Matt's Crazy World of LiveJournal!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:07:19 GMT

Hey all,

It's been ages since I've done a movie review, so it's time.... :)

Well, after reading a handful of online reviews that were fairly negative, I went watching the prequel, “Van Wilder: Freshman Year,” with very low expectations and skepticism. I really was curious about the movie (which surprisingly made it’s national cable premiere this past Saturday on Comedy Central), as the first movie, “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder,” is one of my favorite Ryan Reynolds movies, because he just MADE the Van character. The spinoff/”sequel,” “Van Wilder 2: the Rise of Taj” was a bit more of a disappointment, as they ONLY brought back Kal Penn’s Taj character, but kept to the pretty standard formula with a twist. Like this movie, I went in watching Van Wilder 2 with similar bottom barrel expectations, and I really enjoyed it (though Penn couldn’t keep his accent the entire movie). However, this time around with the prequel, I had a similar experience, really enjoying this one.

The story this time around is that incoming Coolidge College freshman, Van Wilder V (Jonathan Bennett, “Mean Girls”), graduates from high school (as a every-award-winning, uber-popular guy, and the apple of his dad’s eye). So, after a summer trip of fornication and drugs over in Amsterdam that his father, Van Wilder IV (Linden Ashby, “Mortal Kombat,” “Blast”) couldn’t make due to a business deal. So, off to Coolidge College, Van realizes that everything isn’t has happy as things were when his dad partied through school. One of his father’s old college rivals, Col. Charles Reardon (Kurt Fuller, “Wayne’s World,” “Running Man,” “No Holds Barred”), the stick-in-the-mud, militaristic, uber-righteous/religious dean of the college who has it out for Van because of his father. Aiding the Colonel is the leader of his “Reardon’s Raiders” ROTC team, Sgt. Dirk Arnold (Steve Talley; “American Pie: Beta House & Naked Mile”), who immediately becomes Van’s rival when Van’s interest is turned for his girlfriend and Van’s ROTC group leader, Kaitlin Hays (Kristen Cavallari; MTV’s “The Hills).

So, to try to turn things around and get the college out of the partying mud, Van does his darnest to try to turn things around with his roommate, the white Rastafarian, Farley Marley (Nestor Aaron Absera; “Road Trip: Beer Pong”) and new Chinese friend, Yu Dum Fok (Jerry Shea; various TV ep one-shots). While the formula kind of resonates with the original “Van Wilder,” the hilarity is just outright wrong with some of the evilness that Van does to get back at the uber-religious gals of D.I.C.K. (Daughters in Christ’s Kingdom) at the college’s Sunday mass, or how he gets back at Dirk and the ROTC boys after they beat him up. While not as wretch-worthy as the original movie, this one does have it’s moments. It’s a real shame that I had to watch the edited/rated version of this, as I only wonder what’s on the unrated version. Another interesting tidbit for “Wilder” fans is we get to see how Van gets his infamous bulldog, Colossus, and why Van gave him that name.

The whole buildup to the conclusion is very formulaic, as Van wins over Kaitlin, then Col. Reardon sets Van up to fail (as Van takes guard duty for Kaitlin, and Reardon gets Kaitlin in trouble, costing her a shot at officer’s school. Van doesn’t back down and challenge’s Reardon & his Raiders to a “War Game,” which has some very Van-ish results, including a nice one-shot by Linden Ashby (who arrives just in time as the general for Van’s team) showing off his golf skills.

All-in-all, going in with REALLY low expectations, I enjoyed this direct-to-DVD prequel (which is sadly becoming a trend with successful prior-movie licenses, such as “Road Trip,” “American Pie,” “Bring It On,” and now this….most of which you can thank Universal Studios for). While, Bennett channels Reynolds’ trademark snarkness in his performance, he doesn’t reach Reynolds’ greatness. Another major issue I had with the film is some massive timeline continuity issues. Now, the original Van Wilder was released back in 2002, and Reardon shouldn’t be having a relatively new Hummer H2 nor Van should have a recent HTC Touch to text people (let alone text period or use some text speech back in say….if we go off of the first movie with Van being in his seventh year, 1995, nor should Van have an Xbox 360 back then). Honestly with what seems like a good chunk of the movie’s budget being toasted on the soundtrack (with a major Offspring song as the opening credit’s theme, and some pretty decent music throughout the movie), they cast the movie as best as they could, with Bennett solid as Van, Cavalleri looking uber-hot as Kaitlin, and Steve Talley was surprisingly good as a bad guy after his run as Stifler cousin, Dwight, in the last two “American Pie” direct-to-DVD sequels. Meanwhile, Fuller is his usual decent character-actor self has the Wilder-obsessive Reardon.

Definitely worth a watch, and probably has an inevitable direct-to-DVD sequel (since the filmmaker will probably toast 4/5ths of the budget on the soundtrack again).
GRADE: B- (possibly better than the “Rise of Taj,” but still enjoyable with some pretty predictable jokes and that, but it was a fun romp and was cast pretty decently with direct-to-DVD talent, giving Cavalleri her first real role outside “the Hills.” Plus staring at some of the hotties in the film like Cavallari and others are quite nice).

Boy, it's been 3 weeks?

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:10:06 GMT

Hey there, LJ readers,

Wow...it's been 3 weeks since I made my last LJ post? Geez, other than not being online as much as I used to be (I just don't get online that much, don't know why), and not having Amanda around so I have nice stories w/her & Murray to blog about...it's just one of those things where it's not a real stream of consciousness. That, and Facebook tends to eat into some of this blogging time, as I post things here/there over there at FB.

Anywho, let's briefly get caught up over here:
---Had two dates over the last three weeks. First date, well....started out well (as chatting with her online was great), then she got into this whole "man-hater" tangent, and that kind of freaked me out (to where I haven't talked to her since). The second date was with a gal I had a really good connection with chatting with her (we were going good for 2 weeks, then she had to go off for a 2 week vacation/trip/convention-type thing). So, we had an impromptu date, which went really well (reminded me a lot of a date with a past-girlfriend/still friend). However, due to a few varying factors, been having a lot of trouble getting a hold of her the past week-and-a-half. So...who knows if that'll go anywhere.

---Well, Chip-skate had another round of super-clearance games at work, and I dropped $30 on another 6 games, so I'm really good on games right now. I picked up: for the PS2: The Red Star (a SNES Contra looking game, which was supposed to help save Acclaim, but they weren't able to release it before Acclaim went under) and Maximo vs. the Army of Zin (sequel to a solid Ghosts/Goblins PS2 remake). for the Xbox 360: Solider of Fortune: Payback (interesting FPS with a great gore feature, but crappy/annoying as hell CPU-AI), Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (great co-op brawler that I'm really enjoying a LOT), The Club (3rd person shooter that's interesting), and Ninja Blade (3rd person actioner, that I liked the demo of). Presently, I'm playing through the Spidey: FOF game, along with the Spidey: Web of Shadows game I got in the last clearance go-arounds.

The FOF game is a really fun one I'm half-way through right now, as the design style is really different (looks kind of like the current "Spectacular Spider-Man" cartoon (w/LA voice cast, as James Arnold Taylor has his Rino Romano impersonation going with some nice flair). The SOF: Payback game is infuriatingly frustrating, when a terrorist guy pops up out of NOWHERE and shoots you dead. However, it is fun blasting off limbs and heads. :)

After finding my "Medal of Honor: Airborne" strategy guide I forgot I had, I went back and popped that game in the Xbox 360 as I'm CONSTANTLY stuck at the end of the "Operation Market Garden" with the bridge and the tiger tank "boss" (which I've only gotten to once, as the snipers and bazooka troops have shredded me to death. Needless to say, the strat. guide suggests that I have a sniper rifle (namely the M1 Garand) with me for that part, and stupid me, the way I play MOH:A I don't keep a sniper/bolt-action rifle as my 2nd weapon. Usually I have two machine guns (typically the German one is my primary, with probably the Thompson as my secondary). However, starting where my save/checkpoint left me, I'm sitting with the German machine gun I usually have, shotgun, and the usual Colt sidearm. Boy....no wonder I kept getting screwed on this last part of the level. :) Needless to say, I can't buy a break on this last part of the level, as I've played it at least 10 times, and still can't even get to the damn Tiger Tank (though I did once, and immediately got squished). So, when I go back to that game, I'm going to be frustrated, and probably restart the level over again (which I do remember as being a pretty pain-in-the-ass level, but at least now I'll know to KEEP my Garand).

Other than that, gaming-wise, seriously debating a PlayStation 3 now that the price has dropped AND seeing the specs/pictures of the PS3 Slim (especially with the overheating issues the current model has, and they're slimming it down...WTF Sony, didn't you learn that with the PS2 Thick/Slim the LAST TIME?!?!?). Other than still being considered the best Blu-Ray player on the market...there's a ton of first-party games that are DEFINITELY worth purchasing the PS3 for. I know "Killzone 2" has my eye, along with "Ratchet & Clank: Future," and the upcoming "Ratchet & Clank: a Twist in Time." Don't forget both "Resistence" games, "Hot Shots Golf," and more.

With all the new games and all the fun, I've been pulling away from Frank lately.
MATT: 13,290 GS; FRANK: 9,957 GS.

To really throw our scores into whack, my buddy at South County, Christian is at an ungodly 63,675 GS, meanwhile my co-worker Robert has 30,520 GS. Frank's gotten an Live Arcade game since the last blog and a few points from "Halo Wars." Pretty much, his numbers will stay stationary until "Halo ODST" releases next month (if he has money for it, but with the way Frank is with Halo....he'll buy it and probably already has it preordered).

---As I've mentioned before, been watching "Static Shock" on the former Toon Disney (Disney XD). So far, I think I've had to have seen at least more than a good half of the 4-season series (which I want to say that WB went with their 13 ep/season schedules back then). There's a handful of episodes coming up this weekend that I definitely want to see, especially after reading a bit more about "Static" about the TV series, what happened in the two comic series, and what I've missed (especially the whole Rick Stone/Richie Foley comic=>cartoon analysis/similarity, and what Dwayne McDuffie's thoughts on what would've happened if Static had one more season (ie. outing Richie/Gear as gay, since the Rick Stone comic character he was based on was very openly gay). Also, I was shocked to see that "Static Shock" won an Emmy special award for their episode about a bullied kid bringing a gun to school and opening fire (injuring Richie when he's shot in the kneecap). If you haven't seen the show, check it out on Disney XD, especially if you enjoyed Justice League, the Batman/Superman animated series from the '90s, and Teen Titans series.

