How do Yu do?

Have a look at Richard Griffin's blog regard the latest Japanese sensation, Yu Darvish.

Now, it has been reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have won the posting bid for his services.

I am agree completely what Griffin said and here's why...

1) The Blue Jays have gone Back to the Future with the jerseys and they are HOT and SEXY! The Blue is back in BLUE Jays!

2) Darvish is only 25 years old and he will fit in perfectly with the young Blue Jays core of; Ricky Romero, Brett Lawrie, JP Arencibia etc. Win together, lose together but most importantly, building a winning team together.

3) Impressive record in the Japanese league; 93-38... Now, I don't expect Darvish to actually pitch something like 20-5 in 2012 but I think if he pitches 15-10 with an ERA of 3.45 and finishes somewhere in Top 15 in statistical records in AL. That is a win. A rookie of the year award would be the cherry on top.

4) The Blue Jays needs some stability in the 3rd or 4th pitching slot. Ricky is Ricky; defacto numero uno. Brendon Morrow (if he can find consistency) fits nicely right behind Ricky. Then we had Brett Cecil and Kyle Drabeck who both struggled and sent to triple-A. I do hope these guys will be better in 2012. Out of nowhere came Henderson Alvarez and in a short audition looked really good. You can't forget Dustin McGowan. You hope 2 shoulder injuries are behind him and he can regain to 2008 form. If Darvish can be a consistent 3rd starter and get around 15 wins. The Blue Jays may find themselves in the wild card hunt.

5) The most important part is getting the fans back into the seats. The regular 20,000 fans will show up every game but now with Darvish, the Jays can market the team like Seattle Mariners did with Ichiro Suzuki. But the most intriguing part of this is that not only can the Blue Jays capitalize on marketing Darvish to the young Asian community; Japanese, Chinese (including Taiwanese) and Korean, it's possible to even market into the Persian community. Two birds with one stone. It's the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the Blue Jays young and exciting core. Homerun king, Jose Bautista. Home-grown Canadian talent, Brett Lawrie. Home-grown drafted talent, Ricky Romero. So forget the 80s or 90s night, let's go with cultural night. Toronto really is such a vibrant city with many cultures; Japanese (or Asian) Night, Persian Night... There is a large Japanese community that will go and support. Darvish Night special... 10 tickets in the lower bowl for $450 + tax that includes an autograph photo or photo-op. (You say photo ops? Trust me... with his mixed heritage, there will be plenty of girls at the stands! Remember the Eric Hinske commercial?) Hey Rogers!! Are you listening? I've got plenty of ideas! Hire me! Send me a private message on twitter!!

Last year was the wait the Brett Lawrie's arrival... This year is seeing how quick Darvish adjust to MLB and possibly dominate. If the Blue Jays staff manages the way they have been in these past few years, 2012 edition of the Toronto Blue Jays will be quite exciting!

Play ball!

NHL Alignment... Four Conferences. Really?

This new NHL realignment is really a joke. Four... FOUR... conferences??

Ok, I admit, I think it would be pretty awesome to have a possible Leafs-Habs Stanley Cup final but still... 4 conferences? What were they thinking? What are they going to name them? Revive those old names? Smyth? Campbell? Wales? Or new names? Sittler? Richard? Yzerman? Something just doesn't sit well with four conferences!

So, here are some of my previous realignment solutions...

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3


It's great to have every team play each other twice. Frankly, as a Leafs fan... I would like to see more Leafs vs Wings or Hawks and we don't see enough Columbus or St. Louis.

I don't think there's any problem with East and West Conference and 2 divisions each set u[... Really, the simple solution should be this

East Conference
Great Lakes (or keep Northeast): Buffalo, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
Atlantic: Carolina, Florida, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, New York Islander, Tampa Bay, Washington

West Conference
Central: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg
Pacific: Anaheim, Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, LA, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver

So, if Phoenix gets moved to Quebec or wherever, they can be placed into the division with Toronto and Montreal.
0)
Each team play it's division team 6 times, (35 games for East and 40 for West), they play teams in the other division within the conference 4 times (28 for East and 32 for West), play each team in the other division once (16 for East and 14 for West). With the 3 games left for the East, they can be randomly for rivalries. So teams like Leafs, Habs, and Bruins would get the opportunity to play one more game against Hawks, Wings and one team.

Or

Each team can still play each other twice (58 games) and play 1 more game against team in the other division in the conference (7 or 8 games, total 65-66 games) and the rest of the games are left for division play (17 for East and 16 for West).

The playoff format would be like this. In each conference, the division winners will be placed 1st and 2nd accordingly to points. From 3rd to 8th, will be positioned by standing. And in each round, home ice will be determined via point standing in regular season.

Now, an alternative solution could be top 4 team in each division head into playoffs. They play within division playoffs and then winner of each division within the conference play each other and winner of that will play for the cup.

See? Easy simple solution...

iPhone vs Blackberry and a dash of Android: Who wins?

Where do I start... I am a Blackberry user aka a Crackberry. And obviously, I'm going to say Blackberry but with my admission out of the way, I will tell you why Blackberry is still cooler.

Let's start...

AppStore vs AppWorld vs Android Market

Well, this one is sort of a no brainer... with a gazillion of mindless, useless apps... iPhone wins hands down.

iPhone 1 Blackberry 0 Android 0

I used to sell cellphones to people. The company made an issue of selling smartphone first since it's where it generates the most commission and revenue. So, when I sell phone to people, you need to know who will be using, why they need it and for what.

For easy of use, iPhone wins again. Seriously, how hard is it to use your fingers to poke and pinch? Android is a close 2nd...

iPhone 2 Blackberry 0 Android 0

So what about texting and emailing? What sets Blackberry apart from other phone is the keyboard. Once you go Black(berry), you can't go back. The keyboard is bread and butter of the phone. Forget the Storm or the new touchscreen Torches... The Blackberry Bold is the standard. Unfortunately, Android phones are made by 3rd party (HTC, Samsung and Sony Ericsson). Therefore, it's up to those company to make a nice keyboard... nope, that doesn't exist. Blackberry FTW!

iPhone 2 Blackberry 1 Android 0

Keeping you entertained... iPhone wins... barely. iPhone has an mp3 player as do Blackberry and Android. iPhone takes pictures. Blackberry and Android do that too. iPhone has games to keep you entertained. Sorry, Blackberry. Point to iPhone and Android.

iPhone 3 Blackberry 1 Android 1

Keeping your data safe. Blackberry wins. There is a reason why the president of the US uses a Blackberry and most executives use Blackberry. Because it is secure! It's also a reason why India and Saudi Arabia threatened to shut down RIM servers. Those countries know a revolution can be started via BBM without being spied on by the government. I know KiK and WhatApp exist but it just doesn't live up to BBM.

iPhone 3 Blackberry 2 Android 2

Virus... Hello, Android! Have a look at this video. Point for Blackberry and iPhone.

iPhone 4 Blackberry 3 Android 2

Next on the list is something that make me go facepalm way too much and this only happens to iPhone...

