One of the comments I got from a viewer stated that the show leaves in the rotten acts for comic relief. Sorry, but I thought "comic" referred to something funny. Guess Piers and I are the only ones not laughing.
Really, I didn't think it could get worse than Seattle, but 45 minutes into the show and I didn't see a Vegas worthy, one million dollar act on that stage. It was pathetic. If this is a talent show, show me some damn talent.
Then, at the end, to keep you watching I guess, was the WOW moment. Anna Graceman, an 11 year old from Alaska (well it starts with an A) performed an Alicia Keys number, "If I've Got You," with the soul of a musician, who struggled her whole life for the "big break."
Watching her sing and accompany herself on the piano, emoting feelings that, you'd think, an 11 year old shouldn't have, gave me goosebumps.
Frankly, if it wasn't for her, I'd probably quit the show. Although it's rather like a horrific scene where you want to close your eyes, but can't.
The producers probably think, we'll give the audience one good act and with all the other acts, show America that it really doesn't have talent.
Of course I can see a drag queen like Hershae Chocolatte in Vegas. I, along with Piers, wasn't even going to give him/her a chance. Once she started dancing, she was pretty okay. Unlike Piers, though, I have a sense of humor. lol
We got clips of a jump rope team; Fiddlehead, a bluegrass band; and DJ Face, a 6 year old DJ (guess I didn't get the talent there) who were all voted through.
There was a clip of a unicyclist dressed like I don't know what, (If anyone has a clue let me know) who didn't say a word and didn't even wait to be judged. I mean it kind of makes me think the show should be called "America's Got The Weirdest Talent."
More clips, of people who didn't make it through, showed a Robot named Michael Potts and a yodeler, except he called it hollering. Ummm... yeah.
And you know those bad dancers at parties, who, when they start, you just wanna laugh? There was a Seinfeld episode about this guy, Mr. Shake It Up, only it was about Elaine.
Other acts voted through, who I don't think should have been:
Attack Dance Crew. A group of college boys who were nothing more than a drill team in my opinion. Piers thought the "choreography" was fresh and innovative, but I agree with Howie, they looked like cheerleaders sans the pom poms. Unfortunately, Piers talked Sharon into voting yes. *rolls eyes*
Captain and Maybelle. Yeah, people go for horror. The judges couldn't even watch as Captain swallowed hangers and a sword weighed down with cinder blocks. Whilst I can actually see something like that in Vegas, it was more side show quality to me, but the audience loved it. *more eye rolls*
And finally an OMG! Are you kidding me? moment. Armand and Angelina, who have been married for 10 yrs. and 3 mos. sing and it's like "Making love," said Armand. "Now we get to make love with the audience." Their "Cross-over music" made me wanna cross over for sure.
They took this beautiful song "My Heart Will Go On" from the film Titanic and killed it. Like Nick Cannon said, "This performance is going down faster than the Titanic."
Armand prefaced what they were about to sing by telling the judges his wife has had classical training and he only trained in bars. Her voice made me want to cringe it was so grating and, yeah, he doesn't have a voice at all, but he can play the flute. lol.
Now mind you, they are totally serious about what they do, but Howie thought it was a comedy routine I guess. He said, "It's so ridiculous, it's wonderful." Piers, on the other hand said, "I agree with Howie, it's ridiculous." Sharon said, "It's camp and cheesy." So this couple went through with two yes votes. *Rolls eyes until I get dizzy
Atlasta it's over and it was the longest one hour ever. Which reminds me, it's the longest day of the year, too. Yep, just looked outside and at 9 p.m. central, it's still light out. :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
VTGaming's Surprise Announcement
It was a surprise to me when someone directed me to a thread in the Team Liquid forums that announced VT Reign.
There were already 30 pages and I read every single one of them. Most were to congratulate VTGaming. But there were others asking what's going to happen to the old team? Yeah, that was my initial response.
Granted the "old" VT team didn't do well at MLG, but putting together a new team doesn't happen overnight - especially when you're setting up a pro house in California. So, this has been in the works for a while.
A few current VT members wrote their thoughts in the thread and received responses like, "You sound bitter." Ummm....excuse me, but can you blame them? Not sure when the old members were told about the new team and pro house, but what a frickin slap in the face. "Hey, guys VT is getting a pro house...only we're getting a new team, too." That's like telling these guys that worked long and hard for VT that they're just not good enough.
Players were assured that VT would continue to exist. Call me cynical, but I understand all too well how business works and I know the corporate mentality. The underlying message is, if you want to find a new team (hint hint) it's okay with us, (because sooner or later we're gonna get rid of all of you) but rest assured you will all still be a part of VTGaming.(Do you think they bought it?)
