Wait, did I read right? At the end of the show there was a flash of an announcement assuring viewers that Army Wives would return the Winter of ....2012? We're still in 2011, right? Or did I sleep through a year and a half? Surely, I misread.
As I watched tonight's show I actually don't remember seeing that many episodes to begin with. Now it was the season finale and Fort Marshall was closing down. Naturally, my first thought is that the show wasn't the season finale, but the end - period.
Who knows where they'll go from here. And what is Roxy going to do for business with the 23rd disbanding? I mean Trevor finally accepted the fact that Witt was the best man to construct the truck stop, but will there still be trucks to stop? And omg, she'll be losing money at the Hump Bar, too.
I always liked Trevor so, when he was being unreasonable and down right mean, I was disappointed. Knowing that he's still the nice guy he always was - even if Finn did overhear him mention that Witt was Finn's biological dad - restored my faith in mankind. (...yeah, that was a bit over the top).
General Holden, after having been put through the ringer, was absolved of the drunken driving charges, which Claudia Joy wanted to fight. "We should sue them for defamation." She's a lawyer, so she should know. But the wise commander said, "Any effort to fight this will only make it [the story] bigger."
Wow! Those are the exact same words Avilo said to me when I suggested a law suit against a newly formed league in North America, who stole their name from the North American Soccer League. :D Guess, the General and Avilo are pretty wise men.
Yeah, but like Holden said, "What does a division commander do when he no longer has a division to command?" Claudia Joy simply replied, "Dance." Which isn't too silly, seeing as they were at a Celebration Ball.
Denise, who wanted Tanya to "Start living again," gave her a letter that Jeremy had written before he was killed. And despite the fact that she didn't want to live without him, in the end, she visited his grave, where she took off the make-shift engagement ring, and went to the ball. Yes, a soldier asked her to dance and she did, with a smile.
Pamela and her partner got their jobs back after being suspended from duty because of the Holden incident - and, who woulda thunk it - Chase was offered a job in California.
That leaves us with the Burton's and their adopted - and a bit troubled - son, David. So far he's rejected Joan, probably because the women in his life have all been losers. Dr. Burton, psychologist extraordinaire, finds the perfect analogy to bring David around. (Actually, the writers of the program put words in his mouth, but y'all know that hehe)
"Life is a book and this is just one chapter." Yeah, you wouldn't wanna keep reading the same chapter over and over again. duh. So, the kid has a nightmare and Joan goes to his room to comfort him. After he's calmed, she starts to leave, only David - realizing that this is a new chapter of his book - says, "Mom, can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" And they live happily ever after.
Actually, it was a pretty sorry ending for the season finale.
Roxy, and Trevor, who was accepted into Officer's Training School, are gonna be stuck in a ghost town.
General Holden will be reassigned to another unit - or something.
Pamela is going with Chase to California.
Denise, whom I never realized before is so much taller than her hubby, will go with him to Italy.
And the Burtons - hmmmm? They'll live happily ever after, but I don't know where.
2012? Winter? Isn't that when the world is suppose to end - again?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Starcraft Groupies
If you're a celebrity, in any genre, you're bound to have groupies. Perhaps, the term is more applicable for fans of rock bands; however, as Starcraft becomes ever more visible to the public, it only stands to reason that the players will get their fair share of adoring fans.
First, what's the difference between a groupie and a fan?
According to Wiki, a groupie is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a celebrity. Female groupies in particular have a long-standing reputation of being "available" to celebrities.
Are they akin to whores? I guess it depends on your definition of the word, but groupies don't get paid for their services. Their only reward is to hang around with the stars, who basically use them as surrogate girlfriends.
A devoted fan admires the work of a celebrity and might start a club, but they don't dedicate their whole lives to a celebrity. They may daydream of one day getting up close and personal, but it's just that - a daydream.
Could a groupie become a stalker? Well that's a scary thought; however, when you're a Starcraft player, who is most probably a very young and naive nerd, and haven't had much experience with women - maybe none - getting attention from a groupie could be thrilling, irrespective of the consequences.
A popular player recently introduced his "girlfriend" to the SC community. The forums were a buzz with mostly posts about how hot she is and how lucky this player is to have landed such a beauty. Again, these are probably young men who, like a lot of men, can't think past their dicks.
Granted, before she spoke in the interview, I thought she was extremely pretty. Unfortunately, she conducted herself like an airhead. - giggle giggle. But then young, horny boys don't look past the surface; they don't think, they just feel, so substance is irrelevant to them.
Prior to this, the same girl was video-taped with another Starcraft player - her boyfriend at the time and not well-known in the community. So, I have to wonder if she just used this other kid to get her foot in the door. And if I'm wondering that, wouldn't her new "boyfriend" wonder how long he'll last? When someone more attractive, more well-known comes along, will she dump him?
At MLG-Dallas, there were girls running around asking popular players to autograph their boobs. Why? Does this mean they'll never again bathe? Or did the signer use indelible ink?
At MLG-Columbus, a poster wrote of his experience with his "whore of a girlfriend" during the event. Seems she would disappear to a bar where more popular players were hanging out and make out with them. Yeah, not one, but two, according to him. Of course she denied it and all was well, until the next night. I think the dude finally saw the light and broke up with her.
I guess I'm baffled by what these girls get out of being a groupie. Was there ever a groupie that was taken seriously? Did the groupie ever end up marrying the celebrity? Are the groupies at these Starcraft "after parties" the kind of girls you would take home to mother? I guess it's all possible, but certainly not the norm.
The Starcraft groupies I've read about are mostly empty-headed bimbos; most of whom are being used. What's disturbing to me is they don't seem to care. Maybe I can't relate. I was never gaga over some celebrity and I certainly couldn't fathom throwing myself at one. Then, again, I've always been the "hard to get" type.
Some of these boys/men are easy prey. They're naive, they're gullible, and no doubt - like the kid at MLG-Columbus - they will end up getting their hearts broken. But worse, it will leave a bad taste in their mouths and a lower opinion of women in general.
It's flattering to be idolized, but I think I'd rather have an adoring fan than a groupie. Oh, wait! I'm not a Starcraft male. lol
First, what's the difference between a groupie and a fan?
According to Wiki, a groupie is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a celebrity. Female groupies in particular have a long-standing reputation of being "available" to celebrities.
Are they akin to whores? I guess it depends on your definition of the word, but groupies don't get paid for their services. Their only reward is to hang around with the stars, who basically use them as surrogate girlfriends.
A devoted fan admires the work of a celebrity and might start a club, but they don't dedicate their whole lives to a celebrity. They may daydream of one day getting up close and personal, but it's just that - a daydream.
Could a groupie become a stalker? Well that's a scary thought; however, when you're a Starcraft player, who is most probably a very young and naive nerd, and haven't had much experience with women - maybe none - getting attention from a groupie could be thrilling, irrespective of the consequences.
A popular player recently introduced his "girlfriend" to the SC community. The forums were a buzz with mostly posts about how hot she is and how lucky this player is to have landed such a beauty. Again, these are probably young men who, like a lot of men, can't think past their dicks.
Granted, before she spoke in the interview, I thought she was extremely pretty. Unfortunately, she conducted herself like an airhead. - giggle giggle. But then young, horny boys don't look past the surface; they don't think, they just feel, so substance is irrelevant to them.
Prior to this, the same girl was video-taped with another Starcraft player - her boyfriend at the time and not well-known in the community. So, I have to wonder if she just used this other kid to get her foot in the door. And if I'm wondering that, wouldn't her new "boyfriend" wonder how long he'll last? When someone more attractive, more well-known comes along, will she dump him?
At MLG-Dallas, there were girls running around asking popular players to autograph their boobs. Why? Does this mean they'll never again bathe? Or did the signer use indelible ink?
At MLG-Columbus, a poster wrote of his experience with his "whore of a girlfriend" during the event. Seems she would disappear to a bar where more popular players were hanging out and make out with them. Yeah, not one, but two, according to him. Of course she denied it and all was well, until the next night. I think the dude finally saw the light and broke up with her.
I guess I'm baffled by what these girls get out of being a groupie. Was there ever a groupie that was taken seriously? Did the groupie ever end up marrying the celebrity? Are the groupies at these Starcraft "after parties" the kind of girls you would take home to mother? I guess it's all possible, but certainly not the norm.