Please... click on THIS and THIS. You can't google this for other phones... Point to Blackberry and Android.

iPhone 4 Blackberry 4 Android 3

Celebrity sitings! They use blackberry...

iPhone 4 Blackberry 5 Android 3

I'm not sure about you... but iPhone (and iPad) is the ONLY phone I see people trying to destroy. Just click this. I wonder if these people were looking for a bulletproof iPhone... and seriously, you shot the phone with a .50 rifle and expect Apple to make an exchange for you? Really?

iPhone 4 Blackberry 6 Android 4

Songs about the phone...

The iPhone Song?

It apparently it's not just about iPhone...


This is not catchy...


This is funny...


LOL!


Soulja Boy & Sean Kingston


Some Swagberry, baby!

But THIS song TOP them ALL


Blackberry wins hands down!

iPhone 4 Blackberry 7 Android 4

And to finish this blog with some UK humour!

WET, bloody wet

A few days ago, I finished the game called WET. The game came out in 2009. Yes, I know it's 2011 (and it's almost over) and I am playing the game 2 years old. So? I just bought my ps3 last Christmas (awesome present for myself!) and have been looking forward to buying WET and then I saw it for $15. Seriously, why pay $60 for a game when it will be reduced eventually? But that's a different subject.

WET is a game about a woman named Rubi Malone, a hired gun, who was used by a drug lord and now wants revenge or justice. I'm not going to tell you what the game is about... you can click here instead.

It's unfortunate that the game is a bit short. However, I thought it was very entertaining but in some level a bit frustrating (damn falling down and car surfing!).

First, check who does the voices...
Eliza Dushku as Rubi Malone[9]
Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Pelham
Alan Cumming as Sorrell/Ze Kollektor

What is quite enjoyable was the soundtrack! Two songs that I think is quite awesome are:

Chinatown Hustler by Notorious MSG (Yes, MSG! As in monosodium glutamate!)


And

She's Lost Control by The Arkhams


Another cool thing is, there's an option to trigger the "film" effect. Although, there were these annoying "commercials" that appears after a level. I think they try to make it like you are watching a film and sometimes when your health is low, the film effect gets in the way but effect is cool.

Monkeys... what's up with the toy Monkey?!

I was impressed with the background though. When you are in Hong Kong, the background harbour is of the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. However, whether it's Chinatown, San Fransisco or Hong Kong... some of the Chinese were backwards.

Another awesome part of WET... is Rage Mode. Rage Mode happens if lots of blood get splattered onto Rubi's face and the whole fight sequence is now in this red, white and black screen. I think it's funny.

Now, I was actually disappointed by the game ending... so, if you have no played don't read on!





Are you sure???




So, the ending of the game was a button minigame... instead of an actually fight boss.

But hey, in the end, Rubi kills everyone that needs to die and wins.

Some games are just lame to the max!

Last week, I was at a store and picked up a ps3 games for $15 then I saw "Invizimals" and went to check the price - $19.99 - not bad.

What I was really interested in was the camera. Since the PSP now support Skype, I wanted the camera for skype but did not want to buy it off ebay. I did ask someone to pick up the psp-300 in Hong Kong but they forgot. No problem. The reason for getting the psp-300 was because my psp was running 5.03 Prometheus 3 custome firmware (CFW) and the new psp-450x required official firmware (ofw) 6.00 and above. I was hesitant with upgrade to newer ofw since at that time (5 months ago), there weren't much support for cfw on the new ofw.

Now months later... psp ofw is 6.60... prometheus 3 obsolete... the need to use the camera... must update! I contemplated in updating to 6.60 but decided to use 6.20 instead.

Now, the price of the original Invizimals game with camera was $39.99 and the camera that comes with it is psp-450x model and it looks sleeker (even though it has lower grade pixel). I didn't care for the game so I kept putting off buying it. Now that it's $19.99... I can buy it and sell the game.

Today (about 3 hours ago), I finally got around to updating my psp and now I am running on 6.20 PRO B10 (just released this past week) and it was a simple update. You don't have to deal with any HEN!

Now with updated cfw, I tested out the camera et voila! Works! And then I thought, "why not give this invizimal a try... can't be that bad."

Oops...

First, I get the point of the game of "capturing" these invisible animals... and the concept is pretty neat. However, it must be my age and the type of game that I play, Invizimals seems to be geared towards the much younger crowd - say, children at like 5-10 years old? The kind of age that thinks everything "is so COOL!" The age where Pokemon is awesome... And this game is like Pokemon on steroids... and I never liked Pokemon to begin with.



I really tried... I spend like 30min playing it, "capturing" these invizimals. But there was a level of lame that screamed "stupid game." You know, I get it... children will like it. They have a "whole world" to discover. But I thought the video tutorials were a bit lame. You can actually tell they are acting for the 5-10 years old.

"There is this world of invisible animals we can capture."
"Oh, you found the Porcupain! He is very shy so you can't let him see you."

Hence why this is a CHILDREN'S game... Still, the lameless of the acting is just a facepalm for me.

If you have kids that is like 5-10, the game is perfect... any children older then 12 will see it as stupid.

Maybe I'm just too old for these kinds of games...

But then, people must love this game... there's a sequel...

NHL Re-Alignment, Part 3

And hopefully, this is the last time my brain does this...

So, here we go...

First, there will not be 4 Canadian teams in the same division as written by Bob McKenzie.

So, this is the current division.

East
Northeast
Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Atlantic
New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins

Southeast
Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightnings, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets

West
Central
Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues

Pacific
Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks

Northwest
Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wilds, Vancouver Canucks


So, the first possible solution (as previously stated) is to move the Winnipeg Jets to the Central division and swap places with Nashville Predators. Because this is the only possible solution that helps team cut down travel cost. However, since Detroit stays in the Western Conference, I think then Detroit should have a say in their game's start time. For example, all weekend games that Detroit plays in the Pacific time zone will start at 4pm OST, 4:30pm PST or 5pm PST at the latest and all weekday games will start by 6pm PST.


Solution 2
The "geographically correct" divisions (because Vancouver is really on the Pacific coast and Dallas is nowhere close to Pacific Ocean)

East
Northeast
Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Atlantic
New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins

Southeast
Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightnings, Washington Capitals

West
Central
Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues

Pacific
Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks

Midwest
Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wilds, Winnipeg Jets

This moves Columbus to the Southeast division and Detroit stays. So, Detroit will again have a say in their game's start time.

Solution 3
The "Detroit in the East" Solution

East
Northeast
Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Atlantic
Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers

Southeast
Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightnings, Washington Capitals

West
Central
Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues

Pacific
Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks

Midwest
Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wilds, Winnipeg Jets

The only problem is I had to break up Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

I think the most simple and less headache is to swap Winnipeg and Nashville and give Detroit the autonomy on game start time.

