(Written by Hennessy...posted by Kellie):
We take count of everything. Compiling data, events, making recordings and entries to demonstrate and evaluate. There is a census taking in this country, and even throughout the world. Our quest for knowledge is a daily mission. Counting, statistics, tabulations and so on become materials for which to head into the future. I want to head into that future, and I have as of late become a statistic. I am not sure just how I feel about that, but I have no choice now.
Counting and measuring and adding and subtracting give us that essential bottom line figure we seek. But what is it? And what does it mean? You have a count, it's scrutinized, and then its placed in equations. What does it equate to? That means nothing to me now, but I am being counted. I am now a person with a bad heart. A statistic. Just a number. Not even a name anymore, merely a number for scientists to work with. I am an age, a birth date, a social security number and a male in his midlife who has heart troubles. I just want to be me again, doesn’t that count for something?
I wrote before (though not in blog form) about being scared. It has consumed me, due to the fact I over react, fantasize and do not rationalize. I freak out! Right now, that is what is happening with my mind and my thoughts. I tend to overlook generalness and jump right into the glass is half empty, or even totally empty, signifying defeat. I guess I do this as if it were looked at the other way, but in the end is chaos ... I have not set myself up for failure, I am already there. Not a good thing, not at all.
I am scared. I am also greedy and I want to know immediately what is wrong. I hate waiting. It’s not fair. If my time is taken up, then so should everyone else’s and I should get my answers immediately. Sadly, it does not work this way. So I sit and wait.
I remember vividly being a child, and having to go to the doctor to get a flu shot. We went as a family, after work, in the Buick no doubt, and back in the 60’s, we all got the same needle, a glass one, and got stuck with it. Not me, nope, not me. I hid under a table and then kicked the doctor in the shin. The beginning of my hatred for medicine. It is no wonder I don’t like to go. These days, you kick someone, you go to jail. I don’t have time for that. I suppose I have to keep my mouth shut and play nice.
I told myself to do this, so I have no one to blame for any thing but me. I have taken the necessary steps in getting help, something no one in my family ever did. Why didn't they ever seek help? I know, they were too busy enjoying life and did not want to be a statistic. Ironically, they are now, as they have all passed on. The worst stat of all.
A very wise woman said:
You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
If it is to be, then it is up to me
We compile numbers and data for various reasons. Please Lord; let me be one of those that live. Give me strength and wisdom, help me through this. I want to live; I am on that bridge, asking to live. It is a wonderful life, and I am counting on trying to go far into it.
That is what I want to count; Life.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Ticked and Ticketless
I was so excited. I had 4th row, stage left for the CC/M5 tour (that’s Counting Crows and Maroon 5 but you knew that, right?)
I did more damage and scored 6th row CENTER/MIDDLE and was elated! I even found a buyer for my stage left seats. Despite Augustana not opening, things were good.
And then things got UGLY! VERY, VERY UGLY!
The news was e-mailed to me:
5.5.08 Important Schedule Change!
Live Nation regretfully announces the Maroon 5 / Counting Crows performance scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Blossom Music Center has been canceled due to routing issues.
Tickets purchased via phone or Internet will have their account automatically credited. Tickets purchased at an outlet or box office can be refunded at the original point of purchase.
I later found out that “routing issues” meant they found a better venue and sold more ticket so they made more money. They already had multiple gigs in New York and obviously Red Rocks so, who would overshadow OHIO – the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
I was without words when I read the following”
5.13.08 Counting Crows Play Minnesota
Counting Crows will be teaming up with Maroon 5 and Sara Bareilles on August 26th at Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel. Mystic Lake is located just outside of Minneapolis. Tickets go on sale starting May 31st. Stay tuned to countingcrows.com to see how you can get your tickets!
I did more damage and scored 6th row CENTER/MIDDLE and was elated! I even found a buyer for my stage left seats. Despite Augustana not opening, things were good.
And then things got UGLY! VERY, VERY UGLY!
The news was e-mailed to me:
5.5.08 Important Schedule Change!
Live Nation regretfully announces the Maroon 5 / Counting Crows performance scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Blossom Music Center has been canceled due to routing issues.
Tickets purchased via phone or Internet will have their account automatically credited. Tickets purchased at an outlet or box office can be refunded at the original point of purchase.
I later found out that “routing issues” meant they found a better venue and sold more ticket so they made more money. They already had multiple gigs in New York and obviously Red Rocks so, who would overshadow OHIO – the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
I was without words when I read the following”
5.13.08 Counting Crows Play Minnesota
Counting Crows will be teaming up with Maroon 5 and Sara Bareilles on August 26th at Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel. Mystic Lake is located just outside of Minneapolis. Tickets go on sale starting May 31st. Stay tuned to countingcrows.com to see how you can get your tickets!
No stop in OHIO whatsoever!
I’m hoping CC does the same.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Counting Smiles
I think I smiled too much that week.
No.
Wait.
Is that possible?
My cheeks hurt from all the smiling and laughing. That’s how I am counting from now on. I’m counting smiles.
Like most of you, I’ve known sadness and despair all too well. I considered them my best friends.
Meet my new friend…Hope. Actually, Hope is an old friend. We lost touch for a while but thankfully we’ve renewed our friendship.
I’m not really counting on hope or anyone for that matter. That’s just a cluster-mishap waiting to happen. They all let you down – though sometimes unintentionally – the end result is not what you wanted, expected or hoped for. Often times you just have to count on yourself.
I received a phone call that made my day. A “blast from the past” they used to say. Someone I had a really good relationship with and miss every Monday through Friday. It made me smile. I had to shut my office door to take this call. I could feel my cheeks begin to tingle as a slight smirk turned into a wide smile. I thought the corners of my mouth might bleed.
Some people you just miss.
That same week, perhaps even the next day, I received a call from a co-worker (off site) needing some help with a minor issue. Turns out I helped him a few months back. I didn’t remember. Everyday is a busy blur.
A couple days later, I was standing at a co-worker’s cubicle when a man said to me, “Thanks for your help the other day.” I had seen this man a few times before. We even had a couple of brief conversations. I had no idea he was the same guy who called seeking my help to resolve an issue. Sometimes it makes you smile just to put a face with a name.
He was smiling.
Another co-worker, whose cubicle we happened to meet at, asked him if he needed anything else.
He didn’t and he left. Smiling.
My co-worker turned to me and said, “People like you. That’s good.” (You should only know how a certain department cringes when I call. How that same department prefers to talk over me (and everyone else) rather than actually help, assist or fix any issues you have. How they prefer to talk “above” us and YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I HATE THAT? )
But I digress…
We were talking about smiles.
I smiled realizing these two guys were one in the same. I smiled that my co-worker thought everyone liked me (they don’t, of course, because you can’t please everyone. I realize that long ago and I’ve long since given up even trying). I smiled when my old acquaintance called me. I also smiled when someone very important, while on their cell phone, stopped, smiled and waved at me as he walked in. I did the same. He didn’t have to.
I smiled when my friendlet me help bottle feed the rescued baby kittens.
I smiled when I was asked to take over a project because the person who was supposed to handle it was “overwhelmed.”
I smile when my friend calls me to commiserate about our work life once being “ADULT DAY CARE” and now being a something that resembles PRISON.
We see and encounter so much negativity in life. Sometimes you just have to smile to change the course. Now, let’s be real. This isn’t always effective. But you see, that’s when you kill them with a smile and with kindness. And even if it annoys them, well, that’s just a bonus. Breathe it in and take its power.
I watched the CAVS game the other night and actually most of the season. I am so proud of them. All the undercuts and snide remarks and still, they RISE UP. LeBron was the brunt of a myriad of cheap shots - personally, professionally and physically. It was tough to watch and hear for me. It had to be tough on him. But you would never surmise that because he is one class act. Our CAVS are a class act.
They aren’t just fantastic – they are phenomenal and impressive. Their actions spoke louder than any words.
The Sports page (of the Plain Dealer) spoke volumes. The photo of LeBron and Daniel, the photo of Wally – all smiles. As much as I love “nothin’ but net, “ I love “nothin’ but smiles” all the more. Feel it. Taste it. Breathe it in.
Let it out in the form of a smile. Let it spread across your face until it hurts. It’s all good.
It speaks volumes.
No words required.
So count how many times you smile tomorrow. Let me know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well-behaved women rarely make history.
~Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
No.
Wait.
Is that possible?
My cheeks hurt from all the smiling and laughing. That’s how I am counting from now on. I’m counting smiles.
Like most of you, I’ve known sadness and despair all too well. I considered them my best friends.
Meet my new friend…Hope. Actually, Hope is an old friend. We lost touch for a while but thankfully we’ve renewed our friendship.
I’m not really counting on hope or anyone for that matter. That’s just a cluster-mishap waiting to happen. They all let you down – though sometimes unintentionally – the end result is not what you wanted, expected or hoped for. Often times you just have to count on yourself.
I received a phone call that made my day. A “blast from the past” they used to say. Someone I had a really good relationship with and miss every Monday through Friday. It made me smile. I had to shut my office door to take this call. I could feel my cheeks begin to tingle as a slight smirk turned into a wide smile. I thought the corners of my mouth might bleed.
Some people you just miss.
That same week, perhaps even the next day, I received a call from a co-worker (off site) needing some help with a minor issue. Turns out I helped him a few months back. I didn’t remember. Everyday is a busy blur.
A couple days later, I was standing at a co-worker’s cubicle when a man said to me, “Thanks for your help the other day.” I had seen this man a few times before. We even had a couple of brief conversations. I had no idea he was the same guy who called seeking my help to resolve an issue. Sometimes it makes you smile just to put a face with a name.
He was smiling.
Another co-worker, whose cubicle we happened to meet at, asked him if he needed anything else.
He didn’t and he left. Smiling.
My co-worker turned to me and said, “People like you. That’s good.” (You should only know how a certain department cringes when I call. How that same department prefers to talk over me (and everyone else) rather than actually help, assist or fix any issues you have. How they prefer to talk “above” us and YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I HATE THAT? )
But I digress…
We were talking about smiles.