---Wow, watching the classic "How I Got Into College" movie on Starz Choice, the main character, Marlon's dad (played by Richard Jenkins), is the same dad from "Step Brothers." Isn't that a coincidence, and I was wondering where the hell I saw him in before when I was watching "Step Brothers." :) After reading his IMDB profile, I've seen he's been in a TON of movies and TV shows, including "Spenser for Hire" and "Silverado."

More later,
Matt

Some Random Thoughts

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:38:33 GMT

Hey folks,

Well, first off, those of you following my Facebook venting know how disappointed I am with the Cardinals mortgaging some of the future (especially Brett Wallace) for 3 months of OF Matt Holliday. I'm hoping that Holliday follows Edmonds/McGwire with the St. Louis effect of him wanting to stay, instead of his agent, Scott Boras, pulling another Jeff Weaver on us (ie. "I don't care how much you want to stay in St. Louis....Seattle's offering TWO MILLION MORE! YOU WILL SIGN WITH WHO GIVES YOU THE MOST MONEY!!!!").

As for the new girlfriend hunt, well, a new prospect entered the picture last week, and everything with her is going splendidly (we have quite a few of the same interests, same movie tastes, food tastes, etc...). Of course, the timing sucks, because she's going on a two week vacation with friends camping, to where she won't have access to the internet and that. Really sucks too, as we were trying to plan to meet but something came up the day we were going to have our first date (which she needed something for an event, and that day was the only day she could get said item, and didn't help that it was 1.5 hour drive to where she was getting it from). As for the other two gals I'm talking to...one is going decently well, as we're planning for a first date sometime soon. The other one is just slipping further away with her lack of communication (so far, it's been near two weeks since her last email, so I'll probably write her off in due time...even though of the 3, she lives the closest, is the tallest). Such is life.

Some random thoughts...
-Watching my DVR of nearly all of the only season of the "Spenser for Hire" spinoff, "A Man Called Hawk." I wish this was on DVD, as there was a TON of acting talent in this series (from EARLY Wesley Snipes & Samuel L. Jackson to Charles S. Dutton WITH HAIR! to Vondie Curtis-Hall to a very early Angela Bassett). :) Great stuff, and nice to see Avery Brooks (who produced, co-wrote, starred, AND even did the music) again, as it's a shame that Avery retired from acting shortly after his run on "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" (he's only popped back up to do a small bit of voice acting for Star Trek video games since then).

-Also, been DVR'ing and watching an old WB animated series that Disney XD is airing called "Static Shock." Based off a comic, "Batman/Superman/Justice League" producer Dwayne McDuffie (the only African-American of the production team) pitched and got WB to go with a teenage African-American superhero. Honestly, it's a great series, with lots of cameos from the other shows (a few appearances by Batman, a Justice League ep, another with Sinestro & John Stewart/GL). Plus the voice casting for the villains and characters have been really solid. Veterans Phil LaMarr ("MadTV"/"Justice League") as Static/Virgil Hawkins and Jason Marsden as Ritchie Foley/Gear are very solid as the main characters, with WB vet Kevin Michael Richardson in a solid co-starring role as Virgil's father. The villains are really solid with the team of Specs & Trapper (the interesting pairing of Patton Oswalt and Michael Rosenbaum), Tantrum (a surprising John Cho), Shiv ("Police Academy's" Brian Tochi, sounding NOTHING like himself), Hot-Streak (Danny Cooksey, who you'd remember as Montana Max in "Tiny Toons"), Replay (a great Neil Patrick Harris), Hyde (the great vocal stylings of Tone Loc), and even in the hero side, a really good Kadeem Hardison doing Adam Evans, the Rubber-Band Man. All in all, I wish WB released this one on DVD, but they have no plans too.

-Snagged two cheapy games that are still a combined $100 at work (and most other places) during GameStop's HUGE Sale. I haven't played one of 'em yet (Bionic Commando), but played Major League Baseball 2K9, and honestly, I give 2K credit, they DID fix a lot of what was wrong in the last few years of the game. The new control system for hitting/pitching is a LOT more improved (though the CPU still gets really fluky hits, which pisses me off, as I had Washington pull the upset on me 8-7, after I was winning 7-2, thanks to a stupid Rick Ankiel error that shouldn't have happened, a few fluke singles, and a 3-run HR by Ryan Zimmerman). Sheesh, did play another game with the NL All-Stars, and that one was a WAY different story (LOVED pitching with the Reds' Edison Volquez for 3 IP, as I was K'ing guys left and right with him). Did have a bit of a HR fest with the All-Stars with 3 HRs (Ludwick, Pujols, Braun).

More later,
Matt

Movie/TV News, Video Game goodness, and more

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:10:08 GMT

Hey all,

Well, it was a really interesting day in TV/movie news yesterday.

First off, Warner Brothers announced that Ryan Reynolds (“The Proposal,” “X-Men: Wolverine-Origins,” “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder”) beat out Justin Timberlake and Bradley Cooper (“The Hangover” and “He’s Not That Into You”) for the Green Lantern/Hal Jordan lead role in WB’s “Green Lantern” live-action movie. While I’m a huge fan of Reynolds, in the DC Universe…I think Reynolds would’ve fit a helluva lot better in the Guy Gardner/Green Lantern part (as Gardner has that sarcasm factor that Reynolds just resonates). Heck, in the DC Universe, there are a few characters that Reynolds would fit a LOT more than Hal Jordan's GL, such as villain Deadshot (Michael Rosenbaum did him perfect in the JL/JLU cartoons), hero Booster Gold (if only Kal Penn would do Skeets).

Anyway, a lot of fans are wondering if Reynolds casting in this might effect Fox's "Deadpool" spinoff from the "X-Men Origins" movie, which would follow a HELL OF A LOT closer to the 4th wall-breaking comics (which Reynolds has stated in interviews, as he's a MASSIVE Deadpool fan). There's been no real word on if Fox might push or cancel "Deadpool," but you had that character get a LOT more buzz than the title character before the movie was released....come on Fox, just get over it and push it to green-light status already. Besides, of all comic characters, if one fit Reynolds like a glove, it'd be Deadpool.

Either way, I’m looking forward to this, and now myself (and a lot of fans) are curious to see who WB casts in the Sinestro role. Speaking of “Green Lantern,” I encourage any of the “Justice League” fans to check out the upcoming “Green Lantern: First Flight” DVD coming out in two weeks, as WB Animation cast it pretty interestingly (“Law and Order: SVU’s” Chris Merloni is voicing Hal Jordan/Green Lantern in it, while “Alias’” Victor Garber is voicing arch-rival Sinestro).

In TV news, SyFy announced that they’re renewing SyFy’s popular “Ani-Monday” block (10pm to Midnight Central) for a third season. No word if they’re licensing anything new from Bandai to air on it, or if they’re tossing something from the semi-limited Manga Video library that they haven’t aired yet If SyFy/Manga is smart, they’ll license some more goodies from Bandai (such as “Ghost Slayers Ayashi”) or see if they can work out something with Funimation (as they have a handful of good sci-fi/fantasy titles that would be perfect).
In addition to this, it was announced that SyFy’s sister cable channel, Chiller, will be adding their own “Ani-Monday” block (8pm to 10pm) this upcoming season, focusing more on supernatural, horror, and thriller anime. While this is all and good (more stuff for me to DVR), this really LIMITS things unless Manga (via Fox) can license some more stuff through other anime distributors (especially Bandai, Funimation, and hell, see if they can get some stuff out of ADV Films). I know Manga has a handful of stuff in there own library, BUT…it’d get tiresome seeing some of the same things over and over and over again. Sure, there’s some things SyFy has re-aired time after time (Gurren Lagann, and some of the movies) that I don’t mind, but others….WHY? (I still can’t get why they picked up “Rave Master” to begin with.)

Matt’s Choices of Stuff for Manga/Fox to license for these “Ani-Monday” blocks (this is only a few ideas…there are plenty more where these came from):

Bandai: “Ghost Slayers Ayashi” (would work for both channels), “Eureka Seven” (for SyFy, if Cartoon Network’s option has expired), MORE “Mobile Suit Gundam” (like “SEED Destiny,” since CN didn’t pick it up), “Outlaw Star” (if CN’s rights have expired), “IGPX” (SyFy, if CN’s rights expired), “Toward the Terra” (SyFy).

Funimation: “STRaIN” (SyFy), “Ghost Hunt” (both channels), “Coyote Ragtime Show” (SyFy), “The Slayers: Season 1/Try/Next/Revolution/Evolution: R” (SyFy).

ADV Films: “Gantz” (perfect for Chiller), “Gasaraki” (both channels), “Macross/Robotech/Southern Cross/Genesis Climber Mospeada” (SyFy), “Aura Battler Dunbine” (SyFy, if ADV still has rights to this), “Godannar” (SyFy), “The Slayers OVAs/Movies” (SyFy).

Geneon (if they’ll license TV deals): “Tokyo Underground” (both), “Melody of Oblivion” (both), “Star Ocean EX” (SyFy).

CPM (well, this is up in the air, as companies are license-rescuing from them): “Patlabor: the Mobile Police” (SyFy).

VIDEO GAMES:
-Well, I’m in the process of playing through “F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin,” and I have three levels to go. There are definitely some “oh shit” moments in the game, like the first one (especially in the first game where Alma decides to try to BBQ you). The lighting effects they really NAILED solid in this game (especially the school cafeteria in the eighth/ninth level in the elementary school). I do love that a P-90 is your basic machine gun in the game. However, some of the harder to find weapons are great, like the Hammerhead (the nail gun, gotta love skewering bad guys to the wall, and then having their muscle reflex when they die shoot off their gun), the Napalm Cannon (TOASTY!), the Pulse Cannon (can you say “crispy skeleton”), and finally, gotta love the LASER (how to surgically remove body parts). I just wish ammo for any of the weapons (other than the pistol, the submachine gun/P-90, and combat shotgun) were easier to come by. The assault rifle is a great gun to have…just not a lot of ‘em out there (unless you’re facing a lot of Replica Forces, who have those in supply along with the automatic shotgun).