I am done with the realignment issue...

Kingdom Hearts

Specifically, "Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep" for the PSP.

I was introduced to the game on PS2 and played through Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.

I understand that sometimes companies like to make a prequel to current titles (ie. God of War for PSP). It makes playing the game and understand the story fun. However, I have a slight issue with Kingdom Hearts. While the story shouldn't be that confusing, it is the release of the games that annoys me.

So, according to the Kingdom Hearts wikipedia, this is the order of the games...

Birth by Sleep (PSP)
Kingdom Hearts (PS2)
Chain of Memories (GBA, re-released on PS2)
358/2 Days (NDS)
Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)
coded (mobile phone)
Dream Drop Distance (future title)
Kingdom Hearts III (future title)

Here's the issue... they released games on other platform that some fans may own. They did re-release some on PS2 but some titles were only available in Japan. I don't think I would spend money on a console for just ONE game.

I thought Birth by Sleep was pretty fun in game play. The fact that you need to play ALL three characters to understand the whole story makes the game that much more re-playable. Although, each character's game play is only about 8-10 hours depends on if you are the treasure loving person. And if you collect all of them, you there is a "Final Episode" that concludes all three storylines.

Which brings me to my issue... what the heck happened? Birth by Sleep (BbS) is suppose to be the prequel to Kingdom Hearts (KH) but after finishing BbS, I am having trouble connecting the stories. How does the 3 characters link to the KH main characters? What's gonna happen to the girl who sacrificed herself to save her friends?

Gameplay wise, it's just like the original KH but I find that sometimes the buttons would not respond to what I do and I get killed... one thing I did learn from this game is how the "block" is quite handy in beating bosses. You could literally stand there, smash the block key and counter attack and win.

I think I need to replay KH and KH2...

Hercules and Xena - The Animated Movie: The Battle for Mount Olympus

That's a mouthful title, isn't it?

So where do I begin? First... THIS because it's easier for you to click on IMDB's webpage and read about it.

Then watch this:


Earlier this year I lost 300GB of stuff on my hard drive. I still haven't been able to access it without paying way too much money for those data recovery service. In the past few days (or week), I have been redownloading everything that I had... or at least, that I can remember. I had photos, movies, musics, ebooks, comics and tv shows. This was not a part of the lost data. However, I'd figure it is better to have a digital copy then to go and dig out my VHS tape. Yes, you read that right... VHS tape!

This movie was released in 1997 (and I was still in high school) and I remember seeing the VHS being sold in my weekly flyer at a store called "Bi-Way." It is an early 90s version of an upscale dollar store, sorta speak. And this VHS was advertised for $14.99CAD and I think I cut the ad down and saved it in some box somewhere in my house.

Being a fan of Hercules and Xena TV Show, I really wanted this. It was direct to home video. I may eventually go and find the DVD copy (for the extras) but the downloaded version will have to do.

If you recall the year 1997, Power Rangers was in its 3rd spin-off as "Power Rangers Turbo." Fox Kids was literally at its height. You have cartoons like Spiderman, X-Men, and there were some Batman cartoon. So, it was some good times.

When I popped in the VHS into the VCR (google them if you have no clue what a VHS and VCR is), I was very confused! And almost 15 years later, I am still confused. Watch the trailer again...

What I found really strange was the quality of the animation. It was done in a very 1950s era cartoon like Bugs Bunny or even 1960s Spiderman. I am not sure if they wanted to keep the budget low or done in an artistic way. Some of the scene's background are a very nice looking painting...

Another thing about the animation is... all the character's were left handed. I can never figure out if this was because the animators (all Koreans as seen at the end credits) were drawing a mirror image of themselves or they were all left handed. Some scenes were showing them as right handed but it was only 10% and it is these minor things that bugs me.

Now that I rewatched again, boy did the script not live up to its live action show. There were no depth. It seems to be one of those "ok, height of the TV shows... let's milk it for what it's worth." There were some humours in the animation but it certainly missed the "Oomph" of the TV show.

The highlight, of course, is hearing Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Lucy Lawless (Xena), Michael Hurst (Iolaus), Renee O'Connor (Gabrielle), and the late Kevin Smith (Ares) reprise the role for the animation. Also as a treat, fans of the show get to hear Lucy Lawless sing! (It's about half way through the movie)

As a fan of the show, I still love it even with the cheese factor to the max. Although, I am really not sure where the VHS is...

There are other Hercules and Xena related media out there. However, I have actually been disappointed with most of them.

Hercules: The Legendary Journey comics released by Topps
Xena: Warrior Princess comics released by three different companies: Topps, Dark Horse and Dynamite
A Hercules: The Legendary Journey Game Boy Color game...
A very poor Xena: Warrior Princess Game Boy Color game
A Hercules: The Legendary Journey N64 game
A Xena: Warrior Princess: The Talisman of Fate N64 game that is a fighting game
A pretty decent Xena: Warrior Princess Playstation (PS1) game
A horrifically TERRIBLE Xena: Warrior Princess Playstation 2 game that's only available in UK PAL (and I downloaded this... it's VERY boring. I'm not even sure if it's worth buying for collection)

Some fans are still waiting for this Xena movie... I think most fans would be happy if they made a game with the show's writer and gave the game a God of War like treatment. I will post my idea in another post...

JP Arencibia Autograph Rookie Card

So, last week on twitter, Toronto Blue Jays' rookie catcher JP Arencibia tweeted a contest that Topps, the trading card company, was giving away an autograph rookie card signed by JP himself.

I saw that on my blackberry and though "hey, why not?" and followed Topps... 2 days later, I received a mention from Topps that said I won...

My first thought was, "seriously? I won? Really? Of the 7000+ followers that Topps have, I won?" then I just laughed and replied "Omg... I just won a @jparencibia9 autograph card!! Thank you @toppscards how do I get it now?? Lol"

Well, no joke. I send them my address and today... I saw a package on my door step.


Yes, it was a bit dirty. But that's ok, it's what inside that counts...


Package within a package? UPS? How dare they just leave it at the door step... what if someone just took it?? Topps didn't use the signature required option which would cost an extra $5? But I got it, that's all that matters...


Woah! Talk about a package within a package within a package! Now THAT'S security!


We're finally here!! One autographed JP Arencibia rookie card!

What's really nice about this is that the picture on the card was his first game and his curtain call!

This was his line for the game:

4-5 (2HR, 2B, 1B, 3RBI)

Now, I have a piece of JP... at least, his autograph.

Why can't today's video game be like what it used to be?

Last week, I finished playing Red Dead Redemption (RDR). It was $20 from Wal-Mart... watched some gameplay video on youtube and thought it might be a fun game to play. It was... but (and you know there's always a but!) why is there no "ending?"

I went and played online a bit. It was ok. However, I think I really missed the good 'ol multiplayer online days (I used to play Quake II) but that is besides the point.

I am almost done playing Ratchet and Clank: Crack in Time. I love the series: great humour, awesome weapons and a lovable Lombax.

