American Observations

Infamous Ps3 Game Review

2012-01-31T03:48:00.001-06:00

Hello all
I just got through playing the game infamous and let me say I was very impressed with the game. While not giving much of the story away, the game is a open world action adventure. In the game you play a person with super powers and you have to choose his path either hero or villain and throughout this path you have to discover the origin of your powers. Throughout the game your choices determine how the world and espically the people will see you, will they see you are the protector of the city or as it's destroyer. Will the woman you love look at you with pride or disgust, what about your best friend these are all questions that the game poses to you and asks which path will you choose, there also plenty of extras throughout the game that give hints to the event that gave you your powers. There are a couple of bad points, one thing is that the ending boss fight is really easy, secondly the graphics are choppy at times, and if you have never played a game like this the learning curve can be a bit ruff, but if you can overlook this short comings this is a very excellent game
9 out of ten stars

Counterspace book review

2012-01-17T00:10:00.000-06:00

Counterspace is written by William b Scott, Michael J. Coumatos, and William J. Birnes.

It is a good novel while not great it is very good with a decent amount of love, war and more importantly a glimpse at what the future of warfare could entail in a more technology based war. The book is the sequel to the book SPACE WARS. The book takes off almost immediately after the first one and continues to shw the ramifications of a degraded space network and also what crazy people with nuclear bombs can do. The book while good is not great and does have some flaws, for one if you have not read the first one you might get lost with the story, secondly there is a lot of military terminology while some is explained a great deal is not and if you are not familiar with it you might get lost in the wording of the different organizations, and finally some of the actions of the characters are suspect and some of the events that propel the story are suspect as well, one of these being a major event at the very beginning of the story. Still the books is a great read and does give insight into what may be the first shots in the next great conflict. Those shots will not be of bullets but of satellites, data, and electrons.

7 out of ten stars

Call of Duty Black ops Ps3 Review

2012-01-05T02:29:00.002-06:00

*this review is for the single player and the zombie portions of the game only

When i first bought this game just about a couple of days ago i did not know what i was going to get for one thing it aint made by the same people as the Modern Warfare series, secondly it takes place during the cold war. Let me say this game is just as good as Modern Warfare 2 while not being as a MW3 it is still a great game to play. The story keeps you hooked to the end mixing in a what is real and what is fake thing going, it also feature alot of major plats from the 60's. All The guns are authentic to the time period and keep the story grounded in the 60's. The controls are very solid and react smoothly and quickly to your input on the controller The zombies portion of the game while a survivor mode does feel very different and new and with alot of games doing the horde or survivor mode in games now days that is something to note. also the game takes the series to another dimension with flying levels which are good

There are 2 downsides to this game, first off most of the missions are follow the leader types of missions and i hate those and secondly the flying portions of the game could have used a little tweaking in the shooting department besides those two this is a very good game enjoy

7 out of 10 stars

2011 year in review

2011-12-31T21:55:00.000-06:00

Well it is now almost time to put 2011 in the rear-view mirror and look ahead to 2012, but before we do let us look back on the year that was 2011 and in this year can be summed up in one word "questioning"

This is the year where people began to question everything and some of the answers they got they didn't like, it started with the tea party, continued through the arab spring and ended with Occupy Wall street. This is the year where people question everything and saw how bad things had got and decided to challenge what was wrong and in some cases they won in others not so much, still this has been a year of questioning and of change, hopefully 2012 will be the year of answers no matter what let us look back on this year as the year questions where asked, and people stood up for change.

Happy new Year everyone

Robin Hood DVD review

2011-12-30T01:18:00.000-06:00

*the following is from viewing of the widescreen edition of the film only

He is a symbol of freedom worldwide, there have been many movie adaptations of the famed outlaw Robin Hood, but in this one starring Kate Blanchett as Maid Marion and Russell Crowe as robin hood, this is one of my favorites.

MAIN FEATURE
In the main movie it is not about how Robin Hood stops the sheriff it is how he gets started, from the crusades with Richard the lion heart in the 12th century crusades, to Nottingham. This is the story before the legend, how did maid Marion and robin meet. Where did he get will, john, friar tuck and the merry men, how does the Sherwood forest play into all of this. These questions are brought to light in this movie and are done very well. You can tell Ridley Scott did some research on the background of the times and the people and it shows throughout the entire movie.

SPECIAL FEATURES
the unrated director cut, which is the one I saw, has no features save both the theatrical release and the unrated directors cut which is well done and shows extra scenes.

NEGATIVES
the special features are few is about the only negative I can see about this film.

FINAL THOUGHTS
this movie is a very well done movie and has a very special place in my heart while it updates the legend it also does it justice by not watering it down or trying to make it politically correct which seems to be happening a lot here lately in hollywood. It would make a great gift for any fan of the century films, or of the legend of Robin hood. But the special features being so few may make you want to look for the blu ray edition.

8 out of ten stars

Red Dawn Collectors edition DVD Review

2011-12-17T02:55:00.000-06:00

INTRODUCTION
some have called this movie the paranoid fantasy of a nut, others have called it one of the most patriot movies of the 80's. I personally think it is one of the greatest action movies with some cautionary tales even for us today.

MAIN FEATURE
First off the movie itself transferred great to DVD, the sound, the opening, everything is just as i remember it when i first saw it in 1990(i know it came out in 84 but i first saw it in 1990)the opening sequence is just as powerful today as it was back then, and the ending still hits me in the gut. the characters, setting, and acting are as relevant today as they were in 1990 or 1984 and the locations could be anywhere and make you wonder how close this came to being real.

SPECIAL FEATURES
The special feature are also great the making of red dawn(red Dawn rising) is excellent, and the other excellent feature was the making of the red menace feature which told how they made the soviet tanks and vehicles, also the ww3 come to town feature was also good and added alot to the history of the movie, the training feature was stuff i had seen before in other movies but it was ok. the inclusion of the theatrical trailer was an added bonus for someone who like me saw it late when i was a kid.

NEGATIVES
the only really negative things i can say is this first off they could have done more with the extra features like add in something about about the possibility of such an event or thoughts from people today on the movie, the other thing is that there will be some people who cannot take the politics out of the film and will be horrified by the message it makes.

ENDING and FINAL THOUGHTS
in closing if you are the kind of person who sees politics in every movie or you dont like the second amendment then steer clear of this movie, but if you loved the original or are new to the movie and bought it cause the new remake is coming out in 2012 and you wanted to see the original then you will enjoy one great movie.

9 out of 10 stars

Video Games Vs Tv

2011-12-16T01:18:00.000-06:00

Hello all just recently I got the Video Game Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 and then I heard that the game got 400 million in it's first day. Let me say this number is incredible, but it begs the question why would so many people by a video game, I think one of the main reason why Video games are so popular now is that TV is no longer entertaining to us. That the programs on Tv are boring and lack what we like in shows. Here is some reasons why I think TV is losing to Video Games

1st off Tv is doing the same old reality stuff over and over again.....
TV continues to do the sames shows over and over again, how many times have you seen the same type of reality show on another channel season after season, or the same remake season after season. so why do they do it because it is cheaper, where as video games are always trying to push the envelope and try new things.

2nd TV is scared where as Video Games are not
Another reason is that Tv has become scared to take on certain subject matter that is very much a part of our daily lives. Where as Video games has no fear and is not afraid to take chance and sometimes they get in trouble for some of the things they do but still the take the chance of doing it.

3rd Tv Producers care about money video game care about expanding
It seems to me at least that the people who make the Tv programs do not care about getting in more viewers they care about making the fans happy where the video game makers want to do both and sometimes they dont do so well but a lot of the times they keep the perfect balance.

These are just a small list of things that Tv is doing wrong, if Tv wants to be big again they need to correct these mistakes or else everything Tv once was will be gone.

It is that time of year again...it is Christmas Time

2011-12-07T00:28:00.000-06:00

hello all
Well it is that time of year again, that time of year where mom go crazy one friday, where people sells trees for decoration and where every house on the street looks all pretty with all the lights on them. It is Christmas time, the time to sit back and revel in the blessing of the year and to be with family and to celebrate the birth of a savior. However, after all the parties and gifts we also should use this time of year to look back on the past years and see what god has blessed us with and to be grateful for what he has allowed us to both have and experience. SO after you have gotten that big toy for your kid or that tool for your hubby or that expensive gift for the very important person in your life, remember what god has given you and if possible pass it on so that others will have a better christmas for this is the time of year where you put aside the me and bring forth the them.

Merry Christmas all and to all a good night

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Ps 3 Review

2011-11-17T02:28:00.000-06:00

*the following does not include the multiplayer part of the game only the single player component was played for this review thank you*

Hello all
I am not a gamer who preorder's games all the time. Maybe once in a blue moon do i preorder a game, so when i do it had better be a great game, and let me Say that Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is one such game. One that i was happy to preorder and one i am going to be happy to own for a long time. First off the campaign and let me say it is a doosy. The campaign kicks off right where Modern Warfare 2 left off, and finishes the story started in Call of duty 4 Modern Warfare started. It is capped by incredible sequences and background, and the story is one that feels more like a real movie than a video game. The places you play in and the areas you see, are familiar yet with a twist of war to them that many of these places has not seen in over 60 years, if ever.

The characters, you care about and are saddened if die and let me say this game puts anyone on the chopping block. The new characters are great additions to the already stellar characters and infanity ward and sledgehammer games has done and excellent job and give all the charterers their own style and movements.

After the campaign is over you are not done there is the single player Survivor mode and mission mode to contend with. Mission is just a series of mission set throughout the story that tell of different area, this is a nice addition to the game, and brings out a little more of the story of the campaign. Survivor though is another story entirely, this mode will be the mode you will stay up late at night to play just to see to what level you can get to. This mode, is where you fend off waves of enemies with whatever weapons you can get from the enemy, or buy. The weapons, can include things such as simple assualt rifle, to predator drone strike and sentry guns. All of these make strategy as well as shooting an important part of the game, which usually in a shooter strategy is missing. Also you can buy equipment upgrades like claymore mines and body armor as well as buy ammo refills and add ons to your guns like sights and grenade launchers. All of which give you more options to dispatch waves of foot soldiers, Juggernauts, and helicopters.

All in all this is one of the great games of this system and this generation of games, i am glad that Activision lived up to the expectations we games had for this game and i cant wait to see what is next for the call of duty franchise

10 starts out of ten

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Game Review

2011-11-09T22:26:00.000-06:00

*the following game review reflect the PlayStation 3 version and does not include a review of the multiplayer only the single player campaign and features only*

Hello All
With the arrival of Modern Warfare 3 out i though it would be a good time to review the game before that one, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, and let me say this game does not disappoint. This game was made for fans of shooters. the story behind this game, is fluid, incredible, spans the world and is more like a blockbuster movie than a simple video game. When you get done with the campaign, the special ops mode has more mini missions you can play alone that are very difficult but rewarding to accomplish. While i wont give away the story, this games main single player component is the story and lures you in with tales of soldier, general, fighting, and more. If you have not bought this game do so now and get the new Modern Warfare three while you are at it but if you can get number 2 first so you can see how the modern warfare story continues from the first one and what to expect in number 3.

