Due to the fact that someone saw my original post as "divulging too much 'personal' information" and "making me look bad" the original post was deleted. Sorry
Obviously, the truth hurts - especially when you're telling other people another truth.
Follow-up:
Even though I deleted the post, I think dcsc2 deserves a shout out. The casters, Yida and Gosukevin, whilst not the comedic Ayesee and Redmajejr, of It's Gosu, are good and made Saturday's games exciting and interesting.
When I first started watching the It's Gosu stream, there were few people viewing - it was the same with the dcsc2 stream. These guys put their time and effort into streaming so that y'all can watch events and enjoy them - please do support the streams by becoming a follower.
For further dcsc2 information on upcoming events, etc:
http://dcsc2.com/
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
AGT - The Wild Card Results Show
Much to my dismay, America voted. Only one of my picks made it through so, it looks like USCMD's predicitons were right. *sighs* (Did ya ever feel like you don't belong in this life?)
I agree that the Kinetic King, who was voted through, is endearing and has a great sense of humor; however, are people actually going to pay to see an act that's over in a couple minutes?
Granted, Peachock blew it last night; nevertheless, I think he's entertaining. And if America had voted for Those Funny Little People, I probably would have left the states along with Piers. Avery and the Calico Hearts can come back when their voices have matured some.
Not one of the above mentioned were in my picks. :((
But two of the first three called to stage were. Shevonne and Yellow Design Stunt Team. Frankly, I was aghast when West Springfield made it through. Not that they don't have potential, but come on folks. This only goes to prove that teens text more than adults pick up the phone.
By the time Landon Swank and Seth Grabel were called to the stage I was thoroughly disgusted. Too many things have gone wrong for me lately, and now my picks, which are always accurate, (well 99.9% of the time) were wrong too. I picked Swank, so I was sure Seth would go to the semis. Oh wow! Surprise, surprise. America voted right this time and we'll see Landon Swank in the semis.
That left the Fiddleheads, Summerwind Skippers and J. Chris Newburg. I knew that my pick - Newburg - wouldn't go through this time, but I did hope the jump rope team would. At least it wasn't too big of a disappointment when the judges decided on Summerwind Skippers.
The show wasn't a total loss for me, though. As some of you know my background is in theater, so anytime a show brings an ensemble to perform, I'm in my glory. Les Miserables is one of the longest running musicals in the world and third longest running on Broadway. "One Day More," performed impeccably by cast members, gave me goose bumps. It'ss a great song, but my fave from the show is "On My Own." Kinda the way I've always been. (That's what ya get for bein' so damn independent, Ms. Hart).
I missed Colbie Callat's "All of You," because the phone rang - and if you're reading this, the answer is still no.
The semis begin next week and there's already talk about October's auditions. Just one more thing of which I'm not looking forward.
I agree that the Kinetic King, who was voted through, is endearing and has a great sense of humor; however, are people actually going to pay to see an act that's over in a couple minutes?
Granted, Peachock blew it last night; nevertheless, I think he's entertaining. And if America had voted for Those Funny Little People, I probably would have left the states along with Piers. Avery and the Calico Hearts can come back when their voices have matured some.
Not one of the above mentioned were in my picks. :((
But two of the first three called to stage were. Shevonne and Yellow Design Stunt Team. Frankly, I was aghast when West Springfield made it through. Not that they don't have potential, but come on folks. This only goes to prove that teens text more than adults pick up the phone.
By the time Landon Swank and Seth Grabel were called to the stage I was thoroughly disgusted. Too many things have gone wrong for me lately, and now my picks, which are always accurate, (well 99.9% of the time) were wrong too. I picked Swank, so I was sure Seth would go to the semis. Oh wow! Surprise, surprise. America voted right this time and we'll see Landon Swank in the semis.
That left the Fiddleheads, Summerwind Skippers and J. Chris Newburg. I knew that my pick - Newburg - wouldn't go through this time, but I did hope the jump rope team would. At least it wasn't too big of a disappointment when the judges decided on Summerwind Skippers.
The show wasn't a total loss for me, though. As some of you know my background is in theater, so anytime a show brings an ensemble to perform, I'm in my glory. Les Miserables is one of the longest running musicals in the world and third longest running on Broadway. "One Day More," performed impeccably by cast members, gave me goose bumps. It'ss a great song, but my fave from the show is "On My Own." Kinda the way I've always been. (That's what ya get for bein' so damn independent, Ms. Hart).
I missed Colbie Callat's "All of You," because the phone rang - and if you're reading this, the answer is still no.
The semis begin next week and there's already talk about October's auditions. Just one more thing of which I'm not looking forward.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
America's Got Talent - The Wild Card Show
Correction - Thanks to USCMD, who pointed out my error. I inadvertently gave Peachock's balls to Landon Swank. Oops
Tonight the judges had their choice of acts they thought got a raw deal and were sent home too soon. As far as I'm concerned, some of these acts were better than ones the judges sent straight to Vegas. Then again, as Bob Barrenger said in State and Main, "The only second chance I know, is to make the same mistake twice."
The acts Piers picked:
The Kinetic King, whose act didn't fail the second time around. With tin cans, garbage pails, balloons, string, oranges and his Popsicle sticks, he started the chain reaction and it went off beautifully. There should have been more aerial shots, but all in all it was a great trick. As fun as it is to watch, I still don't think it's worth a million bucks.
Charles Peachock, who I think deserved a second chance, but did fail. A juggler can't drop the props. He started off with a flaming chain saw and two fire balls, but his second trick, with the swords was a disaster. He balanced the blade of one sword on the point of another that rested on his forehead. With the top sword spinning, he juggled three other swords, only oops, he dropped one. The end.
Summerwind Skippers, a jump rope act, makes jumping rope "sexy." Hell, I knew that it was sexy from when I was a kid. Bouncing boobies and well packed baskets what more could ya ask for? I know, glow in the dark jump ropes and costumes.
The Magician that Piers thought deserved a second chance was Landon Swank. I thought he was good when he (and herein lies the error :D) tinkled the ivory with his balls. Tonight, he performed a pretty awesome trick under water. I hate under water tricks, because I always feel compelled to hold my breath and I always drown.
Howie's Picks:
Come on! He brought back Those Funny Little People just to spite Piers.