The Starcraft groupies I've read about are mostly empty-headed bimbos; most of whom are being used. What's disturbing to me is they don't seem to care. Maybe I can't relate. I was never gaga over some celebrity and I certainly couldn't fathom throwing myself at one. Then, again, I've always been the "hard to get" type.
Some of these boys/men are easy prey. They're naive, they're gullible, and no doubt - like the kid at MLG-Columbus - they will end up getting their hearts broken. But worse, it will leave a bad taste in their mouths and a lower opinion of women in general.
It's flattering to be idolized, but I think I'd rather have an adoring fan than a groupie. Oh, wait! I'm not a Starcraft male. lol
America's Got Talent? Not So Much
This is one show, where I think the judges really earn their money. Thankfully, the editing department spares the viewers from most of the dumb asses, who think they have talent. I do wonder what drugs they were on when they let some of these people fill airtime. I mean puuuuuleeeeeeze...
Jay the Cyberspace Tron Guy? A Howie impersonator that even Howie couldn't relate to? An Asian James Brown? And that was just in Houston. We still had an hour of Minneapolis to sit through.
Whilst Piers was snowed in, Howie and Sharon were letting every crazy act through. Thank God he returned to offer true and reasonable critiques. Okay, Piers is the Len Goodman of AGT, but at least he doesn't think everyone has talent.
After 18 hours to get from New York to Minneapolis, he wasn't too happy, and needless to say, Piers is worse than Scrooge, when he is in a good mood. He didn't like anyone and in most cases I had to agree with him.
The Funny Little People, that Sharon and Howie voted to go to Vegas, belong at Disneyland, but Piers was downright mean and insulting. Then, Howie thought it would be funny to have these little elf-like creatures harass Piers backstage and even in his dressing room. If Piers had a gun, I think he might have used it - on Howie.
And excuse me, but when is body piercing considered a talent? Frankly, after seeing these acts, I'd like to get a hold of a gun and go on a rampage in the editing department.
In all fairness, there were some highlights. In Houston there was a knife throwing act that was pretty intense and a juggler, who juggled in a unique way - using lighting effects. The piece d resistance was a 19 year old, extremely effeminate singer, who accompanied himself on piano. When he sashayed onto the stage, I immediately felt badly for him, thinking he certainly doesn't have any talent - and I have no doubt, by the looks on the judges faces, that they thought the same. He was personable and funny, but when Daniel belted out a GaGa song, I was blown away. I mean, WOW! I can't wait to see what he'll bring to Vegas.
Of course, there's a plethora of vocalists throughout the season, who are good to great; however, when you bring to the show an act that keeps people on the edge of their seats - like acrobatics performed on a balancing beam - you have my undivided attention. I was spellbound with the risk's this woman took. It was definitely different and an act I'd think would draw crowds in Vegas.
Professor Splash, however, even with the risk factor...I mean how far can you go? His goal is to set a world record on AGT. Tonight he just dove into a pool filled with 12" of water from a measly 26 feet. lol It was suspenseful, but isn't that really a circus act?
Before they left Houston, they discovered a couple more talented kids. Well, actually, Danny Shay, a Bieber look-a-like, is 22 and a girl. lol. She was personable and clever, but I can't see her going to Vegas either.
Neither can I imagine a 6 year old in Vegas? Can he even get into the clubs? The ever so adorable Tanner, danced his little butt off and was good. But the "awwwwww" moment was when he told Abbey, his little girlfriend back home, "I love you."
The goose bumps moment for me came in Minneapolis, when a 27 year old, who two years ago, lost her fiance in an auto accident, sang Ave Maria. Listening to her talk and seeing her, I figured she didn't have much to offer probably, but when she started singing...well, what came out of her was completely unexpected. Yeah, a real wow experience.
Also in Minneapolis was a group of performers, ranging in ages from 9 to 18, called the Silhouettes. To say the act was original and clever is a masterpiece of understatement. They told a story in silhouette, duh, creating unbelievable objects like trees and hearts with their bodies. A much more elaborate form of the shadow on the wall doggie that I use to make with my hands when I was a kid.
Fortunately, they topped off the two hour event with The Kinetic King. He typified what you'd expect from Minnesota, accent and all. A real nerd, who, for lack of dominoes, when he was a kid, started using Popsicle sticks.
It took him eight hours to set up the sticks and less than a minute for it to come down. Interesting enough to watch, but not Vegas material, unless of course he continues to incorporate his natural comedic talents.
When Howie asked him why he wore a helmet and goggles and padding, he replied, "I believe in safe sticks." OMG! I'm still laughing out loud.
A few years ago, I wrote reviews and did publicity for an art gallery. All this would have had to be 50 and certainly no more than 100 words, the amount of space the paper allotted the gallery. Blogging is so much funner. hehe. I don't have to worry about names or their correct spelling, if I don't want to. I don't have to worry about correct punctuation, or run-on sentences. I don't have to worry about ending a sentence with a preposition. Yeah, blogging is funner for sure :D
Jay the Cyberspace Tron Guy? A Howie impersonator that even Howie couldn't relate to? An Asian James Brown? And that was just in Houston. We still had an hour of Minneapolis to sit through.
Whilst Piers was snowed in, Howie and Sharon were letting every crazy act through. Thank God he returned to offer true and reasonable critiques. Okay, Piers is the Len Goodman of AGT, but at least he doesn't think everyone has talent.
After 18 hours to get from New York to Minneapolis, he wasn't too happy, and needless to say, Piers is worse than Scrooge, when he is in a good mood. He didn't like anyone and in most cases I had to agree with him.
The Funny Little People, that Sharon and Howie voted to go to Vegas, belong at Disneyland, but Piers was downright mean and insulting. Then, Howie thought it would be funny to have these little elf-like creatures harass Piers backstage and even in his dressing room. If Piers had a gun, I think he might have used it - on Howie.
And excuse me, but when is body piercing considered a talent? Frankly, after seeing these acts, I'd like to get a hold of a gun and go on a rampage in the editing department.
In all fairness, there were some highlights. In Houston there was a knife throwing act that was pretty intense and a juggler, who juggled in a unique way - using lighting effects. The piece d resistance was a 19 year old, extremely effeminate singer, who accompanied himself on piano. When he sashayed onto the stage, I immediately felt badly for him, thinking he certainly doesn't have any talent - and I have no doubt, by the looks on the judges faces, that they thought the same. He was personable and funny, but when Daniel belted out a GaGa song, I was blown away. I mean, WOW! I can't wait to see what he'll bring to Vegas.
Of course, there's a plethora of vocalists throughout the season, who are good to great; however, when you bring to the show an act that keeps people on the edge of their seats - like acrobatics performed on a balancing beam - you have my undivided attention. I was spellbound with the risk's this woman took. It was definitely different and an act I'd think would draw crowds in Vegas.
Professor Splash, however, even with the risk factor...I mean how far can you go? His goal is to set a world record on AGT. Tonight he just dove into a pool filled with 12" of water from a measly 26 feet. lol It was suspenseful, but isn't that really a circus act?
Before they left Houston, they discovered a couple more talented kids. Well, actually, Danny Shay, a Bieber look-a-like, is 22 and a girl. lol. She was personable and clever, but I can't see her going to Vegas either.
Neither can I imagine a 6 year old in Vegas? Can he even get into the clubs? The ever so adorable Tanner, danced his little butt off and was good. But the "awwwwww" moment was when he told Abbey, his little girlfriend back home, "I love you."
The goose bumps moment for me came in Minneapolis, when a 27 year old, who two years ago, lost her fiance in an auto accident, sang Ave Maria. Listening to her talk and seeing her, I figured she didn't have much to offer probably, but when she started singing...well, what came out of her was completely unexpected. Yeah, a real wow experience.
Also in Minneapolis was a group of performers, ranging in ages from 9 to 18, called the Silhouettes. To say the act was original and clever is a masterpiece of understatement. They told a story in silhouette, duh, creating unbelievable objects like trees and hearts with their bodies. A much more elaborate form of the shadow on the wall doggie that I use to make with my hands when I was a kid.
Fortunately, they topped off the two hour event with The Kinetic King. He typified what you'd expect from Minnesota, accent and all. A real nerd, who, for lack of dominoes, when he was a kid, started using Popsicle sticks.
It took him eight hours to set up the sticks and less than a minute for it to come down. Interesting enough to watch, but not Vegas material, unless of course he continues to incorporate his natural comedic talents.
When Howie asked him why he wore a helmet and goggles and padding, he replied, "I believe in safe sticks." OMG! I'm still laughing out loud.
