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  • posted a message on The Official MLB Thread
    if anyone still follows baseball here, such a shocking and sad day for the league and the Marlins organization. Elite pitcher Jose Fernandez died late last night / early this morning in a boating accident that claimed two other lives.
    [url=http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/203268704/jose-fernandez-killed-in-boating-accident/[url]

    Dude was a STUD pitcher. A strike out machine and a perennial Cy Young candidate. One of the five best pitchers in the NL and arguably one of the five best in all of baseball. So young into a potential HoF career. Only 24, four years in the league.

    I'm indifferent on my like/dislike of the Marlins, but as a fan of the game... truly a great talent lost so suddenly.
    And everything I've been hearing on ESPN and the MLB network = the kid was decent and just loved the game and the country.
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    Quote from Macius »
    Expect the draft either the sunday before the season starts or that wednesday. I never like to draft before pre-week 4 as I dont want the feel bad injuries.


    I agree. I see a lot of drafts taking place now, even though the season is still 3 1/2 weeks away. I've been a part of such drafts in the past... with a decent amount of cash on the line; always made me nervous waiting out those three weeks while there was still a big chunk of preseason games to go.
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    i've sent you my email address, if you aren't full already. sorry it took so long
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    you know I'm still in for playing.
    Although the Entertainment board is no where near what it used to be and there wasn't much NFL discussion last year, I'd rather get my fantasy football fix among people I'm familiar with, rather than join a league of random people.
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on Captain America: Civil War
    Quote from sirpsychosexy »
    They missed the mark on Spider-Man too IMO. Not the way the character portrayed, that was great, but the way he was used in the story. He was a big central part of the story in the comics, and his arch was a big deal in the story, and they didn't touch on it at all in the movie. Kind of a missed opportunity.
    Given the timeline of the Sony deal I'm pretty sure he was a relatively late addition to the script.


    Actually, I'm just happy both studios agreed it was in their best interests to have him appear at all! Heck, I thought he was going to be a "cameo"; I was a bit surprised the amount of screen time they gave the wall-crawler. I mean, Sony could've said "you found a 'new' Quicksilver', so find a new 'Spiderman.'"

    Overall it was another fine edition to the MCU; I'll buy it when its available.
    Although I do agree, it could've/should've been titled differently. This just didn't seem like a Captain America movie. There have been great suggestions here = Winter Soldier: Origin, Avengers: Civil War (has my vote), etc... but still... worth the time and money to watch on the big screen (especially 'Act II').
    Posted in: Movies
  • posted a message on Clean comic books?
    The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is the first one that comes to mind. Its among my regular monthly titles and is hilarious. Although, it may be too light-hearted for her taste.
    Posted in: Printed Media
  • posted a message on What Is Your Favorite Video Game?


    NES -
    • Spy Hunter
    • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    • Kung Fu
    • Tetris

    Super NES -
    • Earthworm Jim

    Nintendo 64 -
    • Mario Kart 64
    • Star Fox 64
    • Super Smash Bros.
    • GoldenEye 007
    • Perfect Dark

    Arcade -

    • Bust-A-Move
    • Galaga
    • Tekken
    • NBA Jam
    • Area 51
    • Daytona USA
    • X-Men


    All good stuff! I wouldn't classify many as personal favorites persay, but those are games I gravitate towards when browsing a collection and such.

    I'm glad arcades are making a comeback, at least in my area... so who doesn't like the classic Galaga?

    Also Card Slinger J, thank you for bringing up some more of my favorites that slipped my memory. Sadly, they shouldn't have. I have such great memories with friends playing endless hours of Golden Eye and Mario Kart 64.
    On random weekend visits home from college, the night before I would be returning to school, a mere 3.5 hours away (give or take), my friends and I would stay up and play those games late into the morning... like 3 or 4 a.m Eventually, I'd have to break away = needed a nap and pack up some stuff before heading back off yonder. But damn were those nights full of fun and laughter.

    And how could I have forgotten friggin' Earthworm Jim?!?!
    Posted in: Talk and Entertainment
  • posted a message on What Is Your Favorite Video Game?
    Quote from mondu_the_fat »
    Civ 2 and Civ 4 (I like 2 more, but the go-to function doesn't really work; could use a graphics update as well).


