weekend, so hopefully I can get in some games. I must also admit that I've been distracted by Baseball Mogul 2K6. I read Moneyball again last month, and I'm determined to "Billy Beane" my Tribe to a World Championship! And on the Manager level, I don't have much to work with, just like real life. I am approaching it a little differently, by watching every game, and monitoring the daily transaction wire, as opposed to "simming" weeks at a time. The game has some quirks, like the Reds releasing Shane Reynolds, who was making $316,000 at the time, and then re-signing him the next day for $2,000,000! No wonder the Reds suck! Seriously, though, I'm enjoying it as the best "GM Simulator" on the market. Good stuff.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Of Great Philosophers
"Why do today, what you can put off 'til tomorrow." - some great philosopher dude
Technically, I have until the end of the quarter to take my insurance exam. Next Monday is not the end of the quarter. Through the wonders of technology, I was able to re-schedule my exam for the afternoon of the 29th, which officially makes this exam the last work-related thing I will do in 2005. I hope to go out with a bang!
Now, I can pace myself a bit (I am about half-way prepared), and allow adequate time for the more important things in life, like TV, video games, sports, eating until I explode, and falling asleep in my easy chair...
Technically, I have until the end of the quarter to take my insurance exam. Next Monday is not the end of the quarter. Through the wonders of technology, I was able to re-schedule my exam for the afternoon of the 29th, which officially makes this exam the last work-related thing I will do in 2005. I hope to go out with a bang!
Now, I can pace myself a bit (I am about half-way prepared), and allow adequate time for the more important things in life, like TV, video games, sports, eating until I explode, and falling asleep in my easy chair...
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Back to School
Our company provides us the opportunity to further understand the industry in which we operate by sponsoring our participation in "Insurance Education." There are many organizations in the insurance world that provide certifications, licenses, and other industry-related educational opportunities that are recognized within our business community, and to some degree, by the public at large (for example, a person who holds a Certified Financial Planner license). These courses aren't "mandatory," but they are usually good for the employee's resume' when he or she tries to ascend the company ladder. Plus, quite frankly, insurance isn't the easiest business to understand, so these courses do give employees the ability to see the "bigger picture" more clearly in relation to what they do individually, and what the company does on the whole.
Anyway, since my recent history with the company has been in technology and training, most of the extemporaneous education I completed was in relation to technology (A+ certification, MOUS certification, etc.). I really enjoyed learning this information and applying it to my position, so it wasn't very difficult for me to get motivated to study. However, now that I'm in the Life Insurance side of the business, my "industry education" is back to learning about insurance (specifically, Life insurance this time).
I'm having difficulty making time to study! Soccer season is over, so theoretically, I have more time for my leisurely pursuits. But no, I have to crank out a chapter a night to prepare for an exam in 6 days! Man, I didn't plan that very well. Plus, there are going to be some openings for a promotion at the end of the month, so I need to make sure my resume indicates that I've successfully completed some of this training, so the pressure is on to succeed. This weekend, I'm going to my parents' to celebrate Christmas, and I know that I'm getting at least three new video games. What to do, what to do!
Well, at least the test is multiple choice, er I mean, multiple "guess," in my case!
Anyway, since my recent history with the company has been in technology and training, most of the extemporaneous education I completed was in relation to technology (A+ certification, MOUS certification, etc.). I really enjoyed learning this information and applying it to my position, so it wasn't very difficult for me to get motivated to study. However, now that I'm in the Life Insurance side of the business, my "industry education" is back to learning about insurance (specifically, Life insurance this time).
I'm having difficulty making time to study! Soccer season is over, so theoretically, I have more time for my leisurely pursuits. But no, I have to crank out a chapter a night to prepare for an exam in 6 days! Man, I didn't plan that very well. Plus, there are going to be some openings for a promotion at the end of the month, so I need to make sure my resume indicates that I've successfully completed some of this training, so the pressure is on to succeed. This weekend, I'm going to my parents' to celebrate Christmas, and I know that I'm getting at least three new video games. What to do, what to do!
Well, at least the test is multiple choice, er I mean, multiple "guess," in my case!
Monday, December 05, 2005
I Can Spin Again - sort of
After poking around the GameFAQs boards for College Hoops 2K6, I did discover that you can force the dribbler to spin, using an alternate controller configuration, by holding the turbo button down and executing the "pro hop." However, the only drawback is that the player will pick up his dribble at the completion of the move. Therefore, you can't use the spin dribble to evade the defender, unless you're looking to shoot. "Alternate A" controls give you the spin move (actually, the "pro hop" move) in lieu of the option of directing another player to cut. At first, I thought I'd have to choose between the two, and frankly, I liked both options. However, "Alternate B" moves the option to direct another player to cut to the "X" button, and since I'm using the stick exclusively to shoot, this control scheme works out for me. It's all about choices, baby!
I fooled around more in Coach mode for my "test" dynasty today, and I really think I'm going to like it. I'm a veteran of the Flex offense, so naturally I chose that playbook. I'm also a big proponent of man-to-man defense, and combining that with options for the amount of pressure to apply to each player, and when to double-team each player, there's a nice level of control over how your team defends. I didn't even mention the zone and press options, which are plentiful. I really enjoy calling the shots on the fly, and trying to exploit matchups, all while watching the games from the sideline. I'm convinced I'll be running concurrent playing and coaching dynasties.
So far, I'm liking everything I see about this game, but again, I've got a long way to go...
I fooled around more in Coach mode for my "test" dynasty today, and I really think I'm going to like it. I'm a veteran of the Flex offense, so naturally I chose that playbook. I'm also a big proponent of man-to-man defense, and combining that with options for the amount of pressure to apply to each player, and when to double-team each player, there's a nice level of control over how your team defends. I didn't even mention the zone and press options, which are plentiful. I really enjoy calling the shots on the fly, and trying to exploit matchups, all while watching the games from the sideline. I'm convinced I'll be running concurrent playing and coaching dynasties.
So far, I'm liking everything I see about this game, but again, I've got a long way to go...
Saturday, December 03, 2005
NCAA College Hoops 2K6 - Entry #2
I spent some more time today attempting to get my bearings both on and off the court. I do think they did a solid job with the Drills in practice mode, as I was able to get much more comfortable with dribble moves, playing defense, shooting and shot timing, and passing. My use of the "shot stick" has improved as well, as I'm trying to use it exclusively to fire up the rock. Also, I think it works quite well on defense, as it's nice not have to move my thumb to the buttons to attempt to steal or block a shot. I'm still a little "iffy" on the lack of precise player control in terms of ball-handling, but it looks like I'm just going to have to deal with the computer-controlled decision to crossover or go behind the back as I work the left stick and the right trigger. I have yet to see a spin move, which is still troubling me. That said, after a little practice, I'm really liking everything else about player control and movement, both offensively and defensively.
I spent more time in the in-game manual, and the more I read, the more impressed I am with the depth of the "Dynasty" mode in this game. Off the top of my head, I truly don't think they've missed anything. Obviously, the execution is still up in the air for me, but it's as deep as a text-sim off the court. Combine that with strong on-court play (so far), and this game has the potential to be a top level sports game! That is, assuming nothing wonky goes on with all of the depth and gameplay options. I am hearing some things that concern me a bit, but the question is are the problems going to be big enough to ruin this title for me. I hope not. Every game has quirks and mistakes, and it's up to the individual user in regard to their tolerance level. We shall see.
It wasn't clear from the manual if you could play a Dynasty game in Coach mode, so I set up a "test" dynasty to see how things work. Again, the depth is impressive, as I had to sign my assistant coaches, choose a school (I am "testing" in Career mode) modify lineups, make red-shirt decisions, recruit, and so forth up to the first game. Sure enough, when I selected to play my first game, I had the option to play or coach (you can also simulate games to speed through the season, if you like). I'm really thinking I'll be playing a "Coach mode" dynasty right along with a dynasty where I play all of the games.
I should mention that there are lots of options and sliders to work through. Hopefully, the game plays pretty good at default. If not, by the time I get around to playing it, I'm sure someone else will have figured out the perfect set of settings, which is apparently some kind of science. I'm happy that at least I have the option to customize my gameplay experience, if need be.
That's all for now. Honestly, I still have a lot to get my arms around, but I think I'll have fun doing it.
I spent more time in the in-game manual, and the more I read, the more impressed I am with the depth of the "Dynasty" mode in this game. Off the top of my head, I truly don't think they've missed anything. Obviously, the execution is still up in the air for me, but it's as deep as a text-sim off the court. Combine that with strong on-court play (so far), and this game has the potential to be a top level sports game! That is, assuming nothing wonky goes on with all of the depth and gameplay options. I am hearing some things that concern me a bit, but the question is are the problems going to be big enough to ruin this title for me. I hope not. Every game has quirks and mistakes, and it's up to the individual user in regard to their tolerance level. We shall see.
It wasn't clear from the manual if you could play a Dynasty game in Coach mode, so I set up a "test" dynasty to see how things work. Again, the depth is impressive, as I had to sign my assistant coaches, choose a school (I am "testing" in Career mode) modify lineups, make red-shirt decisions, recruit, and so forth up to the first game. Sure enough, when I selected to play my first game, I had the option to play or coach (you can also simulate games to speed through the season, if you like). I'm really thinking I'll be playing a "Coach mode" dynasty right along with a dynasty where I play all of the games.
I should mention that there are lots of options and sliders to work through. Hopefully, the game plays pretty good at default. If not, by the time I get around to playing it, I'm sure someone else will have figured out the perfect set of settings, which is apparently some kind of science. I'm happy that at least I have the option to customize my gameplay experience, if need be.
That's all for now. Honestly, I still have a lot to get my arms around, but I think I'll have fun doing it.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Daddy's Girl
My daughter… She's 6 1/2 years old, and she truly is my little baby doll. She's everything you'd imagine and want your little girl to be. She takes ballet, she sings, she loves to draw and color, she writes her own books - and tapes the pages together to make a binding, she plays sports, she dresses up, and she loves to tell stories and jokes. I could go on and on, as most fathers could when speaking of their children. Like most dads, I have a few terms of endearment for my little angel, like "Princess," or "Gorgeous," or "Love."
Just the other day, she surprised me once again. She raced upstairs excitedly, which she normally does to give me some of her artwork, or to ask me to look at her new invention, but this time it was to talk of one of her own personal accomplishments. She was so proud of herself, she was glowing!
"Daddy, I set a new record for kills with 23!"
Another thing my baby girl does is play video games, and she set a personal best in Star Wars Battlefront II. I even came up with a new term of endearment for her: "Crazy Killah." That's my girl - artist, dancer, singer, comedian, athlete, beauty queen, scholar, writer, and dispatcher of Rebel scum. I couldn't be prouder!
Just the other day, she surprised me once again. She raced upstairs excitedly, which she normally does to give me some of her artwork, or to ask me to look at her new invention, but this time it was to talk of one of her own personal accomplishments. She was so proud of herself, she was glowing!
"Daddy, I set a new record for kills with 23!"
Another thing my baby girl does is play video games, and she set a personal best in Star Wars Battlefront II. I even came up with a new term of endearment for her: "Crazy Killah." That's my girl - artist, dancer, singer, comedian, athlete, beauty queen, scholar, writer, and dispatcher of Rebel scum. I couldn't be prouder!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
NCAA College Hoops 2K6 - Entry #1
It's been a while since I've been into a basketball video game. The last one I gave any significant time to was Inside Drive 2004, which happens to be the best hoops video game I've ever played. I toyed with some other titles the last couple of years, but none grabbed my attention quite like ID 2004.
I've been hearing a bit of a buzz about NCAA College Hoops 2K6. There were some things I really liked about last year's title, in my brief time with it. Since I'm getting that old writing bug again, I thought it would be fun to kick off my reviewing rebirth with this title. I also thought it would be kind of fun to keep a running diary of my experiences with it, until I pen the review.
After coming home around 6:00, eating dinner, doing some housework, watching the basketball Zips in one of their rare TV appearances in my area, and watching Lost, I finally squeezed in an hour or so with NCAA 2K6. I did read the manual last night, however. I am one of those dinosaurs that actually likes to learn as much as I can about the game before picking up the controller, as opposed to others that disdain the manual and prefer the kinesthetic learning method. Given the state of today's manuals, I completely understand that approach, but I digress.