I think I'm going off topic...

So, remember the good old days of console gaming? I mean, even I would consider the Playstation 2 a "good old days."

My problems with current games and consoles...

1) The games "never ends." Great examples? Assassin's Creed series and Red Dead Redemption (because I own and played them). You finished the story but you can still continue to play the game without REALLY finishing the game. The only point to continue is to collect things which doesn't do much for the storyline. Sure, it's great to unlock the "unicorn" or the "golden gun" but ask yourself this, "does it help with gameplay?" NO! Now that you've got the most powerful item in the game... there is no one to terrorize! And once you're done collecting, now what? Yes, you can play the side stories but isn't it more entertaining to play them WHILE playing the story and not after the fact? There is no more big bad boss to fight... no ridiculous impossible side mission (maybe there is but I usually finish most side missions within the game)... and don't go picking on NPC (Non-Playing Character), they just run like headless chicken!

2) Developers make a decent game but with a half-ass job. You KNOW what I'm talking about? If you don't, let me use Assassin's Creed II (AC2) as an example. Yes? Understand now? No? I shall explain it in details.

Assassin's Creed II... such a nice conspiracy story and you just finished "Sequence 11" and it just jumps to "Sequence 14." What the fuck?! How can there be 2 sequence missing? The game character says, they "can't access corrupted memory." And THEN you realized that it's not "missing," they just want you to pay to complete the story! But if you bought the PC version, all the memories are there. THAT is such a rip-off. Not only did you just pay $40 for a game, you now have you shell out another $10-$15 so you can complete the whole friggin' story!

There is a difference between adding more content to enhance a game (like expansion Undead Nightmare for RDR or map packs for Call of Duty, etc - and you know what? People used to do this for free as a mod) and making section of games missing.

This image best illustrate the problem/issue:


Why can't they just make a game that has an ending and when you're done, you're done? Ratchet and Clank and God of War has done it right... finish the game, try your luck on harder level or with cheats! Or do what inFamous has done, 2 different endings (which I've only finished the Good side...).

3) Collecting things... Yes, it's cool to collect things that unlock things to enhance gameplay... but do you have to make some achievement ridiculously difficult? Or maybe I just suck sometimes. I don't have time or the patients to try to achieve some ridonculous "skills."

4) While we're on the topic of collecting things... trophies, trophies, trophies. Playstaion 3, I am looking at YOU! All the games have a notorious "platinum" trophy which I like to dub "Have no life except to try to collect everything" trophy. I really have nothing against collecting trophies. I actually think it is a cool thing when you hear "ding!" and you see you've unlocked a trophy. But seriously, to collect all the trophies to get the grand fromage trophy is excessive, don't you think?

I don't play much multiplayer with my console (for games like Call of Duty, I will always be a keyboard and mouse gal!) and some games (Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (ACB), RDR, Little Big Planet) contain trophies that can only be achieved through multiplayer. What's more, if you buy a game that was released a few years ago and a sequel was then released, the chance of you getting that "community" trophy is almost impossible if everyone have moved onto playing the new version.

5) I should get a 5th point in... it doesn't bug me as much but it's still an important point. $60 for games newly released... They eventually drop in prices to $30. I know they have to pay their programmers, testers, graphic designers and voice over people. But why would I spend $60 on a game that will eventually drop in price? Assassin's Creed games drops almost 50% within 6 months... I got ACB for $20 (Wal-mart had priced it for $20 and Futureshop still had it for $60... price matched and $18 for the game). True that some games may be sold out and probably worth the $50-$60 price tag (Remember Dance Dance Revolution? It was a revolution alright... impossible to find. I luckily got a copy of Dance Dance Revolution Disney mix for $25 off ebay, I think it still sells for $70-$100 off ebay - just search "dance revolution disney mix, NTSC-US version $70!)

No, I'm not done with money... Another thing that annoys me is now they release "Collector's Edition" which I don't know how "collectible" they are. I suppose if you buy and keep it sealed yes. But who will actually go and spend $200 to buy TWO copies (they cost $100 each)? And what you get is trinkets... AS2 has its Ezio statue, inFamous2 has its usable pouch/bag (which I saw someone use at Fan Expo in Toronto), God of War III has its plastic box.

I do have some of these collectibles because I grew up playing them on TurboGrafx-16... the Ys games for PSP that was release in North America by Xseed... the "Premium Edition" has a music CD while another one had this cloth map, and it only cost $40.

When Street Fighter 2: 15th Anniversary came out for PS2, I did buy it and it came with an Akuma plastic bust... It was free. Hey, I'm not going to complain!



If I really like the series and if the collectible is cool, I think I will buy it... but not at the price of $100.

And just to end off this blog, I post a picture from RDR:

I do find this funny because it's a Chinese laundromat in the "mid-west" where racism is probably a common thing. The Chinese writing? "Welcome."

Go Jays Go

Hey, I am not a bandwagonner... I do cheer and watch the Blue Jays. I think the only reason why the Blue Jays can draw no more then 23,000 average is the economy of baseball.

How do you expect to be competitive when you are in the same division as 2 teams that who just buy what they need? But the Jays are moving in the right direction. Oh man... Bautista and Lawrie are the biggest names RIGHT now!

But that's not what this post is about... There have been talks about ways to expand the Blue Jays' fandom. When there was the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Expos, it was Montreal is Quebec's team and Toronto is English Canada's team. Remember 1992 to 1994? I would have LOVED to have seen both the Jays and Expos in the playoff. I wonder if 92 or 93 Jays vs 94 Expos, who really would have won? I really sucked to see the Expos leave...

So, according to the Ottawa Citizen, there is a possibility of a AA team in the nation's capital by 2013 or 2014. And you know this has probably been talked for a while but very likely that Mr. Brett Lawrie is the catalyst of bring the issues to the light.

The Blue Jays have already placed a single-A affiliate in Vancouver and it only make sense to have minor league affiliate in other major Canadian cities.

Previous Blue Jays minor league affiliate in Canada were: Medicine Hat Blue Jays, and St. Catharine's Stompers or Blue Jays.

There had also been Canadian cities that had minor league teams not affiliated with the Blue Jays: Calgary Cannons, Edmonton Trappers, and Ottawa Lynx are the ones I can name off the top of my head. A list of defunct teams here.

So, as mentioned, an AA team in Ottawa I think it's a great idea and why not revive the Lynx? Though I've never seen an Ottawa Lynx game... but why stop there? I think if it's possible, the Blue Jays should find an owner who would purchase Las Vegas 51s and move them to Montreal. But I wouldn't call them the Montreal Expos, unless they're a major league team. So, why not Montreal Royals? I think Bell Media should consider making a purchase and move the team if not Montreal then Quebec City.

