Arts and Crafts… and blogging
Forgive me in advance, this is going to be a long post.
- So, I remembered that I had spent a good sum of money on a rhythm game with a drum set, that I couldn't really play because it was too loud, so I decided to try out a solution that would make the drums a bit more quiet.
Here's what I ended up doing for my kit.
To my surprise, it works quite a bit better than I thought it would have. The drums have a nice thud, rather than a 'clack.' I didn't really notice too much in the way of accuracy difference, so I'm happy.. plus they didn't wake up my daughter when I played, so bonus.
Anyone else try a solution like this?
- So, the big news today in Brewer land was that there was a rumor that Yost would be fired today. It's a team off day, and seeing as they were coming off of a 5 game losing streak... and have lost nine straight on the road. Not exactly a team that is playing well, and it wouldn't be a surprising move.
Typically, when I'm looking for Brewers news, I check the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's blog... as they have a good deal of information and they were one of the first sites that I saw talking about Ryan Braun's deal last week.
The first thing that I saw posted today was about this rumor of Yost's impending firing. Just to make this clear, JSOnline has a blog where they talk about the Brewers and all of the other Wisconsin sports teams. They may be sports writers that write articles for the paper, first and foremost, but they are also writing a blog (They call it a blog, right at the top of the page.)
When I read the story, I thought that it was good news, things might finally be happening, but then I got really irritated as the writer for JS Online posts the rumor, then basically rips the site that posted it, then turns around and talks about how it's possibly true, then gets in a couple more jabs at the blogger.
To be clear, I had never heard of the Badger Blogger site before, but the second that a major news outlet in the state of Wisconsin posts the rumor, it takes on more life. Later in the day, the JS Online sports writer spoke with the GM who said that the story wasn't true. The GM was quoted saying, "I have too much respect for newspapers and news stations for them to respond to a blog for their news. When they do so, they lose their credibility. I refuse to respond to blogs because anybody can put anything out there."
On the whole, I like Doug Melvin. I've met him, in person, and have spoken to him about the direction of the team and about some of the deals that they've done, and some of the deals that haven't gone through. The thing that irritates me more than anything is how the internet is disregarded only by the worst of what people have to offer and nothing more. Yes, there are bloggers out there that post rumors all the time, and are wrong more than they are right, but so do print, radio, and television reporters.
The fact remains that sometimes there are blogs that will get news before the 'established' media does. Over the years, I've received information from the, infamous, "unnamed sources" but I've never really wanted to post them because I don't want to burn that source. If it's something that I'm supposed to keep under my hat, I do. There have been some things that I've really wanted to post, because it would be nice to see the site get some extra loving for a few days, but on the whole, I think it's better to stick with what we do already here.
Whether people like it or not, blogging isn't going anywhere. The only thing that most blogs are lacking that the major sites, be it gaming or sports or whatever, is access. I find that there are a good deal of bloggers that are better writers and are more credible reporters/reviewers than the mainstream media. It's this kind of attitude that has made me avoid most newspapers...and in this case, the JS Online blog.
Follow up on Deca Sports
Not sure if I get the review on this one or not, so I'm giving you a heads up. DecaSports includes 10 sports games (wow, wonder where they got the Deca name). The sports include: Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Curling (!), Archery (!), Kart Racing, Figure Skating (!), Basketball, Soccer, Snowboardcross, and Supercross.
With so many games it's hard to expect full games, but we get a lot more than what we've seen in other minigame compilations, such as in Sports Jam on the Dreamcast.
The games are pretty fun..and it's only $29. I doubt say, Bill Abner would be excited about Baseketball, but it has some fun moments -- it's more Double Dribble than NBA 2K.
It's only $29...and it has curling! You could do worse. For more -- including a live first hand look at the game, check out our podcast!
Annoyed at Wii Fit
Why can you get Wii Fit in New York City and yet you can't buy it anywhere else? It's already in the stores -- and have been there for a week. Embargos like this suck big time. Is there some sort of Japanese thing with 5/21? Someone clue me in?
New Madden 09 Feature: Mulligans!
GameStop's weekly Madden feature is up and it's...mulligans! That's right...
