JVC's Journal

Sopranos Can Suck My ...

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 02:55:27 GMT

I hate The Sopranos.

I decided to watch the final episode of this "iconic" HBO series, having been brainswashed into the medial hype that said something exciting would happen this time.

I've been waiting for the promise of something exciting to happen on this show since I started following it. I watched the first season in a marathon DVD viewing (twice, actually), but literally nothing has happened on the show since then. I've been drawn into watching the show a few times on HBO, but every time I've given the show a chance, I've been bored to tears.

I'm supposed to believe that these characters are "complex," but they're not. Tony Soprano is just an evil man. In Season 1, there was some conflict between his "families," but the truth is, he's just an evil, psychotic killer. His wife is just a gold-digging bitch. The kids are spoiled. The only complex character is Paulie, who I believe wants to have gay sexual love with Tony (I mean... come on).

And at the end of the show... nothing happened. No just for Soprano, who deserved to either die or go to jail. Instead, we are just supposed to be satisifed that life goes on for the Sopranos.

I justed wanted every one of them shot in the face so I wouldn't have to worry about a Sopranos reunion.

Anyway, good riddance to a horrible show. Hopefully, this means more money for Big Love and Entourage.

The Best Thing EVAR~!

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 19:16:27 GMT

The best thing ever is, without a doubt, this new iTunes extension I recenlty downloaded, GimmeSomeTunes, which does a lot of cool things (fetch missing cover art work, for instance). What I love love LOVE it for, however, is it's ability to find and display the song lyrics of the song that's playing. It works about 90% of the time (it won't find, for instance, lyrics of songs that are part of a live recording of a concert... if you're like me, you have a lot of live DMB). But most of the time, it works very well. If you are wondering what the Decemberists are singing in The Mariner's Revenge Song, this is the program to have.

I believe it's MAC-ONLY, which means if you're using a PC it won't help you. But if you're using a PC, I probably don't WANT to help you, ha-ha.

Are You Smarter than the Producers on Fox?

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:53:01 GMT

I am watching the horribly stupid "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader." The question was, "How many adjectives are in the following sentence: 'After playing in the hot sun, I drank two glasses of cold water."

The correct answer on the show was three.

The correct answer is four: the, hot, two, and cold.

Fox is stupid, this show is insipid, and whatever idiot factory these "contestants" came from needs to be set on fire with everyone locked inside.

I Changed My Mind...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:06:07 GMT

Gilmore Girls had the best episode of the season thus far. Lorelai and Emily getting drunk together was awesome. Richard eschewing Friday Night Dinner for a 20 year old golf match, Kirk screaming and Ms. Patty and Babet over whether or not an ostrich and a rooster could mate, and Luke's crazy inlaws moving... it was all pretty awesome.

So, I say... 1) Gilmores wins the week with a strong ep, then 2) Heroes, then 3) 24.

By the way, My Name is Earl is pretty good, and 30 Rock may be working its way up the list.

That was a Pretty Great Episode of Gilmore Girls....

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 02:05:33 GMT

You know, I think that might have been one of my favorite episodes ever. It's still third on my great TV list for the week. I'm taking in Veronica Mars... well, because it's there.

TV Week

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:33:59 GMT

With no House, and there is no way for Gilores to win the week (unless it ends with Lorelia and Luke in bed together... FINALLY), I'm going to recap TV early.

For starters, 24... oh man, I don't know what I love better. Phillip, the grandfather that threatens to kill his own grandson, or the continued tearing down of Morris' character. I thought Milo was a goner, but man was he awesome. And Jack goes from saving the girl to grabbing her by the throat to find out whtat she knows. Great stuff, as they delivered the love at a consistent level. Count me on board as thosewho beleive Josh is Jack's love child.

But Heroes.. OH MY GOD, while 24 gave me the steady love, Heroes gave us some great moments. Skylar's still swiping powers, but now he's having more trouble dealing with them. Hrio sending Ando away (with the awesome stunt-casting of Stan Lee) and him getting his power back was also great. But, Peter's girlfriend get's shot by the painter was amazing, and the cheerleader's home being taken over by three renegade Heroes... oh man! I just need to thank God and Jesus and the Japanese for inventing DVR so I don't have to miss one of these awesome shows. I will never forgive myself for skipping the first half of the season, but you can't blame me for not thinking NBC would have faith in the show.

Heroes wins this week, followed by 24 closely. Maybe I'll give Gilmores some love later. I'm sure I'll like it, but there's no way it can compare to 24 and Heroes.

Thank god for TV.