Some people might ask "why would Bell work with a rival company like Rogers?" Simple. Just look at the Olympic Consortium. It worked, didn't it? And how did the broadcast of 2010 Vancouver Olympic go? Near perfection. So, why not? And if Bell Media doesn't want in on the action, I'm sure a Quebec company like Videotron might (Although, I'm sure they want the Nordiques back first... I agree).

I don't see a down side. You will have a sound financial backing and have the opportunity to showcase future major league stars. Imagine an AA in Ottawa and an AAA in Montreal/Quebec and baseball fans in Canada would have had the opportunity to see future stars like Kyle Drebek, Brett Lawrie, and Adeiny Hechavarria.

And while we're on the topic of an affiliate in Quebec, the owners would be wise enough to at least teach the players a little bit of français.

I think this would be neat:
AL Toronto Blue Jays
AAA Montreal Royals/Quebec Metros (AA 1971-77)
AA Ottawa Lynx
A Vancouver Canadians

If you can have another team or two in Alberta in the Rookie A ball, then the organization will truly be coast-to-coast.

The Blue Jays have already been coast-to-coast this winter to promote the Jays. I think it's time for the next step to return minor league pro team back to some cities.

I got kicked out of a department store...

But it is not what you think...

It was Sunday, August 21 2011, my friend had BBM me 9 in the morning and asked if I wanted to go for dim sum. Sure, why not?

So, I get to her house and she was not ready. Fine, I'll take the time to search for a restaurant that's IN the area. Nothing. The closet one was near the airport at Doubletree by Hilton or out in Mississauga. We decided on the Doubletree...

Dim sum was good. The restaurant was good but perhaps a bit expensive but considering what we ordered... I was satisfied except for the parking. However, it is airport area and paying for parking is a norm...

After our lunch, she wanted to get sandals. I thought we were heading to Vaughan Mills but instead we went to a small mall close to where she lives, Yorkgate Mall (in the Jane/Finch area). As we were driving on the highway, I did notice the dark cloud but ignored the fact.

We get to the mall and she didn't find what she was looking for at a store called Payless (what I like to call "cheaply made shoes pretending to be nice" store), so I suggested we try Zellers (not that much better since they'll be turning into Targets).

While at Zellers, I heard the thunder and rain and was glad I had my umbrella. I went to the electronics department hoping to find some cheap stuff.

PA: "Attention all customers, please proceed to the front of the store... ... ... ..."

That's all I heard and I ignored it.

Friend: "What did it say?"
Me: "Something about going to the front..."

As I was browsing,
Store Clerk: "Yea, it happens all the time."
Elderly gentleman in a suit with his family said, "Can I help carry the TV out?"

I still had no clue what's going on, just looking for a deal...

A different store clerk: "I'm sorry but we need you to be at the front of the store because the store is flooding..."

Me: "Ok..."

Friend: "What? Did he say flooding?" Laughs.

We walked to the front cashier and to the left there was a pillar with water at the bottom. You can also hear a water vaccum turned on. A few step close to the cashier, I looked left and in the clothing department, more water on the floor.

Quickly on twitter and facebook...

"Getting kicked out of Zellers not because we stole something... but because the store is flooding..."

Proposed new rules for 2011-2012 NHL season

So each year, the rules are tested to make the game more exciting...

Here's what I think:

OVERTIME

Seven minutes of overtime instead of five with both 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 scenarios tested. Three minutes of 3-on-3 play to follow four minutes of scoreless 4-on-4 action. More offence is expected to be generated.

Uber lame... 4-on-4 is ok... but to go 3-on-3 is like watching road hockey or something. Why?

SHOOTOUTS

Five players from each team will shoot and if the score remains tied, the same players can take another crack in a sudden-death format. Same rule applies for proposed three-player shootouts.

This was lame to begin with. It was introduced for the American audience that don't even care about hockey. Scrap the shootout... game ending in a tie is not the end of the world!

GAME PLAY

• No touch icing. Whistle blows as soon as puck crosses line so potential dangerous situations are eliminated.

It's a good idea... since when I play, we have no touch anyway. Hopefully that means less broken legs... Although, I've seen those dirty players that just put the blade of their stick at the other skater's foot causing them to fall.

• Hybrid icing. If an official determines the attacking player would get to puck first, no whistle is blown but if he thinks defender will be first, whistle is immediately blown as soon as puck crosses line. Dangerous collisions should be avoided.

This is good but it all will come down to the ref's judgement that some teams may not like when it's against them... maybe on icing, a race to the blue line. If a defensive player reach own defensive blueline before the offensive player, it's icing. When offensive player reach offensive blueline (the same one was the defensive) then it's no icing.

• No icing permitted while shorthanded.

Doesn't make sense to me...

• Line changes only permitted on the fly except after goals and on power plays.

This is kinda dumb... I know it helps speed up the game. I played in a tournament where they used this rule in OT. After a 4-on-4 overtime, a 3-on-3 change on the fly only was played before shootout.

• Allow hand passes in all zones instead of just defensive zone.

This is not basketball! That's why hockey is played with a stick!

• No line changes for offending team committing an offside until next play stoppage. Tired players will remain on ice, coaches won’t get key matchups and more offence will result.

Don't like this either. Accidents happen.

BEAR HUG

Players will be permitted to wrap their opponent up when taking him into the boards without being called for a holding penalty. This could limit dangerous hits along the boards while allowing body contact and the ability to play the man.

Brian Burke's idea... if it helps reduce concussions. I think it will.

FACEOFFS

• Officials will drop the puck in the offending team’s zone following an offside, potentially leading to more goal scoring.

Not really...

• All faceoffs in circles.

Only the neutral zone faceoff doesn't have circles... what's the point?

• A designated linesman will drop puck for all faceoffs in an effort to bring consistency to the faceoff.

How does that help "consistancy"? Maybe he had too much coffee before the game or he has a cold...

LINE CHANGES

Limiting line changes at stoppages in play should speed up the action.

How about team gets 15sec to change? If not lined up then the players that were on the ice must come back.

GOALIES

• Removing the trapezoid that restricts goaltenders’ puck-handling, allowing goaltender to play puck anywhere.

This was one of the reason why some defencemen were getting hurt.

• Strict enforcement of goaltenders covering puck outside crease. Goalies not permitted to cover puck unless they have skate contact with the crease.

This could be interesting...

PENALTIES

• For delayed penalties, the offending team must exit the zone in possession of puck to stop play. It should give the non-offending team more time with an extra attacker and potentially generate more offence.

It's fine the way it is now!

• All penalties to be served in their entirety. Increased goal scoring should result.

You already do that with a major penalty... it's a minor penalty. Leave it!

NETS

• A yellow verification line parallel to the goal line, set back slightly more than 3 inches (size of the puck) from the goal line. It should help off-ice officials determine if a disputed goal has been scored. In the event there is something (water bottle, glove, pad, etc.) blocking the view of the goal line, this line could be used to “verify” that the puck has completely crossed the goal line.

How many goals needed this verification? It could be useful.