"Before the game begins, each player may select 0, 1, 3, 5, or unlimited REWINDS to be used during the course of the game. Rewinds may be be used on any play: Offense, Defense, & Special Teams. They're not available during online games"
Um....what do you think of this? Part of me says it's lame but then part of me says why isn't it available in online games. Yes, I'm schitzo. I'm curious about our readers thoughts....
Sunday Sports News
- The Brewers just plain suck. They have absolutely zero hitters who can get a hit with runners in scoring position any more. Braun hit another 2 homers today, but only got 3 RBI's out of them. Yesterday was a prime example of what is wrong with this team right now. Braun leads off with a single. Prince hits a double to deep center, leaving runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. K, K, Fly out... inning over. Plus I had to listen to McCarver during it. Ugh. I only wonder how long they go before they can someone over this. It's just plain painful baseball to watch.
Ned Yost is absolutely killing me. They have a lead off hitter hitting .193 (OBP .323.) They have a #2 hitter, hitting .200 (Cameron.) They have Bill Hall, now hitting in the 8 slot, hitting .199. According to Ned, none of them are in danger of losing any at bats. Cameron I can understand, he's only had 17 games thus far... but playing Hall every day is just crazy... as is continuing to stick with Rickie in the leadoff spot. They have Russell Branyan sitting in AAA hitting .310+, but they won't bring him up... because he strikes out too much. Right... because Hall averaging more than a K a game is so much better at taking pitches. He had a 5 pitch strike out today where he never took the bat off his shoulders.
Don't get me started on Weeks either, ugh. Just an awful team on the field right now.
7 games back and falling. I don't see how much longer the ownership will tolerate a team that plays like this.
- Is anyone watching the NBA playoffs? All I see is that teams can't win on the road. Exciting... yawn.
Riding the Pines – Episode 20
Join us, as Dan and Glen provide you with their longest podcast to date. We have quite a few things on our mind, but here's the highlights.
- Wii Ware
- Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff
- Our favorite games of the previous console generation
Feel free to leave your comments here or in the forums as to how you feel about this show. Enjoy!
Anyone looking to buy UT3 PC Cheap?
I'm stupid. Sometimes I buy games I already have. I just purchased on Steam the Unreal collection which is a great way to have all the Unreal games available, and working, unlike say buying an older noncompatible version for less. But you see, I bought UT3 when it came out but Steam failed to recognize it was already on my system. Anyway, the new retail price of UT3 PC is $30, so you can have mine for $15 shipped USPS priority mail. Email if interested.
Still not an Apple Fan, Sunday Game Deals and more
1. I am happy to report that we did record a podcast, and just to satisfy you, it's over 50 minutes of audio goodness. Enjoy the first hand live impressions of Dan playing Curling on Deca Sports. This is audio you have to hear...
2. Okay, Apple, I understand I had to pay a huge premium for your dinky 8GB iPhone, but my wife is now a huge fan. She's blown through her text messaging allowance and then some (wow, AT&T's pricing sucks...apparnetly if you sent an email that's a text message despite a data plan? wtf is that). The issue is your headphone jack. You couldn't have made it universal, no? Not everyone enjoys putting things in their ears. Some like over the ears, but you can't use yoru regular headphones with it because of the way the jack sits on the Iphone! WTF Apple? And apparently bluetooth doesn't work with the ipod part of the iphone unless you buy the headphone adapter? Sprint may have shitty network coverage but with my Blackberry pearl, everything is included (including GPS/text/email/Sprint TV) and I can use Bluetooth. So anyone know of any compatible over the ear headphones for the iPhone that don't cost your left nut? I hear the adapters are cheap, literally.
3. Today's Amazon DOTD is Pro Evolution Soccer for the Xbox 360 for $34.99
4. Nice PC game deal at Circuit City. Crysis for $19.99 if your PC can run it 
.
More Friday Thoughts
- GameStop has printed their NCAA Football 09 Custom Covers, featuring mascots. Do people really use these? Click here.
- Interesting about Shenmue on the Wii. However, I remember the game more for this video than anything else. I even have the English (UK) Dreamcast version of Shenmue 2, how's that for silly.
- Does anyone else have Wii Fit fever? Speaking of Wii Fit, there's nothing funnier than receiving press releases that pimp 'experts' to be made available to the press to speak about these games. ** MEDIA ALERT ** I, Dan Clarke, am available for any interviews regarding Nintendo's upcoming Wii Fit. I mean I haven't played it or anything, but I am available for interviews. Email me for more information . I am also available for "Desperate Housewives." LOL.