Also, making a prediction now…with 3 levels to go, I only have 3 members of my Special Forces squad left (Lt. Stokes, Sgt. Keegan, and Sgt. Morales), since the others (Major Griffin, Sgt. Fox, and I thought one other one) have bitten the dust (thanks to our friend, Alma). At the point I’m at now, Keegan’s “seeing” Alma, traipsing around mindlessly after here, as I’m chasing after him. I think this level he goes toasty, and then, Morales is next. I’m betting that my character (Sgt. Becket) and Lt. Stokes are the ONLY two characters to make it out the game alive. How they’re going to plan a sequel after this, I’m VERY curious to see.

-One of these days (when I visit my cousin next weekend or next month when I’m on vacation, -OR- over at John’s) I have to get online to download the new ‘Ghostbusters” video game demo. My coworker, Robert, highly recommended that to me (and Justin really liked it after he got it. Downside to the game from what I’ve heard is that the game is only a few hours long). I’ve been slowly getting rid of some of the demos I’ve had (since I’ve gotten the games for said demos, or just got rid of them). Speaking of demos, of the ones I still have and really enjoy are: “UFC Unleashed 2009” (tremendous demo), “Legendary” (an underrated FPS with mythic creatures), “Major League Baseball 2K9” (surprisingly a hell of a lot better than their last 3 years worth), and a handful of Xbox Live Arcade demos (Assault Heroes 1 & 2, Bionic Commando Rearmed, Castle Crashers).

-Speaking of games, after putting in “NCAA Football 2010” on our Xbox 360 Social Gaming display, and connecting online to see that EA is really starting to REALLY be money-grubbing now, as they expect you to PAY to download a few dynasty features right-out-the-gate (ie. To get these recruit guys right away, like 5-star players, and a recruiting manager, etc….). WTF, EA? Just because you monopolize the football market (college, NFL, and Arena) doesn’t mean you have to f’n rip off everyone. You know if 2K Sports was smart, they’d go OUTSIDE the box, and license the Canadian Football League to compete against the Madden franchise. With all the improvements and that, 2K was making with their NFL games (the so-so-ness of their All-Pro Football not-withstanding), I believe a CFL game would really be underrated (especially if they did their cheaper price-points like they did with the other 2K Sports games).

-Played “Infamous” for the PS3 the other week (since it’s on most of the Sony PS3 demo stations now), and man, it’s a fun game with some great graphics. Definitely one of the first games I would get for a PS3, if I had the money to get one (as work has an evilly-tempting bundle with “Killzone 2” and “Metal Gear Solid 4” packaged with an 80gb PS3 for the same price as the system ($399.99).

-Opinion time: “Prototype” Good, bad, so-so? I’ve heard good and bad things about the game. I’ve heard the game-play is amazing, but the graphics are kind of so-so (with all the people/battling you have to do, and the buildings are kind of bland except for the NYC landmark places).

More to come later,
Matt

The page is turned on Amanda, John was right...

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:56:04 GMT

Hey all,

Well, the page on Amanda has been officially closed, as I noticed she deleted me as a friend on her Facebook account. John’s gotta be right with that online article he sent me about the Top 5 Reasons Why Women Lie (namely the reason on why they lie when they dump you about “not being ready for a relationship,” or “wanting to be single.” In other words, she’s single (since the divorce is out of the way), and NOW, she’s wanting to upgrade to someone she believes is better than me. So...I’m guessing that text message I intercepted while playing with her cell phone on my birthday from a Drew has to be the guy she unceremoniously dumped me for (especially if it’s the co-worker she was telling me about who’s young wife dumped HIM for one of her former HS students she taught). If this is why she suddenly when from being happy to me for those 5-6 months to being so distant/pushing me away...I really hope she finds herself another Eric, her ex-fiancee, who’ll treat her like crap, because I treated her millions of times better than Eric ever did. I just find it funny that she flat-out lied to me while we were going out telling me that “she’d keep me.” Now that I think about it, I’m wondering if that Wednesday night after Frank & I saw “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” IF she was trying to get me to dump her, by acting like her psycho-depressed friend, Kim in Chicago. Anyway...page turned, life goes on. Feel free to email bomb her or Facebook bomb her (as I’ve been pondering emailing her best friend in Minnesota to ask her WTF is up with Amanda). At this point, the lyrics from the song (and the song itself), “B**CH” by Apoptygma Berzerk just absolutely FIT right now.

I just can't believe that the last two relationships (well, technically three, even though that third one lasted like 5 dates) have just ended as surprisingly and suddenly as they have. Danielle just did it out of the blue, especially given her emotional goodbye to me at the airport on that Houston/Austin worktrip (then not answering her cell or work phone for 2+ weeks, 'til I got an email....ON MY WORK ACCOUNT of all things dumping me). Now, this with Amanda, especially when she didn't tell me anything. *shakes head*

I took advantage of eHarmony’s free communication weekend over the July 4 weekend, and got in touch with two possible prospects (though one of them hasn’t gotten back to me, which I’m pondering might be an intercept by the ex-fiancee, if this gal works at Bridgeway, like I fear. The one that hasn’t gotten back to me is a case worker at a mental health facility, which Bridgeway is….so I’m putting 2+2 together there). Meanwhile, the other gal I got in touch with, Lisa, and I have been chatting most of the week (except since Friday, since she’s in Florida for a wedding ‘til Sunday night). We’ve gotten along so far, as we’ve talked for about an hour to 3 hours/night during the week (though my spastic internet connection and spastic Gateway laptop here aren’t helping when I suddenly disconnect and take 10 minutes to reconnect). However, my other prospects beyond that, have been sadly, practically ZERO, as I’m on two other dating sites (as I would do eHarmony fully, but it’s WAY too expensive for me right now).

Beyond that...work’s been going back and forth lately. After my yearly review, it sounds like after a positive review on next year’s review, I may be capped out salary-wise at my position. GREAT. With the recent restructuring (and elimination of all the supervisor/senior spots), there’s no real way of upward mobility, to where I’m going to have to start looking for something new (as I’m presently looking for a second job, part-time to work either a few nights/week, or Fridays/Saturdays, since I’m on a pretty set schedule, other than periodic all-store meetings/trainings).

More later, with video games & sports, just this news of Amanda deleting me off of Facebook just confirmed things for me, and just has me steamed right now,
Matt

Single....YET AGAIN! And other thoughts....

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:50:17 GMT

Hey all,

Well, as it stands, I’m single yet again, since Amanda has “changed” over these past two months since her divorce finalized. Pretty much, she’s “not ready” for a relationship and pretty much is too busy being the single gal, hanging out with her new friends and that, to deal or dedicate any time to her boyfriend, as “my friendship meant more to her than a relationship.” Needless to say, that didn’t sit well with me, as I openly wondered to her, “WTF was the first six months of our relationship then? A waste of time?” I just love how with the last few relationships I’ve had, that everything goes wonderfully, then out of left field…whammo! I should’ve thought something was up after the first email breakup, until we talked, then seeing her recoil when I tried to give her a goodnight kiss last Wednesday, after I had to be her venting board, since everyone else was seemingly crapping on her week.

Random Thoughts:
-Okay, Cartoon Network with two live-action reality shows (Brain Rush & Build Destroy Destroy or whatever it’s called). WTF is wrong with that?

HOCKEY
-Really glad the Blues picked up a super solid backup goaltender in former Oiler/Penguin/Red Wing Ty Conklin. Conklin was a huge reason the last few years that each of those teams made the Stanley Cup finals the last three seasons, especially Detroit’s run this past season, when Chris Osgood went down. I would’ve preferred former New Jersey goalie Scott Clemmensen (a younger goalie), but considering how some of New Jersey’s non-Brodeur goalies they’ve developed haven’t really done well outside NJ’s system…I’m glad we got Conklin.

-Well, speaking of the Blues, they had to open up some salary cap space for Conklin, and some roster space in general since it’s getting a tad bit tight, so veteran Jay McKee was waived and had the last season of his original 4-year deal bought out (a nice cap relief of $2.67 million). Also, other than currently injured Eric Brewer, another piece of the ill-fated Chris Pronger trade (the other being former prospect/constantly injured d-man Doug Lynch last offseason) was let go, as defensemen Jeff Woywitka wasn’t given a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

-With those moves, the Blues made more progress by resigning pending UFA’s RW/LW Brad Winchester and D Mike Weaver. Winchester’s a definite plus signing, as he was a find last season giving us a nice-sized utility forward with lots of grit who could possibly give us 15-20 goals next season, as his surprise giving us 10+ goals this season was great. Weaver was another depth signing last offseason, who turned into one of our most reliable defensemen, as a sixth/seventh d-man, as anytime an injury hit, Weaver was there filling in admirably and reliably. Only thing left on the Blues shopping list might be another offensive defensemen, but as it stands right now….here’s our d-depth chart:
Erik Johnson/Eric Brewer (if recovered); Carlo Colacoivo/Roman Polak, Mike Weaver/Alex Pietrangelo or Tyson Strachan.

-After this, and looking at things, we have FIVE lines (three scoring/one shutdown:two way/one aggravating one)…these are LW-C-RW
1) Kariya/McDonald/Boyes; 2) Perron/Berglund/Oshie; 3) Tkachuk/Backes/Winchester (this line positioning could change to Winchester/Tkachuk/Backes too); 4) Crombeen/McClement/Steen; 5) King/Statsny/Janssen

WRESTLING:
-Nice to see the WWE give some kids call-ups, as I read a bit on next week’s tapings, and it sounds like Yoshi Tatsu (Naomufi Yamamoto) and Shelton Benjamin had a pretty good 11 minute match for next week’s ECW. They finally brought back Ezekiel Jackson for a jobber squash (don’t know if he’ll be a face or heel, though they NEED him to be a face). Sounds like Tyler Reks/Zack Ryder could be a feud, as they have a rematch taped for next week’s Superstars. Could be a nice East Coast vs. West Coast feud. :) Also sounds like Tommy Dreamer and Abraham Washington have an interesting verbal joust next week on ECW. Right now, I’m very intrigued by Sheamus (O’Shaunessy), as he looked impressive against top NWA World Title contender, Oliver John (speaking of which, I’m amazed WWE doesn’t give him another look/developmental deal, he has the look and from what I’ve heard the charisma to really be a nice signing). That bicycle kick Sheamus hit was nasty (plus John sold like a money professional, especially on that Rock Bottom into a backbreaker, which I’m assuming is his “Fiery Red Hand” finisher in FCW).