The first thing I attempted to do was learn a little bit more about the game before stepping out on to the virtual hardwood. In the Extras section, I found the training video to be very helpful, as it gave a pictorial representation of what I gleaned from the manual. Being a manual guy, I also appreciated the expanded in-game manual, which gave a more in-depth set of instructions for gameplay and features.
One other helpful section was the Drills in the Practice game mode. EA did a great job with this in NCAA Football 2006, and a feature like this is long overdue for basketball games. I only did a couple, but they quickly helped me get my bearings before taking my Zips up to Bloomington for a few minutes against IU. I'm looking forward to delving into this mode much more deeply in the near future, before any kind of "dynasty" or "season" play.
Once I felt somewhat comfortable, I felt it was time to check out the gameplay. What happened to the "juke stick" or the spin move button? Although you can do some crossover moves with the left-trigger and the left stick, I really missed the precision control of the ball-handler that a game like ID 2004 offers. However, that ball control was replaced with the "shot stick," which does appear to be implemented very well. I love the ability to control how I shoot - whether I go up with the left hand, or attempt to power dunk over my opponent! The use of the stick, combined with the apparent elimination of the "force field" effect that has plagued many a basketball game, really gives you a feeling of control in the paint, as opposed to just queuing up a move and watching the action. At this point, it seems like a pretty fair trade off to me.
I also love the addition of the lead pass button. No more do I have to watch my 3 man stop on the break to catch the pass, and then decide to resume his run to the basket. In addition, when combining the lead pass button with the left trigger, your players attempt to execute an alley oop. When timed correctly, this is one of the more exciting plays in the game. Color me impressed! (By the way, I got pretty good at this in the Fastbreak drill - yet another reason to spend some time practicing).
One other thing I investigated a bit was Coach mode. Part of me really enjoys the tactical aspect of sports, and I've spent some time as a high school basketball coach, so this mode intrigues me. With the ability to call plays, make substitutions, assign match-ups, set double-team criteria, change up the press, etc., it appears that you really can do what a "real" coach does during the game. I'm intrigued by this. If it's implemented well, I may run concurrent dynasties as a player and a coach!
Well, that's enough for tonight, but I can tell you that I've barely scratched the surface of NCAA College Hoops 2K6. My football Zips play for the MAC championship and a bowl bid tomorrow night on ESPN, so I may not spend much time gaming tomorrow. However, this title has my attention, and I plan on giving it several more hours over the weekend. Stay tuned for the continuation of my journal!
I've been hearing a bit of a buzz about NCAA College Hoops 2K6. There were some things I really liked about last year's title, in my brief time with it. Since I'm getting that old writing bug again, I thought it would be fun to kick off my reviewing rebirth with this title. I also thought it would be kind of fun to keep a running diary of my experiences with it, until I pen the review.
After coming home around 6:00, eating dinner, doing some housework, watching the basketball Zips in one of their rare TV appearances in my area, and watching Lost, I finally squeezed in an hour or so with NCAA 2K6. I did read the manual last night, however. I am one of those dinosaurs that actually likes to learn as much as I can about the game before picking up the controller, as opposed to others that disdain the manual and prefer the kinesthetic learning method. Given the state of today's manuals, I completely understand that approach, but I digress.
The first thing I attempted to do was learn a little bit more about the game before stepping out on to the virtual hardwood. In the Extras section, I found the training video to be very helpful, as it gave a pictorial representation of what I gleaned from the manual. Being a manual guy, I also appreciated the expanded in-game manual, which gave a more in-depth set of instructions for gameplay and features.
One other helpful section was the Drills in the Practice game mode. EA did a great job with this in NCAA Football 2006, and a feature like this is long overdue for basketball games. I only did a couple, but they quickly helped me get my bearings before taking my Zips up to Bloomington for a few minutes against IU. I'm looking forward to delving into this mode much more deeply in the near future, before any kind of "dynasty" or "season" play.
Once I felt somewhat comfortable, I felt it was time to check out the gameplay. What happened to the "juke stick" or the spin move button? Although you can do some crossover moves with the left-trigger and the left stick, I really missed the precision control of the ball-handler that a game like ID 2004 offers. However, that ball control was replaced with the "shot stick," which does appear to be implemented very well. I love the ability to control how I shoot - whether I go up with the left hand, or attempt to power dunk over my opponent! The use of the stick, combined with the apparent elimination of the "force field" effect that has plagued many a basketball game, really gives you a feeling of control in the paint, as opposed to just queuing up a move and watching the action. At this point, it seems like a pretty fair trade off to me.
I also love the addition of the lead pass button. No more do I have to watch my 3 man stop on the break to catch the pass, and then decide to resume his run to the basket. In addition, when combining the lead pass button with the left trigger, your players attempt to execute an alley oop. When timed correctly, this is one of the more exciting plays in the game. Color me impressed! (By the way, I got pretty good at this in the Fastbreak drill - yet another reason to spend some time practicing).
One other thing I investigated a bit was Coach mode. Part of me really enjoys the tactical aspect of sports, and I've spent some time as a high school basketball coach, so this mode intrigues me. With the ability to call plays, make substitutions, assign match-ups, set double-team criteria, change up the press, etc., it appears that you really can do what a "real" coach does during the game. I'm intrigued by this. If it's implemented well, I may run concurrent dynasties as a player and a coach!
Well, that's enough for tonight, but I can tell you that I've barely scratched the surface of NCAA College Hoops 2K6. My football Zips play for the MAC championship and a bowl bid tomorrow night on ESPN, so I may not spend much time gaming tomorrow. However, this title has my attention, and I plan on giving it several more hours over the weekend. Stay tuned for the continuation of my journal!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Historical Perspective
I am a history buff. I've whittled away many late-night hours watching The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Nat Geo, or any of their variants. I love learning about ancient cultures (particularly their structures and technology), archeology, crypto zoology, historic battles, historic personas, and so forth. It's this passion for history that has driven me to spend some of my Christmas money on two Xbox titles: the Atari Anthology and Intellivision Lives.
I don't want my kids to grow up without an appreciation for their ancestry and roots, or for the struggles that early mankind had to deal with for entertainment. Thankfully, E.T. didn't make the cut. If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it, or so I've heard.
Honestly, it's the warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia that triggered my desire for these titles. As blocky, unsophisticated, unrealistic, shallow, and brain dead as these titles were, I really did enjoy many hours of my youth with a controller in my hand, and part of me enjoys reliving that experience, no matter how it compares to today's entertainment. As we get older, we still reach out for the relative innocence and bliss of our childhood, no matter how it manifests itself, don't we?
Enough philosophy. Now I have to figure out how to get my Controller S to mimic the Atari paddle, or I'll never win a game of Pong!
I don't want my kids to grow up without an appreciation for their ancestry and roots, or for the struggles that early mankind had to deal with for entertainment. Thankfully, E.T. didn't make the cut. If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it, or so I've heard.
Honestly, it's the warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia that triggered my desire for these titles. As blocky, unsophisticated, unrealistic, shallow, and brain dead as these titles were, I really did enjoy many hours of my youth with a controller in my hand, and part of me enjoys reliving that experience, no matter how it compares to today's entertainment. As we get older, we still reach out for the relative innocence and bliss of our childhood, no matter how it manifests itself, don't we?
Enough philosophy. Now I have to figure out how to get my Controller S to mimic the Atari paddle, or I'll never win a game of Pong!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Back in the Saddle...
Well, soccer season has passed, hence my desire to dabble back into doing a little writing. I'm posting at the "gut" again, because I just don't feel good about joining up at Calvert Games, and then disappearing, only to reappear again. I'll save everyone the fanfare and just blog here for the time being. I'm sure you don't want to hear about it, but hey, this is for me, not for you!
Also, once again, I'm toying with the idea of operating a full-fledged website. I enjoy the prospect of creating a more complete presence on the web, but I worry about not contributing anything positive to the internet community - at least on a consistent basis. That might change early next year, though, as I'm about 99% sure I'll give up the soccer gig after this Spring. My wife is pretty much gainfully employed as a school teacher (she's substituting now, but the prospects for full timer for her look very good - yeah!), so the need for me to work two jobs is waning, after EIGHT LONG YEARS OF THIS CRAP!
I'm currently researching potential URL's for my website. I want to cover primarily sports, video games, and parenthood, with a little current events and opinion thrown in. If you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them. I've also been reviewing some of the old Calvert Games material we put together, and I really miss the thesis-like reviews we used to do. No doubt that was our calling card in the gaming community. I might broach that again, especially if I get an Xbox 360 early next year, depending on how generous my tax return is!
We just celebrated my son's 9th birthday this weekend. I'll spare you the details, but we did catch a couple of "family" movies. Chicken Little was very good, and appropriate for all ages. It has a cute story, it's well-paced, and it will keep your interest throughout. If I were a critic, I'd say 3.25 stars out of 4. We also saw Zathura, and I didn't like it nearly as much. The language is pretty rough for the younger kids (under 10 or so), and the movie trudges along throughout. For me, maybe 2.25 stars out of 4. Not bad, but not in the class of Chicken Little. The boardgame is pretty good for the family, though!
Well, that's enough miscellaneous thoughts for now. Hopefully, I'll post more often than every six months!
Also, once again, I'm toying with the idea of operating a full-fledged website. I enjoy the prospect of creating a more complete presence on the web, but I worry about not contributing anything positive to the internet community - at least on a consistent basis. That might change early next year, though, as I'm about 99% sure I'll give up the soccer gig after this Spring. My wife is pretty much gainfully employed as a school teacher (she's substituting now, but the prospects for full timer for her look very good - yeah!), so the need for me to work two jobs is waning, after EIGHT LONG YEARS OF THIS CRAP!
I'm currently researching potential URL's for my website. I want to cover primarily sports, video games, and parenthood, with a little current events and opinion thrown in. If you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them. I've also been reviewing some of the old Calvert Games material we put together, and I really miss the thesis-like reviews we used to do. No doubt that was our calling card in the gaming community. I might broach that again, especially if I get an Xbox 360 early next year, depending on how generous my tax return is!
We just celebrated my son's 9th birthday this weekend. I'll spare you the details, but we did catch a couple of "family" movies. Chicken Little was very good, and appropriate for all ages. It has a cute story, it's well-paced, and it will keep your interest throughout. If I were a critic, I'd say 3.25 stars out of 4. We also saw Zathura, and I didn't like it nearly as much. The language is pretty rough for the younger kids (under 10 or so), and the movie trudges along throughout. For me, maybe 2.25 stars out of 4. Not bad, but not in the class of Chicken Little. The boardgame is pretty good for the family, though!
Well, that's enough miscellaneous thoughts for now. Hopefully, I'll post more often than every six months!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Reunited and it Feels so Good!
Well, much like when I used to write for Calvert Games, when my duties at work, home, as a coach, etc. get in the way, I tend to disappear from the internet community for weeks at a time. Thus is the case with my Gut Reaction blog, and it's even more pronounced, since I'm the only "contributor."
Speaking of Calvert Games, I still regularly follow my old buddy Jonathan's blog. He's assembled a nice staff of gamer-bloggers over there, with the usual Calvert quality abounding. So, much like before, I'm hitching a ride on Jonathan's coattails! He has graciously welcomed me back into the fold, and I will now be moving my sporadic blogging to his website. Since there are a few old gamers like me over there that are blogging, the content should remain fresh, even when life gets in the way for some of us. Therefore, I won't be blogging anymore in the veritable wasteland of the Gut Reaction. I've enjoyed it over here, but I'm much better as a team player!
If I have occasionally informed you or entertained you with my babbling, please feel free to check out my contributions, as well as the contributions of Jonathan, Geoff, and Chris, at Calvert Games. Between the four of us, we should be able to amuse at least ourselves on a semi-regular basis!