Sponsorship for a relatively new concept, such as e-sports, is hard to come by. Yes, Starcraft is growing and is more visible to the general public, but one thing is for certain - no one is going to back a losing team. And why, if VT is recruiting top names for their "new" team, would they support the old VT players?
I've seen things like this happen before during reorganizations of a company. Employees sense the doom, but CEOs keep telling them, "Don't worry, we're not getting rid of you." And then the ax is dropped on the first person. Again, the head of the corporation reassures everyone else that they're jobs are secure. But when the next person is axed, you gotta start wondering if someone isn't trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
It's corporate double talk to avoid dissension amongst employees. After all, they don't want everyone walking, before the company gets a routine going. Oh well, whatever!
Intuition and common sense tells me that the old VT team will fade away when Reign starts to shine; unless VT has funds to spare, which is highly unlikely. VT's funds and attention will be devoted to the new team so, if the players of the old team think "Everything is going to stay the same" I think they're in for a rude awaking.
Of course, I hope I'm just being overly cynical, but I think not.
And that's life without the fantasies.
There were already 30 pages and I read every single one of them. Most were to congratulate VTGaming. But there were others asking what's going to happen to the old team? Yeah, that was my initial response.
Granted the "old" VT team didn't do well at MLG, but putting together a new team doesn't happen overnight - especially when you're setting up a pro house in California. So, this has been in the works for a while.
A few current VT members wrote their thoughts in the thread and received responses like, "You sound bitter." Ummm....excuse me, but can you blame them? Not sure when the old members were told about the new team and pro house, but what a frickin slap in the face. "Hey, guys VT is getting a pro house...only we're getting a new team, too." That's like telling these guys that worked long and hard for VT that they're just not good enough.
Players were assured that VT would continue to exist. Call me cynical, but I understand all too well how business works and I know the corporate mentality. The underlying message is, if you want to find a new team (hint hint) it's okay with us, (because sooner or later we're gonna get rid of all of you) but rest assured you will all still be a part of VTGaming.(Do you think they bought it?)
Sponsorship for a relatively new concept, such as e-sports, is hard to come by. Yes, Starcraft is growing and is more visible to the general public, but one thing is for certain - no one is going to back a losing team. And why, if VT is recruiting top names for their "new" team, would they support the old VT players?
I've seen things like this happen before during reorganizations of a company. Employees sense the doom, but CEOs keep telling them, "Don't worry, we're not getting rid of you." And then the ax is dropped on the first person. Again, the head of the corporation reassures everyone else that they're jobs are secure. But when the next person is axed, you gotta start wondering if someone isn't trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
It's corporate double talk to avoid dissension amongst employees. After all, they don't want everyone walking, before the company gets a routine going. Oh well, whatever!
Intuition and common sense tells me that the old VT team will fade away when Reign starts to shine; unless VT has funds to spare, which is highly unlikely. VT's funds and attention will be devoted to the new team so, if the players of the old team think "Everything is going to stay the same" I think they're in for a rude awaking.
Of course, I hope I'm just being overly cynical, but I think not.
And that's life without the fantasies.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
America's Got Talent - Seattle - The Second Time Around
Guess producers thought Seattle had talent; unfortunately, the second time around was sadly pathetic.
On June 7, Seattle auditions brought performers like Melissa Villasenor, an extremely talented and funny impressionist/comic. Tumblers, from Kenya, called Zuma Zuma. The Electrolytes, a dance group. Poplyfe, a group of singing teens, whose lead vocalist - the only girl in the group - told Piers, "If they don't go, I don't go."
There was also an aerialist act, Daring James Duo. But I would have liked to have seen more of a little 8 year old, named Sadie, who could scat with the best. Alas! That was just a clip.
So, AGT thinking Seattle has talent, returned and whilst I think Piers lacks a sense of humor and is worse than Len Goodman, I was almost prepared to believe he's the only judge with a sense of talent.
Almost, that is, until he voted in a chihuahua that plays pool. It wasn't even an act, it was more like a trick. Big deal, a little doggie knocks balls into pockets. Now, if he had been using a cue stick, I might have voted the pooch in too.
The list of no talent folks in Seattle was endless and the show was a waste of time in my opinion.
Brian Jackson, a dude that blows up hot water bottles? Puuuleeeeze. His intention was to top the world record - and even after he was voted off with a miserable fail, he continued back stage. He finally got one to burst a half hour into the show.
