Niantic has expanded their new tracking system to more of the world, so I can now pipe up on it. Does it work? Yes. Is it an improvement? To a point.
The new Nearby feature does help, but it doesn't allow you to see Sightings simultaneously. So if ANYTHING is anywhere NEAR a PokéStop you see nothing that is in the vicinity. So yes, Sightings does come up essentially when you are nowhere near PokéStops. So they have officially killed the hunt for Pokémon.
I have been using a screen overlay app to triangulate where Pokémon are using my Sightings list before the Nearby tracking system came out. It worked. The app essentially used your phone's location an when you see something in your Sightings you're hunting for, you clicked that you see it. It dropped a 200 meter radius around your location on a little compass on screen. Then as your tracking changed you continue to say if you see it or not, so it would drop 200 meter radius circles to narrow the field, either eliminating space because the Pokémon vanished from you sightings, or cutting out space in the original drop because it's still visible in a 200 meter radius from your new point.
This is a truer form of tracking than your maps that say "this Pokémon is here - in this exact place - for [this] many more minutes." But again, this new tracking update removes that from the game - the ability to hunt - unless you can get far enough away from PokéStops.
I understand that the game is also a business, and that the design team is doing as they can. I understand that they claim the footstep tracking system put strain on their servers. But it made it as the Pokémon everyone grew up dreaming of. Now most rely on maps because tracking is so difficult. And yes again, this new update does help in many ways, giving a better idea where Pokémon are. But it also hinders for people who figure out a way to play Pokémon Go, while actually hunting as the game was designed to emulate.
So rather than cutting out the thrill of the hunt - which all species enjoy in more aspects of life than just humans and video games - push for both aspects to be present at once. The Nearby idea is great to narrow a field of search and direct people. But allow the Sightings to be simultaneously active too, so when other Pokémon are close and not just Nearby PokéStops, you can still see them on your radar, and still hunt for them.
I can't possibly be alone in these thoughts.
Dec 1, 2016
Nov 29, 2016
NFL Week XII
What is going on with Cam Newton? Yeah he made some amazing throws this week, but... not enough while still too little too late. His coaching staff seems to have no confidence in him, and the Panthers don't seem to have much rhythm in game play, just like Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers.
Oh Trevor Siemian, the Broncos need Paxton Lynch. Otherwise teams will keep slapping you around like the Chiefs did your uprights in overtime.
Another good week for the Patriots. A tight game until the end.
It was good to see the level of teamwork from all. Tom Brady blocking for LeGarrette Blount in a running play. Chris Hogan a new receiving outlet for Brady, as well as a possible third string quarterback for the Patriots. Who else saw the little flip play?
Colin Kaepernick plays strong for the 49ers. He likes to press his rushing yards to the max. I don't ever recall seeing a modern age quarterback rushing the ball as much or as driven as he does. The 49ers need more to stand behind to be a team to be reckoned with, but that is a starting point. Then again, quarterbacks need to be careful as that is a way to shorten their careers.
Watching the Seattle Seahawks lay the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was painful; I don't have much more to say over that. Turnovers after turn overs. Strip sacks, interceptions, fumbles. The only difference between this and the Bears game, was the fact that the Bears were incomplete passes. This was no fault of Matt Barkley, the Chicago Bears quarterback. It was all on their receivers. They were getting hit perfectly with passes an they just couldn't keep their hands on them.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, is a gifted player. Watching him play against the Cardinals was beautiful. This kid was signed as an undrafted free agent. Signed with the Browns in 2014, and now making a splash with the Falcons.
Watching the Bengals and Ravens play was fun. And Justin Tucker is certainly a card. The Ravens kicker opening his post game press conference with an up dog joke. He did make some amazing kicks, earning him the ability to act as he does on the field an din press conferences.
And the game ending play - every player on the offensive line getting holding penalties to roll the clock down to zero, keeping the quarterback protected and their victory - did receive a literal "laugh out loud" from me. this eventually may be an easier way to end games for a last play while the clock ticks down. Gives more time in game; saves the tick down of game clock and play clock, an the rush of a quarterback taking a knee. It wouldn't work if the play didn't entirely build the game, as you would then need to make a play after all the penalty flags. But its fun as hell to watch.
Slightly rude, but makes a point.
Oh Trevor Siemian, the Broncos need Paxton Lynch. Otherwise teams will keep slapping you around like the Chiefs did your uprights in overtime.
Another good week for the Patriots. A tight game until the end.
It was good to see the level of teamwork from all. Tom Brady blocking for LeGarrette Blount in a running play. Chris Hogan a new receiving outlet for Brady, as well as a possible third string quarterback for the Patriots. Who else saw the little flip play?
Colin Kaepernick plays strong for the 49ers. He likes to press his rushing yards to the max. I don't ever recall seeing a modern age quarterback rushing the ball as much or as driven as he does. The 49ers need more to stand behind to be a team to be reckoned with, but that is a starting point. Then again, quarterbacks need to be careful as that is a way to shorten their careers.
Watching the Seattle Seahawks lay the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was painful; I don't have much more to say over that. Turnovers after turn overs. Strip sacks, interceptions, fumbles. The only difference between this and the Bears game, was the fact that the Bears were incomplete passes. This was no fault of Matt Barkley, the Chicago Bears quarterback. It was all on their receivers. They were getting hit perfectly with passes an they just couldn't keep their hands on them.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, is a gifted player. Watching him play against the Cardinals was beautiful. This kid was signed as an undrafted free agent. Signed with the Browns in 2014, and now making a splash with the Falcons.
Watching the Bengals and Ravens play was fun. And Justin Tucker is certainly a card. The Ravens kicker opening his post game press conference with an up dog joke. He did make some amazing kicks, earning him the ability to act as he does on the field an din press conferences.
And the game ending play - every player on the offensive line getting holding penalties to roll the clock down to zero, keeping the quarterback protected and their victory - did receive a literal "laugh out loud" from me. this eventually may be an easier way to end games for a last play while the clock ticks down. Gives more time in game; saves the tick down of game clock and play clock, an the rush of a quarterback taking a knee. It wouldn't work if the play didn't entirely build the game, as you would then need to make a play after all the penalty flags. But its fun as hell to watch.
Slightly rude, but makes a point.
Nov 22, 2016
NFL Week XI
Kirk Cousins seems to have found his spot on the Washington Redskins roster. He threw some excellent passes that had me oooing and groaning. Passes that gave his receivers head start down the field and extended their plays susally right into touchdowns.
If he can keep it up, the Redskins could become a force in the NFL.
Russel Wilson showing us that he is the man to rally behind for the Seattle Seahawks. I won't lie, without Marshawn Lynch, I felt the Seahawks were still a good team, but needed more on the running back position to make it all work. But seeing Wilson play in Week 11 showed me that they can do just fine.
Wilson making difficult plays in clutch positions. Across body throws, whether down field or straight into the end zone. The Seattle Seahawks are a team to keep an eye on.
Watching the New England Patriots play the San Francisco 49ers, I felt confident that Brady had found his games. It looked as though he was legitimately outplaying the opposition. As I sat down to write I actually looked at the standings. the 49ers have one win all season. How often to I praise Tom Brady? This will be another week without.
If he can keep it up, the Redskins could become a force in the NFL.
Russel Wilson showing us that he is the man to rally behind for the Seattle Seahawks. I won't lie, without Marshawn Lynch, I felt the Seahawks were still a good team, but needed more on the running back position to make it all work. But seeing Wilson play in Week 11 showed me that they can do just fine.
Wilson making difficult plays in clutch positions. Across body throws, whether down field or straight into the end zone. The Seattle Seahawks are a team to keep an eye on.
Watching the New England Patriots play the San Francisco 49ers, I felt confident that Brady had found his games. It looked as though he was legitimately outplaying the opposition. As I sat down to write I actually looked at the standings. the 49ers have one win all season. How often to I praise Tom Brady? This will be another week without.
Nov 15, 2016
NFL Week X
I really felt painfully unimpressed with most of the games this week. I dunno. Lots of just... mess. Plays that made me groan an cheer were few an far between, an unfortunately can be boiled down to two games.
The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs, oh my... The patience they have an the mindset they approach with makes me literally groan and cheer, hoot and guffaw. They'd step right into a mess at the line of scrimmage and pause that necessary second to let the crow clear and the be right off picking up yards upon yards. Not just once either; they id it multiple times throughout the game. It was spectacular to watch.
Watching LeGarrette Blount work was also a blast. I am saddened by the Patriots losing, but you can't win every game. Losses happen, as disappointing as they are. The Seahawks and Patriots offensive lines were amazing. They game Tom Brady an Russel Wilson tons of time to work with, and they kept the game close until the end.
It pains me to say I don't have more to say. Hopefully next week looks better.
The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs, oh my... The patience they have an the mindset they approach with makes me literally groan and cheer, hoot and guffaw. They'd step right into a mess at the line of scrimmage and pause that necessary second to let the crow clear and the be right off picking up yards upon yards. Not just once either; they id it multiple times throughout the game. It was spectacular to watch.
Watching LeGarrette Blount work was also a blast. I am saddened by the Patriots losing, but you can't win every game. Losses happen, as disappointing as they are. The Seahawks and Patriots offensive lines were amazing. They game Tom Brady an Russel Wilson tons of time to work with, and they kept the game close until the end.
It pains me to say I don't have more to say. Hopefully next week looks better.
Nov 4, 2016
Difficulties of Persuasion v2.0 - Part II
If a guy is not willing to show he appreciates the time you're spending with him, that's plain rude.
I get some girls are not used to romance, but it is out there. And it isn't always grand gestures either; it's the little things too. Romance is the sensuality of a relationship. Not saying this is that, just explaining. It gives you the ability to see chemistry - physical chemistry - without needing to eat each other's faces, or take your clothes off. It leads to the kiss. If a guy can make your breath catch with a simple, unsexualized touch, or give you goosebumps... is that not a good thing? Is that not that epic chemistry everyone should hope for?
Pokémon Go; Trading and PvP
I mentioned four things for Pokémon Go, and only wrote about two. You knew this was coming.
In the older games both trading and battling were proximity based. You had to be near the person you wanted to interact with. I'm hoping that Pokémon Go they allow us to interact with others who we know that don't need to be immediately nearby. An "On/Off" switch for discovery, like the bluetooth feature on our phones. And to battle nearby trainers, have a nearby feature like Facebook chat. Or the Facebook Friends Nearby. Again with an "On/Off" feature. Some people may not want to be visible or battle. That should be respected and not forced.
Being able to search friends by username would also allow tournaments, and long distance trading. I know people will get up in arms. "Battling isn't the same as the original games!" No it isn't. This isn't Nintendo making this game; Niantic is. Ninety seconds to complete a match within the battle screen, and two attacks instead of unlimited time (or until the battery dies), with four attacks.
I'm tired of fans accusing me of "not playing a real Pokémon game." Fine. Then you stay home and play your game in a stand still position, in an unsocial way at home. I'll go out, explore, and be as close to the Pokémon Trainer I wanted to be when I saw the first episode of Pokémon, an fell in love with the franchise almost 20 years ago. I'd love to say I'm social, but I'm really not. If if run into a group who is playing, I'll chat if I'm called over. I'll sit closer to lures. But I won't go out of my way to talk usually, just because... that isn't me.
Being able to search friends by username would also allow tournaments, and long distance trading. I know people will get up in arms. "Battling isn't the same as the original games!" No it isn't. This isn't Nintendo making this game; Niantic is. Ninety seconds to complete a match within the battle screen, and two attacks instead of unlimited time (or until the battery dies), with four attacks.
I'm tired of fans accusing me of "not playing a real Pokémon game." Fine. Then you stay home and play your game in a stand still position, in an unsocial way at home. I'll go out, explore, and be as close to the Pokémon Trainer I wanted to be when I saw the first episode of Pokémon, an fell in love with the franchise almost 20 years ago. I'd love to say I'm social, but I'm really not. If if run into a group who is playing, I'll chat if I'm called over. I'll sit closer to lures. But I won't go out of my way to talk usually, just because... that isn't me.
