I decided my 11 year old is now old enough to participate in the Midnight Madden Madness tradition with me.  He was on his best behavior all day long (I wish Madden was released everyday to keep that going).  For the second straight year, I have been the first to purchase the game at our local Wal-mart.  There were only 10 of us there mind you but still first nonetheless.

When we got home, our first game was Raiders vs. Redskins in the Super Bowl.  Lots of story lines here: Raiders vs. Shanahan, Jason Campbell faces his old team, could Donovan win the big one for DC?, could the Redskins get payback for XVIII?  Final result Raiders 35 – Redskins 7.  The game is very nice.  I don’t think I love the new Gameflow feature but the presentation and gameplay of Madden11 is fantastic.  Hard to get use to the lack of a turbo button though.

I still love Madden but it is harder to find time to play and since Seven retired from Madden last year, the appeal has somewhat diminished.  However, playing with my new protege, my son, Madden is still just as fun as ever.  My son will log more time with this game than me today, so it feels like the torch has been passed on successfully to the next generation and I’m okay with that.   Happy Madden-oliday to all Maddenites old and young!

Well, the first wave arrived and a buddy of mine was in love with his. After talking more with him about the power of the iPad and researching it on the web I decided to get the 3G model on launch day… except all my nearby stores sold out and I eventually just ordered it from apple online. Now, after having in my possession for 10 days, here is my review.

The iPad rocks! Here are some reasons why…

1. Mobile internet the way it was meant to be – I don’t need to go to a different room if someone else is on the computer, I can sit next to them in the living room and surf away. I realize you can do this with a laptop as well but I don’t need to “boot” the iPad. With one click, I’m up and going.
2. Reading – The iPad makes it so easy to download books, magazines, newsletters, etc. Between iBooks, Kindle App, and the new Barnes and Nobles App, you are covered to read almost anything. I might even read a comic or two. Are there other devices out there that do this? Yes, but do they do all of these other things? No.
3. GPS Navigation – One less thing to carry. Right now I’m using the iPhone App – MotionX GPS and it works just fine.
4. Video viewing – Streaming TV, movies, podcasts, converting DVDs (oh yeah, if you plan on downloading movies or viewing your own, go 64gb… either that or go with one of the cloud apps), etc. The perfect size for mobile video, plus you can buy the adapter and connect it to a larger display. The quality is excellent.
5. Travel – perfect travel device. Watch, listen, read, surf, write, email, etc. all from the road. I could go on but you get the picture.
6. Email and Social media – My blackberry covers my work email and I can use the iPad for personal use. The twitter apps, the Facebook iphone app (I’m sure a better one will come out later), the web, etc.
7. Games – I love my psp but gaming on the iPad will be huge. It is small enough to take with you but big enough to impress you visually. Not all games have great graphics so far but the potential is there. My only concern is the control functionality. That could diminish gameplay somewhat (thinking about Madden) but it won’t replace my console… just get me through when I’m not at home. By the way, my family is addicted to Plants vs. Zombies and Angry Birds… so much fun!
8. Blogging – this post brought to you by the WordPress ipad app.
9. Work – yes, I do plan on using this to work on . With Numbers, Pages, and Keynote I can put together a proposal, pricing document, presentation, etc. (especially with a bluetooth keyboard). I don’t think it will replace my laptop but it can get me by in a pinch.
10. Family sanity – This might sound corny but I can turn my daughter’s mood around in a heartbeat with the iPad. If her brothers pick on her I can say, “Let’s go play with Doodle Buddy” and she is immediately happy. She was a bit of a momma’s girl but that is starting to change. Are there other ways to build this relationship? Yes, but can they do all these other things?

I could go on but I won’t… need to go kill some zombies. Is it perfect? No, but I don’t think that should stop you from buying. Software will continue to be developed and it will get even better than it is today. Besides, I don’t think this will be my last iPad. Enjoy it for what it is!

Rip City is a nickname that the Portland team was given way back in the day by Bill Schonely, and has become a way to tie the team and its fans together over the years. To honor the memory of not only the players that have come before this team, but the fans that have stuck with the city for all of these years, the Rip City jerseys were born. The first unveiling of the Rip City jerseys actually came during a pre-season game against the Suns, but on Sunday night it marked the first regular season game where they were worn. The Rip City jerseys may look a bit odd on Sports Center without an explanation, but they definitely will hold special meaning for fans.

SLAM ONLINE | » Blazers Introduce ‘Rip City’ Uniforms.

As the proud papa of a 4 year old and an 18 month old I have been exposed to an awful lot of childrens television programming over the past few years (I’m looking at you playhouse Disney, Noggin and Nick Jr.!) and while much of it is completely unbearable for an adult (I will literally scream if I have to watch the grumpy old troll under the bridge on Dora one more time, in fact I think I screamed the last time I saw it.)  some of the shows are downright entertaining (Wonder Pets, Lazy Town, Charlie and Lola, Imagination Movers and Wow Wow Wubzy have been a few of the favorites around our house).

