Author: jcalvert

Surprisingly no withdrawal symptoms. My TV is sitting on the floor in the living room because the entertainment center (where the TV sat at my old house) is in my kids’ room. All my videogame systems and games are in various boxes in the front bedroom.

I keep thinking I am going to get something out fairly soon, but it seems like there is always something more pressing. I have had a desire to play some Gran Turismo, NCAA Football, and Colin McRae Rally PSP, but that is about as far as it has gone. Should be interesting to see how long this sabbatical lasts.

Of course I am still playing OOTP in the IOSBL, but that is about it. I just found my Football Manager game, so hopefully I will have time to get it loaded and this new laptop. And I keep thinking about getting into Civilization or Ages of Empires, but I am afraid that I will spending way too much time playing games if it ever comes to that.

Two quick points. First, I have not been pulling my calvertgames account because some spam-bot has been hitting the site for a good six weeks. I have not been able to turn it off, so I have been ignoring much of what comes into my main jonathan at calvertgames dot com account. Second, I am now using Charter instead of Mediacom for my ISP. No real reason for the switch except that Mediacom did not service my new house. You can get me by sending email to jonathancalvert at charter dot net.

Shout out to Kevin, I saw an email that you sent me a couple of weeks ago, but I cannot find your email address. Please send me a quick note to the new Charter account. Thanks!

It has been a heck of a haul getting settled into my new house, but it looks like there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. This renovation project has been a pain in the rear from the get go. The garage apartment was months behind schedule (there is still some plumbing work to be completed), and the house was a good 10 weeks behind schedule. In fact, we are still waiting for a few outstanding items to be finished inside the house before we can tell the contractors “Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out!”

The plumbing backed up last week (damn cast-iron pipes) after a mysterious hole appeared in the main sewer line. Raw sewage under the house – yuck! We failed a plumbing inspection (surprisingly not for the sewage issue), and electrical inspection. We have had to fight our contractor tooth and nail for everything, and by everything I mean that our contractor said re-screening the screen door to the screen porch was not included in the price to re-screen the porch. It has been absolutely ridiculous at times.

We planned to be in the house early November, and then the week before Thanksgiving, and then Thanksgiving weekend, and then the first week of December, and then the week before Christmas. You get the picture.

I could go on and on, but I will spare everyone the pain. We moved on December 30, and while we still are living out of boxes, everyone is starting to settle into our new house. I have found myself sitting in the sunroom or the screen porch thinking about my grandmother and remembering all the fond moments I had growing up in my grandmother’s house. I had to spin a ton of cash to save the garage apartment, but once again, like the rest of the house, it was worth it. In the case of the apartment, I spent my college days in that thing, so there are a ton of memories up there. Plus, after we recover from the house renovation, Tonya is going to let me turn the bottom apartment into a pool room (billiards that is).

I like to think that my grandmother is looking down at us in her house, smiling, because the house is once again filled with joy, love, and children. She would be especially pleased with the 54-bottle wine cooler and the champaign that Tonya and I drink for New Years. Champaign at Christmas and New Years was one of her favorite traditions.

OK, I am sounding like a sap, but it has been a long road home, and I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to keep the house in the family. It is also pretty cool to live in a house that my great-great-grandfather built. Living in the park district is also cool � we are a five minute walk from the park. I am also a lot closer to work; six minutes in fact. Last Friday I actually walked the three mile trek to work in about 50 minutes. So lots of good stuff all around.

I said I would spare everyone from a continuous rant, but man I am I sick of my contractors. You can only fool yourself so many times about how great the house looks while you cuss about all the crap you have to put up with in the process. I need to write a “what not to do while renovating” type of book – I could spare everyone else a ton of crap.

Today is moving day, so a little levity is in order to keep me sane. Tonya gave me “Deep Thoughts” (as seen on Saturday Night Live) by Jack Handey, when I graduated from college. The book is subtitled, “Inspiration for the Uninspired.” I came across it early this morning as part of the never ending packing.

“If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is “God is crying.” And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is “Probably because of something you did.”

“We used to laugh at Grandpa when he’d head off to go fishing. But we wouldn’t be laughing that evening, when he’d come back with some whore he picked up in town.”

“It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.”

If you have to ask why I feel better, please stop visiting this site.

For the last several years I have attempted to see some of every college bowl game played, but each year I come up short. I profess to be a huge college football fan, so what gives?

We could start with the fact that there are just too damn many bowl games. This year there are an amazing 28 games! There is also this thing called “having a life,” but thankfully my wife understands (or puts up with) my passion for football.