I smiled realizing these two guys were one in the same. I smiled that my co-worker thought everyone liked me (they don’t, of course, because you can’t please everyone. I realize that long ago and I’ve long since given up even trying). I smiled when my old acquaintance called me. I also smiled when someone very important, while on their cell phone, stopped, smiled and waved at me as he walked in. I did the same. He didn’t have to.
I smiled when my friendlet me help bottle feed the rescued baby kittens.
I smiled when I was asked to take over a project because the person who was supposed to handle it was “overwhelmed.”
I smile when my friend calls me to commiserate about our work life once being “ADULT DAY CARE” and now being a something that resembles PRISON.
We see and encounter so much negativity in life. Sometimes you just have to smile to change the course. Now, let’s be real. This isn’t always effective. But you see, that’s when you kill them with a smile and with kindness. And even if it annoys them, well, that’s just a bonus. Breathe it in and take its power.
I watched the CAVS game the other night and actually most of the season. I am so proud of them. All the undercuts and snide remarks and still, they RISE UP. LeBron was the brunt of a myriad of cheap shots - personally, professionally and physically. It was tough to watch and hear for me. It had to be tough on him. But you would never surmise that because he is one class act. Our CAVS are a class act.
They aren’t just fantastic – they are phenomenal and impressive. Their actions spoke louder than any words.
The Sports page (of the Plain Dealer) spoke volumes. The photo of LeBron and Daniel, the photo of Wally – all smiles. As much as I love “nothin’ but net, “ I love “nothin’ but smiles” all the more. Feel it. Taste it. Breathe it in.
Let it out in the form of a smile. Let it spread across your face until it hurts. It’s all good.
It speaks volumes.
No words required.
So count how many times you smile tomorrow. Let me know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well-behaved women rarely make history.
~Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
I Am Icarus Falling Out Of The Sky
How many times have you flown?
How many times have you wished for wings?
How many times have you fallen?
The story of Icarus has fascinated me for years. The need for freedom. It’s the “get away” (from some of life’s harshest realities or whatever you need an escape from). It’s the ability to live in the moment. It’s learning the hard way…even when it’s too late.
But in the story of Icarus, (if by chance you are unfamiliar, here's the “Cliff Notes”) it’s about... well, for me, it’s about WANTING - wanting to escape, wanting to be free, wanting that which seems elusive at best - and wanting it so badly that nothing else matters – and this can be about the “wanting” of anything - you actually yearn for it. You yearn for those things you feel are missing from your life - until you find them - because once you find them - then there's no longer a need. Until then, the warnings don’t matter; those who care about you don’t matter. Well, they do, but not at the moment you take [your hypothetical] flight.
It’s selfish. You’re selfish. I'm selfish. But we're flying. How can this be and how can anything else matter? And from this, Adam Duritz created Insignificant. He said, *“It’s about jumping off a building and seeing it as flight, a retreat from life. But it’s still sort of beautiful. [The character in the song] doesn’t want to be insignificant, and mean nothing.”
Who would?
Listen to Insignificant. Of all the things you can feel... happy, sad, jealous, empowered, bitter, strong, proud, elated, surreal, etc… but to feel insignificant must be the worst of all. (As if Counting Crows or Duritz himself could ever be insignificant. He’s one in a million. We all are. And that’s a good thing.)
I’ve often said if I could spend 24 hours in someone else’s mind, it would be that of Bill Gate. I find Duritz to be a very close second.
Can you see me?
I’m one in a million
I am Icarus falling
Out of the sun
(Counting Crows/Insignificant/Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings)
*Quote excerpt courtesy of bonus Track by Track Interview with Adam Duritz downloaded from iTunes. I ordered the deluxe edition. Didn't everyone?)
How many times have you wished for wings?
How many times have you fallen?
The story of Icarus has fascinated me for years. The need for freedom. It’s the “get away” (from some of life’s harshest realities or whatever you need an escape from). It’s the ability to live in the moment. It’s learning the hard way…even when it’s too late.
But in the story of Icarus, (if by chance you are unfamiliar, here's the “Cliff Notes”) it’s about... well, for me, it’s about WANTING - wanting to escape, wanting to be free, wanting that which seems elusive at best - and wanting it so badly that nothing else matters – and this can be about the “wanting” of anything - you actually yearn for it. You yearn for those things you feel are missing from your life - until you find them - because once you find them - then there's no longer a need. Until then, the warnings don’t matter; those who care about you don’t matter. Well, they do, but not at the moment you take [your hypothetical] flight.
It’s selfish. You’re selfish. I'm selfish. But we're flying. How can this be and how can anything else matter? And from this, Adam Duritz created Insignificant. He said, *“It’s about jumping off a building and seeing it as flight, a retreat from life. But it’s still sort of beautiful. [The character in the song] doesn’t want to be insignificant, and mean nothing.”
Who would?
Listen to Insignificant. Of all the things you can feel... happy, sad, jealous, empowered, bitter, strong, proud, elated, surreal, etc… but to feel insignificant must be the worst of all. (As if Counting Crows or Duritz himself could ever be insignificant. He’s one in a million. We all are. And that’s a good thing.)
I’ve often said if I could spend 24 hours in someone else’s mind, it would be that of Bill Gate. I find Duritz to be a very close second.
Can you see me?
I’m one in a million
I am Icarus falling
Out of the sun
(Counting Crows/Insignificant/Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings)
*Quote excerpt courtesy of bonus Track by Track Interview with Adam Duritz downloaded from iTunes. I ordered the deluxe edition. Didn't everyone?)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
And I Would Be Lying If I Didn't Tell You The Truth
Thank you Counting Crows for Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings. It’s killer. It’s beautiful. It’s letting go. It’s believing. It’s poignant. It’s sin. It’s regret. And then you do it all over again… and again… and again.
I’m so obsessed (I’ve long admitted to my OCD kicking in when it comes to good music) with one song that I’ve devoted this blog to it and it alone (as opposed to the entire CD which was my original intent. It ROCKS, by the way!) So, here goes…
“People will leave you behind...and you find yourself waiting. Endlessly waiting.” Adam Duritz said this in 2006, while performing in Las Vegas at Red Rocks right before singing Angels of the Silences. And that particular string of words resonated with a lot of people, including me.
Now think about the fact that his girlfriend broke up with him, his grandmother passed away, and he lost a couple of great friends soon after that. Further remember that he turned us on to and is a big fan of Stew (aka TNP) and Stew’s song “Come Down Now.” (Stew’s lyrics: “Remove your bandage so I can see your damage.”) You SHOULD be familiar with this song.
Combine all these ingredients together and you will see how and why Le Ballet D’or was born. It’s beautiful.
Wasting time running scared
When all love needs is to be believed in…
So come now
Let’s go dance to the siren’s song
Come now
Leave your damage behind and gone…
I’m so obsessed (I’ve long admitted to my OCD kicking in when it comes to good music) with one song that I’ve devoted this blog to it and it alone (as opposed to the entire CD which was my original intent. It ROCKS, by the way!) So, here goes…
“People will leave you behind...and you find yourself waiting. Endlessly waiting.” Adam Duritz said this in 2006, while performing in Las Vegas at Red Rocks right before singing Angels of the Silences. And that particular string of words resonated with a lot of people, including me.
Now think about the fact that his girlfriend broke up with him, his grandmother passed away, and he lost a couple of great friends soon after that. Further remember that he turned us on to and is a big fan of Stew (aka TNP) and Stew’s song “Come Down Now.” (Stew’s lyrics: “Remove your bandage so I can see your damage.”) You SHOULD be familiar with this song.
Combine all these ingredients together and you will see how and why Le Ballet D’or was born. It’s beautiful.
Wasting time running scared
When all love needs is to be believed in…
So come now
Let’s go dance to the siren’s song
Come now
Leave your damage behind and gone…
And I would be lying if I didn't tell you the truth.
They will leave you, they will leave you behind.
The truth of the words tear into your flesh with Duritz’s voice sharp as a dagger. You can feel his pain and it will stir up any of your own that you thought you’ve long since laid to rest.
Yet there is also a feeling of “cleansing” to it. I feel it but I just don’t have the words to describe it. So you need to listen to it and feel what you feel.
Counting Crows continue to amaze (well worth the 5 year wait).
…And I would be lying if I didn’t tell you the truth:
I love this CD and think you will too.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Looking Forward to Spring and New Beginnings
I am, by most accounts, a pretty tough chick. (That is to say, one that is strong on the outside even though my insides might be crumbling.) Those that know me well will not dispute this. Like most, I’ve been through my share (and then some) in life that gives the “rite of passage” to that title – and most of you have it too. Luckily I have sarcasm and wit to get me through and keep me grounded – along with some really great friends!
I won’t go into it here, of course, about how many times the shoe dropped, and then the floor, and then…how it all went pitch black. I won’t say that I’ve been through more or less than any of you, just that like many of you, I’ve been through the ringer more than once. I sometimes wonder how I still function when there are days I seem to be hanging on by my thumbs. But then, one of my favorite sayings goes something like this:
That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
It’s that whisper of a voice inside my head and I cling to it like a child to a blanket.
I am stronger.
No matter how strong or tough or resilient I may proclaim to be, nothing could have prepared me for the flood of raw emotions that washed over me the day I left my office of many, many, many years. It was a long, lone walk to my car. I left my friends, my knowledge, my comfort zone, my five weeks vacation, my freedom, my worklife as I know it. I snuck out like a thief in the night. The brave girl was no more than a coward that day. But you do what you have to in order to survive – in this case it was emotional survival.
I tried to view this as I would the season of Spring – a new beginning – a fresh start – exactly what my life needs.
So I’m just going to thank my friends and co-workers for some of the things I gleaned from them over the years.
To:
TB – Cynicism and wit, brains and sarcasm. Faith. Friendship
KM - Access conversations that no one else could understand, patience, guidance, patience, mentoring, patience, blogging,…(did I mention patience?)
