Blackhawks Vs. Sharks Review (Dec. 11, 10)

A hot-handed Ryane Clowe (#29, pictured above) and company showed up to face reigning Stanley Cup champions in a re-match to prove which team is the best in the west. Both teams looked evenly matched to start the game. Antti Niemi (#31, pictured below) was in goal for the Sharks and Corey Crawford was in net for the Blackhawks. It was truly a duel of the goalies as goals were very hard to find for both sides. While the goals were low, the shots and speed of the game were all high paced. Only three penalties (2 for the Blackhawks, 1 for the Sharks) were taken, keeping the pace of the game going at full speed with very little stoppages. Halfway through the first period, Jason Demers skated the puck into the zone and centered towards the net, where Player of the Month Clowe tipped it past Crawford to get the early lead for the Sharks. The lead didn't last long as the Blackhawks answered with less than two minutes left in the first period to tie the game up. The Sharks thought they got one with only seconds left on the board, but upon video review it was shown that Crawford was able to get the stick down in time and stopped the puck from ever crossing the goal line keeping the game tied up at one a piece.

During the second and third periods, both teams had their scoring chances but the goalie workshop that was put on by the two netminders kept everything out of the net, well almost everything. The Sharks dodged a bullet when the referee lost sight of the puck on a hard shot that Nemo thought he had. Yet at the last instant, the puck trickled into the net but because the referee lost sight of it, he blew the play dead and the goal was disallowed. A few minutes later, a great pass from the D to Logan Couture launched him into the Blackhawks zone where he split the defense with a great deke. Unfortunately, he and not the puck ended up behind Crawford in the net. The impacted caused Couture to cut the net with his skate which caused a minor delay as the Shark Tank crew repaired the torn net.

Thornton, Clowe, Pavelski, and Couture all had great scoring chances in the third as did the Blackhawks but Nemo and Crawford kept the game tied at one a piece, forcing a five minute overtime period. On an offensive zone faceoff, the Sharks were able to quickly gain control of the puck and start a cycle by passing the puck back and forth from the defense on the points to the wingers on the boards. This constant movement helped open up passing lanes and kept the Blackhawks guessing as who was going to take the shot. Marc-Edouard Vlasic faked the shot and made a beautiful pass that found Clowe all alone near the net. Clowe one-timed the puck past Crawford to win the game in overtime. Niemi and Clowe definitely get the nod for this victory as both came up big when the Sharks needed them the most. The Blackhawks goalie was also very impressive, keeping his team alive when the Sharks were dominating play. A great rivalry was born in last year's Western Conference Finals and this year, the Sharks are 2-0 against the Blackhawks. The Sharks will meet the Blackhawks two more times this season to determine which team is the best. Look for updates in March, as the last match-up between these two teams will be televised on Versus.

Simulating The Past

I have always been a huge fan of the old school style RPGs. Commonly referred to as Tactical Role-Playing Games or TRPGs, I know them by their Japanese name: Strategy Simulation Games (In Japan TRPGs refer to table-top games). And one of my favorites in the genre is Shining Force, a 16-bit cartridge classic from the Sega Genesis. It was one of the hand-me-down consoles I got from my brother, including an old NES, that introduced me to the world of video games. While I enjoyed a lot of his old games including Sid Meier's remade Pirates! Gold, Shining Force introduced me to a new element in video games that would soon change the way I defined gaming - story. The combination of characters that actually had personality and a compelling story forever changed the way I played and chose my video games. It also introduced me to my favorite video game genre. It seems that nowadays you don't see too many simulation RPGs around, with many RPGs moving towards real-time action but luckily for me, Shining Force was included in Sega's Ultimate Collection which allows me to go back and relive the past on my PS3. If you're like me and want a taste of the good old games of Simulation RPGs, I'd definitely recommend picking up Jeanne d'Arc for the PSP, a great modern Simulation game from Level 5. Tactics Ogre is also returning to the West with the PSP version of Let Us Cling Together. With new and old games alike still alive and well in the Simulation RPG genre, I can't help but remember the good old 16-bit era days while looking forward to next level in gaming.

Clock Stopper

Sharks fans were treated to two great games with the Sharks facing off against Detroit and Philly. I was treated because both games were televised on Versus, a national sports channel, which allowed me to watch both games in glorious HD. These two games proved two major points - that every second counts and that the Sharks weren't going down without a fight. Proving me wrong in almost every way, I almost feel as if I should just delete my previous blog and start over. While it was only two games, these two games showed why the Sharks are playoff contenders and reminded me of what they are truly capable of. Let's hope the Sharks have finally found their way back to their winning ways.

The first game found the Sharks in Hockey Town, ready to face the number one team in the West - the Detroit Red Wings. As the first period got under way, the Wings dominated the Sharks, putting on the pressure and keeping puck position for what seemed like most of the game. Actually, the Sharks didn't touch the puck once in six minutes at one point in the first period, six minutes! Detroit by far is one of the best puck moving and best puck controlling teams. If you ever want to see how skilled they are, all you have to do is check out a few game highlights on NHL.com to see their talent. The puck barely stays on any Red Wings' player for more than a second before he passes it on to another skilled player. The shear speed of movement had the Sharks spinning in their defensive zone, figuratively and literally. It was only a matter of time before the Wings would strike and they found the opportunity when rookie defenseman Derek Joslin took a penalty in his own zone. They quickly capitalized with a shot from the blue line that was redirected past Niemi. The Sharks were also guilty of taking some seriously bad penalties in the first which had them playing defense for most of the first period. Some good stick work and a lucky bounce launched Heatley and Thornton on a shorthanded two-on-one opportunity. Jumbo of course did not shoot the puck but opted to pass it to hot handed Heater. As the play quickly developed, Heater faked the shot and passed the puck back to Jumbo who was able to lift it past the sprawling Detroit goalie to tie the game up with a shorthanded goal. With minutes left in the first period and once again on a power play, Detroit found the back of the net to give them the go-ahead-goal.

Completely dominated by the Red Wings, coach Todd McLellan would later refer to it as the worst first period the Sharks have ever played. I'm sure they were reamed out pretty well for their lack of commitment and effort because the starting of the second brought new life to the Sharks. With puck control and a great cycle going in the Red Wings' zone, the Sharks were able to get the puck to the point where Wallin was waiting to power one through and tied the game. With barely enough time to catch their breathe, Clowe protected the puck and was able to feed it to Logan Couture (#39, pictured above) who made it 3-2 only eight seconds later. The Red Wings got their scoring chance when the puck trickled past Niemi, but Nemo was able to see it and stop it with his glove before it crossed the line.

A sloppy turnover in the neutral zone came back to bite the Wings when the puck found its way onto Dany Heatley's stick. Heater, with a great rush down the right wing, was able to just blister the puck past Howard for a little more insurance: 4-2 Sharks. The third period found each team with equal opportunities but the icing on the cake came when Couch redirected the puck into the net (play pictured above). Because it went off his skate, the goal had to be reviewed (puck cannot be kicked in) but was deemed a good goal making the game a 5-2 victory for the Sharks.