Speaking of Calvert Games, I still regularly follow my old buddy Jonathan's blog. He's assembled a nice staff of gamer-bloggers over there, with the usual Calvert quality abounding. So, much like before, I'm hitching a ride on Jonathan's coattails! He has graciously welcomed me back into the fold, and I will now be moving my sporadic blogging to his website. Since there are a few old gamers like me over there that are blogging, the content should remain fresh, even when life gets in the way for some of us. Therefore, I won't be blogging anymore in the veritable wasteland of the Gut Reaction. I've enjoyed it over here, but I'm much better as a team player!
If I have occasionally informed you or entertained you with my babbling, please feel free to check out my contributions, as well as the contributions of Jonathan, Geoff, and Chris, at Calvert Games. Between the four of us, we should be able to amuse at least ourselves on a semi-regular basis!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
What's Happening to my Teams?
The Cavs have gone from being the first-half darling of the NBA's Eastern Conference to within one game of missing the playoffs. They have an interim coach, are in a funk, and have the toughest remaining schedule of the three teams in contention for the final two spots (the other two teams are Philadelphia and New Jersey). Many people were excited when new owner Dan Gilbert purchased the team, because he promised to keep LeBron in Cleveland and infuse money into the organization. So far, he's only muddled things up, by firing his reputable head coach, getting ready to fire his GM, and impacting lineup and game management decisions (supposedly). Yeah, I'm real excited about his arrival.
The Tribe is off to their typical slow start. They're under .500, and getting handled by their main competition in the AL Central. If they dig too deep of a hole, it will be tough to climb out against the likes of Minnesota, Chicago, and much-improved Detroit. The good news is that the bats look like they're starting to come out of the doldrums, and with CC Sabathia coming back this weekend, they might start to play more consistently.
I shouldn't be surprised. I've been a Cleveland fan all of my life, and rarely do my teams experience success. I guess I should be used to it. Statistical probability would suggest that at least some point Cleveland should win a Championship of any kind, right?
At least my Crew are off to a 2-1 start. They played a spirited match against defending champion D.C. United last night and held off Freddy Adu and the boys 1-nil. Usually, the Crew play sloppily, and end up with a decent result because of brute force or sheer will. Last night, I think they looked as skillful as I've seen them in the last two seasons. I had to crack a smile when Frankie Hejduk, our resident hothead defender (but I love his pace and his style of play) got all over Adu for flopping at midfield. Evidently, Freddy's learning the fine art of faking fouls (to be fair, the Crew's Kyle Martino has a knack for that, too - every squad has at least one person that "flops").
The Tribe is off to their typical slow start. They're under .500, and getting handled by their main competition in the AL Central. If they dig too deep of a hole, it will be tough to climb out against the likes of Minnesota, Chicago, and much-improved Detroit. The good news is that the bats look like they're starting to come out of the doldrums, and with CC Sabathia coming back this weekend, they might start to play more consistently.
I shouldn't be surprised. I've been a Cleveland fan all of my life, and rarely do my teams experience success. I guess I should be used to it. Statistical probability would suggest that at least some point Cleveland should win a Championship of any kind, right?
At least my Crew are off to a 2-1 start. They played a spirited match against defending champion D.C. United last night and held off Freddy Adu and the boys 1-nil. Usually, the Crew play sloppily, and end up with a decent result because of brute force or sheer will. Last night, I think they looked as skillful as I've seen them in the last two seasons. I had to crack a smile when Frankie Hejduk, our resident hothead defender (but I love his pace and his style of play) got all over Adu for flopping at midfield. Evidently, Freddy's learning the fine art of faking fouls (to be fair, the Crew's Kyle Martino has a knack for that, too - every squad has at least one person that "flops").
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
It Caught Me
After dodging the flu bug successfully for a month from my wife (once), my son (twice - once was bronchitis), and my daughter (twice), it finally got me today. My throat's on fire, and I alternate from chilled to burning up in cycle with the ibuprofen I'm taking. Plus, my body just aches... At least I can still eat. My kids had problems keeping food down the first couple of days. There's always a "silver lining!" :-)
I did get to catch up on the Project Greenlight shows that I "DVR'd" while on vacation. I can't understand why that show isn't more popular. I love watching how movies are made, and I love watching someone potentially get their "big break." Too bad the movies themselves haven't been so hot, although I thought The Battle of Shaker Heights was a decent flick. This time, they're shooting a horror flick called Feast, on a very limited budget. I think they'll have to take the approach that some things are scarier unseen, like the old Hitchcock movies, or films like The Blair Witch Project. If they don't have at least a measure of commercial success, I fear Project Greenlight will go away, which is a shame.
I did get to catch up on the Project Greenlight shows that I "DVR'd" while on vacation. I can't understand why that show isn't more popular. I love watching how movies are made, and I love watching someone potentially get their "big break." Too bad the movies themselves haven't been so hot, although I thought The Battle of Shaker Heights was a decent flick. This time, they're shooting a horror flick called Feast, on a very limited budget. I think they'll have to take the approach that some things are scarier unseen, like the old Hitchcock movies, or films like The Blair Witch Project. If they don't have at least a measure of commercial success, I fear Project Greenlight will go away, which is a shame.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
It's Been Awhile
Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted... In the last 30 days, I've had a group of 19 new-hires that I've been supervising, and I've been putting together the youth soccer league for this season. With 22 teams, 16 mini-academy players, and over 30% growth from last season, organizing teams, getting coaches, ordering jerseys, making the schedule, getting referees, etc. has kept me pretty busy in the evenings. Plus, we just got back from an much-needed 11 day junket to Walt Disney World on Monday! The season kicks off on Saturday, so hopefully, things will settle down a bit. I'm coaching two soccer teams, plus helping coach my son's and my daughter's baseball/softball-teeball teams. My wife is still tutoring, and doing Scouts for both. Whew, we are too busy!
Disney was a blast. I highly recommend that as a vacation destination for anyone; but especially for families with kids under 12. Don't misunderstand me, Disney is great for kids and adults alike, but it's even more magical for the younger kids. I didn't go for the first time until I was 19. If we could afford it, I'd go back every year. It's not so much about the rides or other attractions, but the level of thought, detail, and imagination that's put into EVERYTHING that's so amazing. I find it inspiring. Had I gone as a child, I truly believe I might've taken my life a different direction, career-wise.
Anyway, I digress. I hope to once again start posting some regular updates. My son's first travel team game is this Sunday, so if he does well, I'll certainly have some bragging material (he scored 6 goals in practice the other night)! It's all in the genes (or is that jeans?!), you know! Seriously, I enjoy writing about my opinions and my "life experiences," and with two wonderful and talented kids, two good jobs, and a myriad of hobbies, I think I can find stuff to write about...
Disney was a blast. I highly recommend that as a vacation destination for anyone; but especially for families with kids under 12. Don't misunderstand me, Disney is great for kids and adults alike, but it's even more magical for the younger kids. I didn't go for the first time until I was 19. If we could afford it, I'd go back every year. It's not so much about the rides or other attractions, but the level of thought, detail, and imagination that's put into EVERYTHING that's so amazing. I find it inspiring. Had I gone as a child, I truly believe I might've taken my life a different direction, career-wise.
Anyway, I digress. I hope to once again start posting some regular updates. My son's first travel team game is this Sunday, so if he does well, I'll certainly have some bragging material (he scored 6 goals in practice the other night)! It's all in the genes (or is that jeans?!), you know! Seriously, I enjoy writing about my opinions and my "life experiences," and with two wonderful and talented kids, two good jobs, and a myriad of hobbies, I think I can find stuff to write about...
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Buried
...very ...busy ...organizing ...soccer ...league...
...keep ...it ...short ...no ...time...
...how ...'bout ...those ...Buckeyes!?
...The Contender ...was ...awesome ...can't ...wait ...until ...Thur...
...MVP ...still ...impressing ...me...
...want ...to buy ...Fight Night ...Round 2...
...but ...saving ...for ...vacation...
...Cavs ...losing ...streak ...sucks...
...hope ...it ...ends ...tonight
...keep ...it ...short ...no ...time...
...how ...'bout ...those ...Buckeyes!?
...The Contender ...was ...awesome ...can't ...wait ...until ...Thur...
...MVP ...still ...impressing ...me...
...want ...to buy ...Fight Night ...Round 2...
...but ...saving ...for ...vacation...
...Cavs ...losing ...streak ...sucks...
...hope ...it ...ends ...tonight
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Much Adieu about Nothing
Regular readers (both of you) will recall that a little while ago, I wrote about my neighbors that were moving out at the end of February. We were despondent over losing such good friends. Also, the other dilemma, was that the rumors were that our new neighbors were two women. Without rehashing any of that previous discussion, suffice it to say, I had nothing to "worry" about all along. My new neighbors have moved in, and indeed they are a nice young married couple, much like we were 9 years ago when we moved in. The husband's name is Courtney, which is what I believe caused the original hullabaloo. Hopefully, we'll be able to establish a friendship with them to fill the void left by our previous neighbors...
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
MVPressive
I have to say, MVP is the most impressive baseball video game I've played in a long time. I haven't put the front office stuff to the test, but so far, the on the field gameplay rivals anything I've ever seen.
I pondered listing all of the positives, but quite honestly, I don't have that kind of time. I'm not writing 4500-word reviews any more, like I did in the golden days at Calvert Games. I'll put it this way - imagine All Star Baseball without the bugs, or Winning Eleven meets baseball, or High Heat with better control over the pitching and up-to-date graphics. The bottom line is that if you're a baseball fan, then you owe it to yourself to check out MVP, which may be the best console representation of America's pastime ever made... This is quite a potential swan song by EA.
It's ironic that EA's exclusive NFL license forces (arguably) the best football game out of the market (NFL 2K5), and Take Two's semi-exclusive MLB license is forcing the best baseball game out of the market (MVP)! More and more, I'm leaning towards just keeping my favorite version of a game for each sport, as opposed to running out and buying the latest and the greatest. In case your interested, here's my current list:
I pondered listing all of the positives, but quite honestly, I don't have that kind of time. I'm not writing 4500-word reviews any more, like I did in the golden days at Calvert Games. I'll put it this way - imagine All Star Baseball without the bugs, or Winning Eleven meets baseball, or High Heat with better control over the pitching and up-to-date graphics. The bottom line is that if you're a baseball fan, then you owe it to yourself to check out MVP, which may be the best console representation of America's pastime ever made... This is quite a potential swan song by EA.
It's ironic that EA's exclusive NFL license forces (arguably) the best football game out of the market (NFL 2K5), and Take Two's semi-exclusive MLB license is forcing the best baseball game out of the market (MVP)! More and more, I'm leaning towards just keeping my favorite version of a game for each sport, as opposed to running out and buying the latest and the greatest. In case your interested, here's my current list:
- Best football game - EA's NCAA Football 2004
- Best basketball game - Microsoft's Inside Drive 2004
- Best baseball game - EA's MVP 2005, All Star Baseball 2004, FPS Baseball '94 (slight edge to MVP)
- Best soccer game - Konami's Winning Eleven 8, Worldwide Soccer Manager (edge to WE8)
- Best boxing game - EA's Fight Night 2004 (I haven't played FN 2005 yet, but I think it will be my favorite when I get my hands on it)
- Best racing game - Codemaster's ToCA Race Driver 2 (I'm not much of a racing fan, so take that for what it's worth)
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Slow Mo
Maurice Clarett, the embattled former running back from Ohio State, finally worked out at the NFL combine today. As everyone knows, he only played about 8 games at OSU, but was a very impressive freshman performer - on the field. The aftermath has been well-reported. Although he appeared to be in shape, and (transparently) said all of the "right things" in his interview, his workout today may prove to be the biggest obstacle to his chance of success in the NFL. His forty yard dash time today was 4.82. 4.82! There are lineman that can run faster than that! Good luck getting drafted on day one, Maurice. Good luck getting drafted at all.
Personally, despite the troubles he brought OSU, I don't get much satisfaction thinking that he'll be a "bust" in the NFL. Hopefully, he has his life on the right track, and then he can take care of his employment prospects. He will really have to work his way up the ladder at this point, which may be the best thing for this epitome of the "pampered athlete."