9 out of ten stars

World War Z Review

2011-11-06T01:02:00.000-06:00

Hello all
just got through reading the book World War Z by Max brooks and let me say that while the book does have it's flaws it is still a very enticing read. First off the format of the book is very unusual. Instead of telling the story from the perspective of one and having pieces of the world trickle in over time, Max tells it from an interviewer, and interviews multiple people from multiple parts of the world. This paints a very bleak picture of the Zombie War and the effects it has on the people, animal, and environment of the planet. The images Max puts forth is of a world at first in turmoil, then on the ropes, then desperate then clawing back. The people the interviewer talks to all have varied degree of opinions and voices all their own, from the Israelis, to the Russians to the Americans all have voices and experiences all their own. However because the book does jump around it can be easy to get lost from one person to another and some of the choices made by the character and their consequences are questionable at best, but these are minor blemishes on a good book.

8 out of ten stars

Captain America DVD Review

2011-10-29T00:41:00.000-05:00

Hello all
*****This is a Review for the DVD of Captain America the First Avenger I have not seen the Blu ray for this movie, keep that in mind while reading this.*********

First off let me say that the movie is still as great as it was when I saw it in theaters back in July, The transfer to DVD was great and did not hamper the movie one bit, so if you read my Review of the movie back in July you know how the movie went. The special features were an added touch, for one you have commentary by Joe Johnson, but the biggies are the Avenger assemble and the Outfitting the Hero section of the Special Features. Both of these add the final clues to next summer's super superhero move The Avengers. The only other feature of the DVD has previews of Thor, Avengers Animated, Super 8, and Transformers Dark of the moon.

This movie is one of those movies that allow you to lose yourself in an Adventure and forget how crappy the world can be. Not many things can make me smile for a whole 2 hours and make me feel like a kid reading my first comic but this does, and while there some interpretation of the original material. The movie follows faithfully and treats my comic hero with respect it deserves. To this day there is no other comic I revere more than Captain America and this movie is a movie I enjoy very much. Also many of Captain America's allies and enemies are included which set up both his back story and rogues gallery plus the way the movie was shot allows for decent sequels both in the past and in today's world Still the movie is an incredible movie one that will make you lose yourself for a little while so while it is bare with Special Features, it is still worth a buy, but for an Marvel fan it is a requirement to have this movie.

9 out of Ten stars

p.s In case you do not already know fast forward past the credits at the End of the Movie for a "Special Scene"

Thor DVD Review

2011-10-13T02:11:00.000-05:00

Hello all
Well I just got through watching the DVD Thor and let me say it was a good movie but not a great one. First off let me say that if you are not familiar with the origins of the comic book hero Thor that is ok. This is the movie that tells all about him but if you do know something about him then there are going to be little Easter eggs for all the fans, not only that but throughout the movie they allude to the other marvel titles, those mentioned are Iron man, and the Incredible hulk, and the secret after credits scene elludes to Captain America(which I have seen) Also we see hawkeye and while he does not really show us he can fight like black widow did in Iron Man 2 it does give us a peek at what is to come in the Avengers movie coming out next year. The acting was well done with both Anthony Hopkins and Chris Helmsworth both stealing the scenes they are in but also the others, the only one who really is sub par is Loki played by Tom Hiddleston,

Now the bad
First off some of the comedy scenes seem to be thrown in there just to be in there, secondly the movie feels a little rushed in the end and some of the slower going moments throughout the film do not have as much weight as they should be and the ending feels really rushed still with those aside it is still a good movie and one to whine away and own especially if you are an Avengers or a comic book fan and while it aint as good as the dark knight or Iron Man it is still a good one to own or at very least to rent.

Score
8 out of ten stars

Book Review Starcarft show of the Xel Naga

2011-09-20T01:37:00.000-05:00

Hello all
Today i will be review another book from the Starcraft Universe Shadow of the Xel Naga and let me say here is another Starcraft book i am very unhappy with. First off the ending was not at all good it was to out there even for me, secondly the start is too slow, third of it does not take place on any planet where the games take place. Now you may ask are there any good points about this book, yes the battle scenes are good and very well described, and the aliens in the book as compared to the game are very accurate, still it does not make up for what the books lacks, i wish i could say this book is for even the hardcore starcraft fans but it aint pass this one up and stick to the games.

2 out of ten stars

and they wonder why

2011-09-15T00:39:00.000-05:00

This year alot of the Broadcast Tv networks(CBS,ABC,NBC,CW,Pbs,Fox) were shunned from the oscars and while i have not heard much complaining from them is it any wonder why they were left out and the Cable networks got most of the nods. There are too few shows on the local networks to even warrant such a nod. There are only a few shows that i even watch on those networks(NCIS, SVU, Bones,) Now days most of what is on the locals is Reality, or talk show. Heck they have even gotten rid of the tried and true Soap Operas and exchange we get a cooking show and a lifestyle show. Look if the broadcast networks want some recognition then do something that get you recognized and put on more good shows and leave the reality show in the past already or else soon locals will be cut and everyone will need cable to watch something.

Book Review Starcraft Ghost

2011-08-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hello all
This is my Book review of an old book known as Starcraft ghost NOVA. This book is based in the Starcraft Video game universe, and let me say i was very unimpressed with this book.
Most books i buy grab me within the first one or two chapters and make me want to come back for more, even if i am unfamiliar with the universe, or world they are based in. Still while i am very familiar with the starcraft universe, this book did not grab me at all. With this being my first book based in this universe i had expected more still i did finish the book, and some of the early flaws were made up it ended with a rushed feeling, i had high hopes for this book, to allow me to experience some of the places i played in the game and yet it did not. I am very disappointed that it misses such a big mark. Only buy this book if you are a die hard fan of the game series if not pass it up

3 out of 10 stars

Movie Theatre review Captain America The First Avenger

2011-07-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone
Well yesterday i went and saw The Movie Captain America The First Avenger and let me tell you after about 24 hours of letting the movie set in. It was Awesome especially if you were a fan of the comics. It hits all the marks of the origin story of Captain America really well, and links this movie with the avengers( it does it really well after the credits.) All us marvel comic movies fans can now say the road to the avengers is complete with this movie. The acting is done very well. Peggy, Carter, Steve Rogers/Captain America, Bucky, the howling commandos, Howard stark. Are all perfectly cast for this movie. This movie is not just for the comic fan but for any movie goer, it draws you into the story and keeps there and the edge of your seat until the end.

This movie is no dark knight, this is a movie for someone who does not want to think but want to lose himself in a decent amount of escapism for 2 hours or more. If you need to think during a movie go see the dark knight but if the heat wave had got you wanting to lose yourself in a good old adventure for a few hours then go see this movie it will be well worth the price of admission.

9 out of ten stars

Movie Gimmick the D

2011-07-22T23:08:00.000-05:00

We have all seen the commercials come see this movie or that movie in 3D or the newer 4D, buy the TV with the 3D Glasses so you can have the total movie or Tv experience let me tell you in my opinion it is all a gimmick some thing to take you away for the movie and that for me is a bad thing. Throughout the history of movie making the truly great movies have not had 3D or smellovision or any of that stuff they were great not because of how you saw them but how good they were in terms of story, acting and effects. SO until 3d is used for something other than concealing a bad movie dont buy the gimmicks buy a good movie instead.

Battle: Los Angeles DVD Review

2011-07-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

*Note the following review is for the basic cheapo version of the DVd not the bundle pack or Blu Ray. this review reflects the Basic DVD only*

Hello all
Let me say that i am very please with this movie, this movie can be summed up in one sentence it would be this"If the movie Saving Private Ryan and Independence day had a child it would be this film." This film mixes war, Scifi, all into a nice and neat bundle that is very believable and also very cool. From start to finish this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat and while there are some cliches in the movie such as the suicide mission to stop everything part, it is hidden away behind the action so you dont even notice it unless you are looking for it. The actors all do a fantastic job especially Aaron Eckhart. In this movie he proves he can do a decent if not great war film. the only other complaint i can give is the camera sometimes makes it hard to follow the action but that also adds to the realism of the film.

This movie get a 9 out of ten stars for being good

Finally Scifi is back on TV

2011-06-21T01:39:00.001-05:00

last night was the premiere of the Scifi Tv show Falling Skies on TNT and let me say that it is great to see decent scifi back on TV. The 2 hour premiere was very well done and set the story up perfectly and in such a way to make me want to come back. Hopefully the other networks will see the success with this show and bring more like it out until then though i will be watching falling skies on TNT. It come on sundays at 9 central

Book Review Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol

2011-05-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

hello all
i recently bought the book by Dan Brown Titled The Lost Symbol and let me say it is a great book. It has been a long while since a book took me on a journey like this.
First off i like the way he does the coded messages in the book. He makes try to figure them out before main character does. Secondly he keeps you guessing throughout the entire book. Third off the characters in the book make you want to believe in them also the bad guy is truly viscous in this one and you dont really know his plan until the end. After reading this book my only complaint is that it is really long and some of the chapters can be too short, still those are grips and not really complaints for this book. This book had me all the way til the end, not since Red Storm Rising had a book kept me going like this.

9 out of 10 stars

Another TV season end with good shows dying out

2011-05-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

Hello all
well another Tv season ends and alas alot of the scripted dhows many of them i like got the AXE big time. Soaps opera, scripted programs all of these types of shows are dying out in favor of the cheap reality show. Which is sad to see. I now see why many people go to stations like TNT or FX for the tv shows. They have more variety and very few reality shows if any. My suggestion to the network TV(ABC, NBC,CBS,FOX,CW) have on one reality show a season and the rest make scripted programming that people like to see and you might find that you wont be losing viewers any longer.

Book Review Tom Clancys Ghost Recon Combat Ops

2011-05-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

hello all
I just got through reading the second book in the Tom Clancy Ghost Recon Video game to book series and let me say it was not what i was expecting. while i am not disappointed in the book, it could have been better in alot of ways. Lets talk about what is wrong with this book so far.

First off the characters while authentic military wise are not really all that believable as people, while some are most are not especially those who came over from the first book. Many of the returning characters from that book have changed dramatically, a little to much for my taste. Secondly the author is very much a cynic about the war in Afghanistan, while that is his opinion to have, it bleeds through to the pages and makes you a cynic as well. Third off some of the actions of the characters do not make any sense, and there were times i was asking myself why would they do that, how could that happen. finally the ending leave a lot to be desired.

what is right about this book is this first off the battle scenes are done good, you get the feel taste smell of every shot, explosion, fight and search. Secondly there is a lot of intrigue in this book, and the ghost have to navigate a maze and if this your thing thing you will like it. Finally, the weapons, characters and vehicles are all loyal to the video game material from which it is based on.

In closing this is a ok book if there is nothing else to read or you are waiting for a plane or bus but if you are not a fan of this book dont read it.