Two days later, The Sharks found themselves in Philly facing the number two team in the whole league, the Flyers. Calder Trophy hopefuls Logan Couture and Flyers goalie Bobrovsky (pictured above) would face off numerous times in this insane game. Again, the Sharks seemed to come out of the gate flatfooted with the Flyers dominating play in the first. This time it was Niittymaki in goal to help keep the Sharks alive while they tried to find their game. The sluggish first period seemed to be over with the last faceoff draw in the Flyers zone but Thornton was able to win the draw and throw the puck back to the D who blasted it towards the net where Ryane Clowe was waiting to tip it past Bobrovsky. Four seconds to go in the period and the Sharks had a one goal lead.

The second period was all orange as the Flyers came back to brutalize the Sharks with three quick goals that found Nitty all alone with the rest of the Sharks just trying to find the puck. One such goal found rookie defenseman Justin Braun watching Nitty make the save rather than trying to tie up a Flyer's stick. This mistake allowed Giroux to gather the rebound and bury it for the game-tying goal. Things would not get better for the Sharks as the Flyers were able to score two more quick games when Nitty was left out to dry by his D-men who seemed to not know where they were supposed to be. The Sharks almost got one back when John McCarthy deflected the puck in off of his skate, but unlike Couch's goal against Detroit, it was ruled to be a "distinct kicking motion" and the goal was disallowed, the game remained: 3-1 Flyers.

The Sharks came back to work in the third period but the Flyer's were the ones to capitalize with a great shot-deflection that made it 4-1 Flyers. The game seemed all but over, after all a three goal deficit in the third period is not something easily overcome. The newly returned Jason Demers had something to say about that when he skated the puck into the slot and beat the Flyer's goalie top shelf to try and get the Sharks back into the game. Minutes later, the rookie leading-scorer, Logan Couture, buried the puck past a scrambling Flyer's goalie to get the Sharks within one and there was still time enough on the clock for a spectacular comeback. Then on a beautiful, and I mean beautiful set play (I mean it, click the picture above to watch the replay if you don't believe me) Jumbo Joe found an offensive zone faceoff and was able to chip the puck right to a streaking Pavelski (#8, pictured above) who ripped it past Bobrovsky's glove to the game at 4-4. With a few more chances, the Flyer's tried to end the game in regulation but Nitty said no and sent the game into 4-on-4 overtime.

With the abbreviated 5 minute overtime period, both the Sharks and the Flyers had their fair share of looks but solid defensive work kept both teams alive. Then, matching minor penalties made things really interesting as the last two minutes of play became 3-on-3. A neutral zone turnover sent the Flyers racing into the Sharks zone and Flyer's forward Richards was able to beat Niittymaki just before the buzzer sounded (play pictured above) . . . or did he? If you look closer at the photo above, you can see that the little black speck did not cross the red line before the clock hit zero, robbing the Flyers of an overtime victory and sending the game into a shootout. With Nitty standing tall, he was able to beat Briere with a great pad save. Couture was up next and with a nifty head deke, he was able to go five hole and score. Giroux tried to beat Niittymaki but shot it wide, with Clowe ready in the wings, if he scored he would win the shootout and the game. For being such a big guy, Clowe has some serious stick skills and showed it off by deking and backhanding the puck up stairs past the Flyer's goalie to cap off a crazy game with a Sharks victory.

Both games were well played and the game against Philly was just crazy. Niemi and Niitymaki really kept the Sharks alive as both first periods were played poorly for the other Sharks players. A few rookie mistakes almost cost the Sharks their wins but being able to find the offensive pressure helped to elevate them over two prominent opponents. It was nice to see that the scoring was spread around a little bit more evenly as well with Couture, Clowe, and Heatley really making a huge difference for their team. The Sharks have one more game to go before they return to San Jose to face the Stanley Cup champs. Now it's time to see what the Sharks a really made of.

Blackhawks Vs. Sharks Preview (Dec. 11, 10)

The Chicago Blackhawks fly into town once again to face off against their Western Conference final opponent from last season. Their first meeting back in November pitted Antti Niemi against his former team and the Stanley Cup Champions. With Dany Heatley (#15, pictured below) striking first, it was a hard fought battle as Jamal Mayers, Joe Pavelski, and Patrick Marleau (#12, pictured at bottom) each scored for the Sharks. The Blackhawks answered with goals from Dowell and Sharp. The Sharks were able to seal the deal when Patty scored an empty netter to defeat the Blackhawks 5-2.

Not even three weeks later, the Blackhawks and Sharks will face off in another showdown with the Blackhawks ready for revenge and the Sharks in desperate need for points in a stacked Pacific Division. Do I expect a different outcome this time around? Actually, yes.

The Sharks seem to have lost their way, sitting pretty in last place in the Pacific Division and out of playoff position while the Blackhawks have won seven of their last ten games (compare that to the Sharks four). While, I'm trying not to be negative, the fact is that odds are against the Sharks. Right now they are out on one of the hardest road trips, a week long sprint across North America which will pit them against some of the toughest teams in the league. Add in the serious injury problems they have faced (more on that later), it doesn't help that the Sharks haven't been able to play consistently at all this season. Chicago has had its ups and downs too, but seem to have found their groove as of late. So what exactly is wrong with the Sharks? You'd think that with the only major changes being in the goaltender position, it would be easy to blame the new guys but in all honesty it's the core group that needs to get their act together.

Nitty and Nemo have been flip-flopping back and forth on who starts so it's hard to say if one is truly better than the other. Niittymaki has the better numbers with a decent .910 save percentage compared to Niemi's .886. Lately though, Niemi has been playing quite well and had a stellar performance against the Blackhawks the first time around as well as more recently against the Ottawa Senators. With Nemo playing most of the games on such a long road trip, it has me wondering if Nitty won't be the one to start when the Sharks come back for their first home game of the month.

So, if it's not the goalies, then what's the problem? It's scoring, surprising to hear from a team that has a 50+ goalscorer, a 40+ goalscorer, and the Art Ross (most points in a season) recipient but it's true, the Sharks have already been shut out four times this year. While Heater does lead the Sharks in goals scored, he along with Patty and Jumbo have been shut out too many times and the same goes for the second line guys. Both Pavelski and Ryane Clowe (#29, pictured above) had 10+ games with no goals and Setoguchi has had worse luck with only two goals this entire season.

A weakened defensive core doesn't help either, Rob Blake's departure has truly left a void that has yet to be filled from the blue line. While I've been impressed with Huskins, Murray, and Demers - the others, Boyle, Wallin, and Vlasic have left something to be desired. Boyle, who has been a solid force both defensively and offensively has had some shaky play in the past few weeks with uncharacteristic turnovers and giveaways. I'm sure this is just a temporary phase and he will be back on par soon. As for Wallin, he is inconsistent and needs to find a way to get his job done every night. As for Vlasic, I don't know what's wrong with him except that he has a -7 rating and zero points in the last 25 games.

Now to the injuries - Setoguchi, Demers, Wallin, and Huskins have been out of the lineup for weeks. Murray and Nichol were also injured but have since returned to the lineup to give the Sharks a much needed defensive presence. Replacing the four injured are rookies Benn Ferriero, Mike Moore, Derek Joslin, and Justin Braun who have done a great job for the Sharks even with their limited experience. Ferriero has scored three goals in his last four games, making him a better asset than the player (Seto) he replaced. Justin Braun has also been impressive with his ability to get the puck up the ice quickly and his fast release. He has even scored his first NHL goal, I wouldn't be surprised to see him stick around in San Jose for a while even after everyone is healthy.