• Looking at a 40-inch deep “shallow net” instead of existing 44-inch deep net frame. Supposed to provide more ice behind the net, improve passing angles and makes it easier for wrap-around attempts.

Will it make a difference?

CAMERA

• New camera angles include in-net cams and mounted cams focused on the goal line to help verify goals.

Don't they do in-net cams already? What they REALLY need is a camera that's UNDERNEATH the ice

• Overhead cameras to assist Hockey Operations reviews of various game situations

What situations will require an overhead camera?

Email scam...

... because your relative just died in some accident...

----------------------
Subject: PROJECT
Monday, August 15, 2011 1:42 PM
From: "Sipho Themba"

HI, YOU BEAR THESAME LAST NAME WITH MY CLIENT WHO LOST HIS LIFE IN A BOAT ACCIDENT KILLING HIS ENTIRE FAMILY,CAN I PRESENT YOU TO MY BANK WITH ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTATION IN PLACE TO MAKE YOU HIS HEIR GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER FOR MORE INFO.

THANK YOU

SIPHO THEMBA
----------------------

That's the email...
If you cannot tell the email is a spam and a scam... or just call it scpam ("ska-pam"), here is how you know.

1) all capital
2) some weird name
3) says someone with your same last name died unexpectedly and you are the closest next of kin
4) lots and lots of money
5) bad grammar
6) common email address domain (ie. yahoo, hotmail, etc.)
7) doesn't address you by name
8) asks for personal info (usually bank account)

My last name is too common to be related to someone who just "happens to die" in an accident... I'm reading this email over and over again and I can't help but laugh at the wording of "boat accident killing his entire family." I think it's the way it's written. They put it in a way that is so tragic that you feel the need to respond.

I have also gotten another email about a "relative" titled Dr. who "died" in some jungle in Africa...

Who or what is a "sipho themba?" "Sif-fo Them-ba" or "Sip-ho Them-ba"? Google pulled up 2 interesting sites: a twitter account of a musician and a LinkedIn profile of a South African. Hm... South African... Anything that somehow links itself to Africa has scam written all over it but usually it is Nigeria.

And look at that email address... I cannot even make out what the username is trying to be.

Did you also look at the subject? Yes, that IS the subject... "PROJECT." A project to see how many suckers fall for it? A project to see if it works? A project to see how much info you get back?

Remember some rules to weird email...

1) read the content...
2) if there are links, don't click on it BUT move your mouse over to the link (without clicking) and it will show you a link - usually it is to a site that LOOKS like the real thing
3) it is not making any sense

And most importantly...

IF IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.

Job Scam? "franrecruiting.com"

This just have scam written all over it... copy and pasted from my inbox.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello %%FirstName%%,

I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about your resume! Your credentials are very impressive, your background and track record closely resemble some other highly successful individuals. We have worked with many such professionals and helped them realize their dreams to become successful entrepreneurs. Based on your resume, I can see that you are quite accomplished in your field and may welcome the chance to apply your expertise in a more entrepreneurial setting.

Recession has touched us all, but some industries have turned it into a business growth opportunity. Franchising is one industry where success, profitability and economic stability have actually made incremental strides. My role is to carefully select and personally invite qualified individuals to explore franchising in all its potential and you fit the profile.

With your background in management and leadership positions adding weight to your credentials, I am confident that you are likely a great fit. We know you have the initiative, skills and educational qualifications that are the building blocks of a successful business. Finding the missing link - the right franchise opportunity - will be a breeze with our help and advice. The research, qualification and application services I provide costs you absolutely nothing.

Imagine the possibility of applying your experience in a business of your own, increasing your earning potential, gaining the flexibility of working your own hours in a career you enjoy and more importantly never having to worry about losing your job again. It doesn’t have to be a pipe dream anymore! Here’s a chance at work-life balance like never before!

Please visit www.franrecruiting.com and find out more information about my services. Once you are there, fill out the “Get Started Today” form and I’ll give you a call within 48 hours to discuss the next steps.

Best regards,

Rachel Taylor
Franchising Coordinator
rachel@franrecruiting.com
www.franrecruiting.com



To unsubscribe, click here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, Dear Miss Rachel Taylor,

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for emailing me about this great opportunity. But did you know I have a name and not called "%%FirstName%%"?

Yes, I do have excellent management and leadership skills and I know I am a great fit. Franchaise opportunity sounds good but what is this "missing link" and "a breeze" you're talking about? Do you have name of franchises? I mean there is a huge difference between MacDonald franchise vs Daisy Mart franchise. "Research, qualification and application services I provide costs you absolutely nothing" but they say nothing in life is free.

I find odd that you have "franrecruiting.com" as your webpage but why when I click it, it directs me to "elabs10.com"? And why do you have an "unsubscribe" button? Did I subscribe to something?

Sincerely,

Not ""%%FirstName%%"

Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Day

July 24, 2011 - Roberto Alomar was inducted into Cooperstown, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. He becomes the 3rd Puerto Rican born player and the 1st Toronto Blue Jays to be in the Hall of Fame. In his speech, he spoke fondly of the 5 years he was in Toronto.

July 31, 2011 - The Toronto Blue Jayes honours their great 2nd basement by retiring #12. The last player to wear #12 was Edwin Encarnacion (I did wonder why he suddenly switched to #10 at the beginning of the season... #10 was occupied by former-Jay, Vernon Wells).

Game attendence was 45,629... it was an atmosphere like no others.

Oh, and it was Roberto Alomar Bobblehead day!

So, some in game photos.



The dome was closed when we were getting there at 11am... at about 11:30am, they opened the dome on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.


Ace, the Blue Jays mascot... there was actually Ace Jr. too but was not able to take a picture...


The guests; Carlos Baerga, Cito Gaston, Paul Beeston, Devon White, Candy Maldonado, Duane Ward, Sandy Alomar, Sr., Mother Alomar (forgot her name), Jerry Howarth


Robbie doing it in style... walking onto the field through the crowds. My camera ain't bad... 16x zoom from outfield 3rd base seats.




On to the stage... with RCMP!


#12 is now officially retired.


No other player shall wear #12 in a Blue Jays uniform


He thanks the fans again and again.


We can't forget about the game...


Brandon Morrow was the day's starting pitcher


After a shaky 1st inning, he was on cruise control
7.0 6H 2R 2ER 2BB 11SO
Hm... I forgot about the free slice of pizza we were suppose to get when there's more then 7 strikeouts...


Rajai Davis warming up...


MacDonald and Bautista must be having a dinner conversation...


Just getting ready...


And sitting in the outfield 3rd base side... you can't help but to look at Bautista's ass... he bend down a few times...


And to finish off... Bautista at the bat. Unfortunately, he didn't hit a homerun in this game... but Edwin Encarnacion did and played like an All-Star at 1st base...

Oh yes... and the bobblehead...

That's what 45,629 people came here for... but only 1st 20,000 fans got it. And yes, I got it!

