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.
December 15, 2010
Blackhawks Vs. Sharks Review (Dec. 11, 10)
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.
December 11, 2010
Simulating The Past
December 9, 2010
Clock Stopper
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.
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.
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.
December 6, 2010
Blackhawks Vs. Sharks Preview (Dec. 11, 10)
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.
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.
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.
December 2, 2010
She Looks Just Like Me
My Heart (Ted, Ted, Ted)
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
November 29, 2010
Up In Flames
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.
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
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.
November 19, 2010
The Sounds Of The Sights
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.
November 5, 2010
You're So Fun
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.
October 29, 2010
Thrashers Vs. Sharks Review (Oct. 16, 10)
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.
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'.
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).
End Of An Era
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.
October 13, 2010
The Right To Play
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)
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.
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.
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.
September 30, 2010
Siran's Request Part 3
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
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
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
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
The Next Dimension
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?
September 13, 2010
What's On Tonight?
Reshaping The Sharks Part 3
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.
August 11, 2010
Three Things That Seem To Only Annoy Me
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