5 out of 10 stars

Staples of TV disappearing

2011-04-18T03:28:00.000-05:00

if by now you have not heard about it two staples of TV are going off the air The soap Operas All My Children and One Life to live will go off the air within the next year with AMC going off in September and OLTL going off in January, being replaced with lifestyle and cooking shows. I wish i could say i am surprised by this but i am not here is why.

1st the new in is cheap
Lets face it cooking shows and lifestyle show are cheaper to make than Soaps the problem is you get what you pay for. So while Soaps have more of a story and can lure people to the network they cost alot to make.

2nd no down time
unlike most shows on tv now, soap operas never had a off season, when you tuned in at 12 and one you got a brand new episode no matter if it was in the winter time or spring time. this is exhausting to the crew of these shows

3rd it dont hit the right demographic
lets face it the soap opera has always been for someone older in the 30 to 60 range of age and while some of these has been passed down to their children, most do not watch these soaps and many of my generation do not watch it on a regular basis nor do we know of the history of certain characters no days tv companies want a younger audience and sorry to say most younger audiences do not watch soaps because they are in school, college, or to busy.

4th attention spans have decreased
times have changed and the amount of time we would spend on a particular story has shortened. While in the past writers could get away with stretching something out for a couple of months we want things to happen in a week maybe two and when it don't we tune out.

Still i am going to miss these shows and it just goes to show you how low TV has gotten and why many are going online to get their entertainment. I once heard someone called the Television an Idiot Box with these two shows gone and talk of others joining them, it look like that may well be the case.

Scifi Dying?

2011-04-09T02:38:00.000-05:00

hello all
Since i was a little kid there has been one genre of TV that could always grab me and that genre is the science fiction genre. Star Wars, Star trek: the Next Generation, Space Above and Beyond, Reruns of Battlestar Galactica, the six million dollar man and the bionic woman and the 1970's incredible hulk. original shows like farscape, Star Trek: Voyager, Firefly. Are what i grew up on, and went through high school and college watching every night. yet i look at the tv schedule and see that the choices for science fiction fans is slim. Even the network that once was scifi, now syfy has turned to reality shows and more of a fiction show that science fiction. Shows like V on ABC, No Ordinary Family also on ABC, The cape and the ramake of the Bionic Woman on NBC when they do premiere do not last long and seldom last for more than one season if even that long. It seems the new show of choice now days if Reality shows. Now i admit it i watch reality shows but only one Deadliest Catch on Discovery is the only one i can love. so with that said let me say that there is only so many times i can watch some blonde bombshell try out and fail to make it big with singing or stomach watching a bunch of teenagers get drunk and have sex all day and night. this is not reality in my book nore will it ever be. Hopefully once the reality craze passes the tv networks will look to their old friend scifi and fans of the genre will be given good tv viewing instead of real.

Tv's Down Time What to watch on DVD

2011-03-25T02:30:00.000-05:00

Hello all
Well it is that time of year again where tv sort of goes on leave and we get left with few rare new episodes and rerun TV, so what to do. Well first you can read a good book, play a game or watch a DVD. Which dvd should i watch or buy well here is my list of a few you should check out.

Firefly the complete series
Firefly Tv Show info
Firefly Amazon Page
This will always be on my what to watch list for 3 simple reasons.
1. it was a very well done scifi show before everything was killed off by reality TV
2. the acting and stories were great
3. it was killed off before it had a chance to really take off.
This is one of those shows that was good but was taken off the air before it really had a chance to get started, the first season and only season was a well done, well written work of fiction that even today has fans come back and the movie it made was good also. If you want a perfect example of a show that had so much potential but was shut down before it's prime watch this one

Jericho the Complete series
Jericho Tv show info
Jericho's Amazon Page
Here is another example of a show that could have but never was. it was a very ell done series that for two seasons thrilled us with a what if scenario that after 9/11 could become reality. The acting was great and the setups of everything was very well done and well written.

Kings the complete series
Kings Tv Series info
Kings Amazon Page
Never in TV history that i can think of has a show mixed bible references, Scifi, Alternate reality, romance, War, and a dash of intrigue and you get Kings. This show was a very well done show, and showed that NBC still had guts to even air it. While this show did not last long it was one of those shows that left a big impression.

Taken the mini series
Taken Mini series info
Amazon page for Taken
Before the scifi channel became SYFY channel and turned into we will air anything that is garbage network they made some pretty great shows and mini series. Farscape, Battlestar Galactica the new series, and this series taken were some of the most notable. While it only lasted 10 episodes it still was very well written and directed by Steven Spielberg.

Space:Above and Beyond
Space above and beyond info page
Amazon page for Space above and beyond
this is the series that gave all us nerds the terms Space Marine and made it stick. Before there was Halo, Killzone, or any of those video gamea about the heroic space marine fighting off the enemy there was this Show. this show still more than a decade after it was taken off the air, still is something for me.

These re just a few Science fiction Tv shows on DVD that will tie you over until the TV networks get back to work make new episodes of your favorite shows, happy watching:)

my condolences

2011-03-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

hello all
i just wanted to say that my heart foes out to the families of the earthquake, tsunami, and possible nuclear disaster occurring in Japan. It is my hope that god will see you through this terrible time and that those who were forced to leave will soon be back. Also god bless the workers who continue to work in the damaged reactor in hopes of stopping catastrophe.

The changing of entertainmant

2011-03-04T21:23:00.000-06:00

hello everyone
Just recently i was able to buy one of my all time favorite Tv shows on DVD, it was the canceled Tv series firefly, it made ms miss good scifi tv or for that matter good Tv. Now days it seems that all that is on TV Reality shows. Literally on Every Channel there is a reality show. American Idol, The biggest Loser, the Jersey Shore it seems like the new drug of choice for tv companies is reality shows and they are all hooked. So from one Tv fan to the companies please stop with the reality shows already I dont know about alot of you but i have gotten sick and tired of reality shows with their voting i want something with imagination and voting on who will lose the most weight or who has the best singing voice aint just going to make me turn off the Tv, but eventually no one will care about the reality show and then what will you do.

sometimes the old way is better at least for me.

2011-02-19T05:13:00.000-06:00

hello everyone

Here lately i have been noticing that alot of people have been buying these e-readers like the amazon kindle, and the Barnes and noble nook. While i am always glad for something that will advance technology and reading, i personally dont like these there are a few reasons why.

1st off it take away business from the mom and pop bookstores who maybe dont have the money to put in a place for e-readers. No offense i like buying books from Amazon but i also like buying books from my local bookstore too.

2.normal paper books dont need batteries. yopu dont have to worry about plugging them up to a outlet to recharge or anything like that, you want to read just pull out the book and read not heck to make sure you have enough battery time for one chapter before you need to recharge.

3.when you read a normal book you feel the texture of the pages, the sound of the page turning, the soft or rough paper as it turns. With a ereader you just dont get that same sensory input you would from an ereader

now am i saying you should not read books off your cell phone or i phone, no. Still in my personal opninon you should not buy and advanced item for something a simple as getting a book and reading it no matter if it is the next big thing or not. Just my thought is all.

Book Review Tom Clancy's Endwar The Hunted

2011-02-14T00:58:00.000-06:00

Hello all
I just got through reading the book Tom Clancy's EndWar The Hunted

First off unlike the the first book this is a book that focuses on Special Forces operations instead of the war itself. Many of the War scenarios from the first book are gone in favor of stealth, covert operations, and espionage. so if that aint you bag then this will not be a book for you. For me it was and it was a very enjoyable book, while the first one is still better this one was a good one altogether.

The good
First off the covert operations all told with amazing detail and forthought
secondly, the locales are expanded and you see more of what has happened to this world.
third More characters add more intrigue to this world and the ending leaves open another book.

The bad
Some of the characters actions are questionable especially since the first book set them up so very well
secondly some of the actions of the major factions in the book make no sense given their past history.
one of the characters does not seem believable but plays a central part of the sotry

These bad points can be overcome throughout most of the book but there are points where they stand out. While a good book it felt it needed some polishing stil la good time killing story.

7 out of 10 stars

Book Review Homefront Voice of Freedom

2011-02-06T00:24:00.000-06:00

hello all
I just recently got through reading the new paperback book HomeFront Voice of freedom and let me tell you it was very good.

First off a little back ground the book is a tie in to the upcoming Video game Homefront. The video game and the book tell of the year 2025 when the North Korean Army after annexing many of its neighbors invaded a vulnerable and weak United States. It was written by Raymond Benson and the man behind the 1984 movie Red Dawn, John Milius.

First off let me say if you like Red Dawn, you will like this book. John Milius' fingerprints are all over this, from the story to the characters, to some of the events. The book is told from the point of view from two people, one is an American and the other is the leader of the invading forces. the imagery of a broken and defeated country is striking and in complete opposite of what it is today but the situation is such that you feel throughout the entire book that this could very well happen in the future. Also the journal entries give you a look into the mind of the American and allow you to see how this dark world is seen from his point of view more accurately.

There are a couple of points i didn't like:

1. at times the American main character seems real but other times he seems completely false.

2.some of the actions by the invading force would draw worldwide condemnation and none of that is told in the book.

Still these two items are nit picks at best and nothing at worse. It is a good book and if this is any indication the game will be just as good.

Final Score
9 out of ten stars (Excellent)

Assembling a B.O.B or a G.O.O.D kit(things i have learned

2011-01-23T01:15:00.000-06:00

Building a B.O.B or a GOOD kit

Hello everyone, over the past year, my seeing the tragedies on tv happening in Chile and Haiti not including those since then and those before(Katrina) I finally decided to build a BOB(Bug out Bag) or a GOOD kit(Get out of Dodge kit) for those of you who dont know what these are here is a little primer

Bug out Bag and Good Kit primer
a bug out bag or a good kit is a kit that in a emergency you would pick up and go, if you had to suddenly leave your home or place of work or even your car this is the kit you could grab and go to another location. Usually it contain supplies including food, water, clothing, and other equipment to keep you moving or to help protect you. Where as a survival kit is long term a B.O.B or a GOOD kit usually on keeps supplies to last about from a minimum of 3 days.

Now that you know let me share with you some of the things I have learned over the past 6 months.

Start small and take your time
first off dont be in a rush to build one, be smart with your purchases for the kit and know what you are going to get, what not to get, and the things you should get first. Don't worry, you have plenty of time so take it slow and be calm about it.

Dont listen to naysayers
I have been told by people that I am wasting my time, that this is all a waste of money and this is something I will never use, dont listen to them. Why, because if the sky started falling, while they are going around trying to find what to bring and what not to bring, you will be prepared and ready what may come, so when someone tells you not to bother with it, remind them about the story with the ant and the squirrel or remind them of this little saying” that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
Finally remember this”you are not crazy you are just be prepared”

Survival is not a beauty contest
since I have started making my kit I have gotten many of my items from places you would not expect. Like Military surplus stores, flea markets, and thrift stores. While the clothing and stuff here is not the most glamorous, it is functional, good and most of all, not high in the price department. Example at a local thrift store near my home I found a Vietnam era camouflage cold weather jack with hoody for 10 dollars, while used was still in good condition with only a little weathering. That same style jacket new on the internet at a bare minimum would cost me 70 dollars, used and upwards of 100.00 for the new jackets.