Weekly TV Wrap-Up

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:09:30 GMT

* 24 -- Well, usually the 2 hour shows totally kick ass. This was OK, not exceptional. Morris holds out until the drill to the shoulder, followed by the girl getting shot in the face. At first, I really couldn't blame him, but Jack was already working on flushing him out (and Morris should have KNOWN, since the terrorist said as much), so Morris really should have held out. His being a mopey bitch for the rest of the next hour didn't help, although Chloe slapping him around was pretty awesome. Jack's dad is bad-ass, kidnapping his own grandson to manipulate his mom, and I'd start lighting prayer candles for Milo if you're a Milo fan.

* Heroes -- The previews suggested Skylar was going to turn good, but instead he killed a Gilmores alum and stole his power, then convinced the Indian doctor (I'm still learning names) he could help him track other Heroes down. Speaking of Gilmores alums, where was Jess? And the highly-touted first ever battle between the Heroes, and the death of Linderman's old assistant... well, they're trying to be 24, suggesting they're killing major characters, but they're not. And I don't think an NBC-bred show is brave enough to do that. Although Nikki/Jessica going after Nathan Petrelli should be awesome. And the cop swiping the diamonds... good for him.

* Gilmore Girls -- I gotta say, this was a disappointment. I was all ready for Lorelai to dump Christopher wth a cinderblock to the groin, but instead she's all "I want you to want to love you," when she should be "get the fuck out and take your lousy TV with you." The dog funeral was fun, but there wasn't enough Luke for my tastes. Oh well, at least Christopher gone's... yea for that, I guess.

* House -- Another interesting case, a girl who feels no pain. I'm starting to think House really does like Cuddy. They *SHOULD* get vertical, it would be good for both of them. Speaking of vertical, Cameron wanting to throw down with Chase is an interesting twist (especially since the real-life actor and actress are engaged). House's ulterior motive to wanting to treat the girl, and Wilson's subsequent exposing of that motive, made for a nice twist there. Defintiely my favorite show of the week. And what was finally making the girl sick? A 25 foot tapeworm!!!! Ick. Remind me to overcook my pork from now on.

I skipped Dirt, although the dude throwing up works was due to SUSHI???? Damn.

So: House, 24, Heroes, Gilmores.

Back to the snow, or the unit plan.

TV Wrap-up

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:40:28 GMT

Here's my *Top 5* TV Wrap-up.

If you TiVo'd these shows and havent' watched them yet, look away. LOOK AWAY!!!!

Heroes -- Heroes was awesome. I thought the cheerleader's fake father was going to turn out to be her real father. But instead it's a Petrelli brother, and that explains a lot. I really need to pay more attention during the show... I was constantly missing what was going on with the Japanese guys when they were speaking in Japaese, since I wasn't reading the subtitles.

24 -- The biggest problem with 24 is Jack hardly ever gets to kill the bad guys. Jack should have totally shot his brother in the face (Departed style), but he took the high road and daddy off'd him to keep the family/company secrets. This is a great storyline they've hit on, though, as who would be better to challenge Jack than his crafty father? The President smacking down the dude from Numbers/Ally McBeal was expected, and I'm sure David Palmer was smiling down on him. I totally called Morris getting snagged, too. And I'm ready to start lighting prayer candles for Chloe; as the character (besides Jack) with the longest tenure, it's not looking good for her.

Gilmore Girls -- Fabulous show for 56 minutes, but when Christopher showed up in the end... total buzzkill. It's surely over for Loreli and Chirstopher, and thank GOD for that. I'm really hoping Loreli tears into Christopher next week for being such a jerk. To wit, those parents have treated Christopher like their own son his entire life, and he wasn't there; but Luke, who they've always treated like crap, WAS. While teasers reveal the big Loreli/Chirstopher break-up, they also hinted at marriage for Rory and Logan.

House -- House went back to being the biggest jerk in the hospital, debating that it's easier for someone in a wheelchair to get around than someone with a cane. House: "Have you ever hit black ice with a cane?" Doctor: "No, maybe on account of the fact I can't WALK?" Priceless stuff. The case wasn't that exciting, but who cares? House being House is good enough for me.

Dirt -- Dirt's not in my top five, The Shield is. But since The Shield isn't on, and Dirt is, and Dirt is pretty awesome, so let's talk about that. Courtney Cox is the most amazing actress on the show, tearing up the screen. I don't what the deal is with that due vomiting up worms, but that should be something. I thought he had the HIV, but that ain't it, espeically if he just boned Courtney in the back of the limo. The cheerleared deal was hilarious, with the boyfriend "only putting it in her butt," and the "shock" of who the real killer is at the end. I thought they were going to drop the story, but the previews suggest there is more to come this week. I'm totally enamored with this show right now.

It's 2007....

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:44:03 GMT

and the last two guys in this year's Royal Rumber are Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.

That was the hottest feud in 1997.

1997 was 10 years ago.

