Ah, yes, the infamous show about nothing. It was the original water cooler show of the 90's. and deservedly so. It was that good. It was also a show that I almost missed during its original run on NBC.
I watched an episode here and there, season 9 to be exact, and I wasn't too into it. It was only after it finished its run that I found out as to why it got the ratings and accolades that it did. The beauty of the show was apparent to me. And I've been a fan ever since
The show is a comedy about Jerry Seinfeld and his three friends: George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards).
The four of them are so memorable in how they act and the antics that they brought. Who will ever forget the contest? The moment where Kramer came into the apartment, put the money on the table and said, "I'm out!" and the reaction of the other three. That was a memorable moment, but the memorable moments and episodes came throughout the show's 9 seasons: The Strike (an episode famous for Festivus and the hilarity that it brought), The Race (I choose not to run!), The Frogger, The Revenge, The Boyfriend, The Betrayal, etc.
The storylines in the show were based on the real-life experiences of the writers, rumors and or headlines, or something else entirely. Looking back, I'm in awe as to how they did the entire show. The things that they were able to come up with.
What made this show even better was the spectacular supporting cast: The Seinfelds (Morty and Helen), The Costanzas (Frank and Estelle), The Soup Nazi (NO soup for you!), Jay Peterman, The Maestro, Jackie Chiles, Newman, George Steinbrenner, Uncle Leo (hello!), David Puddy, Mickey Abbott, Kenny Bania (that's gold, Jerry. Gold!)
This show is so much fun to watch for the episodes alone, but the special features bring a lot to the table. There are deleted scenes, notes about nothing (trivia), inside looks (one of my favorite features), commentary on select episodes, etc.
One of the best shows of yesteryear stills holds up exceptionally well to this very day.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Super Mario 3D World
Before I say anything about the game itself, let me just say this: I'm a huge Mario fan, and I have been ever since I was a little kid. The first Mario game I remember playing was the Super Mario World game that came with the SNES. It was a fun and innovative game, and that's what made it so memorable. That tradition continued with Yoshi's Island, Super Mario RPG, Super Mario 64, etc.
The point is: as a gamer, and as a Mario fan, I don't feel like playing a Mario game that feels like deja vu. Because to me, what drives a Mario game home for me is the two factors that I listed above. Super Mario 64 for example was something new entirely. A 3D world that you could explore freely, a hub that gave you even more freedom, and the fact that in order to go into a level you had to jump into a painting. I love it!
You may be asking: what does this have to do with Super Mario 3D World? Everything. When you look at the cover, it already looks like nothing I've ever seen before. Mario and company being cats? I love it!
You're able to play as Mario and Luigi, which is expected. However, this game supports 4 players and has Peach, Toad, and Rosalina being the other playable characters.
One of the things that I love about this game is the freedom that you have to explore around the level, which makes the game feel fresh for me. But it also has some 2D side-scrolling platform that we're used to. It's a nice combination that works out exceptionally well.
Let's talk about the suit power-ups. Every Mario game has these, and they should as it's one of their trademarks. In this game, you have the classic Fire Flower, The Boomerang flower, Super Leaf, Mega Mushroom, and Propeller Block--I love using that thing. New additions include Cat Suit, which you get when you acquire a Super Bell. Being a cat is fun and allows you to run faster, use your claws as an attack, and gives you the ability to run up walls and the flagpoles at the end of the stage. You also can transform into a lucky Cat Statue that awards coins. You get this by getting the Lucky Bell. Double Cherries make a clone of the character in question. The more you eat, the more clones you get. You have a Cannon Box that allows you to fire shots at enemies and Light Blocks that can defeat the ghosts. And last but not least, one of my favorites, The Goomba Mask. This has your character donning a mask that allows him to blend in with the other Goombas. Very cool.
You can also pick up Bombs, Piranha Plants, and Baseballs that you can use to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. You can also ride around in a Skating Shoe or ride on the back of an aquatic dinosaur that goes by the name of Plessie.
Another cool thing about this game is that it features functionality with your Wii U Gamepad. Touching the screen can have a wide variety of effects such as opening doors, revealing hidden blocks or items, hinder enemies, and active mechanisms.
This game is compatible with other Wii U items such as the Nunchuk, Wii Remote, Classic Controller, and Wii U Pro Controller.
You can also unlock a Luigi-themed variation on the classic Mario Bros game by either clearing the game or using date from New Super Luigi U. Speaking of unlockables, Rosalina is able to be unlocked later on, which I think is pretty cool.
All in all: this game feels new and innovative, but it also features suits and power-ups from previous games. It's new with a slight mix of old sprinkled in. It's a great combination.