Nov 1, 2016
NFL Week VIII - Week of Misses
My goodness this week. I don't know if I've seen more missed kicks. Between field goals, extra points, and punts... what happened to the NFL.
Watching the Vikings play the Bears was like watching a comedy spinning out of control. It was worth the laughter. I'll admit - as much as it pains me - that I was getting worried with the Vikings sitting atop the NFC conference. And by "atop" I mean battling it out for that first spot. But seeing them lose to the Bears. Getting sacked multiple times, watching the Bears quarterback hit a receiver in the back of the head with the football. Dude was not expecting that ball even slightly. And Vikings dropping the purple jerseys. Huh...
I sorta want them to win the NFC so I can see the Patriots demolish them in Houston for SuperBowl LI.
The team I worry about in the AFC is the Oakland Raiders. Derek Carr is scary to watch. Usually its the Broncos, but with Siemian behind the wheel their advantage remains in Denver.
The Patriots' defense needs work, and the Jamie Collins trade shows that the front end of the new England Patriots knows it. They need to close the doors on everyone else's offence. Allowing 25 points to the Buffalo Bills... makes me cringe.
Good news though, it seems Tom Brady has regained that step I've been very vocal he lost last season. Good news for the Patriots and the fans, bad news for Jimmy Garappolo.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos defense has been the group keeping them in games. Against the Chargers, they cause all the turnovers. Sacks, interceptions, and closing the doors on the opposition that I desperately want the Patriots defense to start doing.
Fingers crossed the kickers step up their game next week while Patriots are on a bye week.
Watching the Vikings play the Bears was like watching a comedy spinning out of control. It was worth the laughter. I'll admit - as much as it pains me - that I was getting worried with the Vikings sitting atop the NFC conference. And by "atop" I mean battling it out for that first spot. But seeing them lose to the Bears. Getting sacked multiple times, watching the Bears quarterback hit a receiver in the back of the head with the football. Dude was not expecting that ball even slightly. And Vikings dropping the purple jerseys. Huh...
I sorta want them to win the NFC so I can see the Patriots demolish them in Houston for SuperBowl LI.
The team I worry about in the AFC is the Oakland Raiders. Derek Carr is scary to watch. Usually its the Broncos, but with Siemian behind the wheel their advantage remains in Denver.
The Patriots' defense needs work, and the Jamie Collins trade shows that the front end of the new England Patriots knows it. They need to close the doors on everyone else's offence. Allowing 25 points to the Buffalo Bills... makes me cringe.
Good news though, it seems Tom Brady has regained that step I've been very vocal he lost last season. Good news for the Patriots and the fans, bad news for Jimmy Garappolo.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos defense has been the group keeping them in games. Against the Chargers, they cause all the turnovers. Sacks, interceptions, and closing the doors on the opposition that I desperately want the Patriots defense to start doing.
Fingers crossed the kickers step up their game next week while Patriots are on a bye week.
Oct 20, 2016
Difficulties of Persuasion [Revisited]
Many of you will see [Revisited] and go, "What're you talking about?" Well on my first blog I wrong a sort of series - a saga - titled Difficulties of Persuasion. There were many parts to it, and as I can't find my first blog I can't say what part this one would be.
Essentially what the series was was about me, women, dating and all that.
Anyway...
Girls go crazy about wanting to be this way. Many go to the gym incessantly wanting legs like this; bodies like that. Trying to be whatever their mind (and pop culture) drives them to be like. The impossible that would have them love them self, or feel about them self the way that they should.
I saw a girl walking through town today in tall boots and a short skirt; legs that were nice to look at when she stood at the crosswalk waiting for the light to change. It only took a few seconds to realize something slightly jarring. Usually legs like that are just nice to look at. When they walk, they're like jello. Not muscular. Not firm. Not defined. Just... nice to look at until they move.
To be honest, I've only been with one person who's body was petite, and was "as advertised." I didn't even get anywhere aside from slight physical contact. But a girl who hit the gym, and was sturdy. Firm.
But I digress...
Essentially what my day boiled down to was, "Do you want someone who looks nice, but has a tiny ass and breasts, is mead of 'toothpicks' and probably isn't into fun stuff, and has everything that look like it should be tight when it moves having a little jiggle? Or would you prefer a woman who flaunts curves, has real breasts, an ass that was made to spank and grab, and a body that knows it should move?"
Guys, the latter is the right answer.
Essentially what the series was was about me, women, dating and all that.
Anyway...
Girls go crazy about wanting to be this way. Many go to the gym incessantly wanting legs like this; bodies like that. Trying to be whatever their mind (and pop culture) drives them to be like. The impossible that would have them love them self, or feel about them self the way that they should.
I saw a girl walking through town today in tall boots and a short skirt; legs that were nice to look at when she stood at the crosswalk waiting for the light to change. It only took a few seconds to realize something slightly jarring. Usually legs like that are just nice to look at. When they walk, they're like jello. Not muscular. Not firm. Not defined. Just... nice to look at until they move.
To be honest, I've only been with one person who's body was petite, and was "as advertised." I didn't even get anywhere aside from slight physical contact. But a girl who hit the gym, and was sturdy. Firm.
But I digress...
Essentially what my day boiled down to was, "Do you want someone who looks nice, but has a tiny ass and breasts, is mead of 'toothpicks' and probably isn't into fun stuff, and has everything that look like it should be tight when it moves having a little jiggle? Or would you prefer a woman who flaunts curves, has real breasts, an ass that was made to spank and grab, and a body that knows it should move?"
Guys, the latter is the right answer.
Oct 17, 2016
NFL Week VI
Everyone's in a stink about what'll happen to Dak Prescott when Tony Romo is 100%. To me, the Dallas Cowboys have the same issue as the Patriots; lots of talent. Dak Prescott is amazing to watch in the pocket even as it collapses around him. He's calm and cool under pressure. Tony Romo will have a run for his money when he gets back to 100% for that starting quarterback spot.
Prescott also has a ton of backup from his running backs, they sell those fake hand offs so damn well. Some fakes are like super exaggerated, but Dak and his runners do it just right.
Aaron Rodgers, I don't even know. People seem to think everything else is the problem in Green Bay, but I need to agree with Colin Cowherd that he is part of the problem too. It all needs work to become a better team.
Also... who designed those uniforms?
The Panthers kicker missed an extra point. Need I say more? And we can learn Cam Newton's Law of football; the Panthers shall not win. The did make a game of it toward the end, but my goodness it was painful to watch.
The Giants defensive line was amazing this week; they held the Ravens off at the goal line; a beautiful thing to watch. Eli Manning has a god send in Odell Beckham Jr; that guy can run.
At the end of the game it looked like Patriots ran off with the game, but the whole first part it was a battle. The Patriots were behind more often than not.
Tom Brady has been making excellent use of Rob Gronkowski; I think he had more catches against the Bengals than he had the whole time Brady was suspended.
I'm gonna be honest here; the Dolphins look to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Their play against the Steelers was phenomenal.
The Colts... oh my. Andrew Luck does not look comfortable at all in the pocket. He looks like a rookie. It's kinda sad to watch. lol
Brock Osweiler looked to be way off his game today. Lamar Miller though has an amazing read on the field; he can make beautiful running plays. I look forward to watching his season unfold.
Prescott also has a ton of backup from his running backs, they sell those fake hand offs so damn well. Some fakes are like super exaggerated, but Dak and his runners do it just right.
Aaron Rodgers, I don't even know. People seem to think everything else is the problem in Green Bay, but I need to agree with Colin Cowherd that he is part of the problem too. It all needs work to become a better team.
Also... who designed those uniforms?
The Panthers kicker missed an extra point. Need I say more? And we can learn Cam Newton's Law of football; the Panthers shall not win. The did make a game of it toward the end, but my goodness it was painful to watch.
The Giants defensive line was amazing this week; they held the Ravens off at the goal line; a beautiful thing to watch. Eli Manning has a god send in Odell Beckham Jr; that guy can run.
At the end of the game it looked like Patriots ran off with the game, but the whole first part it was a battle. The Patriots were behind more often than not.
Tom Brady has been making excellent use of Rob Gronkowski; I think he had more catches against the Bengals than he had the whole time Brady was suspended.
I'm gonna be honest here; the Dolphins look to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Their play against the Steelers was phenomenal.
The Colts... oh my. Andrew Luck does not look comfortable at all in the pocket. He looks like a rookie. It's kinda sad to watch. lol
Brock Osweiler looked to be way off his game today. Lamar Miller though has an amazing read on the field; he can make beautiful running plays. I look forward to watching his season unfold.
Oct 6, 2016
Pokémon Go; 2nd Gen and Breeding
With the slight lull in user base, Pokémon may be searching for a way to draw everyone back. Then again, I could be wrong.
Between the rumours of 2nd Generation Pokémon coming into the game, trading, breeding, person versus person battling... There could be a lot coming. But when? only The Pokémon Company and Niantic knows. Until then we can speculate and talk about it.
First and foremost, 2nd Generation; here's hoping it takes an update. I enjoyed the idea of that, where the Professor comes back and offers one of the 2nd Generation starter. That or offer and egg. Maybe make it coincide with the starter you chose at first. Then once it hatches the newer generation fills the game.
After this comes evolutions for the 2nd Generation, and those that link to the 1st Generation. Pichu could only be bred into the game, as would Tyrogue, Igglybuff, Cleffa, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby. How would breeding work? Would it cost candy? Does this mean Pokémon would be assigned genders? Ditto would currently be a huge help in this endeavour.
Other evolutions from 1st Generation are Steelix, Scizor, Hitmontop, Crobat, Kingdra, Slowking, Blissey, Bellossom, Politoed, Espeon and Umbreon, Porygon 2. So many deal with trading, and item attachment. But we need to remember Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, and Gengar were all evolved by trading; in Pokémon Go all of these evolutions came purely by candy, so remove that idea from your mind.
All Evolution Stone evolutions also came by candy, so to me that would remove evolution with items attached too, alongside all new Evolution Stone evolutions. This making the Steelix, Scizor, Politoed, Kingdra, Slowking, and Poygon 2 trades botched by trades and items, and Politoed, Bellossom, and Slowking are botched by Evolution Stones.
The easiest way to see this without Niantic having to change the code for most of the game is... all evolutions coninuing my candy. How would they decide which Poliwhirl, Gloom, Slowpoke, Tyrogue, and Eevee would continue to go to? Same as the original Eevee.
I found the nickname trick worked for the first time I used each one. Then the seem to evolve to keep the quantity of evolutions Eevee by their number. Jolteon, Vaporeon, Flareon. If my find is correct, then the next evolutions could be decided by time of day, as the game - just like Google Maps - does change with day time and night time. So maybe they'll follow along that way once, or constantly for Espeon and Umbreon.
Tyrogue would need stat changers to be part of the game and evolve like on GameBoy. But again, that's going by the original games. It could be as simple as a bred Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan hatch a Tyrogue that evolves to a Hitmontop. Two Hitmonlee make a Tyrogue the evolves to Hitmonlee; two Hitmonchan hatch a Tyrogue that Evolves to a Hitmonchan. All - of course - by candy.
Eventually these things will have to come out. 2nd Generation shouldn't be too far off. Maybe Christmas time, if not sooner.
Between the rumours of 2nd Generation Pokémon coming into the game, trading, breeding, person versus person battling... There could be a lot coming. But when? only The Pokémon Company and Niantic knows. Until then we can speculate and talk about it.
First and foremost, 2nd Generation; here's hoping it takes an update. I enjoyed the idea of that, where the Professor comes back and offers one of the 2nd Generation starter. That or offer and egg. Maybe make it coincide with the starter you chose at first. Then once it hatches the newer generation fills the game.
After this comes evolutions for the 2nd Generation, and those that link to the 1st Generation. Pichu could only be bred into the game, as would Tyrogue, Igglybuff, Cleffa, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby. How would breeding work? Would it cost candy? Does this mean Pokémon would be assigned genders? Ditto would currently be a huge help in this endeavour.