There are others on the Sharks squad that have been playing well. Take Logan Couture who is just two goals behind Heater. His name has also been thrown around when talk of the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) comes up. He does lead all rookies in scoring, shots, and faceoff win percentage. He has been by far the best Sharks player this season. Scott Nichol, John McCarthy, and Jamal Mayers have done well, fulfilling their roles on a nightly basis. Too bad they aren't a more offensive line, the Sharks could use the help. Even though Clowe has had problems scoring, he has still found a way to contribute to the team by being strong on the boards, playing well defensively, and has even found a new role in the set-up guy, trailing assist leader Thornton by only three points.

What the Sharks need right now is to find a way to play consistently. Even with their injured team and rookie filled back end, they were able to pull off an impressive 4-0 victory over the Senators, proving that they still and can win in a dominating fashion. Their lack of consistency is what has been costing them and the lack of scoring needs to be solved soon. With Detroit, Philadelphia, and Buffalo still left on their road trip before they return home, the Sharks have their work cut out for them. These points are precious in such a tight race to the playoffs. Not only are the Sharks in jeopardy of losing the Pacific Division title but a playoff berth as well. With the halfway point quickly approaching, this season is flying by and if the Sharks don't find a way to win, they will find themselves on their couches in front of the TV when the April playoffs role around. That's why this game is important, that's why every game is important. They'll have the home ice advantage, where they have won the most consistently, let's hope they use it to their advantage.

She Looks Just Like Me

I just downloaded some more sugary goodness from Freezepop in the form of their latest song, Doppelganger. It's a big slower than Magnetic but still just as catchy. I have to say, I'm really excited about this latest album with the new members and the fresher sound. With the release of their new album only days away, I've also already pre-ordered my copy from the updated website and store. They are offering nine different pre-order packs! From the simple CD and poster combo to a $4,999.99 Uber-Superfan Pack which includes airfare to Boston and a day with Freezepop! They even have a pack that offers a re-recording of any Freezepop dedicated to any person you choose. There's also one that offers toe-nail clippings from the band members . . . crazy! While, I'm a big Freezepop fan, I only went with the CD+, poster, and t-shirt combo. Look for my complete breakdown of Imaginary Friends soon.

My Heart (Ted, Ted, Ted)

After the news that Insomniac Games was going multiplatform, I had a conversation with a friend of mine about my initial reaction of "How could you cheat on me like this Ted?!" After all, I've been a long time fan of not only Insomniac but Ted Price as well. While I learned to cope with the news, it still bothered me so I channeled that emotion into a letter to Ted Price (though I'll never send it). Of course, being me, I ended up turning a simple letter into a jingle with music and everything. Here are the lyrics to my latest song -

My Heart (Ted, Ted, Ted)

Dear Ted Price,

Ted, Ted, Ted
I’ve loved you ever since I read
Your interview in OPM
Back when I was just ten

You were my first big crush
I ran out and bought your game in a rush
Little thing called Spyro the Dragon
Was filled with so much fun

I love you with all of my heart
I don’t even know where to start
Telling you how I feel
You’re so cute and you’re so smart

Ted, Ted, Ted
I could’ve picked Jason [Rubin] but chose you instead
Didn’t even have to think twice
You’re so cool and you’re so nice

I love your dark wavy hair
I can’t help but stare
At your dreamy smile
And your sharp sense of style

I’m an Insomniac in my heart
I stay up late and play in the dark
I can’t help but reel
At the awesomeness that’s Captain Quark

Ted, Ted, Ted
On May 25th [2010] I got out of bed
Ready to start the day
Enjoying your games, the games I play

But my world came crashing down
I let out a scream as I fell to the ground
I couldn’t believe the news
I had been cheated on by you

You took a Tesla Claw and ripped out my heart
Your Agents of Doom tore it apart
All because of that deal
With Electronic Arts

Ted, Ted, Ted
I can’t get this through my head
You’re making a brand new game
For that RROD dame

But I’ll forgive you anyway
After all, what can I say?
I understand your plan
Just remember I’m your biggest fan

Don’t use a R.Y.N.O. to nuke my heart
Don’t let Mr. Zurkon blast it apart
Just give me some time to heal
Your cheating ways has left its mark

Ted, Ted, Ted
There’s no reason for us to dread
Our Co-op journey’s just begun
Soon we’ll be singing All 4 One

We’re gonna stop the Chimera Invasion
On the one and only PlayStation
So make a sequel to Disruptor
Then we’ll live happily ever after

With love, signed madtyger

Up In Flames

I've probably mentioned it before, but my family is in the process of moving down south for a change in job, scenery, and weather. Little by little, we've been taking boxes and furniture down and storing them so we won't have as much stuff to take once we make the big jump down there. Well, it looks like we will have a little less stuff to worry about now. My father left the Sunday after Thanksgiving with a van full of boxes to take down and store when, in the middle of nowhere, he saw a flickering in the back of the van then the lights all went out, including the headlights. He had left at 4am so it was completely dark outside. He stopped the van and that's when he noticed the small fire in the back. He went out to open up the back and try to put out the fire but because the van had an electrical short he could not override the lock on the door. The van also began to roll away down the embankment (where he had stopped was literally right next to a river) but he was able to get into the cab and pull the emergency break. He called 911 and because of the remoteness of the area, they not only sent out Highway Patrol and the closest firefighters, but the volunteer firefighters as well who lived nearby.

This is where it gets really stupid, the volunteer firefighters arrived and could not put out the fire because they are not allowed to carry fire extinguishers. Does that make any sense? Apparently, fire extinguishers are considered to be "bombs" and they are not authorized to have them in their vehicles. So they, along with my father, just had to sit and watch the van burn. About 30 minutes later, the actual firefighters and Highway Patrol showed up. By then, the van had been completely gutted.

Luckily, my father was able to get out unscathed and was also to rescue his work laptop and all of his office files from the fire. Unfortunately, everything in the back of the van was completely gone, and I mean gone. The whole back of the van was completely filled with boxes and plastic tubs had been reduced to ash. Even my father's kayak (pictured below) was completely melted into an unrecognizable heap of plastic. My father had a bunch of stuff in the van including awards from his career in the Navy, clothes (including a really expensive tuxedo), all of the kayak gear, and his collection of military challenge coins to name a few. My mother's belongings consisted of some antique pictures, antique porcelain dolls, and a handmade blanket that has been in the family for four generations. We also lost some furniture including my two media bookshelves and a large box of DVDs and Blu-Ray movies.

As for the stuff I lost, my complete collection of anime and video game memorabilia was in that van. Figures, artwork, every single collector's and limited edition boxes were in there as well. While most of the stuff didn't matter I can't help but be disappointed about some of the things I lost. Some notable ones are the collector's edition of Fallout: New Vegas which I had just got and didn't get the chance to fully enjoy its contents before packing it. The CLAMP 15th Anniversary chess set was also lost, something that took me 3 years to complete. I also had some collector Gundam action figures straight from Japan which cost me a pretty penny. And did I mention that my whole collection was in there? I'm trying not to be too bitter about it since the most important thing is that my father got out safely. But when I look at the only collector's boxes I have left (GT5 and AC: Brotherhood because they came after he left and Batman because it didn't fit), it's a little hard to take in, after all I literally buy every collector's and limited editions of all the games I get. I also lost all 16 boxes of the special editions of Naruto, the leather book that holds my Read or Die series, and my limited edition Rurouni Kenshin anime.