A few years ago, I wrote reviews and did publicity for an art gallery. All this would have had to be 50 and certainly no more than 100 words, the amount of space the paper allotted the gallery. Blogging is so much funner. hehe. I don't have to worry about names or their correct spelling, if I don't want to. I don't have to worry about correct punctuation, or run-on sentences. I don't have to worry about ending a sentence with a preposition. Yeah, blogging is funner for sure :D
Monday, June 6, 2011
All Comments Are Welcome
When it comes to comments, I do so appreciate the feed back I get from readers. And every time I see a new follower, I'm thrilled. However, there are exceptions.
I will not allow a reader's comment to be published if their sole purpose is to air their dirty laundry. And there are just some followers that you know too much about from other sources to even want to have them as a follower.
With that said, I hope y'all continue to read and enjoy the writing. My "hit list" (that's viewers) grows in numbers every day and it just makes me smile, even if they don't comment - but ummm... you can certainly click on one of the reactions that follows the post.
I will not allow a reader's comment to be published if their sole purpose is to air their dirty laundry. And there are just some followers that you know too much about from other sources to even want to have them as a follower.
With that said, I hope y'all continue to read and enjoy the writing. My "hit list" (that's viewers) grows in numbers every day and it just makes me smile, even if they don't comment - but ummm... you can certainly click on one of the reactions that follows the post.
MLG - Columbus - What An Exciting Weekend
Since Dallas, I've learned a bit more about the MLG. For one thing, it's not only about Starcraft. There's competitions in Halo and CoD. But my main interest is Starcraft, so that's my focus. I also know now that when players are in the pool, it doesn't mean they're off swimming. It's more like players who received the most points at the last event get to not have to work to get to the top in this event.
Avilo didn't make Dallas, so he didn't have points and therefore was not in the pool. The people I expected to be in the pool were, but I was more interested in the open bracket, especially the VT Gaming team.
The first match, Friday night was Idra v MC, a Protoss from Korea, who replaced Bomber last minute when there were problems with his visa. I'm pretty sure this is the first time that members from the GSL (Korean based tournament) were invited to the MLG and I can understand why. Korean Starcrafters are far more disciplined and better players. Then, again, Koreans don't have to worry about anything else, but playing.
With that aside, the first game in a BO3 started and both players were pretty aggressive. Idra, who spent a couple years in Korea, played brilliantly. Whether you like the kid or not - and trust me, his demeanor and respect for others leaves much to be desired - you can't deny he's a great player. He easily took the BO3 2-0. Then, again, I couldn't help but think, well yeah, this kid, MC, just flew in from Korea. Obviously, he's suffering jet lag and adjusting to the time differential.
One thing I have to say about Sundance, the people that run MLG, is that they listen and care about what their viewers, both at home and in the audience, have to say.
They made vast improvements over the Dallas tournament. The first day they even gave all the viewers the stream in HQ, which usually costs ten bucks. When I watched day two, I thought to myself, this is about the same quality as yesterday, so why would I wanna pay ten bucks for HQ. Then it was announced that Sundance was going to stream HQ, free, the remainder of the tournament. Duh! No wonder. lol
Technical issues, which were prevalent at Dallas, were minimal to the point of going unnoticed in Columbus. They had three streams. The Red Stream, the Blue Stream, and a cross view.
The issue for me was, if I watched the Red Stream, hosted by DJ Wheat and Day 9, then switched to the Blue Stream, hosted by Artosis and Tasteless, it didn't always switch over. At first I thought, wow, Artosis and Tasteless look just like DJ Wheat and Day 9. Yeah, right.
There were some complaints in Dallas about the players being able to hear the casters. But this time, there was no way that could happen. Sundance equipped the auditorium with sound proof booths and the players wore headphones and ear buds.
Yeah, it was pretty well run in Columbus. Now, if the format was different, it could be near perfect.
I watched several of the games that were being streamed, but wasn't enjoying them as much as I did Dallas. Obviously, that's because Avilo was in this tournament and the players in the open brackets aren't streamed. After all, who cares about the wannabes? All I could do was bite my nails and fidget; see who he was playing and if he won by looking at the brackets - or waiting for him to send me a "woohoo" over his cell.
Avilo's first two games were v Zerg and he 2-0'd both of em. Then came a Protoss and it seemed like forever not knowing what was going on. The brackets hadn't updated, but I got the text. "Lost." My heart sunk.
The rest of his team mates lost as well, but Pokebunny, the 15 year old, and Spades went further, before losing.
Luckyfool, the Terran, who has competed against and lost to Avilo in every DC area LAN had but one wish, to go further than Avilo at MLG. I was keeping a close eye on his progress and had told him in a post on TL that in my crystal ball I see two players, both Terran, in a match fighting to win at MLG. At first their features were foggy, but then...wait! What? Luckyfool v Avilo? OMG! I laughed so hard thinking that would have to be Lucky's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, he lost in round three, too.
That was when the Double Elimination that everyone tried explaining to me finally sunk in. Avilo still had a chance to play his way back through the loser's bracket, as did the rest of his team mates. Day two would be a new day for him and the rest of the VT Gaming team to work their way back up.
Avilo's first game on day two was v Protoss, but if he could win that, his next match was Terran and after that another Terran. His TvT is solid and wicked and I had no doubt he'd make it out of the loser's bracket and come home at least placing in the top 20.
After checking the brackets to see that he beat the the Protoss, Bosnic, I was ecstatic. I messaged him immediately, only he didn't respond. After a while I figured out that he went straight into the TvT against Cocoa. That's when I began to worry. I didn't have anymore nails to bite, so I got busy in the kitchen, when I heard the ding dong and raced back to my computer. HA! The first game was over and he was letting me know he steamrolled the guy. I wish. "Great! I'm out."
My jaw dropped and I just sat staring at the message. I blinked my eyes a couple times to make sure I was reading right. Then I cried. I experienced the same disappointment that I'm sure he was feeling. He, like so many others, worked so hard practicing, preparing to make a name for themselves at MLG; to show the haters and the naysayers that they were wrong.
Then, I got pissed. I cursed the universe for not giving the kid a break. "WTF do you want from him?" Then I cursed him for going right into another game without a break, without getting in the zone, for doing something dumb. "Why didn't he message me back. Why didn't he give me the chance to give him a pep talk before going into the TvT?"
Too angry and disappointed to even see his name on my screen, I messaged "It's over now, so have some fun. Hit on some cute girls and get their numbers." Then I left my computer. Drama queen that I am, I flung myself on the couch and sobbed.
When he called I ranted and raved, "Now what?"
Earlier, I had run to a festival in town, but it was like 105 degrees so I didn't stay. I figured I'd go back for the bands and dance around 10, but then I realized that whether he and I talk or not, he needs to know that I'm here for him. Plus the fact that when I told him I was going I got a one word message back "NO." lol
Anyway, two of his team mates were still fighting to win and even though I couldn't watch them play, I wanted to be here to support them. Spades and Pokebunny were doing well in the loser's bracket and I was rooting for at least one, if not both, to make it. Unfortunately, they both lost in the last round of the bracket. *sighs*
There were only a couple matches that I was interested in watching. The Idra matches for sure, because I wanted to boo and hiss, even though he's an excellent Zerg. When he lost to MC in the rematch from the loser's bracket I was like one happy gal.
MC had to win four of the matches in order to beat Idra. The first three games I watched, I thought, Wtf, Idra isn't even trying. He gg'd without even a fight after his allins failed. Guess he knew he wasn't going to win and wanted the games over and done. At least in the fourth match, he was fighting to win. It was an exciting game to watch, but I can't say I'm sorry Idra lost.
The other match I wanted to watch was Sheth, another Zerg, v anyone. He was playing fierce until he got into the pool with the big guys. JulyZerg, another Korean, beat him 2-1 and then MMA, yet another Korean, steamrolled him. Just made me smile.
See Sheth sells himself as a "good mannered" player, but I was watching Mr. Bitter's (Another VT member) stream one day and Sheth was dishing out all kinds of dirt about Avilo. You'd think a team mate might defend you, but apparently Mr. Bitter just wants to make a name for himself, so was too afraid. Anyway, Mr. Bitter has been taking lessons from Sheth. Let's see he lost his first game in the loser's round. Guess that's nuff said.