Other evolutions from 1st Generation are Steelix, Scizor, Hitmontop, Crobat, Kingdra, Slowking, Blissey, Bellossom, Politoed, Espeon and Umbreon, Porygon 2. So many deal with trading, and item attachment. But we need to remember Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, and Gengar were all evolved by trading; in Pokémon Go all of these evolutions came purely by candy, so remove that idea from your mind.
All Evolution Stone evolutions also came by candy, so to me that would remove evolution with items attached too, alongside all new Evolution Stone evolutions. This making the Steelix, Scizor, Politoed, Kingdra, Slowking, and Poygon 2 trades botched by trades and items, and Politoed, Bellossom, and Slowking are botched by Evolution Stones.
The easiest way to see this without Niantic having to change the code for most of the game is... all evolutions coninuing my candy. How would they decide which Poliwhirl, Gloom, Slowpoke, Tyrogue, and Eevee would continue to go to? Same as the original Eevee.
I found the nickname trick worked for the first time I used each one. Then the seem to evolve to keep the quantity of evolutions Eevee by their number. Jolteon, Vaporeon, Flareon. If my find is correct, then the next evolutions could be decided by time of day, as the game - just like Google Maps - does change with day time and night time. So maybe they'll follow along that way once, or constantly for Espeon and Umbreon.
Tyrogue would need stat changers to be part of the game and evolve like on GameBoy. But again, that's going by the original games. It could be as simple as a bred Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan hatch a Tyrogue that evolves to a Hitmontop. Two Hitmonlee make a Tyrogue the evolves to Hitmonlee; two Hitmonchan hatch a Tyrogue that Evolves to a Hitmonchan. All - of course - by candy.
Eventually these things will have to come out. 2nd Generation shouldn't be too far off. Maybe Christmas time, if not sooner.
Oct 4, 2016
NFL Week IV
I've been a bit out of it; many apologies for not being back sooner. But ending Week 4, I think is time for me to try and pick the reigns back of this season.
Of course I'll start with New England; this being the last week without Tom Brady. Jimmy Garoppolo on his second week out with injury; Jacoby Bressett taking his second week in the spotlight. From what I saw this week it may have gotten to his head.
Patriots down 13-0 at the half to the Buffalo Bills. *shiver* And dropping the game 16-0. One of their last drives showing Brissett making a phenomenal pass to Martellus Bennett, getting them inside the Bills 10. Then Brissett leaving the collapsing pocket, not sure of where to throw, so he makes a dash and fumbling the unprotected football as he's hit. Then on the last drive getting sacked closer to his own 10.
Brissett seems to run very very hot, or very very cold. He was still slightly injured, and Garoppolo was still injured as well. On top of all this Brissett did decide to go jogging on the Bills side of the field in the pre-game. So a small pre-game scrum ensued. Brissett got a shove, but kept running. But as the quarterback of course he was defended by his teammates, and a member of the coaching staff.
With Brady back next week, I'm sure they'll have him back in the saddle. But with Bill Belichick... you never really know.
Critics saying that the Patriots will need to decided to either keep Brady or Garoppolo next season. They did sign Brady for a few more years last season, so time will tell.
Pittsburgh Steelers Big Ben Roethlisberger, is all I need to say. Long fucking bombs all day long. against the Kansas City Chiefs. And the Chiefs touchdown attempts had me literally laughing out loud. By far, it was the comedy of Week IV
Blaine Gabbert of the 49ers makes good use of his receivers. The rest of his offensive line is slightly unimpressive, as the game showed. If they had a better offense and maybe coaching staff for them, they may be able to make a force to be reckoned with this season.
In case we missed it, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are plagued with horrid quarterbacks. They were throwing interceptions on game day. Meanwhile, in a season where the Denver Broncos should be rebuilding after Peyton Manning retired post SuperBowl, and losing their second string Brock Osweiler to free agency and the Houston Texans, the Broncos are now 4-0.
Trevor Siemian I found very unimpressive. After his injury, and even though they Broncos were already leading against the Buccaneers, their newly drafted second string rookie stepped in. Paxton Lynch, my goodness. Something to behold that's for damn sure. Making a pass play for his first pay ever and completing it. As fans of football, we all need to keep an eye on this guy; if he doesn't run streaky, he could be the next big thing for someone. He could knock Siemian of his first string pedestal, or be eventually traded to or signed in free agency to another team. The memory of Brock Osweiler should be really fresh.
Los Angeles Rams (no longer St Louis) are clearly enjoying their new home. I don't have much more to say about the game. It didn't really draw my attention, but the receivers were playing amazing against the Arizona Cardinals.
Marshawn Lynch may have left the Seattle Seahawks and "retired from the NFL," but he still has yet to file his retirement papers. Even without him, Russel Wilson making good use of the Seahawks receivers. The pass plays the Seattle quarterback is making, are amazing.
Carolina Panthers were getting a right spanking by the Atlanta Falcons. The game looked a little closer by the end, but the Falcons had run the field on them all day long. Cam Newton surrendering quarterback duties before the game was through. They are not handling their SuperBowl loss well.
Holy Osweiler. The first part of the game Brock Osweiler was playing like an all-star; his game slowly fell apart towards the end. He just need a little work and polish I think, and he could become a good quarterback for the Texans. But time will tell if he has the right coaching staff and drive to become that player every team craves; a steady, reliable quarterback.
Of course I'll start with New England; this being the last week without Tom Brady. Jimmy Garoppolo on his second week out with injury; Jacoby Bressett taking his second week in the spotlight. From what I saw this week it may have gotten to his head.
Patriots down 13-0 at the half to the Buffalo Bills. *shiver* And dropping the game 16-0. One of their last drives showing Brissett making a phenomenal pass to Martellus Bennett, getting them inside the Bills 10. Then Brissett leaving the collapsing pocket, not sure of where to throw, so he makes a dash and fumbling the unprotected football as he's hit. Then on the last drive getting sacked closer to his own 10.
Brissett seems to run very very hot, or very very cold. He was still slightly injured, and Garoppolo was still injured as well. On top of all this Brissett did decide to go jogging on the Bills side of the field in the pre-game. So a small pre-game scrum ensued. Brissett got a shove, but kept running. But as the quarterback of course he was defended by his teammates, and a member of the coaching staff.
With Brady back next week, I'm sure they'll have him back in the saddle. But with Bill Belichick... you never really know.
Critics saying that the Patriots will need to decided to either keep Brady or Garoppolo next season. They did sign Brady for a few more years last season, so time will tell.
Pittsburgh Steelers Big Ben Roethlisberger, is all I need to say. Long fucking bombs all day long. against the Kansas City Chiefs. And the Chiefs touchdown attempts had me literally laughing out loud. By far, it was the comedy of Week IV
Blaine Gabbert of the 49ers makes good use of his receivers. The rest of his offensive line is slightly unimpressive, as the game showed. If they had a better offense and maybe coaching staff for them, they may be able to make a force to be reckoned with this season.
In case we missed it, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are plagued with horrid quarterbacks. They were throwing interceptions on game day. Meanwhile, in a season where the Denver Broncos should be rebuilding after Peyton Manning retired post SuperBowl, and losing their second string Brock Osweiler to free agency and the Houston Texans, the Broncos are now 4-0.
Trevor Siemian I found very unimpressive. After his injury, and even though they Broncos were already leading against the Buccaneers, their newly drafted second string rookie stepped in. Paxton Lynch, my goodness. Something to behold that's for damn sure. Making a pass play for his first pay ever and completing it. As fans of football, we all need to keep an eye on this guy; if he doesn't run streaky, he could be the next big thing for someone. He could knock Siemian of his first string pedestal, or be eventually traded to or signed in free agency to another team. The memory of Brock Osweiler should be really fresh.
Los Angeles Rams (no longer St Louis) are clearly enjoying their new home. I don't have much more to say about the game. It didn't really draw my attention, but the receivers were playing amazing against the Arizona Cardinals.
Marshawn Lynch may have left the Seattle Seahawks and "retired from the NFL," but he still has yet to file his retirement papers. Even without him, Russel Wilson making good use of the Seahawks receivers. The pass plays the Seattle quarterback is making, are amazing.
Carolina Panthers were getting a right spanking by the Atlanta Falcons. The game looked a little closer by the end, but the Falcons had run the field on them all day long. Cam Newton surrendering quarterback duties before the game was through. They are not handling their SuperBowl loss well.
Holy Osweiler. The first part of the game Brock Osweiler was playing like an all-star; his game slowly fell apart towards the end. He just need a little work and polish I think, and he could become a good quarterback for the Texans. But time will tell if he has the right coaching staff and drive to become that player every team craves; a steady, reliable quarterback.
Sep 27, 2016
Review: Me Before You
This movie... my god.
Emilia Clarke played her role amazingly as Lou, with her quirky yet attractive self. That red dress did look fantastic. Although to be honest in real life, I don't think I'd pass her a second glace, accent and all. I realize she played (plays?) [unpronounceable jumble of letters] Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, and that was how she was recognized as Sarah Connor in Terminator: Genisys. But Game of Thrones never caught my eye.
Sam Claflin playing Will, also did a spectacular job. And even though I don't follow The Hunger Games religiously, I immediately recognized him as the dashing Finnick Odair.
This movie is an epic love story; a tear jerker making us an emotional wreck at the end, leaving us with memories of Gerard Butler and P.S. I Love You. And I believe anyone who's been through any level of heartache can connect to at least one of the characters.
For me I had a few. Lou's boyfriend, in the moment he spoke out about feeling like he would always be a step behind the rest of the players on the field. That everyone else could see the train wreck coming, but he couldn't.
Lou's heartache of knowing she wasn't going to get her way; that no matter how hard she tried everything would fall apart and end. As well as the moment she burst into tears in her sisters arms.
I may never have been in that exact place... but I know that feeling with a close friend of mine.
And Will, between watching someone walk off with someone he was close to, and just wanting life to end. People don't know it, but I have something's that do drive me to that point where I don't want to need to deal with the pain anymore.
This movie is so very powerful, even thought it is so very British. A must watch with someone for a romantic - although year filled - night.
Sep 5, 2016
Pre-Season Week IV
Final week of NFL pre-season brings the New England Patriots a loss against the New York Giants.
I shook my head the whole game. Jimmy Garoppolo didn't play an instant; Brady couldn't put together a running play to make the game worthwhile. It was much too close throughout, and then fell apart at the end. Just because you were an amazing quarterback doesn't mean you should rely on passing plays for four quarters.
Now the NFL gets to endure four weeks without Tom Brady, and the Patriots alongside Jimmy Garoppolo are forecasted to go 2-2. Let's see where this season takes us.
Aug 25, 2016
Guard Cats
Everyone goes bananas about dogs and those that misbehave and the whole Pit Bull stereotype. But nowhere are there rules and regulations for other pets.
In British Columbia, a group of people walking their - wait for it - Pit Bulls, a cat attacked one of the seven dogs. Apparently, this wasn't the first time the cat has attacked a dog. But the only laws against pets are held for dogs.
The cat attacked the dog cutting and slashing it's face, and then injured the dog's owner when she attempted to separate the two. The dog's owner was worried about her dog responding to the cat's onslaught, as she would then be held responsible for a Pit Bull attack on a "helpless cat" who in reality, instigated the situation.
Jul 14, 2016
Pokémon Go; The Saga Continues
Nintendo stocks are on the rise, and the nerds are getting exercise.
Since the release of Pokémon Go, the unlikely group of people who don't go outside and walk, are now outside. They aren't only walking around, but socializing.
Pokémon was that game that I played all the way back in elementary school, on my brick of an original GameBoy that too four AA batteries to run, and had a black and white screen. The game where the cheaters had their way. Some believed winning the game meant catching them all (at the time that was 150), and to do so trading and working with others was necessary. Some Pokémon - Graveller, Haunter, Pidgeotto - needed to be traded to evolve to their final evolution - Golem, Gengar, Pidgeot. Other Pokémon could only be found in one of the two original games. Other players believe winning the game was defeating all gyms and The Elite Four.