To make matters worse, the van (which was a work car) has, or I should say had only limited insurance coverage so not only will we not get reimbursed for the loss but the towing fee and the fee to junk the van will not be covered as well. On the bright side is that my entire collection went up in flames. It may sound odd, but I'd rather lose all of it than only some of it and then have to be bothered with trying to replace what has been lost. With all of my collection gone, there is literally no way for me to replace it so I'm actually not as bothered about it. After all, I'm a completist, I can't stand leaving a collection unfinished, this way there is no unfinished collection since there is no collection at all. At least that's what I'll keep telling myself.

Again though, my father was able to get out safely which is the most important thing and most of the stuff that was lost, while irreplaceable, weren't items that were a necessity. We still don't know what exactly caused the fire in the first place either, an electrical short most have sparked something in the back to start the whole sequence of events but other than that, we don't have much information. The only question that's really left for me to answer is what am I going to do about my anime and video game inventories now. After all, I have the collector's and limited versions of the discs but not the complete package - sometimes I wish I wasn't so organized.

Update: I decided to do an estimate of how much I lost and how much I roughly paid for it - bad idea! I lost over 120 items worth an estimated $5,000! I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

False Advertising

I find preview trailers to be a great form of advertising in the video game world. Not only do they hype you up for the title but they also shed light on the story, characters, and world that is contained in the game. Lately, I've been noticing that these trailers have been falsely representing the games they are advertising. Take the Star Wars: The Old Republic premiere trailer that was shown at E3 2010. It was gorgeous and exciting, yet everything that was shown in the trailer was not contained in the actual game. The high level of CGI, the fluid movement, even the exciting battles do not look remotely like what it does in the game. There's also the Dragon Age: Origins trailers that I saw not only on the internet but in TV commercials too. I eventually picked up the game and was quite shocked to see that it was a Diablo-esque type game. From the top down camera to the 90s graphics - I felt that I had been led on by the CGI trailers that had misrepresented the game.

Really, is this how games should be portrayed and advertised, with great CGI trailers that don't match the graphical quality of the actual game? Would you be bothered if a movie trailer showed Brad Pitt and then the actual star of the movie was the guy from Harry Potter? At least the trailers for games like Killzone 2 and Final Fantasy XIII were close, in both graphics and gameplay, to presenting what the games were really about. Though I still watch trailers and will be looking forward to some world premieres at the VGAs, I can't help but feel that what I will be seeing will be a far cry from the games I will actually be playing.

The Sounds Of The Sights

One of the main reasons why I buy collector's and limited editions of games is for the extra bonus of that game's particular soundtrack. Video game scores offer a great accompaniment to its visual counterpart but oftentimes are overlooked for how much they truly affect the emotional experience of the game. From early "bloops" and "bleeps" to fully orchestrated ten hour arrangements - video game music has evolved and continues to develop as an amazing way to add artistic expression to an industry already filled with creativity.

I was once asked by a fellow music student what would be the future of classical music. Would it be in up and coming pianists like Lang Lang who had gained international fame. Would it be from competitions like the one hosted by the Van Cliburn Foundation which brings the best young pianists from around the world. Or would it be from the proliferation of the Asian and East European countries and their affinity for the niche genre of music. I answered that it would be found in composers like Oshima Michiru, Inon Zur, and Uematsu Nobuo - video game music composers. Why? I have never been able to fully discuss the techniques of Chopin or debate who composed the best piano concerto within my own generation (though I'm sure there are many my age who love the classical works) but I have been able to talk about the emotional pull of Ico's "You Were There" or how powerful Dragon Age: Origins' music is. And do I even have to give an example of what Uematsu's work has done in the video game industry? It may not be composed by people in the 17th century but it is a form of classical music with its sweeping arrangements, use of renaissance polyphony, and performed by grand orchestras (or amazing soloists). Video game music has introduced so many young and old gamers to a genre of music they probably had never truly listened to outside of the popular Fur Elise and others. Concerts like Video Games Live has shown how popular and loved these songs are, hosting numerous concerts around the world. I've had the pleasure of attending Play! A Video Game Symphony and being able to hear music from games like Oblivion live with 50 plus instruments and a full choir - exhilarating.

And don't think that video game composers aren't on par with the more classically renowned composers from years past. Just take my favorite, Oshima Michiru. She has worked on many games including Legend of Legaia, Zelda: Twilight Princess, and my personal favorite Ico. She has also composed arguably the best anime score for FullMetal Alchemist and has won numerous awards for her work. While not all of the video game soundtracks I own are of the highest quality, I have been impressed with some of the newer scores that have come out this year. For me, the most surprising was Mafia II's score. Even though the game has a lot of period songs, its original score both fits within the game's theme yet adds a sophisticated artistic layer in both the melody and instruments used. So, next time you pop in a game to play, don't forget to appreciate one of the best things about video games - the music.

You're So Fun

"You're so fun, my magnetic one" - I can't help but sing along with Freezepop's newest single, "Magnetic" from their Imaginary Friends album that was set to release on November 9th but has been pushed back to December 7th. While I patiently wait for the first album of the newly quartet-ed Freezepop, I've been playing Magnetic almost non-stop since I downloaded it free from Freezepop's homepage. I have to admit that it is very different from past Freezepop songs and for quite a bit of time, I couldn't place what really sounded different. Catchy pop beat? Check. Synth melody? Check. Clever lyrics with an odd topic? Check. So what is so different about it? After playing it along with some of my other Freezepop favorites, I was finally able to put my finger on it - they sound like a real band now!

Not that Freezepop didn't sound great before, but the two new additions (which brought the band from a trio to a quartet) has made a huge difference in the overall quality of the sound. Now it seems much deeper than having two keytars and Liz on vocals. After really examining the song and pulling apart all of the different instrument tracks, I find that this new sound is much fuller, more complex, and definitely more robust in the quality of musicality. Don't get me wrong though, this is the same bubbly Freezepop from yesterdays just with a much richer sound to them. So rich in fact, that it has been a little hard for me to go back to some of their older work, especially their first album, because of the lack of complexity. So, while I anxiously await the arrival of Imaginary Friends, I look forward to hearing a polished but still geeky Freezepop quartet this December. Oh, and one other thing, Magnetic better be in Rock Band 3 because I'm already dying to hit this up on the keyboard and mic.

Thrashers Vs. Sharks Review (Oct. 16, 10)

As the Bay Area and Northern California ignite with excitement at the San Francisco Giants 2-0 lead in the World Series, and Playoff fever sweeps San Jose as the Earthquakes enter the playoffs - I can't help but hum the song "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" by the Kaiser Chiefs when I think about the Sharks. You just have to look at some of the names in SJ and you realize how stellar a team the Sharks SHOULD be yet every year they seem to fall short of what is expected of them. This year is going to be different though, the team has gotten a taste of the Western Conference Finals and now knows what is truly needed to win the Stanley Cup. So as Sharks fans gathered in front of the HP Pavilion for the street party before the season opener, you could feel the buzz of excitement for the start of a brand new winning season.

The crowd was loud in the Shark Tank, from cheers during the National Anthem to hoots and hollers as each member of the Sharks team was introduced, including a standing ovation and the loudest cheers for Captain Joe Thornton. The boos were just as loud as the Atlanta Thrashers took to the ice. With the referees in position and both teams ready, the puck was dropped and the first home game was underway.