Of course I had to watch "Incholesterol" cheese his way to the top. His name is in quotes because that's what someone in the SOTG chat called him and I couldn't help but laugh. Someone else said, "He looks like a fat Matt Damon." Some clever and funny dude said, "Yeah, Fatt Damon."
Actually, that's mean, but what goes around comes around and he's been plenty mean to others. Of course, I've heard of a comedian, Don Rickles, that got his laughs from being rude and disrespectful to others - so maybe that's Incontrol's attempt at humor. *shrugs*
When SixjaxMajor, a Terran, whipped Incontrols butt with 13 ghosts, lots of vikings, nukes, and marines and marauders I smiled.
A really interesting segment to me was when Julie Alexandria interviewed Day9, a successful Starcraft commentator, who just got his Masters - I guess a fall back on career. He attributes his mom for much of his success. She always told him, "Embrace what you love doing." She never told him he had to be this or that. "Have fun and do what you love." Too bad more parents aren't as wise.
The three final players were Terran, Protoss, and Zerg - guess no one can say any one race is imba. lol. The final match for the championship was Losira, a Zerg, who looks about 10 years old, v MMA, a Terran; both from Korea. Did anyone expect otherwise?
MMA, will return to Korea, with the money and the trophy, and the knowledge that they still are the best Starcraft competitors in the world.
There's nothing better than to watch extremely skilled players fight to win. The place was filled to capacity, all cheering and rooting for their faves, which added to the excitement.
Okay, VT Gaming team - y'all better start watching replays and practicing even harder for Anaheim.
Avilo didn't make Dallas, so he didn't have points and therefore was not in the pool. The people I expected to be in the pool were, but I was more interested in the open bracket, especially the VT Gaming team.
The first match, Friday night was Idra v MC, a Protoss from Korea, who replaced Bomber last minute when there were problems with his visa. I'm pretty sure this is the first time that members from the GSL (Korean based tournament) were invited to the MLG and I can understand why. Korean Starcrafters are far more disciplined and better players. Then, again, Koreans don't have to worry about anything else, but playing.
With that aside, the first game in a BO3 started and both players were pretty aggressive. Idra, who spent a couple years in Korea, played brilliantly. Whether you like the kid or not - and trust me, his demeanor and respect for others leaves much to be desired - you can't deny he's a great player. He easily took the BO3 2-0. Then, again, I couldn't help but think, well yeah, this kid, MC, just flew in from Korea. Obviously, he's suffering jet lag and adjusting to the time differential.
One thing I have to say about Sundance, the people that run MLG, is that they listen and care about what their viewers, both at home and in the audience, have to say.
They made vast improvements over the Dallas tournament. The first day they even gave all the viewers the stream in HQ, which usually costs ten bucks. When I watched day two, I thought to myself, this is about the same quality as yesterday, so why would I wanna pay ten bucks for HQ. Then it was announced that Sundance was going to stream HQ, free, the remainder of the tournament. Duh! No wonder. lol
Technical issues, which were prevalent at Dallas, were minimal to the point of going unnoticed in Columbus. They had three streams. The Red Stream, the Blue Stream, and a cross view.
The issue for me was, if I watched the Red Stream, hosted by DJ Wheat and Day 9, then switched to the Blue Stream, hosted by Artosis and Tasteless, it didn't always switch over. At first I thought, wow, Artosis and Tasteless look just like DJ Wheat and Day 9. Yeah, right.
There were some complaints in Dallas about the players being able to hear the casters. But this time, there was no way that could happen. Sundance equipped the auditorium with sound proof booths and the players wore headphones and ear buds.
Yeah, it was pretty well run in Columbus. Now, if the format was different, it could be near perfect.
I watched several of the games that were being streamed, but wasn't enjoying them as much as I did Dallas. Obviously, that's because Avilo was in this tournament and the players in the open brackets aren't streamed. After all, who cares about the wannabes? All I could do was bite my nails and fidget; see who he was playing and if he won by looking at the brackets - or waiting for him to send me a "woohoo" over his cell.
Avilo's first two games were v Zerg and he 2-0'd both of em. Then came a Protoss and it seemed like forever not knowing what was going on. The brackets hadn't updated, but I got the text. "Lost." My heart sunk.
The rest of his team mates lost as well, but Pokebunny, the 15 year old, and Spades went further, before losing.
Luckyfool, the Terran, who has competed against and lost to Avilo in every DC area LAN had but one wish, to go further than Avilo at MLG. I was keeping a close eye on his progress and had told him in a post on TL that in my crystal ball I see two players, both Terran, in a match fighting to win at MLG. At first their features were foggy, but then...wait! What? Luckyfool v Avilo? OMG! I laughed so hard thinking that would have to be Lucky's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, he lost in round three, too.
That was when the Double Elimination that everyone tried explaining to me finally sunk in. Avilo still had a chance to play his way back through the loser's bracket, as did the rest of his team mates. Day two would be a new day for him and the rest of the VT Gaming team to work their way back up.
Avilo's first game on day two was v Protoss, but if he could win that, his next match was Terran and after that another Terran. His TvT is solid and wicked and I had no doubt he'd make it out of the loser's bracket and come home at least placing in the top 20.
After checking the brackets to see that he beat the the Protoss, Bosnic, I was ecstatic. I messaged him immediately, only he didn't respond. After a while I figured out that he went straight into the TvT against Cocoa. That's when I began to worry. I didn't have anymore nails to bite, so I got busy in the kitchen, when I heard the ding dong and raced back to my computer. HA! The first game was over and he was letting me know he steamrolled the guy. I wish. "Great! I'm out."
My jaw dropped and I just sat staring at the message. I blinked my eyes a couple times to make sure I was reading right. Then I cried. I experienced the same disappointment that I'm sure he was feeling. He, like so many others, worked so hard practicing, preparing to make a name for themselves at MLG; to show the haters and the naysayers that they were wrong.
Then, I got pissed. I cursed the universe for not giving the kid a break. "WTF do you want from him?" Then I cursed him for going right into another game without a break, without getting in the zone, for doing something dumb. "Why didn't he message me back. Why didn't he give me the chance to give him a pep talk before going into the TvT?"
Too angry and disappointed to even see his name on my screen, I messaged "It's over now, so have some fun. Hit on some cute girls and get their numbers." Then I left my computer. Drama queen that I am, I flung myself on the couch and sobbed.
When he called I ranted and raved, "Now what?"
Earlier, I had run to a festival in town, but it was like 105 degrees so I didn't stay. I figured I'd go back for the bands and dance around 10, but then I realized that whether he and I talk or not, he needs to know that I'm here for him. Plus the fact that when I told him I was going I got a one word message back "NO." lol
Anyway, two of his team mates were still fighting to win and even though I couldn't watch them play, I wanted to be here to support them. Spades and Pokebunny were doing well in the loser's bracket and I was rooting for at least one, if not both, to make it. Unfortunately, they both lost in the last round of the bracket. *sighs*
There were only a couple matches that I was interested in watching. The Idra matches for sure, because I wanted to boo and hiss, even though he's an excellent Zerg. When he lost to MC in the rematch from the loser's bracket I was like one happy gal.
MC had to win four of the matches in order to beat Idra. The first three games I watched, I thought, Wtf, Idra isn't even trying. He gg'd without even a fight after his allins failed. Guess he knew he wasn't going to win and wanted the games over and done. At least in the fourth match, he was fighting to win. It was an exciting game to watch, but I can't say I'm sorry Idra lost.
The other match I wanted to watch was Sheth, another Zerg, v anyone. He was playing fierce until he got into the pool with the big guys. JulyZerg, another Korean, beat him 2-1 and then MMA, yet another Korean, steamrolled him. Just made me smile.
See Sheth sells himself as a "good mannered" player, but I was watching Mr. Bitter's (Another VT member) stream one day and Sheth was dishing out all kinds of dirt about Avilo. You'd think a team mate might defend you, but apparently Mr. Bitter just wants to make a name for himself, so was too afraid. Anyway, Mr. Bitter has been taking lessons from Sheth. Let's see he lost his first game in the loser's round. Guess that's nuff said.
Of course I had to watch "Incholesterol" cheese his way to the top. His name is in quotes because that's what someone in the SOTG chat called him and I couldn't help but laugh. Someone else said, "He looks like a fat Matt Damon." Some clever and funny dude said, "Yeah, Fatt Damon."