There is one show in particular though that seems to be a little more polarizing then all of the others, Yo Gabba Gabba.  Recently I have heard the opinions of many parents that can’t stand this show so it’s time that I stood up and defended it.  I love Yo Gabba Gabba and I don’t care who knows it.

As a child of the late 70’s early 80’s I grew up watching shows like “The Polka Dot Door” and Sesame Street during my formative years.  Yo Gabba Gabba seems to be a throwback to the time of human sized puppets, trippy old school special effects, and basic life lessons that speaks to me.  And let’s not forget about the fantastic songs that reinforce these lessons.  (“Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, never give up”, ”Dreams will take you near and Dreams will take you faaaar!!!”, “Theres a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!”, “don’t, don’t, don’t bite your friends!”  just so sing a few, I could go on and on and on.)

To top it all off there are the amazing guest stars.  How can you not like a show that has featured segments with Elija Wood, Jan from the Office, Murray Hewitt, Biz Markie and countless others?  Jack Black even stared in his own episode.

To tie things all up nice and tidy they give you DJ Lance Rock whose skin tight orange outfit is straight from the 60’s and hes got the hat to match.  I love this show and I don’t even do drugs!

Oh and I almost forgot the best part of all…MY NAME IS SEVEN…AND I LIKE TO DANCE!!!!

Two thumbs waaay waay up for Yo Gabba Gabba.

Okay I know I have attempted to bring the Rap Up back before with poor results.  That is of course because most reality TV just annoys me now and I get tired of watching much less talking about the shows.  But I feel strangely inspired to write about Big Brother this season.  So while I won’t be attempting to recap the episodes (I don’t have the time and this ain’t a paying gig) I figured I will at least give my thoughts on each episode as I find the time.

So tonight kicked off season 11 of the debacle that is Big Brother.  Another 13 houseguests are being forced upon us and once again I immediately find myself asking “why am I watching this again?”

For tonight’s episode, since they just spent the whole time introducing the characters and introducing this seasons lame-o (copyright Rachel Ray) twist I’m just going to break out each cast member (yes cast member, these people aren’t contestants they are cast) and give my thoughts on each after watching the first show.

So to quote Peter Pan, “hold on tight cause here we GOOOOOOO!”

Braden – Um, um…why am I doing this again?  Okay lets just push through.  Braden is first on this list, namely because I’m doing this in alphabetical order.  I have to say, on looks alone, Braden is the most annoying houseguest.  That said during his time during the competition he didn’t come off completely unbearable (there is much worse).  He should at the very least make for entertaining TV as apparently he frequently makes up his own words because those that have been previously defined in the English language must not be awesome enough for him or something.  I do think he won’t last long in this game because he won’t be able to see the forest for the trees, or the game play for Laura’s chest at least.  Oh I just also have to comment that Braden said when he was introduced that surfing is better then sex because the waves don’t talk back.  I don’t know how to tell you this Braden but if your significant other is talking back to you…well you might be doing it wrong…

Casey-Mike Boogie Sr, come on down!  Seriously I’m convinced this guy has to be related to Mike Boogie someway, somehow.  Not only does he act like him, he looks like him and he was seen wearing Florida Gator shorts during the challenge, the same school that M Boogie frequently wore during his time in the game.  That said he seems to be less annoying, so far.  I actually like his chances.  He seems to be fairly friendly and personable and as long as he can avoid coming off phony he should avoid being a target early on.

Chima-Hmm what to say about Chima, other then she looks like a demon when she laughs and I already can’t take it!!!!  I think Chima is going to rub people the wrong way quickly in this game.  She thinks just a little too highly of herself and I don’t think she is going to be good at making friends with many of these people.

Jeff – I have to say from pictures alone I thought I was going to hate Jeff.  But after watching him during the game tonight I have to say hes one of my early favorites.  Didn’t stand out as a threat during the challenge but I bet he can turn it on when he needs to.  That and it seems like everyone in the house so far either wants to date him or be his BFF.  I like his chances but his biggest downfall may be the fact that he can’t be friends with everyone and we all know what they say about a woman scorned.

Jordan – Considering she was placed in the popular clique I think her best shot in this game early on is to float.  She definitely did a good job of blending into the background during what we saw in episode 1.  I think she is unoffensive and isn’t a threat to anyone and early in the game that’s all you can hope for.  Should carry her for a while.

Kevin – Definitely the most polarizing figure in the house (until Jessie that is) at this point.  He is going to have some strong allies and some big time enemies.  If this house is going to break down into two sides like it always does I can see Kevin being right in the middle of the catfights that ensue.  He’ll make for great TV but won’t be able to avoid the hot seat.