Vince has serious problems.

A Paradox

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:34:38 GMT

How can Courtney Cox be in something as good as Dirt, while her husband is in something as shitty as In Case of Emergency?

My Favorite Part of 24 (non-spoiler)

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 03:42:10 GMT

My favorite part of 24 is how everyone is working on Macs.

Next year, they'll all have Apple iPhones. How cool will that be?

countdown to the iphone

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:02:44 GMT

http://www.iphonecountdown.com/

It's too long to wait!

I'm Not Doing TNA Anymore

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:01:42 GMT

It's not worth my time. Maybe if they fire Russo, I'll start reviewing it again at the end of the semester (after May). But right now it's just me complaining about what a lousy show it is.

The WWE isn't much better. Although, I did hit Wal-Mart for a couple of there $8.88 specials... Unforgiven '05, No Way Out '06, Backlash '06 and the Road Warriors DVD. There was enough on each disk to keep my interest and make it worth the $9. But I can't eve see myself thinking about buying WrestleMania this year.

How Much Has Your Life Chaged in Four Years?

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:40:29 GMT

On Saturday, I was walking around the mall, observing and trying to keep my mind off other stuff, when I saw someone I hadn't seen in forever. He was a good friend of mine, him and his family were always very good to me to the point where I almost felt like a part of there family.

And through him, I've managed to hook up with (well, almost, we're playing phone tag) with another friend of mine who was another really great friend of mine. We took this awesome road trip together to visit his sister in Columbus, OH (an 8-hour drive from where I live). He was so much fun to hang out with, and always a good friend and always willing to help out (he helped me move... TWICE).

And it just makes me think about how much four years have made a huge difference for me. Four years ago, it was all about a thankless job and getting drunk after work every night. I kind of thought I wanted to go back to school and be a teacher, but I had no idea how I was going to do it, and at that point I didn't even have the confidence to think I could really do it. I mean, I dropped out of college for a reason the first time, right?

I thought I was on the treadmill, and eventually I wake up one of those people who spent 25 years in a job he hated, with nothing to look forward to be 25 more years to go.

I'm so lucky that I managed to break away. There are a lot of things I wish I had sometimes (girlfriend, my own family, my own house... hell, just a place to hang my dartboard would be nice!). But, I think a lot of those things would come at the sacrifice of all this, which is much more important.

Anyway, I'm hoping to get together with him.

Another thing that struck me again tonight: I have been working day shift this week. For the better part of the last eight years, I have worked second and third shifts. I've never experienced, really, the whole "work during the day, sleep at night" routine. It's so... weird. When you aren't used to it, I mean. It's not like I'm minding it. And I guess I'd better get used to it, since teachers don't usually work third shift.

Hopefully, by May, I'll have the next forty years to get used to it.

Coundown to the iPhone

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:13:02 GMT

Oh yes, finally my man, my hero Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone. You can check it out at http://www.apple.com/iphone/, and if you aren't totally psyched for it, you are a probably a Bill Gates fanboy. Admittedly, I am a Steve Jobs fanboy, but the plus side of that is the software and hardware they engineer is, in fact, at least five years ahead of anything else on the market (OK, I'm exagerating a little bit).

Anyway, I'm a little less enthused about the iTV thing, although I do have a lot of iTunes video at this point (season 5 of 24, and I'm thinking about season passing Hereos, so something like that would be useful.

In Other Stuff

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 03:03:56 GMT

So, today I worked dayshift, which was an interesting twist for me, since I usually work nights. It's a nice change. The last time I worked dayshift for a week was December, 2003.

I guess I should get used to it, since next year I will be teaching during the day and all. Sleeping and night and working during the day, and having my evenings free is an interesting twist.

Quad Injuries are Never Funny

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:55:37 GMT

Unless they happen to HHH, that is.

Then, they're hilarious. Now, they might have to actually elevate somebody. Who knows who it will be, although I hope it's not The Great Kalhi, who's been sent to the Raw roster and fights John Cena tonight.

Personally, I would have the Undertaker win the Rumble and move to Raw to face (and lose to) Cena (or Edge?), while on Smackdown I'd have Benoit turn heel and beat Batista for the title.

iMPACT 01.14.2007

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:15:18 GMT

My email is jvc113@gmail.com. My AOL IM is jvc918. Feel free to drop me a line, although I've got to say I have been ignoring some chat requests.

I GET LETTERS. Answering Todd's question (for everyone) on Vince Russo. I don't think he's the "epitome of evil," but I do think he marginalizes the tag division and X-Division, TNA's strengths over the WWE, and the stuff I'd prefer to be watching when I tune in on Thursdays (or early Fridays, or late night Saturday's). The X-Division has been marginalized and the tag division is non-existent. That's why I complain so vehemently about his booking.