Know before hand what to get and what not to get.
When you start making your kit dont just throw everything in the kit, including the kitchen sink, some of it you might need and some you wont, and since you want to be able to carry you bag, you might want to decide what to put in it before hand. Make a list of items, this list should be determines by two things.

First off location location location
like real estate agents have said location is everything, know where you live, what threats, you will face(fire, tornado nuclear attack, terrorism etc but dont be paranoid about it), know where you are going to go, how long it would take and if you couldn't get there where would the most likely you would be safest, dont go overboard just know the basics of your environment, where the interstates are, where the highways are, alternate routes to your safe place, and how you would get from point A to point Z if you had to. Also make sure other know where you would go if the unthinkable happens, write down on paper and put on a fridge or just tell them every now and then to let them know.

Keep it Simple Stupid
fancy gadgets are great to have but when it comes to living most of the times it aint the fancy high tech thingamajig that get you through it, it is the simple thing that does, so try to keep your bag as tech free as possible. Cell phone ok, flashlight ok, fancy GPS Compass, not ok. When possible keep it simple, it is always the best idea.

Finally nothing is set in stone
there is always room for improvement, just because something aint on you list does not mean it aint a good idea to get it. See a better jacket than the one already in your kit, get it. Did you find a cheaper compass than the one already in there, get it. Use your own common sense, and when in doubt look to people you know or even to websites to help you out.

I hope that someone reads this and it helps them out a little even if it get you thinking about what to do in an emergency, here then it was worth the time to write this. Finally good luck

2010 year in review

2010-12-31T02:27:00.000-06:00

Hello all
well another year has come and gone, we have seen both good and bad throughout the year, we have been surprised and disappointed, saddened, scared, and made happy beyond all respite, here are some things to take stock of this year

The good
I finally got back into church and my faith in god was renew, I thought it would be weird coming back after being gone so long but it was not and now, I cant even explain why I left at all, although I know the reason it now doesn't make any sense to me.

The disappointing
A major movie remake of red Dawn was supposed to come out this year but because of money troubles at the studio it was postponed, and with it my heart sank cause usually when that happens it is shelved and we never hear of it again. Now thought my hopes for it are back with the announcement of a rating and of the studio getting it's house in order.

The bad
three people I was really close to went to be with the lord this past summer and fall, and while I will miss them, their smiles, their laugh, and their strength I know I will see them again. so to these three people, these three good and gentle souls, I say I will miss you deeply and that I will see you again.

The scary
North Korea was stirring the pot of war and conflict again this year and i really thought that war was likely especially after they shelled the island and killed those two South Korea civilians

North Korea Shells South Korean Island

However, things calmed down, and the uneasy truce now continues.

These are just a few of the things that happened this year and now 2011 comes up, so let us hope that the new year will bring more love, trust, and intelligence that this year will be more full of joy than sorrow, more happiness than sadness, let us hope the new year is better than the old one.

Happy New Year everyone.

12 nerdy days of christmas

2010-12-07T03:46:00.000-06:00

On the 12th day of christmas my true nerd gave to me

a Harry potter wand an a partridge in a pear tree.

on the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two lightsabers
and a Harry potter wand in a pear tree

On the third day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
Three starships
Two Lightsaber
and a Harry potter want in a pear tree

on the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

on the fifth day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree.

on the sixth day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

on the seventh day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
Seven Jedi Knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

on the Eighth day of christmas my true nerd gave to me
Eight space marines
Seven jedi knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

on the ninth day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me.
Nine Protocol Droids
Eight space marines
Seven jedi knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

on the Tenth day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
Ten zombie hordes
Nine Protocol Droids
Eight space marines
Seven jedi knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

On the Eleventh day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
Eleven Alien races
Ten zombie hordes
Nine Protocol Droids
Eight space marines
Seven jedi knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

On the 12th day of Christmas my true nerd gave to me
Twelve Battlestars
Eleven Alien races
Ten zombie hordes
Nine Protocol Droids
Eight space marines
Seven jedi knights
six super soldiers
five lord of the rings
four flying dragons
three starships
two lightsabers
and a harry potter wand in a pear tree

have a merry Christmas to Everyone out there

NOV North Korean Attack on South Korean Island

2010-11-30T04:19:00.000-06:00

Hello all hope you all had a happy thanksgiving

Last week the North Korean regime shelled with artillery a South Korean Island. Back in March they sunk a South Korean Warship, the difference this time it wasn't just soldiers who were killed (45 of them in march) This time 2 civilians were killed. This takes things to a whole new level but what are we doing now the same old song and dance, that only works for a little bit then they up the ante.

Diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula

Here is my take this time 2 Civilians were hurt and they shelled an island that had both Civilians and soldiers, they have taken this game of brinkmanship to a whole new level it is one thing to kill soldiers, while bad they know the risks and are prepared for such thing but these 2 people were civilians, what happens next time does he shell Seoul(the capital of South Korea) Look i am all for peace, but there comes a point where you need to send a message to tyrants and the time of sending North Korea a message is fast approaching i think.

A holiday wish

2010-11-17T00:58:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone i just want to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving and hope that whereever you are you are with family and friends and thank god for allowing you to do so.

Happy Thanksgiving all

New Shows i have recently seen

2010-10-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

A while back i did an article called three new shows i have seen

Three new shows i have recently seen

Now it is time to do some more i just got through viewing

No Ordinary Family (ABC)
when i first heard about this show i will admit i did have a lot of faith in it but i also had my doubts i mean a show about a family of people who get super powers, it sounds like pixar's The Incredible's. but i am happy to say that after five episodes it is nothing like that. This is a comedy about a family learning about these new abilities while also going through the every day life. Jim, and clair are the mother and father Jim has super strength and Clair has super speed they are just trying to keep their family together and sane, Daphne the daughter can read minds and is just starting to see the benefits of this new ability and it's dark side. JJ is the son who got super intelligence and is now getting good grades but moving up the social ladder in high school. each member of this family before had problems and the powers didn't really make them go away. This is a great show and being a comic fan it is great to have a adult comic book themed show on tv.

The Avenger's Earth Mightiest Heroes Disney (XD)
Back in the 1990's there was another avengers cartoon who did not do a good job of getting the team right. The new one did, it has the original team, Thor, Iron man, Wasp, Ant man, Hulk. We also know that Captain America will be on the team eventually and that there is a good probablity that Hawk eye will be too. This show takes the avengers i know and gives us a show that all the fans of the series deserves, and one that new comers will enjoy. if you are not a comic fan you might want to pass this one up but if you have nothing to watch on a Wednesday night or if your are curious check it out you will not be disappointed.

well that is all for now i will be back soon with the Walking dead from AMC, and the Cape on NBC

the holidays are upon us.

2010-10-23T04:30:00.000-05:00

Hello all
With Halloween just around the corner it is fair to say that the holiday season will be coming right up. Which mean it is coming to that time of year again. The shopping, turkey, Christmas lights, and joy. I have always loved the holiday's but sometimes it seems people have forgotten what they are mean to be about. Nowadays it seems it should be all about the shopping. No, it is about getting together with your family, enjoying their company, it is about celebrating a great mans birthday(at least for me it is) it is also about looking back on the year and looking forward to a new one. so this holiday season don't get all bogged down by the shopping and the materialism of the season. Just be happy to be near family and friends cause when they are gone you will miss them and not some shiny new thing.

DVd Review Iron Man 2 Standard Edition

2010-10-07T01:01:00.000-05:00

Hello all
I just recently bought the no frills version of the Iron Man 2 DVd and let me say it was okay. First off this DVd has no special features other than commentary so if that is your thing you may want to get the special edition or even the blu ray edition for those, however, the movie is very well made. First off the story has kicked up notch this time around and while there were moments where it should not have been humorous there were truly great moments. Secondly for fans of the Avengers, Thor, and Captain America there are little segments through the movie that pay homage to these heroes. If you are a fan of these comic you will know them if you look for them, if not they will pas you buy however for the fans they are great to see. Secondly, the effects are top notch and the character are well done. While i was concerned that the removal of Terrance Howard wit the replacement of Don Cheadle, i was glad to be wrong still there were moments that expected to see Terrance Howard reprise his role, however by the end of the movie cheadle had earned the right to be the War Machine. The movie is top notch and great. So if you are into the movie more than the special feature get this edition, if you want special feature get the special edition either way you are getting a good movie.

7 out of ten stars

War After Armageddon by Ralph Peters Book Review

2010-09-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

hello all
For me it was a good book, to put it bluntly this is a book about what happens when religious fanaticism runs rampant around the world and the wars it can spawn, whether you are Christan , Jew, or Muslim we all know of the crazies that can take the religion we so believe in an twist it in a way that can justify bloodshed, this book shows us what happens when this is allowed to occur and the effects on the world and on the people who happen to live on this earth, how it can change everything and also how it can destroy everything. This is a good book with good character and a good background on how everything began and also how the characters came to be where they are in the book. If you are very religious and cannot stand anyone else who may not believe in your god then don't read this book, but if you can stand to be by people who either don't believe in god or believe in a different god then try this book, it may not change you mind about religion but it will make you think,

Pros
characters are well done, and the back drop is well though out
the map in the front and the glossary of characters and terms in the back is extremely helpful at times
the actions taken by the characters are legitimate and not to over the top.
the ending while a little over the top is good and make the book worth reading
the writer makes sure that you are not lost by the military terms used in the book or by the tactics the that both militarizes use

Cons
the glossary would have been more helpful if in the front like so many books have done.
Sometimes it can come off as to anti religion
some of the technologies can be a little to out there and one of the main characters actions did seems out there at times.

final score
6 out of ten stars

Are Tv shows doomed

2010-08-30T19:15:00.000-05:00

a little while ago i saw an article that struck with me. the link to it is below.

Are Tv shows doomed to lose viewers?

let me say that i do believe tv shows do lose viewers eventually, over time a show tells all the stories it can and twists them in the best way possible, the question is how fast do shows lose viewers before we find our new show. I personally also think that with the invention of the Internet and DVR we no longer have what is called schedule Television. Instead Tv now has to work around our schedule and i think that Television companies have to take that into account, when they decided to scrub a show. There are many shows that have been cut because of this one that comes to mind is Jericho. Still Tv companies and their boards need to take into account these new ways to watch before cutting a show.

Happy Viewing

Three new Shows i have seen?

2010-08-09T12:20:00.000-05:00

hello all for a while now i have been wanting to see the some of the new shows coming on Tv and now i have seen at least three of them i can tell you what i think.