My goal is simple � to watch a few minutes of every bowl game. I am not out to do the impossible; I am not trying to watch entire games. Instead I just attempt to watch at least 10 minutes of each game. This allows me the satisfaction of seeing a ton of college football, but also allows me to have a life at Christmas. Seriously, was anyone outside of Kansas and Houston looking forward to the Fort Worth Bowl?

This year I was on track for my perfect season, spending quality TV viewing time with the New Orleans Bowl, the GMAC Bowl, and the Las Vegas Bowl. Then my quest failed at the hands of the 10PM EST kickoff of the Poinsettia Bowl (say what?). Yes, the Poinsettia got the best of me; ruined my perfect season. It was just too late for me to watch after spending a week at Disney, and seven or so hours in the car.

My need for excellence keeps me motivated. Fort Worth Bowl, Hawaii Bowl, Motor City Bowl, Champs Sports, and Insight Bowl have earned me an 88% bowl viewing achievement record for the 2005 season. The next few days hold some serious obstacles � moving day is the 30th, and cable is going to be installed at the new house (sometime) on the 30th. It is going to be a hard road, but worth ever minute of my quest for (near) perfection.

I was going to write about the Falcons yesterday (or earlier this morning), but being in the Christmas spirit I decided to give it a rest. I am not really in the mood to do this now, but it has to be said – the Falcons are a bitter disappointment this year.

It seems like ages ago when I wrote about the Falcons having a decent chance at the playoffs and back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, but all that went down the tubes this week at the hands of the Bears and Bucs.

I really thought the Falcons had the game (against Tampa Bay) locked up, but once it went to overtime I knew our goose was cooked. I missed the overtime debacle, instead attending our church’s candlelight service. After church, listening to ESPN radio, I learned of the disappointment – Atlanta had been all but eliminated from the playoffs.

The Falcons can salvage some pride next week by beating the Panthers, but a victory will be fairly hollow. Yes, back-to-back winning seasons would be nice, but it should have come along with a trip to the playoffs.

Wait ’till next year (again)!

I wanted to take a couple of minutes to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Once upon a time, we were allowed to say “Merry Christmas” without having to worry about offending (or excluding) anyone, but now days we also have to say Happy Holidays, or have a great Hanukkah (is that even the right context?), or hope your Kwanzaa celebration is blessed. Oh for a simpler time.

I am a Christian, so I am going to keep it simple, and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. With that said, this Season, whatever it is you happen to celebrate is a time for reflection. This is a time to be thankful for family, friends, and all our many blessings. Thanks to Geoff and Kevin for taking time to write for the site – your virtual friendship is much appreciated. A special thanks to Chris for keeping the lights on around here – it is always a blast to read your entertaining takes on sports, gaming, and life in general. Seriously, “Like football, marriage requires a balanced attack. And some shopping money.” is a wonderfully delicious quote, and a great observation on marriage.

Of course it goes without saying that I am thankful for you regular Recycle Bin readers. Insert joke – all two of you. For the last four years I have had a great time ranting, rambling, and writing about next to nothing. None of this would have been possible without a willing (even if somewhat reluctant) audience.

There is much more to be thankful for, but the day is young. Happy Christmas!

It seemed appropriate to announce my return from Disney. I will have to write more later, but for now …

Why does beer cost $7.50 a pint at Epcot? Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain made Nathan, my three-year old son “Want to go home.” – but he was a real trooper, got back on each one for another go or two. The Animal Kingdom is nothing, but an expensive zoo with a few rides. The lighting of the tree at Epcot is much better than the lighting of the tree at the Magic Kingdom. Why do so many people queue up for 40+ minutes for a three minute ride? Why does OJ cost more in Florida (at various Disney resorts) than in Georgia?

Anyway, good to be home again. Lots of stuffs to write about when I have more time. I am writing this from a new Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop, and my house is still not ready. Those should be pretty good for starters along with the usual Christmas fare. Speaking of which, I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

I am going to be doing the Disney thing for the next few days. Hopefully when I get back we will be ready to move into my new house. Merry Christmas to all, and very safe travels (for those of you traveling).

It may be hard to believe – actually it is rather shocking – but the Atlanta Falcons have never had back-to-back winning seasons. Rather sad and pathetic, but hopefully those days are coming to a close. Please God (I will not pray for my team if you do not pray for the Bears, Bucks, and Panthers).

If the Falcons can win one of the last three games then they will have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. That is not to say they are going to make the playoffs, but it would be nice to finally get this monkey off our backs. Making the playoffs would be prosperity at its finest, so I am sure I am asking way too much. Still, one can dream, and as long as one is dreaming, is it too much for one to ask for back-to-back winning seasons and a repeat trip to the playoffs?