JMC - Coffee, T-time, breaks, vending trees, laughter, truth, and nobility
And the rest of the crew for one or more of the following:
Bluefly
Concerts, JR and AD, Tear bottles, cats and coffee, August and Everything After
Bobbie Brown brick. Skirts, never shorts
Orazio
Math help; Grey Goose
The New Yorker, dressing to the 9’s
Compliments
Advice: Never put anything in writing. Flat lines. Trust. Integrity
Pushing me and believing in me
Every “good morning” and the bad ones too
Sharing of birthdays and secrets
Demonstrativeness
Honesty, funny stories, genuineness, Courage under fire
“Whatever!”
The coolest gift certificate to the coolest gallery; flavored coffee
My freedom
Chats about mothers
Contacts, more laughter, morning coffee, a new song each day
…And all of these things, in their own way, are now part of me. I take them with me and I am grateful for these little treasures for they are priceless.
And always trying to be uplifting, someone said, “It will be interesting to see where your life is one year from now.”
It’s been 6 months. I have a new job, my own office with a window, a new title or hat to be worn, new responsibilities and new friends.
I don’t know why I landed here but I did – and like a cat (KAT), I landed on my feet.
So far so good.
Oh, and someone I met has concert ticket connections. Timing is everything! ;)
I won’t go into it here, of course, about how many times the shoe dropped, and then the floor, and then…how it all went pitch black. I won’t say that I’ve been through more or less than any of you, just that like many of you, I’ve been through the ringer more than once. I sometimes wonder how I still function when there are days I seem to be hanging on by my thumbs. But then, one of my favorite sayings goes something like this:
That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
It’s that whisper of a voice inside my head and I cling to it like a child to a blanket.
I am stronger.
No matter how strong or tough or resilient I may proclaim to be, nothing could have prepared me for the flood of raw emotions that washed over me the day I left my office of many, many, many years. It was a long, lone walk to my car. I left my friends, my knowledge, my comfort zone, my five weeks vacation, my freedom, my worklife as I know it. I snuck out like a thief in the night. The brave girl was no more than a coward that day. But you do what you have to in order to survive – in this case it was emotional survival.
I tried to view this as I would the season of Spring – a new beginning – a fresh start – exactly what my life needs.
So I’m just going to thank my friends and co-workers for some of the things I gleaned from them over the years.
To:
TB – Cynicism and wit, brains and sarcasm. Faith. Friendship
KM - Access conversations that no one else could understand, patience, guidance, patience, mentoring, patience, blogging,…(did I mention patience?)
JMC - Coffee, T-time, breaks, vending trees, laughter, truth, and nobility
And the rest of the crew for one or more of the following:
Bluefly
Concerts, JR and AD, Tear bottles, cats and coffee, August and Everything After
Bobbie Brown brick. Skirts, never shorts
Orazio
Math help; Grey Goose
The New Yorker, dressing to the 9’s
Compliments
Advice: Never put anything in writing. Flat lines. Trust. Integrity
Pushing me and believing in me
Every “good morning” and the bad ones too
Sharing of birthdays and secrets
Demonstrativeness
Honesty, funny stories, genuineness, Courage under fire
“Whatever!”
The coolest gift certificate to the coolest gallery; flavored coffee
My freedom
Chats about mothers
Contacts, more laughter, morning coffee, a new song each day
…And all of these things, in their own way, are now part of me. I take them with me and I am grateful for these little treasures for they are priceless.
And always trying to be uplifting, someone said, “It will be interesting to see where your life is one year from now.”
It’s been 6 months. I have a new job, my own office with a window, a new title or hat to be worn, new responsibilities and new friends.
I don’t know why I landed here but I did – and like a cat (KAT), I landed on my feet.
So far so good.
Oh, and someone I met has concert ticket connections. Timing is everything! ;)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
You Can't Count On Me
If you think you need to go
If you wanted to be free
There’s just one thing you need to know
And that’s that
You can’t count on me
Like every other CC fan, I am counting down to Counting Crows. The big day is March 25th. The first song they’ve released is You Can’t Count on Me. Give it a listen. CC rocks and Adam sizzles. My friend Steve summed it up perfectly (likening it to his attraction to Alicia Keyes) – you’re attracted for all the right reasons and all the wrong ones too.
I’ve already heard 5 of the songs from SNASM, and can tell you my favorite – it’s called Insignificant. I want to jump on stage in my stilettos and sing with Adam in his bare feet! This is my new Angels of the Silences (the original version) - the song that allows me to yell and sing, and exercise all those nasty demons that occasionally reside inside me. Something about both these songs gives me new energy and strength and, oddly enough, clarity.
I will more than likely “pre-order” Counting Crows new CD entitled Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings(SNASM). I truly miss the days of walking into Tommy Edward’s Record Heaven and sorting through the bins to find my treasure! Or talking to one of the storeowners and having them play a 45 for me, to make sure it didn’t skip before I purchased it. I miss seeing album covers plaster the walls of the store. I miss searching for my 45 and the feeling that welled inside of me of pure bliss when I found it and held it my hands – it was magical. I couldn’t wait to get home – I was practically crawling out of my skin to give it a listen – and then, I’d play my favorite song over and over and over and over – until my parents begged me to stop or put on my headphones. I’d listen to it as loud as I could - until the vibrations knocked off any poor knickknack that I carelessly placed upon my speakers. This time, however I will be just as ecstatic to open the brown Amazon box and take out my CC treasure.
I find, for me, that it is rare I listen to a CD it its entirety. I usually end up skipping a few songs or fast forwarding – basically moving about and getting to my favorites. Not so with the CC boys – it’ll be a guilty pleasure to actually listen to a CD all the way through – and I’ll read the liner notes too!
As it turns out, this is going to be quite a challenging week for me. There is an event coming up at work (aka my new gig) that I have been put in charge of. Basically its success or failure will lead to me. There are a myriad of people counting on me and, every time they tell me that, like it’s supposed to mean something to me, I smile...because secretly I’m thinking their fools, and they need to know what Adam knows -
And that's that
You can’t count on me
If you wanted to be free
There’s just one thing you need to know
And that’s that
You can’t count on me
Like every other CC fan, I am counting down to Counting Crows. The big day is March 25th. The first song they’ve released is You Can’t Count on Me. Give it a listen. CC rocks and Adam sizzles. My friend Steve summed it up perfectly (likening it to his attraction to Alicia Keyes) – you’re attracted for all the right reasons and all the wrong ones too.
I’ve already heard 5 of the songs from SNASM, and can tell you my favorite – it’s called Insignificant. I want to jump on stage in my stilettos and sing with Adam in his bare feet! This is my new Angels of the Silences (the original version) - the song that allows me to yell and sing, and exercise all those nasty demons that occasionally reside inside me. Something about both these songs gives me new energy and strength and, oddly enough, clarity.
I will more than likely “pre-order” Counting Crows new CD entitled Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings(SNASM). I truly miss the days of walking into Tommy Edward’s Record Heaven and sorting through the bins to find my treasure! Or talking to one of the storeowners and having them play a 45 for me, to make sure it didn’t skip before I purchased it. I miss seeing album covers plaster the walls of the store. I miss searching for my 45 and the feeling that welled inside of me of pure bliss when I found it and held it my hands – it was magical. I couldn’t wait to get home – I was practically crawling out of my skin to give it a listen – and then, I’d play my favorite song over and over and over and over – until my parents begged me to stop or put on my headphones. I’d listen to it as loud as I could - until the vibrations knocked off any poor knickknack that I carelessly placed upon my speakers. This time, however I will be just as ecstatic to open the brown Amazon box and take out my CC treasure.
I find, for me, that it is rare I listen to a CD it its entirety. I usually end up skipping a few songs or fast forwarding – basically moving about and getting to my favorites. Not so with the CC boys – it’ll be a guilty pleasure to actually listen to a CD all the way through – and I’ll read the liner notes too!
As it turns out, this is going to be quite a challenging week for me. There is an event coming up at work (aka my new gig) that I have been put in charge of. Basically its success or failure will lead to me. There are a myriad of people counting on me and, every time they tell me that, like it’s supposed to mean something to me, I smile...because secretly I’m thinking their fools, and they need to know what Adam knows -
And that's that
You can’t count on me
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Grammys
I have been around for 46, almost 47 years of the Grammys' existence. I can say with great enthusiasm and passion that music makes me who I am, what I am and how I live. I am not a musician, nor do I pretend to be. I am, like you, just a fan of great music. Tonight, the world of music will convene en mass to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grammy; that little statue that means the most to an artist.
My friend Trixxxie Rix will not be in attendance this year. I could still kick myself in the ass as she asked me a few years back if I wanted to go with her to the Grammys. I could not fit it into my schedule and get the time off of work since at that time, I worked for Satan. More blogs to follow about that damn nightmare. Any who, she will be at home, like I, watching from a far instead of sunny LA. Trixxxie is in the mic biz and gets some perks from her work with respect to going to concerts, awards shows and the like. She has good street cred with the artists, they dig her. I was with her at the Billy Joel gig here in C-Town this summer and was in awe of her and how she rep'ed her company, and how she just smoothly went about her business. I dig her.
I suppose we both won't get to see Amy Winehouse. I have not one freaking clue as to why this chick fascinates me so damn much. It could be her tattoos, mostly cuz they are ole school and not that crap that the so called tattoo artists of today slap on you and stick a needle of ink to. She has them in good spots, good shading and they look like they just belong there. She is enjoying her skin while she is in it for sure. She also is apparently enjoying the hooch as well. She keeps a bottle handy as one line claims. My question is; just who is Mr. Hathaway? It appears from her words in "Rehab" that Mr. Hathaway just might have all of the answers to her troubles and woes. I sure as hell wish I knew Mr. Hathaway when I was falling down drunk and puking all over myself.