Seth Grabel made a car appear, but hell, he had a smoke screen to disguise the trick itself. The best part of his act were the three kids, who emerged from the car. A mini Sharon, a mini Howie, and a mini Piers.
I was beginning to think that Howie really doesn't know talent until the comedian, J Chris Newburg came on stage. He did a Piers (who absolutely didn't think Newburg had an ounce of comedic talent) roast and it was funny enough to make Piers laugh - okay he fought it, but there was definitely a smile on his face. Well, actually, it was about Piers so, of course his narcissistic self would find it entertaining. I'm sure what Newburg wanted to do was hike his leg on Piers ala Gabe Rock.
Howie also brought back Fiddleheads, the blue grass group that incorporates contempary music in their act. Yeah, I think they left the blue grass in Kentucky.
Sharon's picks:
Unlike, Howie and Piers, Sharon has a musical background, so she should know music. When she brought back the chipmunks, in the bodies of Avery and the Calico Hearts, I was thoroughly disappointed in her. Boo Hiss. You don't choose talent based on cuteness. The song in which I'm pretty sure, the fairest of them all, started off key, was something about dynamite. Isn't dynamite kinda like a bomb?
Shevonne, who sang Madonna's Nobody's Perfect was really good, though. It's nice to hear people admit they're wrong and all three judges admitted that sending her home in the first place was dead wrong.
Last week Sharon already told us that she would bring back West Springfield Dance Team and she was wrong. Not only didn't they step it up, it was just boring horror.
The one act I thought should be in the semis and Sharon was good enough to bring back is Yellow Design Stunt Team. Man, those BMXers are dangerously exciting. Every time they appear, their act has a different theme. Costumed in pirate attire with a stage to match the story, they performed sensational stunts. Shiver me timbers.
My picks:
Yellow Design Stunt Team
Shevonne
J. Chris Newburg
Landon Swank
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Starcraft - Not Saying Good-bye, but Farewell
For the most part I've enjoyed writing about Starcraft and watching it grow. The comments were always fun to read and seeing the number of viewers grow was exciting. But sometimes things in our lives take a turn and you realize that you need time to get back on track. That's what I need - time.
I wrote a lot about the Starcraft community mostly because of avilo to whom I was devoted. Before he came into my life,I didn't even know what SC was. LOL But for two years, when he had no one to believe in him or support him and his dreams, I was there for him - right or wrong. I trust that I encouraged him and inspired him to grow. Hell, I even convinced him to finish college, when he was thoroughly disillusioned.
It does my heart good to know that now he has a fan base and it's growing in numbers everyday. His stream is thriving and other gamers support him and recognize his talent - the talent I've seen since I've known him. Before he got his new computer (I kept telling him to stop trying to rebuild his old computer and get all new innards. GRRRRRRR! Finally he did)I sat on his unwatchable stream as mod for hours - talk about devotion LOL
I smiled when I saw that It's Gosu, who had their first invitational the other night, (really exciting games with some top players) invited avilo - the only one without a team. That was nice of them, but then I've always said they're good people. He lost in RO1 to a protoss, but he'll get there eventually.
Luckyfool messaged me on TeamLiquid and thanked me for supporting the community. He thinks that if it wasn't for avilo, I probably would not have written anything about SC. Like I said, I didn't know squat about SC before avilo, but now that I do, I enjoy the game and, believe it or not, have made some friends. So, you're wrong, Lucky. I'll be back eventually. And I'll continue to support the DC LANs, It's Gosu, Hypercrew - all the dudes that were nice to me, and who accepted me into the community. It was great fun. I love y'all and wish y'all the best in your endeavors.
It's just time for me to back off for a while. LOL! Actually, not that anyone, except avilo, noticed but I backed off as of July 21, despite avilo's incessant Terran-like harassment, strats, gimmicks, BtB allins and shenanigans for me to return. (hmmm...come to think of it, those tricks are the same he used to get me into his life in the first place hehehe)
As far as the PMs I'm receiving... what I know is this - when you've known someone as intimately as I've known avilo, you know their heart and their mind; you know their weaknesses and their strengths. It's not the PMs or the chat logs - it's the fact that they were all too easy for me to believe.
Anyways, I'll see you guys in the near future and be writing more about Starcraft and its progress. I'll definitely write when Luckyfool beats avilo 2-0. hahaha. Thanks again to Luckyfool, all the peeps at It's Gosu and all the casters who streamed events and kept chat a nice place to be and the games exciting to watch. And thank you Davi, for introducing me to your game. GLHF!
P.S. One last word - Read the Koreans will not be participating in season 2 of the NASL. Just LOFL!
I wrote a lot about the Starcraft community mostly because of avilo to whom I was devoted. Before he came into my life,I didn't even know what SC was. LOL But for two years, when he had no one to believe in him or support him and his dreams, I was there for him - right or wrong. I trust that I encouraged him and inspired him to grow. Hell, I even convinced him to finish college, when he was thoroughly disillusioned.
It does my heart good to know that now he has a fan base and it's growing in numbers everyday. His stream is thriving and other gamers support him and recognize his talent - the talent I've seen since I've known him. Before he got his new computer (I kept telling him to stop trying to rebuild his old computer and get all new innards. GRRRRRRR! Finally he did)I sat on his unwatchable stream as mod for hours - talk about devotion LOL
I smiled when I saw that It's Gosu, who had their first invitational the other night, (really exciting games with some top players) invited avilo - the only one without a team. That was nice of them, but then I've always said they're good people. He lost in RO1 to a protoss, but he'll get there eventually.
Luckyfool messaged me on TeamLiquid and thanked me for supporting the community. He thinks that if it wasn't for avilo, I probably would not have written anything about SC. Like I said, I didn't know squat about SC before avilo, but now that I do, I enjoy the game and, believe it or not, have made some friends. So, you're wrong, Lucky. I'll be back eventually. And I'll continue to support the DC LANs, It's Gosu, Hypercrew - all the dudes that were nice to me, and who accepted me into the community. It was great fun. I love y'all and wish y'all the best in your endeavors.
It's just time for me to back off for a while. LOL! Actually, not that anyone, except avilo, noticed but I backed off as of July 21, despite avilo's incessant Terran-like harassment, strats, gimmicks, BtB allins and shenanigans for me to return. (hmmm...come to think of it, those tricks are the same he used to get me into his life in the first place hehehe)
As far as the PMs I'm receiving... what I know is this - when you've known someone as intimately as I've known avilo, you know their heart and their mind; you know their weaknesses and their strengths. It's not the PMs or the chat logs - it's the fact that they were all too easy for me to believe.