Personally, despite the troubles he brought OSU, I don't get much satisfaction thinking that he'll be a "bust" in the NFL. Hopefully, he has his life on the right track, and then he can take care of his employment prospects. He will really have to work his way up the ladder at this point, which may be the best thing for this epitome of the "pampered athlete."
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Extraordinarily Ambiguous Sports
I couldn't resist; I just picked up EA's MVP Baseball 2005. I was a big fan of the way the game played last season, despite the lack of steals and walks, the computer manager warming up pitchers curiously early in the game, and the notorious "lefty bug." In addition, the way the batting model worked, versus its description in the manual, was hard to decipher. To get the best contact, you needed to swing in the direction or location of the pitch. However, the manual indicated that you swing up to lift the ball, down to hit it on the ground, and so forth. The manual also cautioned that swinging down on high pitches made them hard to hit, and vice versa. Hmm... Do I aim for the pitch to make good contact, or do I swing up to go for the long ball? I never really figured it out last year.
Ah, but it's 2005, and the developers have had a whole year to fix the problems from last year. Thankfully, just about everything I listed above has been corrected, at least according to some reputable and discriminating gamers from the Sports Gaming Nation and Digital Sportspage. The one enigma remains the batting model. To quote from the whopping 12-page manual itself:
Page 2 - "Moving L in the appropriate direction based on pitch location during your swing changes the way the ball reacts off the bat. To take an uppercut swing, move L [up left, up middle, up right] while swinging. This increases the chances of hitting a fly ball, but also increases your chances of poor quality contact if the pitch isn't up in the zone."
Page 10 - "Keep in mind that the EA Sports Pure Swing System tells hitters how to hit the ball, not where to swing. For example, moving L up for a high pitch performs an uppercut swing - it doesn't aim for the pitch up in the zone."
So, which is it? Do you use the stick to aim for the pitch, or to direct the ball? Thanks for clearing that up, EA. Oh, and thanks for the whopping 12 page manual, minus pages 1 (table of contents) and 12 (credits). I'm sure anyone not familiar with your game will be able to master it with that veritable encyclopedia of information.
Despite the above-mentioned issue, I'm excited to sink my teeth into this title. I'll post some impressions in the future, once I get a handle on things.
Ah, but it's 2005, and the developers have had a whole year to fix the problems from last year. Thankfully, just about everything I listed above has been corrected, at least according to some reputable and discriminating gamers from the Sports Gaming Nation and Digital Sportspage. The one enigma remains the batting model. To quote from the whopping 12-page manual itself:
Page 2 - "Moving L in the appropriate direction based on pitch location during your swing changes the way the ball reacts off the bat. To take an uppercut swing, move L [up left, up middle, up right] while swinging. This increases the chances of hitting a fly ball, but also increases your chances of poor quality contact if the pitch isn't up in the zone."
Page 10 - "Keep in mind that the EA Sports Pure Swing System tells hitters how to hit the ball, not where to swing. For example, moving L up for a high pitch performs an uppercut swing - it doesn't aim for the pitch up in the zone."
So, which is it? Do you use the stick to aim for the pitch, or to direct the ball? Thanks for clearing that up, EA. Oh, and thanks for the whopping 12 page manual, minus pages 1 (table of contents) and 12 (credits). I'm sure anyone not familiar with your game will be able to master it with that veritable encyclopedia of information.
Despite the above-mentioned issue, I'm excited to sink my teeth into this title. I'll post some impressions in the future, once I get a handle on things.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Takin' it to the Street
I must admit, I'm a bit of a realism snob, or a "purist," when it comes to sports games. Usually, I seek out the most "realistic" game possible, even though how accurately a game truly simulates actual human athletes competing is dubious at best. However, occasionally I relax my standards for the sake of just having fun with a sports video game, because after all, that's what it's all about, right?
EA's NBA Street Volume 3 was just released, to pretty solid first reviews. I hesitate to spend $50 on a "non-realistic" game, so the buzz about Volume 3 actually helped me focus my attention to NBA Street Volume 2, which was critically acclaimed, and which can be had for less than $15 used in most gaming stores. I must say, after a few games with my son, I'm quite pleased with my purchase!
First of all, it's nice to not be concerned with realistic stats, up-to-date rosters, the accuracy of the gameplay, the authenticity of the front office moves, and so forth. It's just pick up the controller, and get on the court, which is somewhat liberating, at least for me. The controls are pretty easy to pick up, and the action is over the top, but tight. The moves are pure arcade streetball, but within the confines of basic basketball strategy. Included with the package are a handful of players from every NBA team (circa 2003), plus several NBA and streetball legends. I know I'm a nerd, but I can form my "dream team" of Larry Bird, Pistol Pete Maravich, and the video game version of me in my "prime" to take on the rest of the hardcourt legends! There are many to choose from, including three versions of Michael Jordan, Dr. J., Walt Frazier, "the logo" (Jerry West), Rick Barry, and many more. For good basketball gaming on the cheap, NBA Street Volume 2 is the "shiznit," or something like that (I guess I need to catch up on the lingo used in the manual to describe some of the special moves, LOL).
EA's NBA Street Volume 3 was just released, to pretty solid first reviews. I hesitate to spend $50 on a "non-realistic" game, so the buzz about Volume 3 actually helped me focus my attention to NBA Street Volume 2, which was critically acclaimed, and which can be had for less than $15 used in most gaming stores. I must say, after a few games with my son, I'm quite pleased with my purchase!
First of all, it's nice to not be concerned with realistic stats, up-to-date rosters, the accuracy of the gameplay, the authenticity of the front office moves, and so forth. It's just pick up the controller, and get on the court, which is somewhat liberating, at least for me. The controls are pretty easy to pick up, and the action is over the top, but tight. The moves are pure arcade streetball, but within the confines of basic basketball strategy. Included with the package are a handful of players from every NBA team (circa 2003), plus several NBA and streetball legends. I know I'm a nerd, but I can form my "dream team" of Larry Bird, Pistol Pete Maravich, and the video game version of me in my "prime" to take on the rest of the hardcourt legends! There are many to choose from, including three versions of Michael Jordan, Dr. J., Walt Frazier, "the logo" (Jerry West), Rick Barry, and many more. For good basketball gaming on the cheap, NBA Street Volume 2 is the "shiznit," or something like that (I guess I need to catch up on the lingo used in the manual to describe some of the special moves, LOL).
Sunday, February 20, 2005
More Stuff
After Saturday's coming and going without an NHL agreement, I'm feeling less and less angry, and more and more sorry for NHL fans. What the owners and players are doing to fans is inexcusable, and I think there will be serious long-term damage to the sport. You just can't jerk around the folks that pay your bills, and believe me, hockey revenues are generated more at the gate than via TV ratings. Once I put myself in an NHL fan's shoes, and revisited my anxiety during the 1994 baseball season, it kind of hit home. I hope all of the NHL fans can find something to soothe their collective misery. I promised myself a while back, if baseball ever strikes again, I will give up the MLB for the MLS, and now, maybe even Arena football.
Speaking of which, do you watch the "50-yard Indoor War?" It's actually pretty entertaining. I've never taken it very seriously, but now that Chris Spielman is coaching (a childhood hero of mine), and I have a local team to support (Columbus Destroyers), I'm starting to pay more attention, at least until the MLB, MLS, and NFL Draft start taking my time. Amazingly, the AFL has been around for nearly 20 years, and it appears to be getting stronger and stronger.
I won my first WE8 League game, against Real Madrid, 4-1! I'm excited, but somewhat worried, because I'm signed up for the 2-star level. I've been hearing that the game gets way too easy on 2-stars, and I'm starting to see it now. I'm getting tons of chances every game, and now I'm learning how to finish. Since we only play our home games, it may just be luck in terms of who gets promoted to the 3-stars division. Regardless, it will be fun to see how things pan out.
Lastly, I finished Moneyball. I can't recommend this book enough to baseball purists and rotoheads alike. What a great read. I loaned it to my father-in-law (another big baseball fan), and I plan on reading it again when he's finished with it! Plus, now I have a new perspective with which to view actual MLB baseball, my fantasy baseball team and my virtual baseball teams (through video games). I love new ideas, and ways of thinking that challenge the "status quo." Moneyball delivers!
Speaking of which, do you watch the "50-yard Indoor War?" It's actually pretty entertaining. I've never taken it very seriously, but now that Chris Spielman is coaching (a childhood hero of mine), and I have a local team to support (Columbus Destroyers), I'm starting to pay more attention, at least until the MLB, MLS, and NFL Draft start taking my time. Amazingly, the AFL has been around for nearly 20 years, and it appears to be getting stronger and stronger.
I won my first WE8 League game, against Real Madrid, 4-1! I'm excited, but somewhat worried, because I'm signed up for the 2-star level. I've been hearing that the game gets way too easy on 2-stars, and I'm starting to see it now. I'm getting tons of chances every game, and now I'm learning how to finish. Since we only play our home games, it may just be luck in terms of who gets promoted to the 3-stars division. Regardless, it will be fun to see how things pan out.
Lastly, I finished Moneyball. I can't recommend this book enough to baseball purists and rotoheads alike. What a great read. I loaned it to my father-in-law (another big baseball fan), and I plan on reading it again when he's finished with it! Plus, now I have a new perspective with which to view actual MLB baseball, my fantasy baseball team and my virtual baseball teams (through video games). I love new ideas, and ways of thinking that challenge the "status quo." Moneyball delivers!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Stuff
I heard on ESPN radio tonight that the NHL came back with one last offer to the NHLPA, for a $45 million dollar salary cap. Evidently, the players have agreed in principle, and the annoucement will be made tomorrow. Great; for hockey fans.
I thought they canceled the darn season on Wednesday! I guess athletes in general never tire of hearing their names in the headlines, regardless of the reason. What kind of season can they have - a round robin in their division? I admit having angst towards hockey, and I've grown from just being fatigued by the whole "lockout" ordeal to getting irritated by it. I'm to the point now where I hope hockey dissolves never to reappear on U.S. soil. Unfortunately, it looks like Baseball Tonight is going to resume its regular delay every night in June due to overtime playoff hockey. Yawn. (I apologize to hockey fans; I have nothing against you, and I hope the news makes you happy. I'm sure many non-baseball fans held similar sentiments in 1994.)
The "Battle of the Blogs" fantasy baseball league is up and running! We will have our draft next month. My "GutBusters" hope to make a splash in the inaugural season! Lots of owners claim to be new to this, so I'm hopeful I'll do well. However, they could just be sandbagging... I'll update the developments here throughout the season. I know you can't wait.
I'm also ready to kick off Granatofan's Winning Eleven 8 league. My game this weekend is against Real Madrid. Yikes! What a draw! However, I do have Manchester United, so I can hopefully hang around the pitch with the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, and Beckham. I've been playing a little bit, and enjoying it very much. I'll have some specific opinions to post at some point, but overall, I'm very satisfied with WE8 for my Xbox...
I thought they canceled the darn season on Wednesday! I guess athletes in general never tire of hearing their names in the headlines, regardless of the reason. What kind of season can they have - a round robin in their division? I admit having angst towards hockey, and I've grown from just being fatigued by the whole "lockout" ordeal to getting irritated by it. I'm to the point now where I hope hockey dissolves never to reappear on U.S. soil. Unfortunately, it looks like Baseball Tonight is going to resume its regular delay every night in June due to overtime playoff hockey. Yawn. (I apologize to hockey fans; I have nothing against you, and I hope the news makes you happy. I'm sure many non-baseball fans held similar sentiments in 1994.)
The "Battle of the Blogs" fantasy baseball league is up and running! We will have our draft next month. My "GutBusters" hope to make a splash in the inaugural season! Lots of owners claim to be new to this, so I'm hopeful I'll do well. However, they could just be sandbagging... I'll update the developments here throughout the season. I know you can't wait.
I'm also ready to kick off Granatofan's Winning Eleven 8 league. My game this weekend is against Real Madrid. Yikes! What a draw! However, I do have Manchester United, so I can hopefully hang around the pitch with the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, and Beckham. I've been playing a little bit, and enjoying it very much. I'll have some specific opinions to post at some point, but overall, I'm very satisfied with WE8 for my Xbox...