If you were a fan before the arrival of Vick, then you must feel my pain. You will feel my pain. Suffering follows…

1971 (7-6-1), 1972 (7-7), and 1973 (9-5) were nice runs, but the .500 season in 1972 mess up their first realistic shot at back-to-back winning seasons. I was a baby back then so it is not as if I was around to earn the right to bitch and moan. Lucky for me I can bitch as much as I want on these humble pages.

1977 (7-7) and 1978 (9-7) were close to back-to-back winning seasons, but that .500 thing got in the way again. At was at this point that I have my first memories of being crushed. That lost to Dallas really sucked. The disappointing 1979 (6-10) season spelled the end for another chance at glory.

1980 (12-4) was another great year, but f’ing Dallas made me cry again. How great would it have been to have the Dawgs win the National Championship and the Falcons win the Super Bowl? [Sigh …]

Then the long dry spell started. Some bastard decided to fire Leeman Bennett after the 1982 (5-4) season. Scabs suck, but come on; sacking Bennett sent the Falcons into a nasty spiral of eight sucky seasons in a row; all under .500 and all equally dismal.

Along comes 1991 (10-6); we made it out of our nasty funk, but who is kidding who? The run-and-shoot was never going to take us to the promise land. Of course the Falcons followed up with yet another loosing season – 1992 (6-10). Prosperity? Nope, we can have none of that stuff.

1995 (9-7) was a decent year, but it was too much to ask the Falcons to build on a decent year; 1996 (3-13). Feeling my pain yet?

Some how, some way (thanks to Jam) the 1998 (14-2) Falcons made it to the Super Bowl, only to be trampled upon by Elway and company. My kingdom for a prostitute! Thanks a lot Eugene f’ing Robinson. Notice a trend? 1999 (5-11). Disappointment as usual.

2002 (9-6-1) saw the complete pimping of an exciting Vick, including a nice little win at Green Bay in the NFL Wildcard Game. Of course you know what happened next, right? We are talking about the Falcons doing everything they can do to avoid prosperity. You guessed it, 2003 (5-11) was a bitter disappointment and cost Dan Reeves his job as head coach.

2004 (11-5) was a very nice run under first year head coach Jim Mora, Jr. So here we are, once again facing prosperity square in the eye. Can the 2005 Falcons improve on their current 8-5 record to manage back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 39-year history? Will futility come to an end? Will the Falcons finally put to rest years and years of fan frustration? Probably too much to ask.

It looks like the 360 is off to a slow start. I wonder if this is due to Japanese gamers being completely entrenched with Sony (and Nintendo), or if Japanese gamers really just do not like the games that are available for the 360. Or maybe they really do want to wait for the jiggle goodness of DOA4.

Should be interesting to watch. [Source Xbox 360 Gets a Soft Start in Japan and Microsoft Xbox 360 Japan sales slow:study]

What’s wrong with this picture (from the Falcons 36-17 win over the Saints last night)?

On third-and-goal from the 2, Vick scrambled to his left and appeared to be pushed out of bounds near the 1. The officials spotted the ball at the 1, but Mora called for the review.

“Because Mike Vick told me to,” Mora said. “He said ‘Challenge it, we’ll win it.’ You listen to what No. 7 says.”

The officials ruled the run was a touchdown after replays showed Vick kept his leg in bounds as he flew over the pylon with the ball in his hands. [Source: Yahoo! Sports/AP]

I love Vick as much as the next guy – I own the official shirt, I run around with Vick like ants in my pants in Madden Football, and I even believe all the “Vick is a different sort of quarterback” philosophy mumbo-jumbo crap. No, really, it is all true.

See, what had happened was …

Vick is a special athlete, but I do not think it is wise to say he is a special quarterback. Not yet. Maybe tomorrow or the next day, but not today. I love how Vick can be a dangerous weapon on the ground as well as in the air when he hurls bullets for passes as he rolls out dodging defender after defender, but that is part of the problem. Until Vick learns how to put some touch on his passes, and until Vick improves him completion percentage, Vick will continue to impress us as a special athlete, but not necessarily as an elite quarterback.

Not that it matters. Lucky for us Falcons fans that Mora has it all figured out � if Vick tells you to do something, you damn well better. Seriously, we all know that outrageous signing bonuses and 100 million dollar contracts are reasons enough to “listen to what No. 7 says.”

But I do love me some Vick. Honest.

Back in the day I had a major addiction to buying games. I would buy pretty much everything that came out, just because I could – ah, the days before two kids and law school payments. It was a time of innocence; a time of stupidity.