The point is: as a gamer, and as a Mario fan, I don't feel like playing a Mario game that feels like deja vu. Because to me, what drives a Mario game home for me is the two factors that I listed above. Super Mario 64 for example was something new entirely. A 3D world that you could explore freely, a hub that gave you even more freedom, and the fact that in order to go into a level you had to jump into a painting. I love it!
You may be asking: what does this have to do with Super Mario 3D World? Everything. When you look at the cover, it already looks like nothing I've ever seen before. Mario and company being cats? I love it!
You're able to play as Mario and Luigi, which is expected. However, this game supports 4 players and has Peach, Toad, and Rosalina being the other playable characters.
One of the things that I love about this game is the freedom that you have to explore around the level, which makes the game feel fresh for me. But it also has some 2D side-scrolling platform that we're used to. It's a nice combination that works out exceptionally well.
Let's talk about the suit power-ups. Every Mario game has these, and they should as it's one of their trademarks. In this game, you have the classic Fire Flower, The Boomerang flower, Super Leaf, Mega Mushroom, and Propeller Block--I love using that thing. New additions include Cat Suit, which you get when you acquire a Super Bell. Being a cat is fun and allows you to run faster, use your claws as an attack, and gives you the ability to run up walls and the flagpoles at the end of the stage. You also can transform into a lucky Cat Statue that awards coins. You get this by getting the Lucky Bell. Double Cherries make a clone of the character in question. The more you eat, the more clones you get. You have a Cannon Box that allows you to fire shots at enemies and Light Blocks that can defeat the ghosts. And last but not least, one of my favorites, The Goomba Mask. This has your character donning a mask that allows him to blend in with the other Goombas. Very cool.
You can also pick up Bombs, Piranha Plants, and Baseballs that you can use to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. You can also ride around in a Skating Shoe or ride on the back of an aquatic dinosaur that goes by the name of Plessie.
Another cool thing about this game is that it features functionality with your Wii U Gamepad. Touching the screen can have a wide variety of effects such as opening doors, revealing hidden blocks or items, hinder enemies, and active mechanisms.
This game is compatible with other Wii U items such as the Nunchuk, Wii Remote, Classic Controller, and Wii U Pro Controller.
You can also unlock a Luigi-themed variation on the classic Mario Bros game by either clearing the game or using date from New Super Luigi U. Speaking of unlockables, Rosalina is able to be unlocked later on, which I think is pretty cool.
All in all: this game feels new and innovative, but it also features suits and power-ups from previous games. It's new with a slight mix of old sprinkled in. It's a great combination.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Digimon (Season 1 and 2)
I love this show, I really do. It started off as an anomaly of sorts. I was bored one Saturday morning, and this show just so happened to be on. I wasn't feeling it at first, but I liked it more and more with each episode I saw. Before I knew it, I was hooked on this show. I was invested in this show--a show about these kids who are attending Summer Camp, and they all get sucked into this strange world. Together they are known as the DigiDestined.
The group is consisted of Tai, Matt, Izzy, Sora, Mimi, Joe, T.K., and later on, Kari. These kids get partnered up with a Digimon--a creature that is made up of data, and it can resemble anything from a wolf, to a dinosaur, to even an angel. They fall under one of three categories: data, virus, or vaccine. These creatures, their partners in particular, are rather real in the things that they do and feel. These Digimon feel pain, loneliness, hunger, courage, fear, etc. These Digimon form not only a partnership, but a friendship with each one of the kids. The fact that these creatures are capable of all this really does go to show how good this show is. Is it perfect? No. But it's quite fun to watch, and it's quite the experience.
My nostalgia senses were kicking into a higher gear as I watched this show last year. I remember why I loved this show so much, and it has nothing to do with nostalgia glasses. It has to do with the fact these these characters (the kids and their partner Digimon) are easy to relate to. They go through real issues, and that's something I give them props for. These characters learn and grow, and it makes me feel like I just watched something worthwhile.
Season 2 has returning characters, but only two of them are in the new group of DigiDestined. The other three are new characters. The rest of the kids from season 1 do come back, but more so in a supportive role. All of the kids from season 1 are older, which is a very nice touch since not only animation has characters age.
I love the ending for season 2. I won't spoil it, but I did love the closure that it brought. Digimon: Digital Monsters - The Official First Season
Digimon: Digital Monsters - The Official Second Season
The group is consisted of Tai, Matt, Izzy, Sora, Mimi, Joe, T.K., and later on, Kari. These kids get partnered up with a Digimon--a creature that is made up of data, and it can resemble anything from a wolf, to a dinosaur, to even an angel. They fall under one of three categories: data, virus, or vaccine. These creatures, their partners in particular, are rather real in the things that they do and feel. These Digimon feel pain, loneliness, hunger, courage, fear, etc. These Digimon form not only a partnership, but a friendship with each one of the kids. The fact that these creatures are capable of all this really does go to show how good this show is. Is it perfect? No. But it's quite fun to watch, and it's quite the experience.