Whether or not we attend this most celebrated event of honoring those musicians and singers, composers, arrangers or the like, we still get to see and hear them in our living rooms tonight. Thanks to Santa Claus, I get to now watch in awe on an LCD Digital TV, or whatever it is. Hearing the melodic tones of Ms Winehouse come through my surround sound will be just what I need to make the ceremonies complete. Would I rather be sitting in the audience with Trixxxie, hell yes, but this will have to do for now. I will still have the music in me. I hope that it is in everyone. Celebrating music and letting it enrich our lives is something that a lot of us probably do on a daily basis. Music is everywhere and we rely on it as much as we do food and water. The lyrics literally speak to us, not at us. Words originating on paper, or a pizza box, coming through your speakers, and smacking you in your mind, your soul, making your heart sing a long.
Happy Birthday, Grammys. Oh, and Ms. Winehouse, if I may, you speak of 70 days, here in the U.S. it is 90 days, 90 meetings. And Mr. Hathaway does not exist if you wish to get clean and sober; it is Dr. Bob and Bill W. And if I may return the favor of saying something about "rehab", it is this; Rehab is for quitters. Get it? I knew that you would. Good luck baby, in all of this.
My friend Trixxxie Rix will not be in attendance this year. I could still kick myself in the ass as she asked me a few years back if I wanted to go with her to the Grammys. I could not fit it into my schedule and get the time off of work since at that time, I worked for Satan. More blogs to follow about that damn nightmare. Any who, she will be at home, like I, watching from a far instead of sunny LA. Trixxxie is in the mic biz and gets some perks from her work with respect to going to concerts, awards shows and the like. She has good street cred with the artists, they dig her. I was with her at the Billy Joel gig here in C-Town this summer and was in awe of her and how she rep'ed her company, and how she just smoothly went about her business. I dig her.
I suppose we both won't get to see Amy Winehouse. I have not one freaking clue as to why this chick fascinates me so damn much. It could be her tattoos, mostly cuz they are ole school and not that crap that the so called tattoo artists of today slap on you and stick a needle of ink to. She has them in good spots, good shading and they look like they just belong there. She is enjoying her skin while she is in it for sure. She also is apparently enjoying the hooch as well. She keeps a bottle handy as one line claims. My question is; just who is Mr. Hathaway? It appears from her words in "Rehab" that Mr. Hathaway just might have all of the answers to her troubles and woes. I sure as hell wish I knew Mr. Hathaway when I was falling down drunk and puking all over myself.
Whether or not we attend this most celebrated event of honoring those musicians and singers, composers, arrangers or the like, we still get to see and hear them in our living rooms tonight. Thanks to Santa Claus, I get to now watch in awe on an LCD Digital TV, or whatever it is. Hearing the melodic tones of Ms Winehouse come through my surround sound will be just what I need to make the ceremonies complete. Would I rather be sitting in the audience with Trixxxie, hell yes, but this will have to do for now. I will still have the music in me. I hope that it is in everyone. Celebrating music and letting it enrich our lives is something that a lot of us probably do on a daily basis. Music is everywhere and we rely on it as much as we do food and water. The lyrics literally speak to us, not at us. Words originating on paper, or a pizza box, coming through your speakers, and smacking you in your mind, your soul, making your heart sing a long.
Happy Birthday, Grammys. Oh, and Ms. Winehouse, if I may, you speak of 70 days, here in the U.S. it is 90 days, 90 meetings. And Mr. Hathaway does not exist if you wish to get clean and sober; it is Dr. Bob and Bill W. And if I may return the favor of saying something about "rehab", it is this; Rehab is for quitters. Get it? I knew that you would. Good luck baby, in all of this.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The Blessing
I’ve met so many new people through my new job. I’m, unfortunately, one of “those people”... a person who is truly terrible at remembering names. I’m getting better.
A few weeks ago I met one of the field workers. We were introduced through a mutual co-worker. He is an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic because as he says, “I’m still an alcoholic. It’s not called alcohol-wasm, it’s called alcohol-ism.” He knows who he is. He knows who he wants to be and who he doesn’t want to be. He knows he is always “one drink away.” He carries the “coins” in his pocket. He reminds me of another friend.
He is a biker who used to ride with Hell’s Angels, though he never wore their colors nor bore their patch. He still does poker runs. He’ll be going to Vegas in the springtime.
His name I will never forget.
My friend Jim has found his freedom and his faith. If you’ve ever been on a motorcycle, you know that kind of freedom. As for faith, Jim can both bless and baptize you. After a minor injury, he stopped in to see me. We talked about his health, his well-being, and a myriad of other things. I was having a horrible morning and he could sense it even though I thought I was doing remarkably well at hiding it.
He asked me, “Has anyone told you today that you are special and absolutely wonderful just the way are?” I said nothing. He continued.
“Has anyone told you that someone loves you very much and is grateful you are part of their life and this world?” I just listened. Sometimes we forget to just listen.
“Then can I give you this blessing today?” Yes. Thank you. I just smiled and nodded at him.
It was the nicest thing anyone had said and done to me that week. It reminded me of my friend Teri who got me reading Anne LaMott because, “She has a knack for finding God in the oddest places.”
To Thine Own Self Be True
(That's what's on the coin - but some of you already knew that.)
Sometimes we just have to count our blessings. And all that being said, please allow me to introduce my friend, Hennessy. Since Kevin has left the Gut for bigger and better things (you know where to find him), I’ve asked Hennessy to help me out here at the Gut. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of his inner circle. I’ve read some of his work because he trusted me enough to do so (and vice versa).
They say a writer cuts himself open and “bleeds” all over the paper. He definitely delves emotionally deeper than I allow myself and I have enjoyed everything of his that I’ve read. I think you will too.
So Hennessy…Welcome and thank you for saying yes.
A few weeks ago I met one of the field workers. We were introduced through a mutual co-worker. He is an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic because as he says, “I’m still an alcoholic. It’s not called alcohol-wasm, it’s called alcohol-ism.” He knows who he is. He knows who he wants to be and who he doesn’t want to be. He knows he is always “one drink away.” He carries the “coins” in his pocket. He reminds me of another friend.
He is a biker who used to ride with Hell’s Angels, though he never wore their colors nor bore their patch. He still does poker runs. He’ll be going to Vegas in the springtime.
His name I will never forget.
My friend Jim has found his freedom and his faith. If you’ve ever been on a motorcycle, you know that kind of freedom. As for faith, Jim can both bless and baptize you. After a minor injury, he stopped in to see me. We talked about his health, his well-being, and a myriad of other things. I was having a horrible morning and he could sense it even though I thought I was doing remarkably well at hiding it.
He asked me, “Has anyone told you today that you are special and absolutely wonderful just the way are?” I said nothing. He continued.
“Has anyone told you that someone loves you very much and is grateful you are part of their life and this world?” I just listened. Sometimes we forget to just listen.
“Then can I give you this blessing today?” Yes. Thank you. I just smiled and nodded at him.
It was the nicest thing anyone had said and done to me that week. It reminded me of my friend Teri who got me reading Anne LaMott because, “She has a knack for finding God in the oddest places.”
To Thine Own Self Be True
(That's what's on the coin - but some of you already knew that.)
Sometimes we just have to count our blessings. And all that being said, please allow me to introduce my friend, Hennessy. Since Kevin has left the Gut for bigger and better things (you know where to find him), I’ve asked Hennessy to help me out here at the Gut. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of his inner circle. I’ve read some of his work because he trusted me enough to do so (and vice versa).
They say a writer cuts himself open and “bleeds” all over the paper. He definitely delves emotionally deeper than I allow myself and I have enjoyed everything of his that I’ve read. I think you will too.
So Hennessy…Welcome and thank you for saying yes.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Goodbye to "the Gut"
After three years of on-again, off-again posting at my local free blog, I'm officially hanging it up. I'm not retiring, though, I'm fulfilling another one of my goals/dreams: to run my own website!
Through the generosity of my friend Jason at the Sports Gaming Nation, I'm now running a website named Middle Aged Gamer. The content will be similar to what I've posted here over the years, but with more of a focus on gaming, and hopefully with a little more depth.
It's been a great ride at "The Gut," and I'm happy to turnover the keys to Kellie. The Gut is hers to do with what she wishes. Whatever that is, I'll still be tuned in...
Kevin
Through the generosity of my friend Jason at the Sports Gaming Nation, I'm now running a website named Middle Aged Gamer. The content will be similar to what I've posted here over the years, but with more of a focus on gaming, and hopefully with a little more depth.
It's been a great ride at "The Gut," and I'm happy to turnover the keys to Kellie. The Gut is hers to do with what she wishes. Whatever that is, I'll still be tuned in...
Kevin
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Fears, Phobias and a Little More Freud...
What do you fear?
What is fear?
According to my favorite site OneLook.com, it is defined as “an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight).”
After reading all the responses, it’s crystal clear that what scares the hell out of us more than anything is loss of loved ones. Not surprising. No one listed or seemed to consider their own mortality. The only one that came close was fear of drowning. I know how powerful the ocean is. I remember being in Hawaii when a wave took me in and out several times before I finally made it to shore. The water no sooner tossed me back to the sand than it just as swiftly carried me back out with a powerful grip my flailing arms and legs could not fight. Only when the ocean itself decided to calm, could I ride the wave back to the safety of the sandy beach.
Many of our fears such as fear of spiders, high places, bridges, mice, etc., fall under the phobia category as well.
So what’s a phobia? Once again, from OneLook.com - “an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations.”
(I’d hardly classify a silverfish as “simple thing” but I digress!)
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
(I’m betting he never got trapped in an elevator with a spider the size of his shoe!)
My neighbor once got trapped in an elevator when going to see her doctor. She had also taken her water pill. Yes, there is a specific phobia for that too. It’s called “urophobia!” Hey, I don’t make this stuff up!
Me, I’m a “germophobe!” Ask anyone. If you’re sick, you better stay clear of me. I carry a bottle of antibacterial spritz in my purse. I have a bottle of Purell on my desk.
I wipe of the shopping cart and usually have a barrier between my hand and any door handle.