Unnatural History(Cartoon Network)
this show while not an animated show is really good in that it mixes in history with an adventure sort of Indiana Jones for kids. also if you are of the older persuasion it aint half bad too. the action is solid, the character interaction is solid, and the stories while a bit more watered down than what we are used to are still good entertainment. Final assessment if is a good show if you are a kid but an adult will like it too

Covert Affairs(USA)
Covert Affairs got off to a slow start with me, the first episode got a little bogged down in all the spy stuff but now that we are a couple of episodes in, it has finally gotten it sea legs and is showing that USA is the place for spy genre and having the people behind the bourne movies cant hurt wither. Final Assessment if you are into spy genre check this out even if you aint you might still enjoy it.

Memphis Beat(TNT)
i did not have much faith in Memphis beat when i first heard about it. I thought it was going to be a Law and Order in Memphis sort of rip off. I was wrong, Memphis beat is a very well done police drama that has as much depth as Law and order but with a little southern charm. It is very well done and the actor Jason lee brings out the main character very well as a blues singing detective in the city of Memphis. This show has all the heart of Memphis wrapped up in a Crime drama. Final Assessment Watch this show this is a great show and show be viewed by anyone especially if you are from the south.

we will have to wait for The Cap and No Ordinary Family to Come out before i can tell you what i think of those for now check these shows out and happy viewing

2012 predictons from the past

2010-07-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

hello all
Hear lately i have been hearing about all of these 2012 predictions, from the maya and their long count calendar to Hopi Indians and the evil kachina(spirit). Even Nostradamus according to many has something to say about the 2012 prediction. All of them pretty much say the same thing. That on December 21, 2012 something big will happen, that will change things. That is all i have heard about here lately, get ready for 2012, make sure you are 2012 prepared and all that then i saw this article over on usatoday via yahoo.

Doomsday shelters

now i will tell you this in 2011 i will prepare the best i can for whatever comes on 12/21/12. i will buy supplies, i will think of my family and i will pray to god that nothing bad happens on that day but beyond that i will live my life as best as i can.

Book Review Empire by Orsen Scott Card

2010-07-07T21:20:00.001-05:00

Hello folks
Well i just got through the book Empire by Orsen Scott Card, Let me say avoid this book. For one thing it is a highly political hidden behind all the action, science fiction, and suspense and most of the time the action is so transparent you can see right through it. The author must really love Fox news because that was thew only news organization to be prominently featured in this book. Also the way events play out does not seem well thought out and some of the tech seems like something of the way off future not something down the road as the cover subscribes. I have never read any of mr card's books but this one, with that said if this is how he writes i do not plan to read another one. This is the only book i own that i feel i have wasted 5 dollars to buy. After reading this book i can only say this, if you love watching fox news then read this book, If you like a lot of political conspiracies that dont make sense or dont really mesh read this book. However, for the 90 percent of Americans who like good plot lines,, for the 50 percent of americans who do not watch fox news, don't read this book. Avoid it like the plague

2 out of 10 stars

Rural Communties left behind.

2010-07-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks
I live in the country, in any direction i look i see cotton fields, or corn fields, or wheat fields, or whatever type of fields they plant. It aint a bad way to live, for one thing you dont have to worry about your neighbors ripping you off, it is quiet except for the occasional car going by, you have plenty of room to grow a garden if that is your thing, With that being said one of the major drawbacks to living in the country is that you are still confined to the good ole telephone to access the internet. While the rest of the world is able to download movies in minutes, music in seconds, youtube videos by the time the commercial is done on your favorite show you cant. It takes an hour to download movies and more than thirty minutes to get a single song, also dont even try gaming online you wont be able to, connection to slow. What hope do people like me have, none. You go to the cable people they tell you sorry we are not coming out there any time soon, you go to the cell people they want an arm and a leg every month for service, the satellite people only allow you to surf downloading is still slow. Seriously while countries like japan and china are getting High speed internet to the entire country we aint. Only major cities and major towns have this option but not everyone lives in town not everyone like being squished like sardines in a can some of us like to see miles in any direction. So if anyone at cable providers is reading this extend service to the rural communities. Not only will you get a little extra money but you will get life long customers as well

Rememberance of July 4

2010-06-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone
July 4th is nearly upon us. On that day 234 years ago we became a full fledged nation and since then have shaped and reshaped the world. WW2, WW1, manifest destiny, the Manhattan project, D-Day, Bernie madoff, War on terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, Baseball, Basketball All of these things in one major way we affected collectively over generations, we the united states has changed the world some say for good some say for worse. No matter what you think down the road many generations from now whether this great country is here or not. Children in history class will hear about both our triumphs and our failures. So as you celebrate the 4th of July in whatever way you choose remember that you are a small part of a nation that has changed history and no matter what side of the political isle you are one take pride in that and for one day at least dont be republican or democrat, dont be conservative or liberal, dont be left wing or right wing be American and remember the country we live in and how great it is.

Happy fourth of july

Red Dawn 2010 Put on hold

2010-06-13T02:05:00.000-05:00

i dont know how many of you remember this but back in 1984 a movie came out that has stuck with me since i first saw in it 1994. The name of the movie was Red dawn and the first five minutes could grab anyone and keep them focuses on the movie. to learn more about the movie go here

IMDB Red Dawn

Now though the remake of that infamous movie seems to be left in doubt i really liked the Original movie when i first saw it and continue to like it to this day. It is one of my most memorable movies and one of only three(star Wars a New hope and star wars the empire strikes back are the others)That i will literally shut the house down to watch. I hope the remake still comes out maybe as a DVd only release but now my hopes of ever seeing the remake seem in doubt. More info at

reddawn2010

Gulf Oil Spill

2010-06-03T01:25:00.000-05:00

hello everyone
For the past couple of weeks i have been watching the news about the gulf oil spill with dread. When i first heard about the spill right after the rigs was burned and those 11 workers were killed i though. OK, they are going to clean this up or else they will face a major burn by both the American public and the government. 45 days in and those thoughts are long gone. First off there are the fixes that never works, i mean i know this was a far flung possibility but they should have had a plan in case the impossible happened. Top, junk shot, top kill, i mean these are fixes bugs bunny would come up with if he were running from Wily E coyote. They are so far out there in hopes of working that they should have been used a a last option when nothing else worked, now they are trying to cut the pipe on top of the preventer to put another top hat on there. haven't we seen this before. Secondly they should have had a plan set up for such a oil spill i mean they are doing things half way when this is a major catastrophe and every possible plan should be brought in. Burms, flotation devices, everything should be brought in to save not only the beaches but the marshlands, ports and espically the fishing industry. Finally what about the fishermen who are out of work, BP says they will help them out even the goverment has said this but the government of late had been a day late and a dollar short when it come to helping out these people. I think this is the wake up call people need to take a better look at clean fuels and clean ways to generate power. Lets hope a hurricane dont come or this will be made worse.

p.s my prayers go to the families of the workers and the people affected by the tragedy.

Book Review Tomorrow when the War began

2010-05-21T02:40:00.001-05:00

hello all
Well i just got through reading the John Marsden book Tomorrow when the war began. The first book in the tomorrow series of books. Let me say for a young adult novel it was really good. I dont usually ready young adult novels but this one i took a chance after hearing some good things about it and was pleasantly surprised by how the Mr Marsden really took the drama of this event surrounding these teens and gave it life. The books takes place in Australia and involves a group of high school teens who after camping in the backwoods a bit come to find their country has been invaded by a non english speaking country. I really liked how the book is written, it is written like someone writing in a diary or journal so you get all of the characters thoughts about everything. From the morals off killing someone to love in the middle of all that is going on around them, another thing i really liked was how the characters are really giving a life and a personality all of their own, and you can see that in the books as it progresses. Their are some donts first off the language of Australia is very different than here in the states and alot you will be forced too look at the glossary in the front of the book to understand what certain words mean. Secondly, there were times when a little succing would have been preferred giving the circumstance but it did not happen but i put that down to it being a young adult novel. Besides these points it is a well written book, with the movie adaptation coming out soon i hope many people check this book out.

8 out of ten stars

Shows i am watching part 2

2010-05-20T02:59:00.000-05:00

Hello all well this part will conclude my look at the network show i will be watching. When i see the cable networks list their shows for fall 2010 i will tell you which ones i will be watching.

Over on the CW

First off the only show i will be checking out over on the CW is going to be Smallville with the next season being it's last i am going to check this show out to see if it does right by it's fans. The show has not grabbed me but the Justice Society of America Event and the last two seasons have really got me hooked on this show.

Over on CBS
At the CBS networks like CW there is only once shows that is getting me and that is NCIS, i have been a fan since Yankee white, i saw how ari was brought down, and felt this season has been a good one so i will be keeping an eye on this series.

Unfortunately there is nothing over at FOX i am too interested in Human Target was a good possibility but alas by the end of the season it could not hold my attention, plus with it being moved to Friday on the same time As smallville i have to go with the better show.

So that is it all the networks on basic TV have been accounted for so here is hopeing they live up to my expectations. When the Cable networks release their shows i will let you know which ones i will be checking out. until then folks

Fall 2010 Shows i am watching part 1

2010-05-19T01:51:00.000-05:00

hey all
Well the networks have begun to release their fall 2010 schedule and already i am seeing some shows i will be checking out below are the ones for ABC and NBC

Over on ABC
First off it is V, i saw the the season ender tonight and it left with a big cliffy which rattles me a little but left no doubt that the fight we all knew was coming is about to start you can see the sides to be drawn and you know that the best is just ahead. Secondly is no Ordinary family about a family while on a trip to Brazil get superpowers and has to deal with the consequences. This starts Michael chiklas from the shield and the Fantastic four movies So already it has peaked me interest casue i really like the thing from those movies and the trailer got me looking at it and wondering about it.

Over at NBC
First off a returning classic i love is Law and Order:SVU i have been a big fan of the series for a long time and will continue to be one for the forseeable future. Also with the loss of the original Law and Order and the new kid on the block Law and Order: Los Angeles, SVU has alot to live up to but i think it is up to the task. A new series is The Cape, about a good cop in a corrupt city, Who is believed dead, and becomes a superhero The Cape to fight the corruption of the city and help a blogger expose the corruption of the city. At first i thought that this one might not be a good choice and in all likelihood would suck but after viewing the trailer for it i am actually looking forward to this just to see if it can prove that it deserves the spot once occupied by Heroes.