My nostalgia senses were kicking into a higher gear as I watched this show last year. I remember why I loved this show so much, and it has nothing to do with nostalgia glasses. It has to do with the fact these these characters (the kids and their partner Digimon) are easy to relate to. They go through real issues, and that's something I give them props for. These characters learn and grow, and it makes me feel like I just watched something worthwhile.
Season 2 has returning characters, but only two of them are in the new group of DigiDestined. The other three are new characters. The rest of the kids from season 1 do come back, but more so in a supportive role. All of the kids from season 1 are older, which is a very nice touch since not only animation has characters age.
I love the ending for season 2. I won't spoil it, but I did love the closure that it brought. Digimon: Digital Monsters - The Official First Season
Digimon: Digital Monsters - The Official Second Season
Kraven's Last Hunt
I got this, along with Batman: Year One and Death of the Stacys, for my birthday in 2012. I browsed through Amazon, looking for the perfect choices--or as perfect as can be. I wanted to have a happy purchase, and the way I do that is by looking at the star rating and the reviews that accompany it.
I wanted to find graphic novels that have a sense of importance, such as an origin, or a death. I was in a frame of mind where I didn't just want, I needed to find it.
That is what led me to Kraven's Last Hunt. Now, what does this mean? I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that it is a great book. You have a beautiful, really cool-looking image on the front cover that has Spider-Man coming out of a grave. Now, that immediately catches my attention--and I'm sure the attention of several others. The back cover has Kraven The Hunter, who looks deranged. I love it!
The story tackles so many different things, and I like that a lot. One thing it tackles is a person's own mortality. It's a real issue, and I do give them props for tackling something like that.
I wanted to find graphic novels that have a sense of importance, such as an origin, or a death. I was in a frame of mind where I didn't just want, I needed to find it.
That is what led me to Kraven's Last Hunt. Now, what does this mean? I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that it is a great book. You have a beautiful, really cool-looking image on the front cover that has Spider-Man coming out of a grave. Now, that immediately catches my attention--and I'm sure the attention of several others. The back cover has Kraven The Hunter, who looks deranged. I love it!
The story tackles so many different things, and I like that a lot. One thing it tackles is a person's own mortality. It's a real issue, and I do give them props for tackling something like that.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Expanding
I think it's important to expand my blog in terms of the things that I talk about. It gives me more room to diverse, and it also gives me more things to write about, which is always great.
I'll be talking about toys because while I no longer buy them for myself, I still do see some cool-looking ones at the store. When I see them, it reminds me of why I liked them to begin with: because they looked awesome. They were fun to play with, especially if you have a good imagination like I did.
I also plan to talk about books. I see some books that I think would be interesting. Some are autobiographies on Pro Wrestlers. Other books are about video games--the history of them, for example.
I originally saw this as a motion comic on Youtube, and I absolutely loved it. Then months later, I read the entire thing at Barnes and Noble. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. The front cover is powerful. You see Peter Parker along with Uncle Ben, who he loved dearly and saw as a father figure walking together into the after-life.
Everything about this book was great. The story was perfect. I won't spoil it, but I do like how the Green Goblin was portrayed. He proves why he is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes.
I also like that you get to see several different Spider-Man foes in action. You also get to see The Human Torch and Ice Man in action.
The ending for this graphic novel was perfect.
I originally saw this as a motion comic on Youtube, and I absolutely loved it. Then months later, I read the entire thing at Barnes and Noble. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. The front cover is powerful. You see Peter Parker along with Uncle Ben, who he loved dearly and saw as a father figure walking together into the after-life.
Everything about this book was great. The story was perfect. I won't spoil it, but I do like how the Green Goblin was portrayed. He proves why he is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes.
I also like that you get to see several different Spider-Man foes in action. You also get to see The Human Torch and Ice Man in action.
The ending for this graphic novel was perfect.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Future Videos
A lot has changed, and for the better, which I'm really glad for. I'm partnered with Fullscreen, and I like it there. It opens up new possibilities for me, and I'm excited.
I have a new idea for a video, it's called...Resurrection? Now, I know I can't bring a cancelled show back on the air, or anything like that. But what I can do is talk to you, the viewer, about what I would bring back. As a guy that has been a gamer for most of my life, and as a man that has seen a lot of TV shows and movies, I can safely say that there have been things that I did not like, and that's part of the beauty. The other part is that I will share it with you, and then you, in turn, can share with me via the comments down below.
I'll be around for a long time, and why wouldn't I be? I love what I do and do what I love. I have so many things to choose from, and that's the beauty of it. Not only do I love it, but I also have a ton of variety to work with. I'll be doing reviews on: Yoshi's Island, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Samurai Pizza Cats, Batman: Arkham City, Beast Wars, Batman Begins, Boy Meets World, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight, Seinfeld, Spider-Man 1 and 3 (with 2 being done in the "Reloaded" series).