The Sharks quickly pounced on the puck and generated offense with the newly configured lines. The game itself was a little uneven and the pace was back and forth. Both teams looked to be a bit tentative with fast offensive strikes and moments of conservative defensive play. The Thrashers were able to get some great chances as the Sharks defense acted as if it was the first game they have ever played in hockey. Every season there is usually one (or more) players I tend to pick on quite a bit. Ehrhoff (when he was with the Sharks), Vlasic, and now Wallin. With Wallin completely healthy, I was interested in seeing if he could step up his play and prove that he was worth his $750,000 raise. I have to give credit to Wallin, though he looked rusty (as many on both sides did) he played aggressively and consistently. Blocking shots, clearing the crease, standing up on his blue line, breaking up defensive zone passes, and even getting a shot off himself - he surprised me with his solid play and what was even more surprising was that he was not on the ice for any of the goals scored against the Sharks.

As for who would strike first - on the Power Play that reunited the Big 3, Heatley (#15, pictured above) tipped in a shot from Patrick Marleau for his first goal of the season and his 300th career goal - go Heater! Jumbo was also in on the action as Joe Thornton (#19, pictured below) received an assist on Heater's goal, continuing his point streak from the Sweden trip. HP Pavilion was still on their feet cheering as Ryane Clowe and Torrey Mitchell combined for another goal just 21 seconds later. With a great shot by Mitchell, Clowe redirected the puck past Thrashers goalie Chris Mason to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead in the first period - the Tank was rockin'.

Contrary to what I stated in this game's preview, Antero Niittymaki did not make the start, instead Antti Niemi (#31, pictured at top and below) made his debut in San Jose. For the first period, Niemi played well but the start of the second period would change everything. During another SJ Power Play, Marleau mishandled the puck at the point and turned the puck over to Andrew Ladd (of Chicago fame) who scored a short-handed- goal. Niemi gave up another goal late in the second period, one that he should have had - game tied 2-2.

Unfortunately, things didn't change in the third period as the Thrashers were able to score 2 more goals with the Sharks only able to hit the post. With the defense's less than desirable play and Niemi looking very shaky at times, the Sharks weren't able to bounce back and fell 4-2 to the Atlanta Thrashers. With the poor play of the Stanley Cup winning goalie and the lack of offensive might generated by the new lines (Clowe-Pavelski-Mitchell line was the only one that seemed to generate a lot of offensive zone time) had many fans questioning the new look of this San Jose team. Unfortunately, the next game against Carolina didn't help as the Sharks were routed 5-2. They went on to beat Colorado 4-2, Edmonton 6-1, but stumbled against Calgary with a 4-0 loss. An interesting note, Nitty played in the games against Colorado and Edmonton (the games the Sharks won) and Niemi played in the games against Carolina and Calgary (the games the Sharks lost).

While the Sharks seemed to have stumbled out of the gate, there are some good things to take from the first five games of the season. First off is making Jumbo captain was the right move. He has not only lead the team on and off the ice but he also leads the team in scoring. After his late season injury, Dany Heatley is back in fine form and his presence on the ice is always felt when he plays. Clowe has also been impressive, always working hard with and without the puck. Crankshaft Douglas Murray is as big and powerful as ever and the addition of gritty Jamal Mayers has added even more bite to the Sharks. The Big 3 were also united during the Sharks game against New Jersey where they combined to score all 5 goals including Jumbo's impressive 3 goal night, netting himself a hat trick. Even with the Sharks shaky start, I think they will be able to iron out all of their problems fairly quickly. I still have concerns about the reliability of the defense and the fact that Niemi has yet to win since his first win in Sweden has me questioning whether he is ready to help take the Sharks to the next level. Luckily, Nitty seems well prepared to take his place and here's hoping that it's just adjustment problems for Niemi.

End Of An Era

This week, Sony announced that they were ceasing production of their Walkman portable cassette player in Japan after 30 long years. The device that made music mobile for the first time and has led to the creation of devices like the MP3 player has officially moved into the pages of the history books.

The Walkman holds a special place for it was the first electronic device I owned and it introduced me to my favorite company. It was a hand-me-down from my brother, given to me to help keep me occupied on long car trips - I couldn't have been more than six or seven years old. The device fascinated me, how could such a small device play music? From that moment on, my Walkman went everywhere with me, I would even wear it around the house.

For me, this is what Sony represents, this is what Sony is at its core. After all, Sony came from the words sonus (Latin for sound) and sonny (endearing term for a little boy). Originally created specifically for Morita Akio (pictured above) who wanted something to listen to opera during long flights, the Walkman brought in a new era not only for audio electronics but for the music industry in general. Though I don't have my Walkman anymore, I remember it fondly and still think about it every year since the Walkman and I share the same birthday (July 1). So, I bid the Walkman portable cassette player adieu as I add new music to my Walkman MP3 Player - I guess I still keep my Walkman with me all the time.

The Right To Play

What began as a little California bill trying to stop the sale of violent video games has exploded to a national case that could affect not only video gamers and entertainment consumers in the United States but worldwide. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will be hearing the case Schwarzenegger v EMA on November 3rd to determine whether video games (and possible indirectly whether other entertainment media) are covered under First Amendment rights. A petition from the Entertainment Consumers Association in support of protecting video games as a form of free speech has already received 500,000 signatures and will be presented at the case. While petitions don't usually win or lose cases, it does show that their is support from the public and that these so called representatives of the people have agendas of their own. Another way to try and gain some publicity and to inform the public was started by the Video Game Voters Network who have been asking gamers to send in broken controllers to Senator Leeland Yee (the creator of the bill) in protest to this unconstitutional ploy to infringe on the First Amendment. I've already sent in my controller and encourage other gamers to get involved not only in this case but in politics in general - no matter what your political party affiliation is. The header above has a link to the PlayStation Blog where Hal Halpin, president of ECA, explains in more detail what this bill is and what it means if passed. VGVN also has a SCOTUS Action Center that has some great information as well. November is approaching soon and I will definitely be keeping my eye on this one.

Update: Game developer Warren Spector is asking gamers to step up on October 19th in what he is calling a day of action. He is asking that gamers use Twitter and Facebook to get out the word about the threat to First Amendment rights. Check out VGVN's Day of Action center for more information.

Update: It's the day after the Supreme Court hearing and it seems like the justices were pretty split down the middle about California's violent video game law. Kotaku had a nice article summing up the events of the day as well as a link to see the full transcript from the case. An actual verdict isn't supposed to come down until next year (before the June 2011 break) so it's going to be a long battle.

Thrashers Vs. Sharks Preview (Oct. 16, 10)

The Sharks already have two official games under their belt but this next game will be the biggest one yet. Why? It's opening night at HP Pavilion and I will get the opportunity to attend the Shark's 2010-2011 season home opener. San Jose along with five other teams had the honor of being invited to open the new season at the annual NHL Premiere in Europe. Stockholm, Sweden was the Sharks city of destination where they played back-to-back games against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sharks won the first contest on goals from Torrey Mitchell, Captain Joe Thornton, and Sophomore Logan Couture. The Sharks were defeated in overtime in the second game with Devon Setoguchi and Joe Thornton both scoring.

I can't really preview the home opener against the Thrashers considering that I haven't seen the newly tooled Atlanta team play yet. I do know that they have added a few players from last season's Stanley Cup winner the Chicago Blackhawks and they will be looking to break into the playoffs this year. So instead of my usual commentary on line match-ups and goalie comparisons, let's take a look at what the new season could bring for San Jose.