One of my co-workers hates driving when it’s icy outside. Since the real fear here is that driving on ice could result in a dangerous situation, it would likely falls under “fear of having an accident” or dystychiphobia.
My friend CC was afraid, while riding a rollercoaster, that the contents of her stomach might reveal itself. Can you guess that phobia? Aeronausiphobia!
Another friend nearly sold their home due to the “infestation of mice” (I think there were 2 in the entire house)! She’s a “murophobe!’ (Murophobia – fear of mice and rats).
For a couple of us, anxiety seemed to peek whenever we discovered a police vehicle behind us! Even if you are going the speed limit, traveling with children, wearing your seat belt, and doing absolutely nothing but acting like a conscientious driver, seeing the police car in your rear view mirror induced a little panic. Could it be fear of authority figures? Or are we so jaded that all we can think is that this officer needs to meet his ticket quota?
Some other wild fears included being buried alive, getting locked in a trunk and annual reviews at work. I happen to love annual reviews – my boss usually dreads mine more than I do! Maybe I’m just getting better and wearing them down!
Now this is one I hadn’t thought of in many, many moons. Do you remember the “trust game?” It’s where you fall backwards and pray to God the person will catch you. I am definitely a person who has “trust issues” so I can absolutely relate to this one.
Big thanks to all my friends for their contributions to this blog.
Here are a few additional phobias that were either mentioned or just plain interesting!
Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders
Aeroacrophobia - Fear of open high places
Agoraphobia - Fear of open spaces or of being in crowded, public places like markets. Fear of leaving a safe place. Fear of crowds.
Cleisiophobia - Fear of being locked in an enclosed place
Dentophobia - Fear of dentist
Elurophobia - Fear of cats
Entomophobia - Fear of insects
Gephydrophobia - Fear of crossing bridges
Glossophobia - Fear of speaking in public or of trying to speak
Hemophobia - Fear of blood
Katagelophobia - Fear of ridicule
Nyctophobia - Fear of the dark or of the night.
Ochlophobia - Fear of crowds or mobs.
Ornithophobia - Fear of birds
Paraskavedekatriaphobia - Fear of Friday the 13th
Pentheraphobia - Fear of mother-in-law
And finally, according to Psychoanalyst Freud, phobias are a defense against anxiety produced by repressed impulses. Anxiety is moved to an object or situation and then becomes the phobic stimulus. In order to not deal with the repressed conflict, the person tries to avoid the object or situation. (Source: http://web4health.info/en/answers/anx-phobias-general.htm)
Here’s hoping we all conquer at least one of our fears!
What is fear?
According to my favorite site OneLook.com, it is defined as “an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight).”
After reading all the responses, it’s crystal clear that what scares the hell out of us more than anything is loss of loved ones. Not surprising. No one listed or seemed to consider their own mortality. The only one that came close was fear of drowning. I know how powerful the ocean is. I remember being in Hawaii when a wave took me in and out several times before I finally made it to shore. The water no sooner tossed me back to the sand than it just as swiftly carried me back out with a powerful grip my flailing arms and legs could not fight. Only when the ocean itself decided to calm, could I ride the wave back to the safety of the sandy beach.
Many of our fears such as fear of spiders, high places, bridges, mice, etc., fall under the phobia category as well.
So what’s a phobia? Once again, from OneLook.com - “an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations.”
(I’d hardly classify a silverfish as “simple thing” but I digress!)
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
(I’m betting he never got trapped in an elevator with a spider the size of his shoe!)
My neighbor once got trapped in an elevator when going to see her doctor. She had also taken her water pill. Yes, there is a specific phobia for that too. It’s called “urophobia!” Hey, I don’t make this stuff up!
Me, I’m a “germophobe!” Ask anyone. If you’re sick, you better stay clear of me. I carry a bottle of antibacterial spritz in my purse. I have a bottle of Purell on my desk.
I wipe of the shopping cart and usually have a barrier between my hand and any door handle.
One of my co-workers hates driving when it’s icy outside. Since the real fear here is that driving on ice could result in a dangerous situation, it would likely falls under “fear of having an accident” or dystychiphobia.
My friend CC was afraid, while riding a rollercoaster, that the contents of her stomach might reveal itself. Can you guess that phobia? Aeronausiphobia!
Another friend nearly sold their home due to the “infestation of mice” (I think there were 2 in the entire house)! She’s a “murophobe!’ (Murophobia – fear of mice and rats).
For a couple of us, anxiety seemed to peek whenever we discovered a police vehicle behind us! Even if you are going the speed limit, traveling with children, wearing your seat belt, and doing absolutely nothing but acting like a conscientious driver, seeing the police car in your rear view mirror induced a little panic. Could it be fear of authority figures? Or are we so jaded that all we can think is that this officer needs to meet his ticket quota?
Some other wild fears included being buried alive, getting locked in a trunk and annual reviews at work. I happen to love annual reviews – my boss usually dreads mine more than I do! Maybe I’m just getting better and wearing them down!
Now this is one I hadn’t thought of in many, many moons. Do you remember the “trust game?” It’s where you fall backwards and pray to God the person will catch you. I am definitely a person who has “trust issues” so I can absolutely relate to this one.
Big thanks to all my friends for their contributions to this blog.
Here are a few additional phobias that were either mentioned or just plain interesting!
Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders
Aeroacrophobia - Fear of open high places
Agoraphobia - Fear of open spaces or of being in crowded, public places like markets. Fear of leaving a safe place. Fear of crowds.
Cleisiophobia - Fear of being locked in an enclosed place
Dentophobia - Fear of dentist
Elurophobia - Fear of cats
Entomophobia - Fear of insects
Gephydrophobia - Fear of crossing bridges
Glossophobia - Fear of speaking in public or of trying to speak
Hemophobia - Fear of blood
Katagelophobia - Fear of ridicule
Nyctophobia - Fear of the dark or of the night.
Ochlophobia - Fear of crowds or mobs.
Ornithophobia - Fear of birds
Paraskavedekatriaphobia - Fear of Friday the 13th
Pentheraphobia - Fear of mother-in-law
And finally, according to Psychoanalyst Freud, phobias are a defense against anxiety produced by repressed impulses. Anxiety is moved to an object or situation and then becomes the phobic stimulus. In order to not deal with the repressed conflict, the person tries to avoid the object or situation. (Source: http://web4health.info/en/answers/anx-phobias-general.htm)
Here’s hoping we all conquer at least one of our fears!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Godzilla Review Posted
The short of it: stay far, far, away. Here are the details.
Bill, my editor, mentioned that they might be trying some new things at Gameshark this year. It sounds like they want more features and other "extra" type stuff, and less of the standard reviews. He mentioned something about all of us using our "industry contacts" to come up with some ideas. Uh, suddenly I feel even farther out of the loop than before. Some of the guys and gals on staff are true freelancers, and they can provide exactly what Bill is looking for. I just write filler for the crappy games! I'm wondering what kind of role I'll have in the future... Hmm...
If I can't contribute there anymore, I'll look back with no regrets. I've had a great ride. I'd like to still be a part of it, but we'll see if I fit in. If not, I'll just move on to something else.
Bill, my editor, mentioned that they might be trying some new things at Gameshark this year. It sounds like they want more features and other "extra" type stuff, and less of the standard reviews. He mentioned something about all of us using our "industry contacts" to come up with some ideas. Uh, suddenly I feel even farther out of the loop than before. Some of the guys and gals on staff are true freelancers, and they can provide exactly what Bill is looking for. I just write filler for the crappy games! I'm wondering what kind of role I'll have in the future... Hmm...
If I can't contribute there anymore, I'll look back with no regrets. I've had a great ride. I'd like to still be a part of it, but we'll see if I fit in. If not, I'll just move on to something else.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Gift Wrapped
Ohio State absolutely gift-wrapped that game for LSU last night. Ridiculous penalties, untimely turnovers, and the lack of players "making plays" doomed Ohio State to its second straight loss. All of the talking heads will call this a blowout, and stroke themselves over the supposed SEC domination (see: Forde, Pat), but ultimately, Ohio State lost because they made too many dumb mistakes, which is uncharacteristic of a Tressel team. I've also yet to hear a talking head identify the true turning point in this game, when sure-handed Brian Robiskie dropped a touchdown pass that would've given OSU a 17-10 lead. LSU subsequently blocked the field goal, and momentum officially swung their way. If OSU stems the tide with that touchdown, they stay in the game, period.
Despite all of that, they still had their chances. My gut aches for Austin Spitler, who somehow missed the ball on that attempted punt block on 4th and 23, which resulted in LSU getting the ball back and scoring to just about put it out of reach. Had he made that block, or avoided contact, it's 24-10 early in the third, with OSU having a chance to gain the momentum back yet again.
As Coach Cooper used to say, "If 'if's' and 'but's' were candy and nuts, it'd be Christmas every day." The bottom line is that LSU won the game. I tip my cap to them. But this year was nothing like last year's debacle. Ohio State was in this game, and could've won it, if they just executed a little better at crucial times. I've said all year that OSU is a year away from being a great team, anyway. And, depending on who stays, we could very well see them in the title game next year, much to the chagrin of all of the talking heads out there. I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed for them at all, unlike last year. And, how could I complain, given that OSU has been to 3 championship games in the last 6 years? At least they're in the arena. Coach Tressel will figure out how to get them over the hump again.
Now, is it March yet?!
Despite all of that, they still had their chances. My gut aches for Austin Spitler, who somehow missed the ball on that attempted punt block on 4th and 23, which resulted in LSU getting the ball back and scoring to just about put it out of reach. Had he made that block, or avoided contact, it's 24-10 early in the third, with OSU having a chance to gain the momentum back yet again.
As Coach Cooper used to say, "If 'if's' and 'but's' were candy and nuts, it'd be Christmas every day." The bottom line is that LSU won the game. I tip my cap to them. But this year was nothing like last year's debacle. Ohio State was in this game, and could've won it, if they just executed a little better at crucial times. I've said all year that OSU is a year away from being a great team, anyway. And, depending on who stays, we could very well see them in the title game next year, much to the chagrin of all of the talking heads out there. I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed for them at all, unlike last year. And, how could I complain, given that OSU has been to 3 championship games in the last 6 years? At least they're in the arena. Coach Tressel will figure out how to get them over the hump again.