-I might have to start DVR’ing Smackdown now, as RAW was getting pretty bland (though with Jack Swagger & Evan Bourne on RAW, it might get more interesting). Right now, Smackdown has a TON of talent, plus I’m definitely curious to see this Cryme Tyme vs. Hart Dynasty feud.

-Ring of Honor is still the best wrestling on TV, and if you want to see some good, yet hilarious wrestling, check out some of the CHIKARA clips on YouTube (especially the FATALITY! Skit with the Super Smash Brothers, the Chuck Taylor kills Soldier Ant with a grenade and the other Taylor grenade bits, AND the priceless “Princess Peach is a…!” featuring St. Louis’ own Delirious arguing video games with Player Uno, before making a enemy for life by calling Princess Peach a name.

VIDEO GAMES:
-During my boredom today, I thought about a few of the Xbox 360 games I’ve beaten over the past year, and then thought back to the early days of video games, trying to remember if I beat the same amount of games or less. I think I’ve been doing a hell of a lot better lately (though games lately have unlimited continues and that). I just remember during the Atari 2600 days, I don’t really remember beating any games (other than maybe the craptastic “ET” and maybe Raiders of the Lost Ark. During the NES days there were a handful, but most of those were aided by some sort of cheat code. Ditto the SNES/Genesis days. Now, with the sheer lack thereof of cheat codes….you have to work hard to beat the games of the current generation (and hell, even the last generation PS2/Xbox/GameCube).

Anyway, more later,
Matt

Blues Draft thoughts and more

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:12:42 GMT

Hey all,

Here’s another periodic blog from the reclusive Matt again.

First off, Blues draft thoughts…for a team that needs more scoring on the forward lines (namely power forwards), they went defense heavy yet again. First rounder, Swedish defenseman David Rundblad was rated in the Blues draft boards’ top 10, and many mock drafts had him being drafted in the 10-15 range, not last to the Blues at 17. One weakness we’ve had lately is a lack of good offensive, puck-moving defensemen (as Brewer’s regressed from his Edmonton days, Erik Johnson was injured last year, Jeff Woywitka wasn’t the answer nor was Stephen Wagner, and Alex Pietrangelo hasn’t made that next step just yet). Rundblad has solid size and ability. Meanwhile, in the second round, a lot of draftniks thought we might have reached for Canadian defenseman Brett Ponich, a massive 6’7” defensive stay-at-home type. We’ve always had pretty good luck with defensemen drafted out of the WHL (Jackman), and based on his stats, Ponich seems like he’d make some forwards pay with his checking. In the third round, the Blues went against their norm by going to Russia for RW Sergei Andronov. Andronov has some skills and goal scoring ability, BUT…the Blues have not had very good luck at all with Russian players since the early ‘90s (I mean, the last solid Russian we drafted was F-Alex Korolev, and after that was D-Alex Khavanov). IF we can bring him over and he doesn’t pull a Konstantin Zakharov (running back to Belarus TWICE), he might be something (or at the very least, maybe trade bait). In the fourth round, we took another WHL forward in Tyler Shattock, a forward who finally broke out (scoring-wise) this past year. With our final pick, we took another BIG defensemen, this time out of Erie in the OHL, with 6’3”, 220 lbs. David Shields, other developing, possible two-way defender. Honestly, I have to go with the line, “in Jarmo we trust,” as he’s seen David Rundblad more than anyone in the front office (other than our Swedish scouts). The other picks…are not as sexy as prior years, but trust Jarmo’s crew, they always find the gems (look at Brett Sonne, as he went from Dave Lowry-ish utility forward/checker to possible second-line power forward).

In gaming, I’m nearing clearing a nice 2,000 GS gap between Frank and myself, as I’ve been playing the recent WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2009 game for the Xbox 360. The controls are easier than the prior two versions. I went through Career Mode with my created wrestler, American “Nuclear” Power. I got a pretty good design for my CAW, as it looks like I took a variation of the old MNM jeans, patterned it with the American flag and two logos (an American flag with a blue thunderbolt, and a dark red ninja star with a lighter red nuclear symbol). I pretty much won all the title belts through progression on the different title paths (they even have the Cruiserweight and Hardcore Titles on the title paths). After you win all the titles and defend 3 of the titles once, you’re a WWE Legend AND Hall of Famer. The game also has a pretty interesting Create-A-Finisher mode where you can chain up to 10 moves/taunts as they make sense/progress. My two finishers for American Power. 1-The “Chaos Theory” (aka the Meltdown, I chose Chaos Theory, as it was one of the finisher names you could choose and the announcers would say it). Here’s the moves for it: boot to the midsection => chokeslam clutch/360 taunt => torture rack setup => 360 torture rack taunt => Spinning uranage spike. Looks a hell of a lot better on video than description. I did do another one, that’s kind of similar but with a gutbuster and Albert’s old torture rack/neckbreaker finisher.

I finally beat “Battlefield: Bad Company” on hard difficulty last weekend. I can honestly admit I didn’t get shredded as bad I thought I would on the very last level (compared to when I first played it on normal difficulty). Finally saw some video of the upcoming sequel, and wow…total destruction.

GAMING UPDATE:
MATT: 11,535 GS; FRANK: 9,852 GS
(Frank’s GS won’t move up much, other than for “Halo Wars,” until “Lips” gets restocked on Xbox Retail. I don’t know which game I’ll focus on next, but I may keep on going with WWE: SvR ’09 for the story mode points.)

Meanwhile…if you haven’t followed my Facebook updates, I’ve gotten my new Acer laptop back from service. It turns out there wasn’t anything wrong with the hardware, but the OS/BIOS were corrupted. So, they had to do a full restore via the backup partition on the hard drive. I didn’t lose anything I put on there, but I am frustrated that after I installed my Internet Security on there, that it’s not allowing me to open Yahoo Messenger at all (stupid CA Parental Controls software). I even uninstalled and reinstalled Yahoo Messenger, but nothing so far. Odd. Oh well, I’ll figure it out.

Saw “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” with Frank on Wednesday afternoon, after Frank got done with his Project Team shift at Manchester (while his car was being worked on at Elco in Ballwin). My thoughts on the movie: it’s definitely the big popcorn movie of the summer (I place it behind “Star Trek” for my movies of the year so far). One of my big gripes with the movie was that there were a LOT of Transformers scattered in the film that you didn’t know WHO they were at all. Major props to one of my fave anime voice actors, Crispin Freeman, on getting a voice part in the movie, as Demolisher (the big Decepticon at the opening Shanghai sequence of the film that NEST/Optimus/Sideswipe/Ironhide are chasing after).

More to blog sometime later,
Matt

Welcome to Matt's week of suck...

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:58:29 GMT

Hey all,

I would say good evening, but honestly, it&'s been a pretty shitty week for yours truly. From an identity theft attempt on me to having my bank ledger being off by $200 (due to something I missed on my ledger book), it's been a pretty eventful week, up until this morning, when I read an email Amanda sent me last night.

Needless to say, I'm single yet again (WTF is it about the time before my birthday, as this is the second F---ING year in a row this happens). In the letter, she has been doing a lot of thinking, and basically, needs some time to heal (from her divorce) as she thinks she's changing from the Amanda I met back in November to something else. At the very least, she values my friendship and wants that to continue (but honestly, it's extremely rare when that does continue, I know I still have two ex-GFs I'm still good friends with, but for the most part, the others don't want to talk to you & vice-versa);.but no word on if after she's done healing if there's a relationship to go back to. Wonder-f'n-ful.

So, needless to say, I'm not feeling as crushed as I was when Danielle just flat out dumped me via email telling me not to contact her (blah blah blah, bitch still has a bit of my stuff and won't return calls/emails). However, I am feeling pretty blah and depressed right now, as this was something I really didn't expect, as we were happy together. *shakes head* Just when I think I find someone I could possibly spend my life with, this happens. I'll probably be scheduling something with Amanda next week (as she's busy this weekend) to pick up my Pioneer DVD player, a few of my DVDs over there, and my toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash I have over at her apartment.

UPDATE: Talked with her briefly twice, when she was at work (once during a break of hers). And other than being very quiet;she didn't know the exact reason why she's doing this, but she's saying that none of it is my fault, it's all her. We'll either be talking or getting together (so I can get my stuff and we can talk more about this) tomorrow.

Anyway, blah blah; and oh yeah, more blah,
Matt

Welcome to Matt's week of suck...

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:49:31 GMT

Hey all,

I would say good evening, but honestly, it’s been a pretty shitty week for yours truly. From an identity theft attempt on me to having my bank ledger being off by $200 (due to something I missed on my ledger book), it’s been a pretty eventful week, up until this morning, when I read an email Amanda sent me last night.

Needless to say, I’m single yet again (WTF is it about the time before my birthday, as this is the second F---ING year in a row this happens). In the letter, she has been doing a lot of thinking, and basically, needs some time to heal (from her divorce) as she thinks she’s changing from the Amanda I met back in November to something else. At the very least, she values my friendship and wants that to continue (but honestly, it’s extremely rare when that does continue, I know I still have two ex-GFs I’m still good friends with, but for the most part, the others don’t want to talk to you & vice-versa)….but no word on if after she’s done healing if there’s a relationship to go back to. Wonder-f’n-ful.

So, needless to say, I’m not feeling as crushed as I was when Danielle just flat out dumped me via email telling me not to contact her (blah blah blah, bitch still has a bit of my stuff and won’t return calls/emails). However, I am feeling pretty blah and depressed right now, as this was something I really didn’t expect, as we were happy together. *shakes head* Just when I think I find someone I could possibly spend my life with, this happens. I’ll probably be scheduling something with Amanda next week (as she’s busy this weekend) to pick up my Pioneer DVD player, a few of my DVDs over there, and my toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash I have over at her apartment.

UPDATE: Talked with her briefly twice, when she was at work (once during a break of hers). And other than being very quiet…she didn’t know the exact reason why she’s doing this, but she’s saying that none of it is my fault, it’s all her. We’ll either be talking or getting together (so I can get my stuff and we can talk more about this) tomorrow.

Anyway…blah blah…and oh yeah, more blah,
Matt

Reminiscing about the past and things....

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:17:18 GMT

Hey all,

Let's start this blog with a few things. I know I don't post as often as I used to, as I was constantly blogging here/there (much to John/Maggie's sadness, along with a few other regular readers). The reasoning with this is that I honestly don't get online as much as I used to. I just don't feel the need to (and in August when my cell contract is up, I'm going to look into a cell phone with Windows Mobile on it, so I can just do all of my internet on that). *shrug* Also helps having a great girlfriend to keep my Friday/Saturdays occupied usually.