Here's some random TV thoughts... I love The Knights of Prosperity, but In Case of Emergency should probably already be cancelled. Also, I can't believe I just started watching a show as funny as Scrubs this week.

Recap of the Samoa Joe/Kurt Angle angle from last week.

Samoa Joe confronts Jim Cornette, and it's pretty much the same scene as last week. Cornette asks Joe to leave, but he won't do that. So why doesn't Jim just have him thrown out of the building?

iMPACT! opening. Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Don West. Tonight! Angle v. Christian Cage. And a Mexican Street fight between Spike Dudley and Homicide! And, maybe we'll talk to Samoa Joe, who's on his way out of the building, even though he said he wouldn't leave.

Match 1:
Robert Roode (w/out Ms. Brooks) v. Rhino

What's the point of having a manager who's never at ringside for your matches? Rhino drops to the floor after Rhino's power frustrates him early. Back in the ring, Roode's first offensive move of the match is reversing a whip into the corner, then some chops. Roode does the old Mr. Perfect snapmare-rolling necksnap combo. Rhino comes back, reversing a Irish-whip into a spinebuster. Just when it looks like it's Gore Gore GORE! time, Ms Brooks runs in to get his attention, but she's ineffective again, and Rhino rolls up Roode for the three (Rhino PIN Roode, 2:57, 1/2*).

Post-match, AJ Styles runs in to attack Rhino, and Roode lends a hand. Styles gives Rhino the Styles Clash. The crowd in the Impact Zone tonight is apparently some sore of ventriloquist troop, because while I hear all these fans booing, all I see are a bunch of fans that look like they're just sitting quietly.

So, Jeremy Borash is standing in front of someone's door (Samoa Joe's or Kurt Angle's or Jim Cornette's), and Eric Young interrupts, because Ms. Brooks wants to sleep with him, and he's a virgin. Ms. Brooks finds Young, to ask him if he bought the condoms yet, and he hasn't, so he asks Borash for a couple of bucks. That's seriously what happened. Well, that's what was implied anyway. I guess it could have been a ball gag or a dildo he was supposed to buy.

-- break --

Jeremy Borash interviews Samoa Joe, who is still here. He's not leaving anytime soon. That's the upshot.

Oh god... so VKM are back. You know, Jim Ross put it best on his blog recently, when he simply asked why are they doing this, because there's no payoff forthcoming. They are building weeks and weeks for a match that is NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN, so what's the point? And that's an excellent question. For some reason, Kim and BJ are in rainbow ponchos and somboreros. Again, the fans are chanting TNA even though I see no one's lips moving. Calling HHH and Shawn Michaels by their real names is so edgy. The gist of this, Kip and BJ will be at the Alamo this Wednesday, and they want Shawn Michaels to show up.

PCS. This week, it's Musical Chairs. I've lost patience with all this, and it should end with all five X-Division guys turning on Nash and beating the shit of him. I'm sure that's not happening, but I can dream.

-- break --

Another idiotic sit-down interview. WHERE IS THE WRESTLING? This time, it's Jeremy Borash sitting down with Gail Kim. James Storm interrupts. See MORE BAD ACTING. Apparently, Storm is Randy Savage, Chris Harris is Hulk Hogan, Kim is Ms. Elizabeth, and it's 1989. If all those things sucked in 1989, that is, and the story was told through a series of pointless sit-down interviews.

Match 2 (Mexican Street Fight, and we're not even in Mexico):
Homicide v. Brother Runt

Runt attacks before the bell. Steel chairs and a ladder are involved early. Runt hits his Acid Drop at 1:50 or so. Hernandez and Konnan run in. Konnan distracts the ref (why, it's a street fight?) and Hernandez border-tosses Runt into a ladder. So, Runt's done (Homicide PIN Runt, 2:15, DUD). You know why DUD? Because they did all these crazy suicidal bumps for a two minute match that means nothing, and that's the kind of stupid shit that they just don't need to be doing. Brother Runt shouldn't be taking a border toss into a ladder in a meaningless match. He was also bleeding from a huge gash in the back of his head from one of the chairshots.

Post-match, the Team 3DDD runs in to save Dudley from a Gringo Killer.

Pretty nicely done promo for the Chirs Sabin/Christopher Danels/Jerry Lynn match for Final Resolution. The only positive on the whole show.

-- break --

Another stupid skit. This one has James Mitchell taking Abyss to the prison. If I wasn't sitting through this show to review it, I would have stopped watching by now. The upshot here is Mitchell again threatening to reveal the big secret, which of course he does not. Count me among those who think Russo hasn't figured out what the secret is. Mike Tenay puts the Abyss video over as shocking.