This new game has trainers not needing to work together to level up and trade to evolve. They are divided into teams. In some ways it creates a divide between players. But people need to remember Team Mystic, Team Valor, and Team Insight although opposition, are rivals. Not enemies.
Teams battle to stake claims on gyms, but that doesn't mean we should hate each other. It just means we all need to train hard "to be the very best." A lyric in the original theme song.
Niantic needs to work on player communication and therefore team work. If players could know where teammates are and can communicate and trade with them, it could help game play. Allowing CP to increase just like gym prestige within team play battles.
Opposition battles could be good too; but as there have already been robberies of players, telling opposing players where others are is a bad idea. But if they're close by battles could be... fun. Trading too. But actually learning who is the opposition an getting real time locations could be a really really bad idea.
John Hanke did say this was to promote teamwork. That you couldn't catch them all alone; but the inability to trade makes everyone's hands tied on working together to build our Pokédexes.
As for Niantic not doing a worldwide release, it's a bit unfair to other players. Australian and New Zealand players got a head start on catching them all, and leveling up. Just as American players now have a head start on Canadians. and Canadians who won't download illegally, are hugely behind of the ones who will, and they will never know the thrill of a neutral gym, or battling a gym they actually have a chance at.
Since the release of Pokémon Go, the unlikely group of people who don't go outside and walk, are now outside. They aren't only walking around, but socializing.
Pokémon was that game that I played all the way back in elementary school, on my brick of an original GameBoy that too four AA batteries to run, and had a black and white screen. The game where the cheaters had their way. Some believed winning the game meant catching them all (at the time that was 150), and to do so trading and working with others was necessary. Some Pokémon - Graveller, Haunter, Pidgeotto - needed to be traded to evolve to their final evolution - Golem, Gengar, Pidgeot. Other Pokémon could only be found in one of the two original games. Other players believe winning the game was defeating all gyms and The Elite Four.
This new game has trainers not needing to work together to level up and trade to evolve. They are divided into teams. In some ways it creates a divide between players. But people need to remember Team Mystic, Team Valor, and Team Insight although opposition, are rivals. Not enemies.
Teams battle to stake claims on gyms, but that doesn't mean we should hate each other. It just means we all need to train hard "to be the very best." A lyric in the original theme song.
Niantic needs to work on player communication and therefore team work. If players could know where teammates are and can communicate and trade with them, it could help game play. Allowing CP to increase just like gym prestige within team play battles.
Opposition battles could be good too; but as there have already been robberies of players, telling opposing players where others are is a bad idea. But if they're close by battles could be... fun. Trading too. But actually learning who is the opposition an getting real time locations could be a really really bad idea.
John Hanke did say this was to promote teamwork. That you couldn't catch them all alone; but the inability to trade makes everyone's hands tied on working together to build our Pokédexes.
As for Niantic not doing a worldwide release, it's a bit unfair to other players. Australian and New Zealand players got a head start on catching them all, and leveling up. Just as American players now have a head start on Canadians. and Canadians who won't download illegally, are hugely behind of the ones who will, and they will never know the thrill of a neutral gym, or battling a gym they actually have a chance at.
Jul 5, 2016
Walmart vs Visa
This has turned into such a big deal for some reason. Everyone is losing their minds over Visa and Walmart having a spat, but no one is willing to look at the details from either perspective.
Walmart is a business. They're in business - as is every other business - to make a profit. They pay fees to all credit card companies to be able to accept. So when a bargaining agreement comes up, they are going to bargain and negotiate, to increase their profit margin. Same as the NHL lockout, and the NFL when their Collective Bargaining Agreements come up.
Visa is also a business, doing the same as Walmart.
How negotiations started, I can't say for sure. Who wanted more? Did Visa ask for more, or did they want to stay as they had been? I don't know. But seeing a contract ending, and knowing you will need to negotiate a new one, you should never step to the table claiming to want nothing. This is assuming this was Visa's course of action. Because in saying you want nothing, you have no bargaining chips to work to what you want.
Maybe Walmart was happy as is and came to the table with wanting lower fees as an ability to make sure all worked out. And perhaps Visa saying they wanted nothing simply offered Walmart the ability to negotiate for more. This - ladies and gentlemen - is business. As foul as it sounds, I respect Walmart for holding their ground.
July 18th is the day Walmart looks to stop accepting Visa. But only in Thunder Bay. Three stores in Thunder Bay will not be accepting Visa as of July 18th. One more time, only three stores in Thunder Bay will stop accepting Visa on July 18th.
Walmart is applying pressure. Same as a defensive line in football knowing were to push and poke. The new kid in the middle of the offensive line. The quarterback with the bum knee. It'll hit both businesses profits, yes. But it shows Visa that Walmart is taking no prisoners.
Visa has taken a very public approach, being outright with this dislike of Walmart's use of customers to get their way. But again, this is a negotiation. Customers - as uncivilized as it sounds - are another bargaining chip. If Visa's more worried than Walmart, they'll budge. Otherwise Walmart will keep pressing.
We need to remember that Walmart as about 400 across Canada. Three currently isn't gonna hurt too bad. And on top of that, they have their own MasterCard. So if Visa wants to stay in the game, offer another offerable credit card maybe. With better benefits to the customer than the current MasterCard.
Walmart is a business. They're in business - as is every other business - to make a profit. They pay fees to all credit card companies to be able to accept. So when a bargaining agreement comes up, they are going to bargain and negotiate, to increase their profit margin. Same as the NHL lockout, and the NFL when their Collective Bargaining Agreements come up.
Visa is also a business, doing the same as Walmart.
How negotiations started, I can't say for sure. Who wanted more? Did Visa ask for more, or did they want to stay as they had been? I don't know. But seeing a contract ending, and knowing you will need to negotiate a new one, you should never step to the table claiming to want nothing. This is assuming this was Visa's course of action. Because in saying you want nothing, you have no bargaining chips to work to what you want.
Maybe Walmart was happy as is and came to the table with wanting lower fees as an ability to make sure all worked out. And perhaps Visa saying they wanted nothing simply offered Walmart the ability to negotiate for more. This - ladies and gentlemen - is business. As foul as it sounds, I respect Walmart for holding their ground.
July 18th is the day Walmart looks to stop accepting Visa. But only in Thunder Bay. Three stores in Thunder Bay will not be accepting Visa as of July 18th. One more time, only three stores in Thunder Bay will stop accepting Visa on July 18th.
Walmart is applying pressure. Same as a defensive line in football knowing were to push and poke. The new kid in the middle of the offensive line. The quarterback with the bum knee. It'll hit both businesses profits, yes. But it shows Visa that Walmart is taking no prisoners.
Visa has taken a very public approach, being outright with this dislike of Walmart's use of customers to get their way. But again, this is a negotiation. Customers - as uncivilized as it sounds - are another bargaining chip. If Visa's more worried than Walmart, they'll budge. Otherwise Walmart will keep pressing.
We need to remember that Walmart as about 400 across Canada. Three currently isn't gonna hurt too bad. And on top of that, they have their own MasterCard. So if Visa wants to stay in the game, offer another offerable credit card maybe. With better benefits to the customer than the current MasterCard.
Sens and Pats
Tuesday... I usually have for sports. Been a bit, but here goes.
Some block buster trades went down in the NHL this last week. P.K. Subban left the Habs. Who else is shocked? Some other decently known players moved about. But I'm not paid to do this, so... my only area of true car is that the Ottawa Senators did nothing. Livid. I'm livid. Feeling like we're starting to turn into the blue team; it kills me to say that. *grips chest*
New England Patriots feel confident in Jimmy Garoppolo; IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!
Players feeling confident in him starting up the season while Tom Brady needs to stay seated for 4 games. I think they need to let this kid shine.
Some block buster trades went down in the NHL this last week. P.K. Subban left the Habs. Who else is shocked? Some other decently known players moved about. But I'm not paid to do this, so... my only area of true car is that the Ottawa Senators did nothing. Livid. I'm livid. Feeling like we're starting to turn into the blue team; it kills me to say that. *grips chest*
New England Patriots feel confident in Jimmy Garoppolo; IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!
Players feeling confident in him starting up the season while Tom Brady needs to stay seated for 4 games. I think they need to let this kid shine.
Jun 29, 2016
So Ends Beta Testing
June 30th is the end of Pokémon Go Beta Testing. Beta players received an e-mail less than a week ago notifying them that access to the Pokémon app would be disallowed, and all game data would be dumped for when Pokémon Go is to be released to the public sometime next month. Testers knew this day would come when they started, and now the flow of informative videos will flood YouTube, as they would have been booted from testing had they released pictures or videos during the Beta Test. But now as they need to start anew with the rest of us, they're more than free to fill us all in.
The biggest thing will be the team set up. There will be three teams where we work together. Red, Blue, and Yellow. As many players are coming from Ingress, the assumption is that anyone who played on the Resistance side (blue) would go to the Blue Team. This leaves Enlightened (green) players high and dry. Also it's human nature to be drawn to the colour blue. So the teams may be somewhat stacked one way.
Starters; these have purely been rumour until recently. Apparently we do get one though; they'll be of the First Generation. (Yeah, I watched some YouTube game play. Sue me.) You will get a choice of the original three. When you start they may not be all present. But once you catch one the other two disappear. So don't jump when you see one. Pick the one you want. Walk to find them. That is the point of the game.
Also, there is no in game chat. There is an app for Android and iOS called "Pokémon Go Chat". A separate app, but necessary for teamwork within the game.
In Ingress I was a real lone wolf; I always have been in many aspects of life. I lost interest in Ingress when my own team decided to work against me in my small town. I picked it back up when I moved somewhere more populated and diverse. I can see how in Pokémon Go actually taking part in team work would be better. So I will attempt to be friendly and work well with others. I look forward to chatting with others an seeing how things go. I started talking to a couple of my co-workers recently, and found out I have a few Pokémon fans around my age group, which makes me happy. I think I'm the only one currently to have pre-ordered the Pokémon Go Plus. What can I say? I'm excited.
Have a buddy of mine - HEY MAN! - who's excited too. But when we got into Ingress, he chose the opposite side as I did. So we'll see how Pokémon turns out. I already know we'll go for the same starter, hands down. Team will be the only debate.
I don't know if teams will have a write up as they did in Ingress, or if it will pretty much be on colour. All I can say is reading the write up for Ingress made me over think and pick out of character. But not really.
Whatever. We gotta stick together, train on, and catch 'em all!
The biggest thing will be the team set up. There will be three teams where we work together. Red, Blue, and Yellow. As many players are coming from Ingress, the assumption is that anyone who played on the Resistance side (blue) would go to the Blue Team. This leaves Enlightened (green) players high and dry. Also it's human nature to be drawn to the colour blue. So the teams may be somewhat stacked one way.
Starters; these have purely been rumour until recently. Apparently we do get one though; they'll be of the First Generation. (Yeah, I watched some YouTube game play. Sue me.) You will get a choice of the original three. When you start they may not be all present. But once you catch one the other two disappear. So don't jump when you see one. Pick the one you want. Walk to find them. That is the point of the game.
Also, there is no in game chat. There is an app for Android and iOS called "Pokémon Go Chat". A separate app, but necessary for teamwork within the game.
In Ingress I was a real lone wolf; I always have been in many aspects of life. I lost interest in Ingress when my own team decided to work against me in my small town. I picked it back up when I moved somewhere more populated and diverse. I can see how in Pokémon Go actually taking part in team work would be better. So I will attempt to be friendly and work well with others. I look forward to chatting with others an seeing how things go. I started talking to a couple of my co-workers recently, and found out I have a few Pokémon fans around my age group, which makes me happy. I think I'm the only one currently to have pre-ordered the Pokémon Go Plus. What can I say? I'm excited.
Have a buddy of mine - HEY MAN! - who's excited too. But when we got into Ingress, he chose the opposite side as I did. So we'll see how Pokémon turns out. I already know we'll go for the same starter, hands down. Team will be the only debate.