Thinking back, I can't believe it's been a touch over a year ago, when Danielle dumped me via email while I was on a 3-week work trip, during my Project Team South days. Looking back, Dani was probably the only girlfriend I've had where I've felt connected to (not only clicking with personality, but along with having the same interests in terms of movies, TV shows, wrestling, and music), but for all the good, there was bad. With Dani, her Jeckyll/Hyde relationship with her mom just made me totally uncomfortable being around them when they were together. They'd be fighting like cats/dogs one minute, and the next be all happy. Another negative was just the physical and emotional side of things....I don't know what went wrong there (other than her ex just turning that part of things into a chore for her which was part of it, the other part was probably me on a mental level, as she was the first brunette I've had a relationship with). The other thing is that she couldn't even say that she "loved me," because of her last relationship. Oh well, life goes on, and while it did take me a half-a-year, I did find someone better.

Bouncing around the subject pinball....
Video Games: Frank has seemingly sold off (or is in the process of selling off) darn near all of his Xbox 360 games, to where his GamerScore is going to stay put at 9,594 GS, until his copy of "Halo Wars" from Xbox Retail arrives (which Frank's not much of a RTS'er, so I don't see him getting much). Meanwhile, I'm sitting pretty over 1,000 GS ahead of him at 10,690 GS (bumped up with a handful of things in MLB Office Manager, Mirror's Edge, and Madden NFL '09).

In other gaming things..."Mirror's Edge" is definitely an interesting game, as they incorporate parkour into things. The first level (the training level) is the same as the demo available for the game. The second level (Prologue) is interesting, though walking across pipes (as a balance beam) is hard as hell. The FPS portion (when you pick up a gun) of the game is a bit on the testy side (I had to unload a clip into a guy, and wasn't very accurate with it).

Meanwhile, "MLB Office Manager" is a very awesome concept by 2K Sports/Games, but I will agree with the negative reviews....they did not set up the game/menus/etc...very well. Searching for things is hard, especially trying to figure out what you need to get (I had to Rule V the Brewers' 3B Mat Gamel, because there were NO 3rd Basemen on the free agent market, as they had Troy Glaus as a free agent). Just the lack of free agents available on the market, and some of the ridiculous contracts that some of the top free agents were getting were ridiculous (Glaus got $18.6 mill per year for 4 seasons; CC Sabathia got $28.9 M/year over 6 years). For my season, I was thankful to sign Ankiel for only $1.3 M/yr for 3 years, but Ludwick cost me $6.9M/yr over 3. Did sign two good minor league free agents, but Looper's demands got crazy ($6.8 M/yr over 4). I honestly hope that 2K gives this game another run, and really tweak the menus/gameplay, as they have a great concept for a game, they just didn't refine it that well.

Oh my god, November is going to be an amazing gaming month, and one that's going to make MANY wallets crying bad. November 3, you have one of the most anticipated sequels out there with "Bioshock 2." Having seen a few screens of early gameplay, it already looks VERY interesting (as it looks like you're still a Big Daddy after what happened in the first game, -OR- this is a prequel where you play from a Big Daddy's perspective....I haven't gotten that far with things yet). THEN...the very next week on November 10, the equally amazing-looking "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" releases. After seeing the trailer they premiered this past weekend, all I can say is....WOW! ME WANT NOW! :)

And reading reviews and stuff about the new PS3 exclusive "Infamous," it further makes me want a PlayStation 3. With "Infamous," there are quite a few games that are PS3 ONLY that I would really enjoy (Killzone 2, Resistance 1 & 2, Hot Shots Golf, Ratchet & Clank, the upcoming God of War 3, amongst a few others). Anyone want to buy me a PS3 for my birthday in a few weeks? :)

For those fellow gamers out there, I'd like to hear your opinions of the new "Bionic Commando" game.

Wrestling: If you're a WWE fan, there's a handful of WWE 3-disc sets at work (Best Buy) for only $12.99. The "Legacy of Steve Austin," "The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment," "Twist of Fate: the Matt & Jeff Hardy Story," "Viva La Raza: the Eddie Guerrero Story," "Edge," "Twisted Life of Kane," and the Best of discs featuring Starcade, Saturday Night's Main Event, Hell in the Cell, the IC Title History and the Best of RAW sets are on sale. All of 'em, except for the Kane one, are worth the money.

Speaking of wrestling, can the bookers bury David Hart Smith's talent any further? The last two weeks (his re-debut match/main event vs. Finlay, and this past week's handicap tag match), Hart Smith has just not looked as good as he did before. Here's praying he shows a lot more than he has the last two weeks, because he's better than what he's shown on ECW so far.
Here's also hoping that Elijah Burke and Shawn Spears get signed by TNA, as these two guys DESERVE to be on TV, especially Elijah, who's the most talented wrestler not on TV right now.

Graphic Novels: Started reading the "Gotham Central" spinoff from Batman focusing on the Major Crimes Unit that Commissioner Gordon formed and stayed around after Gordon retired. Definitely interesting to read about Det. Renee Montoya's little "second life" to things. The whole story involving Two Face throwing a monkeywrench into things was definitely a great write. Also, read a few Star Wars ones yesterday (the first two "Dark Empire" ones and the introductory Mara Jane: the Emperor's Hand one) and those were definitely a very interesting read (especially the Dark Empire ones).

Movies: Amanda and I watched "Bedtime Stories" and "Taken" from Redbox last weekend, and both movies were really good. I really enjoyed "Bedtime Stories," as Sandler was back strong with his comic timing (plus the casting was really well...best Keri Russell's looked since her "Felicity" days). "Taken" really put Liam Neeson back on a strong action part (plus you gotta love all his violent chops to baddies' throats). :) Both are recommended movies to watch! As for this weekend, who knows what we'll watch as Amanda has a lot of errands/family things to do on Saturday.

That's about it for now, as I'm out...more sometime sooner or later...
Matt

A few things after a long day at work...

Mon, 18 May 2009 22:01:41 GMT

Hey all,

Well, needless to say, a lot of testy things happening at work. First off, had a bit of a chat with my Product Process Manager and Supervisor (ie. Mark & Michelle), and needless to say, we're all a bit miffed that the closing staff can't do RTS (return to store product) at all, leaving MORE work that us in Media Merch don't have time to deal with (yeah, let me tell you, here I thought I'd have time to farm 1/2 of the CD area today....and nope, yet another task the closers can't do....downstocking, as I had a 7 page downstocking report to deal with).

After work, returned a few things to the library, and I picked up a new sheet set for my bed (as my old dark green fitted sheet is falling apart now. Gotta love a full sheet set (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases in that jersey t-shirt material) at Big Lots for the same price that Target wanted there most basic brand fitted sheet (and JUST the fitted sheet). Nearly picked up a second sheet set (microfiber material), but passed as that one's a regular item there).

ANIME: Well, yet again, I'm chomping at the bit for a channel to get on the ball and hurry up and air the rest of a show. (First time round, it's Sci-Fi to finally get on the ball and air Season 2 of "Mobile Suit Gundam 00, but now...) I'm enjoying that Cartoon Network is going through the last 9 episodes of "Code Geass R2: LeLouch of the Rebellion." They just aired Episodes 19 & 20, and I can't wait, as these last dozen eps of this particular season (2nd season) has just been a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Definitely probably #2 or #3 on my all-time BEST-written anime series list.

Beyond that, not much to chat about (sorry I'm not online as much as I used to be, but that's the trevails of having a job, reading a lot more now, and having a girlfriend)...
Matt

Time to catch up on things...

Sun, 10 May 2009 22:15:31 GMT

Hey all,

Well, it’s been a pretty eventful week for yours truly. Amanda finally had her divorce go official on Thursday, though her ex decided to take Murray (Manda’s red golden retriever) for a week-plus (as part of the settlement, he’s able to get Murray for 6 weeks out of the year). Since she’s returned from her trip, she’s been a tad distant, but I understand that she’ll need some “me time” to get her things back in order (especially with as quiet and distant as she was Friday night).

Speaking of Friday night, I do NOT recommend any guy in their right sense of mind to have to suffer through Nicolas Cage in “the Family Man.” Good gawd, I was struggling, as Manda put that on, and I was like…”come on, plot. DO SOMETHING!” And it didn’t, just kept getting worse.

So Saturday morning, instead of thinking I’d be able to stay at Amanda’s while she was at work, she booted me out as she had a ton of errands to deal with after work. So, I headed out to Chesterfield, since I haven’t been out there in awhile. First stop was Target (as at the time, that was the only thing open other than Wal-Mart). Picked up one of the new Mountain Dew Flashback bottles, which I do recommend, as they taste like Dew blended with Ski soda (John will love that tidbit; however…I do NOT recommend the Pepsi Flashback….YEECH! Tastes like Diet Pepsi blended with regular Pepsi). Also, snagged one of the newish Reese’s Whipps bars (which was on clearance), which is like a Reese’s PB Cup-version of a 3 Musketeers candy bar. Not bad, though not great.

After Target, I was really hungry, so I thought the new Wal-Mart SuperCenter in the Valley would have their hot food area ready. Nope…and notice my surprise when the price of their popcorn chicken small cups skyrocketed from last summer. Walked around, frowning that they took my ice cream off plano, but priced a few things while there. After that, I took a quick walk through Deal$, and then, I went to Hardee’s for breakfast (sausage/egg biscuit w/some country potatoes, which are surprisingly addictive).

Later, hit the two nearby SLC Libraries (Sachs at Chesterfield, and Daniel Boone in Ellisville). I was surprised to discover that a few branches check out video games for free (Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3), but the selection was crappy (though I’m still debating All Pro Football 2K8, just to get some of the easy achievements). Did manage to snag “Bedtime Stories” to rent though, as lately the SLC Libraries have been my good source of free movie rentals (that and the freebie rentals from Redbox I’ve been getting, which other than the McDonald’s promo coupons….Redbox is discontinuing their Free Text Messaage/Rental Code Mondays).

In my handful o’graphic novels of library checkouts, I was finally able to finish up Keith Giffen/John Rodgers’s “Blue Beetle” series, focused around the third Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes. Honestly, other than Chuck Dixon’s “Nightwing” series, and some of the various Batman authors (especially Jeph Leeb), this particular Blue Beetle series is a fave. Also, I love how the “Batman: Brave and the Bold” animated series is adapting Jaime’s character over to the show. This last week’s season premiere with Jaime just drooling and being distracted by Huntress is a riot.