Anyways, I'll see you guys in the near future and be writing more about Starcraft and its progress. I'll definitely write when Luckyfool beats avilo 2-0. hahaha. Thanks again to Luckyfool, all the peeps at It's Gosu and all the casters who streamed events and kept chat a nice place to be and the games exciting to watch. And thank you Davi, for introducing me to your game. GLHF!
P.S. One last word - Read the Koreans will not be participating in season 2 of the NASL. Just LOFL!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
America's Got Talent - YouTube Special Results Show 8-10-11
YouTube is such a ginormous video website that everyone and his brother has used the site to uploaded videos. Some talented folks even made their way to AGT. But what's more amazing are the YouTube entertainers that AGT brought us tonight.
A 29 year old, who goes by the name of Tay Zonday has had over 70 million viewers watch his Chocolate Rain vid. But it doesn't stop there. I mean his original video became so popular that he's risen to fame. And, yes, he actually talks with that deep, resonating voice with which he sings.
Keenan Cahill, a 15 year old, from Elmhurst, IL. put a vid on YouTube of him lip-syncing and, since, has been joined by a multitude of stars. The teen, who suffers from Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome (which can be an excruciatingly painful disease)has had over 23 million YouTube views.
Other performers on tonight's show were OK Go, originally from Chicago, who performed All is Not Lost, Rebecca Black of the Friday Friday Friday fame (Awwwww I missed her performance *rolls eyes) and Up and Over, a hand dancing act.
But the most important YouTube acts were the performers, who anxiously awaited their fate backstage.
Nick first called out Gymkana and Powerhouse. Out the two, I think Gymkana was more unique so, despite Nick's pregnant pause, adding to the tension of these hopefuls, I knew Gymkana would get the most audience votes and they did.
Next up, Matt Whilhelm, Aeon, and TnC Elite. Well seeing as Matt got the most YouTube votes, again there was no doubt in my mind who was going to the semis. Matt Whilhelm and his dance partner, the neon bike.
Then four acts faced the firing squad. I swear that's what they're faces look like whilst they're standing up there waiting for Nick to announce who won. Kalani, Breena Bell, Kevin Colis and Brett Daniels. I liked the illusionist, but figured Kevin Colis would make it through. Just what Vegas needs, more singers. Actually, I'm happy for him. And if it weren't for his girlfriend, he wouldn't even be there. Yeah, behind every famous man, is a devoted and loyal woman, who believes in him.(dumb b*t*h)
The last three acts standing were Beth Ann Robinson, West Springfield Dance Team and Gabe Rock. Awwww poor Gabe was disqualified first and according to Piers, it's because Gabe was rude. HA! Piers he only did what a lot of other acts would like to have done.
This was a toss-up between Beth Ann and WSDT and I'm glad I didn't have to be one of the judges. Of course, Sharon would pick the West Springfield Dance Team, because they're just weird. I mean look who she chose for a husband. Nevertheless, Beth Ann Robinson was chosen by Piers and Howie.
We haven't seen the last of West Springfield Dance Team, though. Next week is the Wild Card show and that means a second chance for some of the performers who didn't make it. Sharon's wild card pick is West Springfield. They might make it to the semis yet.
Did I mention that I can't wait for AGT to be over and for Dancing with the Stars to start? LOL
A 29 year old, who goes by the name of Tay Zonday has had over 70 million viewers watch his Chocolate Rain vid. But it doesn't stop there. I mean his original video became so popular that he's risen to fame. And, yes, he actually talks with that deep, resonating voice with which he sings.
Keenan Cahill, a 15 year old, from Elmhurst, IL. put a vid on YouTube of him lip-syncing and, since, has been joined by a multitude of stars. The teen, who suffers from Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome (which can be an excruciatingly painful disease)has had over 23 million YouTube views.
Other performers on tonight's show were OK Go, originally from Chicago, who performed All is Not Lost, Rebecca Black of the Friday Friday Friday fame (Awwwww I missed her performance *rolls eyes) and Up and Over, a hand dancing act.
But the most important YouTube acts were the performers, who anxiously awaited their fate backstage.
Nick first called out Gymkana and Powerhouse. Out the two, I think Gymkana was more unique so, despite Nick's pregnant pause, adding to the tension of these hopefuls, I knew Gymkana would get the most audience votes and they did.
Next up, Matt Whilhelm, Aeon, and TnC Elite. Well seeing as Matt got the most YouTube votes, again there was no doubt in my mind who was going to the semis. Matt Whilhelm and his dance partner, the neon bike.
Then four acts faced the firing squad. I swear that's what they're faces look like whilst they're standing up there waiting for Nick to announce who won. Kalani, Breena Bell, Kevin Colis and Brett Daniels. I liked the illusionist, but figured Kevin Colis would make it through. Just what Vegas needs, more singers. Actually, I'm happy for him. And if it weren't for his girlfriend, he wouldn't even be there. Yeah, behind every famous man, is a devoted and loyal woman, who believes in him.(dumb b*t*h)
The last three acts standing were Beth Ann Robinson, West Springfield Dance Team and Gabe Rock. Awwww poor Gabe was disqualified first and according to Piers, it's because Gabe was rude. HA! Piers he only did what a lot of other acts would like to have done.
This was a toss-up between Beth Ann and WSDT and I'm glad I didn't have to be one of the judges. Of course, Sharon would pick the West Springfield Dance Team, because they're just weird. I mean look who she chose for a husband. Nevertheless, Beth Ann Robinson was chosen by Piers and Howie.
We haven't seen the last of West Springfield Dance Team, though. Next week is the Wild Card show and that means a second chance for some of the performers who didn't make it. Sharon's wild card pick is West Springfield. They might make it to the semis yet.
Did I mention that I can't wait for AGT to be over and for Dancing with the Stars to start? LOL
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
America's Got Talent - YouTube Special
Out of a thousand YouTube auditions, only 20 of which we got to see, the judges chose 12 to compete for four spots. Props to the judges for sitting through a thousand acts. I couldn't do it, but then I'm not getting paid.
The first act, from Charlotte N.C., incorporates modern dance/music with clog dancing. TNC Elite is different and, no, can't be compared to Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. They danced to the upbeat, Black Eyed Peas tune "I Gotta Feeling" and it suited their style perfectly.