I don't know if teams will have a write up as they did in Ingress, or if it will pretty much be on colour. All I can say is reading the write up for Ingress made me over think and pick out of character. But not really.
Whatever. We gotta stick together, train on, and catch 'em all!
Jun 23, 2016
Late Night Posting
I know usually post earlier on Thursdays, but... I'm really not feeling any love. It becomes harder and harder to post. Few views, I have 1 Like on Facebook. I'm not shared. My Twitter is a joke. So pushing to post, seeking to write about things is becoming near impossible. I feel unheard; like I put myself out there and no one cares.
I've been damn near religious about posting on post days, but today... I couldn't find anything I wanted to write about, and knew if I took the time to write, no one would even bother to look.
So today I worked, was focused on moving - as I need to be out of my current apartment before the start of July - and looked at news that might draw my attention.
But anyone who knows me knows my last few posts have been kinda forced, and this is why. Due to the lack of interaction I feel I found it hard to write about much today. So someone draw my conversation. Make me want to speak up and out as you know I can with complete honesty and passion.
I've been damn near religious about posting on post days, but today... I couldn't find anything I wanted to write about, and knew if I took the time to write, no one would even bother to look.
So today I worked, was focused on moving - as I need to be out of my current apartment before the start of July - and looked at news that might draw my attention.
But anyone who knows me knows my last few posts have been kinda forced, and this is why. Due to the lack of interaction I feel I found it hard to write about much today. So someone draw my conversation. Make me want to speak up and out as you know I can with complete honesty and passion.
Jun 7, 2016
Marvel to Release Hydra?
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies will be using a new technology n their transport pods that could have Marvel's lawyers tearing through their copyrights and trademarks. Working with a Slovenian Materials Firm known as c2i, they've created a carbon fiber composite to cover their pods on the inside and out. The fiber will be embedded with sensors which monitor the transportation pod's stability, temperature, and integrity at all times, giving continuous feedback to headquarters. If a pod is damaged in transit it can be pulled as soon as it reaches the dock.
HTT and c2i claim that the material is ten times stronger than steel, and weighs five times less than aluminum.
I've shied away from naming the composite because... it's kind of hilarious.
Who remembers the Wakandan rare Earth metal that coats the Black Panther's armour, and is Captain America's shield. Yeah, they've gone and named it Vibranium.
That's like knocking on someone's door to tell them you're going to rob them.
HTT and c2i claim that the material is ten times stronger than steel, and weighs five times less than aluminum.
I've shied away from naming the composite because... it's kind of hilarious.
Who remembers the Wakandan rare Earth metal that coats the Black Panther's armour, and is Captain America's shield. Yeah, they've gone and named it Vibranium.
That's like knocking on someone's door to tell them you're going to rob them.
Lynch Retirement
Marshawn Lynch tweeted a cryptic picture of cleats over a telephone wire. This was seen as his announcing retirement, but his agent fueled the possibility that he may not be finished. "With Marshawn, I'll never say never." If he didn't actually know Lynch's plan, it is his job you surround his players with hype to increase their value. However, if he did know, that was just a dick move.
In an interview with 60 Minutes Sports, Lynch dismissed all rumours of his return after being asked if he was interested in playing for his hometown Oakland Raiders. "No, I'm done. I'm done. I enjoyed my time time playing."
Lynch has still yet to file his retirement papers with the NFL but is persistent with his answers when asked if he'll return.
"I'm retired. Is that good enough? Which camera do you want me to look into? This one? I'm done. I'm not playing football anymore."
In an interview with 60 Minutes Sports, Lynch dismissed all rumours of his return after being asked if he was interested in playing for his hometown Oakland Raiders. "No, I'm done. I'm done. I enjoyed my time time playing."
Lynch has still yet to file his retirement papers with the NFL but is persistent with his answers when asked if he'll return.
"I'm retired. Is that good enough? Which camera do you want me to look into? This one? I'm done. I'm not playing football anymore."
NFL Offseason
Superbowl L Champions, The Denver Broncos (I still shiver saying that) visited The White House without ex-second string quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Osweiler having moved to the Houston Texans was tied up at practice. Stating that leaving his new team as he was learning his new receivers wouldn't build the trust they need to have a strong team.
Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler were never buddy buddy, but they do share this aspect in common; not missing scheduled practices with their team.
Barack Obama did take a moment to poke at Manning, stating as they were close in age he knew what it was like to need time to himself. Especially being surrounded by his team of young athletes.
Roger Goodell stating that NFL isn't having settlement talks with Tom Brady over SuperBowl XLIX AFC Final deflategate scandal.
The NFL's collective bargaining agreement states that how the situation is being dealt with is following all the rules and regulations. We all know how I feel about Brady. And just because he has delivered wins doesn't mean he will continue to do so. He lost a step last season. Jimmy Garoppolo is the answer. I look forward to watching him flourish during Brady's upheld suspension.
Osweiler having moved to the Houston Texans was tied up at practice. Stating that leaving his new team as he was learning his new receivers wouldn't build the trust they need to have a strong team.
Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler were never buddy buddy, but they do share this aspect in common; not missing scheduled practices with their team.
Barack Obama did take a moment to poke at Manning, stating as they were close in age he knew what it was like to need time to himself. Especially being surrounded by his team of young athletes.
Roger Goodell stating that NFL isn't having settlement talks with Tom Brady over SuperBowl XLIX AFC Final deflategate scandal.
The NFL's collective bargaining agreement states that how the situation is being dealt with is following all the rules and regulations. We all know how I feel about Brady. And just because he has delivered wins doesn't mean he will continue to do so. He lost a step last season. Jimmy Garoppolo is the answer. I look forward to watching him flourish during Brady's upheld suspension.
Jun 6, 2016
NSFW: Bedroom Inklings (Part II)
Giving a light squeeze on her inner thigh to remind her he was there, he rested his hips between her legs, her body quivering at the feeling of him there. She knew then he wanted her too. As badly as she ached for him in this moment, she knew she wasn't alone.
Longing for his body, she could feel him between her thighs, stiff. Trying her hardest not to lose control, she wraps her legs around him taking over control. She rolls him on his back, kissing and nibbling from his jawline down his neck and up to his ear. His throaty groans making her want him more; his deep heavy breaths making her drip.
Feeling her take control gives him a rush of pleasure. He softly pulls her ruined shirt from her soft tan body, trying not to moan too loudly in pleasure at simply seeing her. Stretching his throat for her to have ample room to make a canvas of his throat with her lips and teeth. Slowly sliding his hands back to her waist, unsure how far she will allow him to venture.
"Baby, I need you," she moans as he explores her body as if he's painting a masterpiece. Her moans crescendoing as she loses control of her body. He pauses, ripping a condom open with that perfect mouth if his, glides it over himself and gives her a smirk that makes her while body tense with pleasure.
Gently teases her on the edge of where she knows pleasure will come from. Lifting his hips upward off the bed so she can feel the tip of him press against the brink, but not breaching her borders as he anchored his elbows in the bed to also life his shoulders toward her neck whispering in her ear, "I'm not done with you yet."
May 14, 2016
Tesla; Police Cruisers of the Future
Could the police cruisers of the future be purely electric vehicles? Most likely. But right now, the idea is a bit out of reach.
Los Angeles Police Department has been using 2 Tesla Model S cars to see if they would fit in as police cruisers. Something tells me the Insane Mode might come in handy there. After one year of testing, they believe it isn't feasible currently. Between the cost of the cars and lack of charging stations it's difficult for them to see it working.
The S Model is expensive; it is a Tesla after all. Coming in at $100k, it's about $30k more than LAPD's current Ford Explorer.
Not only that, the charging stations are hard to come by. If police needed to respond in a natural disaster, it could be difficult if the charging stations have been knocked out.
LAPD is looking into their future with electric vehicles, and hopes that in the next 5 to 6 years the market is more affordable, and charging stations more available to help them make this eco-friendly move.
Apr 30, 2016
Review: The Jungle Book
The top movie picks to see for me were The Jungle Book and Batman vs Superman. In case you couldn't tell what I ended up seeing... I picked The Jungle Book.
I have nothing against Batman vs Superman, just... I wanted to see a childhood favourite.
The movie brought to life all the childhood characters as you would expect it to, and they did a good job with that portion of the movie. Mowgli was as you would expect a child who was raised in the wild would be, although less animalistic, still gawky and awkward.
The story had all the main characters we remember, but the story was by no means the same. I found this to be a good idea, as simply remaking the story could be boring. This version was certainly more grown up than the original animated version, but could still be a "kids movie" although parental guidance would be a good suggestion.
The story was a good one, but it felt very rushed. There were many times where I felt I should be more upset and emotional about he things that were happening but there wasn't enough connection to the characters prior to the situations that should draw the emotional responses.
I'll admit to crying in Up! Twice. And my first cry was very early on. But Pixar's use of flashbacks made that happen.
In The Jungle Book characters were thrown in and situations occurred without allowing the viewer to be pulled in the story or the relationship between the characters. Just because there was an original version of it, doesn't mean it should be relied on to tell the story of the characters.
A good movie, don't get me wrong. Just poorly executed.
I will say though, we did get the "bare necessities" of this classic film.
Apr 26, 2016
Grammar Nazi in I
Hard to get into posts like this one, but they can be eye openers. Some of the things we're forced to do aren't actual rules. Huh... Take a read Grammar Heads.
Apr 24, 2016
Close to Home
There are major differences between Type I and Type II diabetes. This is by no way my saying one is easier or harder to handle the other. I get perturbed when people say, "That's the serious one." Actually, they're both serious. Pull your head out of your ass.
Type II is when one's body becomes immune of resistant to the insulin it's pancreas creates. The Blood sugar levels of a Type II can be controlled by diet, exercise, or a pill that helps... in some way. My knowledge of Type II is limited; I admit that. I. Have heard of some Type IIs who take insulin becuse they aren't in enough control to work with the first three ways of control.
Stereotypically, the body's resistance to insulin comes from over use. I'm not saying "all Type IIs are over weight," but generally people who load up on sugar and carbs (what insulin counteracts to keep your blood sugar down)... need I go on?
Type I diabetes usually comes on before the age of 40. It's known as "juvenile diabetes" or "early onset." Some can get it before memories start, making it all they know. There are many contributing factors from being a big baby, to gestational diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, genes play a very small factor. Someone who has Type I actually has a statistically smaller chance of having a child with Type I. Then the odds return to normal. But when a Type I's grandchild is diagnosed, everyone is quick to judge and blame.
Type I is brought on by the body attempting to protect itself. The body's white blood cells are made to remove alien objects and diseases. Type I occurs when the body sees the pancreas and it's cells which produce insulin, as a threat. This can also happen if something happens in the pancreas making those defensive cells need to enter to protect their vessel. If the white blood cells become confused - insulin is created by the body, but it is created by and new. It isn't always there - they will attack the insulin and insulin creating cells (the beta cells) within the pancreas, making the body unable to continue to create this much needed hormone. This is how Type I diabetes comes about.
Recently Dr Michael Christie at University of Lincoln found the last of the cells the body fought against to make people Type I diabetics. "We have now finished identifying what the immune system is targeting - we have the complete picture." This is a ground breaking find; it will allow those who may become Type I a fighting chance to resist the change their bodies are imposing. It will be the humans version of Type II on diabetes. On top of this it can change the current treatments for current Type Is.
Unfortunately, Type Is will always remain Type Is as their bodies have learned to not produce the insulin hormone, and the beta cells that create the hormone have been destroyed. But the knowledge of what the body is fighting and destroying can help care for the future.
We can just hope that the bionic pancreas currently in FDA testing takes off, and isn't too cumbersome or crippling of physical activities. We can hope, right?
These recent finds are huge. Not only that, they aren't Canadian based, but from the UK. Most finds about diabetes have been Canadian, all the way back to insulin from Sir Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod, at the University of Toronto in 1922.