With the Shark Tank ready to rock and party at both the street party before the game and at the game itself - the Sharks are going to be coming out on the ice with a completely new look. New goalies, new players, new lines, and a new captain all will be making their debut on home ice in San Jose. It was officially announced that Jumbo Joe Thornton would be the next Captain for the San Jose Sharks with Dan Boyle being chosen as the permanent Alternate Captain. As for the other "A", Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau will alternate the "A" with one wearing it for the home games and the other taking the honor for the road games.

The Sharks made a pretty big splash in Europe with their two new goalies, both Finnish natives, Antero Niittymaki (#30, pictured above) and Antti Niemi. Nitty is getting the call for the game against the Thrashers and I'm excited to see him play. Coming from Tampa Bay, a team that the Sharks rarely see, it will be great to get introduced to the new goalie and see what he can really do. Niemi on the other hand, Sharks fans know well from his days with Chicago. He has a great ability to take away the bottom of the net and is strong on controlling rebounds. Everyone assumes that the pair will split the season, with both goalies competing for ice time. Having the ability to rest a tired goalie and keep a hot goalie playing is going to be a key upgrade from previous seasons when Nabokov was the work horse goaltender who was rarely given a break. As for who will come out on top as the number one goalie? It's really a toss-up but I'm putting my early money on Nitty because he seems to be the dark horse that has some great potential. If he doesn't pan out, Niemi has already proven with his Stanley Cup ring that he is quite capable of taking the reins.

There are some new faces (and some not so new) that will be wearing Teal for the home team this season. Most notably are the rookies from Worcester, the Sharks AHL affiliate, who were able to survive the rigorous training camp - tough guy Frazer McLaren (#68, pictured below) and defensive forward John McCarthy (#43, pictured above). Both have already been seen in San Jose but hope to make it up in the big league permanently this season. Defenseman Mike Moore is another player that has been on the Worcester bus but he has yet to play a game and most likely will be kept on the roster in case of injury to the existing six D-men. Jamal Mayers suffered a pre-season injury and also has not hit the ice but when he does recover, it will probably mean that one of the rookies will once again be sent back to Worcester.

All of these new changes aren't as huge or as noticeable as the new line combinations. The Big 3 are no more - Jumbo, Heater, and Patty will be playing on separate lines. This is a huge move that could help to spread scoring more evenly across the lines. As for the rest of the lines:

McGinn-Thornton-Setoguchi
Marleau-Couture-Heatley
Clowe-Pavelski-Mitchell
McLaren-Nichol-McCarthy

Boyle-Murray
Wallin-Vlasic
Huskins-Demers

One of the biggest things that jumped out at me was Jamie McGinn (#64, pictured below) on the top line and Pavelski centering the third line. Usually the top line is your best scoring line, the second line your secondary scoring, and then the third and fourth lines are energy and checking lines. Seeing a top tier player like Pavelski (and Clowe) bumped down to the third line was shocking until I took a closer look and realized that it wasn't really a third line at all. After all, how can you say that a line with Marleau and Heatley, the top two goal scorers, are "secondary scoring". No this is more of a 1A and 1B line-up with Pavelski and Clowe still manning the second line.

Then there's Couture being given the responsibility of centering the 1B line. He did well in his rookie debut last season and this looks to be a breakout year for him with Patty and Heater by his side. Jumbo has some great scorers on his wings as well, especially in Setoguchi who will be looking for a comeback year after an average turnout last season. Ginner will also look to benefit from being on the top line, I pegged him to be one of the players that will get more ice-time and scoring opportunities this season and it looks like I was right. Hopefully, he will be able to make the best of it and prove that he has what it takes to be on the top scoring line. Jumbo is also going to have to shoot the puck more without snipers Patty and Heater by his side and in Europe he did just that, notching a goal a game. Jumbo has a wicked shot but doesn't seem to like to use it, he is quite capable of scoring more than 20 goals this season and with the new lines he might just do that.

For defensive pairings I've got no complaints expect the Wallin-Vlasic combination but maybe it's more of my personal dislike of the two players that has me questioning this match-up. Vlasic used to be a solid D-man until he had his little identity crisis when he didn't know if he was an offensive defenseman or a defensive defenseman. Then after suffering an injury last season, it seemed to take him a few weeks to get back into form. I am hopeful that he will be able to get back into his near perfect defensive position that he once possessed only a few short seasons ago. As for Wallin, he's starting this year healthy so I'll give him a few weeks before I pass my harsh judgment of his abilities and play style. I still feel that the Sharks are lacking a bit of veteran presence on blue-line but Demers has proven that he is a solid offensive D-man if he can just stay consistent.

All in all, it looks to be a good season for the Sharks and only time will tell if they can better their performance from last year. Key changes could be the key factor in how well the Sharks do this season. Their competition is also much stiffer now with a packed Pacific Division. With Phoenix shocking everyone with their playoff run, they will be poised to repeat the feat this season. I mentioned last season that there was a superpower forming in Los Angeles with their young talent gaining much needed experience. This year they look to take the crown from the Sharks as L.A. has been pegged as the heir apparent of the Pacific Division throne. A reformed Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks cannot be counted out either. Plus there are up and coming teams like the Thrashers and Columbus that look to break into the playoffs. Then there is the resurrected Toronto Maple Leafs, who have been one of the worst teams of past seasons, looking to get back into winning form. Last season marked a record for points with a single overtime win clinching a playoff berth or a single loss costing you a chance for the Cup. This season will be no different and every single point will be important for the Sharks and every team looking to earn one of the coveted 16 playoff berths.

As for the coming game against the Atlanta Thrashers, I'm just looking forward to seeing if the Sharks are fully prepared for battle or whether they are stuck in their preseason form. Look for my review in the coming weeks to see how the new players, new goalies, new captain, and new lines fair in their home opener.

Siran's Request Part 3

Siran’s Response

You think you are cunning
Yet soon you will be running
From the monsters who will feast on your flesh
Weaving you into our mesh

Ten thousand years I hunted
The one thing I have wanted
Humanity’s temptation
Will be my salvation

To survive we must feed
It is a never ending deed
What we do not devour will become
One of our kin, you must succumb

Before I come for you
One thing I still must do
I know the dwelling of your lovely bride
There is no place where she can hide

I will chase after her
The soulless I prefer
The sweet description of your love
Makes me crave your precious dove

She will join our ranks
For that I must give thanks
I will enjoy ripping her limbs apart
Drinking her blood, feasting on her heart

Her bones will break asunder
The crack will sound like thunder
Soon she will find her home in the dark
Bound by the silver mark

Then you we shall come for
No more a little lore
You will see your nightmare is real
Never to escape this ordeal

So live with this in mind
One day soon you will find
That your peace filled happy moment
Will be shattered and filled with torment

You should have just held your tongue
Instead to this dream you clung
You have sealed both of your destinies
Instead of being my keys

Remember the choice you have made
As all your other memories start to fade
Remember you still are my little pawn
Forever serving your mistress Siran

Siran's Request Part 2

The Man’s Reply

There is truth in what you spoke
She was gone when I awoke
All that I have left of her now
Is her ring and my vow

She was young and so was I
She was too, too young to die
All I have to do is go back ten years
And erase all of those tears