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
More Bathroom Follies
I've been potty-trained for over 30 years. One would think that I wouldn't have so many problems with the restrooms at work! The first issue is the doors on some stalls. They must not be installed correctly in some cases, because if anything upsets the equilibrium in the room (for example, the air pressure change when someone opens the door to the restroom), the door becomes unlatched and swings open. There's nothing more fun than trying to wipe while holding the door closed. I like my privacy, and I have no desire to return to the days of the restrooms in middle school and high school, which had NO doors! Yes, those were the days.
Of course, to go along with the automatic-flushing toilets are automatic faucets. These aren't so bad, per se, but I did have a problem with the soap dispenser this morning. The dispenser is adjacent to the faucet itself, which is right about crotch-level. Sure enough, I gently depressed the dispenser, and no soap came out. After a more forceful downward thrust - you guessed it - the soap squirted out, over the sink, and hit my pants, right about crotch level. Fortunately, I was alone in the bathroom. I didn't care to explain why I was wiping down my pants in a sensitive area. The only worry I had was getting back to my desk without anyone noticing the spot on my trousers. Thank goodness I brought a copy of EGM to the restroom, which I could position strategically on my way back to my seat.
Speaking of EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly), there was an excellent article on EA's upcoming Godfather game. The screen mock-ups were reportedly supposed to illustrate what the game would look like on the Xbox 2 (or Xenon, or Xbox Next, or whatever it will be called), and they were impressive. Plus, the gameplay sounds very good, as the plot will follow the books/movies to a degree, with some GTA-style freedom included. I hadn't thought much about this game, but after reading the article, I'm impressed (I love a good mafia story). The release date is this Christmas, which is an indicator that indeed the next version of the Xbox should make it out before the holiday season. That's not a very well-kept secret, anyway. I have to be honest, I haven't thought much about buying the "Xbox 2," but after reading about this game, I'm starting to get interested. I wonder what else we'll find out about that system and its launch games at May's E3 Expo.
Of course, to go along with the automatic-flushing toilets are automatic faucets. These aren't so bad, per se, but I did have a problem with the soap dispenser this morning. The dispenser is adjacent to the faucet itself, which is right about crotch-level. Sure enough, I gently depressed the dispenser, and no soap came out. After a more forceful downward thrust - you guessed it - the soap squirted out, over the sink, and hit my pants, right about crotch level. Fortunately, I was alone in the bathroom. I didn't care to explain why I was wiping down my pants in a sensitive area. The only worry I had was getting back to my desk without anyone noticing the spot on my trousers. Thank goodness I brought a copy of EGM to the restroom, which I could position strategically on my way back to my seat.
Speaking of EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly), there was an excellent article on EA's upcoming Godfather game. The screen mock-ups were reportedly supposed to illustrate what the game would look like on the Xbox 2 (or Xenon, or Xbox Next, or whatever it will be called), and they were impressive. Plus, the gameplay sounds very good, as the plot will follow the books/movies to a degree, with some GTA-style freedom included. I hadn't thought much about this game, but after reading the article, I'm impressed (I love a good mafia story). The release date is this Christmas, which is an indicator that indeed the next version of the Xbox should make it out before the holiday season. That's not a very well-kept secret, anyway. I have to be honest, I haven't thought much about buying the "Xbox 2," but after reading about this game, I'm starting to get interested. I wonder what else we'll find out about that system and its launch games at May's E3 Expo.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
More on Moneyball
I'm about a third of the way through Moneyball, and I'm absolutely enthralled with it! The brilliance with which Lewis intertwines Billy Beane's own status as a scout's dream as an up-and-coming player, with the trailblazing scouting mechanism that Beane himself is implementing that ironically identifies prospects that are his own antithesis, is mesmerizing. What's even more dumbfounding is the realization that baseball insiders simply refuse to view the game like many of us outsiders have for years; through the eyes of empirical data. Arguably, baseball is more a game of highly developed skills than highly developed athletic ability (case in point - Michael Jordan), and after 150 years of existence, professional baseball is finally taking notice of the "Moneyball" philosophy.
I'm so inspired that the inner-geek in me is contemplating settling and age-old argument regarding video game baseball through sabremetric glasses: which video game is the most realistic, and the best simulator of the game? There might be more to come on this topic... For now, let me just highly encourage any baseball fan, especially baseball video game players and fantasy players, to read Moneyball. You'll find it well worth your time.
I'm so inspired that the inner-geek in me is contemplating settling and age-old argument regarding video game baseball through sabremetric glasses: which video game is the most realistic, and the best simulator of the game? There might be more to come on this topic... For now, let me just highly encourage any baseball fan, especially baseball video game players and fantasy players, to read Moneyball. You'll find it well worth your time.
A Flash from the Past
While perusing Peter Gammon's latest column on baseball, I ran across a tidbit that brought back some memories: "Red Sox to give Petagine a Shot." Roberto Petagine - that's a name that brings back warm, fuzzy feelings while remembering my draft league in Front Page Sports Baseball '94. He was among the top prospects in the game, and often was among the first few players drafted (I was the only "human" owner in my draft league). I often wondered what happened to him. Evidently, he resurrected his career in Japan, and at the wiley age of 33, has earned the opportunity for another shot in the "Bigs." Although I'm certainly not a fan of the Red Sox, a small part of me wishes Roberto well, thanks to all of the fond memories his name generated from my FPS Baseball days (the glory days of PC baseball, in my humble opinion).
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Let It Die!
With all apologies to hockey fans, will the NHL and the NHLPA please just let the season die! Here in Blue Jackets' country, I'm sick of hearing every week that if a deal isn't done by the weekend, then the season is going to end. Absolutely, positively, for sure this time; we're not kidding, if there's no deal done, then we're going to make a drop dead date! And then if we don't get a deal, then our really super-duper for sure drop dead date will be next week. Aren't you paying attention to us?! We mean it this time!
I mean, come on, fellas, just put the season out of its misery. I firmly believe that the longer this drags out, the less people care. It's almost a running joke in the media now. These guys are embarrassing themselves. I feel sorry for hockey fans. All I can suggest is that the MLS starts in a few weeks, and what's soccer but hockey on grass?! ;-)
I mean, come on, fellas, just put the season out of its misery. I firmly believe that the longer this drags out, the less people care. It's almost a running joke in the media now. These guys are embarrassing themselves. I feel sorry for hockey fans. All I can suggest is that the MLS starts in a few weeks, and what's soccer but hockey on grass?! ;-)
One Step Closer
The U.S. Men's National Team (that's soccer, for the uninitiated) won it's first match of ten in the final round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, 2-1. The U.S. basically controlled the majority of the match, playing excellent tactical soccer, given the environmental conditions, and the condition of their players after only two weeks of training, due to the financial disagreement between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the players. Any win on the road is tough in the CONCACAF region, and who knows, these three points may be the margin that puts the U.S. into Germany in 2006. And, even though Trinidad & Tobago doesn't sound like an intimidating opponent, they are ranked 61st by FIFA, and recognizable names like Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Marvin Andrews, and Cornell Glen litter the roster.
This is cause for celebration! We're off to a great start! However, I don't know if I'll celebrate as fervently as this fan. It takes balls to celebrate like that, but unfortunately for him, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
This is cause for celebration! We're off to a great start! However, I don't know if I'll celebrate as fervently as this fan. It takes balls to celebrate like that, but unfortunately for him, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Monday, February 07, 2005
The Curse is Over! Or is it...
Those of you that read this blog regularly may recall that I predicted that the Eagles would win the SuperBowl, because I like them slightly less than I like the Patriots. Well, given the state of the world lately, with earthquakes, unstable volcanoes, tsunami's, ice storms, floods, and so on, the stability of certainties like my predictions based upon my propensity to root for the team that always ends up losing are no longer guaranteed. Or, it could be that when the Eagles got within 3, and my prediction fresh in mind, I started rooting for the Eagles at that point, to save my credibility, and subsequently, they lost. Maybe the curse isn't reversed! Or, maybe I'm trying to cover my butt!
Regardless, it was a good game. Congrats to the Patriots and Coach Belicheck. Yes, I'm still bitter, but time heals all wounds (it just doesn't cover up the scars, LOL).
Regardless, it was a good game. Congrats to the Patriots and Coach Belicheck. Yes, I'm still bitter, but time heals all wounds (it just doesn't cover up the scars, LOL).
How's that for timing?
Driving home today, I was exiting 270 S to 70 E, right where 70 splits east and west. There are two lanes going towards Wheeling (East side of Columbus), and two lanes heading downtown (West). Right where those four lanes split, the timing belt on my car broke, and I rolled to a stop. There's nothing like sitting there with four lanes of traffic going around you at 65+ MPH at rush hour to give you some perspective on life...
The damage done is a new timing belt, a new drive belt, and a new water pump, for a paltry $550. I can't really complain, though. First of all, I'm unhurt, and secondly, that car has nearly 175,000 miles on it. I plan on driving it until it dies, since I've owned it outright for a couple of years. Hopefully, it's got a few of its nine lives left. Thank the good Lord that the tax return came on Friday. Fortunately, this won't hardly dent our vacation plans. All things considered, it could've been a lot worse.
The damage done is a new timing belt, a new drive belt, and a new water pump, for a paltry $550. I can't really complain, though. First of all, I'm unhurt, and secondly, that car has nearly 175,000 miles on it. I plan on driving it until it dies, since I've owned it outright for a couple of years. Hopefully, it's got a few of its nine lives left. Thank the good Lord that the tax return came on Friday. Fortunately, this won't hardly dent our vacation plans. All things considered, it could've been a lot worse.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Movie Night
I had a little money left on my Blockbuster gift card from Christmas, so we decided to watch a couple of movies tonight. I picked up Collateral and Anchorman, but ended up settling on Open Water and Napoleon Dynamite, based upon reviews and recommendations from friends. What a disaster!
Open Water was downright pathetic. I've seen better acting in the middle school Drama Club! And, I absolutely do not get the buzz about Napoleon Dynamite. What was the point of that whole movie? Was it the 80's nostalgia, set in the 21st century? I've seen better plots at the cemetery! (Yes, I'm here all week.)
I give Open Water a lackluster .75 stars for the oceanic scenery, while Napoleon Dynamite nets a paltry .50 stars. The only movies I would rate worse are Green Card and Super Troopers.
There goes 3 hours of my life that I won't get back...
Open Water was downright pathetic. I've seen better acting in the middle school Drama Club! And, I absolutely do not get the buzz about Napoleon Dynamite. What was the point of that whole movie? Was it the 80's nostalgia, set in the 21st century? I've seen better plots at the cemetery! (Yes, I'm here all week.)
I give Open Water a lackluster .75 stars for the oceanic scenery, while Napoleon Dynamite nets a paltry .50 stars. The only movies I would rate worse are Green Card and Super Troopers.
There goes 3 hours of my life that I won't get back...
Thieves!
First, ESPN stole my whole "Phantom of Gund Arena" concept (see the comments for this post), and now, Gamespot is robbing my ideas! Hmm... I wonder where they got the idea for this feature?!
Is this blog protected under copyright law?! I had no idea that my posts were so far-reaching and influential!
On to more serious topics... I got my copy of Winning Eleven 8 for the Xbox last night. As I dig in to it, I'll be sure to post some comments and impressions. I also picked up Moneyball, and I'm excited to read about some of the "closed-door" financial dealings of a Major League Baseball club. Maybe it will help out with my All-Star Baseball 2004 Columbus Vultures!
Is this blog protected under copyright law?! I had no idea that my posts were so far-reaching and influential!
On to more serious topics... I got my copy of Winning Eleven 8 for the Xbox last night. As I dig in to it, I'll be sure to post some comments and impressions. I also picked up Moneyball, and I'm excited to read about some of the "closed-door" financial dealings of a Major League Baseball club. Maybe it will help out with my All-Star Baseball 2004 Columbus Vultures!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
College Football All Year 'Round
Yesterday was the official "signing day" for college football recruits, where former high school football stars submit their signed letters-of-intent to play at the institution of their choice. Serious College Football fans follow this event closely, as today's signees become tomorrow's stars at the old alma mater. Honestly, for many of us, college football doesn't end with the bowl games. We have the recruiting hoopla to take us into February, spring practice in March and April, and of course, the NFL draft. Practice then starts in July/August. The football season is much longer than September through January.