Other names that made me cringe were: Buffo, the comedian; Kimo, who did, "Madonna - 20 shows in 20." Was that seconds? Robo the Robot, performed dumb jokes, and the first half hour of the show was a disaster. I think I'm quoting correctly when the emcee, Nick Cannon, said, "Seattle auditions are like the weather - Terrible."
There were clips of some drummer, whose name escapes me; Debra Henson, whose act escapes me; Marcos, a singer, whose mom told off Piers better than the dude to sing.
Alaska, not the state, but an "Interpretive Freestyle Dancer" was just weird.
LuckyTaz commented on my last AGT blog post that they leave in these acts as comic relief. Guess what? They're not funny. Especially when you only get clips of some otherwise talented acts like, Seth, the acrobatic magician; or a pole dancer named Soelil; and a group of funny men singers, whose name was Illumini something or other.
The BGPs, a band, who performed Bennie and the Jets, were good if all they want to do are gigs at weddings, small clubs, etc. Otherwise, they're going to have to be more original. The best part of their act was when their precious kids ran out on stage to be with their daddies. That was an awwwwwww moment.
Piers was enthralled with Marylee, a singer/song writer, who dedicates her music to "dead" people? Really, at first I thought she said deaf people. When she dedicated the number to Piers, I knew she said "dead" and it wasn't too far-fetched. She even put together a little video to go with her tune. Piers was the only judge who voted her in. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that's the first time he smiled all night too.
He didn't even snicker when A Guinness World Record comedian by the name of, Geechy Guy, did his - what I thought was pretty clever - original one-liners.
The only memorable act on tonight's show for me was a group of boys, 8, 9 and 10, named "The Art of Teckniques" They weren't just good for youngsters, they were skilled and obviously love every minute of their hip hop style dancing.
If I remember correctly, the reason I stopped watching America's Got Talent before, was because of shows like tonight's.
I am curious, though, what others think of the show's current format. So, please, take the time and check your choice. If enough people agree with me, I might send it on to the producers of the show.
On June 7, Seattle auditions brought performers like Melissa Villasenor, an extremely talented and funny impressionist/comic. Tumblers, from Kenya, called Zuma Zuma. The Electrolytes, a dance group. Poplyfe, a group of singing teens, whose lead vocalist - the only girl in the group - told Piers, "If they don't go, I don't go."
There was also an aerialist act, Daring James Duo. But I would have liked to have seen more of a little 8 year old, named Sadie, who could scat with the best. Alas! That was just a clip.
So, AGT thinking Seattle has talent, returned and whilst I think Piers lacks a sense of humor and is worse than Len Goodman, I was almost prepared to believe he's the only judge with a sense of talent.
Almost, that is, until he voted in a chihuahua that plays pool. It wasn't even an act, it was more like a trick. Big deal, a little doggie knocks balls into pockets. Now, if he had been using a cue stick, I might have voted the pooch in too.
The list of no talent folks in Seattle was endless and the show was a waste of time in my opinion.
Brian Jackson, a dude that blows up hot water bottles? Puuuleeeeze. His intention was to top the world record - and even after he was voted off with a miserable fail, he continued back stage. He finally got one to burst a half hour into the show.
Other names that made me cringe were: Buffo, the comedian; Kimo, who did, "Madonna - 20 shows in 20." Was that seconds? Robo the Robot, performed dumb jokes, and the first half hour of the show was a disaster. I think I'm quoting correctly when the emcee, Nick Cannon, said, "Seattle auditions are like the weather - Terrible."
There were clips of some drummer, whose name escapes me; Debra Henson, whose act escapes me; Marcos, a singer, whose mom told off Piers better than the dude to sing.
Alaska, not the state, but an "Interpretive Freestyle Dancer" was just weird.
LuckyTaz commented on my last AGT blog post that they leave in these acts as comic relief. Guess what? They're not funny. Especially when you only get clips of some otherwise talented acts like, Seth, the acrobatic magician; or a pole dancer named Soelil; and a group of funny men singers, whose name was Illumini something or other.
The BGPs, a band, who performed Bennie and the Jets, were good if all they want to do are gigs at weddings, small clubs, etc. Otherwise, they're going to have to be more original. The best part of their act was when their precious kids ran out on stage to be with their daddies. That was an awwwwwww moment.
Piers was enthralled with Marylee, a singer/song writer, who dedicates her music to "dead" people? Really, at first I thought she said deaf people. When she dedicated the number to Piers, I knew she said "dead" and it wasn't too far-fetched. She even put together a little video to go with her tune. Piers was the only judge who voted her in. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that's the first time he smiled all night too.