Actually, that's mean, but what goes around comes around and he's been plenty mean to others. Of course, I've heard of a comedian, Don Rickles, that got his laughs from being rude and disrespectful to others - so maybe that's Incontrol's attempt at humor. *shrugs*
When SixjaxMajor, a Terran, whipped Incontrols butt with 13 ghosts, lots of vikings, nukes, and marines and marauders I smiled.
A really interesting segment to me was when Julie Alexandria interviewed Day9, a successful Starcraft commentator, who just got his Masters - I guess a fall back on career. He attributes his mom for much of his success. She always told him, "Embrace what you love doing." She never told him he had to be this or that. "Have fun and do what you love." Too bad more parents aren't as wise.
The three final players were Terran, Protoss, and Zerg - guess no one can say any one race is imba. lol. The final match for the championship was Losira, a Zerg, who looks about 10 years old, v MMA, a Terran; both from Korea. Did anyone expect otherwise?
MMA, will return to Korea, with the money and the trophy, and the knowledge that they still are the best Starcraft competitors in the world.
There's nothing better than to watch extremely skilled players fight to win. The place was filled to capacity, all cheering and rooting for their faves, which added to the excitement.
Okay, VT Gaming team - y'all better start watching replays and practicing even harder for Anaheim.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Obedient Women
I came across an article today that intrigued me; not that it's a new concept, not that it's even foreign in today's society, but because it's controversial. In parts of the world obedient wives are a norm - in the U.S. not so much - I mean since women burned their bras in the 60s as a sign of liberation in a man's world, women have not had to "obey" their men.
In the 50s, it was customary for a woman to stay home and do womanly things. The old saying, "Barefoot and pregnant" was what a man expected. When he married, his naive and innocent little woman, she'd be obedient. She'd have dinner on the table, the house immaculate, and be prepared to serve him in any way he wished when he arrived home. That concept was drummed into little boys and girls since the beginning of time. After all He was the one who worked hard all day to provide for his family. However, it hasn't been that way for decades.
Although, it seems to me that when one person is the head of the household, there would be less arguments. I had a friend a while back, who was extremely submissive, but very strong-willed. She was bright and intelligent and was not without her say, but in the end, she deferred to her husband's decisions.
There exist today many 50s households. A few years ago I came across "The Good Wife's Guide" purportedly written as an article in Good Housekeeping; however, according to Snopes it may well be fake. It ends with a "Good wife always knows her place."
http://j-walk.com/other/goodwife/index.htm
After reading the "Guide" I thought, wait! What? Did such a woman ever exist? And yeah, what man wouldn't want a little slave running around the house, catering to his every need; never questioning his authority?
Of course in those days, women weren't suppose to enjoy sex either. They had to endure it to please their husbands. It was their duty as a wife.
There are Christian groups, as well, that believe the man should dominate the roost. After all "It says so in the Bible." Well, duh, that book was written by man, so yeah.
When I watch TV movies, I favor the TCM station. Films like The Thin Man, make me smile. Nick is always "The king of the castle." Not because he is, but because Nora - the really smart wife - allows him to think he's in charge, whilst all along she controls their marriage and everything he does.
People who meet me immediately get the impression that I'm a strong-willed, defiant, take no hostages kind of woman. As a matter of fact, the men I attract are usually extremely submissive types; some are just plain fearful of me. There have been, however, a couple of men, who have stood up to me in a caveman, but gentlemanly sort of way, and made me weak in the knees. If they aren't strong men, capable of tenderness, caring, and understanding, the relationship doesn't last for me.
They have to have that Nick Charles kinda flare to counter the Nora Charles kind of woman I'd like to think I am. I know what I want and I know how to get the man to give me what I want, whilst letting him think it was his idea all along. lol. Manipulative? I don't think so. Tricky? Maybe, a little. But women have always had to use a bit of trickery to make their lives easier.
My mom always said, "You can catch more flies with honey" and I've tried to remember that, although once I'm pushed to my Italian temper rage, it's difficult for me to regain my sweet, "little lady-like" composure. Whilst I enjoy being the "little woman" it takes a strong man, with confidence, who is self-assured to evoke that sweetness and submissiveness that I am capable of hiding so well.
Still, I know I could never be that 50s kind of woman. Nevertheless, I enjoy being a girl. I don't want to be the boss of some big corporation and then have to come home and be in charge of everything. In part that's what women's liberation has done.
For one thing, I think it's made men afraid to be men - confused in a way as to how to treat women. And it's given the women the right to go out and work all day (still not earning the wages of a man) then come home and make dinner, do all the household chores, have babies, take care of them, and everything else a 50s housewife used to do.
Yoko Ono, a strong, in charge kind of woman, agreed to let her hubby, John Lennon, who had become tired of the outside world at the time, be the house husband. Nothing is wrong if it works out for two people. So why do "groups" have to stick their nose in other people's business?
I have a cousin, who once told me that she'd rather hold two jobs than have to clean house and cook. Good thing she married a chef. lol Of course, you wouldn't want to drop by unannounced - come to think of it, it wouldn't matter either way.
If a woman "wants" to be the Nora Charles of the relationship so be it. It's her decision. Why do other people know what's best and feel compelled to emancipate the "poor, deluded woman?"
Women's Rights groups are appalled with the Malyasian "Obedient Wives Club" and are determined to interfere with their views.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/05/us-malaysia-women-idUSTRE7540FL20110605
If these women prefer to be obedient little wives, leave them alone.
What say you?
In the 50s, it was customary for a woman to stay home and do womanly things. The old saying, "Barefoot and pregnant" was what a man expected. When he married, his naive and innocent little woman, she'd be obedient. She'd have dinner on the table, the house immaculate, and be prepared to serve him in any way he wished when he arrived home. That concept was drummed into little boys and girls since the beginning of time. After all He was the one who worked hard all day to provide for his family. However, it hasn't been that way for decades.
Although, it seems to me that when one person is the head of the household, there would be less arguments. I had a friend a while back, who was extremely submissive, but very strong-willed. She was bright and intelligent and was not without her say, but in the end, she deferred to her husband's decisions.
There exist today many 50s households. A few years ago I came across "The Good Wife's Guide" purportedly written as an article in Good Housekeeping; however, according to Snopes it may well be fake. It ends with a "Good wife always knows her place."
http://j-walk.com/other/goodwife/index.htm
After reading the "Guide" I thought, wait! What? Did such a woman ever exist? And yeah, what man wouldn't want a little slave running around the house, catering to his every need; never questioning his authority?
Of course in those days, women weren't suppose to enjoy sex either. They had to endure it to please their husbands. It was their duty as a wife.
There are Christian groups, as well, that believe the man should dominate the roost. After all "It says so in the Bible." Well, duh, that book was written by man, so yeah.
When I watch TV movies, I favor the TCM station. Films like The Thin Man, make me smile. Nick is always "The king of the castle." Not because he is, but because Nora - the really smart wife - allows him to think he's in charge, whilst all along she controls their marriage and everything he does.
People who meet me immediately get the impression that I'm a strong-willed, defiant, take no hostages kind of woman. As a matter of fact, the men I attract are usually extremely submissive types; some are just plain fearful of me. There have been, however, a couple of men, who have stood up to me in a caveman, but gentlemanly sort of way, and made me weak in the knees. If they aren't strong men, capable of tenderness, caring, and understanding, the relationship doesn't last for me.
They have to have that Nick Charles kinda flare to counter the Nora Charles kind of woman I'd like to think I am. I know what I want and I know how to get the man to give me what I want, whilst letting him think it was his idea all along. lol. Manipulative? I don't think so. Tricky? Maybe, a little. But women have always had to use a bit of trickery to make their lives easier.
My mom always said, "You can catch more flies with honey" and I've tried to remember that, although once I'm pushed to my Italian temper rage, it's difficult for me to regain my sweet, "little lady-like" composure. Whilst I enjoy being the "little woman" it takes a strong man, with confidence, who is self-assured to evoke that sweetness and submissiveness that I am capable of hiding so well.
Still, I know I could never be that 50s kind of woman. Nevertheless, I enjoy being a girl. I don't want to be the boss of some big corporation and then have to come home and be in charge of everything. In part that's what women's liberation has done.
For one thing, I think it's made men afraid to be men - confused in a way as to how to treat women. And it's given the women the right to go out and work all day (still not earning the wages of a man) then come home and make dinner, do all the household chores, have babies, take care of them, and everything else a 50s housewife used to do.