Apr 20, 2016
A New Hope for The Force Awakens
For those of you who missed the memo, Harrison Ford was actually injured on set while filming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The Millennium Falcon fell on his ankle, shattering it. Yes, Han's beloved ship injured him further than a simple coupling repair.
Surprisingly this injury was a godsend to the movie. It did delay filming but brought the needed time to recreate the chemistry and relationship between the film's two main characters; Rey and Finn. Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) had issues in their roles and interacting with one another with how The Force Awakens was originally written. With the time off that was supplied by Ford's unfortunate injury, J.J. Abrams was able to rewrite Ridley and Boyega's characters so they could refilm from the ground up and give them the connection they needed to make the movie work.
Another item needing to be addressed are the complaints on the similarities between Episode VII and Episode IV. Fans of the series have complained that The Force Awakens, and A New Hope are very similar. Abrams takes this as a compliment; they took aspects from the original movie to remind everyone why they fell in love with Star Wars. It was done on purpose. As the last movie was done so long ago, Abrams wanted to give fans that reconnection to The Original Trilogy to help draw them back in.
J.J. Abrams promises Episode VIII and IX will be more freaky.
I think it's awesome that both well known historic science fiction series are making a huge comeback in the 21st century. Just shows they were meant to "live long and prosper."
Apr 14, 2016
BREAKING NEWS: 1st Pick Changes Hands
With the NFL 2016 Draft coming close, everyone is eager to see who'll make that first pick and who will be picked.
Tennessee Titans held the first pick until recently, trading it to the Los Angeles Rams.
Los Angeles moving from St Louis starting this season, have made their first move to wow their fan base; new and old. The belief being that they'll use their new pick to snatch a quarterback in the draft, which they're in need of. They've kept their quarterback workouts quiet over the last few weeks, and this could be why.
In exchange for Tennessee's first and third round picks this year, Los Angeles traded their first, second, and third round picks of 2016, as well as their first and third round picks of 2017. A steep price for the possibility of a decent, franchise quarterback. Time will tell if that jump from 15th overall pick to 1st was worth it.
Apr 11, 2016
FitBit to the Rescue
Who ever thought something so simple could save a person's life.
A 42 year old man was admitted to the ER in Camden, New Jersey with a fast and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). The decision to use a defibrillator in such cases can be the difference between giving a patient a stroke or not.
In this case it was noted the patient had on a FitBit Charge HR, and it may well have saved his life. Due to the device synchronising his heart rates throughout the day, the medical team could see where his heart rate was while he was hit by his seizure. It told them it was not due to a chronic medical condition, meaning zap him good as the defibrillator won't dislodge a blood clot which would then give him a stroke.
This being the first time an activity tracking device has been used by medical staff to make a decision so immediately relevant in saving a person's life, we wonder if more people will begin to use them.
I had a FitBit gifted to my for Christmas, and I enjoy using it, and competing with other users in weekly step challenges. (So it's out there, I kick ass.) Mine doesn't go as far as to keep track of my heart rate, and if it did I'd have shot the person who got it for me. But it's good to show how much sleep I get, and how much I walk every day.
The Road to SuperBowl LI - Reconstruction
There were a few notes I seemed to have missed in the off season, but none are too big of a worry. The one that stands out is New England's loss of LeGarrette Blount. #BlountForce was a key aspect to the Patriots winning SuperBowl XLIX, but faltered in their path to defending that title. We didn't hear a lot about him last season, so not hanging on to him does make a bit of sense. Every team does need to shake up their roster a bit, and shake off the rust.
Things we do need to remember are that the Patriots have stolen the AFC East title 13 of the 15 seasons Tom Brady has been at the wheel. That includes every season for the last 6. As much as I dislike Brady, that's nothing to bat an eye at. But again he has has a lot of help; he isn't a one man team.
An addition to the roster to hopefully replace Blount is Donald Brown. Unfortunately the Patriots could really do better, but they'll need to work with what they have on their farm team, and what they can get their hands on in the draft. Dion Lewis was a great addition, but as he tore his ACL last season, we can only hope he's up to the task. Even then... two running backs will spread other defensive lines thin as they won't know who to watch for. One strong and one weak will have them all after the one and wear him down through the season and aid in shortening his career.
Another big tight end will also help the Patriots offensvie line and their production. Rob Gronkowski can only do so much alone; again two strong guys playing one position spreads out the opposition's defence, making more points and better plays more possible.
Among the keys to victory this season is quarterback strength. You all knew I was gonna touch on it; roll your eyes if you must.
We'll start with the damn deflategate stupidness. Did it happen? I don't know. If it did, was it Brady's fault or did he take part? Again, I haven't the faintest. All I know is it continues to bother my team two seasons after the allegations arose. To be honest, it's annoying.
If Brady's ban resurfaces that leaves the quarterback duties to Jimmy Garoppolo. Anyone who follows my dislike of Brady knows I think this kid can that that role and run with it. This being said, they will need a veteran quarterback to stand behind him to replace the crappy current third stringer they have now. It's always good to have a just in case. And I mean even if Brady isn't banned, he is almost 40. It's a good idea anyway.
No matter who's standing in the role as quarterback, he needs to be protected. Patriots desperately need more depth to their offensive line to protect their captain. This lead to a ridiculous pounding by *shiver* the Denver Broncos. Not only that, they did let too much through throughout the season, me that lead to many rushed plays, and dropped balls all year.
That needs to change this season. Say it with me lads, "Protect the quarterback."
Last season, the Patriots closest divisional rival was the New York Jets. They'd be more of a worry this season I think it they actually knew who their quarterback was. And Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills seems to have an obsession with overtaking Bill Belichick. But looking at the team they were last season, ending at 8-8... they don't look much different after the off season, so they mightn't even be worth the words I'm writing about them.
We'll see what 2016 brings, but I have high hopes for the New England Patriots this season. GO PATS GO!!!
Troubling Ideals
No matter what is said, white lies will always be lies.
The world seems to have created white lies to allow people to tell mistruthes and not get trouble over them. The reality is that a lie will always be a lie, no matter what it's called.
I live life by my own code; I'm always honest no matter what the cost is. I won't lie to make others feel better about themselves or a situation. Although it's a tall order, I expect it from those around me.
Unfortunately, this constantly creates issue because people would rather lie to protect myself or themself, than just be straight up with me.
This is not to be confused with telling me absolutely everything that's going on. No. Just I'm looking for honesty. Not having time? Say you don't have time. Don't say you do and ditch or cancel, or make up something you need to do because you have something to do you're not comfortable sharing. Say you have things you need to do.
No matter how much I talk about this, or how many people I meet and say from the get go, "I'm always honest, no matter the cost." Everyone chimes in that they are too. If that were the truth, it would be amazing. But the number of people that actually mean that when they say it is abysmal.
Whenever people wonder why I'm a shut in and have less than 90 friends on Facebook, look there.
Apr 6, 2016
NSFW: Bedroom Inklings (Part I)
He steps into the room, allowing the door to close behind him as he looks across the room directly into her eyes. She could feel his want for her from there, and her body tingled with excitement and anticipation.
He stepped towards her, slowly sliding his jacket off, dropping it in a heap on the floor, the rain seeming to spring off it from the drizzle outside. She could hear him growl to her in his low baritone as he came ever closer, asking if she'd been a good girl.
He leaned into her as she sat on the bed, his whispers in her ear giving her goosebumps, the feel of his slightly stubbly face barely touching her
cheek making the hair on the back of her neck stand upright in pleasure.
Her heart beating so loud, surely he could hear it. Understand what she wanted from him from her breath as it accelerated as he touched her. His hands almost loving.
With one swift movement he threw her back on the bed, tearing her shirt open and away from her body; the passion he felt for her unable to be contained any longer. Her back arching toward him aching to feel him against her skin.
She gasped in surprise as he slid his cool fingers behind the button on her pants, lifting and pulling her closer to the edge of the bed; her body aching to pull away from his cool hands while they were close to such a sensitive area, and yet the feeling was slightly pleasing too.
She reached down to wrap a hand around his strong wrist as he undid her slowly, making every moment feel like an eternity. As she felt her pants loosen, knowing all the things that could happen next and aching to know what he would choose she shuddered in suspense. Hoping for more, aching more more than a simple touch, dreaming for something more complex.
He took her wrist off his by hers, bringing it to his lips. Kissing her softly, almost delicately. Taking a little nibble with his teeth; the quick pain bringing her mind back to reality, not allowing her to lose herself in the pleasure of the moment.
He slowly kissed down her arm, leading it, extending it to get his lips on every inch as he reached down, using his other hand to grip the inside of her thigh through her jeans on the opposite end of the spectrum from his other hand and lips on her arm.
She moaned, begged, pleaded for more. She felt him smirk as continued to kiss and nibble at her arm.
Mar 26, 2016
Disappointment; Pokémon Go
There have been recent releases about Nintendo and Niantic's upcoming augmented reality baby. Between game footage, and Nintendo's release of information.
Given that the original video clips couldn't possibly be the reality of the game, but did have us all excited about, I did hope this Pokémon game would stay true to the ones I grew up with; battling wild Pokémon to increase your Pokémon's levels. Evolution by experience points. Actual gameplay with other people.
Unfortunately John Hanke showed us that the new Pokémon game would be closer to Niantic's original, mobile, augmented reality game. Ingress. And Nintendo's official release made the truth of the game sting even more.
PokéStops like portals; placed in areas of landmarks and such. Gyms acting like portals, Pokémon battling for teams' rights to them. Trainers gaining experience as opposed to their Pokémon. Pokémon not battling wild Pokémon; the world essentially being one big Safari Zone. Throw rock, bait, or ball.
And evolution? Catch multiples of one Pokémon to make one evolve.
What happened to Pokémon guys? Who broke this game that was so amazing, it had everyone wishing they could go out to become a Pokémon Master?
In the original games, a trainer's experience was based on their collection of gym badges, and Pokémon's experience was created through battle. This whole game - if all information currently released is true - is no longer Pokémon. It's a farce. Made to be a revamped version of Ingress.
I get that Niatic aided in creating this Pokémon game, and parts would be similar. But they've removed the whole side of Pokémon that people played the game for. It's like N64's Pokémon Snap, on steroids.
They really need to rethink what they're doing to the Pokémon franchise.
Mar 16, 2016
Changes Coming in 2016
I'll click these through in chronological order.
Nate Ebner, the ace of the New England special teams, is taking time off to go for the American Rugby team in Rio this year.
Huh...
Chandler Jones traded off to the Arizona Cardinals for Jonathan Cooper and a 2nd round draft pick this year. Jones a good pass rusher being what the Cardinals were in search of. And Cooper drafted 7th in 2013, and ranked 50th offensive guard in 2015 being a help to the Patriots' aging a frail quarterback.
Brady rushed and making bad decisions last season cost the team quite a bit when they needed him to be the offensive leader the most. Cooper putting pressure on the other guards (Shaq Mason and Josh Kline) to play better, may give Brady more time to think in the pocket come 2016. But Cooper has yet to truly live up to his expectations. So we'll need to wait and see.
The trade is contingent on both players passing their physicals, as Jones was hospitalised in January for some sketchy weed.
After reading Jones, Patriots signed free-agent, defensive end Chris Long to a one year contract. As the 2nd pick in the 2008 draft, Long has some experience, and has proven his worth. Unfortunately with age in that position comes injuries. But he's looking to join a team to get himself a SuperBowl ring. This would be the right place.
Martellus Bennett of the Chicago Bears is welcomed into the offensive ranks of the New England Patriots. They also grab themselves a 6th round pick to boot, in exchange for their 4th round pick.
Martellus will stand with Rob Gronkowski as a 1-2 punch as a tight end on the Patriots offensive line.
Mar 15, 2016
Ignorance and its Blissfulness
I've seen some pretty ignorant people in my life. But in this day and age, racism still shocks me.
Yeah, the current US election is kind of being run on rear and racism and ignorance... but this is Canada. That is... like Germany before World War II, where Hitler used his words, the people's fear and ignorance, and his charisma to be elected.
Anyway, this is not a blog about that election. I'm here to talk about the laymen who still hold that ignorance.