    We're showing our age here mondu, but who cares? Civ 2 is definitely on the top of my list!
    Also among that list is StarCraft/Broodwar and the Quake series; I have fond memories of playing Quake III with my college roomies whenever we could get a game in.
    I wouldn't call it a favorite, but I did lose a lot of hours with Roller Coaster Tycoon (and its ilk).

    Oh. I can't forget Tie-Fighter and X-Wing Alliance. Excellent aerial games! But in space! and Star Wars! And you could customize your own battle scenarios (at least, with Alliance)! Friggin' great stuff!
    Posted in: Talk and Entertainment
  • posted a message on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
    Quote from Hackworth »
    Hey, what if the similarity to Episode 4 is because the writers wanted to keep the theme of awakenings and the ties of the force front and center? I mean, the main villain is a Vader Fanboy.


    Indeed.

    Also it was massively successful the first time; so just some tweeks here, some updated things there, and BAM another hugely successful, and generally well received, much welcomed addition to the Star Wars universe.

    I have virtually no qualms with this flick and thoroughly enjoyed it. Enough that I've seen it twice in the theater, which is rare for me to do.
    Posted in: Movies
  • posted a message on Alan Rick/Prof. Snape dies at 69 of cancer
    So sad.
    He was such an underrated actor. I mean, he is one of the few saving graces in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

    He will definitely be missed, both for his acting and for his voice work.
    Posted in: Talk and Entertainment
  • posted a message on R.I.P. David Bowie (1947-2016)
    Quote from LuckNorris »
    Bowie was one of those musicians that just produced magic. He was always genuine to himself, always willing to face adversity in the name of his art. Always willing to push buttons. I love his music, but more importantly Bowie as a person really spoke to me. He reminded me to never forget what is most important, and that's staying true to yourself and your art.

    Bowie was the kind of musician who could produce music in a wide variety of genres and make it work entirely. He had funk albums, he had rock albums, he had pop albums, he had punk albums, etc.

    There will be great musicians for years to come. But a musician like Bowie comes once in a generation.


    Very well stated Luck.

    I enjoy most of his stuff that I've heard, but I've never been a "fan" enough to own any of his music.
    However I have always recognized, respected, and applauded his influence, artistry, and passion.

    R.I.P. Goblin King
    Posted in: Music
  • posted a message on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
    Quote from LuckNorris »
    For the comment stating that Star Wars isn't science fiction... you're wrong. There really isn't much more too it. Star Wars takes certain queues from a wide variety of genres (Jidai-geki films, and western films), but it's most certainly an example of science fiction. Space Opera, if you want to be more specific. If you'd like to discuss this further, I'd be more than willing to.

    In terms of the movie, I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's not a perfect film by any means, but it's definitely a solid Hollywood action/sci-fi film. I have a couple of gripes about the movie, however:

    I hate how they marketed Finn's character. All of the imagery on the posters and other promo material showcasing Finn with a lightsaber all seemed like a cheap ploy. Finn uses a lightsaber in the movie, though he isn't the central Jedi character that the promo material leads viewers to believe. Why all this secrecy surrounding Rey's role in the series? Will Finn even continue his path as a Jedi? If not, then I'd be pretty disappointed.

    J.J. Abrams has commented that the lack of last names for the two main characters was intentional. To be honest, I find this a little convoluted. Why do all of these main characters need to be related to the original characters? Is Rey going to be a Skywalker/Kenobi? Is Finn the son of Lando or Mace Windu? Kind of stupid if you ask me.

    Because of the ultra-quick pacing, I feel like the death of Han Solo lacked the emotional depth it could have had. A funeral scene near the end of the film would have remedied this problem.

    Besides these very minor issues, the film was very solid. Everything I would have expected from a Star Wars movie. The problem is, I think a lot of fans expected way too much from this movie. Star Wars has never been a franchise to push the envelope in terms of cinematic scope or revolutionary ideas. It's always been a fun sci-fi Hollywood franchise. Nothing more.