He didn't even snicker when A Guinness World Record comedian by the name of, Geechy Guy, did his - what I thought was pretty clever - original one-liners.
The only memorable act on tonight's show for me was a group of boys, 8, 9 and 10, named "The Art of Teckniques" They weren't just good for youngsters, they were skilled and obviously love every minute of their hip hop style dancing.
If I remember correctly, the reason I stopped watching America's Got Talent before, was because of shows like tonight's.
I am curious, though, what others think of the show's current format. So, please, take the time and check your choice. If enough people agree with me, I might send it on to the producers of the show.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Tony Awards Show Turns 65 and...
"Theater is not just for gays anymore." Standing O for Neil Patrick Harris, who opened the show with that great number. He's so frickin talented. But when you do theater you have to be. You can't say "Cut" or "Let me redo that scene."
Brooke Shields must be wishing about now that she could have called cut - oh wait, she did. How embarrassing. Don't think any stage director is going to be auditioning her very soon.
Harris, in his opening number went into the audience for "rehearsed" spontaneity and Brooke was one of the victims he addressed. After three takes, she finally picked up the card and sang her couple lines. *Rolls eyes*
I was a drama major, not only because I love the theater, but because I'm a born drama queen and I started at the age of three in the performing arts so, it was only natural. One thing I know is there are at times pages of monologue to "memorize," Brooke. Pages! And trust me, when you're in a scene with a fellow actor, they don't like it when you forget your lines and have to cover for you. I think Harris handled it well. He hardly looked shaken. I bet her bit was what made the show run three minutes over.
Theater is dear to my heart, and when I was in Chicago I made the rounds with the rest of the cattle. I supplemented my income - between shows (90% of actors are between shows lol) - doing commercials and picking up extra bits in movies. When I wasn't on stage, I did everything from wardrobe to stage managing to production coordinator. Why? Because there's nothing more exhilarating than the theater. Or as the guy who picks up elephant crap at the circus once said, "The circus is in my blood."
Unfortunately, life sometimes has different plans for us. *sighs* But enough about me.
Tonight's production of the Tony's, like all 64 that preceded it, was handled like no other award shows. It didn't run 30 minutes over, only three - and Harris was still able to get in the rap at the end. Utter professionalism.
What amazed me was the number of well known TV and movie stars doing theater now, who have never done it before. Hey, leave us alone, you already made a name for yourselves. lol I'm certainly not saying movie stars can't act - Ellen Barkin won best female in a featured roll for The Normal Heart. But her acceptance speech was worthy of another Tony.
The Musical that walked away with the most Tony awards was "The Book of Mormon." I heard the writers talking about it on some late night show and it sounded pretty funny - but I still don't get the reference to South Park. *shrugs*
When the nominations for best musical were announced, Chris Rock, who is on Broadway starring in "The Mother*** in the Hat" was the presenter. OMG! That guy is so funny. "This is like taking a whore out for dinner, cuz we know who's gonna win." Funny, too, was Trey Parker, who accepted the award and thanked the now deceased founder of the Mormon religion for co-writing the script.
Okay, so I didn't get to see an hour of the awards, because it was the season finale of Army Wives - I hate when networks do that to me. grrrrrrr. I attempted to flip channels during commercials, but both stations had commercials running. I hate when sponsors do that to me. grrrrrr.
What I was able to catch was Francis MacDormand, who won best lead female actor, for her roll in Good People. I was impressed withwhomever whoever designed her wardrobe. Let me see, Levi? Yeah, I get it. The blue denim jacket worn over a black and red striped granny dress, must have been a statement of some sort. Hmmm? No, sorry, I don't get it.
Best lead male actor in a play went to Mark Rylance for his role in "Jerusalem."
Leading male actor in a musical, for his role in "Catch Me If You Can" went to an actor named Butz. Which reminds me of a funny story...okay, never mind.
Sutton Foster won leading female in a musical for "Anything Goes," which also won in the category of Best Musical Revival. The only other nominee was "How to Succeed in Business."
It's amazing to me how these actors can dance up a storm and still have air in their lungs to belt out that final note of the song like Sutton did. Just, wow!
Oh, I got to hear the resonnating voice of James Earl Jones, who along with Vanessa Redgrave announced "Moments in Theater." I'm pretty sure they're both staring in "Driving Miss Daisy." I'd love to see that.
Best Play was War Horse. I have no idea what that's about.