Where does an illusionist go at 50? Well, if your name is Brett Daniels and you're from Wisconsin, you audition on YouTube for AGT. He did a tribute to Marilyn Monroe and I thought it was a great trick. The problem is I was bored. What he lacks, in my opinion, is showmanship.
Now if he had a face like the next act, you'd have to love him. Gabe Rock, rawks. The humor this cute little bull dog brought to the act, was a good choice. Oh wait, his trainer created the act. Who was she anyways? "What does Piers do when he doesn't like an act?" she asked. Gabe buzzed the buzzer. But hiking his leg on a cardboard cut-out of Piers was what I'm sure a lot of acts would like to do. Who doesn't like doggies? Cat lovers most probably.
There are so many acrobatic acts that Aeon, from L.A. has a lot of competition, even though I've yet to see another free running dance group on AGT. What they lack in talent, they make up for in energy.
I remember the little southern miss from her YouTube audition. And I agreed with the judges that Breena Bell from Alabama could see the Olympics in her future, but doesn't stand a chance on AGT.
The male singer competition isn't overwhelming this season so, who knows, the Texan, Kevin Colis, might stand a chance. He's not a Michael Grimm, but then there's only one of him. I'm not a big fan of The Lazy Song, although he did hit and sustain the final high note flawlessly.
Next up was a 14 year old dancer from Alabama, Beth Ann Robinson. When I watched her YouTube performance I thought she had talent, but with the drama and emotion she brought to the act to tell a story...well, it was pretty awesome. And the kid can dance.
Gymkana an acrobatic team from MD did their stunts to Lady Gaga's "On the Edge." They're an incredibly talented ladder act that not only has to have balance, coordination and perfect timing, but complete TRUST in the dude that holds up the ladders. Obviously, I wouldn't make the act, because I don't trust anyone.
What kid wouldn't wanna be surrounded by gorgeous girls? Well, maybe not all guys. With a name like Kalani, you'd have to be from Hawaii, right? The gorgeous girls, who danced around while he played with his balls - oh did I mention he does a freestyle basketball act? - looked nervous as hell. Howie described him as a one-man Harlem Globetrotter act. It's interesting to watch, but what other tricks can he do? I mean the Globetrotters can at least play basketball.
West Springfield Dance Team bills themselves as hip hop dancers, but it didn't look hip hop to me. Although the choreography, with their vampire-ish look and contacts that made their eyes translucent was different, it didn't scare me at all. They have one really good move; however, the competition in this category is plentiful.
The guy that got the most YouTube votes hails from my hometown, Chicago. When I saw Matt Whilhelm's YouTube audition I wasn't too impressed. Seems everyone these days wants to glow in the dark. His bicycle glowed and was extremely talented, too. I never saw a bicycle break dance by itself. Oh wait! He was on it doing the tricks, but you couldn't see him? Ohhhhhhhhh I get it now. So when he appeared spinning in thin air, the bicycle was just blacked out? Unfortunately, I didn't even realize that his costume was the innards of a human that glowed in the dark, because it didn't.
Lastly, a high school choir from California, Powerhouse. It's a different kind of choir that makes you want to be happy and makes you feel like singing? Okay. The choir in the movie Sister Act made me happier and made me feel like singing. This choir, not too much.
So, which four of the above acts do you think will make it to the semis? There's certainly no Jackie Evancho there and with the exception of Beth Ann Robinson, I don't see any of them going to the finals.
That's my take on the YouTube performers, but before I log off a warm welcome to my newest viewer, Leslie and thanks for following. :)
The first act, from Charlotte N.C., incorporates modern dance/music with clog dancing. TNC Elite is different and, no, can't be compared to Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. They danced to the upbeat, Black Eyed Peas tune "I Gotta Feeling" and it suited their style perfectly.
Where does an illusionist go at 50? Well, if your name is Brett Daniels and you're from Wisconsin, you audition on YouTube for AGT. He did a tribute to Marilyn Monroe and I thought it was a great trick. The problem is I was bored. What he lacks, in my opinion, is showmanship.
Now if he had a face like the next act, you'd have to love him. Gabe Rock, rawks. The humor this cute little bull dog brought to the act, was a good choice. Oh wait, his trainer created the act. Who was she anyways? "What does Piers do when he doesn't like an act?" she asked. Gabe buzzed the buzzer. But hiking his leg on a cardboard cut-out of Piers was what I'm sure a lot of acts would like to do. Who doesn't like doggies? Cat lovers most probably.
There are so many acrobatic acts that Aeon, from L.A. has a lot of competition, even though I've yet to see another free running dance group on AGT. What they lack in talent, they make up for in energy.
I remember the little southern miss from her YouTube audition. And I agreed with the judges that Breena Bell from Alabama could see the Olympics in her future, but doesn't stand a chance on AGT.
The male singer competition isn't overwhelming this season so, who knows, the Texan, Kevin Colis, might stand a chance. He's not a Michael Grimm, but then there's only one of him. I'm not a big fan of The Lazy Song, although he did hit and sustain the final high note flawlessly.
Next up was a 14 year old dancer from Alabama, Beth Ann Robinson. When I watched her YouTube performance I thought she had talent, but with the drama and emotion she brought to the act to tell a story...well, it was pretty awesome. And the kid can dance.
Gymkana an acrobatic team from MD did their stunts to Lady Gaga's "On the Edge." They're an incredibly talented ladder act that not only has to have balance, coordination and perfect timing, but complete TRUST in the dude that holds up the ladders. Obviously, I wouldn't make the act, because I don't trust anyone.
What kid wouldn't wanna be surrounded by gorgeous girls? Well, maybe not all guys. With a name like Kalani, you'd have to be from Hawaii, right? The gorgeous girls, who danced around while he played with his balls - oh did I mention he does a freestyle basketball act? - looked nervous as hell. Howie described him as a one-man Harlem Globetrotter act. It's interesting to watch, but what other tricks can he do? I mean the Globetrotters can at least play basketball.
West Springfield Dance Team bills themselves as hip hop dancers, but it didn't look hip hop to me. Although the choreography, with their vampire-ish look and contacts that made their eyes translucent was different, it didn't scare me at all. They have one really good move; however, the competition in this category is plentiful.