Match 3:
Christian Cage (w/ Tomko) v. Kurt Angle

Before the match gets underway, Cornette bans Tomko from the Final Resolution triangle match. I also think at some point it was supposed to be explicitly stated that the triangle match would be a proper elimination match, but it wasn't. And as Angle makes his entrance, Samoa Joe very casually attacks him from behind. This whole angle has more wholes in it than a hunk of Swiss cheese. If they didn't want Joe near Angle, why wasn't security all over Joe in the back?

So they brawl around ringside, which is a totally effective use of the two best wrestlers on the planet. Cage and Tomko watch from the ring. Joe's just killing him, throwing him into the crowd. Security floods the crowd to try and separate them, and we go to a break.

-- break --

Back from break, Jim Cornette tells security to let them fight. They brawl to the outside of the arena. They fight with some random chairs, and Joe throws Angle into a wall a couple of times. Samoa Joe rams Angle's head into a door, but Angle comes back with an ankle lock on the floor. Joe counters and rams the back of Angle's head into a steel door a bunch of times. Angle comes back with some shots with a sheet of either plywood or metal. Joe irish-whips Angle out a door. Now, Joe and Angle are literally outside the arena, throwing Angle into some wooden pallets. They brawl over to the production truck, where Angle starts to get an advantage by ramming Joe's head into a table, but even that hardly slows Joe down, and he slams Angle through a table. I'm getting the impression that's enough to finish Angle.

-- break --

Back from the break, Angle is in the ring, and Joe runs in again. After being told to let it go before, security is again trying to break up the brawl. Cornette makes the main event between Joe and Angle at the pay-per-view a 30 minute iron match, which again makes perfect sense since they spent the last fifteen minutes setting up a Falls Count Anywhere match.

They finally get rid of Joe, and Cage attacks Angle from behind to start his match. Tomko cuts off Angle's comeback (after about like 10 seconds of offense by Cage), and Sting drops down from the rafters to chase the heels off.

Comments:
This show wasn't afraid to suck. Talking about it makes my head hurt, and I'm pretty tired, so I just say the whole show was terrible and question the direction of the entire promotion.

Three Journal Posts in ONE DAY??? Shocking

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:11:42 GMT

But this last link is too awesome to resist.

Putting Linux on a Zune.

I mean, I don't know if I would spend $249 just to put Linux on the Zune myself, but it is a pretty fantastic idea. Kind of like Linux on the Xbox.

I've been kinda sorta wondering if you can put Linux on a Macbook. I mean, they have that bootcamp software that allows you to put Windows on your Macbook. But why would you want to, right?

But anyway, can you put Linux on a Macbook? Maybe I should google that.

Now I Can't Sleep

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:55:14 GMT

If it's been bugging anyone else, that kid you can't identify in Justin Timberlake's new movie (Alpha Dog... it's the one about the kidnapping and the gangs and Justin's all thugged out with mad tatoos) is the kid from The Girl Next Door.

I just heard a half-dozen people go, "Oh, yeaaaah."

For the rest: go here.

Oh, this probably means TNA iMPACT will be late. Sorry.

F*** EA Sports

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:48:51 GMT

I hate EA Sports.

I have a Playstation 2 for pretty much two reasons: two watch DVDs and to play video game FOOTBALL~! I started out as video game wrestling in 2000, and I LOVED IT! Smackdown! Smackdown 2! And some other stuff... then I got into Onimusha with the PS2, and Smackdown some more and NBA LIVE~! and then, finally, in 2002 I was christened into the Madden faithful and I loved it.

Then, in 2003, I bought the next Madden, and it kinda sucked.

Then, in 2004, ESPN Sports lanuched pretty much my favorite game of all time, ESPN Football 2005. And it ROCKED. AND, it was on $20. It had T.O. on the cover, which as an Eagles fan in 2004 I thought was kind of cool, but now I think sucks. Anyway, the point is, the gameplay was easy to pick up, the rosters were easy to update, it was only $20 and delivered by far my best video game experience. At this point, I was totally converted away from Madden and would faithfully forever play ESPN.

Then, sometime in 2005, it was announced that EA Sports signed the NFL to an EXCLUSIVE contract, and it would be the only producer of NFL official video games. This meant that any other football game created for a PC or video game console would not have the NFL teams, logos or rosters in them.

So, I bought 2006 pretty much when it came out, and it was OK. Not earth-shatteringly great. Just OK. Actually, it's too involved. It takes forever to figure out how get out of the pre-season, and they create about 200 different little side games (practice modes, pre-season, player "development drills") that AREN'T about playing football and therefore AREN'T fun.