Yoko Ono, a strong, in charge kind of woman, agreed to let her hubby, John Lennon, who had become tired of the outside world at the time, be the house husband. Nothing is wrong if it works out for two people. So why do "groups" have to stick their nose in other people's business?
I have a cousin, who once told me that she'd rather hold two jobs than have to clean house and cook. Good thing she married a chef. lol Of course, you wouldn't want to drop by unannounced - come to think of it, it wouldn't matter either way.
If a woman "wants" to be the Nora Charles of the relationship so be it. It's her decision. Why do other people know what's best and feel compelled to emancipate the "poor, deluded woman?"
Women's Rights groups are appalled with the Malyasian "Obedient Wives Club" and are determined to interfere with their views.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/05/us-malaysia-women-idUSTRE7540FL20110605
If these women prefer to be obedient little wives, leave them alone.
What say you?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
America's Got Talent - NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This is why I don't turn on the TV.
I remember a while back switching the channel when I saw some idiots on the AGT stage making fools of themselves. I just shook my head in disbelief and never turned the show on again.
Then, sometime last winter I turned on the TV and it happened to be on the station that airs America's Got Talent. Surprisingly, it caught my attention, because there was actually someone talented performing. Grrrrr! I got involved. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night I plopped down in front of the set, anxious to see who made it to the next round. It became another Dancing with the Stars for me.
I followed it religiously, watching aerial acts, bicyclists, an awesome group called, Fighting Gravity, a cross-dresser, named Poppycock, who was not only outrageously talented with costuming and make-up, but whose voice was extremely well trained. But what blew me away, was a little girl named Jackie Evancho, who, no doubt, had been possessed by an experienced and much older vocalist.
My favorite, though, and not because of his voice as much as his soul and style, was Michael Grimm. From the first time I heard him, I thought, he's a winner. And he did win. I remember jumping up and down as if I had just won the lottery.
Okay, it was over and I happily vowed never to watch the show again. Then tonight, for noise and to get away from the puter for a while, I turned on the TV. *rolls eyes* Season 6, America's Got Talent, the premiere show. Fortunately, I missed the first hour.
I swear some of these people are totally delusional. They actually believe they have talent so much so that it's laughable. Good grief, not one, but two guys fell off the frickin stage. LOL...okay, not funny, they could have been hurt. But puuuuleeeeeze, how do these people even make the auditions? A group of elderly men, in diapers, holding lollipops and wearing baby bonnets, who claimed they could dance????? Husband and wife sword fighters? That bit wasn't even choreographed well. The show is a joke - at least a big part of it.
Nevertheless, the real talent shines even brighter when competing against the buffoons. Three kids, 5,6,& 7, "fwiends, who just wistened to the wadio and started wrappin one day, fared well for their ages. What amazed me more was the confidence they displayed. They were relaxed, polite - not a fake polite, but more like an adult kind of courteous - and self-assured.
Another group that stood out for me were dancers, who - like Fighting Gravity - had an original gimmick. They danced in the dark, but were illuminated in various colors. I think their names were something like The Luminaires. *shrugs*
They did one bit that just went by too quickly for me. Two people were the wheels for several others that were - ummmm... I don't know what. A car, train, something in motion. The wheels did somersaults in perfect sync and it actually looked like a moving vehicle. I really need to find out more about this group.
Anyway, *sighs* I think I'm hooked again. Fortunately, I had the courage to click the remote's off button before Voice, another talent show, started. phewwwww.
I remember a while back switching the channel when I saw some idiots on the AGT stage making fools of themselves. I just shook my head in disbelief and never turned the show on again.
Then, sometime last winter I turned on the TV and it happened to be on the station that airs America's Got Talent. Surprisingly, it caught my attention, because there was actually someone talented performing. Grrrrr! I got involved. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night I plopped down in front of the set, anxious to see who made it to the next round. It became another Dancing with the Stars for me.
I followed it religiously, watching aerial acts, bicyclists, an awesome group called, Fighting Gravity, a cross-dresser, named Poppycock, who was not only outrageously talented with costuming and make-up, but whose voice was extremely well trained. But what blew me away, was a little girl named Jackie Evancho, who, no doubt, had been possessed by an experienced and much older vocalist.
My favorite, though, and not because of his voice as much as his soul and style, was Michael Grimm. From the first time I heard him, I thought, he's a winner. And he did win. I remember jumping up and down as if I had just won the lottery.
Okay, it was over and I happily vowed never to watch the show again. Then tonight, for noise and to get away from the puter for a while, I turned on the TV. *rolls eyes* Season 6, America's Got Talent, the premiere show. Fortunately, I missed the first hour.
I swear some of these people are totally delusional. They actually believe they have talent so much so that it's laughable. Good grief, not one, but two guys fell off the frickin stage. LOL...okay, not funny, they could have been hurt. But puuuuleeeeeze, how do these people even make the auditions? A group of elderly men, in diapers, holding lollipops and wearing baby bonnets, who claimed they could dance????? Husband and wife sword fighters? That bit wasn't even choreographed well. The show is a joke - at least a big part of it.
Nevertheless, the real talent shines even brighter when competing against the buffoons. Three kids, 5,6,& 7, "fwiends, who just wistened to the wadio and started wrappin one day, fared well for their ages. What amazed me more was the confidence they displayed. They were relaxed, polite - not a fake polite, but more like an adult kind of courteous - and self-assured.
Another group that stood out for me were dancers, who - like Fighting Gravity - had an original gimmick. They danced in the dark, but were illuminated in various colors. I think their names were something like The Luminaires. *shrugs*
They did one bit that just went by too quickly for me. Two people were the wheels for several others that were - ummmm... I don't know what. A car, train, something in motion. The wheels did somersaults in perfect sync and it actually looked like a moving vehicle. I really need to find out more about this group.
Anyway, *sighs* I think I'm hooked again. Fortunately, I had the courage to click the remote's off button before Voice, another talent show, started. phewwwww.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day and The TeamLiquid Community
Memorial Day - A day of remembrance for those in the armed forces, who have died so that we may live free.
A guy named jackblack (starcraft user name) thought it appropriate to start a thread on Team Liquid - a "Thank you" to those in the U.S. military, who gave their lives. That's what Memorial Day is, after all.
The mods prefaced the thread with the following statement:
This is a thank you thread, not a debate thread or a thread to criticise soldiers or the regimes they fight for. If you do not heed this warning retribution will be swift and without mercy!
Needless to say, many did not heed that warning. They called our military, scumbags, murderers for money, rapist, torturers. "You're not a hero just because you've been or are currently in the military"
Of course there were the pacifists, who said things like "someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?" And the real idiots, "Personally I dont understand why so many people are praising/thanking these murders... If i were to praise Osama it would be basically the same thing... "
Several pages later an ex-serviceman, who goes by the name of JamesJohansen, piped in with his take:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=228016¤tpage=3
After he wrote a tribute and thank you, he made this edit:
Edit: Apparently its all the rage to criticize and hate the soldiers though. Jesus this thread scares me, this is the generation that will one day run the world too. One of the reasons I hate this forum is its full of dumbfuck kids who think they know everything from the internet and have an inflated sense of worth and intelligence from their sheltered worlds. Fuck you, show some respect for those that deserve it. I'm not worthy but I'll never sit on my ass and make blanket criticisms because too many have given up too much for my simple freedoms
It touched me and I quoted him, posting a picture of Arlington Cemetery, and a song from youtube entitled, "War! What is it good for?" Whilst many of you have probably heard the song, the video that accompanies it, is an eye-opener:
http://youtu.be/2pIqxuygWwM
Regrettably, the chart posted by the original poster, that shows the causalities of the Afghanistan and Iraq war, a couple videos, and words of those who have served, didn't deter the haters from having their say. After numerous bans in the nine pages, Manifesto closed the thread.
Of course this didn't stop the "war." A dude named Asjo, started a blog page on TL. "Debating Appreciation of War."
He ended his post: "I concede that humanity has still not evolved to a stage where we will be without voilent conflicts. I can understand why soldiers do what they do, even if I find it wrong, but I will never be able to thank them."
This is freedom. He had the right to post HIS thoughts, in HIS blog. (Yeah, someone died to give him that right - no thanks needed now) People read the title, "Debating" and obviously knew it was okay to air their opinions.
Why didn't the idiots, who weren't thankful to our military, stay out of the thread entitled, "Thank You Soldiers." Oh wait, right! Because they're idiots.