Being the stat geek that I am, I always follow recruiting and the NFL draft with much aplomb. It's also a treat for me to see yesterday's college heroes become NFL future stars, and again, to see the first reports on my favorite colleges' new players.
Akron signed potentially its best class ever. I was surprised to see a significant percentage of the newcomers had offers from Big Ten schools and/or Big East schools. Hopefully, these kids can lead Akron to the next level in the MAC, and take Marshall's place as the top dog in the East. Hope "Springs" eternal on signing day, doesn't it?!
Time to fire up NCAA 2004 on the Xbox, and bring in my next group of virtual recruits!
Being the stat geek that I am, I always follow recruiting and the NFL draft with much aplomb. It's also a treat for me to see yesterday's college heroes become NFL future stars, and again, to see the first reports on my favorite colleges' new players.
Akron signed potentially its best class ever. I was surprised to see a significant percentage of the newcomers had offers from Big Ten schools and/or Big East schools. Hopefully, these kids can lead Akron to the next level in the MAC, and take Marshall's place as the top dog in the East. Hope "Springs" eternal on signing day, doesn't it?!
Time to fire up NCAA 2004 on the Xbox, and bring in my next group of virtual recruits!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
My New Neighbors
Well, we got bad news this week... Our neighbors sold their house, and they are moving at the end of the month. They are great people; good strong Christians like us. Recently, we suffered with them through the tragedy of their baby that was stillborn. They were exemplary and inspirational in their handling of the situation, although I do wonder if that tragedy prompted the move (just to get away, and get a fresh start). We will miss their companionship dearly.
Anyway, we heard this week that their house sold to two women. I'm assuming they're lesbians, which does worry me a bit. As Christians, we disagree with homosexuality, and I also really am not ready to have that kind of discussion with my young children. Now, before you label me as something I'm not, I don't hate homosexuals. I disagree their lifestyle, and I believe it's a sin. However, I don't feel that it's any greater sin than I have in my own life, and that I deal with. The difference is that I recognize my flaws and mistakes as sins, while homosexuals don't believe they're sinning. That's their prerogative. I don't feel that I'm in a position to tell them how to live their lives, since I believe we'll all be accountable on judgment day. However, I also don't believe that means I have to condone their choices for my life or my kids' lives.
I believe that all Americans deserve and have the right to life, liberty, home, and the pursuit of happiness (pursuant to the law). I'm not saying that I don't think they should be able to buy the house; I'm just saying that I don't agree with the life they live, and I don't want that type of influence around my kids. As a Christian, we are to love the sinner and hate the sin, so I suppose I can teach that lesson to my kids. I just wish my kids were older, and able to understand the scope of one's sexuality.
Again, I don't know for sure what they situation is, and I'm sure there are many occurrences of two people of the same gender living together out of convenience, or friendship. I'm hopeful that's the situation. Regardless, under any circumstances, getting new neighbors can be an adventure, for many reasons beyond lifestyles. Because we are losing two great friends, I'm going to be saddened by this occurrence.
Maybe I should look on the bright side, it could be those two girls from the Miller Lite ads moving in, or Coors' "twins!"
Anyway, we heard this week that their house sold to two women. I'm assuming they're lesbians, which does worry me a bit. As Christians, we disagree with homosexuality, and I also really am not ready to have that kind of discussion with my young children. Now, before you label me as something I'm not, I don't hate homosexuals. I disagree their lifestyle, and I believe it's a sin. However, I don't feel that it's any greater sin than I have in my own life, and that I deal with. The difference is that I recognize my flaws and mistakes as sins, while homosexuals don't believe they're sinning. That's their prerogative. I don't feel that I'm in a position to tell them how to live their lives, since I believe we'll all be accountable on judgment day. However, I also don't believe that means I have to condone their choices for my life or my kids' lives.
I believe that all Americans deserve and have the right to life, liberty, home, and the pursuit of happiness (pursuant to the law). I'm not saying that I don't think they should be able to buy the house; I'm just saying that I don't agree with the life they live, and I don't want that type of influence around my kids. As a Christian, we are to love the sinner and hate the sin, so I suppose I can teach that lesson to my kids. I just wish my kids were older, and able to understand the scope of one's sexuality.
Again, I don't know for sure what they situation is, and I'm sure there are many occurrences of two people of the same gender living together out of convenience, or friendship. I'm hopeful that's the situation. Regardless, under any circumstances, getting new neighbors can be an adventure, for many reasons beyond lifestyles. Because we are losing two great friends, I'm going to be saddened by this occurrence.
Maybe I should look on the bright side, it could be those two girls from the Miller Lite ads moving in, or Coors' "twins!"
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Zip Pride, Part Deux
The Zips and Charlie Frye are blowing up! Sunday morning's "Outside the Lines," a documentary show on ESPN, featured Charlie Frye's week leading up to the Senior Bowl, and his plight to become the next great MAC QB in the NFL.
What an interesting week for Mr. Frye. From being poked and prodded like a piece of meat, to being psycho-analyzed, the football part of the week might've been the least of his worries. Being an alum, I'm just proud to see a member of my alma mater achieving success, both in life, and in the sports world.
What an interesting week for Mr. Frye. From being poked and prodded like a piece of meat, to being psycho-analyzed, the football part of the week might've been the least of his worries. Being an alum, I'm just proud to see a member of my alma mater achieving success, both in life, and in the sports world.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
That's Zip Pride, Baby
Did you happen to catch the Senior Bowl today? Fellow Zip Charlie Frye won the MVP, with a 10-12, 138 yard, 1 touchdown performance. (Gee, I wish I could get Frye to do that in EA's NCAA Football. Evidently, that's not "in the game.") Frye showed good arm strength, nice mobility, a pocket presence, and most importantly, he didn't turn the ball over. He frankly outclassed Kyle Orton, his fellow North squad teammate, and projected first-day draftee.
Frye is the MAC's third all-time leading passer, and he's second in all-time yardage from scrimmage. He achieved those stats on a much lesser team than Chad Pennington, Ben Roethlisberger, or Byron Leftwich performed with. Plus, he has a GPA over 3.0, and he's been a blessing to the Akron community with his volunteer work. From tiny Willard, Ohio, to the NFL, he's the embodiment of the American dream for most "small-time" athletes, and he would make any parent proud. Congrats to him, and I look forward to following his career at the next level.
Please, Cleveland, pass up Rodgers or Smith with the third pick, and take this guy in the second round!
Frye is the MAC's third all-time leading passer, and he's second in all-time yardage from scrimmage. He achieved those stats on a much lesser team than Chad Pennington, Ben Roethlisberger, or Byron Leftwich performed with. Plus, he has a GPA over 3.0, and he's been a blessing to the Akron community with his volunteer work. From tiny Willard, Ohio, to the NFL, he's the embodiment of the American dream for most "small-time" athletes, and he would make any parent proud. Congrats to him, and I look forward to following his career at the next level.
Please, Cleveland, pass up Rodgers or Smith with the third pick, and take this guy in the second round!
Friday, January 28, 2005
Things That Make You Wonder
Why is it that people waiting for the elevator are seemingly pressed up against the door, waiting for it to open, so they can jump in and yell "surprise," or something?! Folks, I have news for you: there are usually people just as eager to leave the elevator at the conclusion of their journey as you are to enter the elevator and depart for your destination. Step back, and give us a little room to exit. I promise you'll be able to get on board before the door closes.
And, in an unrelated thought, why is it that every time I need to "go #2" at work, the stall I enter looks like "Fat B*stard" from Austin Powers fame just vacated the throne? Man, we must have some hairy people with bowel difficulties in the office... And, what's scary is that the restroom is cleaned multiple times during the day!
And, in an unrelated thought, why is it that every time I need to "go #2" at work, the stall I enter looks like "Fat B*stard" from Austin Powers fame just vacated the throne? Man, we must have some hairy people with bowel difficulties in the office... And, what's scary is that the restroom is cleaned multiple times during the day!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Some Things are Better Left Said by Others
When I started this blog, I envisioned it to be something akin to Dubious Quality, as Bill Harris is certainly among my favorite bloggers going. You can tell when a professional is doing one of these things, can't you? (We both know into which category I belong!) Anyway, I've fancied myself similar in style, yet certainly not in quality, to Bill's web log. I guess I could've called my blog "Dubious" Dubious Quality, or something, but I digress.
Two of the topics that I was preparing to write about tonight were the story about EA's layoffs in its L.A. studio, and the story about the Oklahoma Senator trying to reinstate cockfighting, provided the roosters wear boxing gloves. Safety first, I guess. Lo and behold, one of my virtual mentors has covered the same thing! Bill obviously said it better, with more depth and analysis, than I ever could. So, to read a good and humorous take on the aforementioned topics du jour, click here.
For the sake of originality, let me post something different from what Bill's covering... I'm curbing my gaming habit, but I'm still in the market for select games. As I've mentioned previously, I'm a huge fan of Konami's Winning Eleven series soccer games. It just so happens that next month, for the first time on Xbox, the WE series is making its way to the states (it's been a PS2 title over here for several iterations). Operation Sports has posted a "fact sheet" about WE8, and it looks like perfection can be improved upon. I traded in several old games tonight, partly to clean out my collection, and partly to fund this purchase for next week. Needless to say, when I get my grubby mitts (okay, the link is a bad pun, but she sure is purty, ain't she?) on this title, I'll be blowing the dust off of my Xbox controller for some "quality time."
Two of the topics that I was preparing to write about tonight were the story about EA's layoffs in its L.A. studio, and the story about the Oklahoma Senator trying to reinstate cockfighting, provided the roosters wear boxing gloves. Safety first, I guess. Lo and behold, one of my virtual mentors has covered the same thing! Bill obviously said it better, with more depth and analysis, than I ever could. So, to read a good and humorous take on the aforementioned topics du jour, click here.
For the sake of originality, let me post something different from what Bill's covering... I'm curbing my gaming habit, but I'm still in the market for select games. As I've mentioned previously, I'm a huge fan of Konami's Winning Eleven series soccer games. It just so happens that next month, for the first time on Xbox, the WE series is making its way to the states (it's been a PS2 title over here for several iterations). Operation Sports has posted a "fact sheet" about WE8, and it looks like perfection can be improved upon. I traded in several old games tonight, partly to clean out my collection, and partly to fund this purchase for next week. Needless to say, when I get my grubby mitts (okay, the link is a bad pun, but she sure is purty, ain't she?) on this title, I'll be blowing the dust off of my Xbox controller for some "quality time."
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
This and That
Just some miscellaneous musings from this blogging beast...
Andre Agassi survived an incredible 51 aces to hang on and defeat Joachim Johansson in fourth round play at the Australian Open on Sunday. Despite giving up nearly 13 games in aces alone, the match only took four sets, three of which were decided by tie-breakers. Yes, the "old man" (in tennis terms, anyway) can still play. I grew up watching Agassi, and although I have an affinity for certain "bad boys" in sports (I was weaned on John McEnroe), it's nice to see how much he's matured as a man and a player over the course of his career. Unfortunately, Roger Federer proved to be too much in their quarterfinal match in the wee hours this morning (3:30 AM, our time).
The Tribe inked Jake Westbrook to a two-year, $7.5 million deal to avoid arbitration, with a third year option in the $5-6 million dollar range. Westbrook, now 27 years old, established himself last year in his first All-Star season by going 14-9 with a very respectable 3.38 ERA. He's always had the stuff, but now he has the confidence to go with it. Hopefully, he'll be able to continue that solid level of performance. With Sabathia, Millwood, and Westbrook in the top three in the rotation, I think the Tribe has the potential to compete in the relatively weak AL Central. Things have to fall into place, and a little luck has to be involved, but Cleveland has a nice club coming into Spring Training. Hope always springs eternal for baseball fans in February, doesn't it?!