I mean, I want to PLAY FOOTBALL. I don't want to practice. I want to play. If I want to try a flea-flicker, I'll just try it in a game. If I want my QB to get better, I'll just go in and edit the settings. I bet 90% of the people who buy these games are just buying them to play as their home team, take them to a ridiculous 14-2 record, and win them a superbowl.

I get they want the game to be realistic. If my QB gets injured in Game 4, then he's injured and I deal with that. But good god, it's getting to the point in these games where they're going to have me take a player into rehab, and go through a video-game version of physiotherapy with him while he's on the injured list for four weeks.

Oh, the point of this rant. So, I got Madden 2007 for Chirstmas. I put it in and check my roster for MY BELOVED PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, and of course, no Donte Stallworth, but also no Corell Buckhalter. So, my plan, which I decided to execute today since this was the first day I had any free time, is to go online, and download the rosters as they were on opening day. Since they have a fancy online component, and I have a fancy ethernet adapter on my PS2 and all.

So, after spending 20 minutes creating a new account, I get to the new rosters and it AUTOMATICALLY starts downloading a new roster, updated 12/11/06, which has some fun things, like every injured player on IR. Which is fine for playing online, excpet I have no intention of going online. I want an updated roster, and I want to play BY MYSELF. I have no desire to play this game online (the only game I desire to play online is chess, and I desire to do that so much the last time I did it, Hillary Clinton was president (that joke will be a lot funnier in 2 years and 17 days when I can add "for the first time.").

ANYWAY, I stop it from downloading (or so I think), then find an online area WITH a roster created on 9/15/06, which is pretty much opening day (more or less, maybe off a week), and I go to download THAT, and it says I downloaded that, and when I go back into Madden, and look at my rosters, and Donovan McNabb is on IR. I restart the game, he's still on IR. I go back in, and I find that the only way the game will let me BE online is if I have THEIR *MOST UP TO DATE* ROSTER loaded.

I try to turn off some settings in the game, none of which give me the control over what I want to do. I guess I could just edit the rosters manually, but at this point it's after 12, I started this at 11, and I realize I've spent an hour dicking around with the PS2 and in that time, I've played NOT ONE GAME.

So I sent a bitch letter to EA Sports telling them to delete my account, and I guess I'm stuck with this crappy game. That's why I hate video games. I mean, sometimes I can't get it to quite do what I want to do, and deal with it. But this, I'm stuck with playing a severly outdated roster, or playing with a roster that is unrealistic for what I want to do (and that is, start with my Philadelphia Eagles 53 man roster as it was on opening day, and play through their schedule).

I think, in the end, they take their game and try to make it so "real life" that it becomes totally overcompliated and alienates the casual fan. That's what ESPN Football 2005 had; it was easy to pick-up, and I could mostly anything I wanted. It even had END ZONE DANCES (which the No Fun League probably refuses EA to allow).

Contrast this to the most fun I've had playing video games in about a year, DONKEY KONGA on my friends Gamecube. It was so simple, easy to play, and a lot of fun. We were playing in five minutes and we played for like an hour.

I think someone needs to create a football game that has a nice balance of realism (updated rosters) and ease of play. When that balance is struck, maybe I'll be able to use my PS2 for more than just a DVD player.

Or, maybe it's time for a Wii.

Third Shift

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 03:30:28 GMT

So I'm working 3rd shift for the next couple of weeks (and for the last couple of weeks) and it really messes with my schedule. I like to think I'm a grizzled veteran of third shift work (I've been doing it off and on for the last 10 or so years). But it still can totally screw me up. Like this week. Since we had Monday off, my work week didn't start until Tuesday night, so it feels like all of a sudden the week is almost over. That totally sucks.

It also just kind of wastes the whole week. Now, I only have one week before school starts again. My last semester. Ever!

Well, until grad school, anyway.

Anyway, time for work. iMPACT tomorrow, hopefully.

Huge News

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 22:50:12 GMT

I made Dean's list this semester.

That is the first time that has happened, ever.

Final grade tally:
Teaching of Math -- A.
Issues in Sec. Ed -- A.
Real Analysis -- B.
History of Math -- A.

In other, more minor accomplishments, I came in 1st and 3rd place in the fantasy football leagues I'm in.

And the Eagles won the NFC East.

So why am I kinda bummed? Oh, right...

I'm celebrating tonight with either a 24 marathon or by playing Madden.

TNA iMPACT! 12.28.2006

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:11:47 GMT

My email is jvc113@gmail.com. My AIM account is jvc918. I'm online a lot. Feel free to hit me up with a chat or wrestling questions.

Laryngitis update: I can talk (yay!) but my throat still hurts (boo!). But, otherwise, I'm fine, and back in action, and updating nearly on time for a change. Hopefully Scott gets his moving done. I don't envy him at all. I hate moving. I can't imagine it's any fun moving in the middle of December in Canada.

