Wishing you and yours a very Blessed Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
No Falcons? Red Zone to the Rescue
I’m sitting around on my bum today because the Falcons have a rare ‘off’ Sunday. Nice little ‘reward’ for getting my family safely back home from the Georgia Dome Friday morning, 2AM’ish. The Falcons absolutely demolished the Jaguars 41-14 on Thursday Night Football, NFL Network style.
Thankfully I have the Red Zone in HD for my ADD viewing pleasure. Never had crack, but I think going full throttle from game to game from kickoff to 7:30PM (or whenever the last afternoon game is over) is more or less addicting.
Meanwhile, the Falcons have another couple of days off, as they push forward to secure their grip on the #5 Wild Card seed.
Smith set off a minor celebration after the game when he told the players they don’t have to practice again until Tuesday.
“Four or five days off couldn’t come at a better time,’’ Ryan said.
The break might also allow the Falcons to get injured cornerbacks Brent Grimes (knee) and Kelvin Hayden (toe) back on the field. Having a fully healthy secondary could be crucial against the pass-happy Saints, who defeated the Falcons in overtime in their Nov. 13 meeting in Atlanta.
It’s doubtful that the Saints are going to go down two of three times against the Vikings, Falcons, and Panthers, so they pretty much have a lock on the NFC South.
With that said, I like the Falcons position; having to play the Giants or Cowboys is not very intimidating. I will go so far as to say the Falcons will actually get three points against either team.
Go Falcons!
FF XIII-2 (Rewarding FFF XIII Fans)
I love the concept of getting bonus goodies as a ‘reward’ of sorts for playing previous versions of a game. As long as the reward doesn’t cause game balance issues – either too powerful or you are shit out of luck because you didn’t play the previous installments.
PSB: Are there any special treats reserved for those who are holding on to their Final Fantasy XIII save files? Can you share any details on how that will work?
Toriyama-san: If you have any save files from XIII, they will be recognized upon the start of XIII-2, and you can get extras. Some of the bonuses include adornments for monsters that can be used in-game, and a bonus that can be obtained from the title screen. You don’t necessarily have to have save data of the finished game; you can still get something even if you’ve only played a little.
Cool concept. Now just have to actually find some time to watch, play, and finish FF XIII.
FIFA 12 Vita – No PS3 Save Transfer Capability
WTF is wrong with EA? I’m sure there is a very valid and reasonable explanation for EA not offering Vita-PS3-Vita game save transfer capabilities. EA is not rushing FIFA 12 to market quickly, delivering a sub-par handheld FIFA outing in order to capitalize on early Vita release opportunities.
EA must really care about their core target audience, and are showing a willingness to do anything to get the Vita version of FIFA 12 in the hands of demanding FIFA fans – because EA cares.
It would be a terrible precedent if all the first generation Vita sports franchises (looking at MLB: The Show, FIFA, and Madden) do not offer the ability to switch from console to portable gaming via game save transfers just to make an early release date. Thankfully MLB: The Show gets it and allows gamers to do just that:
Then there’s the hotly anticipated PS Vita version, which will mirror virtually every game feature, mode, and mechanic from the PS3 version and displays graphics that sparkle on the system’s 5’’ OLED screen. You’ll also be able to share your PS3 save files to the cloud, then pull them down on PS Vita and pick up your progress seamlessly.
Of course the San Diego (SCE) team behind the MLB: The Show franchise continues to push the boundaries on sports franchises. Following the same link from above, we learn:
… ultimately thought it made the most sense to recreate the entire PS3 experience on PS Vita. The Vita’s powerful enough to do that. So every single feature this year, from MLB 09, 10, 11, and 12 are all in the PS Vita version.
… research shows that handheld players play for 15 to 30 minutes, tops. We give you the ability to fast-play through a game by cutting out a lot of the presentation, the camera cuts, to shorten the length of games.
Unlike EA, Sony is going balls out with its franchise. I understand that time to market is important, but color me very disappointed with EA’s approach to FIFA 12 for the Vita.
Platinum #5 …
I earned my fifth platinum Trophy earlier today after completing The Sly Collection: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus. What a major bitch. All in all the game is not really that difficult, but some of the boss battles are … well … a bitch.