The guy that got the most YouTube votes hails from my hometown, Chicago. When I saw Matt Whilhelm's YouTube audition I wasn't too impressed. Seems everyone these days wants to glow in the dark. His bicycle glowed and was extremely talented, too. I never saw a bicycle break dance by itself. Oh wait! He was on it doing the tricks, but you couldn't see him? Ohhhhhhhhh I get it now. So when he appeared spinning in thin air, the bicycle was just blacked out? Unfortunately, I didn't even realize that his costume was the innards of a human that glowed in the dark, because it didn't.
Lastly, a high school choir from California, Powerhouse. It's a different kind of choir that makes you want to be happy and makes you feel like singing? Okay. The choir in the movie Sister Act made me happier and made me feel like singing. This choir, not too much.
So, which four of the above acts do you think will make it to the semis? There's certainly no Jackie Evancho there and with the exception of Beth Ann Robinson, I don't see any of them going to the finals.
That's my take on the YouTube performers, but before I log off a warm welcome to my newest viewer, Leslie and thanks for following. :)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Starcraft Community - Surprising Turn
I'm almost hesitant to express my opinion, but hell I've been wrong before when I jumped to conclusions and I'm feeling hopeful so, I'm gonna go for it!
I've made so many posts about the BM and hate that goes on in the Starcraft Community as a whole and that's like saying a Mexican robbed me, so all Mexicans are thieves. It's just wrong!
I've praised It's Gosu as having a group of the nicest people in the gaming community and I've yet to change my mind about that. Yeah, there's going to be an idiot every now and then, but overall they're pretty damn nice.
Voss is one of their regular posters. He has a blog on It's Gosu @ http://www.itsgosu.com/game/sc2/blogs/my-life-as-a-gamer-12_97 He also streams @ http://www.twitch.tv/voss423# And he's the mod for It's Gosu streams.
He's one of the nice guys. A hardcore gamer, (When he's not in school)who has plans for his future, which include enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He expressed his discontent with the online BM in a comment to one of my posts and offered suggestions to avoid the haters.
Lately, I've read a lot of posts on Team Liquid with guys who take exception to the BM in the community. Naturally, these posts make me smile with the thought that there is hope for the future.
Something took place, recently, that involved Boxer's (the grandfather at 30 of e-sports) team, SlayerS. They recruited a female, Eve, to play on their all male team. After numerous slurs and, from what I read, pornographic pics Photoshopped, Jessica, Boxer's wife and manager of SlayerS, took a stand to defend Eve and the team. She was met with criticism, but more of the comments in the TL thread supported her decision to post their side of the story and expose these trolls for what they are.
For those of you, who say "Don't feed the trolls," "Ignore the haters," I say, wrong! It's my contention that once these low self-esteemed dudes, who have nothing better to do than to harass those who enjoy RTS and want to have fun, realize that their kind are frowned upon in the community and unwelcome, they will start to disappear or better yet, manner up.
Amirite? I dare anyone to disagree. lol
I've made so many posts about the BM and hate that goes on in the Starcraft Community as a whole and that's like saying a Mexican robbed me, so all Mexicans are thieves. It's just wrong!
I've praised It's Gosu as having a group of the nicest people in the gaming community and I've yet to change my mind about that. Yeah, there's going to be an idiot every now and then, but overall they're pretty damn nice.
Voss is one of their regular posters. He has a blog on It's Gosu @ http://www.itsgosu.com/game/sc2/blogs/my-life-as-a-gamer-12_97 He also streams @ http://www.twitch.tv/voss423# And he's the mod for It's Gosu streams.
He's one of the nice guys. A hardcore gamer, (When he's not in school)who has plans for his future, which include enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He expressed his discontent with the online BM in a comment to one of my posts and offered suggestions to avoid the haters.
Lately, I've read a lot of posts on Team Liquid with guys who take exception to the BM in the community. Naturally, these posts make me smile with the thought that there is hope for the future.
Something took place, recently, that involved Boxer's (the grandfather at 30 of e-sports) team, SlayerS. They recruited a female, Eve, to play on their all male team. After numerous slurs and, from what I read, pornographic pics Photoshopped, Jessica, Boxer's wife and manager of SlayerS, took a stand to defend Eve and the team. She was met with criticism, but more of the comments in the TL thread supported her decision to post their side of the story and expose these trolls for what they are.
For those of you, who say "Don't feed the trolls," "Ignore the haters," I say, wrong! It's my contention that once these low self-esteemed dudes, who have nothing better to do than to harass those who enjoy RTS and want to have fun, realize that their kind are frowned upon in the community and unwelcome, they will start to disappear or better yet, manner up.
Amirite? I dare anyone to disagree. lol
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
America's Got Talent - The Results 8-3-11
Maybe it's just my mood tonight, but I was disappointed with the show. Not 100% sure about who America voted into the semifinals, and the talent portion of the show was a let down.
Now mind you, I like Maroon 5, but "Moves Like Jagger" annoyed the heck out of me. And any other time I probably would have liked Jason Derulo's performance. I didn't see the whole act, but "Don't Want To Go Home" did nuttin for me.
The first act that America voted through was Fatally Unique. They worked hard and showed a lot of improvement so, yeah, they deserve to at least get to the semis.
When Zuma Zuma and Yellow Design were both called to the stage, I figured they both won the votes of America. Yellow Design is BMX at its finest and Zuma Zuma is phenomenal entertainment - definitely Vegas. Regretfully, Nick wasn't trickin' the audience this time. Only one act went through and that was Zuma Zuma.
It was a no brainer as I watched three acts standing on stage anxiously awaiting their fate. So it was no surpise when Scott Alexander and SamB lost out to Team iLuminate.
I wasn't too shocked either that the Kinetic King didn't get voted through, but it was anyone's guess who the judges might vote through between Peachock and Melissa Villasenor.
Peachock had performed some spectacularly entertaining routines in the past and whilst bouncing balls on the piano didn't seem stupendous, I'd venture to say that it wasn't an easy task.
Villasenor was so clever and funny the first time around that last night's performance was, in comparison, average.
In the end, the judges went with the act they thought would make it to the finals and that was Melissa Villasenor.
Next week are the youtube competitions. It's amazing to me that AGT found 12 acts out of the 20 I saw.