- So, hockey season isn't even over yet but we know who's gracing NHL2K9. Pretty quick eh?
- Nothing else comes to mind, so I'm giong to finish up lunch and get back to work.
Friday notes
- Shenmue being ported to the Wii? As I said to Dan after I read the story, 'Can you tell me where the sailors are? I'll waggle my Wii Remote if you do.'
- Rick Nash has been named the cover athlete for NHL2K9. Who says nothing good ever comes out of Columbus? Well, besides me.
- Brewers take 3 of 4 from St. Louis, then lose 2 of 3 to the Dodgers. Thankfully they got Braun locked up for the long term. I'm thinking the next big thing for them is firing Mike Maddux. I don't think they'll can Yost at this point, but the bullpen is all over the place right now, and when you're playing below .500 baseball, someone usually answers for it.
- Oh, and EA has given up on NCAA baseball. I can't find the story link for it at the moment, but I can't say that I'm shocked. Maybe now they'll get around to that NCAA hockey game that about 20 of us are begging for.
MLB Power Pros 2008 screen shots
Whew! That's a lot of Power Pros screens. Enjoy the shots!
Be in an EA Commercial
One of the worlds premiere advertising agencies is seeking gamers of all levels, genders, ages and backgrounds to appear in upcoming commercials for the following EA Games: Madden, Tiger Woods PGA, NCAA Football, NHL, NBA Live or FIFA Soccer. Passionate gamers are encouraged to submit their experiences for possible featuring in nationally televised commercials. Please send email or youtube responses to the following email: gamercasting@gmail.com
Thursday Thoughts
I have that fever smell. You know what I'm talking about? There's a certain scent that permeates your clothes when you don't feel well. Blech. Going to be a rough day for me. I have to go to work but I'm not really feeling so hot. Gotta do what you gotta do or something like that.
In other news, to whet your Power Pros appetite, check out these photos. Looks like a new front end but the graphics look pretty close to last years, which is fine by me.
The Magic Of Orioles Baseball
Seriously, if in late February, you told me that the Orioles would be 2 games above .500 at the 1/4 mark of the season, I wouldn't have believed you. They've played very well, pretty much embarassing the Red Sox despite the amazing Manny catching a ball, high fiving a Red Sox fan and then retiring Aubrey Huff for a double play.
One of the worst songs ever has to be "Orioles Magic." I mean this song was bad back in the mid 80s making it even more cheesy now. However, it's not hard to believe that Orioles magic is coming back...and now after a home win, Camden Yards shows a new video with Kevin Millar lipsyncing with old and new players showing up in the video. From Wild Bill, to Rick Dempsey, to Eddie Murray, to all the new guys, you can check it out here. I love the Ricola-esque opening.
In other news, I'm just about back after recovering from a lovely fever and nasty stomach issue. Good times.
I did get a chance to try out that Wind game on the Wii as well as the TV trivia game which uses Miis. Both are pretty fun games. Still waiting to pick up Deca Sports. Maybe tomorrow.
Wednesday notes
Sorry about the lack of the podcast for the past week or so. I was out of town last week and while we were supposed to record the show last night, I got taken out for an early birthday celebration with some friends last night... and tonight we're actually going out to celebrate my birthday, so we'll try to get the show recorded either Thursday or Friday.
- I received a ton of MLB Power Pros 2008 screens yesterday. I'm hoping that I'll have time at some point in the next day to resize them and post them. I'll let everyone know when they're available. The new game modes look like a good deal of fun. Plus, it seems like the Stadiums look a bit better as well.
- What does everyone make of the rumors that Microsoft is making a 'motion controller?' I honestly don't know why their bothering with it for this generation. It's not like that they'll steal any of the Wii's thunder by creating a controller like that for the 360. Got me.
- Have you seen the image for Guitar Hero's drum set? I like the idea of having the cymbals on top, but I think that almost cinches the fact that the Rock Band drums won't work for this. If that's the case, I'll probably be dropping out of the Guitar Hero franchise. I don't need to have two pretend drum kits in my gaming room.
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