Also, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Santa was good to them.

I will try and be more positive this week. I will try and be more positive this week. I was reading some old Herb Kunze updates on rspw.org at work (I like to kill time). Anyway, he had a rep for being very negative about the North American product, but all he wanted was some good wrestling. That's me. I'm seriously going to try and stay positive this week, and enjoy any good wrestling I get.

Recap of LAX punking out Santa Claus and the ending of the tag match start the show.

Then, to Jeremy Borash, at Jim Cornette's office, where Kurt Angle is trying to berate Cornette into giving him a rematch with Samoa Joe. Tonight is the year end award's show, and Cornette implores Angle not to mess up the show. Angle promises to get his rematch tonight. This was a great scene between Angle and Cornette; very realistic performances by both guys.

iMPACT opening!

Match 1:
Chris Sabin & James Storm v. Petey Williams & "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels

Quite the face pop for Petey. Williams and Sabin start with some nice work on the mat. Williams hits a dropkick to control Sabin and makes the tag, and like a total heel, Sabin runs to tag James Storm instead of fight Daniels. Storm uses his size to dominate with a pair of shoulder blocks, and Daniels comes back with some hip tosses and a leg lariat. Sabin tries to run in, but Daniels tosses him and tries to work Storm's arm. Storm powers out and tags Sabin, who controls the match. He goes for a Cradleshock, but Daniels escapes and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Hot tag to Williams, and he's a house o' fire on both heels. Williams hits Storm with a bulldog so Storm lands on Sabin. He sets up for a Canadian Destroyer, but Sabin breaks it up and goes to the floor for a chair. Jerry Lynn runs out to break that up, pulling Sabin out of the ring. The chair stays in the ring, however. Sabin and Lynn argue, and Daniels hits both on the floor with a pescado. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Williams tries to set up the Destroyer again, but Storm dodges him and nails Petey with the chair. An emerging brawl between Lynn, Sabin, and Daniels on the floor had the ref's attention, but he turned around to see Storm making the cover on Daniels (Storm PIN Williams, *, 4:01). This felt like a match of the year candidate compared to last week.

In the back, some woman is helping Samoa Joe down the stairs. Joe is in crutching, selling the effects of last week's ankle lock. He is also legitimately injured, but I thought that happened later on at this taping.

-- break --

More dissension is teased between Abyss and James Mitchell. Now, Mitchell is threatening to reveal Abyss' secret, if Abyss doesn't prove he is on Mitchell's side.

Oh my GOD! They finally named the mystery blonde interview chic, Latisha. She's dressed like a stripper tonight (much appreciated). Oh, and she's interviewing Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe is looking for an NWA World Title Shot, and he's still not giving Kurt Angle a rematch.

Team 3DDD is here with a mic, probably for a 20 minute interview. Brother Ray has the mic, and says there's no tag teams left in TNA. I love shoot comments that aren't supposed to be comments. Wait, that's a Herbizm, forget I typed that. Brother Runt comes out to ask Team 3DDD why they weren't around to bail him out last week. Runt is still in the Santa Claus suit. Oh, so the angle here is that Brother Runt is a drunk, and when Brother Ray calls him on it, Runt attacks. Ray floors Runt with a clothesline, and asks Devon to get him a table (LAWSUIT!). Ray gets his own table, but before anything can be done, LAX (minus Konnan) attacks. Big brawl, and security rushes in to break that up.

-- break --

Back from break, the brawl still continues. Runt has a chair, and he's hitting everyone -- security and LAX -- with the table. Runt joins up with the Team 3D, and they put Homicide on the table. Brother Ray then superbombs Runt onto the Homicide, through the table. I guess 3D is reunited again, about five minutes after teasing the split. I <3 Russo.

PCS skit time. It's Bob Backlund rules with Lanny Poffo's pole. Jay Lethal wins and Kevin Nash tries to kiss him. Kinda funny. Jay Lethal has taken the lead in the PCS.

Latisha is back, this time with Christian Cage and Tomko. Cage is so awesome he should be on every match on every show and in every promo. I seriously have no words to describe how great Cage's promo was. I again point out they should have him dressing like he's Ric Flair instead of a teen-ager.

-- break --

More VKM bullshit. They're mocking Vince for the stupid skits on WWE, and the fat male strippers. Apparently Kip and BJ don't watch iMPACT. The funniest thing was a ring rat telling Kip James that her kid might also be his son. Now THAT'S comedy.

Ms. Brooks pushes Eric Young into the boys room. I have no idea...