I have several co-workers that are (trying really hard to be as politically correct as I can while still painting a decent picture) the visual stereotypes that are seen as immigrants, which have been placed upon groups of people in an unfair way. Like people who's race or religion requires them to dress a certain way, or wear certain things.
When I'm not writing, or running my own business, I work at a department store that is known throughout North America. So I see many people and customers, and interact with them when they're both positive or negative impact on everyone's day.
I had a gentleman come in who was being a bit unclear of what he was looking for. Saying he wanted to go through cash, but people were trying to kill him. Upon further investigation, he was refusing to go to the cash register because our only cashier at that time in the morning was someone who again, was being seen as an immigrant because of a visual stereotype that had been given to the way she looked, and what she wore.
The customer was refusing to go to her cash because "they have books that tell them to kill me, and I can't have her touch my food because she wants to kill me."
This fellow had a trenchcoat on at 7am which sported Canadian flag eplettes, and the whole outfit was finished off by... slippers, which the backs had been broken on as he clearly put them on repeatedly by not sliding his feet all the way in.
It took everything in my power to not reach across the counter and beat the man for his level of ignorance.
The point of freedom is having the power to free speech. Yes. But it also allows people to dress as they choose, and worship those they choose, and follow the religion they choose. Yes, he's free it be ignorant, just as I'm free to want to kick the shit out of him and think he's an ignorant pig. Just as my cashier is free to be the person she is without penalty of persecution.
The situation has been remedied, thank goodness. We learned that we are to remove people who are going to be out and out rude and disrespectful to those around them, from the building.
The experience is a shock to my system, as where I'm living is such a diverse city.
Those Pesky Apps
We've been lead to believe that closing our apps in the background on our phones is saving us battery life. Google and Apple have confirmed this is nonsense. Closing open, unused apps doesn't change the battery life on your mobile device.
Mobile devices - both android and iPhone - have programs within them to do that work on their own. They have algorithms that will close apps that are unused and are using excessive amounts of power and memory while dormant. Closing apps that are in the background won't extend your battery life, but restarting the apps you close will decrease it.
Like putting your computer to sleep, as opposed to a complete off before turning git back on; restarting an app from scratch can make your phone lag while pulling all the information back up, making the process consume more power.
Keys to saving your phone's battery would be decreasing your screen brightness, and turning off that pesky background app refresh. There's your power killers.
Mar 12, 2016
2016 Just Got Brighter
I'm sorry, but I'm a bit giddy currently.
As we all know Peyton Manning retired as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Anyone who wasn't paying attention, and/or wasn't a Broncos fan also knows that Brock Osweiler also left the Broncos ranks for the Houston Texans, leaving Broncos General Manager John Elway to rebuild his quarterback roster from the ground up.
Can you see why I'm buzzing?
Broncos have brought aboard veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles, for a 7th round conditional draft pick in 2017.
Do then need someone there? Yep. Is this guy the fix they need to return to the SuperBowl? Maybe, but I doubt it. They didn't trade a player AND a draft pick. They traded a conditional SEVENTH ROUND draft pick.
Patriots fans, 2016 looks so much brighter.
Mar 5, 2016
Peanut Butter Problems
Anyone who knows me, knows I preach about the bodies ability to build an immunity to things it's exposed to. Such as "guys with beards get sick less often," "breast fed babies get antibodies for everything their mother was exposed to," and my favourite "kids that play in the mud are healthier."
Peanuts are the same; who knew.
"Peanut allergy theory backed up by new research." Studies have been done to show that babies early exposure to peanuts on a regular basis cut the chances if an allergy by 80%. And if fed peanuts and peanut butter on a regular basis to the age of 5, they can go 1 year without peanuts and still maintain their resistance to the allergy.
As usual, people who think they know everything have created a food fear within parents and made them believe things without the proper studies being done beforehand.
So again, let your damn kids play in the mud.
Breast feed if you can. Some believe the formula is better; I'm sure it has aspects that are better. But in my eyes LONG TERM HEALTH is the only aspect that truly matters. And I realize not all mothers CAN breast feed; that's not your choice or fault, and you shouldn't be treated differently because of it.
And for heaven's sake, do hour research before jumping on a bandwagon.
Feb 29, 2016
A Decade More of Brady
Sadness comes across the crowd as the clouds roll in. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots come to a two year contract extension agreement, as his contract was to expire next season - as long as Brady stays uninjured - Patriots fans will have another three years of Brady football. And in October he stated he wanted to play football for another decade.
As Brady turns 39 this August, and we could see the decline in his game play last season, I don't get why this is even on the table.
I get he's good, but he's becoming a shadow of himself.
Jimmy Garoppolo being on the suggested trading block as Patriots don't have a first round pick. I'm just sitting here shaking my head. You need to let that kid loose. He's gonna be something. Don't drop him because Brady wants to play another decade. Just because he wants to, doesn't mean he deserves to. And we've seen Garoppolo make damn good use of his receivers. Last season Brady struggled.
If the Patriots trade Garoppolo because Brady may stick around, and they want a first round pick, all they have is an ex-second string quarterback that lost that spot to the kid you traded away. And when Brady gets hurt, you're stuck with a Brock Osweiler, or worse.
Work with what you have this draft. Work with what you've already worked with to this point. Better Garoppolo, show faith in your second string team. All a first round pick will do is throw a new kid in the mix of guys that may never see NFL gameplay. Work with the players you already have who know the plays. Better them; they already have a chemistry within your team and locker room.
Feb 21, 2016
Walkers, and Zombies, and Bears; Oh My!
Executive producer and director explains The Walking Dead's use of the term "walker" as opposed to "zombie."
The literal definition if zombie is a Haitian term for a person who is being controlled by voodoo.
George Romero was the first to bring about the use of the term "zombie" in pop culture, although the fans of his Night of the Living Dead (1968) were the ones who applied the term to his reanimated corpses.
This is why you will never hear characters within The Walking Dead use the term "zombie" to refer to the endless scores of bad guys they battle through every episode. Their scriptwriters are very cautious of that.
Feb 9, 2016
PayPal & Netflix
As we all know, Netflix has been working on tracking down everyone and every IP and VPN engine that gives their users the ability to look as though their watching from somewhere else.
This task more difficult than Netflix realized, had them reach out for help from PayPal. PayPal being one huge way people can pay for things online, has the ability to find these services that receive payment through them to get their work around VPNs.
TorrentFreak reported that PayPal sent Canadian based VPN service UnoTelly that it would no longer offer them the ability to be paid through them under "copyright infringement" grounds.
If you actually read the terms and conditions, you'll know what I'm talking about.
Engadget says that PayPal shot itself in the foot by doing this, as UnoTelly just told it's users to just pay with credit cards, which then cuts into PayPal's business. But if you look at the big picture, PayPal had already cut off their ability to earn money from UnoTelly. They weren't going to offer to accept payments for them.
So the only thing that happened is that yeah PayPal lost business, but it was business they knew they would lose by sending that message. Just their intended reaction from thay action was not also cutting largely into the groups of people using UnoTelly to watch Netflix with a catalogue of movies they wanted.
Yes, SOME people may not be able to make those credit card payments, and were probably working with PayPal so they didn't have to worry about paying with a credit card they may not have. But not all if them. So PayPal has removed some of the users, just not all that they had intended. And again, they were cutting UnoTelly off, so the business would have been lost anyway. They knew that beforehand.
Again Netflix, would it not be easier to just make the location of a person irrelevant, and offer everyone the same movies and TV shows worldwide?
#ThankYouBeastMode
"He's not carrying the football, he's carrying his team. That's who he is. That's what he's done." (T Cable)
Marshawn Lynch tweeted a photo during SuperBowl L of hung up cleats. He will be missed. There were times he seemed unstoppable when he got ahold of that football.
So as this five-time Pro Bowler hangs up his cleats - as his tweet, and his agent (Doug Hendrickson) are indicating - we wonder what's in store for him now. At 29, he's said to have saved all of his NFL contract income amounting to roughly $50 million, and been living solely off of his endorsement money.
I'm sure the endorsements won't stop for a while.
Good luck and farewell.
Next up; Peyton Manning.
Ottawa and Toronto in Cahoots
Ottawa and Toronto are working together? What?
Two Ontario teams in rebuilds. The blue team since 1967, the Sens for just the last few years. I heard once about a trade between the pair years ago, and the Ottawa Senators owner said something along the lines of him not trading to a team down Highway 417 again. Both of these Canadian teams are not only in the Eastern Conference, but the Atlantic Division.
Usually teams won't trade unless they're getting something they want or need, and as both teams compete on a nightly basis within a division... even if both get good from a deal, their still helping a team they're in contention with.
Toronto traded away their captain, Dion Phaneuf (the first Leafs captain to be traded away since Doug Gilmour was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 1997), and a bunch of no names (Matt Frattin, Ryan Rupert, and Casey Bailey) in this nine player deal; although the name Casey Bailey does ring a bell for some reason, and a defensive prospect in Cody Donaghey.
Ottawa surrendering Jared Cowen, Milan Michalek, Colin Greening, Tobias Lindberg, and a 2nd round draft pick in 2017.
Some seem to see this as a push for Ottawa to make the playoffs; they're 4 points out of a Wild Card spot. And Toronto? Well, they're tied for last in the East with Columbus, and have games in hand.
Given that Jared Cowen hasn't done a ton this season, and Lindberg isn't a household name, I still see 4 players and a prospect being traded for 5 ex-blue team members (bags of pucks). To me, Michalek will be the largest loss to the Sens this season. Phaneuf better have been worth it.
Feb 7, 2016
SuperBowl L - Game Day
Bring on SuperBowl L! Will I be going out of my way to watch? Nope.
Here's what this game boils down to.
The nearly undefeated Carolina Panthers who've only lost one game this season, against the Denver Broncos, that relied on their home field advantage to take the AFC title.
SuperBowl XLVIII; Broncos blow out the New England Patriots in Denver to take the AFC title. Face the Seattle Seahawks for the big dance; can't even score a touchdown. Get blown out.
SuperBowl XLIX; Broncos can't inch past the Indianapolis Colts to the AFC finals. Patriots dominate the Colts, limiting them to only a touchdown, and face the Defending Champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Win sparingly.
SuperBowl L, this year; Broncos vs Patriots in Denver. Broncos win by 2.
If the past foreshadows at all, the Broncos will be utterly dominated. Playing a team that was known for their defensive prowess, and flexed their offensive strength against the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers, who were the last of the undefeated teams this season. First and only loss coming in Week 16, to the Atlanta Falcons.
Let's face facts; it isn't looking good.
I'm not saying, "Broncos have no chance. They will lose." I'm just saying that given the stats and numbers, they have their game set up for them, and it doesn't look like a fun go.
With Peyton Manning's contract ending after this season, it would be nice to see such an amazing player go out as a champ. But then again he could pull a Brett Favre and stick around. As nice as seeing him leave on a win, the Broncos will really have their work cut out for them, and the Panthers will not hand it to them. And they shouldn't. But the blind fans need to just see what others see, the odds, stats, and figures of the situation.
Mean really Broncos fans, do you want to be the Leafs fans for the NFL? Blindly cheering no matter how awful the situation.
The blue team is very different; the Broncos are respectable, and can win. Do win. But your answer to being part of SuperBowl L and argument to why you win at home against others can't be, "Who's playing in the SuperBowl this year?" and "LET'S GO BRONCOS!!! LET'S GO!"
We'll find out how they stack up at 6:30pm.
Feb 6, 2016
Weighted Conversions
There are two taboo topics with women; age and weight.
I've already touched on the age insanity in Pretty Little Vixens, so guess where I'm at now.
Women will believe what they want to believe. You have morbidly obese chicks who just think their god's gift to the world; then you have women who no matter what you say, do, or how they look, they will not believe positive; then there are the women who will twist anything you say so no matter how polite you are, you're being a right asshole.
There is a difference between "round" and "curvaceous." And there's a difference between telling someone, "You're fat," and "I'm trying to make sure you're healthy."