I got to see Robin Williams in a long grey beard, making a presentation. And also Joel Grey, who has been in theater for six decades. You might be more familiar with his daughter Jennifer Grey, who was the dancing sensation in "Dirty Dancing" or for her Mirror Ball win on Dancing with the Stars. Also, caught a glimpse of a very sexy, very beautiful Christy Brinkley, who is ummmm.... 57 frickin years old????? Oh, and Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, was a great production number with "It's Raining Men, Hallelujah."
Frankly, I regret having changed over to Army Wives for an hour and missing any of the awards show. :(
Oh well, there's always next year.
Brooke Shields must be wishing about now that she could have called cut - oh wait, she did. How embarrassing. Don't think any stage director is going to be auditioning her very soon.
Harris, in his opening number went into the audience for "rehearsed" spontaneity and Brooke was one of the victims he addressed. After three takes, she finally picked up the card and sang her couple lines. *Rolls eyes*
I was a drama major, not only because I love the theater, but because I'm a born drama queen and I started at the age of three in the performing arts so, it was only natural. One thing I know is there are at times pages of monologue to "memorize," Brooke. Pages! And trust me, when you're in a scene with a fellow actor, they don't like it when you forget your lines and have to cover for you. I think Harris handled it well. He hardly looked shaken. I bet her bit was what made the show run three minutes over.
Theater is dear to my heart, and when I was in Chicago I made the rounds with the rest of the cattle. I supplemented my income - between shows (90% of actors are between shows lol) - doing commercials and picking up extra bits in movies. When I wasn't on stage, I did everything from wardrobe to stage managing to production coordinator. Why? Because there's nothing more exhilarating than the theater. Or as the guy who picks up elephant crap at the circus once said, "The circus is in my blood."
Unfortunately, life sometimes has different plans for us. *sighs* But enough about me.
Tonight's production of the Tony's, like all 64 that preceded it, was handled like no other award shows. It didn't run 30 minutes over, only three - and Harris was still able to get in the rap at the end. Utter professionalism.
What amazed me was the number of well known TV and movie stars doing theater now, who have never done it before. Hey, leave us alone, you already made a name for yourselves. lol I'm certainly not saying movie stars can't act - Ellen Barkin won best female in a featured roll for The Normal Heart. But her acceptance speech was worthy of another Tony.
The Musical that walked away with the most Tony awards was "The Book of Mormon." I heard the writers talking about it on some late night show and it sounded pretty funny - but I still don't get the reference to South Park. *shrugs*
When the nominations for best musical were announced, Chris Rock, who is on Broadway starring in "The Mother*** in the Hat" was the presenter. OMG! That guy is so funny. "This is like taking a whore out for dinner, cuz we know who's gonna win." Funny, too, was Trey Parker, who accepted the award and thanked the now deceased founder of the Mormon religion for co-writing the script.
Okay, so I didn't get to see an hour of the awards, because it was the season finale of Army Wives - I hate when networks do that to me. grrrrrrr. I attempted to flip channels during commercials, but both stations had commercials running. I hate when sponsors do that to me. grrrrrr.
What I was able to catch was Francis MacDormand, who won best lead female actor, for her roll in Good People. I was impressed with
Best lead male actor in a play went to Mark Rylance for his role in "Jerusalem."
Leading male actor in a musical, for his role in "Catch Me If You Can" went to an actor named Butz. Which reminds me of a funny story...okay, never mind.
Sutton Foster won leading female in a musical for "Anything Goes," which also won in the category of Best Musical Revival. The only other nominee was "How to Succeed in Business."
It's amazing to me how these actors can dance up a storm and still have air in their lungs to belt out that final note of the song like Sutton did. Just, wow!
Oh, I got to hear the resonnating voice of James Earl Jones, who along with Vanessa Redgrave announced "Moments in Theater." I'm pretty sure they're both staring in "Driving Miss Daisy." I'd love to see that.
Best Play was War Horse. I have no idea what that's about.
I got to see Robin Williams in a long grey beard, making a presentation. And also Joel Grey, who has been in theater for six decades. You might be more familiar with his daughter Jennifer Grey, who was the dancing sensation in "Dirty Dancing" or for her Mirror Ball win on Dancing with the Stars. Also, caught a glimpse of a very sexy, very beautiful Christy Brinkley, who is ummmm.... 57 frickin years old????? Oh, and Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, was a great production number with "It's Raining Men, Hallelujah."
Frankly, I regret having changed over to Army Wives for an hour and missing any of the awards show. :(
Oh well, there's always next year.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Army Wives - The Disbanding of the 23rd Airborne
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?
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?
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?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)