Packing up stuff for my upcoming move (hopefully any week now) I realize just how stupid I was. Yes, I was addicted; I do not use that term loosely. I actually *had* to have every game. I “collected” games. I got a rush from *buying* games. I assume that is what happens to folks that have to take a nic break, or have to have a drink, or whatever goes with the vice. Believe it or not there was a time when I owned every PlayStation title on the market – we are talking about 175+ games (at the time). Wow!

I have since got over my addiction, but I still show some signs of stupidity. The latest version of FootBall Manager. Had to have it. Preordered it. Have yet to play it, much less load it on my laptop. I will chalk that one up to poor timing.

Anyway, back to the point at hand. As I am packing up stuff, I realized that I have many games that I have never played, and I doubt I will ever have time to play. Sure I am keeping some of the stuff (some classics for a rainy day), but for now a lot of games have to go – to help pay off this massive house renovation or something to that effect.

I have the following junk, err games, on eBay right now (43 or so hours left): Porsche Challenge, NFS Porsche Unleashed, Jumping Flash! 2, TOCA Championship Racing, TOCA 2, Nanotek Warrior, RPG Maker, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III, and PaRappa the Rapper all for the original PlayStation. I also decided that I could live with my 2005 version of Madden, so Madden 2006 for the PS2 is for sale. For the collectors out there, everything is pretty much brand new, some with the actual shrinkwrap (that addiction thing).

For what it is worth, I actually got my money’s worth from Porsche Challenge and both TOCA games. Nanotek Warrior, Porsche Unleashed, and PaRappa all received plenty of play time, but hard to say I actually got my money’s worth. Madden 2006 was a waste of money – I never really found the time to get into it the way I should have. As for Jumping Flash! 2, RPG Maker and the Tomb Raider games – never played and all except Tomb Raider II are still in the shrinkwrap. About six months ago I opened Tomb Raider II with the intent of playing it, but alas, I never got around to it. Maybe if it does not sale. Maybe.

For those wonder, Jumping Flash was a great game, so I naturally had to get the follow-up, but I never got around to finding out. I assume I can be plenty happy by just holding on to Jumping Flash.

I used to say that gaming was my vice, but I guess it was also a financial vice in a very big way. This is just a very small round of games that all cost $39-49 a pop. I doubt I will recover 10% of the original value. That should say something to all you would be collectors!

I hope everyone has a wonderful (and safe) Thanksgiving. As for me, Tonya and Joshua are sick, throwing up hour after hour since 10PM last night, so I have a bowl of spaghetti for my Thanksgiving dinner. I guess the spin is that I am thankful that I did not have to choke on my mother-in-law’s dry turkey, but I would have still rather had a bad traditional Thanksgiving dinner than none at all.

Enough about that. After several PBRs, some Lay’s BBQ chips, and an easy Falcons victory over the Lions I am salvaging a decent Thanksgiving.

Last night, prior to all the throwing up, I restarted Gran Theft Auto San Andreas. It has been so long since I played, that I figured I would give it a go again from the beginning. After playing the first five missions, and countless crap (making the most of mayhem opportunities), I still think this is a great game. Over the top? Sure. Completely inappropriate for kids? You bet. With that said, man this is fun game. It is certainly not for everyone, but if you take the game for what it is (you can fill in your own blanks), it is damn fun.

I promised to write more about Madden PSP. One day I should get around to it, but for now let me say that it is basically Madden 2005 for the PS2. The kicking meter is too sensitive; I cannot count the number of extra points I have missed, much less the number of out of bounds penalties on kick offs. The punting game sucks; no real return chances, and too many fumbles because of a lack of space. Just like the console version.

I am more than a few games into my franchise without any signs of problems. No shut-downs, no game freezes, no real system problems.

More to come later; hopefully. Happy Thanksgiving!

After today’s 17-10 victory over Miami, Michael Vick had the following to say to his (often) harsh critics:

“People say I can’t throw the ball from the pocket. I had to show them,” Vick said. “From here on out, I don’t want to hear that question — if I can throw from the pocket.”

And Vick also had this qem of a quote:

“I want people to praise me,” Vick said. “If I’m winning games, don’t criticize me. That’s all I’m saying.”

Good grief! Who likes to be criticized? The Falcons are winning, that is all that really matters to me, but Vick needs to look in the mirror and realize that his passing performances (for the most part) this year have sucked. Sure he has done it on the ground, along with Dunn, and the defense has been solid, but Vick’s air attack has been less than impressive.

Vick threw for one TD, going 22 of 31 for 228 yards on the day. Vick also had 38 yards rushing on 8 attempts. OK, the numbers were good, and the Falcons won (all I really care about), but Vick needs to learn to shut his trap until he is regularly putting up number this efficient (and of course more yards). All in all Vick did look very comfortable in the pocket – the bye week obviously helped – but again Vick needs to shut his f’ing mouth.