It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Final Boxscore:

FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Texas 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 9 2
Toronto 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 X 7 7 0

Pitchers:
WP - Brandon Morrow (8-5)
LP - C.J. Wilson (10-5)

Home Runs:
Texas - None
Toronto - Edwin Encarnacion (9)

2011 Summerlicious at Canoe

This was the 3 time I have been to a licious even in Toronto. For those that do not live in Toronto, let me explain what the "licious" is.

It runs in winter and summer. So, it's Winterlicious and Summerlicious. There are lots of restaurants that participate this city-wide events. It is also an opportunity for non-rich people to dine at restaurant you normally cannot afford to go to (and I am not kidding). Most of these restaurtants are high-end restaurants that cost around $200/person with appetizer, main course and a dessert.

During the Licious event, you can select a 3 course pre-fix meal from $25 - $45 depending on the restaurant. It is obvious that at the high-end restaurant, it will be $45 for the course. I personally have come to a conclusion that it's not worth going to anything that's not $45.

The first licious that I went to was for a friend's birthday in Summer 2010. In a last minute effort, I randomly picked Wildfire Steakhouse on Yonge St. We really enjoyed the meal and decided that at the next licious event, we will need to book early.

One of the perks being an American Express cardholder is their "Front of the Line" program. You get the opportunity to get first dips for events before going public. So, for Winterlicious 2010, I booked a table for 4 at Auberge du Promier own by Oliver & Bonacini. Because this was owned by Oliver & Boancini, we knew it was good. But to experience the atmosphere, the food and service is a WHOLE different world then your typical Outback or Keg steakhouse.

Even before our meal were finished, we had decided that for the next licious event we want a table at Canoe, own by Oliver & Bonacini as well.

This time, I got a table of 6. Unfortunately, a friend had to back out due to illness. So, down to 5. Can't let that be a downer.

The restaurant is located in the heart of the financial district at the top of the TD Bank Tower. It was unfortunate that we did not get a window view because the view looks over the shores of Lake Ontario (onto Centre Island) and into the West end of Toronto (I suppose you could see Hamilton on a clear day). But we were there for the food.

You cannot go to a restaurant like this and not order something to drink. Really, don't be cheap and just drink water (typical Asian!! lol - trust me I know, I do that). We had a discussion whether or not we should go for the wine pairing with our food; extra $15/person. The decision was that we weren't sure if it's worth to try it. And we realized some were ice wine and white wine. First, I am not an expert wine drinker. I just know whether or not I like the wine you gave me. I stopped drinking white wine. It makes me sick or something. And the wine selections were Ontario winery; nothing against my home province but we wanted something different. So red wine it is.

Having asked an expert (my high school music teacher), I gave the group 2 choices.

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Reserva 2007
Saltran Pepperjack Shiraz Barossa South Australia 2008

The Australian wine was $64 and was told it had good review. But there must be something about Italians and wines... we ended up picking the Castello di Gabbiano for $75 and it was GOOD.



Love the label.

3 Appetizers:

Purdy’s Smoked Whitefish
Chilled Cookstown Potato Purée, Holland Marsh Leeks & Double Smoked Bacon


Ontario Bufala Mozzarella
Sweet Peas, Celery, Honeyed Walnuts & King Crab

(This was my selection)
Bufala Mozzarella is cheese that comes from Buffalo milk. The mozzarella was actually unrippen and the flavour was different that cow mozzarella. I really liked it!!


Cornish Hen Terrine
Swede Slaw, Kozlik’s Mustard & Tarragon

Slightly disappointed in this one... but the sauce made up for it.

3 Main Courses:

Pan Roasted Great Lakes Pickerel
Charred Spring Onion, Crispy Russet Potatoes & Stratford Corn

This was good. The fish was light and done in a way that it tasted somewhere between steamed and baked, even though it says "pan roasted."


Roasted Alberta Lamb Sirloin
Marinated Summer Squash, Chickpeas & Caraway Yogurt

(This was my selection)
You give me an opportunity to select lamb, I will pick it over ANY OTHER MEAT! Love, love, love the lamb! It was full of flavour that was to die for! The use of Caraway Yogurt was interested. It tasted like goat cheese. It changed the flavour of the lamb when you ate with it. I would eat this every night if I could...


Slow Cooked Ontario Pork Loin
Mustard Greens, Pearl Cous Cous & Plum Marmalade

Pork is really hard to cook (in my opinion). At least, to make pork taste juicy and not so chewy. This pork loin was done perfectly. It is so different from any other pork I've tried. The Pearl Cous Cous was interesting. I have never seen cous cous THAT big. I think it's Isreali cous cous (I went to Bulk Barns on the weekend and saw something similar in size).

3 Desserts:

Bitter Sweet Chocolate Terrine
Vanilla Marshmallow, Barrie Hill Farms Strawberries, Basil Crème Anglaise

A really nice mix of the sweetness of chocolate and the sourness of strawberries. The creme anglaise just made this a perfect harmony of flavours.


Canoe Pecan Tart
Niagara Cherries & Crème Fraîche Ice Cream

(This was my selection)
For some unknown reason, I decided to pick pecan tart... probably because I like pecan nuts. From a personal stand point, I thought the pecan tart was a bit sweet but it was perfect fit with the ice cream. There was also half a fresh cherries. There were preserved cherries in the ice cream. I really liked it even with the sweetness of the tart.


Trio of Canadian Cheeses
Wild Flower Honey & Apricot Compote

Can't remember the 3 cheese but one of them had quite a strong flavour but good. Too bad the wine was polished off...

We were very happy. My friend had told me that she had been to Canoe for licious events with her friends before but found the service to be sub-par. I experience something different. I'm not saying it's 100% super awesomeness but this is the type of service you expect at a classy restaurant at Canoe. Our server was good. I can't say he did a poor job. Checked on us only when we were done.

And the bill? It came in a nice little folded holder with a fancy curly paper clip (sorry, no picture)... So what did it cost us for the night? $415 after taxes and gradutities. It's actually not that bad when you think about it. Consider that during non-licious events, it is like $200/person. The main course itself cost $45 and that's without appetizer and dessert...

So, Winterlicious 2011... Sassafraz at Yorkville where all the famous who's who go to (or so they say...)

Soul Calibur Character Creation

So a few months back, I FINALLY bought my copy of Soul Calibur IV for PS3. What I love about the series is the custom character creation added in Soul Calibur III.

Over the weekend, I tried to do a bit more editing on Xena, Hercules and Gabrielle that I created but until I played a bit more (I really haven't played much and a lot of the clothing have no been unlocked) I can't do much changes. However, fear not... over the weekend, I wanted to create another character but couldn't come up with ideas. I was going to create Autolycus, the King of Thieves from Xena but somehow nothing looked right and decide to do something else.

And so lo and behold... I went and created Ezio Auditore from Assassin's Creed series! The reason I went and created Ezio was seeing this hood available for selection. I quickly grabbed my copy of Assassin's Creed II and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and did the best I could. It's not 100% but it's as close as I can get to the character. I have not taken a picture of it but I will.