I am far from the most patriotic person on the face of this earth. Still, when I hear the National Anthem, or see our military, I get a lump in my throat. I have little faith in our government. I'm a die hard conspiracy theorist. But dammit, the dudes that start these wars, aren't the same people dying in them. They're young men and women most in their teens and early 20s that are learning all too quickly how unappreciated they are for their efforts.
Do I condone war? Hell no! "What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing!" But I do have the utmost respect for those honorable military men and women, who put their lives on the line each and every day; waiting to die; experiencing that fight or flight feeling in their gut every minute of every day; seeing their buds blow to bits and wondering if they'll be next.
Unfortunately, there will always be "evil" people, who make others look bad; however, I will continue to believe that most of those serving in our military are good in heart and cry at night when they have just killed another human being, albeit an enemy; an enemy with whom he or she has come face to face and who is probably as young or younger and has a family consisting of a mother and father and sister and brother and aunts and uncles, all of whom are hoping beyond hope that their child will return home safely.
We all suffer the ravages of war. We all pay. But those on the front lines have paid with their lives. So, am I going to honor the military men and women, who now sleep in peace at Arlington? You're damn right! And thank you, thank you, thank you.
A guy named jackblack (starcraft user name) thought it appropriate to start a thread on Team Liquid - a "Thank you" to those in the U.S. military, who gave their lives. That's what Memorial Day is, after all.
The mods prefaced the thread with the following statement:
This is a thank you thread, not a debate thread or a thread to criticise soldiers or the regimes they fight for. If you do not heed this warning retribution will be swift and without mercy!
Needless to say, many did not heed that warning. They called our military, scumbags, murderers for money, rapist, torturers. "You're not a hero just because you've been or are currently in the military"
Of course there were the pacifists, who said things like "someone care to explain how you can make a better world with violence?" And the real idiots, "Personally I dont understand why so many people are praising/thanking these murders... If i were to praise Osama it would be basically the same thing... "
Several pages later an ex-serviceman, who goes by the name of JamesJohansen, piped in with his take:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=228016¤tpage=3
After he wrote a tribute and thank you, he made this edit:
Edit: Apparently its all the rage to criticize and hate the soldiers though. Jesus this thread scares me, this is the generation that will one day run the world too. One of the reasons I hate this forum is its full of dumbfuck kids who think they know everything from the internet and have an inflated sense of worth and intelligence from their sheltered worlds. Fuck you, show some respect for those that deserve it. I'm not worthy but I'll never sit on my ass and make blanket criticisms because too many have given up too much for my simple freedoms
It touched me and I quoted him, posting a picture of Arlington Cemetery, and a song from youtube entitled, "War! What is it good for?" Whilst many of you have probably heard the song, the video that accompanies it, is an eye-opener:
http://youtu.be/2pIqxuygWwM
Regrettably, the chart posted by the original poster, that shows the causalities of the Afghanistan and Iraq war, a couple videos, and words of those who have served, didn't deter the haters from having their say. After numerous bans in the nine pages, Manifesto closed the thread.
Of course this didn't stop the "war." A dude named Asjo, started a blog page on TL. "Debating Appreciation of War."
He ended his post: "I concede that humanity has still not evolved to a stage where we will be without voilent conflicts. I can understand why soldiers do what they do, even if I find it wrong, but I will never be able to thank them."
This is freedom. He had the right to post HIS thoughts, in HIS blog. (Yeah, someone died to give him that right - no thanks needed now) People read the title, "Debating" and obviously knew it was okay to air their opinions.
Why didn't the idiots, who weren't thankful to our military, stay out of the thread entitled, "Thank You Soldiers." Oh wait, right! Because they're idiots.
I am far from the most patriotic person on the face of this earth. Still, when I hear the National Anthem, or see our military, I get a lump in my throat. I have little faith in our government. I'm a die hard conspiracy theorist. But dammit, the dudes that start these wars, aren't the same people dying in them. They're young men and women most in their teens and early 20s that are learning all too quickly how unappreciated they are for their efforts.
Do I condone war? Hell no! "What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing!" But I do have the utmost respect for those honorable military men and women, who put their lives on the line each and every day; waiting to die; experiencing that fight or flight feeling in their gut every minute of every day; seeing their buds blow to bits and wondering if they'll be next.
Unfortunately, there will always be "evil" people, who make others look bad; however, I will continue to believe that most of those serving in our military are good in heart and cry at night when they have just killed another human being, albeit an enemy; an enemy with whom he or she has come face to face and who is probably as young or younger and has a family consisting of a mother and father and sister and brother and aunts and uncles, all of whom are hoping beyond hope that their child will return home safely.
We all suffer the ravages of war. We all pay. But those on the front lines have paid with their lives. So, am I going to honor the military men and women, who now sleep in peace at Arlington? You're damn right! And thank you, thank you, thank you.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Avilo and the IG LAN Tournament in Fairfax, VA.
Memorial Day weekend and I spent the day watching Avilo fight for the win in Fairfax, VA. Yeah, I could have gone to a bbq, but there's nothing more exciting than watching Avilo pwn, whilst listening to two awesome casters from Its Gosu, Ayesee and Redmajejr.
Like all good casters, they accurately call the games and offer what they might do or what the player should probably do in certain situations. It's more than that, though, they provide comedic relief. Even when things go wrong lol. The technical difficulties at today's LAN were too funny, and when you're streaming live it can get crazy. Redmaje sounded at times like Robocop under water and at other times like he was in a tunnel. The music went from really good to sounding like it was being streamed from an alien planet. A couple times they lost the stream altogether. But they didn't panic like some noob might. They made it laughable, holding the attention of the viewers. Ayesee and Redmaje are just an ideal complement to one another.
Anyway, back to Avilo, who hasn't lost in any of the DC area LANS, since he started winning. I think this makes it six now - maybe seven. *shrugs* Usually, though, it's a TvT match. (Yeah, for some reason there's a plethora of really awesome Terrans in that area.) The final game this time was TvZ against NrGeve (not a girl).
I don't even know how many straight games Avilo won to get to the finals, but the final game was bo5 and if he had lost any, it would have gone to bo10. I can't even figure that out, it's just dumb. All I know is they started at Cyberground around 11 a.m. and it didn't end until almost 10 p.m. although he did get a couple hours break whilst waiting to see which player would unseat him - or I should say try. lolHis opponent maybe got a potty break. But sometimes I wonder if a long break can't put you at a disadvantage. I mean, when you're on a winning streak, ya wanna keep up the momentum.
Whatever, I'm sure Luckyfool, who is now a member of the NrG team, was certain his mate Eve, would take Avilo. Speaking of Luckyfool, he went pretty far as well, but the last game he played I was like "HUH? Wtf you doing, dude?" I wonder if it's any less devastating to lose to a team mate?
Then my conspiracy tilted mind started running amok and I'm thinking Hmmm. Did Luckyfool lose intentionally so that his team mate - Zerg - would beat Avilo? And then I'm like Wtf, are you nuts? Lucky is not only a nice, straight-up guy, but Eve would still have to beat Revillusion in order to get to Avilo. So I put the conspiracy to rest. LOL
But Eve beat Revillusion - a 15 year old, who is really good. So yeah the mind started churning again. Revillusion was paid to lose. Then, when Eve lost the first game to Avilo, my mind burned with suspicion. AHA! He lost intentionally to give Avilo false confidence and, maybe, so he could pick the next map. I still thought that when he lost the second. hehe. Somewhere during the third game I turned off all the conspiracy theories. Hey, I'm a writer with a vivid imagination. Of course, I'm gonna think conspiracy, it makes everything more interesting. lol
So, Avilo, my Terran man, is still undefeated in the DC area LANs and I'm thinking now that the only reason Revillusion won the last LAN was because Avilo couldn't make it. lol. Like I told Avilo, "There's gonna be lotsa LANs, but only one college graduation." And he worked so hard for a degree he didn't even want. Wait! I think I pulled a couple all-nighters (or close to it) helping him study. *pats self on back*
*sighs* One problem. When you're the best gun in the west (even if it is the east coast - I take creative license :D) there's always gonna be others gunnin for ya.
Woohoo! Avilo keeled the bugs 3-0. Congrats! (pssst. Secret weapon - I've been supplying him with Raid and several Roach Motels. Plus some bleach for the mold. I don't think it's called mold - oh wait, fungus. Still have to find a non-toxic household product that kills infestors.