Now mind you, I like Maroon 5, but "Moves Like Jagger" annoyed the heck out of me. And any other time I probably would have liked Jason Derulo's performance. I didn't see the whole act, but "Don't Want To Go Home" did nuttin for me.
The first act that America voted through was Fatally Unique. They worked hard and showed a lot of improvement so, yeah, they deserve to at least get to the semis.
When Zuma Zuma and Yellow Design were both called to the stage, I figured they both won the votes of America. Yellow Design is BMX at its finest and Zuma Zuma is phenomenal entertainment - definitely Vegas. Regretfully, Nick wasn't trickin' the audience this time. Only one act went through and that was Zuma Zuma.
It was a no brainer as I watched three acts standing on stage anxiously awaiting their fate. So it was no surpise when Scott Alexander and SamB lost out to Team iLuminate.
I wasn't too shocked either that the Kinetic King didn't get voted through, but it was anyone's guess who the judges might vote through between Peachock and Melissa Villasenor.
Peachock had performed some spectacularly entertaining routines in the past and whilst bouncing balls on the piano didn't seem stupendous, I'd venture to say that it wasn't an easy task.
Villasenor was so clever and funny the first time around that last night's performance was, in comparison, average.
In the end, the judges went with the act they thought would make it to the finals and that was Melissa Villasenor.
Next week are the youtube competitions. It's amazing to me that AGT found 12 acts out of the 20 I saw.
America's Got Talent 8-2-11 - The Final 12 of 48
If, according to Howie, this was the best season ever then I'm glad I missed previous seasons. We've seen some pretty untalented people make it to Hollywood. *Thinks about the Roping Cowboy and his horse. Nevertheless, America has voted through some damn good acts, with the exception of a man diving into a kiddies pool. Anyway, tonight was the last of the 48 to perform and it began with a disappointing FAIL!
The Kinetic King, from Minnesota spent 36 hours setting up his tongue depressors and other objects to form a colorful and exciting chain reaction that turned out something like a frigid wife...it was just unresponsive to his touch.
He looked confused and kept trying, but it was a big fail. Unfortunately, his is the kind of act where you don't get a rehearsal. And, whilst I feel for him, who's going to spend money to watch his act in Vegas?
Following his fiasco, Zuma Zuma, an exciting act that incorporates dance and acrobatics with an element of danger, performed.
Then came the chipmunks, who could put a diabetic in a coma with their sweetness - Avery and the Calico Hearts, from Texas. Actually, y'all will probably be seeing them with their own Saturday morning kid's show.
Jugglers are boring, unless of course they're exciting. lol I mean, if you don't bring something different to the act, all you have is someone repeatedly throwing things up in the air and catching' em before they hit the ground. Frankly, I think Charles Peachock is entertaining. I've never seen a juggler play piano with his balls. First he juggled them to Can Can and then Jail House Rock, and he didn't miss a beat.
Someone else who doesn't miss a beat is the crazy, but likeable SamB, from Virginia. He has his own style of dance and the SamB moves. Not a million dollar act, but certainly entertaining. I think he's already a cult figure.
What I decided tonight is that Piers is tone deaf. He accused Taylor Davis, the vocalist/guitar player, from Georgia, that he was off key. Hello? He performed Falling Slowly from the movie Once.. Don't know if he has spectacular range, like Sharon said. His rendition sounded very similar to Kris Allen's from American Idol.
The biggest disappointment for me was Melissa Villasenor, the comic/impressionist from California. Her first (and only performance, Piers) was clever and funny and her impressions were right on target. It's my contention that if an impersonator has to preface who they're impersonating, the impression is probably not too good. And, yeah, if she hadn't told me who they were, I probably wouldn't have guessed one of them. Plus she wasn't funny tonight. :(
Aretha Franklin's hit Think (Freedom) sung by a choir of gospel singers, brought life to the act of the illusionist from PA., Scott Alexander. At his last performance, the judges claimed he lacked showmanship. Well, he livened up the stage this time. The choir sang their way onto a platform where a curtain was dropped to cover them, and POOF! they were gone. No they didn't go to heaven, but they rose to a state box in the audience to finish the song. Awesome cool.
Fatally Unique from Rockford, Illinois was up next. A bunch of street kids who formed a gang to dance. Sweet. And this time up, they're choreography was a lot more organized.
One of the most dangerous acts to perform came to us from Denver. A group of stunt cyclists (bicycles that is) called Yellow Design Stunt Team. The act is exciting and fun to watch, but their performance tonight was colorfully and creatively staged. And even though one guy fell toward the end of the routine - and i'm like ouch - he survived unscathed... I think.
But they weren't the only risk takers on the show. Frank (I wanna die) Miles is the ultimate stuntman. He challenges death for crying out loud. I'd actually like to see tonight's performance in slo-mo. Talk about chain reactions - he sets five crossbows into action by shooting at the first. The fifth one was supposed to have gone through a jelly doughnut attached to his head. It missed the target, but only by a silly little millimeter. Fortunately, the doughnut lived. What sets him apart from other stunt persons is his sense of humor.
Last on the agenda and the most impressive - I'm talking standing O even from Piers - was Team iLuminate. The first time I saw them, I thought they're just copying Fighting Gravity, but tonight it was apparent that they're nothing like them - except for the fact that they dance in the dark. I'm still not sure how the technology works to light their costumes up at the appropriate time, but it's awesome to watch.
It's going to be difficult to chose four acts from tonight's venue, but it would be nice to choose five and kick out Professor Splash. lol
The Kinetic King, from Minnesota spent 36 hours setting up his tongue depressors and other objects to form a colorful and exciting chain reaction that turned out something like a frigid wife...it was just unresponsive to his touch.
He looked confused and kept trying, but it was a big fail. Unfortunately, his is the kind of act where you don't get a rehearsal. And, whilst I feel for him, who's going to spend money to watch his act in Vegas?
Following his fiasco, Zuma Zuma, an exciting act that incorporates dance and acrobatics with an element of danger, performed.
Then came the chipmunks, who could put a diabetic in a coma with their sweetness - Avery and the Calico Hearts, from Texas. Actually, y'all will probably be seeing them with their own Saturday morning kid's show.
Jugglers are boring, unless of course they're exciting. lol I mean, if you don't bring something different to the act, all you have is someone repeatedly throwing things up in the air and catching' em before they hit the ground. Frankly, I think Charles Peachock is entertaining. I've never seen a juggler play piano with his balls. First he juggled them to Can Can and then Jail House Rock, and he didn't miss a beat.