In video game news, I’m slowly pulling head of the Frank.
MATT – 10,530 GS; FRANK – 9,594 GS

I give props to the surprisingly fun “Quantum of Solace” game that I picked up during the video game clearance two weeks ago. It uses the Call of Duty 4 engine very well, with a few third-person bits while you’re in “cover,” but it’s used very effectively. The game covers the movie, with “flashback” levels covering “Casino Royale.” I got to the “Casino Royale flashback” level of the Science Center (as I played through the two levels from the beginning of “Casino Royale” movie). ‘Course, then I went back and earned a few objectives I missed (as I’m presently re-playing the 3rd “Opera House” level, for two achievements I missed on, as I didn’t see one of the infrared cameras that detected me).

Then, tried out a few demos and got around to a few games I own that I haven’t played. From the demos….”Ninja Blade” was a bit of fun with some freaky action cut-scenes and gnarly boss fights. Don’t know how the full version of the game would be that enjoyable. “Full Auto” was a nice mesh of “Burnout” and “Twisted Metal.” “Wanted: Weapons of Fate” had its moments, but ultimately fell short. The “WWE: Legends of Wrestlemania” game was a bit of a disappointment as well. “Red Faction: Guerrila” was the winner of the demos I downloaded the other day. Plays a lot like a blend between “Mercenaries” and “Fracture,” but a lot more destructive and fun. Then, dipped into my games, and played “Culdcept Saga,” a blend of Magic the Gathering meets Monopoly. “Culdcept Saga” is very different, but interesting….downside…one level makes a VERY LONG game. As mentioned above, the “Quantum of Solace” game is very fun, but I will agree with a co-worker of mine, Robert. We both agree that most of the guns don’t feel powerful enough. Though I presently like the first scoped machine gun you get in the Siena level. Also, “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3” was definitely an interesting case in a genre (Real-Time Strategy) I didn’t think could translate from PC to console very well. Needless to say…I was very wrong, as C&C:RA3 is a very fun game, with some very over-the-top hammy acting by the cutscene cast. You gotta love George Takei as the over-the-top Emperor of the Empire of the Rising Sun.

More to blog about sometime sooner or later,
Matt

a few things (as I try to slowly catch up on blogging)

Tue, 05 May 2009 03:13:04 GMT

Hey guys,

Well, here's a few quickie things...

Watched a few movies over the past few days, and let's get some quickie reviews:

-GI Joe: Resolute: A new, updated cartoon that seems to be more based on the recent comic series.
THE GOOD: Absolutely tremendous action sequences (especially the showdown between Storm Shadow & Snake Eyes), the weapons/vehicle designs were updated and great, the tradition of whomever voiced Starscream does Cobra Commander continues, the new take on Destro VA-wise was interesting (as it's very Connery-esque).
THE BAD: Two semi-major secondary characters killed in the first 10-15 minutes, then another semi-major secondary character killed later (all 3 fan faves, good guys & bad guys). Also, a grand total of FOUR voice actors (3 male VAs/1 female VA) to voice the ENTIRE CAST. And the entire male cast character models reminded me of He-Man, where everyone was absolutely/ridiculously ripped.

-Zack & Miri Make a Porno:
THE GOOD: A hilarious combo cast of Judd Apatow's usual suspects with Kevin Smith's crew & direction.
THE BAD: Nearly enough deleted/extended scenes to do a 2nd movie. WOW.

-The House Bunny:
THE GOOD: Staring at Rumer Willis (Bruce's daughter) and Emma Stone. Not much else.
THE BAD: A 2nd strike here for a non-Sandler-cameo'ing Happy Madison production (the first being "Strange Wilderness"). Anna Faris is VERY typecast now, as nearly every movie she does anymore is practically the same character. Sandler PA/great buddy Jonathan Loughran in drag, YIKES!

More to blog about later, including Matt moving Amanda to Maryland Heights!
Matt

A quick update

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:13:57 GMT

Hey again,

Sorry I haven't been blogging as much as I usually do, it's just been really busy these last few weeks (especially with Physical Inventory this past Sunday night), and I've just not been in much of a mood to do anything online lately.

Coming Soon: A blog post dedicated to Matt's thoughts on the Rams 2009 draft class, along with the 16 undrafted free agents they've brought in. Should be really interesting there. :)

Gamer update: MATT: 10,350 GS; FRANK: 9,594 GS. Go me! :)
-Played "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3" and "Quantum of Solace" today. Definitely interesting. Quantum is a pretty decent game, as Activision/Treyarch used the Call of Duty 4 engine for this Bond adventure (a first-person shooter, with it switching to 3rd person when you're in cover). Follows the Quantum movie, with bits from Casino Royale as well. So far, so good w/Quantum. Red Alert 3 is definitely interesting, as I've been supremely skeptical of RTS games on consoles. After reading a handful of reviews, I gave it a shot, and the control scheme is surprisingly good. Gotta love the Hollywood'ing-up that EA/Westwood does for these games (you got Tim Curry, Peter Stormare, Andrew Divoff, and American Gladiator/MMA fight chick Gina Carano for the Russians; Jonathan Pryce, J.K. Simmons, UFC's Randy Couture, and Jenny McCarthy with David Hasselhoff as Simmons' VP for the Allied Forces; and George Takei, Kelly Hu, and Ron Yuan for the Empire of the Rising Sun). Great stuff, though at times cheesy dialogue. :) Check it out, even for the PC version (the expansion on the PC has Ric Flair as one of the subcommanders in the game, I believe for the Allies).

More to come later, busy weekend (Amanda's move to the new apartment, and next week, she goes up to Wisconsin for two days to finalize her divorce and that),
Matt

Matt's NFL Draft Predictions/Pre-Draft Thoughts...

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:57:26 GMT

Hey all,

Well, it sounds like the Lions (if they don't get a last second trade offer) will be picking Georgia QB Matt Stafford, which leaves the Rams in a nice position to be in with a handful of prime players to choose from OR if someone decides to trade up to snag USC QB Mark Sanchez.

Anywho....if there's no trade-down....I'd LOVE to draft Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry, but it sounds like he may not translate into a 4-3 MLB like most want to shift him to (ie. where our need is, unless we keep him at SAM LB and shove Pisa to the bench). However, from the sounds and logic of it all....Virginia OT Eugene Monroe will be the Rams pick if they stay at #2. Reasons why Monroe's the pick: He comes from a college that produces SOLID O-Lineman; he was on a solid Virginia team; and athletically...he has way more potential. Other option: Baylor OT Jason Smith seems really iffy right now. I mean, his measurables at the Combine were impressive, but he was on a lousy Baylor team that really hasn't produced much in the NFL. He's got potential and size, but he was beaten a lot thanks to lack of weak-side help.

Second round: Here's who I'm hoping for: Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (I know, wishful thinking here), Rutgers WR Kenny Britt, Ohio State MLB John Laurenitis (or if USC MLB Rey Manuaga falls, but after his Pro Day...I SERIOUSLY doubt he falls out of the 1st round), Utah CB/S Sean Smith (who'd be my 2nd choice after Heyward-Bey, with his size/speed/ballhawking combo). Another player I'd love here would be Connecticut RB Donald Brown, or even Cincinnatti OLB/DE/TE Connor Barwin (Vrabel revisited!). :)
If the Rams surprise by not going with OT in the first round, Connecticut OT William Beatty.

Third Round: Michigan State RB Javon Ringer, Richmond DE/OLB Lawrence Sidbury Jr, West Virginia QB/WR Pat White,

Later rounds: (6th/7th) Fresno State QB Tom Brandstater (a name that pops up on a TON of full mock drafts as our 6th round pick). (4th) North Carolina WR Brandon Tate (a 1st round talent, but recovering from a torn ACL/MCL) (5th-7th) Sam Houston State QB Rhett Bomar (a definitely intriguing prospect).

Other players I'd like to see: Mizzou DE/OLB Stryker Sulak, Boston College DT Ron Brace, Maryland CB Kevin Barnes, Mizzou S William Moore, Mizzou QB Chase Daniel (or Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell), Cal Poly WR Ramses Barden (huge redzone target!), Texas WR Quan Crosby (feel-good story, plus I think he'd be solid at returns).

Course, Rams needs are:
OT, WR, OLB/MLB, CB, DL, OG, RB, a developmental QB (to replace weak-armed Brock Berlin).

More in a week,
Matt

More graphic novels, wrestling, and more

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:40:05 GMT

Hey again,

Well, work went well, even if I really wanted to get into a heated discussion with radio personality Kevin Slaten, who happened to be the first customer I helped today with some headphones and some headphone adapters. As much as I just flat out HATE Slaten's radio personality, he wasn't that bad as a customer (though trust me, I wanted to really rail into him otherwise for being a cancer in the St. Louis sports radio scene).

Read a handful more graphic novels while waiting for Dad to get home. Chipped out the first volume of "Young Justice" (kind of a young Teen Titans, but not, with Superboy, Robin-Tim Drake, Arrowette, Wonder Girl-Cassie Sandsmark, Impulse, and Red Tornado in a supervisory role for 'em). Good stuff. Then, read 3 of the "Batgirl" novels, which focuses on the Batgirl after a then-paralyzed-turned-Oracle Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain. Very different, though I did like the added touches of Spoiler/Stephanie Brown being added in there, trying to be Cassandra's friend and having Cassandra train her to improve her fighting as Spoiler (and Steph will teach Cassandra to read). I read a bit on Wikipedia about Cassandra Cain after reading about Stephanie Brown's brief run as Robin...and man, of all the kids Bruce brought into things....Cassie was the worst and most dangerous (being trained until she was 8 to be an assassin by her merc/assassin father, David Cain).

Started watching this past weekend's AAA Lucha TV, but really couldn't get into it, even an X-Pac/Alex Koslov vs. Teddy Hart/Jack Evans match couldn't spark any interest out of me. Blah.

More to blog about later, I think I'm going to crash for a nap...
Matt

The Konnan purge of AAA continues...