Beautiful, filled with truth
Vibrant and stunning in her youth
She would have wanted me to move on
Let go of hate and embrace the dawn

You dare prey upon my dream
I now know your evil scheme
You wish me to unleash a nightmare
Something no man should ever dare

A dark beast is what you are
The Pillar’s second scar
Corrupted to your very soul
Stained black, as black as coal

You would feed on all mankind
Thus, you must remain confined
The Silver Gate will hold you fast
Rot in your shackles ‘til time is past

I will not turn back the clock
I will not destroy the lock
Remain trapped away in your cage
That which seals all your hate and rage

You are just a weak fool
Using me as your tool
You expect me to grant your plea
Setting you and your wrath free

Your kind will bear this curse
The shining gates will not disperse
Silver and gold and bronze is your doom
Locking you deep forever in your tomb

You should not have tempted me
I will never agree
Your venomous words have fallen on deaf ears
I have no hatred or fears

You will fade into nothingness
While I will find peace and true happiness
I have chosen the path at my feet
Go back to your cage and wallow in defeat

Siran's Request Part 1

Siran’s Request

Time is ever fleeting
Soon Death you will be meeting
Coming to take you away from this place
Leaving behind, not a trace

Or Death may take another
Your sister or your brother
Pulling them away from your grasp
Never to escape his clasp

Why does Death always steal?
Never allowing us to heal
Robbing us of our happiest day
Reminding us we are all his prey

My son and then my daughter
My husband to the slaughter
Stolen from me by a thief in the night
Taken beyond, far from sight

Your heart has been broken
You need not have spoken
The expression in your eyes
Has brought down your guise

I know what you have lost
I too have paid Death’s cruel cost
Leaving us nothing but hollow strife
Weeping, wasting though our life

But you who is so daring
Yes you, so ever caring
You can rewind the thread of fate
Drawing her back from the gate

For you possess the power
To change that very hour
To save your beloved one
To undo what has been done

Death we cannot offend
It matters not the rules we bend
You deserve to feel her tender caress
Go back in time for the power you possess

Steal back what is rightfully yours
Run through those open doors
Your love is waiting on the other side
All you must do is decide

Choose between happiness and pain
You know what is at stake and what you will gain
Choose between now and the past you have known
To be with her or forever be alone

Beyond The Veil

Beyond The Veil

Far beyond the ensuing day
Lies rolling hills shrouded in grey
Where The Mist tells an ancient tale
Of a cursed place beyond The Veil

Where the land wakes to a barren dawn
And The Ghosts of the past still live on
The sky is dark and deathly pale
In the lifeless Realm beyond The Veil

Those who have not truly died
At the Crimson Gate wait and abide
Only one as lord they hail
Ruler of all beyond The Veil

They are doomed to darkness and despair
This pain, this curse they must bear
Their Souls were consumed by the gale
That enslaves all beyond The Veil

As The Mist starts to disappear
It whispers in my ear
“Do not tread on the blood stained trail
That will lead you beyond The Veil”

“To enter that Realm you will awake
The curse she has set, it will take
The innocent and the frail
And seal them beyond The Veil”

“If you do not choose to heed
And enter The Realm of her steed
You will never cease to fail
Escaping beyond The Veil”

Blast From The Past

I've always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music. From opera to metal and everything in between (except country), I listen to a lot of genres including what's popular today. Yet when I was younger, I only listened to Ace of Base, Disney soundtracks, and classical music. My brother was the one into all of those 90s groups like Nirvana, Green Day, and MC Hammer. I couldn't stand them at all when I was little so I find it ironic that the radio stations I listen to play the newly re-popularized Green Day and the timeless hits from Nirvana. One of the few musicians my brother used to listen to that I did like was Alanis Morissette. My favorite song from her was Ironic on her Jagged Little Pill album. Well, a few weeks ago, I was in a store just browsing the music section when I came across that very album and decided to pick it up. I haven't heard anything from Alanis since my brother moved out of the house when I was 10. So, needless to say, I don't remember much of the music but when I popped in that CD, so many memories came flooding back. Even things I didn't realize I remembered like long trips to our family campsite when I would play DJ for my brother while he drove. I have to admit that I really enjoy the CD now and it has me craving a lot of the other tunes from back in the day. After all, my favorite decade has to be the 90s.

The Next Dimension

A few months ago while in Las Vegas, I had a chance to check out Sony's 3DTV exhibit in the MGM Grand. I had previously been able to see Panasonic's and Samsung's 3DTVs but it was my first time to actually experience video games in this new dimension of viewing. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed. While I don't feel that it will revolutionize games or how we view media for that matter, what I saw exceeded my expectations. The image was clear, the 3D elements looked great, and the quality reminded me of the 3D effects you see at Disneyland. While I couldn't tell much difference among the brands other than I felt Panasonic had better color and depth than Samsung, I found that the glasses the different brands offered really changed my mind on which TV I would get if I bought one.

Unfortunately, both Sony and Samsung seemed to forget that there are people that already have to wear glasses for everyday tasks, like myself. The design from both companies allowed very little room for a second pair of prescription glasses underneath the ones required to view 3D and I found that it was very uncomfortable to wear. Sony's glasses wouldn't even stay straight because of my frames underneath, causing the 3D effect to skew at an angle. Panasonic, incidentally, has a great design for their 3D glasses including a floating nose bridge which pushes the lenses far enough away so they do not scratch the glasses underneath. Even though I'm a die hard Sony fan, this simple consideration and design for people who already wear glasses will have me put my money behind Panasonic if I ever were to pick up on the 3D trend. Ironically, I found out that I can't physically join 3D mania since I am prone to migraines and 3DTVs seem to trigger migraines in people like me. At least I'm saving myself a few grand, right?

What's On Tonight?

I'm actually not a big TV person. When I do watch TV, I usually catch up on some news or whatever is on the Discovery Channel or the History Channel. But there are a few shows that I get really excited about when September rolls around. Being able to sit down on the same night (or DVR it) and watch the progression of a story can be very enjoyable. While none of the new shows debuting this fall season interest me, a couple of my old favorites are returning once again to a TV near you.

Another project by J. J. Abrams, Fringe follows FBI Agent Olivia Dunham as she investigates a series of strange events known as the Pattern. From mutated animals to viruses that turn your skin clear - there is no limit to the odd and dangerous situations that Dunham finds herself in. Its reminiscent of the X-Files yet you can see a bit of Lost mixed in as well. Mostly dealing with pseudo-science like time travel, mind control, and alternate universes - Fringe is a great fix for my sci-fi geek needs and is presented with a sense of realness that makes the show more compelling. While some of the events are down right ridiculous, Fringe has always been enjoyable and I look forward to see what happens after season 2 ended with one gigantic cliff-hanger.

My favorite show on TV has always been Criminal Minds which follows a fictional department of the FBI known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit or BAU. Their job is to get into the heads of killers and use their profiling skills to track down and arrest them. Most of the episodes are self-contained, making Criminal Minds easy to watch even if you have missed an episode or two yet each episode still highlights one member of the team and helps expand and evolve that character. Unfortunately, this year CBS has decided to get rid of two key members of the BAU. I don't know what they were thinking, Criminal Minds has always had one of the highest ratings for CBS so why they think they must fix something that is not broke is beyond me. Some fans have even gone as far to blame Charlie Sheen for demanding more money to stay with CBS's sitcom Two and a Half Men, resulting in budget shortages among the other shows. Whether this is true or not, I'm not sure but I am definitely disappointed that NBC chose to tinker with an already tight and great cast. Hopefully, this will not ruin my favorite show on TV. With the sixth season set to start, only time will tell if CBS's decision was the right one.