Now, is it March yet?!
Wii Are Family!
There's no doubt that the Nintendo Wii has been the big hit among the Christmas gifts. Everyone has played it, including my parents and my wife's parents, and universally they've all enjoyed it very much. What makes it so enticing is that the action on the screen truly feels like an extension of the movements you're performing with the remote, at least for most games that we've played. It's brilliant in its simplicity. It's the ultimate party game machine. And, it just feels family-friendly.
I've been gaming since I was about 7 years old, starting with the Atari 2600. Growing up, I played on the 2600, a Commodore 64, and a Tandy 1000, and I can count on one hand the number of times my mom played a video game with me. After playing Wii Sports with the kids, my mom is honestly thinking about buying one for her house, since she had so much fun with it (Dad did, too). After I told her how much it cost, she said "That's it? I was afraid it was going to be $400-$500!" No, mom, that's the other gaming machine…
Nintendo has out-foxed its competition, and struck a chord with just about everyone, based on the simplest of concepts: it's just darn fun!
I've been gaming since I was about 7 years old, starting with the Atari 2600. Growing up, I played on the 2600, a Commodore 64, and a Tandy 1000, and I can count on one hand the number of times my mom played a video game with me. After playing Wii Sports with the kids, my mom is honestly thinking about buying one for her house, since she had so much fun with it (Dad did, too). After I told her how much it cost, she said "That's it? I was afraid it was going to be $400-$500!" No, mom, that's the other gaming machine…
Nintendo has out-foxed its competition, and struck a chord with just about everyone, based on the simplest of concepts: it's just darn fun!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Holiday Gaming Marathon
Well, "marathon" by my standards, anyway…
Here are some incongruous thoughts on the games I've played during my sporadic time off over the Christmas/New Year's season. I still have a four day chunk of time left later this week, too, so I hope to add to this in the near future.
NCAA 2K8
I absolutely LOVE the player controls. There's so much you can do with the stick, triggers, and the "B" and "Y" buttons, some of it based on your skills, and some if it based on the player attributes. Plus, there's a tutorial and a gaming mode that has challenges specific to using these controls, so it's a fun way to learn to play the game. The ability to throw different kinds of passes really adds to the realism, as you can make the same kind of passes that you would on a real court, especially in transition.
The atmosphere is outstanding! Although the courts aren't 100% accurate for all 300+ teams, the venues seem realistic based on the schools involved. I also like the flow of the game, because at times, your team can just go bone dry on offense, while your opponent takes the momentum. It feels just like watching a real college basketball game, and most teams don’t have a player that can just take over, so you really need to work to stem the tide and get back in the game. I still have to work on some settings to get the stats and fouls where I want them, but I'm pretty close.
I'm a bit overwhelmed by the dynasty mode so far. Man, there are just tons of players to recruit. It seems deeper than NCAA 08, which means it will take some work for me to feel comfortable with it. I've spent most of my time just playing exhibition games, but once I get comfortable playing on and off the floor, I think this game has the potential to be among my all-time favorites.
NBA 2K8
The game looks great, and it's especially deep in the "Association" mode. You can schedule specific items for your team to work on during practice, and also try to improve player attributes by participating in skill-specific drills with a specific player. You have to reach a certain score to get the bonus. I don't know if the adjustments are permanent, and fortunately, you're very limited in how much you can do this, so you won't have a roster of "99's." The player roles are also a refreshing addition. You can basically set the playing time and role that each player plays. If you deviate, it could hurt team morale.
On the floor, I don't like the controls as much as I do in NCAA 2K8. You don't feel as "in control" with the isomotion moves. Plus, there's not tutorial detailing how to execute them, and there's nothing in the manual. I realize many are player-specific or attribute-specific, but I'd like to at least have some control over the animations I'm triggering. Previous versions of this game seemed to have much more information on player control, so I might have to look at some old FAQ's, or something. That said, the game play is very smooth, and seemingly realistic. I do like how the play diagrams show up on the court when you're on offense. It's much easier than memorizing plays, and it's really not intrusive at all. The animations are excellent, as are the arenas and crowds. It just feels like NBA basketball, which is a high compliment.
I'm playing using nine minute quarters, and I've adjusted most of the foul sliders upwards. I'm happy with the statistical results so far. I'm especially happy with the frequency of fouls called when you drive to the basket. I allow the AI to make substitutions for me, using the roles I've established, and I also let it call time outs. Nine minute quarters take a awhile to play out, especially with the increased fouls, so this speeds it up a bit for me.
I even got a bite when I put Larry Hughes and his anchor of a contract on the trading block. I was pleased that the offer was a player with a longer contract, slightly less in value, but with a similar rating. There apparently won't be any fleecing of my fellow AI GM's.
All-in-all, I'm impressed so far, and I haven't had this much fun with an NBA game since NBA Inside Drive 2004.
FIFA 08
The last few versions of FIFA have had an excellent Manager mode ("dynasty" mode), and this year's version seems to have the quality on the pitch to match. Honestly, playing on the field with FIFA 08 reminds me of how I felt the first time I played Winning Eleven. The graphics and animations are excellent, the pace of the match is spot-on, and I feel like I'm in control of the action. The ball doesn't feel chained to the players, and it seems like the canned animations are shorter in length, and far less invasive. Right now, I'm playing at the "Amateur" level, just so I can compete!
There are a few problems, though. I don't like my lethargic back line. It seems like I can't count on them to step up and stop the dribbler as regularly as they should, so I have to try to take control and switch too often to keep the offense out of my penalty area. Also, the set pieces aren't as user-friendly as they should be. It just seems to hard to figure out where to place the ball, and I can't see enough of the pitch to know where my guys are making their runs. Lastly, where are the fouls? There just aren't enough called over the course of a match for my liking. Routinely, I get less than five fouls a game, using ten minute halves. It should be double that, at least. Those complaints are relatively minor, though, compared to some of the problems that have haunted the FIFA series historically.
Off the pitch, FIFA continues to deliver, with the sponsorships, transfers, retirements, scouting, cumulative fatigue, team chemistry, pressure from the club owner, and so forth. It's by far one of the most "polished" dynasty modes in any series. With what I'm hearing about the next 360 version of WE, I may be skipping it, which would've been unthinkable just a year ago for me.
Call of Duty 4
This was an unexpected purchase for me. I stumbled across it for $38 at Best Buy, and since I'd heard so many favorable things about it, I picked it up. And I'm glad I did.
The first thing that struck me was how easy it was to control my soldier. I don't have to manage a squad (which I like), and only a couple of the buttons are context-sensitive. In a game based upon quick reflexes, it's nice to be able to play without thinking "which button does this now?" Plus, the first mission is basically a tutorial, and it does a great job of introducing you to the action.
That said, in a lot of ways, once you've played one quality military shooter, you've played them all. The only differentiation is truly the story and the environments. So far, COD4 has delivered! It is linear, like most shooters, and you basically have to stay with your squad to survive and advance, but the second mission was a white-knuckling action movie-esque thrill ride! I absolutely loved trying to get off of the listing ship before it sank, and jumping into the helicopter just as it was taking off! Yes, I got "left behind" a couple of times, but the checkpoint system didn't send me back very far at all.
My only complaint so far is that they've adopted Halo's healing system, where you can seemingly recover from bullet wounds just by resting behind some cover. I know that makes the game more playable, but I prefer the much more realistic death that games like Ghost Recon deliver.
And, I haven't even touched multiplayer, which is the mode that is getting all the raves in the forums I visit. Of course, I couldn't over the last few days, since Xbox Live has been spotty at best.
Elder Scrolls: Oblivion GOTY Edition
This is the anti-linear game. Everything about it is customizable. The character creation combinations are seemingly infinite, although those choices definitely have consequences. But, it's nice to be able to tackle the challenges with basically any type of character you'd like. And, it's nice to be able to play the game any way you'd like. You can follow the main quest, pick up side quests, or just wander around the incredibly expansive world doing whatever strikes your fancy.
Although I've just begun, there are literally hundreds of hours worth of things to do. I honestly could see myself starting the game several different times with different kinds of characters, and using a different approach, just to see what it's like. I really like how life seems to go on around you, no matter what you do, and that your actions or others' actions have an impact on that environment. It just seems much deeper and more realistic than coming upon the goblin who's doing his AI pacing routine. The NPC's and other AI beasties really seem to be living, not just follow a script.
The story is rich, and the environments are just gorgeous. This may be the most immersive game world I've ever been in. The best measure of a good game, in my opinion, is that the hours fly by when you play it. It feels like you've just started, yet three hours have passed on the clock. Oblivion is this kind of game.
I like it so much that I bought the 450-page strategy guide. I don't want to miss a thing, although I know I'll probably never ever come close to seeing all of it!
Fight Night Round 3
I'm a little late to the party on this title, but man, I've been having fun with it. The graphics are jaw-dropping. And, the boxing action is as good as I've played. It moves a little slowly for me, but I think that's to allow defense and counter-punching to play a big role in the fights, as opposed to just button-mashing. I love how parrying a punch kind of freezes your opponent for a second, allowing you to counter. With my aggressive style, I've been the victim of a few of those myself!
I also love how the fighters espouse a variety of different styles. I've seen maulers, counter-punchers, boxers, etc. in my brief career. My only complaints are that it's just a bit easy so far, and that the accuracy of the punches is about twice what it should be (although the number of punches thrown seems about right). The training games are fun, but I usually max out the results, making me significantly better than my opponents, unfortunately. I could skip them, but I like playing them! When I start a second career, I look to play it a little more "realistically," I think. I have 11 KO's in 12 fights. I did hit the canvas once myself, and I've been cut a few times (darn counter-punchers!).