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:54:22 GMT

Well, more of the old-guard in AAA are being fazed out. Add the Minis-Mixed Tag Champs: Albreije & Cujie to the departing-AAA list. Jesus, Konnan....way to completely GUT your undercard & midcard talent. I mean...sounds like all of the Brazos (except for Brazo de Plata Jr. who's one of the Psycho Circus clowns) are gone. The Vipers, except for the soon-to-be-regimmicked Black Abyss, are gone now. Los Infernales/Diabolicos (Mr. Condor/Angel Mortal/El Gallego) have been gone for awhile, and seems like the Night Queens (other than Polvo & periodically for house shows Yuriko) are gone too. Geez....WTF? Hell, it'll be a matter of time before Latin Lover flakes again...so there's that to look forward to.

Jury duty cancelled

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:18:22 GMT

Hey all,

Well, first things first....called the hotline and my juror group was cancelled and I don't have to call back or anything this time around. So, I'm 2 for 3 in terms of actually having to go in for jury duty (#3: cancelled; #2 went/wasn't called to serve; #1: got out due to vacation trip). With the jury duty out, I took a vacation day instead of going into work (since Dan already filled in my shift).

Read a few more graphic novels today. "The JLA: Tornado's Path" was another great Brad Metzger story. "Batman: Hush" was an interesting start to possibly a series, as Bruce had to go to Metropolis to work with Superman on this one. Finished "Batman: Dark Victory," which was a great setup and introduction with Robin.

Not much more today. *YAWN*

More later,
Matt

Lots o'random thoughts

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:26:35 GMT

Hey all,

Well, first off, used the free Redbox rental on "City of Ember," and so far, it's a really good family adventure (gotta love Bill Murray as a villain). :) I am kicking myself for not using the freebie on "Bedtime Stories," but Amanda would murder me if I saw it w/o her.

Interesting to read about the recent trade with the Rams & the Falcons, as we switched draft spots in the 5th and 6th rounds, and acquired '07 3rd rounder WR/KR Laurent Robinson out of Illinois State (I believe). A guy with loads of speed (4.3/40), size (6'2", 193), and some starting experience. Robinson's has had some minor dings that has kept him from breaking out. He's competition for the #2 WR spot with Keenan Burton, unless...they bring in a veteran hand to teach the kids. However, Robinson will definitely get a shot to take one of the two return jobs. The big ouch to this trade is that we traded down in both the 5th and 6th rounds about 20 or so spots in each round. Kinda hoping we do a trade down or two to pick up some more picks.

Read most of (if not all, since I read it got cancelled on the writers) of the Jaime Reyes version of the "Blue Beetle" comics that the library had. Very good stuff (especially when the Reach hire Lobo to try to take out a rocket with anti-Reach tech on it, and Jaime (and Robin & the Teen Titans) happen to be there)), and makes me appreciate the character more on "Batman: Brave and the Bold." I kind of hope they delve a bit more with Batman/Blue Beetle on that show (use his friends Brenda & Paco, his magic-wielding international-traveling girlfriend: Traci 13, and have some good interactions with his parents and little sister....or at least incorporate the Reach storyline they did in the comic).

Also read what seems to be the "introductory" volume of the Nightwing comic (at least with this you see why Batman sent Dick to Bludhaven, the introduction [or re-introduction, in a sense] of Blockbuster/Roland Desmond, the background on corrupt Det. Dudley Soames, how Dick got his apartment/met his landlord/possible love interest-Clancy, etc....). Definitely enlightened me on stuff I missed in the 2-3 collections I read.

I finished Frank Miller's "Batman: Year One," and that was definitely a different take on things (how Batman won over Lt. Gordon, and how Gordon's life was really falling apart on him). Presently, I'm reading Jeph Loeb's "Batman: Dark Victory," which so far has a pretty intriguing plot to it (as it's just after Harvey Dent was turned into Two-Face, and now-Captain Gordon had his wife leave him with their son, James Jr.).

On the reading plate, 4 "New Teen Titans" collections (including the one WB is supposedly working on as the next Teen Titans direct-to-video release/movie), 3 collections of Kelley Puckett's "Batgirl," a collection of DC's "Young Justice" (kind of a Teen Titans as younger kids thing), Brad Metzger's "JLA: The Tornado's Path," and Jeph Loeb's "Batman: Hush," which should be interesting based off everything I've read about the Hush character, and finally, a collection with the "Starman" character (as I always was interested with the Shade character from JLA).

More to blog about later,
Matt

More updates

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:19:51 GMT

Hey all,

Well, after helping out Amanda putting up new signage at her work, then showing her parents the "display apartment" where she's moving in 3 weeks-plus, Amanda and I ran around today. Before the apartment visit with her parents, we swung by Chesterfield to snag her a new microwave (which was a few dollars more than the one she bought Sunday, but was more compact at the same cubic feet/power wattage, and was stainless steel), along with getting Murray (her red golden retriever dog) a soft-compression softball. We ate at Jimmy John's after the apartment visit, then swung by my house to snag my spare softball bat (to use to hit said softball for Murray). Back here, even though Amanda's been on a testy/abusive streak lately....smacking me repeatedly with her remote last night, and then today, poking me with her sharp fingernail. *shrug*

So...in other things:

-Thanks to "Lego Batman," I'm now 405 GS away from Frank in the battle of Xbox 360 profile GamerScore. So, as it stands presently:
---FRANK: (still) 9,315 GS; MATT: 8,910 GS.

-The Rams moved on from Gus Frerotte's demands, and moved to go younger with former Ravens' QB Kyle Boller, who newly-signed C/OG Jason Brown probably gave Coach Spags the thumbs-up. At least with Kyle, he'll throw the ball away or toss an INT, instead of taking a sack. Boller's got a solid gun for an arm, and has starting experience. He should be a solid improvement as a backup in case something happens to Bulger again, unlike "Concussion" Trent Green's pathetic-ness.

More later,
Matt

PS: Anyone know anything about Affinity Golf? Seems like they are affiliated with Intech Golf. Reason I ask is that there's a driver (the Affinity Mega Launch) that I'm eying over here at Play It Again Sports in Fairview Heights. I couldn't find a whole hell of a lot of info online other than a sales listing at a store called Boscov's with not a lot of specs on it. Honestly, it's the best feeling club I've ever swung (in terms of weight and waggle).

Take some time to blog...

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:45:20 GMT

Hey all,

Well, just finished watching "Marley & Me" with Amanda, and that was a good, yet sad movie.

Anywho....let's get to some randomness...

-Joined the "Next-Generation" DVD age again yesterday....well, I've had an HD-DVD drive for the XBOX 360 for awhile now (I believe I got that Oct. '07?), but Thursday, I picked up the Samsung BD-UP5000 "combo" (it plays Blu-Ray DVDs & HD-DVDs, along with the usual CDs/DVDs). Pretty much, it's the display unit that's been on display (and at times in use in Magnolia) for awhile now. I've been waiting for it to hit on one of the End of Life sendbacks for Mark to give me a good deal on it. However, I mentioned that I was eyeing it to my old grade/high school classmate Jeff, who said he'd talk with Dave (since it's been on Home Theater's At-Risk Report FOREVER) about a deal. They had it currently marked at $199 open-item price (off of a "new"/clearance price of $299.99, with an MSRP originally of $799.99). So, Jeff gets back to me and asks me if I want it for $100. DEAL! Sure, there's no manual (which is easily fixed, as I downloaded it from Samsung's site tonight here at Amanda's, along with the 1.4 version of the firmware, with the BD 2.0 profile on it) AND there's no remote, but I'll be ordering that sometime this weekend from work's PartsSearch website ($36 for the remote, but honestly, a combo player w/ext. warranty and remote for less than $150...can't beat that). Tested it out at home, and it works perfectly (as the upconvert chip in the system is considered to be one of the best made). No clue on which Blu-Ray will be the first I snag, but that won't be for awhile.

-Ever since putting on the new Security Suite (CA's Complete Internet Suite, got it from Circuit before they died), my Internet has been bogged down speed wise, along with the flat-out slowness of the computer now. Gotta get some more RAM for this sucker.

More to blog about later...
Matt

More AAA issues....

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:06:52 GMT

Hey all,

Well, as if Abismo Negro's passing AND the whole Juvy/Konnan/Jack Evans things weren't bad enough....seems like a handful of veterans are walking (including the most-over technico AAA HAS being told "best wishes, we don't have anything for you"). So, add what's left of the Vipers (Histeria & Psichosis II), along with the remaining Piratas (Pirata Morgan & el Hijo de Pirata Morgan), AND the legendary Super Porky (who was given his walking papers). Now, I can understand cutting Porky, as his matches have become absolutely gruesome to watch (especially anything involving a cage, as you have to put El Elegido in there to help push him out)....but you just lost a damn good chunk of your rudo mid-carders here. Histeria's been a damn good worker for the past decade-plus, Psichosis II...is good in short spurts, el Hijo de PM has improved a LOT over the past two years, and Pirata Morgan Sr. is still enjoyable.

Sheesh, what groups are left? The Mexican Powers are just down to Crazy Boy & Ultimo Gladiator. La Secta still has all 4 guys, but doesn't use 'em all. Real Fuerza Aerea is really make shift after Super Fly/Aerostar/Laredo Kid (El Angel has kind of taken a mentor role for 'em, along with periodically El Gato Eveready). You have the new-on-the-scene Poder del Norte, who have taken over the low-card atomicos group (possibly growing if they toss Escorpion Negro back to 'em, OR have Billy Boy take 'em and run). We haven't seen the Night Queens in ages, nor Los Infernales Diabolicos. It's a shame as a year-plus ago, the Atomicos Titles feuds were enjoyable to watch with La Secta feuding with the Mexican Powers, RFAs, Vipers, and more.

Anywho, gotta love the bilingual promos now. Jack Evans opened up this weekend's AAA TV with one, and Zorro (anytime he's with Jack/Teddy/Nikki) has been doing 'em too (which is just cool). Only down side...Konnan's bilingual ones. Blah.

More tomorrow,
Matt

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:39:07 GMT

Hey all,

Well, the wrestling biz is getting nuttier by the day. In AAA this past weekend, seems like on-again/off-again star Juventud Guerrera and his valet (and supposed girlfriend), Lizzy Valentine, quit during their 2nd show back in AAA, due to Konnan's attitude. Apparently, Konnan make a #2 in Juvy's bag, which disgusted Lizzy to a point where she quit on the spot. Meanwhile, Juvy (being Juvy) confronted Jack Evans and Konnan about it, and Jack kicked Juvy's ass (leaving him with a busted nose, and back to ply his trade in the Mexican and international indies). Okay...Konnan, seriously....way to turn a practical joke gone wrong. If that's the way you're going to treat your talent (even if Juvi is an egomaniac and an a--hole)....you're never going to keep anyone (let along deal with your asinine booking centering around you). *shakes head* So much for that.