Beyond these i dont really have any other shows i am looking hard at for these two networks stay tuned for for the next part of my shows to watch this fall series

My Letter to the Syfy Channel

2010-05-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

after a VERY long hiatus i am back posting here

Below in an act of frustration wrote a letter to the syfy channel let me know what you think either here or on facebook at

Three words that make me seriously confused, Mongolian Death Worms, syfy channels newest attempt at a movie. After seeing this i have to speak up. First off syfy i have been there since the beginning when you were first on Dish networks, when you were scifi, when on Saturday morning you showed reruns of Bionic Six. I was there for Farscape, Firefly, Dark shadows, all of the stargates, eureka, battlestar galactica. I am a loyal fan and that loyalty was rewarded(at least in my view)when you started airing repeats of Jericho, and firefly(Jericho now back on at 1 am but still on)

However i have to speak up about this so what i say next i say out of kindness. syfy your monster movies suck. Look i get it monster, vampires, and magic is more popular now that starships, space marines, or aliens. But you are the syfy channel not the everything that is fantasy channel. The money you could be wasting on movies like this could be put to better use(make a new series, make a season 3 of Jericho or a season two of firefly, try something new. I know you need to make money and doing things on the cheap is a way to stay in the black but there is cheap and there is trash. This is trash, and i will admit it i have not seen it yet and there will be people who will burn me for saying this but look at your past attempts were any of them good. Now Look syfy i will always be a fan of the genre i will always look at new scifi shows and check them out no matter what channel they are on. But these movies are not syfy. Still i don't know whether to be happy you are finally reaching the bottom of the barrel, sad that there may be worse to come, or what. Still i will always have a place in my heart for you but if something dont change soon i will stop watching anything that comes on syfy no matter what it is. right now the only show i watch is Jericho but something has got to give, something has got to change not just for me or the Jericho nuts who stick with you for bringing our show on but for all the scifi fans who deserve a channel for all of us and not just for the ones who want to make cheap movies to make a buck. You may now burn me fir my opinions thanks you for reading.

Let me know what you think at
facebook

Book Review Tom Clancy's EndWar

2008-02-14T15:58:00.000-06:00

Tom Clancy's EndWar
Written by David Michaels Created by Tom Clancy

This book is one of the best books i have read in a good long while. The books makes the perfect balance between character development and action. The story revolving around this book in entirerly feasable and makes you wonder if this could, or will happen once day. The book is based off the game coming out soon so i hope the game is just as good. The weapons you see in this book are either being tested now, have been deployed to troops or are on the drawing page in some workshop. The hooking up of Tom Clancy, David Michaels with the arms supplier Blackhawk was an ingenius idea and it pays of with the realism and the weapons. The locales you go to are from one end of the globe to another but most of the story does take place in one area.The policitcal intrigue is great and really gives a background to the forground story. The only problem i have with it was the fact that it leaves some loose ends but that is so another book can be written This is a great buy for anyone who loves Tom Clancy and David Michaels work. I really hope they make another just as great.

9 out of Ten Stars

Parents guide Part four (Multiplayer and suggestions)

2008-02-08T03:05:00.001-06:00

The final part of my series i hope this series has helped people and that it will allow more parent to allow their kids to game.

Multiplayer
Most games now days have two componets a single player gamer where the child plays against the computer and a multiplayer where the child plays with people over the internet. When making your gaming policy make sure you set an age limit for multiplayer. I suggest 10 to 13. The reason is that these games over the internet can include language you dont want you child exsposed too. They also may draw you child in more cause it aint a computer they are playing against it is another person. So make sure that before they start playing online over the internet or one of the console systems that they understand that multiplayer is a priviledge and that it can be taken away.

Final suggestions.
These are just some final things i though i would add.

1st remove phrases like "You aint going to get anywhere gaming or gaming is stupid." These phrases are very wrong as it make the child fell hurt cause you dont like their hobby and plus cause those who make games make a alot of money.

2nd participate, when you buy a system buy another contoller with it and when you have free time play with him or her. Make it a learning exsperience where he or she teaches you how to play. However, remember you will lose alot at first but it aint about winning it is about spending time with your child.

3rd If you want your child to read more use games as a springboard. many games now days have book companions(examples HALO, Splinter Cell, Command and Conquer). These companions add to the world your child has already experienced in the game. However, dont force it down their throat or they will rebel against it. Make deals with it if you want to.(example i will get you a game if you promise to read this Halo Book) If your hild plays a game without a book companion then look at the material and see what your child would like to read about.(example Your child plays ALiens vs Predator your child may like science fiction books). Also dont just use normal books but include comice books as well, as the child may make the jump from comics to normal books once he has read comics for a while.

4th if you want your child to meet people in Real World but he or she games alot, their are video game tournaments happening everywhere acroos the country. Where people who play similar games gather and play these games together. Finding the right tournament can help your child meet people with similar interests, and also net him a cool prize.

Well that is it i hope this series of blogs has helped your make gaming for your child a little bit more possible.

Parents Guide to Gaming Part 3(Involement)

2008-02-08T02:52:00.000-06:00

Now then you have the intel and have made the policy toward gaming for your child your job is done right. Sorry it aint that simple now it is time step three involvement.
First off you must understand that gaming is no substitute for a babysitter. A PS3 WILL NOT WATCH YOUR KID FOR YOU!!! Now then with that said let us go to the next little thing and that is something i call moderation. Something my mom always told me was that too much of a good thing is bad for me. Gaming is the same thing. When your child first starts gaming make sure you moderate his time on the game. The way my mother did it for me was that i got to play a game for no longer than one hour before she made me go outside or do something else other than gaming. There were few time were she had to unplug the game but it worked and i went outside. This is important as after a certain amount of time a child will come to realize the difference between reality of the world and fantasy of a game. After about a year of doing this thoughit wont be necessisary but wouldn't hurt either. Another thing is that many people let the child keep their game in their room. DON'T!!! When a child first games the temptation to play past his or her safty limit will be with him and you can moderate his or her gaming. Keep the gaming system in the family room or den where the child can be watched over. Third off if your child begins to get to frustrated make him do something else even if you have to turn off the game. When a gamer reaches a hard level they could get really frustrated but by forcing the new gamer to take a step back you teach him that he cant finish every game in one sitting and also how to problem solve by stepping back.

Parents guide to gaming part two (Gaming Policy)

2008-02-04T18:30:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, You are now armed with the knowledge now it is time to decide what in your opinon as the parent, which games your kid can play. There is a simple way for you to do this. I call it the three question rule. The rule revolves around three questions:
Rule one(what movies are my children allowed to watch?)
Rule two(What tv shows are my children allow to watch?)
Rule three (what subjects is my child not ready for?)

Now first rule one and two, The reason this rule is important is that if your child is not allowed to watch a over 18 show but you allow him to play a mature game. Then he is still going to be shown material you will not like him or her to see. SO whatever shows he or she is allowed to view that the same rule should be applied to games.(Example:Tommy is allowed to watch only 13 year or younger movies and games, but he wants a game that is rated teen., in this situation you make him or her understand that she is not ready for that yet and to either choose another game or not one at all.

The theory behind rule three is simple. Even when you find the correct game for your child there are still certain subjects youdont think he or she is ready for. A bigger i have seen over the years has been religion. but in recent years homosexuality is another. Right now their aint a whole lot of games that include these themes but some exsist. These may be in your childs rating level which is why you should alrays read the box for the description. If it looks like it has subject matter you dont want the child to see dont buy it.

Now i understand that these two rules my be confusing to some people, so below is a guide that may make you decision making process easier.

NC-17=AO(Adults Only)
Restricted=Teen(17 and up)
PG13 and PG=E10(everyone to 10 )
General Audiences=everyone

Hopefully with this guide the question of what your child can play will be more clear.

However, like all policies they need to change, so as your child grows up you need to be aware of his or her maturity, this is best done by age. (example:Sarah is turning 14 today you decide to get her a teen game to see how it affect her and that if she does well you will allow her maore Teen games in the future.) However, before a decision is made you should talk to the child and let them know this so that they may understand that this is a priviledge not to be squandered.

Part three Groundwork coming soon

Guide to gamers part one (Intel)

2008-02-03T02:32:00.000-06:00

Intel the slang term for knowledge derived from the word inteligence. that is what a dictionary would say and it is correct. Before a parent guardian can lay down any policy concerning gaming he must get intel. The first piece of intel he should know is the child in question. Ask yourself how old is the child or children? Are they mature enough to properly take care of the system? IF the answer to both of these questions is yes then we can continue with information concerning the Video Game Systems. First off youmust know to who each system is geared toward. In this case there are three main systesm out now each one gears toward a different segment of the gaming population.

Nintendo Wii-Nintendo has always geared toward the first time and young gamer and the wii is no exception. The wii has more kid friendly games on it that any of the other systems out there. Yes some of the games on the wii are graphic but the wii has more options for the parent wanting to wait before letting their kid see blood on tv.

Xbox 360-The xbox 360 from microsoft is geared to the more advanced and mature gamer. There are not many games geared toward kids on the 360, besided the madden and other sports games.

PS3-The playstation 3 by sony is also geared to the mature gamer but it is also the new kid on the block so only time will tell but by the way the future games look it appears that PS3 is for the mature gamer looking for the best looks not for the kids looking for clean fun.

Now then we know about the systems now we must know about the rating system. Since the early 1990's games like moves have been rated by a committee of people this committee is known as the ESRB and the rating system is as follows. Their are two ratings on each game the main rating and a description rating below the main rating. The main ratings are as follows

EC-Early Childhood for ages 3 or younger

E-Everyone for ages 6 and older

E10 Everyone from ages 10 and up

T-Teen for people 13 or older

AO-Adults only 18 older

RP Rating Pending no rating yet

However when choosing a game make sure you not only look at the main rating but also the game describers which can be found below the main rating on the back of the Video Game box at the bottom. These desribers give you more info than the main rating on what the game contains. The Game describers are as follows:

Alcohol Reference - Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages

Animated Blood - Discolored and/or unrealistic depictions of blood

Blood - Depictions of blood

Blood and Gore - Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts

Cartoon Violence - Violent actions involving cartoon-like situations and characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted

Comic Mischief - Depictions or dialogue involving slapstick or suggestive humor

Crude Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving vulgar antics, including “bathroom” humor

Drug Reference - Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs

Fantasy Violence - Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life

Intense Violence - Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons and depictions of human injury and death

Language - Mild to moderate use of profanity

Lyrics - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

Mature Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving "adult" humor, including sexual references

Nudity - Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity

Partial Nudity - Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity

Real Gambling - Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency

Sexual Content - Non-explicit depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including partial nudity

Sexual Themes - References to sex or sexuality

Sexual Violence - Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts

Simulated Gambling - Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency

Strong Language - Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity

Strong Lyrics - Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

Strong Sexual Content - Explicit and/or frequent depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity

Suggestive Themes - Mild provocative references or materials

Tobacco Reference - Reference to and/or images of tobacco products

Use of Drugs - The consumption or use of illegal drugs

Use of Alcohol - The consumption of alcoholic beverages

Use of Tobacco - The consumption of tobacco products

Violence - Scenes involving aggressive conflict. May contain bloodless dismemberment

Violent References - References to violent acts

With this new information at your disposal you can now make an informed decision on what kind of games to buy your children.

Part two called groundwork will be coming soon and any suggestions you have please leave me a message.

A Guide for Parents concerning gaming.Part zero (introduction)

2008-02-03T02:19:00.000-06:00

Hello
i am a gamer, however, over the many years i have gamed i have seen gaming being blamed for the deliquency of kids to outright violence to gang and other things. So i am going to write these little articles for both parents of gamer and parents of future gamers. Hopefully these articles will somehow help a parent understand that just because their son or daughter(yea girls play games too)plays video games it doesn't mean they are going to go bezerk. I also hope this wil make some people understand that like movies and books gaming is suitable for only certain people of certain ages. Now soon i will start the articles but before i do that i just want to let you know some things.