If there are any suggestions, do comment!

NHL Re-alignment Part 2

So, now that I rearranged it to 4 divisions... let's be more realistic and make it what it will be next year - 3 divisions within each conference. Rumours already have the Jets move into the Central division with possibly the Red Wings moving East... But an All-Canadian division? It's nice but it would be cooler to think it could possibly be an All-Canadian Stanley Cup Final... BTW, funny how the article have a solution that's similar to what I got from my previous blog.

Pacific	Central	Northwest	Atlantic	Northeast	Southeast
Anaheim Ducks	Chicago Blackhawks	Calgary Flames	New Jersey Devils	Detroit Red Wings	Boston Bruins
Dallas Stars	Columbus Blue Jackets	Colorado Avalanche	New York Islanders	Buffalo Sabres	Carolina Hurricanes
LA Kings	Nashville Predators	Edmonton Oilers	New York Rangers	Montreal Canadiens	Florida Panthers
Phoenix Coyotes	St. Louis Blues	Minnesota Wilds	Philadelphia Flyers	Ottawa Senators	Tampa Bay Lightnings
San Jose Sharks	Winnipeg Jets	Vancouver Canucks	Pittsburgh Penguins	Toronto Maple Leafs	Washington Capitals

This could work... Although...

Here is now I would realign it... for ALL the geographic politicalness

Pacific	Central	Northwest	Atlantic	Northeast	Southeast
Anaheim Ducks	Chicago Blackhawks	Calgary Flames	New Jersey Devils	Boston Bruins	Carolina Hurricanes
Colorado Avalanche	Columbus Blue Jackets	Edmonton Oilers	New York Islanders	Buffalo Sabres	Florida Panthers
LA Kings	Dallas Stars	Minnesota Wilds	New York Rangers	Montreal Canadiens	Nashville Predators
Phoenix Coyotes	Detroit Red Wings	Winnipeg Jets	Philadelphia Flyers	Ottawa Senators	Tampa Bay Lightnings
San Jose Sharks	St. Louis Blues	Vancouver Canucks	Pittsburgh Penguins	Toronto Maple Leafs	Washington Capitals

Here's the issue with this realignment...
It makes A LOT of sense to shift Nashville into the Southeast division because of where it's located. You do not want to split the Atlantic division of 3 New York teams and the 2 Pennsylvania teams. Logic does dictate that Detroit should be in the Northeast but that would push Boston out to either Atlantic (which means breaking up New York and Pennsylvania) or Southeast (which makes no sense there but works better then Atlantic). But because Detroit is the "senior statesman," they should be moved to the Eastern conference before Nashville or Columbus.

I decided to put Winnipeg and Minnesota together and shift Colorado to the Pacific division. This gives Winnipeg and Minnesota the geographical rivalry.

By moving Colorado to Pacific and Dallas moves to Central. This will probably create a better travel itinerary with the Pacific division teams.

Now that I think about it... I would definitely move Detroit into the Northeast and shift Boston to the Southeast...

Pacific	Central	Northwest	Atlantic	Northeast	Southeast
Anaheim Ducks	Chicago Blackhawks	Calgary Flames	New Jersey Devils	Buffalo Sabres	Boston Bruins
Colorado Avalanche	Columbus Blue Jackets	Edmonton Oilers	New York Islanders	Detroit Red Wings	Carolina Hurricanes
LA Kings	Dallas Stars	Minnesota Wilds	New York Rangers	Montreal Canadiens	Florida Panthers
Phoenix Coyotes	Nashville Predators	Winnipeg Jets	Philadelphia Flyers	Ottawa Senators	Tampa Bay Lightnings
San Jose Sharks	St. Louis Blues	Vancouver Canucks	Pittsburgh Penguins	Toronto Maple Leafs	Washington Capitals

Super Channel is Canadian awesomeness!

Ok, maybe not awesome but they have some great selections.

Go to Super Channel website and see their selections. They have literally 6 channels on my Rogers cable, 2 of which is broadcast in HD. And, my favourite? The Super Channel On Demand!!! (channel 338 on Rogers)!!! Unfortunately, I didn't know about it and it was one of those "If I don't see it, it doesn't exist." Last year, I was channel surfing the TV guide and I noticed a show that I had only seen clips on youtube. And interesting Australia show called, The Secret Life of Us. I think it's more a teen drama but my Aussie friend showed me some clips and was drawn in by 2 character... Chloe and Miranda. If you've seen the show, you know what I'm talking about. However, I can never remember when they actually air and it was not available on demand.

So, a few weeks ago, for some unknown reason, I decided to go to the on demand channel... Interestingly, there were a few movies I wanted to watch. I've watched 3 movies already and there are a few more movies that I want to watch...

Freakonomics - interesting documentry, I recommend watching it
Date Night - Oh, Tina Fey! Need I say more? It could have been funnier but it was still hilarious
Vampires Suck - the Twilight spoof movie and really, it sucks. It was funny (Thank you, Diedrich Bader!) but watch it once and that is it.

Then I went to their website to see what's available and to my surprise... The Warlords and it was showing at... 3am. Who's gonna wake up at 3 in the morning to watch a movie?!?! Suddenly, it was available on demand this week! I was estatic! I wanted to watch this movie for awhile and now it's on demand but sadly, no HD. So, I tweeted to @SuperChannel... maybe they'll put it on HD soon. It would be nice to see true HD and not fake HD (which is SD and zoomed into fit my 52" wide screen... lol). I just hope the movie will be in Mandarin and not English dubbed. I find it annoying to watch movie where they dub over because the emotion is lost when it's dubbed. Trust me, just throw in Jackie Chan's Drunken Master... it looks ridiculous.

Here's the trailer for The Warlords


Then there's Tooth Fairy with The Rock... It's likely a cheesey movie but you can't say no to The Rock. There's also Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief...

Last night, while looking through what was available on demand, I stumbled onto Onion News Network". I remember there were controversies because the satire was so real, people though the news were real. I thought I would give the 1st episode a try. The only thing that I can think of is, "This is taking satire to the next level and making Fox News looks like a kid show." (Though I've never seen Fox News in Canada but heard it's terrible)

They have A LOT of movies... just not available on demand 9 (yet)...

And boy, did I just find another to watch (though I've seen it)

Bitch Slap - How do I summerize in as little words as possible? A bad movie that knows it's bad and don't hide it. Besides, you have Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Kevin Sorbo and Michael Hurst making a cameo... If the names look familiar, it should. It's Hercules and Xena stars!

I Love You Phillip Morris - another one I wanted to watch.

Here's something interesting... Kill Buljo: The Movie - Norwegian Parody of Kill Bill... how can you say no?

lol The Missing Lynx and available on demand! Sweeeet!!!

I can't help but laugh at this one... Zombie Strippers

It looks like I'll have things to look forward to on Super Channel!