Someone else who doesn't miss a beat is the crazy, but likeable SamB, from Virginia. He has his own style of dance and the SamB moves. Not a million dollar act, but certainly entertaining. I think he's already a cult figure.
What I decided tonight is that Piers is tone deaf. He accused Taylor Davis, the vocalist/guitar player, from Georgia, that he was off key. Hello? He performed Falling Slowly from the movie Once.. Don't know if he has spectacular range, like Sharon said. His rendition sounded very similar to Kris Allen's from American Idol.
The biggest disappointment for me was Melissa Villasenor, the comic/impressionist from California. Her first (and only performance, Piers) was clever and funny and her impressions were right on target. It's my contention that if an impersonator has to preface who they're impersonating, the impression is probably not too good. And, yeah, if she hadn't told me who they were, I probably wouldn't have guessed one of them. Plus she wasn't funny tonight. :(
Aretha Franklin's hit Think (Freedom) sung by a choir of gospel singers, brought life to the act of the illusionist from PA., Scott Alexander. At his last performance, the judges claimed he lacked showmanship. Well, he livened up the stage this time. The choir sang their way onto a platform where a curtain was dropped to cover them, and POOF! they were gone. No they didn't go to heaven, but they rose to a state box in the audience to finish the song. Awesome cool.
Fatally Unique from Rockford, Illinois was up next. A bunch of street kids who formed a gang to dance. Sweet. And this time up, they're choreography was a lot more organized.
One of the most dangerous acts to perform came to us from Denver. A group of stunt cyclists (bicycles that is) called Yellow Design Stunt Team. The act is exciting and fun to watch, but their performance tonight was colorfully and creatively staged. And even though one guy fell toward the end of the routine - and i'm like ouch - he survived unscathed... I think.
But they weren't the only risk takers on the show. Frank (I wanna die) Miles is the ultimate stuntman. He challenges death for crying out loud. I'd actually like to see tonight's performance in slo-mo. Talk about chain reactions - he sets five crossbows into action by shooting at the first. The fifth one was supposed to have gone through a jelly doughnut attached to his head. It missed the target, but only by a silly little millimeter. Fortunately, the doughnut lived. What sets him apart from other stunt persons is his sense of humor.
Last on the agenda and the most impressive - I'm talking standing O even from Piers - was Team iLuminate. The first time I saw them, I thought they're just copying Fighting Gravity, but tonight it was apparent that they're nothing like them - except for the fact that they dance in the dark. I'm still not sure how the technology works to light their costumes up at the appropriate time, but it's awesome to watch.
It's going to be difficult to chose four acts from tonight's venue, but it would be nice to choose five and kick out Professor Splash. lol
Monday, August 1, 2011
Starcraft II MLG - Anaheim
Anaheim was filled with action and excitement as crowds amassed to watch and support their favorite players this weekend. I watched - like thousands of others - via MLG's streams. I watched and laughed at some of the signs I read as cameras panned the pack of gatherers. One sign made me laugh out loud...NERF KOREANS!
There were only a few matches that I cared to watch and I'm thinking that you didn't even have to watch to know the Koreans were going to go back home winners. Nevertheless, watching the strats and builds was well worth the time.
MLG opened the event with Naniwa v Huk, (who has been doing a bang up job lately) on the Red Team and Dong Rae Gu v TLO on the Blue Team. Both Huk and DRG took their opponents 2-0. No biggie for the losers, because these games were pool play (you know the dudes that swim whilst open bracket players work their asses off).
I'm going to interject this before continuing. With 256 players, MLG has to have rules. But excuse me, if it weren't for the open bracket players, who pay $70. to compete, there wouldn't be an MLG.
Starcraft is suppose to be fun, but too many complaints from both previous MLGs and this last one have been reported about the grueling schedule of the open bracket and the disrespect shown to open bracket players. (i.e. Not allowed a potty break, no time to eat or get something to drink, being DQd if you're a minute later than the 10 minute allotted time, way less than eight hours sleep, etc.)
Granted, with that many people, a rigid schedule has to be enforced. It's a marathon and the players that make it through have to have stamina in addition to excellent skills, and maybe a bit of luck. Still, they deserve as much respect as the "Star" players. If MLG can't afford to give them that respect, perhaps MLG should consider lowering the number of entrants. Just my opinion.
Like I said, there were only a few games that interested me. One was Idra v Boxer. We all know Idra's weakness is his own self, so I cheered on Boxer. And whilst in game two Idra displayed incredible defense, Boxer, with his perfect timing and game skills took the Zerg, 2-0. Yay!
Obviously, the Koreans dominate the game; nevertheless, I was really rooting for Boxer and the whole SlayerS team. Whilst I knew that the Koreans would outdo everyone there, I still wanted the It's Gosu team to go far and the Reign team to go home with their heads hung low. I think I got my wish. :D
Whilst Rumcake (I've said this before and I'll say it again, It's Gosu should have a player named Coke to go with the Rum. hehe) and linkO, from It's Gosu, went to the loser's bracket pretty quickly; Pokebunny, Sonkie and wbc fared better.
LinkO did much better in the loser's bracket as did Poke and Sonkie, but wbc was the one It's Gosu team member to make it out of the open brackets. And when it was announced that he eliminated Spades...well I just smiled. Woohoo! He got to go swim in the pool with the big boys.
During the Incontrol v Boxer game on Day two of the event, I was glued to the screen and cheering on...guess who? That wasn't even a fair game. lol Incontrol was, of course, being his greedy self, but Boxer caught him off guard several times and in game two forced him into passivity. Yeah, Boxer took him 2-0. Duh!
I think one of the most exciting games of the whole event was Rain, who struggled through the lower brackets to face Boxer. Okay, I'm just gonna say this now. If I were a gamer, I'd be in awe of Boxer. Over 30 years old, he's like the grandfather of Starcraft and e-sports, in general. Can't even imagine facing him in a competition.
Okay okay back to the Rain v Boxer match. The first game was an hour long. OMG! I thought I was watching avilo play. lol. Rain had some vulnerabilities, but was playing strong and took the first game from Boxer. Huh? Is that possible? You'd have to feel proud at that point. But even though Boxer lost the first game, he emerged the victor. Watching him defend and attack simultaneously was exhilarating.