Laura – Jen + Bigger Implants = Laura?

Lydia – Tattoo girl will find herself in trouble if the early friendship (or whatever it is) with Kevin takes.  I don’t think either of them will really be able to hold back their opinions of other people when push comes to shove and she will wind up on the hot seat….as well.

Michele – Don’t really have strong feelings for Michele at this point.  Given the way the first episode was edited she may be a potential floater.  If she pulls that off I think shes the smallest target of the brains clique and that will carry her for a while.

Natalie – Okay talk about stupid gameplay, who on earth is going to believe this girl is 18 and just graduated (not to mention she was drinking champagne, what are the drinking laws in LA again?).  She shot herself in the foot the first minute they were in the house and then made a fool of herself in the HOH challenge.  She is lucky she is part of a strong clique with numbers but I think she is going to annoy everyone, her cliquemates included.

Ronnie – Oh wow talk about annoying, can we turn the geek down just a bit there Ronnie?  I will be the first to admit that I am a geek.  However I don’t feel its necessary to carry my geek bat around and beat everyone over the head with it.  That and the guy seems like he needs his meds or something, hes just a little too hyper about being on this show.  I think he can easily rub folks the wrong way in the house just because of how different he is and then, goodbye Ronnie.  Oh I also have to add that I’m not sure how being a member of a nationally ranked debate team is going to help you in this game.  OOOOOOOOhhhh you can out argue someone!  Helpful ability to have in the house, piss everyone off because you can argue with them.  Hows that working for you?

Russel – Um Pass?  Russel appears to be dumb as a brick and I hope for his sake (and mine if he ever reads this) that he isn’t.  I think Russel’s biggest problem may wind up being his own insecurity.  He walks into this house as the big, muscle bound guy and then in walks Jessie who is twice as big (and way way more then twice as stupid) as he is.  I think its going to be a (pardon my english) “pissing contest” as long as they are both around.

That brings us to Jessie.  I have to admit, I was ecstatic to see Cowboy back on my TV screen.  Its nice to know after all this time he is still just sitting there waiting by the phone for CBS to give him a call and invite him back on the show but just like Allstars he misses the cut again.  I would have been happy to see Brian back in the house as well as he never really got a fair shake last season.  Jessica, well if I remember correctly she really bugged me early on but then I ended up liking her when everyone else in the house drove me nuts so she might have been okay.  But Jessie, oh please I would literally take any other houseguest in the history of big brother over Jessie (that may not be true, my memory isn’t what it used to be).  At least The Soup should have some fun material to work with again while he is around (hopefully not long).

So there you have my take on the guests, suppose I should comment on the twist for a bit.  I hate the clique idea but I like the idea of these “teams” where the HOH cannot put up one of their teammates.  Especially when they didn’t get to choose their clique.  Should make for some interesting strategy, when the possible nominees are limited.  That said it can’t go on very long either just because of the nature of the game.  So we shall see.

Let me just wrap things up with my guess on Nominees now that we know Jessie is HOH (wasn’t he first last year too?).  Its a little early for predicitions since the live feeds aren’t up yet and we really don’t know how these guys are interacting but I think Jessie is going to look down upon anyone who doesn’t kiss the ground he walks on so I think the off beats are in trouble.  He might also go after anyone he sees as a threat so that puts Braden in the hot seat.  So lets go with Braden and Kevin as the nominees.

Well that’s my take on Episode 1.  This is the longest I have written for a post on Droppin in a while so lets see if I can ease back into this as the weeks go on.  Thanks to DirecTV’s generous gift of a free year of Showtime (gift or punishment?  Seriously Showtime must be the biggest waste of a channel on TV.  So bad DirecTV is just giving it away) I will be able to watch the after dark show for the first time.  Although I’m not sure I can take 13 unedited morons living in a house for three hours a night so that may not be my cup of tea.  Time will tell.

Join me back here sometime after Sunday (or whenever I get around to watching it thanks to TIVO AKA the real reason the Reality Rap Up died) for another dose of Brother Love.

You’ve just been rapped…CONVINCED?  (Insert other annoying catchphrases here…)

Well if you can believe Ron Artest he is apparently the newest LA Laker to be after accepting a free agent offer from the Lake Show.  I have to say I really don’t like this move but its entirely for personal reasons.  Artest has proven that when he can keep his head in the game (or stay on his meds depending on who you listen to) that he can be a great player however this last season he also appeared to miss a step in his game defensively and has proven that he can be a chucking liability on the offensive end at times.

That said, this move also has a strange symmetry to Rodman joining the Bulls.  If anybody can reign in Ron Ron and get some production out of him its going to be Phillip the 10th and you just know this move wasn’t made with Kobe’s approval so I guess I will try and look at the positive side and say that he’ll be an upgrade over Ariza…hopefully.

hows that working for ya?

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