Kissing Belmont Adieus
Imagine my surprise when I opened up the latest edition of Qore (#43 – December 2011 – via my PS+ subscription) and noticed some dude that is NOT Veronica Belmont doing the opening junk. My first thought – oh no, WTF is Veronica?
A quick search and a couple of clicks later revealed the harsh reality – Veronica is no longer the cute (almost sexy) hostess of Qore. Too bad. Not to say that the new guy will not do a good job. He is just not the cute and dare I say it again, semi sexy, Veronica Belmont.
Qore will never be the same …
The End of Me?
Or rather The Last of Us looks absolutely fantastic. These days, with so many games, and such a huge backlog of titles, it takes a lot to get me excited about a game. And I am excited about this one, just from watching the trailer.
That’s rather unlike me, but The Last of Us looks compelling and captivating. I doubt it is just another take on a post-apocalyptic survival horror setting, but more info needs to surface before we can be sure.
Really excited to see how this one progresses.
UGA – Marshall Adds Depth
As longtime readers know, I never put much stock into rating recruiting classes. What does it mean if a university lands a Top 5, Top 10, or subpar class? It is all based on conjecture and predictions, only no one can predict how a young kid is going to react once they get away from home for the first time.
With that said, how can you not like UGA signing RB Keith Marshall, who some pundits have rated as the #1 RB prospect in the nation?
At a minimum, Marshall should add depth, and dare I say hope, that UGA can have one of the top backfields in the nation. Aaron Murray + (a healthy) Isaiah Crowell + Keith Marshall could be something special.
Go Dawgs!
Yummy Eye Candy … Or Why I Love The UK Press
A tale of two links, and how cultures are so drastically different between the US and UK (at least when it comes to the press). Let’s face it; Americans are prudes when it comes to nudity.
Case in point:
I don’t think I will ever understand why it is OK to show graphical depictions of violent acts (i.e. dead soldiers, bodies from natural disasters, etc.), but we go all numb nuts over a pair of tits.
Lucky for me outlets such as The Sun post delicious Pirelli eye candy goodness without any squeamishness. God made beautiful women to be admired, not censored.
Do I want my boys ogling Kate? Of course not. It’s called responsible parenting. And it has nothing to do with being a prude. If they are clicking on these links, dad will find out … just saying.
Well duh …
Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is not exactly creative, and let’s be realistic – 100% unimaginative. I have been critical of him and his play calling all year, so it was rather amusing to see that he could be made the scapegoat if ATL crashes and burns its way out of the playoffs.
3. Mike Mularkey, Falcons offensive coordinator. Atlanta came out very aggressively, throwing a couple of quick deep passes against Houston. That didn’t work. Didn’t the Falcons learn anything early in the year when they were trying to force things downfield? Their offensive line isn’t really good enough to block for the deep ball, unless Michael Turner and the running game have softened up a defense first. If the Falcons somehow don’t make the playoffs or have an early exit, there’s probably going to be a scapegoat because expectations were so high at the start of the season. Mularkey’s looking like the leader in the scapegoat clubhouse.
Of course if ATL didn’t drop so many passes things could be a little different. Having another win or two at this point in the season would have held off the scapegoat comments.
The Falcons have to change directions this offseason. I’m convinced that Mularkey’s system and play calling is holding back Ryan. While Ryan has success in the hurry up offense, he is constrained by what is in the playbook. i.e. WTF is the screen?
Next season the Falcons need to go all in with a Buffalo Bills Jim Kelly style hurry up offense. Of course the Falcons have to get past the next few weeks – at Carolina, Thursday night Dome date with Jacksonville, MNF at New Orleans, and a New Year’s Day Dome game hosting Tampa Bay.
The Falcons should win three out of four, which will be enough to get them in the playoffs, however if they play like they did last week against Houston, they are toast.
Sony Says No To Vita PSOne Support
To me it is a major bummer that the Vita, at least upon its initial release, will not support PSOne titles. Having 25+ digital PSOne classics, many of which were obtained via PS+, available gives me more options for my PSP and Vita.