And in a bit of major AAA/Lucha news, AAA luchador Abismo Negro was found dead yesterday, after leaving a bus due to a panic attack (which turns out it might be a heart attack, but other rumors have it possibly being a mafia hit, who knows...). Negro got lost and was found drowned in a nearby river. It's a shame, as Abismo was really one of the historic faces of AAA, and he was a steady worker and mic worker throughout (even having an appearance in TNA for one of their World X Cups). It's a real shame, as AAA loses one of their top technicos now. Prayers and thoughts go out to Abismo's family.

Speaking of wrestling...Ring of Honor had their premier 1-hour TV show on HDNet on Saturday night, and if you don't have HDNet already....GET IT! Best wrestling TV show in AGES! Here's the results:
1) Jerry Lynn defeated Delirious with the cradle piledriver (3/5)
2) Kenny King defeated "the New Whore" Sami Callihan with the "Coronation" ("Burning Hammer" into a swinging DDT; 3/5)
3) Brent Albright defeated "Addicted to Love" Rhett Titus with the Crowbar (high-angle Fujiwara armbar submission; 2.5/5)
4) MAIN EVENT: Tyler Black defeated Jimmy Jacobs with a flip rollup out of Jacobs' "End Time" (guillotine choke) submission (3.5/5)

NEXT WEEK: "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen wrestles Eddie Edwards of the American Wolves; Sara Del Ray wrestles St. Louis' own Daizee Haze, and HEYYYYYYYYYY! Claudio Castagnoli wrestles "Sugarfoot" Alex Payne. In the main event, ROH World Champ Nigel McGuinness wrestles Jay Briscoe.

FOLLOWING WEEK: Erick Stevens wrestles "Sterling" James Keenan; The Dark City Fight Club (Kory Chavis & Jon Davis; regular FIP team) wrestle "Up in Smoke (Cheech & Cloudy; periodic team in ROH); Chris Hero (with Larry Sweeney & Sara Del Ray) wrestles the Necro Butcher; and in the main event (and it should be a really good one), "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson wrestles rival Austin Aries.

Week 3-6's TV tapings were this weekend, and all I can say is...it's definitely going to be a great Saturday night watching!!!! (Repeats are twice on Tuesdays).

Meanwhile, this week's AAA TV on Galavision was pretty mediocre.
1) El Gran Apache/El Gato Eveready/El Angel defeated Poder del Norte (Tigre Cota/Tito Santana II/Rio Bravo) by DQ when Billy Boy ran in and clocked Daddy Apache with a chair.
----Pretty yawner of a match, as Angel did something to get himself hurt, as he had to be carried out mid-way through the match. I'm thinking concussion.
2) AAA Tag Champs: La Hermandad 187 (Joe Lider/Nicho el Millionario) defeated Real Fuerza Aerea (Laredo Kid & Super Fly) when Lider hit a Package Driver on Laredo after Laredo missed a top rope twisting 450 splash.
----Solid match, 'til Lider nearly killed Fly with a top rope flipping chokeslam (looked like Fly crashed onto his own face).
3) Black Abyss defeated (the now late) Abismo Nego with a marinete with help from Legion ref El Hijo de Tirantes.
----Nice bit of continuity with the Abismo/Hijo de Tirantes stuff, as Tirantes didn't forget that Abismo tormented him a year or two ago. :) Interesting post-match touch, with Abyss spraying flame on Abismo twice.
4) Hart Foundation II (Teddy Hart/Jack Evans w/Nikki) defeated The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy/Ultimo Gladiator) when Jack rolled up Gladiator after a low blow by Nikki. Only match worth watching, as it was a good one. Hilarious moment with Nikki flashing Gladiator, but Jack wasn't able to get the 3 then. Also, great moment when both MexiPowers were down, Jack/Teddy stood on top of them, got Hijo de Tirantes in for the nice group photo op. :) Then, after Tirantes moved, Jack/Teddy with stereo moonsaults. NICE! Also, the continued idiocy of Teddy Hart continues, as he no-sold (recovered WAY too fast) after a cradle piledriver by Gladiator. *shakes head* Um...Teddy, piledriver = KO/stretcher job in Mexico, dumbass (unless it's a Canadian Destroyer, like Teddy's butterfly one OR Ozz's one).
5) La Parka Jr. defeated Silver King
----Eh, fast forwarded through this one.
6) Charly Manson/Latin Lover/X-Pac defeated Electro Shock/Konnan/El Zorro when Charly got Electro to tap to "El Pozo" (rolled Indian deathlock).
---Good match, but I kept wondering if the Charly was a fake as he didn't do ANYTHING 'til he finally got tagged in the last like 3-4 minutes. Plus Konnan must have gotten Charly hooked up with Jeff Hardy's body paint supplier. I do find it hilarious that Electro (who happens to be Charly's older BROTHER) took the job.

-All in all, other than Hart Foundation 2/MexiPowers, a pretty piss-poor show.

More to blog later or so,
Matt

Wishing the weather would stay like this 'til fall...

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:40:38 GMT

Hey all,

Well, took advantage of the weather and worked a bit on my golf short game with my two MacGregor Grass'N'Sand System Lob Wedges (60 degree & 64 degree), as I found my golf cup/flag to put in the yard. Sucked that I could not find my chipping net that I haven't used in a few years (which I SWORE was in the garage last time I checked). With the exception of a few shanks and skulls, I felt really confident with the results. As usual, my shots with my 60 degree LW were solid, but I'm still having problems maintaining consistency with the 64 degree LW. All in all, pretty fun, especially watching Wags chase the golf balls around after I hit 'em (thankfully, after biting on one, decided not to do that again).

In other things...
-Getting very close now to Frank: FRANK - still 9,315 GS; MATT - 8,130 GS. My co-worker, Robert, may be helping me out with this, as he's going to loan me a few games to bump up the GS. :)

-Read another "Teen Titans" compilation (this one written again by Geoff Johns with "Green Arrow" current writer, Judd Winick) earlier today (where Lex Luthor and Brainiac activated something with Conner Kent/Superboy & Indigo from the Outsiders group by turning her into Brainiac 8), and so far, it's definitely been an interesting read. I'm definitely a DC Universe guy, and now finding out seeing the Outsiders pop in....I'm definitely more curious about the original Speedy, Roy Harper, who is Arsenal now (and becomes Red Arrow later).

-Rams have been making some interesting minor re-signings and street free agent signings. They resigned backup DE Eric Moore for depth, and former starting LG Mark Setterstrom as depth at OG/C. Meanwhile, they signed a handful of former practice squadders from other teams: local native/former CBC QB Jeff Otis, CB Markus Brown, TE Eric Butler, and C Tim Mattran. Then, today, they add former Bucs WR Chad Lucas (who could be an interesting special teams add) and former undrafted Giants DB Craig Dahl (who'd be interesting if he didn't tear each ACL his past two seasons).

-Also, the Blues are making some interesting moves, as a few of their draft picks are signing Amateur Tryout Contracts with Peoria. First off, last year's 3rd rounder, RW James Livingston, joined up after his OHL team didn't make the playoffs. And the Blues scored a coup, by being able to bring over C/LW Jori Lehtera for the rest of this season (as he's in the 2nd of a 3 year deal with his SEL team). Lehtera will be a steal! I kind of wish we still had LW Charlie Linglet, so we could have a Triple-L line (Linglet/Lehtera/Livingston). :)

More later,
Matt

Books, games, and more

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:18:51 GMT

Hey all,

Well, knocked out two new release books this week from reserves from the library (I was #1 on the one book's reserve list, and #3 on the other). :) First off, on Monday before/after my dreaded dentist bi-yearly check-up/cleaning (which was my first visit to the dreaded dentist in years), I got the newest Robert B. Parker novel featuring Jesse Stone called, "Night and Day," which I finished that night. Later in the week, on Wednesday after work, I tagged the recent Clive Cussler/Jack Du Brul co-authored Oregon Files novel, "Corsair," which I finished earlier this afternoon. Finally, Thursday after work, I read 3 of the "Teen Titans" graphic novel collections by Geoff Johns, along with a post-Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)'s death "diary" focusing on his little-known best friend/sidekick/mechanic. A really good short story there that gives a tad bit more into what the heck Hal was thinking then. :)

As for "Night and Day," it's a pretty solid novel as Jesse has a handful of things to deal with, but all-in-all, a very enjoyable read (especially Suit's "undercover" assignment). Very recommended for fans of mystery thrillers. GRADE: A-, while good, I thought the last novel, "Stranger in Paradise" was one of the Jesse Stone series' best.

As for "Corsair," it's another novel (in the last few NUMA/Oregon Files novels) that kind of proves that Cussler isn't doing a damn thing anymore than putting his name on the novel (while collecting the royalties) and maybe conceptualizing the story, as you can tell it's all Du Brul here (in terms of the writing style). It's definitely a great story (and surprising that for the second novel in-a-row that Juan Cabrillo doesn't get the gal). Good stuff, and can Cussler release his grip from Du Brul so he can write a new Mercer novel please (we Mercer fans haven't had a Mercer novel since '06)! Again, recommended for the techno thrillers out there, GRADE: A-

Rented "Appaloosa" for my free Redbox rental o'the week here (from the March Madness promotion), and watched it with the parents. Interesting opinions abound: Dad hated it (go fig). Mom loved it. I thought it was good, not great. It was very well cast (Ed Harris/Viggo Mortensen were perfect as the lead, as was Jeremy Irons as the villain. Only casting gripe, the bland Renee Zellweger as love interest, Allie. Worth the rental, as it's the rare decent and recent Western.

In good news for us children of the '80s....Hasbro in conjunction with Universal Studios (though Vivendi and Shout Factory) has announced a June 16th release day (either right before or after the release of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen") for the 25th Anniversary release of the First Season of "Transformers" animated series. 'Bout f'n time! :)

More to come later, since no one has called about going to Ring of Honor with me (and the fact I'm not feeling too hot right now), I'm either crashing here, or going to offer a hug for Amanda (as her ex's lawyer sent a reply to her lawyer's stuff, and needless to say, she's not a happy camper right now, even though she got approved for her new apartment today: ETA move-in - May 1).

Matt