Where this game lacks is the career mode. Why oh why am I fighting Oscar de la Hoya, Jermaine Taylor, and Bernard Hopkins in my first ten fights? Why don't they have their real records and realistic attributes? These guys should be at the top of the mountain, not on the way up! Plus, where are the rankings? What do I rank? Where do my opponents rank? I really want to climb the ladder, but you get no sense of that part of the boxing world in FN's career mode. That said, it's still a blast to play, but man, this game would be the dog's balls if it actually mimicked the real fighting game.
Dare I say that I hope Don King's boxing game will deliver? Knowing Don, probably not, so the quest for a great boxing game that puts it all together continues…
I also have Forza Motorsport 2 that I really haven't spent much time with, but I watched my son play it for a while, and it looks great. Hopefully, I'll get some time in the next few days to play it. Plus, I'm slogging my way through my NCAA Football dynasty, and I want to get a Madden franchise up and running, too. So much gaming to do, so little time! Isn't that always the story?
Happy New Year, and most of all, be safe tonight!!
Here are some incongruous thoughts on the games I've played during my sporadic time off over the Christmas/New Year's season. I still have a four day chunk of time left later this week, too, so I hope to add to this in the near future.
NCAA 2K8
I absolutely LOVE the player controls. There's so much you can do with the stick, triggers, and the "B" and "Y" buttons, some of it based on your skills, and some if it based on the player attributes. Plus, there's a tutorial and a gaming mode that has challenges specific to using these controls, so it's a fun way to learn to play the game. The ability to throw different kinds of passes really adds to the realism, as you can make the same kind of passes that you would on a real court, especially in transition.
The atmosphere is outstanding! Although the courts aren't 100% accurate for all 300+ teams, the venues seem realistic based on the schools involved. I also like the flow of the game, because at times, your team can just go bone dry on offense, while your opponent takes the momentum. It feels just like watching a real college basketball game, and most teams don’t have a player that can just take over, so you really need to work to stem the tide and get back in the game. I still have to work on some settings to get the stats and fouls where I want them, but I'm pretty close.
I'm a bit overwhelmed by the dynasty mode so far. Man, there are just tons of players to recruit. It seems deeper than NCAA 08, which means it will take some work for me to feel comfortable with it. I've spent most of my time just playing exhibition games, but once I get comfortable playing on and off the floor, I think this game has the potential to be among my all-time favorites.
NBA 2K8
The game looks great, and it's especially deep in the "Association" mode. You can schedule specific items for your team to work on during practice, and also try to improve player attributes by participating in skill-specific drills with a specific player. You have to reach a certain score to get the bonus. I don't know if the adjustments are permanent, and fortunately, you're very limited in how much you can do this, so you won't have a roster of "99's." The player roles are also a refreshing addition. You can basically set the playing time and role that each player plays. If you deviate, it could hurt team morale.
On the floor, I don't like the controls as much as I do in NCAA 2K8. You don't feel as "in control" with the isomotion moves. Plus, there's not tutorial detailing how to execute them, and there's nothing in the manual. I realize many are player-specific or attribute-specific, but I'd like to at least have some control over the animations I'm triggering. Previous versions of this game seemed to have much more information on player control, so I might have to look at some old FAQ's, or something. That said, the game play is very smooth, and seemingly realistic. I do like how the play diagrams show up on the court when you're on offense. It's much easier than memorizing plays, and it's really not intrusive at all. The animations are excellent, as are the arenas and crowds. It just feels like NBA basketball, which is a high compliment.
I'm playing using nine minute quarters, and I've adjusted most of the foul sliders upwards. I'm happy with the statistical results so far. I'm especially happy with the frequency of fouls called when you drive to the basket. I allow the AI to make substitutions for me, using the roles I've established, and I also let it call time outs. Nine minute quarters take a awhile to play out, especially with the increased fouls, so this speeds it up a bit for me.
I even got a bite when I put Larry Hughes and his anchor of a contract on the trading block. I was pleased that the offer was a player with a longer contract, slightly less in value, but with a similar rating. There apparently won't be any fleecing of my fellow AI GM's.
All-in-all, I'm impressed so far, and I haven't had this much fun with an NBA game since NBA Inside Drive 2004.
FIFA 08
The last few versions of FIFA have had an excellent Manager mode ("dynasty" mode), and this year's version seems to have the quality on the pitch to match. Honestly, playing on the field with FIFA 08 reminds me of how I felt the first time I played Winning Eleven. The graphics and animations are excellent, the pace of the match is spot-on, and I feel like I'm in control of the action. The ball doesn't feel chained to the players, and it seems like the canned animations are shorter in length, and far less invasive. Right now, I'm playing at the "Amateur" level, just so I can compete!
There are a few problems, though. I don't like my lethargic back line. It seems like I can't count on them to step up and stop the dribbler as regularly as they should, so I have to try to take control and switch too often to keep the offense out of my penalty area. Also, the set pieces aren't as user-friendly as they should be. It just seems to hard to figure out where to place the ball, and I can't see enough of the pitch to know where my guys are making their runs. Lastly, where are the fouls? There just aren't enough called over the course of a match for my liking. Routinely, I get less than five fouls a game, using ten minute halves. It should be double that, at least. Those complaints are relatively minor, though, compared to some of the problems that have haunted the FIFA series historically.
Off the pitch, FIFA continues to deliver, with the sponsorships, transfers, retirements, scouting, cumulative fatigue, team chemistry, pressure from the club owner, and so forth. It's by far one of the most "polished" dynasty modes in any series. With what I'm hearing about the next 360 version of WE, I may be skipping it, which would've been unthinkable just a year ago for me.
Call of Duty 4
This was an unexpected purchase for me. I stumbled across it for $38 at Best Buy, and since I'd heard so many favorable things about it, I picked it up. And I'm glad I did.
The first thing that struck me was how easy it was to control my soldier. I don't have to manage a squad (which I like), and only a couple of the buttons are context-sensitive. In a game based upon quick reflexes, it's nice to be able to play without thinking "which button does this now?" Plus, the first mission is basically a tutorial, and it does a great job of introducing you to the action.
That said, in a lot of ways, once you've played one quality military shooter, you've played them all. The only differentiation is truly the story and the environments. So far, COD4 has delivered! It is linear, like most shooters, and you basically have to stay with your squad to survive and advance, but the second mission was a white-knuckling action movie-esque thrill ride! I absolutely loved trying to get off of the listing ship before it sank, and jumping into the helicopter just as it was taking off! Yes, I got "left behind" a couple of times, but the checkpoint system didn't send me back very far at all.
My only complaint so far is that they've adopted Halo's healing system, where you can seemingly recover from bullet wounds just by resting behind some cover. I know that makes the game more playable, but I prefer the much more realistic death that games like Ghost Recon deliver.
And, I haven't even touched multiplayer, which is the mode that is getting all the raves in the forums I visit. Of course, I couldn't over the last few days, since Xbox Live has been spotty at best.
Elder Scrolls: Oblivion GOTY Edition
This is the anti-linear game. Everything about it is customizable. The character creation combinations are seemingly infinite, although those choices definitely have consequences. But, it's nice to be able to tackle the challenges with basically any type of character you'd like. And, it's nice to be able to play the game any way you'd like. You can follow the main quest, pick up side quests, or just wander around the incredibly expansive world doing whatever strikes your fancy.
Although I've just begun, there are literally hundreds of hours worth of things to do. I honestly could see myself starting the game several different times with different kinds of characters, and using a different approach, just to see what it's like. I really like how life seems to go on around you, no matter what you do, and that your actions or others' actions have an impact on that environment. It just seems much deeper and more realistic than coming upon the goblin who's doing his AI pacing routine. The NPC's and other AI beasties really seem to be living, not just follow a script.
The story is rich, and the environments are just gorgeous. This may be the most immersive game world I've ever been in. The best measure of a good game, in my opinion, is that the hours fly by when you play it. It feels like you've just started, yet three hours have passed on the clock. Oblivion is this kind of game.
I like it so much that I bought the 450-page strategy guide. I don't want to miss a thing, although I know I'll probably never ever come close to seeing all of it!
Fight Night Round 3
I'm a little late to the party on this title, but man, I've been having fun with it. The graphics are jaw-dropping. And, the boxing action is as good as I've played. It moves a little slowly for me, but I think that's to allow defense and counter-punching to play a big role in the fights, as opposed to just button-mashing. I love how parrying a punch kind of freezes your opponent for a second, allowing you to counter. With my aggressive style, I've been the victim of a few of those myself!
I also love how the fighters espouse a variety of different styles. I've seen maulers, counter-punchers, boxers, etc. in my brief career. My only complaints are that it's just a bit easy so far, and that the accuracy of the punches is about twice what it should be (although the number of punches thrown seems about right). The training games are fun, but I usually max out the results, making me significantly better than my opponents, unfortunately. I could skip them, but I like playing them! When I start a second career, I look to play it a little more "realistically," I think. I have 11 KO's in 12 fights. I did hit the canvas once myself, and I've been cut a few times (darn counter-punchers!).
Where this game lacks is the career mode. Why oh why am I fighting Oscar de la Hoya, Jermaine Taylor, and Bernard Hopkins in my first ten fights? Why don't they have their real records and realistic attributes? These guys should be at the top of the mountain, not on the way up! Plus, where are the rankings? What do I rank? Where do my opponents rank? I really want to climb the ladder, but you get no sense of that part of the boxing world in FN's career mode. That said, it's still a blast to play, but man, this game would be the dog's balls if it actually mimicked the real fighting game.
Dare I say that I hope Don King's boxing game will deliver? Knowing Don, probably not, so the quest for a great boxing game that puts it all together continues…
I also have Forza Motorsport 2 that I really haven't spent much time with, but I watched my son play it for a while, and it looks great. Hopefully, I'll get some time in the next few days to play it. Plus, I'm slogging my way through my NCAA Football dynasty, and I want to get a Madden franchise up and running, too. So much gaming to do, so little time! Isn't that always the story?
Happy New Year, and most of all, be safe tonight!!
Prozac, Poison and a Freudian Slip!