Sure these games are old, but some of the RPGs are pure gold, and the catalog is too amazing to ignore, perfect for gaming on the go.
Hopefully Sony addresses in the very immediate future.
Weekend Workouts with Mel B
No workout today; heading to ATL to watch the Falcons beat down the Vikings.
In order to balance Trophy whoring and real life fitness objectives, I have decided it makes sense to do at least two workouts, instead of one longer routine. This should actually burn calories, keep things interesting, and get me to those ‘complete 20 xyz routines’ that much quicker.
Hopefully I will be able to knock off a couple before Christmas.
Saturday
Started the morning off with a 20 minutes Fitness burn of 159 calories, which was good enough to bump me to Level 65.
Tracing issues on some of the floor exercise probably prevented me from going higher. I normally get solid scores on the various pushups and crunches, but not so much during this 20 minute routine. I am going to chalk this up to the morning lighting in the room interfering with the camera’s tracking.
Next up was a 20 minutes Combat workout, which burned up another 136 calories. I’m a little disappointed that more calories were not burned, but that is OK, because I actually enjoy the Combat workouts. At least the ones that track correctly with the camera + Move.
This was another solid workout, good for a 5% boost to Level 80. My second 5% boots this week; in one day.
I started to do one more 15 minute quickie, but decided to call it off so I could watch the kickoff of the Georgia – Tech game. Go Dawgs!
Friday
As has been normal this week, I started with a 20 minute Fitness workout, which was good for 163 calories.
I followed up with a 15 minute Advance Cardio routine, which, while good for 103 calories, left me huffing and puffing. Talking about being out of shape!
Of all the Mel B fitness levels, Advance Cardio may be my lowest. Some of this is due to periodic tracking problems; the sometimes gets confused and does not seem to track the Move even when I think I am following Mel B 100%. The rest has to be attributed to my poor ‘real life’ fitness level. Working on it. Working on it …
Arkham City and UC3 – Waiting for Future Days
Yesterday Amazon ran a lightning deal for Batman: Arkham City for just a tick under $29. I had it locked and loaded, but in the end, I figured WTF was wrong with me?
I have decided that I need to play and experience Batman Arkham Asylum: Game of the Year Edition first before tackling what looks to be the extraordinary Arkham City. When it comes to games, I say it often, but really mean it. There are just too many great games and not enough time to enjoy them. I actually received Arkham Asylum for a Christmas present. Last year. It has been in my TO-PLAY list ever since.
Same for Uncharted 3 – I still need to play the first Uncharted, which I started, but got distracted, and never got around to finishing. Same drill with UC2; would like to actually play it before tackling UC3. At least I cannot claim owning UC2, and letting it collect dust.
More on UC3 after Christmas …
Woof, Woof, Woof
As I write this, UGA is stomping the Bumbling Bees of Tech, 31-10 (2:57 left in the 3rd Qtr).
Heading to Wal-Mart Mr. Johnson?
Near the end of his show, a caller, presumably a Georgia Bulldogs fan, came on the air and said, “Hello? Hello?” and then began barking before either hanging up or being cut off. Johnson responded, “Hello? Hello? He just got off from Walmart.”
Whatever. Woof, woof, woof!
Go Dawgs!
Of Hate, and Dreaded Bumble Bees …
Just win baby. At the end of the day, can any self-proclaimed Dawg loving fan say that today’s matchup in ATL against Tech doesn’t really have any significance? Can anyone say that next week’s date with LSU via the SEC Championship is more important?
To quote myself “Let’s beat the *^$# [call it snot for the underage crowd] out of the Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech” …
Today state bragging rights are on the line. Pride. Good Old Fashioned Hate.
You could go 11-0 but if you lose to Georgia Tech it’s not going to be a good season. You could see that in 2008. A lot of people would say going 10-3 and winning the Capital One Bowl was a successful season for a program. But that loss to Tech really ruined that season and left a sour note in everybody’s mouth.
– Senior tight end Aron White [Source: ajc.com]
I hope the Bulldogs are not looking past Tech in favor of the SEC Championship game. If they are not, this season can be very special as Georgia continues to recover from their 0-2 start.