I have a new idea for a video, it's called...Resurrection? Now, I know I can't bring a cancelled show back on the air, or anything like that. But what I can do is talk to you, the viewer, about what I would bring back. As a guy that has been a gamer for most of my life, and as a man that has seen a lot of TV shows and movies, I can safely say that there have been things that I did not like, and that's part of the beauty. The other part is that I will share it with you, and then you, in turn, can share with me via the comments down below.
I'll be around for a long time, and why wouldn't I be? I love what I do and do what I love. I have so many things to choose from, and that's the beauty of it. Not only do I love it, but I also have a ton of variety to work with. I'll be doing reviews on: Yoshi's Island, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Samurai Pizza Cats, Batman: Arkham City, Beast Wars, Batman Begins, Boy Meets World, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight, Seinfeld, Spider-Man 1 and 3 (with 2 being done in the "Reloaded" series).
Monday, April 7, 2014
Memories Of The VCR/VHS Tapes
It's been a long time since I last did a blog, but I'm back now. Which is good because I haven't done a blog since late December.
Today's edition is a note-worthy one. It's one of my all-time favorite invention, one that brought me so much joy and so many memories: the VCR.
I remember the day we got it. My older brother and I got this for Christmas of '96 along with four VHS tapes: The Big Green, Toy Story, Independence Day, and The Mask.
I love the VCR for how simple it looked. You had the box, and in front there was a flap in which you used to slide the VHS in. There was a clock in front of it, which was good to keep the time, but even better for recording--as that made it easier when programming your VCR to record a show. The buttons were: play, rewind, fast-forward, and record.
The movies either came in a cheap-looking slip cover, or they came in one of those heavy-duty plastic boxes--most of which were for the Disney movies. I preferred the Disney ones as they not only looked better, but they were also more likely to protect your tape if it were to fall--as opposed to the more common one, which I wouldn't trust.
The movies were often just the feature with some previews before it--the way it would look like in a Theater. But sometimes you had VHS tapes with bonus features of sorts. The Scooby-Doo VHS tapes had a few cartoons at the end such as Dexter's Laboratory, Quick Draw McGraw, etc.
I had a lot of fun with the VHS tapes, but I had the most fun with the blank ones that were used for recording live TV. The concept blew my mind. You could record live TV while you sleep, or while you're spending time with the family, or while you're off doing something else entirely. The concept was amazing for me back then and I still remember them fondly.
I remember recording TV shows such as Samurai Pizza Cats, WWF Smackdown!, The Wacky World Of Tex Avery, and Jackie Chan Adventures.
Recording TV shows/Movies gave me great memories, and it also gave the VCR more of a shelf-life for me. I never got bored of it. In fact, the reason I don't have it anymore is because it just stopped working. I was so disappointed by it, and I still am to this day. Why? Because I loved my VCR, and I loved the whole thing for how simple and fun it was. It gave me so many great memories.
Today's edition is a note-worthy one. It's one of my all-time favorite invention, one that brought me so much joy and so many memories: the VCR.
I remember the day we got it. My older brother and I got this for Christmas of '96 along with four VHS tapes: The Big Green, Toy Story, Independence Day, and The Mask.
I love the VCR for how simple it looked. You had the box, and in front there was a flap in which you used to slide the VHS in. There was a clock in front of it, which was good to keep the time, but even better for recording--as that made it easier when programming your VCR to record a show. The buttons were: play, rewind, fast-forward, and record.
The movies either came in a cheap-looking slip cover, or they came in one of those heavy-duty plastic boxes--most of which were for the Disney movies. I preferred the Disney ones as they not only looked better, but they were also more likely to protect your tape if it were to fall--as opposed to the more common one, which I wouldn't trust.
The movies were often just the feature with some previews before it--the way it would look like in a Theater. But sometimes you had VHS tapes with bonus features of sorts. The Scooby-Doo VHS tapes had a few cartoons at the end such as Dexter's Laboratory, Quick Draw McGraw, etc.
I had a lot of fun with the VHS tapes, but I had the most fun with the blank ones that were used for recording live TV. The concept blew my mind. You could record live TV while you sleep, or while you're spending time with the family, or while you're off doing something else entirely. The concept was amazing for me back then and I still remember them fondly.
I remember recording TV shows such as Samurai Pizza Cats, WWF Smackdown!, The Wacky World Of Tex Avery, and Jackie Chan Adventures.
Recording TV shows/Movies gave me great memories, and it also gave the VCR more of a shelf-life for me. I never got bored of it. In fact, the reason I don't have it anymore is because it just stopped working. I was so disappointed by it, and I still am to this day. Why? Because I loved my VCR, and I loved the whole thing for how simple and fun it was. It gave me so many great memories.
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