Today was a fun day and next up is the MLG-Columbus. gOgOgO Avilo.
Like all good casters, they accurately call the games and offer what they might do or what the player should probably do in certain situations. It's more than that, though, they provide comedic relief. Even when things go wrong lol. The technical difficulties at today's LAN were too funny, and when you're streaming live it can get crazy. Redmaje sounded at times like Robocop under water and at other times like he was in a tunnel. The music went from really good to sounding like it was being streamed from an alien planet. A couple times they lost the stream altogether. But they didn't panic like some noob might. They made it laughable, holding the attention of the viewers. Ayesee and Redmaje are just an ideal complement to one another.
Anyway, back to Avilo, who hasn't lost in any of the DC area LANS, since he started winning. I think this makes it six now - maybe seven. *shrugs* Usually, though, it's a TvT match. (Yeah, for some reason there's a plethora of really awesome Terrans in that area.) The final game this time was TvZ against NrGeve (not a girl).
I don't even know how many straight games Avilo won to get to the finals, but the final game was bo5 and if he had lost any, it would have gone to bo10. I can't even figure that out, it's just dumb. All I know is they started at Cyberground around 11 a.m. and it didn't end until almost 10 p.m. although he did get a couple hours break whilst waiting to see which player would unseat him - or I should say try. lolHis opponent maybe got a potty break. But sometimes I wonder if a long break can't put you at a disadvantage. I mean, when you're on a winning streak, ya wanna keep up the momentum.
Whatever, I'm sure Luckyfool, who is now a member of the NrG team, was certain his mate Eve, would take Avilo. Speaking of Luckyfool, he went pretty far as well, but the last game he played I was like "HUH? Wtf you doing, dude?" I wonder if it's any less devastating to lose to a team mate?
Then my conspiracy tilted mind started running amok and I'm thinking Hmmm. Did Luckyfool lose intentionally so that his team mate - Zerg - would beat Avilo? And then I'm like Wtf, are you nuts? Lucky is not only a nice, straight-up guy, but Eve would still have to beat Revillusion in order to get to Avilo. So I put the conspiracy to rest. LOL
But Eve beat Revillusion - a 15 year old, who is really good. So yeah the mind started churning again. Revillusion was paid to lose. Then, when Eve lost the first game to Avilo, my mind burned with suspicion. AHA! He lost intentionally to give Avilo false confidence and, maybe, so he could pick the next map. I still thought that when he lost the second. hehe. Somewhere during the third game I turned off all the conspiracy theories. Hey, I'm a writer with a vivid imagination. Of course, I'm gonna think conspiracy, it makes everything more interesting. lol
So, Avilo, my Terran man, is still undefeated in the DC area LANs and I'm thinking now that the only reason Revillusion won the last LAN was because Avilo couldn't make it. lol. Like I told Avilo, "There's gonna be lotsa LANs, but only one college graduation." And he worked so hard for a degree he didn't even want. Wait! I think I pulled a couple all-nighters (or close to it) helping him study. *pats self on back*
*sighs* One problem. When you're the best gun in the west (even if it is the east coast - I take creative license :D) there's always gonna be others gunnin for ya.
Woohoo! Avilo keeled the bugs 3-0. Congrats! (pssst. Secret weapon - I've been supplying him with Raid and several Roach Motels. Plus some bleach for the mold. I don't think it's called mold - oh wait, fungus. Still have to find a non-toxic household product that kills infestors.
Today was a fun day and next up is the MLG-Columbus. gOgOgO Avilo.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Dancing with the Stars 2011 - The Finale
What a great season! Why? Because there weren't any professional dancers and, with the exception of a few, who started the season, they were all equal. Even the last three standing were so close in the competition that it was still anyone's guess who would go home with that trophy.
The finale, too, was maybe the best I've ever seen. Sure, in the past they've brought back the other contestants, but for some reason this was just more fun. And lol at Wendy Williams, who refused to put on her dancing shoes and instead did a talk show spot, interviewing Wendy and Tony. It was funny, but when she said afterwards that she's just glad no one was judging her this time, I'm like "Hello? Wendy? Ummm...we're still wondering if you're a man in drag."
Seriously, though, as I watched the dancers come back to perform I was thinking, How did they get voted off? Romeo and Chelsie were breathtaking. And I always did like Chris Jericho. Petra is a classic and just looks good on the dance floor. Unfortunately - ahem - *looks all innocent* I missed Kendra's dance.
Kudos to whoever put that bit together, where the judges did critiques. Having studied film editing, I know how daunting a task it can be and that editing was fantastic.
Maybe I'm being forgetful, but I don't remember the dancers ever getting a final dance and final scores. I like the idea though.
Chelsea and Mark (I haven't mentioned this before, but Avilo reminds me so much of Mark, albeit a younger, skinnier version)did their favorite dance - a spellbinding Viennese Waltz, which earned them three 10s. The first time around Len didn't care for it too much because it was "Outside the box." Glad he came around to the understanding that in order to grow, some things have to change.
When Kirstie and Maks did their sexy ChaChaCha, several dress sizes later, (For Kirstie that is) it was a vast improvement over the first ChaCha they performed in week one. And I was thrilled that the judges gave them three 10s. She really deserved them.
Now, what can I say about Hiney Ward. I still think he's a tight end. :D. He and Kym ended the season with their favorite dance, the Samba, and it was done to perfection. That man can move on the dance floor, but he does more than that, he lights up the stage.
The show ended with 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place being announced - what we've waited for all season - but it didn't exactly turn out as I expected. When Chelsea and Mark took 3rd, I sat with my jaw dropped to the floor and wondered if my chosen was going home with the Mirror Ball. I held my breath, as Tom made the moment even more dramatic, then sighed relief when Hines and Kym took first place. And if y'all read back to the beginning of the season's posts, you'll see I was right again :D
This season was, by far, one of my favorites and it's because none of the competitors were professional dancers or had any training whatsoever. I only hope that the producers of the show take heed, as I'm pretty sure most of the viewers feel the same.
So until next season, ciao! Which reminds me, Chris Jericho did a damn good impression of Bruno. lol
The finale, too, was maybe the best I've ever seen. Sure, in the past they've brought back the other contestants, but for some reason this was just more fun. And lol at Wendy Williams, who refused to put on her dancing shoes and instead did a talk show spot, interviewing Wendy and Tony. It was funny, but when she said afterwards that she's just glad no one was judging her this time, I'm like "Hello? Wendy? Ummm...we're still wondering if you're a man in drag."
Seriously, though, as I watched the dancers come back to perform I was thinking, How did they get voted off? Romeo and Chelsie were breathtaking. And I always did like Chris Jericho. Petra is a classic and just looks good on the dance floor. Unfortunately - ahem - *looks all innocent* I missed Kendra's dance.
Kudos to whoever put that bit together, where the judges did critiques. Having studied film editing, I know how daunting a task it can be and that editing was fantastic.
Maybe I'm being forgetful, but I don't remember the dancers ever getting a final dance and final scores. I like the idea though.
Chelsea and Mark (I haven't mentioned this before, but Avilo reminds me so much of Mark, albeit a younger, skinnier version)did their favorite dance - a spellbinding Viennese Waltz, which earned them three 10s. The first time around Len didn't care for it too much because it was "Outside the box." Glad he came around to the understanding that in order to grow, some things have to change.
When Kirstie and Maks did their sexy ChaChaCha, several dress sizes later, (For Kirstie that is) it was a vast improvement over the first ChaCha they performed in week one. And I was thrilled that the judges gave them three 10s. She really deserved them.
Now, what can I say about Hiney Ward. I still think he's a tight end. :D. He and Kym ended the season with their favorite dance, the Samba, and it was done to perfection. That man can move on the dance floor, but he does more than that, he lights up the stage.
The show ended with 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place being announced - what we've waited for all season - but it didn't exactly turn out as I expected. When Chelsea and Mark took 3rd, I sat with my jaw dropped to the floor and wondered if my chosen was going home with the Mirror Ball. I held my breath, as Tom made the moment even more dramatic, then sighed relief when Hines and Kym took first place. And if y'all read back to the beginning of the season's posts, you'll see I was right again :D
This season was, by far, one of my favorites and it's because none of the competitors were professional dancers or had any training whatsoever. I only hope that the producers of the show take heed, as I'm pretty sure most of the viewers feel the same.
So until next season, ciao! Which reminds me, Chris Jericho did a damn good impression of Bruno. lol
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