At one point Boxer, a really nice guy, said, "I not this good, but because of all your cheers, I am better." awwww.
When it came near the end, Boxer, the master, had to play his grasshopper, MMA, the winner of MLG-Columbus. Was Boxer right when he said, MLG-Anaheim will be known as SlayerS MLG? Along with DRG and MVP, still standing were SlayerS Boxer, SlayerS MMA, and SlayerS Ganzi. Hmmmm.
It was hard watching MMA take Boxer; but proud of his apprentice, Boxer exited the booth with a great big smile. The Grand Finals was a match between SlayerS MMA and IMMVP. If MMA had won the BO3, it would have gone to a BO7. But the victor and champion of MLG - Anaheim was MVP.
I'm thinking that Koreans aren't going to be nerfed, but Terrans might. The only non-Terran to make it into the champion brackets was DongRaeGu, a zerg. But let's face it, Koreans have had the advantage of pro-housing and not having to worry about anything but practicing 10 to 12 hrs. a day for a lot longer than EU or US.
So, I'm disappointed for SlayerS team, but thrilled that Boxer showed these yungins what it's all about; happy that everyone had fun, unhappy that open bracket players don't get more respect and better treatment; all smiles that Reign didn't do that well, ecstatic that It's Gosu done good.
Props to Cruncher, Rain, Ganzi and Tyler for fighting their way into the pool and to Attero, wbc, White-Ra and MToD, who, with absolute determination and skill, battled through the loser's bracket victorious.
For all the details check out:
http://pro.majorleaguegaming.com/
There were only a few matches that I cared to watch and I'm thinking that you didn't even have to watch to know the Koreans were going to go back home winners. Nevertheless, watching the strats and builds was well worth the time.
MLG opened the event with Naniwa v Huk, (who has been doing a bang up job lately) on the Red Team and Dong Rae Gu v TLO on the Blue Team. Both Huk and DRG took their opponents 2-0. No biggie for the losers, because these games were pool play (you know the dudes that swim whilst open bracket players work their asses off).
I'm going to interject this before continuing. With 256 players, MLG has to have rules. But excuse me, if it weren't for the open bracket players, who pay $70. to compete, there wouldn't be an MLG.
Starcraft is suppose to be fun, but too many complaints from both previous MLGs and this last one have been reported about the grueling schedule of the open bracket and the disrespect shown to open bracket players. (i.e. Not allowed a potty break, no time to eat or get something to drink, being DQd if you're a minute later than the 10 minute allotted time, way less than eight hours sleep, etc.)
Granted, with that many people, a rigid schedule has to be enforced. It's a marathon and the players that make it through have to have stamina in addition to excellent skills, and maybe a bit of luck. Still, they deserve as much respect as the "Star" players. If MLG can't afford to give them that respect, perhaps MLG should consider lowering the number of entrants. Just my opinion.
Like I said, there were only a few games that interested me. One was Idra v Boxer. We all know Idra's weakness is his own self, so I cheered on Boxer. And whilst in game two Idra displayed incredible defense, Boxer, with his perfect timing and game skills took the Zerg, 2-0. Yay!
Obviously, the Koreans dominate the game; nevertheless, I was really rooting for Boxer and the whole SlayerS team. Whilst I knew that the Koreans would outdo everyone there, I still wanted the It's Gosu team to go far and the Reign team to go home with their heads hung low. I think I got my wish. :D
Whilst Rumcake (I've said this before and I'll say it again, It's Gosu should have a player named Coke to go with the Rum. hehe) and linkO, from It's Gosu, went to the loser's bracket pretty quickly; Pokebunny, Sonkie and wbc fared better.
LinkO did much better in the loser's bracket as did Poke and Sonkie, but wbc was the one It's Gosu team member to make it out of the open brackets. And when it was announced that he eliminated Spades...well I just smiled. Woohoo! He got to go swim in the pool with the big boys.
During the Incontrol v Boxer game on Day two of the event, I was glued to the screen and cheering on...guess who? That wasn't even a fair game. lol Incontrol was, of course, being his greedy self, but Boxer caught him off guard several times and in game two forced him into passivity. Yeah, Boxer took him 2-0. Duh!
I think one of the most exciting games of the whole event was Rain, who struggled through the lower brackets to face Boxer. Okay, I'm just gonna say this now. If I were a gamer, I'd be in awe of Boxer. Over 30 years old, he's like the grandfather of Starcraft and e-sports, in general. Can't even imagine facing him in a competition.
Okay okay back to the Rain v Boxer match. The first game was an hour long. OMG! I thought I was watching avilo play. lol. Rain had some vulnerabilities, but was playing strong and took the first game from Boxer. Huh? Is that possible? You'd have to feel proud at that point. But even though Boxer lost the first game, he emerged the victor. Watching him defend and attack simultaneously was exhilarating.
At one point Boxer, a really nice guy, said, "I not this good, but because of all your cheers, I am better." awwww.
When it came near the end, Boxer, the master, had to play his grasshopper, MMA, the winner of MLG-Columbus. Was Boxer right when he said, MLG-Anaheim will be known as SlayerS MLG? Along with DRG and MVP, still standing were SlayerS Boxer, SlayerS MMA, and SlayerS Ganzi. Hmmmm.
It was hard watching MMA take Boxer; but proud of his apprentice, Boxer exited the booth with a great big smile. The Grand Finals was a match between SlayerS MMA and IMMVP. If MMA had won the BO3, it would have gone to a BO7. But the victor and champion of MLG - Anaheim was MVP.
I'm thinking that Koreans aren't going to be nerfed, but Terrans might. The only non-Terran to make it into the champion brackets was DongRaeGu, a zerg. But let's face it, Koreans have had the advantage of pro-housing and not having to worry about anything but practicing 10 to 12 hrs. a day for a lot longer than EU or US.
So, I'm disappointed for SlayerS team, but thrilled that Boxer showed these yungins what it's all about; happy that everyone had fun, unhappy that open bracket players don't get more respect and better treatment; all smiles that Reign didn't do that well, ecstatic that It's Gosu done good.
Props to Cruncher, Rain, Ganzi and Tyler for fighting their way into the pool and to Attero, wbc, White-Ra and MToD, who, with absolute determination and skill, battled through the loser's bracket victorious.
For all the details check out:
http://pro.majorleaguegaming.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)