As for what I've been watching this summer, the only show that really caught my attention and kept me watching was ABC's The Gates - another TV show with Vampires. Unlike some of the other shows on, the Gates fills a nice void in the Vampire trend - it's not overly violent or filled with sex like True Blood yet it has a more mature storyline than Vampire Diaries. Taking place in a private community, the Gates follows the new police chief as he learns of what really is lurking inside the Gates. From Vampires and Werewolves to evil witches and ghosts - the Gates actually does a good job blending in all of the common folklore monsters with an interesting and modern setting. With the season finale set to air next week, I'm excited to see what's in store for all the members of the Gates. Unfortunately, ABC is notorious for canceling shows after one season, so I'm hoping that the viewership and fan base will be enough to get the Gates a second season. If it does, I'll gladly travel back to see what happens inside this very dangerous private community.

Reshaping The Sharks Part 3

Some of the more shocking news during this free agency period was what happened to the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. I mentioned before that they had already let go about a half a dozen of their players due to the salary cap, one of the more shocking cases was goaltender Antti Niemi (pictured above) - a rookie who took the spotlight and catapulted the Hawks to the top of the league. Before he won the cup, he made less than $ 1million but after the win, he felt that he deserved a raise. With no solution in sight, he and Chicago went into arbitration and the NHL Commission awarded Niemi a contract of $2.750 million, an offer that Chicago refused thus releasing Niemi into the free agency pool. Many people criticized Doug Wilson for moving so quickly on Antero Niittymaki, a goalie who has had moments of greatness but has yet to play in more than 40 games a season. After all if Doug Wilson had waited, he could have snagged a proven, cup winning goalie in Niemi. Well, fear not Shark fans, somehow Doug Wilson did just that - Antti Niemi is the newest member of the San Jose Sharks. I was totally floored by the news, having to read the text message a few times before I realized what it was saying. After all, we had a goalie in Niittymaki and many assumed that the position of goalie was all wrapped up. But Wilson saw a great opportunity and somehow managed to find the cap space to offer Niemi a one-year contract. With the tandem of Niemi and Niittymaki, the two natives of Finland have just raised the Sharks chances at a strong shot for the Stanley Cup.

In other news, the Young Prospects tournament in Vancouver started yesterday (09.12.10) with the rookie Sharks taking on the rookies from the Anaheim Ducks. Always an intense rivalry, even in exhibition games, it was the first hockey game I have seen since the Sharks were booted out of the Western Conference Finals and boy was it a welcomed sight. For many players, the tournament is an opportunity to show off their skills and gain the attention of the Sharks staff. If all goes well, they may be invited to the Sharks training camp and even called up to play in the NHL. Some of the names on the ice were familiar: Benn Ferriero, Nick Petrecki, Brandon Mashinter, John McCarthy, Marek Viedensky, and Taylor Doherty have all been seen in teal before but have yet to stay up in the NHL for very long. It was a nice preview of the talent in the Sharks system and a preview of who might actually make it to San Jose. Overall the game was fast and exciting with very strong physical play being a constant theme. The Sharks prospects were able to jump to an early lead in the first and then added three more goals in the second. They kept a 4-0 lead over the Ducks prospects until two 5-3 opportunities for the Ducks broke J. P. Anderson's shut-out bid. The Sharks went on to win 4-1 in their first game of the tournament. An interesting note about the game, J. P. Anderson was invited to camp on a try-out basis, he is actually not a part of the Sharks organization. He is also a right-handed catcher, something exceedingly rare for a goalie. He had great poise on the ice and made all of his saves look easy. Even during a few breakaways, Anderson held his ground well which was impressive considering that he is only 18 years old. With such a great showing, it will be interesting to see if the sharks decide to offer him some sort of deal or not but from what I've seen of him, he definitely deserves the opportunity.

Last but not least is the unresolved issue of the San Jose Sharks' Captain. With the retirement of Blake, once again the position is vacant and many names have been flying around as to who is going to wear the "C". Danny Boyle is a name that has commonly come up for the position. As a strong leader both on and off the ice, I can understand why he is definitely a front runner. Not only that, he has won a Stanley Cup and has the experience needed for the position. Others that have been mentioned are Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe, and Patrick Marleau (who had been the captain prior to Blake taking over). While I can see Boyle wearing the "C", for me I think the position should go to Joe Thornton. It isn't a surprise that after coming from Boston, Jumbo Joe has become the face of the San Jose Sharks. He is a very vocal presence in the media, he is very active with the organization, and he is always leading by example. When Joe plays well, the team plays well. If Joe plays poorly, the team responds poorly as well and that was pretty evident in the Western Conference Finals. For me, Joe has already been the Captain of the San Jose Sharks for a long time now but has yet to really be held accountable for the leadership position. Giving him the "C" will not only send a clear message that he is the one to follow, but will also send a message to Jumbo Joe that he has to step up when the team needs him. Of course it doesn't mean that the other players are off the hook, there are many leaders on a team and the "C" and "A" isn't a requirement to be one. But even so, the position of Captain for the Sharks is an important one that needs to be filled by the right person.

Three Things That Seem To Only Annoy Me

You know how some things just get to you? It could be the girl in the elevator blowing bubbles with her gum or the guy that is constantly smacking his lips over the telephone. Whatever it is, it is really annoying and most of the time it only seems to be you that's annoyed by it. I have to admit I'm easily annoyed by things or mostly things people do but what puts me over the edge is what people do to my stuff and the things I like. Here are three things that are a sure fire way to annoy me to death.

1. Breaking The Spine - Books are expensive and I am one of those pristine collectors so please don't take it personally when I refuse to lend one of my books to you, I don't even lend books to my mother. I love the way my book collection looks, all nice and neat in its alphabetized by publisher, by genre, and by title, and the way the spines look so crisp . . . but wait! What is that crease? Yes, broken spines for me is just as bad as writing on books (I don't do that either) and it annoys me so much that I have had to stop lending books to people because of it. It was either that or I would have had to replace every book that had a broken spine with a clean, unbroken replacement.

2. Sports Hats - I'm a huge Sharks fan so I understand why fans want to show off their love of the SJS. But when you are the one sitting behind a hat like the one pictured above which adds a foot onto the person's head, you start to get a little annoyed by the over-enthusiasm people can display. I love the Sharks too but please, could you get a normal hat like everyone else?

3. Disrespecting Classical Music - I love classical music and it's a love that is not widely shared in my circle of friends so most can't understand why I get so annoyed when I hear classical music used as background music in a restaurant or hotel lobby. You have to know the context of what classical music is and what it was used for. It's not like the pop songs that have been turned into TV jingles or the latest popular rock song that was used in a blockbuster movie soundtrack. Classical music was in its day the number one source of entertainment. It was not coupled together with some visual medium, unless it was an opera or ballet, and it was given full undivided attention. So I tend to get annoyed and even slightly offended when I hear Rachmaninov at the local Chinese restaurant because you wouldn't go to a Broadway show and read a book nor would you go to an art museum just to eat lunch. So just remember when Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 is playing, please refrain from disrespecting the music.