Match 2:
Robert Roode v. Lance Hoyt (w/ Ron Killings)

Someone get Hoyt some seizure medication to clear up that dancing. Anyway, Killings in on commentary tells us his New Year's Resolution is to quit smoking. Roode goes to work on Hoyt's leg. Killings tells Tenay and West he's going to start a movie career. Ms. Brooks distraction l(she runs out mid-match) leads to a top rope overhead German suplex on Hoyt for the Roode win (Roode PIN Hoyt 1:45, 1/4*). A couple of good spots keep this from DUD, but again, why don't they just push Hoyt like a monster heel?

In the back, Eric Young has lipstick all over him and is out on the floor of the men's room. Jeremy Borash asks Young what happened, and he has no idea. Did Russo bring Pat Patterson in to help him book?

Christian Cage and Sting are intro'd for the next match, but we'll go to commercial before Abyss comes out.

Match 3 (Nightstick on a Pole Match):
Christian Cage (w/ Tomko) v. Sting v. Abyss (w/ James Mitchell)

This match is going to help Jim Cornette decide who is the #1 Contender. The first guy who uses the nightstick on his opponent wins the match. Sting and Abyss double-team Cage early, but when Sting goes for the Scorpion on Abyss, he breaks it to stop Abyss from grabbing the nightstick. Abyss gets dumped to the floor, and Cage and Sting both wind up on top going for the nightstick, which leads to a top rope superplex from Sting on Cage. Nice spot. While both men are out, Abyss goes for the nightstick again, but Tomko stops him. They brawl on the floor, where Tomko knocks him out. Sting goes for the nightstick again, but Tomko cuts him off, press slams him, and then turns it into a fall away slam. Another nice spot. Tomko goes up top for the nightstick and gets it! But, as he gets it, Sting catapults Cage into the corner, and Tomko drops the stick into Cage while crotching himself on the top. Sting gets the nightstick, and uses it on Cage for the win (Sting... um, nightstick shot Cage, under 5:00, 1/2*). Post match, Tomko and Cage attack Sting, but Abyss makes the save. Sting then gives Abyss the nightstick (I guess a symbol of trust) and walks away. Mitchell is not happy. I have no idea how this helps Cornette determine a #1 Contender.

A Rhino/AJ Styles promo reveals that at Final Resolution (the next TNA pay-per-view), they will wrestle in a Last Man Standing match. Styles's cocky heel promo is pretty good.

A video package announces the TNA year-end awards. I guess I could have typed them up, but I didn't. They are at tnawrestling.com, I'm sure.

Back live in the ring, Jim Cornette and Mike Tenay are there to announce the winner of "Mr. TNA," which is their Wrestler of the Year Award. But first, the only fair thing to do in the NWA Title situation is to run the same match as last month, Sting v. Christian Cage v. Abyss, at Final Resolution. And there MUST BE A WINNER. Whatever.

Anyway, the finalists are Sting, Jeff Jarrett, Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe. Joe, of course, wins, and his acceptance speech is interrupted by Kurt Angle, who has Joe's ring rat with him. He threatens to break her ankle unless Joe grants the rematch. Joe gives him his rematch, then Angle breaks the girl's ankle anyway. So who is the face in the feud again?

Show closes with a nice rundown of the all the pay-per-views from the last year, as well as the two big iMPACT shows. This wasn't as well done as some of their other recaps, but still OK.

Comments:
So, Samoa Joe apparently has a girlfriend, and when he's hurt, he decides to bring her to the arena for the first time, and it's around the same time that Kurt Angle is beating up everybody; referees, commentators, ring girls, looking for a rematch. So is Samoa Joe the stupidest guy on the TNA roster or what? I mean, I guess they gave her a "storyline" reason to be there (helping the injured Joe around), but still, Joe has to be damn stupid to bring his girlfriend to the arena, considering Kurt's frame of mind.

And again, who is the face in Joe/Angle. I get what some people are saying, that they're trying to blur the face/heel lines with this, but Joe is just acting like a heel by denying the rematch. And Angle is acting like a heel by breaking Joe's girlfriend's ankle. Nobody's being a face here, so who do we root for? The guy that was too chickenshit to give a rematch, or the guy that broke a girl's ankle, for fun?

A guy whose name is Samoa Joe shouldn't have a girlfriend. He should have crazy hair, sell for no one, be a killer in the ring, and eat the hearts of his enemies. And a guy that wraps himself in the flag shouldn't need to break someone's girlfriend's ankle to get his rematch.

This week's show wasn't terrible, but the Angle/Joe build befuddles me. Still needs way more wrestling for my tastes. Showing long, good matches will do a better job selling Joe/Angle than Kurt Angle break some chick's ankle.

Email comments to jvc113@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 19:10:50 GMT

http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/2006/dec/212.html

Read this article for evidence on how Santa Claus delivers his presents every Christmas.

Who says science is useless???