1.i am not a parent, i dont not have any kids or am in a marriage or a relationship at this time.

2.I have been gaming since the mid 80's when the original nintendo came out and the last system i owned was a xbox(not an xbox 360) that is not counting the pc i own now.

3.if you have any comments about the upcoming articles please be kind no burning me these are my opinions and ideas i have and they are in no way for everyone.

4.please do not use any of the info on here without my permission. Some of it may be common sense but still it is my common sense so please be kind and ask first ok.

The first article will be named part one intel it will be appearing shortly so check back thank you

R.I.P. Heath Ledger

2008-01-25T23:31:00.000-06:00

This past week the world lost a great actor and from what i have seen a good person. Heath Ledger died in his NYC apartment this past week and many in the world of entertainment mourns. This post is dedicated to him and all of his fans. I hopes that his acting abilities from the movie ten things i hate about you to the unrealeased movie The Dark Knight inspire the next generation of actors to use his example as something to live bye.

Goodbye heath may the angels guide you to the pearly gates and may st. peter grant you access.

R.I.P Heath Ledger

a piece of my heart is leaving

2008-01-21T03:23:00.000-06:00

since i was five yrs old i have had a sister. Since that point she has been able to find that one nerve that never was supposed to be jumped on and she jumped on it. My sister is my opposite in so many ways. For one i am a guy she is a girl. In school i was the geek/loner she was the popular kid. I believe in forgiveness she believes in holding a grudge(she will till the end of time believe me). However, in little over 24 hours she will be leaving me to go and live in another state. When she goes she will take a piece of my heart with her. My family is one of my greatest strengths and that includes her. Even though she always got on my nerves she also taught me about a great many things since she has been here and even when she wasn't now she goes to live her own life. I wont cry or anything like that but i will stay to make sure the plane leaves alright, i will make sure she gets to her destination and i will make sure she knows she always has a place here with me my mom and my uncle. She is my little sister and i will have her back always. She is leia and i am luke(without the kissing in Empire Strikes back). No matter what i will be in her corner even if she does not need me i will be there.

Tv(the Sarah Conner Chronicles)

2008-01-16T01:48:00.000-06:00

Last monday and sunday night all watched the two part series premiere of the sarah conner chronicles For those who dont know the shows takes place after the movie terminator 2:judgement day and follows Sarah and john as they try to hide from the cops and the future. This show has a good starting and with the writers strike going on it could not have picked a better time to come on. Also the shows goes on as if Terminator 3 didn't exsist which should add a new dynamic to the show. I wont lie to you, this is not a replacement for the terminator movies but it will hold you over till terminator 4 salvation comes to the theaters next year. However, many good shows have had good starts but as the series progressed fell short.(example Bionic Woman) with that being said i think this show is going to be a good one espically now and if it can up the ante in terms of action and suspense with a whole lot of sci-fi then it will do good.

Little boys shouldn't play with big boys

2008-01-11T23:47:00.000-06:00

Recently if you watched the news you probably heard about Iran being provacative against some of our naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is the only waterway that seperates iran and Saudi Arabia and is also the only water way that allows ships such as oil tanker, and naval vessels to take their cargo out to the ocean. This body of water has been an international shipping zone for a long time. Recently iran made some provactative moves against some of our vessels in the strait forcing one of the commander to train guns and almost forceing him to fire. Now why would iran do this. I mean for all intents and purposes the NIE said iran is not makeing nuke weapons and since then the bush admin has been trying to play nice(if that is even possible). The simple answer is this Iran's economy is in bad shapes and the people know this so what better way to get people behind a ignorant leader than to pick a fight and have an enemy. In iran we aint liked and the pres of Iran knows this so he pulls something like this, one of our ships fires then he can make the people of iran back him into a war and thus the people forget about the economy. My suggestion to him little boys shouldn't play with big boys. No offense but he does not want a fight with the big dogs or he will end up getting bit. Plus if we invade he an kiss his hold on power good-bye. If he wants to keep his power and that of the mullahs he better find some other way to get the people behind him or he may find his economy wont be the only thing that is destroyed.

New year new Post

2008-01-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Happy new year everyone
I know you hear about britney Spear everywhere and all of her troubles. However, with that being said I think that someone need to force her to take a good look at herself and seek help and not just her but Lindsay Lohan. The way i see it is that their main problem is that they have forgotten where they came from for one and for two no one is there for them only their money. When everyone around wants a handout no one is willing to tell you the truth even about yourself. I really hope these two get their act together before we hear something truly bad has heppened to them. I also thin that their problems is also a lesson for everyone. That the price of fame is sometimes more than you can afford.

Book Review:Command & Conquer Tiberium Wars

2007-12-23T16:03:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone today i will be reviewing the book Command and Conquer Tiberium Wars.
This book is based and takes place during the video Game of the Same name. For those of you who dont know here is the basic story of the game.

(Spoilers Below)

The games takes place on earth. In the year 1995 a asteroid hits southern italy near the tiber river. Leaving a substance that will later be called Tiberium.This substance while giving mane the ability to creat great energy also is very toxic and since the years of the asteroid impact has caused the substance to spread across the earth. In the insueing years the world has become split between two factions. The GDI who are trying to protect the world from the spread of tiberium and have designated the world into three zones Red(complete infestation no life possible), Yellow (infestation but life possible), and Blue(no infestation) they are the good guys and are trying to stop the spread of tiberium. The bad guys are the Brotherhood of Nod who believe tiberium is the key to the next step of mankinds evolution and who are lead by a dictator by the name of Kane. In the book you follow the exploits of a man named vega and the 22nd infantry division as they go and try to stop kane and the brotherhood from spreading tiberium all over the world.

(spoilers end)
The book is written ok i have read books written better. Much of the dialogue is over the top and some of the scenes are the same wya but that is expected from anything in the C & C universe. The book gives people espically players a look at what happened while they were being heroes and if you dont have the game it gives you something to look forward too. The book allows for a sequeal just like the games and also has a few surprises in it that if you have not played the game will get you a little but not much. this is a kill time read pretty much something you buy just to kill time and not something you would read alot. It is a good book but not a repeat read. There were some things the author could have done that could have made the book a little better but all in all the author tried not to move to far away from the source material. With that being said the author should have tried to think outside the box alittle in terms of the character and action

6 out of ten stars

Pros
Sticks true to the source material
Will allow fans of the games to see what happened while they were saving the world in the game
the tv sequences are cool

Cons
Characters and sequences can be over the top
If you are not a fan of the source material then you probably wont like this book
author could have done a better job of character development

Everyone have a merry christmas and a happy new year

Scars

2007-12-18T08:23:00.000-06:00

I love christmas but it is also the hardest time of year for me emotionally. last night while out i saw a kid and his dad and the scar that i thought had scabbed over was ripped open again. The scar of my dad not being around for my teenage yrs, the scar that never seems to heal just scab over. When i was in HS i always heard my classmates say how their dad's took them hunting and fishing. Not me my dad was off somewhere else when a new family and a new life and i was part of the old one. I was lucky tha i had my mom and my uncles here to keep me in line but still, it hurt whenever christmas time came around and i didn't get a card or anything from him or his side of the family. He wasn't here for my HS Graduation, he wasn't here for my College graduation, he wasn't here to teach me how to drive, he just wasn't here i was his old life and he had moved on to a new one. I bear him no ill will, and i will always keep the olive branch extended to him to be a part of my life again but i cant make him choose the olive branch and i cant force it upon him the choice is his. Whether he is willing to make past wrongs right or whether he wishes to move on and forget about his old life. Either way i wil be here living the best i can. That is anyone can do or expect of me and that is the best i can give. As for christmas, i will be merry on the outside but inside it will still hurt to see a kid and his dad playing at a walmart or eating at a mcdonalds.

boring days

2007-12-16T19:22:00.000-06:00

my days have gotten better i guess the universe found someone else to pick on. Christmas time is coming up and the parking lots at all the local retail stores.(Wal-Mart, Sears,)Are all full up. You cant even get into the walmart store and find a spot anymore you have to park over at burger king now.Heard there is going to be a shortage of WII consoles this years and that they are giving out rain check things so you can buy one and get it at the first of the year. I am still waiting for the news reports of people rioting of the Ninetendo Wii. Personally i am happy to be with my family, for a good long time they have been my stregth and have always been there when i needed guidence and my friends have too.(the few of them i got) i am thankful for each person in my life and hope they all both Real World and Online have all their wished come true this holiday season. I am hopeful of the new years and hope it brings great things but for now i am going to live the best i can for the second. I will worry about the future when it becomes the present.

Bullseye on my Back

2007-12-14T13:53:00.000-06:00

Hey all
Question have you ever had a bad day where it seemed that the universe has placed a Bulleyes on your head and said to the rest of the universe"Ok today we will pick on him."
Today is one of those days for me. I know that some of you all have had worser days than this but still this day has not been going well.
First woke up a 4:15
Satelite started messing up at 4:30 i couldn't watch CMT
5:00 Couldn't check the hockey score form the night before cause i had missed the auto updating.

10 couldnt' go to town casue i had to saty home watch my little sis's dog(i love the dog but still i wanted to go to town.)

12:00 clothes didn't get all the way dry had to hang them up in my room.
12:30 write blog.

I am not even waiting to see what happened next to me today i am just going to lay down and try to reset the day. Heck i am so jacked up right now my make the problems go away and just enjoy life candy bar Reese didn't do the trick {i love reeses:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) } i am just going to lay down and wish the universe choose someone else to pick on today.

End of a season (HEROES)

2007-12-11T12:35:00.000-06:00

Well Heroes offically ended on Sat on G4 and the ending rocked which makes it a little sad because there aint going to be any new eps until the writers strike is over so what did we learn from the season finale.

(Spoilers below)

Niki, Maya, Nathan are all dead

Adam monroe got what he deserved by being buried in Hiro's Father Grave

HRG(Horn rimmed Glasses) is alive and back in the company.

Peter stopped the virus

Sylar has his powers back

The HEROES are still not known to the public

The company is still out to get them

The next book will be called Villians

That is what we know now for what we dont

What happened to kaitlin

What is sylars plans is he going to go the whole kill the heroes steal the powers plot again or there something new up his sleeve.

What did miss petrelli mean by opening pandora's box and how much did she know about the assasination of Nathan

what is next for HRG and his daughter Claire now that he is back in the company

Will the company really stick to their deal they made with HRG.

What is the significance of the next chapter title Villians.

Why is so important for the company to keep the reality of their being HEROES in normal society that someone killed nathan petrelli to keep him from telling that fact

what will happen to monica, and micah.

These are just a few of the questions i have for the next season of heroes which hopefully will be soon coming.