Thankfully, the Men's US National Team has worked out its dispute with US Soccer, so we'll continue with our "A" team for World Cup qualifying. The Cup only happens once every four years, so it would really stink to see us bow out this late in the qualifying over a money-related dispute. The issue isn't resolved yet, but at least it has been put aside until after the qualifying is over. The world is starting to take notice of the US Men's team, due largely in part to the success of the MLS, and it would be a shame to see a setback caused by something as frivolous as money and egos.
On a therapeutic note, I'm just not happy with the current state of things for me. The new job is going great, but I've been lax on my Body for Life workouts and diet, and on some other issues that I won't reveal here. I don't feel real good about the direction in my life right now. I feel like I'm searching for something, but what I'm doing now just isn't providing satisfaction. We've actually started attending church more regularly, which helps, but I need peace on more than Sunday mornings. I need to get back into God's word, and make some positive changes in my life. Part of it is most likely the weather, and the fact that we're all going a bit "stir crazy" and getting on each other's nerves, but that's just the surface. I need to find happiness... with myself. It's back to the drawing board on some things for me. Again, thanks for letting me vent. I do this more for me than I do for any readers out there, but it still helps to put it in print sometimes. Hopefully, things are going well for all of you out there in internet land...
Andre Agassi survived an incredible 51 aces to hang on and defeat Joachim Johansson in fourth round play at the Australian Open on Sunday. Despite giving up nearly 13 games in aces alone, the match only took four sets, three of which were decided by tie-breakers. Yes, the "old man" (in tennis terms, anyway) can still play. I grew up watching Agassi, and although I have an affinity for certain "bad boys" in sports (I was weaned on John McEnroe), it's nice to see how much he's matured as a man and a player over the course of his career. Unfortunately, Roger Federer proved to be too much in their quarterfinal match in the wee hours this morning (3:30 AM, our time).
The Tribe inked Jake Westbrook to a two-year, $7.5 million deal to avoid arbitration, with a third year option in the $5-6 million dollar range. Westbrook, now 27 years old, established himself last year in his first All-Star season by going 14-9 with a very respectable 3.38 ERA. He's always had the stuff, but now he has the confidence to go with it. Hopefully, he'll be able to continue that solid level of performance. With Sabathia, Millwood, and Westbrook in the top three in the rotation, I think the Tribe has the potential to compete in the relatively weak AL Central. Things have to fall into place, and a little luck has to be involved, but Cleveland has a nice club coming into Spring Training. Hope always springs eternal for baseball fans in February, doesn't it?!
Thankfully, the Men's US National Team has worked out its dispute with US Soccer, so we'll continue with our "A" team for World Cup qualifying. The Cup only happens once every four years, so it would really stink to see us bow out this late in the qualifying over a money-related dispute. The issue isn't resolved yet, but at least it has been put aside until after the qualifying is over. The world is starting to take notice of the US Men's team, due largely in part to the success of the MLS, and it would be a shame to see a setback caused by something as frivolous as money and egos.
On a therapeutic note, I'm just not happy with the current state of things for me. The new job is going great, but I've been lax on my Body for Life workouts and diet, and on some other issues that I won't reveal here. I don't feel real good about the direction in my life right now. I feel like I'm searching for something, but what I'm doing now just isn't providing satisfaction. We've actually started attending church more regularly, which helps, but I need peace on more than Sunday mornings. I need to get back into God's word, and make some positive changes in my life. Part of it is most likely the weather, and the fact that we're all going a bit "stir crazy" and getting on each other's nerves, but that's just the surface. I need to find happiness... with myself. It's back to the drawing board on some things for me. Again, thanks for letting me vent. I do this more for me than I do for any readers out there, but it still helps to put it in print sometimes. Hopefully, things are going well for all of you out there in internet land...
Sunday, January 23, 2005
I Apologize...
Some might say I'm a born loser (like that's news to anyone); or at least I'm a true walking, talking, curse for my favorite teams. With the Browns, I have "red right 88," "the drive," and "the fumble." The Indians were the Braves only victim in what seems like a dozen World Series appearances, and they also collapsed in the 1997 World Series (the "hanging slider" from Mesa) against the Marlins. The Cavs launched Jordan's career by falling victim to "the shot." The Crew are reknowned playoff chokers. And, my Zips have been hapless since well before I became affiliated with them. The only team that I've supported that's actually won anything is the Buckeyes, on that magical January night in 2002, which has erased their futility against Michigan and in bowl games for much of my lifetime. Even that sweet victory is swimming in controversy, both for the "late" flag, and for the aftermath.
Why am I apologizing for my suffering? Well, unfortunately, my "curse" doesn't only affect my favorite teams. In games in which I really don't have much of a rooting interest, the team I'm supporting - ever so minutely - always seems to end up on the losing end. That's why I'm sorry to the Falcons fans, and to the Steelers fans. For the record, the only reason I was ever-so-slightly for the Steelers, is that I still feel the pain from the knife wound Belichump left in all of us Browns fans' backs. Sorry, but I just had to clarify. I'd hate for someone to think I actually liked the pukes from Pittsburgh to any degree.
Based upon scientific method, I can prove that the Patriots will not win their third Superbowl in four years. I absolutely hate that clown Terrel Owens, so I can't possibly want the Eagles to win. I despise Bellichump, but I do have a great deal of respect for the Patriots organization. Of the two satans playing in the Superbowl, I'd have to say I'd rather see the Patriots win it all. There you have it; the Eagles will win. Gamblers, place your bets. Patriots fans, don't take it personally. I can't help how I feel.
Why am I apologizing for my suffering? Well, unfortunately, my "curse" doesn't only affect my favorite teams. In games in which I really don't have much of a rooting interest, the team I'm supporting - ever so minutely - always seems to end up on the losing end. That's why I'm sorry to the Falcons fans, and to the Steelers fans. For the record, the only reason I was ever-so-slightly for the Steelers, is that I still feel the pain from the knife wound Belichump left in all of us Browns fans' backs. Sorry, but I just had to clarify. I'd hate for someone to think I actually liked the pukes from Pittsburgh to any degree.
Based upon scientific method, I can prove that the Patriots will not win their third Superbowl in four years. I absolutely hate that clown Terrel Owens, so I can't possibly want the Eagles to win. I despise Bellichump, but I do have a great deal of respect for the Patriots organization. Of the two satans playing in the Superbowl, I'd have to say I'd rather see the Patriots win it all. There you have it; the Eagles will win. Gamblers, place your bets. Patriots fans, don't take it personally. I can't help how I feel.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
The Battle of the Blogs
No, this isn't a "battle royale" between us internet-geek-wannabe-writers, it's an invitation to my fellow bloggers and webmasters that might want to enter a friendly fantasy baseball competition this spring. Most of us bloggers are our own editors, so we don't have anyone to dispute our rants. Therefore, it's easy to claim "superiority" regarding sports, games, or whatever the topic du jour. Well, I'm inviting all my fellow sports/gaming bloggers and webmasters to put their collective money where their mouth is, figuratively speaking of course. (In case any IRS agents are reading this, there will be NO changing of money involved. And, if you are from the IRS and reading this, get back to work!)
I'll set up a league in Yahoo. The rules are yet to be determined, but I want to keep it fairly simple. The league won't be restricted to just bloggers/webmasters, so anyone that regularly frequents one of those sites can "represent." My only request is that when you set up your team, you include the blog/website name or initials in your team name. For example, I might be the "GutBusters," or something of the like. Also, keep in mind we're not going to play for blood or money, just for bragging rights. There's no need to take this too seriously.
How about it Jason (SGN), Brent (FatB*stard on Games/SGN), Jonathan (CG), Ted (Granatofan's Corner), Adam (Sound of Simpson), Derek (Webdanzer's Spin), Todd (Scoop on Sports), any of the DSP crew, any of the Sportsgamer Blog crew, or any others that visit one of our humble web hangouts? Roll call! Post a comment if you're interested! I will also be posting this on some other boards, to get the word out. More details will follow...
I'll set up a league in Yahoo. The rules are yet to be determined, but I want to keep it fairly simple. The league won't be restricted to just bloggers/webmasters, so anyone that regularly frequents one of those sites can "represent." My only request is that when you set up your team, you include the blog/website name or initials in your team name. For example, I might be the "GutBusters," or something of the like. Also, keep in mind we're not going to play for blood or money, just for bragging rights. There's no need to take this too seriously.
How about it Jason (SGN), Brent (FatB*stard on Games/SGN), Jonathan (CG), Ted (Granatofan's Corner), Adam (Sound of Simpson), Derek (Webdanzer's Spin), Todd (Scoop on Sports), any of the DSP crew, any of the Sportsgamer Blog crew, or any others that visit one of our humble web hangouts? Roll call! Post a comment if you're interested! I will also be posting this on some other boards, to get the word out. More details will follow...
Friday, January 21, 2005
Quality Time
The wife is getting some "me" time (well, "her" time, anyway) tonight scrapbooking with some friends. In return, I get to spend some "quality time" with the kids. We don't have to go anywhere, or do anything, which is a rarity for our family. I plan on picking up some movies, and of course, playing some video games! We'll probably start off with some Fuzion Frenzy, then break out Project Gotham Racing 2, make some movie magic in Kung Fu Chaos, and finish up with Midway's Classic Arcade Treasures. That ought to keep us busy, and out of trouble! We'll chow on some pizza and other goodies in the process. I don't think I've had a night like this since college! I can't think of a better way to spend an evening, especially with the impending snow storm that will send 6-10" of winter our way tonight and tomorrow. I hope the power stays on! Enjoy your weekend...
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Painwood Derby
Those of you that used to be in Cub Scouts, or had friends or family in scouts, undoubtedly have heard of the Pinewood Derby. This is a father/son project designed to take a block of wood and turn it into a functioning race car, for a big derby race that takes place this Saturday (at least for us). Unfortunately for my son, I'm just not a handy guy.
The instruction sheet shows tools like a hand-sized hacksaw, chisel, and sand paper. Using these tools, we're supposed to design, craft, and paint a car for the competition, within the specified rules. Yeah, right. Of course, we could buy one, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose of this father/son bonding experience. There's nothing like showing my son what I'm like at my absolute worst, in order to teach him the lessons of life.
Fortunately for us, however, both my dad and my father-in-law are capable woodworkers, and they have access to these fancy tool thingies (or to me, modern implements of torture). Therefore, my son and I are at least able to reduce our duties to sanding, painting, assembling the wheels, and getting the correct weight. The car has to weigh 5 oz. After shaping it, the last two years, it's weighed 3.5 oz. exactly. The problem is, it's hard to add weight to the car without destroying it (at least if you're me). Last year, we stuck the weights on the sides and at the front end, and I asked my son to use his imagination, and pretend that we had a cool car with duel-exhausts and a crumple-resistant bumper. I wasn't going to get away with that this year.
So, I come home, with exactly one hour and forty-five minutes until the official weigh-in and collection of the racing vehicles. Knowing that I can't just stick the weights on the bottom (they would rub against the track, and the car wouldn't run), I decided I would embed them in the wood this year. Of course, without budgeting enough time, without the proper tools, and without any know-how, I was poised for success. I like a challenge. Many years ago, when my dad and my father-in-law came down to "help" me assemble my swingset (I was the designated nut/screw finder), I observed the art of countersinking. Digging through my like-new toolbox, I was able to find the countersinking drill bits, and make a hole for some washers in the bottom of the vehicle. Lucky for me, I didn't drill all the way through the car, nor did I splinter it (since I left myself plenty of time to fix any mistakes, LOL). A trip to the post office (to use the scale), 7 washers, and a little superglue later, I had my car at the perfect weight. Now, if I can only figure out how to get all four wheels on the ground at the same time...
The instruction sheet shows tools like a hand-sized hacksaw, chisel, and sand paper. Using these tools, we're supposed to design, craft, and paint a car for the competition, within the specified rules. Yeah, right. Of course, we could buy one, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose of this father/son bonding experience. There's nothing like showing my son what I'm like at my absolute worst, in order to teach him the lessons of life.