    The original Star Wars movies are good films, but they aren't among the greatest films of all time. I think a lot of fans fail to realize the purpose of Star Wars. It only became a cultural phenomenon through other materials (books, video games, etc..), and fans coveting the films. The Force Awakens follows that trend, it's a solid piece of science fiction but not anything that will change the face of cinema forever. It's better than something like Avatar, but never reaches the depth of something like Blade Runner, for example.



    Very well stated! My thoughts exactly!


    Quote from LuckNorris »
    I have a couple of gripes about the movie, however:

    Because of the ultra-quick pacing, I feel like the death of Han Solo lacked the emotional depth it could have had. A funeral scene near the end of the film would have remedied this problem.


    Along the same minor gripe, what bothered me about Han's death was Rey was the one sharing a long hug with Leia. Shouldn't that have been Chewie and Leia hugging and grieving together? Or at least have them embrace before/after Rey and Leia.

    I give it three out of four swabs. Exhilarating movie worthy of the iconic franchise we all put on a pedestal.

    Posted in: Movies
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    when will people learn not to piss off Brady, Belichick, and the rest of the Patriots? they are good enough already without giving them any extra motivation.
    I heard on the radio yesterday, the last time they were scrutinized (spy-gate) they went 18-1 the next season, losing to the Giants and Eli's great escape; not to mention "gum on Tyree's helmet."(kudos if you remember that commercial)
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    Quote from Macius »
    Just posting this as since our draft happened, I'd like to point out a few things and just general toasting speeches

    To begin, since its come to my attention: I messed up when I made the league, and made it the wrong way. The only thing this affects is that I dont have LM powers. If you make a mistake and drop a guy, message me or post here as soon as you can. It happened with someone earlier today and I was let known of ASAP.

    Now if you drop a guy and a day later you tell me, thats where things get murky as he could of been injured, you heard it was bad and dropped him and then when you found out it wasnt as bad, you tell me you accidentally dropped him. Now mind you, I dont think any of you would do that. If there it comes up like that, I will not hesitate to put it to a league vote. Im setting this out now so that if there is a conflict of interest (perhaps, I just like to be safe), I can come back here and show it.

    I understand that mistakes happen and I also know that the people in the league have mostly done this before and know where the line lays. We are all people, or whatever the hell you classify Steelers fans as, of whats fair.


    My second point is that playoff match-ups are two weeks. That means that we will be going until week 17, which means studs will likely be benched and you'll have to go for back-ups. Plan accordingly.

    My final point is that I am planning on doing this again next year. I am hopeful that the major changes this year (No QB Flex and Modified D/ST scoring [based on re-crunching last years numbers, its a +/- of 1 point per game for D/ST] are loved and as the season goes on, I'd love to hear feedback. Dont be afraid to ask questions or give feedback to me. My only change so far is to make sure that if we do this again next year, that I set it up so I have LM powers so that the first point about accidental drops can be fixed more easily.


    In closing, lets have a great year and SCREW THE SQUEALERS.


    noted. and yes, I agree to the comments I quoted in bold. Grin
    Posted in: Sports
  • posted a message on 2014-2015 NFL Season/Fantasy Football Thread
    I'm okay with the fractional D/ST scoring.

    Honestly though, you won't hear much griping from me either way. I'm just glad someone "grabbed the reins," if you will, to keep an MTGS FF league going. I was thinking of "rebooting" it myself, but I kept procrastinating (i.e. being lazy) and pretty much resigned myself on playing in some random ESPN or Yahoo league with other randoms.

    So thank you Macius, for not being lazy! And for getting this started! And for being a member I recognize! :p (along with a few others!)

    Now you've got me really stoked because I have to defend my title!!! After playing FF for twelve years now(?)( our league here, with other pals in Cleveland, and in a pay league for a few years), I've come close but never brought up the trophy.... until last year! WOOOO!

    I was disappointed that no Fantasy Baseball league was established this season. Perhaps it was because a first-timer lost in the FFB World Series?

    Anyhooooo, enough stroking my own fantasy sports ego... thank you again Macius!
    My info has been sent to you.

    Oh, and thanks to everyone else for joining in on the fun!

    p.s. Whatever date and time you choose, I'll adjust my sleep accordingly (I work third shift).
    Posted in: Sports
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