Its really hard to phrase this conversation, but when someone tries to look out for you and your well being, and states they understand why it's difficult to make this change, and keep change... accept it. Don't take it as they're calling you fat.
People need to be more accepting of opinions that are broached educatedly. I'm not saying everyone can have this conversation. They can't. It takes two receptive people, and one who can work their words to say things that will not cause damage or offence.
So women, when you're speaking with someone who is actively trying to choose their words cautiously to offend you in the least possible way, appreciate it. Try to not hear "you're fat," and try to hear what's being said, as opposed to what you only want to believe their saying.
My back up to this topic is again Philip DeFranco, with his comments of Ashley Graham being the first Sports Illustrated plus-sized model. And bravo to her!
But some do see it as pandering, as where do the healthy women end, and the unhealthy large women begin. It is healthy to have a little meat on your bones. I thoroughly enjoy women built that way. It is not healthy to be stupid stick thin like models currently. Just as it is not healthy to be too rotund.
Yeah, I've decided to drop the polite shit.
When you become overly large it's not good on your body, organs, tissues, muscles and joints. It wears on your heart which shortens your life span, and wrecks joints such as knees (and elbows if you lean on them) as they have to carry you, same as your muscles.
When someone pipes up its for your well being take it as someone looking out for you; not just being an ass and calling you a fat tub of lard.
Feb 2, 2016
Review: In the Heart of the Sea
A movie based on a tale as old as time (excuse the Beauty and the Beast reference). This movie actually isn't a film about Moby Dick. It's the creation if the story. How the fictional novel was created; drawing to light that this best selling work if fiction is in fact based in a true story.
Present is the tale of a great white whale, ravaging a whaling ship in the sea. Not present is Captain Ahab and Queequeg, in the story narrated by Ishmael. More so the battle between Owen Chase the first mate of The Essex, and her Captain George Pollard. Story recounted by the only remaining, surviving member of her crew, Tom Knickerson, to the novellest looking recreate himself to the world with a new work which we all now know as Moby Dick, Herman Melville.
I feel I may have already given so much away, and I apologize. But there is more to the movie than I have shared. And the opening would have let all that away in much less detail, especially to those who don't really know the story of Moby Dick.
Even though it was an amazing film, and the terrifying monster that is the great white whale was finally brought to life, I will admit to expecting much more from this movie.
The graphics and whale hunting scenes were astounding, as was the destruction of The Essex. But if you're not in for the long haul, the movie can be a little slow.
Then again, so is The Mutiny on The Bounty.
Feb 1, 2016
Review: Pan
I hate doing this, but I want to start off with the negatives. The new Pan film, is a bit too fantastical. I do enjoy a good fantasy film and novel when I pick up a book - no matter how few and far between they may be - but there is a line.
The historic tale of Peter Pan is very fantastical; rife with flying kids, pirates on ships that fly, fairies, a clock eating alligator, and mermaids. But those things can be done in a way that don't make it too childish and immature.
Peter Pan has had many takes done on it before, but I have yet to see one like this. Pan is a prequel to the Peter Pan story we all know and love. This is good as everything before the original - to me at least - has been veiled in mystery. How did he get to Neverland? Why does he not age? How did that rooster crowing, fearless, crazy kid meet Tinkerbell, and learn to fly?
This movie gives us answers to these questions, and so many more brought about by the well known story of Peter Pan. This on top of unlikely friendships, and new enemies.
And just when you think it can tie off the gap, it leaves it open for a sequel to itself, and another prequel to Peter Pan. So yes, it's leading us "second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning."
Jan 29, 2016
Netflix Clamping Down
According to Rich McCormick of The Verge, Netflix has started clamping down on the IP and VPN changers around the world. Those users who like to taste a little bit of everything offered around the world will soon - if not already - be out of luck.
Japanese user and writer for The Verge lost service early morning on then 28th of January while watching Archer, while trying to complete Season 5 and make his way to Season 6.
All I have to ask Netflix, is why not have us all paying the same for the same selection of TV shows and movies?
I know you need to get different certifications and what not to play everything in difference countries, but why do we all only get to see certain things. North America should be able to watch all the same things; and as you are around the world, its only fair for every one of your paying subscribers to be able to watch and enjoy all the same media.
In all fairness, everything should be equal.
Jan 26, 2016
The Road to SuperBowl L - Game Day
I'm gonna start with the halftime show.
Coldplay opened it well; I liked and knew the first two songs. Great crowd interaction. Then brought Bruno Mars.
That man's great with music. It was my first time seeing him perform, and Uptown Funk is a favourite. If anyone hasn't noticed yet, he is very Michael Jackson-esque. This is a compliment, and should be taken as such.
The way he looks, sings, acts, dances... they can remind one of a young Michael Jackson, but they are his own too. So between Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake the 21st century is in good musical hands.
Then Beyonce. I can really do without. She doesn't interest me.
When could play started with Clocks on the piano it got to me. As the stage showed halftime shows of SuperBowls past, I started tearing up. That was a good touch to commemorate previous SuperBowls.
The game... *sigh*
Cam Newton looked like a young kid who got invited to the prom. And that is something he can say he's done that I haven't. I was almost to go to prom before it was my year, but... no such luck. But I digress.
Early in you could see the game getting to him; the crowd and the people. The sound. And with his unease his offensive line started to crumble, allowing sacks to no end. Even when he got a ton of time in the pocket, he rushed the play and would under or over throw the intended receiver. And when he did hit them they had trouble keeping their hands on it.
One receiver actually got blasted right in the chest with the ball, and it bounced straight back to the line of scrimmage. And it wasn't a short pass, so you could tell there was some mustard on it.
This isn't to say Peyton Manning had an amazing game either.
Broncos did win, and I'm glad Peyton Manning can now finish out his current contract with a SuperBowl Championship.
It was a decently close game until closer to the end.
The Broncos defence were strong, and outplayed the Panthers offence. But the Panthers defence did figure out the Broncos offence too, which was amazing to see them have some fighting hope after seeming to scramble to find footing.
To be honest I was expecting a lot more fight out of the Panthers. Again, I'm glad Manning now has the ability to end his career on a win, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have liked to a the Panthers come out to a win.
Congratulations to the Denver Broncos on their SuperBowl L victory.
Now on to SuperBowl LI; good luck to Brock Osweiler.
Jan 19, 2016
The Road to SuperBowl L - Conference Finals
Well anyone who's read can tell where I'm gonna stand on all this.
AFC title was taken by the Denver Broncos. I said it would be; home field advantage for the Broncos. Again, the only true team to have home team advantage.
Close game, but Patriots didn't score a ton early, and it cost them dearly. Behind before the end of the 3rd quarter, I knew it was over. 12-17 then, means they fouled up on a point after attempt, or could only manage to get into position enough for two field goals.
Denver winning 18-20 makes me wonder again when the Patriots will give a new quarterback a chance. Brady unable to complete passes, and getting intercepted all game - yes they finished only two behind, but the game could have been changed by two simple factors; playing in New England, and completing passes.
As for the Arizona Carolina match up for the NFC, we know who was bound to win that one. The surprising side being that the Panthers did it so explosively.
An offensive presence enough to only lose one this season, but known for their defenseman; playing a team that was said to be their most difficult opponents for the season, they destroyed them offensively. Now we know how deep the Carolina Panthers roster is.
The only question remaining; can they stand up against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos? If SuperBowl XLVIII showed us anything... yeah, the Panthers have a shot.
Jan 14, 2016
Here for One Reason
Generally when I use the washroom, I have a specific reason to be there. That reason is not to hold a conversation.
Having a Service Dog can make doing some of the simplest tasks a challenge. Taking a leak for instance. All I want to do is focus on the task at hand. I have no interest in talking with you about my dog, her breed, her job and how she does it.
And when I finish, I want to wash my hands and leave. Not need to battle my way around you to get to the sink, while you stare at me.
And no I don't use the lovely germ spewers; I use paper towel. And no... I don't want you to grab me some, I am more than capable of getting my own.
I'm sure everything I've said makes sense, and everyone feels the same in some respects. I'm sure conversation about anything with any stranger in the public washroom is frowned upon.
If only more felt that way.
Jan 11, 2016
The Road to SuperBowl L - Divisional Weekend
"Here. we. GO!" (Mike Goldberg)
Carolina Panthers continue their winning ways, defeating the Seattle Seahawks by 7. Having only lost one game this season, we all know who'll be the home team on SuperBowl Weekend. If they lose another game this season, they'll be finished until pre-season.
Denver Broncos climb over the Pittsburgh Steelers, besting them by 7. Their longest passing play of the game credited to Peyton Manning's *cough* "fancy" footwork. So kids if you feel you're completely screwed, just flop down like certain bits of grandpa's anatomy.
Despite owning the field on rushing yards, the Green Bay Packers drop the game by 6 points to the Arizona Cardinals. Green Bay held 95 more rushing yards, but the Cardinals held down the fort even though they gave up 2 times as many interceptions.
Julian Edelman finally back; Rob Gronkowski receiving passes to boast about, Patriots survive the Divisional Weekend by 7 points. The New England Patriots receivers did struggle to catch passes throughout the first half, but once Edelman shook the rust off, the Patriots took off against the Kansas City Chiefs. Never falling behind, but the game was still too close for comfort.
Not they need to try and hold it together in the Denver Broncos wicked, mile high stadium. My belief to key of victory; score often, early. They seem to be able to hold up larger leads come the 3rd and 4th quarter, but have issue pushing to get points on the board because of the thin air so high above sea level.
Score early, score often, defend as SuperBowl Champions. Also, get your asses into Denver as soon as possible. Try to acclimatise as much as possible before the next game.
Jan 9, 2016
The Road to SuperBowl L - Wildcard Weekend
Four teams play in the AFC Wildcard Weekend, and only half of them defeated the Denver Broncos in regular season play.
Kansas City Chiefs (now slated to match up with the New England Patriots in the Divisional Weekend having blown out the Houston Texans) lost by a touchdown in Week 2 to the Broncos in Kansas, but beat them by 16 points in Week 9, in Denver.
Week 14 showed the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Broncos by a touchdown, but they did it in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh will be matched up against Denver next weekend having beat the Cincinnati Bengals by 2.
I'm sorry (not really), but I'm hoping The Broncos have another upset in the Divisional Weekend, just like last year. I want a nice clear shot for the New England Patriots to the SuperBowl.
New England will be playing against the Kansas City Chiefs next week. Hopefully they're still riding their high off for this blow out win, so the Patriots can take them by surprise.
Green Bay destroyed the Washington Redskins.
Seattle Seahawks are making another run the the SuperBowl Finals; this'll be their third year in attendance if they can make it. Their performance against the Viqueens makes it seem questionable. They did only win by 1.
Dark Side or Light Side? Which one has the cookies?
The first time I saw Star Wars I was very, "Go Rebels! Light side ALL the way." But as I grew up I realized. As I grew up I realized that yeah they're portrayed as the "good guys." But in the Original Trilogy they are the bad guys. They are rebels. Activists. Extremists.
In Star Wars Episodes I through III, the Dark Side is the bad guys. But come Episodes IV, V, and VI the rebellion are the ones shaking down the universe, while the Imperial Army, and The First Order who both work along side the Dark Side, are for organization and order. The Dark Side is the democracy and governing power we push for in reality.
Given the choice between being a Jedi or a Sith, what would you choose?
As a kid, just learning and seeing the Light Side being the Jedi I did the whole Jedi thing. But now... Sith, every time. Why not use your emotion to give you power, rather than suppress it? And come to think of it... sex is awesome. Something else the Jedi Priesthood (let's just call it what it is) would stand against.
So yeah, I'd look the bad guy. Be scary. So scary I don't need to do a damn thing to get shit done my way. I'll keep my emotions on my sleeve to make my power stronger, and I'll get the kick ass weapons the bad guys always seem to get. I'll stand for order in the universe, and enjoy myself some sexual pleasures. After all, my mind powers work on the week minded.
How much fun could a Sith Lord have?
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