Fortunately for us, however, both my dad and my father-in-law are capable woodworkers, and they have access to these fancy tool thingies (or to me, modern implements of torture). Therefore, my son and I are at least able to reduce our duties to sanding, painting, assembling the wheels, and getting the correct weight. The car has to weigh 5 oz. After shaping it, the last two years, it's weighed 3.5 oz. exactly. The problem is, it's hard to add weight to the car without destroying it (at least if you're me). Last year, we stuck the weights on the sides and at the front end, and I asked my son to use his imagination, and pretend that we had a cool car with duel-exhausts and a crumple-resistant bumper. I wasn't going to get away with that this year.
So, I come home, with exactly one hour and forty-five minutes until the official weigh-in and collection of the racing vehicles. Knowing that I can't just stick the weights on the bottom (they would rub against the track, and the car wouldn't run), I decided I would embed them in the wood this year. Of course, without budgeting enough time, without the proper tools, and without any know-how, I was poised for success. I like a challenge. Many years ago, when my dad and my father-in-law came down to "help" me assemble my swingset (I was the designated nut/screw finder), I observed the art of countersinking. Digging through my like-new toolbox, I was able to find the countersinking drill bits, and make a hole for some washers in the bottom of the vehicle. Lucky for me, I didn't drill all the way through the car, nor did I splinter it (since I left myself plenty of time to fix any mistakes, LOL). A trip to the post office (to use the scale), 7 washers, and a little superglue later, I had my car at the perfect weight. Now, if I can only figure out how to get all four wheels on the ground at the same time...
Monday, January 17, 2005
It's in the Game
In addition to gaining exclusive rights to the NFL license for the next five years, video game behemoth Electronic Arts now has negotiated a 15-year license for the ESPN brand, starting in 2006. Although I think the effect on sales by having the ESPN brand is dubious at best, at least that branding gave SEGA something recognizable to put on their game boxes, to help attract the attention of "Joe Gamer." Without at least the ESPN brand, I highly doubt SEGA will be able to continue to produce a professional football game beyond this year. I also feel that their other sports brands are in jeopardy, as they've never really been on the same playing field as EA in terms of marketing.
In all honesty, in SEGA's short-lived agreement with ESPN, I never really felt like ESPN held up their part of the bargain. For example, EA sponsors ESPN's NFL Matchup show, Herbstreit, Corso, and Nessler are in EA's college football game, and Madden voice "talent" John Madden and Al Michaels are employees of ESPN. I know many of those licenses predated the SEGA/ESPN marriage, but how many times did you actively see ESPN promote SEGA's products, with the exception of that crappy ESPN Video Games website?
Frankly, I feel EA and ESPN deserve each other. They both serve the same market - the puddle-deep-couch-potato-hip-hop-wannabe-18-to-25-year-old-still-living-in-mom's-basement-and-using-her-credit-card-to-buy-products gamer, which coincidentally, also makes up 80% of Xbox Live. In all seriousness, I fear that EA's recent trend of innovation will subside due to the lack of competition, and as a result, all sports video gamers will suffer over the term of the NFL agreement. EA's past clearly indicates that it only invests in innovation when it feels true competition from another product, which just isn't going to be the case now. I can just hear Stuart Scott bellowing "boo-yeah" as my linebacker dives 5 yards through the air to make a tackle, or as my defensive back leaps 12 feet high to pick off the pass that my quarterback threw to the wide side of the field while facing the short side of the field.
Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit due to my frustration. EA's games are not that bad. But honestly, what do gamers like me, who like to see innovation and movement towards the the most realistic sports experience possible, have to look forward to? I bought an Xbox years ago specifically because I felt EA sports games had gotten stale, and that was when 989, SEGA, and Microsoft were also making NFL games! I predict more of the same, unfortunately...
In all honesty, in SEGA's short-lived agreement with ESPN, I never really felt like ESPN held up their part of the bargain. For example, EA sponsors ESPN's NFL Matchup show, Herbstreit, Corso, and Nessler are in EA's college football game, and Madden voice "talent" John Madden and Al Michaels are employees of ESPN. I know many of those licenses predated the SEGA/ESPN marriage, but how many times did you actively see ESPN promote SEGA's products, with the exception of that crappy ESPN Video Games website?
Frankly, I feel EA and ESPN deserve each other. They both serve the same market - the puddle-deep-couch-potato-hip-hop-wannabe-18-to-25-year-old-still-living-in-mom's-basement-and-using-her-credit-card-to-buy-products gamer, which coincidentally, also makes up 80% of Xbox Live. In all seriousness, I fear that EA's recent trend of innovation will subside due to the lack of competition, and as a result, all sports video gamers will suffer over the term of the NFL agreement. EA's past clearly indicates that it only invests in innovation when it feels true competition from another product, which just isn't going to be the case now. I can just hear Stuart Scott bellowing "boo-yeah" as my linebacker dives 5 yards through the air to make a tackle, or as my defensive back leaps 12 feet high to pick off the pass that my quarterback threw to the wide side of the field while facing the short side of the field.
Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit due to my frustration. EA's games are not that bad. But honestly, what do gamers like me, who like to see innovation and movement towards the the most realistic sports experience possible, have to look forward to? I bought an Xbox years ago specifically because I felt EA sports games had gotten stale, and that was when 989, SEGA, and Microsoft were also making NFL games! I predict more of the same, unfortunately...
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Happy Anniversary!
No, I'm not commemorating three weeks of posting. This Saturday was my 11th wedding anniversary!
To celebrate, my wife and I dropped off the kids and got away for an evening alone! We went to the Cheesecake Factory in Lyndhurst, and then back to the Country Inn and Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. We actually spent our wedding night in the Sheraton on the Water in Cuyahoga Falls, which is gorgeous, but I didn't have that kind of bankroll for this weekend! Anyway, we had a wonderful time together.
Let me publicly (does this "well-read" blog count as public, LOL?!) thank my wife for all she's done for me. I'd be lost without her. To sound cliche, "she completes me." On the off chance that she actually reads this (I think she either stopped after the toilet post, or maybe the dental instrument post. I can't blame her...), HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I LOVE YOU!!!
To celebrate, my wife and I dropped off the kids and got away for an evening alone! We went to the Cheesecake Factory in Lyndhurst, and then back to the Country Inn and Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. We actually spent our wedding night in the Sheraton on the Water in Cuyahoga Falls, which is gorgeous, but I didn't have that kind of bankroll for this weekend! Anyway, we had a wonderful time together.
Let me publicly (does this "well-read" blog count as public, LOL?!) thank my wife for all she's done for me. I'd be lost without her. To sound cliche, "she completes me." On the off chance that she actually reads this (I think she either stopped after the toilet post, or maybe the dental instrument post. I can't blame her...), HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Soccer Stuff
Well, the Crew drafted three college players in today's "SuperDraft," but that wasn't the big news. All-time leading scorer Jeff Cunningham was traded to the Rapids for a first round pick in 2006. Cunningham was a somewhat petulant individualist, but I think he really humbled himself for the better of the team in the Crew's record-setting 18 game unbeaten streak last season. However, his salary wasn't commeasurate with his production. Plus, Martino seemed to play much better without Cunningham in the lineup, as Cunningham's dominance and selfishness limited Martino's effectiveness. At this point in their careers, I think the Crew made the right choice by effectively choosing Martino over Cunningham for the focus of their attack. Certainly I'll miss Cunningham's "electricity" with the ball, but obviously, the Crew needed to make a change to get to the next level.
In worse news, one of the things I love most about soccer is changing... Soccer is a relatively obscure sport in America. Therefore, it's seemingly devoid of me-first "superstar" thugs that permeate other sports, like football, basketball, and baseball. Certainly there are soccer players that meet that criteria, but at least it's not as well-publicized. I think soccer is finally "catching up" to the rest of the major American sports. ESPN is reporting that the USSF is on the verge of selecting "scab" players for the Men's National Team, because the existing team is unionized and feels that they aren't being paid enough to participate. I'm not going to argue that soccer players need to fight for a fair piece of the pie in the sport's infancy in the U.S. However, I question the timing, since the U.S. is preparing to start the final stage of World Cup qualifying, and it's team is poised to make a splash in Germany in 2006. There is a Feb. 1st deadline for an agreement to be made. Please, gentlemen on both sides of the problem, I implore you to come to an agreement! Give me a team that I can be proud of on and off the pitch, in a sport where America is in an unusual spot - an underdog, yet with a legitimate chance to earn some respect and credibility for American soccer.
In worse news, one of the things I love most about soccer is changing... Soccer is a relatively obscure sport in America. Therefore, it's seemingly devoid of me-first "superstar" thugs that permeate other sports, like football, basketball, and baseball. Certainly there are soccer players that meet that criteria, but at least it's not as well-publicized. I think soccer is finally "catching up" to the rest of the major American sports. ESPN is reporting that the USSF is on the verge of selecting "scab" players for the Men's National Team, because the existing team is unionized and feels that they aren't being paid enough to participate. I'm not going to argue that soccer players need to fight for a fair piece of the pie in the sport's infancy in the U.S. However, I question the timing, since the U.S. is preparing to start the final stage of World Cup qualifying, and it's team is poised to make a splash in Germany in 2006. There is a Feb. 1st deadline for an agreement to be made. Please, gentlemen on both sides of the problem, I implore you to come to an agreement! Give me a team that I can be proud of on and off the pitch, in a sport where America is in an unusual spot - an underdog, yet with a legitimate chance to earn some respect and credibility for American soccer.
I Have Come to a Conclusion
I'm just not a hardcore gamer anymore. I've been in denial for quite some time, but now I can admit that fact to myself. Being a husband, father, full-time employee, administrator of a local youth soccer league, coach, and home owner just doesn't leave me enough time to commit to gaming as my passion and my hobby. Certainly, I still enjoy gaming very much, but I have other interests. I can't dedicate myself to 40 hours of gameplay in Morrowind, or manually playing 162 games in a baseball season, or anything else that I might've been able to do in years gone by. Due to my limited free time, I'd have to devote every second of it to gaming, to keep up with the single gamers, childless gamers, jobless gamers, or gamers with no social life (just kidding - a bit, anyway - on that one). I like to read books. I like to watch sports and movies. I like to surf the 'net. I like to play sports. I like to work on models. I like computers and technology. I can't do all of the above, and be a hardcore gamer.
Now, I think it's time I stopped spending money like a hardcore gamer, ironic as it may sound, after telling you what's on my "gaming radar" in a recent post. As tempting as it may be, I'm going to try to refrain from running out and buying all of the hot new titles, and letting them collect dust as I try to play them with my limited gaming time. I'm going to be much more selective, and only purchase games that I know I'll commit to playing regularly, like my recent fascination with Worldwide Soccer Manager 2005. It's time to pare down the collection a bit, to only my favorites, the ones my kids like, and the new ones I am playing regularly now. It's time to let go, and time to move on.
I'm sure you're asking yourself, "Is that going to change anything with the blog?" Absolutely not! If you haven't noticed, maybe only a third or so of my posts are about gaming anyway. When a game gets my attention, or gets me excited, I'm going to post about it. I'm just not going to seek out games that I know others are excited about, or games that are the "hot new title," just so I can post an opinion on a popular subject.
I still love video games, but life has its priorities. I like being a well-rounded person (figuratively speaking, of course).
Now, I think it's time I stopped spending money like a hardcore gamer, ironic as it may sound, after telling you what's on my "gaming radar" in a recent post. As tempting as it may be, I'm going to try to refrain from running out and buying all of the hot new titles, and letting them collect dust as I try to play them with my limited gaming time. I'm going to be much more selective, and only purchase games that I know I'll commit to playing regularly, like my recent fascination with Worldwide Soccer Manager 2005. It's time to pare down the collection a bit, to only my favorites, the ones my kids like, and the new ones I am playing regularly now. It's time to let go, and time to move on.
I'm sure you're asking yourself, "Is that going to change anything with the blog?" Absolutely not! If you haven't noticed, maybe only a third or so of my posts are about gaming anyway. When a game gets my attention, or gets me excited, I'm going to post about it. I'm just not going to seek out games that I know others are excited about, or games that are the "hot new title," just so I can post an opinion on a popular subject.
I still love video games, but life has its priorities. I like being a well-rounded person (figuratively speaking, of course).
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