Book Review Star Wars Republic Commando: Triple Zero

2007-12-08T06:58:00.000-06:00

I like to read alot. most the books i read are Sci-fi, Military, or futuristic novels. Whenever i do i post a review so that anyone who wants the same novel can know whether to buy it or not. So here i m my first review on blogger.com enjoy.

note if you do not know anything about the Star Wars Universe or have never seen any of the movies then pass this entry up

Star Wars Republic Commando:Triple Zero
This book is the continuing adventures of the Republic commando from the first book Hard Contact. We see the survivors of that book, Etain the jedi, Darman, Niner, Atin the Republic commando we also see the squad get a new member fi a new Republic commano. In this book though you see the squad you commanded in the Video Game Star Wars:Republic commando BOSS, Scorch,SEV, and Fixer. The other new Characters in this book like Skirate the merc who train the commando's and Vau a commando who Atin has a score to settle with add a more to the universe of the Star Wars military. Without giving to much away the story takes place during the CLone wars and tells of the Commandos the Two Jedi of Etain and the new MAster Jusik and how they must stop a seperatist Terror Cell on the Captial world of Coruscent. This novel proves that the clones are more than flesh droids and have true hearts and do care even when they have never before.throughout the boks some unexpected things occur that will leave the reader wanting to get the next novel. The Author Karen Traviss did her homework when it came to the military mindset and how Counter-Terrorist operations occur and melded that with the Star Wars Universe. The Character of Skirata, and Vau add a more back story to the commandos and let us know that the commandos grew up, maybe it was under bad circumstances but that they still had to experience life from a Soldier's point of view. By the time the novel ends you are feeling sorry for theall the Republic Commando and the Clone Troopers in that they die young(Cause the scientists cause them to age faster) and also that they will never get the life they have fought long and hard for.It also causes you to Question the republic in that why would they do this to living beings even if they were clones, Also it shows how far the jedi fell during the Clone Wars from another perspective other than that of Anakin Skywalker. However, if you did not read the first one some of the weapons and terminology and the connection the Republic Commando of Delta Squad have with the Jedi Etain will be lost to you but some if it is explained throughout the book. My verdict if you are looking for a good read this christmas something to get when you trade in those lame presents and if you dont want to spend to much money on it buy this book and the first book. If Sci-fi/military books aint your thing then look for a love novel or something else instead.

Verdict
8 stars out of Ten

pros
Shows the clones are more human than we were led to believe
Shows the clones can have relationship and have anger and emotions

Cons
on be good form someone who has played the game or read the first book
you might get confused with some of the terminology.

Happy Holidays to everyone

Military Draft

2007-12-06T10:48:00.000-06:00

With the war in Iraq now dragging on longer than anyone would think it would and with all the armed forces being stretched to the limit in terms of manpower. Military officals have started looking at options to keep the troop levels up so far they have lowers the standards of recruitment, allow people with low level crimes to join, increased bonuses and increased college scholarships. With all of these added bonuses they are only still able to keep up their recruitment goals but now their is talk of another option that many do not wish to do but may be inevitable unless with begin pulling back our forces. That option is the draft. The draft has been used in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam. After the war in Vietnam it has not been used sinceb ut now with the all-volunteer army being stretch close to the breaking point many people are looking at a limited or a full draft as a option to keep up or even increase the armed forces for the War on Terror. First off a few things before i continue

If they started the draft and if i was drafted i would go cause i believe when your country calls you to service you owe it to the country to answer.

Secondly if a person does not believe in the draft and left or dodged the draft i would not hold it against him or her.

Now personaly i think my generation need a draft now. The reason being is that we have forgotten that many of the freedoms we have are all cause of the draftees that came before us. Also, my generation has forgtten freedom aint free it has costs and the only ones we seee are the nightly news when someone we dont know is killed, however, if your friend dies then you know what you are fighting for and will fight harder to protect it. However, i worry about how a draft might seperate the country, already the country is divided by those for the war those against it. Or by dems or republicans. If a draft were to happen the country the is split now might become worse. With that being said if a draft were to occur today i would go willingly cause this country has given me many freedoms and if needs me to go into the lion's den to ensure that those freedoms are protected then so be it.

Recent News

2007-12-05T01:40:00.000-06:00

WORLD NEWS
NIE(National Intellegence Estimate) says Iran stopped Nuke Program four years ago
Today the NIE that is given to the President made the conclusion that IRAN has not had a Nuclear weapons program for FOUR YEARS!!!! SO basically the pres has been telling us that we need to go for something that doesn't exsist where have we heard that from before*coughs iraq Coughs* Either way we should keep an eye on them cause Iran has friends in Syrai who recently was bombed by israeli for doing something naughty and as for Iran's Peaceful nuke program. They have all the oil in the world they dont need one. I mean noofense but that would be like giving a murderer a clip of bullets without the gun.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Jericho the post apocalyptic CBS show that was canceled and now brought back thanks to a fan drive that cause 20,000 tons of nuts to be sent to CBS headquarters is to return to CBS on Feb 12 at 10/9 central says CBS
it is amazing waht 20,000 tons of nuts will do to a companies decision making progress. Personally it was a stupid decision to cancel the series to begin with espically after only one season and on a CLiffhanger. I mean i know and understand that shows cost money but if a show has a big fan base then you dont kill it. You grow the fan base and more people will watch it and the advertisements and those people will buy those advertisements and you will make money which helps buy more eps of the show. ALthough i thank this if fortuante for people who love the show. With the Writer strike still going full steam and only a few original eps left in the popular shows. Soon Stations will have to resort to Reality shows or Reruns and some people will look for something new and may come across jericho and like it and either TIVO it or watch it regularly i hope you all are some of those who do.

Gamer's Confessional

2007-12-03T05:25:00.000-06:00

This is something i wrote while in high school and have updated constantly over the years i consider it a mantra for gamers worldwide and for me personally as i am a gamer.(i be it not right now cause my computer sucks and the consoles cost too much.) I hope no one finds this offensive and i also hope you all like it

Gamer Confessional
I am a gamer.
I play all types of video games from war games to violent games to games that test the mind. Because of this i am misunderstood and feared.
People fear me for being different and they fear me for for playing games.
To me these games are my release from a world that neither doesn't understand me or shuns me.
Yet they still fear me.
They fear me for the actions done by others.
They fear me for what others have said.
I am a gamer.
I live in a realm where my life is determined by my score.
Where words such as ammo, life, armor and reinforcements are vital to me.
Where each teammate, is a brother and each victim is a enemy.
I am a veteran of multiple worlds and multiple battles.
i have shed blood on the sands of azurath.
Sniped on a modern battlefield.
Saved coruscant from the sith.
Helped the people of city 17.
And Lead the rangers against the GLA.
yet i am still feared.
I am still scorned and rejected by many.
Just because of the games i play.
This who i am.
I am a Gamer. and a gamer i shall remain.
This is my gift this is my curse.

Entertainment suggestions

2007-12-01T22:23:00.000-06:00

Hey all

With many of our favorite shows going off the air because of the writers strike i thought i would let you in on some new shows coming in January that you should keep your eye on instead of the reality shows.

Jericho(CBS) Jericho is a returning series but only because the fans fought for it. After in september 2008 when the fans learned the show was being canceled after one season the fans sent 28,000 tons of nuts to the producers and people behind the cancelation. It got a reprieve for seven more eps in january and if they do good more will follow for those who dont know what the story is about go here for more info http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho_(TV_series) the series is really well written with good characters and storylines

The Sarah Conner Chronicles(FOX)The Sarah conner chronicles is another show that was completed before the writers strike to effect. to learn more about this seris go to http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sarah_Conner_Chronicles the show is a ner comer to to tv unlike jericho but has been building some good buzz based on the storylines and characters.

Below is some movies i am waiting on.
Captain America. I know they did one like this in 1994. Marvel's so called answer to the Batman franchise but the director was not a fan of the series and the writers totally went of the storyline that me and alot of fans have long trusted well now they are doing it again and this time they are doing it right. For those who dont know Captain America is a movie based on the Marvel Comics Character. In the movie Steve Rogers is chosen in 1941 for an experimental program that is meant to create super soldiers for the Army. The process is a success but the scientist dies shortly there after and Steve Rogers becomes captain america fighting the Nazi's in a WW2 era. However, he is frozen and revived some time later in our time and must protect the world from the likes of red skull and his forces of evil. Being a fan of the comic books i have great faith in this movie and hope to see it in 2009.

IRON MAN is one movie coming out next year you should keep an eye on.Iron Man is also based on the comic. Which talks about a president of a multinational corporation who after being kidnapped by rebels creates a suit or armor that is technologically more advanced than anything on the planet and uses it to fight evil. After seeing the trailers for this and hearing some of the interviews with the actors this may be the first breakout hit of 2008. i sure hope so.

Well that is all for now have a good night and happy holidays.

thoughts to keep yourself safe this holiday season.

2007-12-01T01:25:00.000-06:00

I know many of these tips you have heard before and probably will hear again but with the holiday season now here and people out shopping i thought i would resay some of the tips i have heard around the internet and on tv that could help keep your family and your valuables safe and secure.

when walking on the sidewalk always walk in the middle. This makes it difficult for theives to jump out of a ally or car to steal or do you harm.

Put valuables in unseen places. When you go to the store put purses wallets and other valuable items in the trunk of the car or with you into the store. If thieves dont see something valuable then you dont become a target.

Dont put presents in the car until you are ready to leave. Thieves often do surveilance to look for shoopers leaving things in the trunk or the car to jack them later so dont put any new items in the car until you are ready to leave the store.

Shop during the day. Theievs are less like to strike during the day than they are at nightas the night gives them concealment from many conventional camera systems.

Park in a well lit area. Park as close to a light source as possible so theievs will ahve to show themselev to a camera if they want to break into a car.

Use common sense. I know this is no brainer but think about your actions before doing them. Dont get caught up in the christmas spirit and forget to think.

Trust our instincts. if something feels wrong it usually is.

Just soem things i picked up from the net and tv be cool all and happy holidays.

It is Christmas time again

2007-12-01T01:21:00.000-06:00

Well let the shopping season begin. However, for many of my neighbors and friends it wont be easy to shop this year. The gas prices rising and things costing more and more are making it difficult to say the least for families not just middle class but lower and some upper class families to get the things their kids and families want. Personally i hope everyone has a merry christmas but something is going to have to give sooner or later to help out the people who keep america running.

A little about me

2007-12-01T01:13:00.000-06:00

Hello all before i start post here i thought i would add some more about me.

First of i am a nerd tried and true.

I loved Video Games, Movies, and Tv, Comic Books, and reading books.

I am neither democrat nor Republican i am American and i only become one in the voters both and when i leave i am american.

My greatest strenths are my friends, my family and my hope of the future even when everything around me rells me that the future is bleak i still have hope of better times ahead.

My greatest weaknesses, are my fear of change and my shyness.

I am single hopeing for some companionship someday but right now just trying to get by best i can.

i am sometimes accuses of haveing my head in the clouds when i see people around me living on earth.