So, about this new gig o’ mine…it’s always interesting. Like a good book, it’s filled with characters – some believable, some not so much.
One person I work with very often is a little “high strung.” I believe the medical term is “bipolar.” He tends to go from one extreme to another. (Example: Monday: “Hey Kel, let’s make this really simple for them to understand.” Tuesday: “Hey Kel, let’s throw everything at them so they realize the complexities and feel a bit overwhelmed.”)
Hey, I have an idea! Let’s pretend this Kel person can keep up!
I get e-mails from him at 4 AM on Saturday; he has trouble focusing on many things but rather centers in on one and doesn’t let it go until it’s done (or dead). Finally, one very long day, when I was struggling to keep up I flat out said to him, “You know, if we are going to continue to work together successfully, one of us is going to need Prozac and, I think it’s you.” He laughed. We’re working on it.
One of the administrative assistants was making a fresh pot of coffee. She jokingly said she would make it strong because the person I was working with that day, (the one described throughout this missive) likes it that way. I looked at her and said, “He doesn’t need more caffeine. He needs Prozac!” We laughed. She knows how he is. They all know how he is.
INTENSE.
Yes – that’s the word I’m looking for.
A little too subservient for my liking, she actually BRINGS him a cup of coffee (suck up) and I’m sitting in his office as this occurs. She said, “I put some poison in there per Kel’s request.” I went into (Sybil) recovery mode. I very calmly said, “No. I did not ask for poison, I asked for Prozac. I believe that was a Freudian slip on your part.” She was embarrassed. He wasn’t sure what just happened. Everyone laughed. Thankfully… and uncomfortably.
And kudos to onelook.com - the best site to find a definition quickly and accurately. Here’s their description for a Freudian Slip (not that you need an explanation but she did!)
“A slip-up that (according to Sigmund Freud) results from the operation of unconscious wishes or conflicts and can reveal unconscious processes in normal healthy individuals.”
I’m not sure there’s any such thing as normal, but I can definitely hope for healthy and wish all of you a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Cool quote I found this week:
"Perhaps strength doesn't reside in having never been broken
but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places."
And Finally, in the wonderful words of Mr. Adam Duritz, and dedicated by me to my friend JMC:
“A Long December and there’s reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.”
One person I work with very often is a little “high strung.” I believe the medical term is “bipolar.” He tends to go from one extreme to another. (Example: Monday: “Hey Kel, let’s make this really simple for them to understand.” Tuesday: “Hey Kel, let’s throw everything at them so they realize the complexities and feel a bit overwhelmed.”)
Hey, I have an idea! Let’s pretend this Kel person can keep up!
I get e-mails from him at 4 AM on Saturday; he has trouble focusing on many things but rather centers in on one and doesn’t let it go until it’s done (or dead). Finally, one very long day, when I was struggling to keep up I flat out said to him, “You know, if we are going to continue to work together successfully, one of us is going to need Prozac and, I think it’s you.” He laughed. We’re working on it.
One of the administrative assistants was making a fresh pot of coffee. She jokingly said she would make it strong because the person I was working with that day, (the one described throughout this missive) likes it that way. I looked at her and said, “He doesn’t need more caffeine. He needs Prozac!” We laughed. She knows how he is. They all know how he is.
INTENSE.
Yes – that’s the word I’m looking for.
A little too subservient for my liking, she actually BRINGS him a cup of coffee (suck up) and I’m sitting in his office as this occurs. She said, “I put some poison in there per Kel’s request.” I went into (Sybil) recovery mode. I very calmly said, “No. I did not ask for poison, I asked for Prozac. I believe that was a Freudian slip on your part.” She was embarrassed. He wasn’t sure what just happened. Everyone laughed. Thankfully… and uncomfortably.
And kudos to onelook.com - the best site to find a definition quickly and accurately. Here’s their description for a Freudian Slip (not that you need an explanation but she did!)
“A slip-up that (according to Sigmund Freud) results from the operation of unconscious wishes or conflicts and can reveal unconscious processes in normal healthy individuals.”
I’m not sure there’s any such thing as normal, but I can definitely hope for healthy and wish all of you a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Cool quote I found this week:
"Perhaps strength doesn't reside in having never been broken
but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places."
And Finally, in the wonderful words of Mr. Adam Duritz, and dedicated by me to my friend JMC:
“A Long December and there’s reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.”
Friday, December 28, 2007
Root for the Home Team
What happened to the concept of rooting for the "home team?" According to my DNA, you don't choose which sports teams you support, you're born into it. I've never understood why Ohio-born-and-bred folks root for Michigan, or Pittsburgh, or whatever flavor of the month. To me, it's akin to rooting for another country in the Olympics! How come you never see these maze-and-blue attired traitors wearing a basketball shirt from the Chinese Olympic basketball team?
Why, on one level, do these people totally commit to the idea of supporting our American athletes in an international competition, yet can't support their state or local sports teams in their respective competitions? I guess I just don't understand people… Like the guy at work sporting the New England Patriots t-shirt today. This is probably the same guy who had a Colts t-shirt on last year, all for the sole purpose of pretending that "his team" won, like that's of any value. Thankfully, I don't validate myself based upon the success of certain sports teams.
It's also in my DNA that this bugs me, for some reason. Rant over.
Why, on one level, do these people totally commit to the idea of supporting our American athletes in an international competition, yet can't support their state or local sports teams in their respective competitions? I guess I just don't understand people… Like the guy at work sporting the New England Patriots t-shirt today. This is probably the same guy who had a Colts t-shirt on last year, all for the sole purpose of pretending that "his team" won, like that's of any value. Thankfully, I don't validate myself based upon the success of certain sports teams.
It's also in my DNA that this bugs me, for some reason. Rant over.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
As a Christian, I just want to say how thankful I am for our many blessings. We have a good home, great kids, good jobs, and everything we could ever need. Most of all, we're thankful that God sent his only son to die for our sins, so that we could have eternal life in heaven. That is the reason for the season.
The big ticket item this year was a Wii for the kids. We also got them Mario Party 8, Paper Mario, Wii Play, Zack and Wiki, and Spy Games Elevator Missions. They spent most of the day taking turns, or playing together, while occasionally playing with their other toys. I must say, it's a cute piece of hardware, and it offers tons of entertainment. We'll have some family Wii Sports fun tomorrow...
I got NBA 2K8 for the 360, so I can try to get my virtual Cavs to have better success than their real-life counterparts, although the Cavs did look decent today. I played it, along with Fight Nights Round 3, earlier today, and I plan on playing some more Oblivion tonight. Oblivion's one of those games where the time just flies by when you play - which means it's a great game. There's no single better measure of greatness for a game, in my opinion. When you look up and realize it's been much longer than it seems it has, you know you have a quality diversion...
I wish you and yours the best of holiday seasons!
The big ticket item this year was a Wii for the kids. We also got them Mario Party 8, Paper Mario, Wii Play, Zack and Wiki, and Spy Games Elevator Missions. They spent most of the day taking turns, or playing together, while occasionally playing with their other toys. I must say, it's a cute piece of hardware, and it offers tons of entertainment. We'll have some family Wii Sports fun tomorrow...
I got NBA 2K8 for the 360, so I can try to get my virtual Cavs to have better success than their real-life counterparts, although the Cavs did look decent today. I played it, along with Fight Nights Round 3, earlier today, and I plan on playing some more Oblivion tonight. Oblivion's one of those games where the time just flies by when you play - which means it's a great game. There's no single better measure of greatness for a game, in my opinion. When you look up and realize it's been much longer than it seems it has, you know you have a quality diversion...
I wish you and yours the best of holiday seasons!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Restoring My Faith in Pro Sports
I still have faith in pro sports… I have faith that there are players of integrity and character, that hold the same feelings about the purity of competition that I do. Thinking that they're the "silent majority" helps me stomach the stories, allegations, and scandals that regularly populate the newswires.
Click here to read an incredibly well-written article by former major-leaguer Doug Glanville. My hope is that there are many more like him, and less like Bonds, Clemens, Canseco, and all the rest.
Plus, Glanville is a reputed Strat-o-Matic player. He's a gamer in the truest sense of the word.
Click here to read an incredibly well-written article by former major-leaguer Doug Glanville. My hope is that there are many more like him, and less like Bonds, Clemens, Canseco, and all the rest.
Plus, Glanville is a reputed Strat-o-Matic player. He's a gamer in the truest sense of the word.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Diamond Mind Online Review is up
Click here for the details...
I'll be penning my Godzilla Unleashed review for the PS2 over the next couple of days. Here's the short of it: save your money. It's not as bad as the DS review, but this game is ugly, with a very short story mode, and it requires too many points to unlock the good stuff.
I spent an hour or so tonight with College Hoops 2K8 on the 360 today. It looks gorgeous, and the players moved very fluidly. I spent most of my time in the tutorials and the All America Challenge. One thing I didn't like is that you almost have to stop before you can execute a spin move or a behind-the-back dribble. In "real life," it happens much more on the move. Also, for some reason, I couldn't change the camera angle in the AA Challenge. It worked once, but then wouldn't change from the default from that point forward. Oh well, it wouldn't be a 2K sports game if it wasn't quirky. That said, it looks really promising, and I'm eager to dive in to it.
I'll be penning my Godzilla Unleashed review for the PS2 over the next couple of days. Here's the short of it: save your money. It's not as bad as the DS review, but this game is ugly, with a very short story mode, and it requires too many points to unlock the good stuff.
I spent an hour or so tonight with College Hoops 2K8 on the 360 today. It looks gorgeous, and the players moved very fluidly. I spent most of my time in the tutorials and the All America Challenge. One thing I didn't like is that you almost have to stop before you can execute a spin move or a behind-the-back dribble. In "real life," it happens much more on the move. Also, for some reason, I couldn't change the camera angle in the AA Challenge. It worked once, but then wouldn't change from the default from that point forward. Oh well, it wouldn't be a 2K sports game if it wasn't quirky. That said, it looks really promising, and I'm eager to dive in to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)