Before the beginning there was a prelude

    Been a while hasn't it. I know everyone is waiting on me to release some more of the story and rest assured I've definitely cranked up the seriousness rating over the past couple of weeks. Nothing discourages me more then to tell you that I am still dragging my feet on the final pages but for everyone's patience thus far I felt like sharing the remodeled prologue that I did sometime last year before the hard drive fiasco. Needless to say this is part of the recovered file and I very much hope you enjoy it.

     Just a foreword. This and anything I post can and will always be a work in progress no matter the state it currently resides in. That doesn't mean I will retcon anything within the blog but it does mean I will more then likely change things in the final product released on Amazon for reasons of "perceived perfection necessity". While saying all that I can't guarantee that this exact prologue will be the same one found in that upcoming "refurbished edition" as it was intended to be but rest assured changes are only made for lucidity sake. Again, enjoy and compare the two. It's quite a difference.

       -Rossini



The original Prologue in all its glory:

It is always the same. Many days apart but they always begin identical to one another. I feel the shock wave wash over my limp body like a coat of water surging past. Then the thunder abruptly hampers my sleeping corpse, beckoning me back to life.

I sit up and wipe the slumber from my pupils. The dry dirt and debris falls to ground as in the distance the repeating sight loops ever more.

Nothing.

No trees sway from the gusts. No birds squawking a pleasant song. There is only silence around me. There is only death beside me.

Seven years ago a man attempted to destroy the world. Seven times he was thwarted by righteous men. The great tyranny endowed did not last. We were free of the racism and bigotry. We the soldiers did not falter.

But every night I hear the same sounds. The bombs continue to fall. I thought that seven years ago this had ended. It appears I was wrong.




And the remodeled edition after the break.>>>

Its all over

 So I'm sad. While I'll admit I didn't actually pick my team to win their series, their loss left me in a depression filled abyss . In truth it isn't so much that they lost but more how they managed to lose.


Ok so after the first three games, it was crystal clear Vancouver Canucks were the better team. That's no slight to the Hawks but to be brutally honest one must push past sentimental connections. But honestly after game five I felt they had an excellent shot at winning this thing. By game six it was apparent that the Blackhawks would still need something of luck and good fortunes to get past game seven a victor. Neither of which came.

With a possible reeling Luongo in net and a shaky 3-0 start the Cancucks managed to tread dark waters. While Luongo was good in net, he wasn't Corey Crawford good. Moreover it felt like the injury to Bickell proved to be a bigger draw then originally believed. No one and I mean no one appeared to screen Bobby Lou very much if at all in this one. And in the end, a very early goal from Alex Burrows almost proved too much for the Hawk's miserable offense to muster.

Until less then three minutes left in the game and on a short handed penalty, Chicago's Cap'n stepped up and dragged his team into overtime. Toews is something special even if his stats this series proved ineffective.

Anyways, sudden death overtime in hockey is sorta like a having sex and a heart attack at the same time. It's wild, it's sudden and before you know it, its already over with. And then your dead.

Which brings me to the way it ended and why I'm terribly saddened.

The Canucks for all they deserve the accolades and the series (including this win) essentially won on what can only be described as an asinine play by one of Chris Campoli. While I am at times a very vindictive person (Read: See previous post about Sabres/Philly game) I won't entirely burn his jersey just yet.

Chris Campoli still looks like Shia Labeouf - (Photo by Getty images/Bruce Bennet)

It was a bad play from Campoli/good pickup by Alex Burrows. It was his fault but there were other things I could easily be up and arms about. Like the call where the puck momentarily disappeared from Luongo's presence only to reemerge no less then one second later and enter the net  easily equalizing the score. Except that the Refs called the play dead *INSTANTLY.

Campoli and Crawford (Photo Credited: Jonathan Daniel/Getty images

And as I hinted to, I felt bad for Crawford. Here is a rookie goaltender in his first  playoffs at the starting position and plays well enough to win but two overly costly defensive gaffes leave him out to dry and a **loser. 

I'll be honest. I feel really bad. Like I did when my lousy football team dropped going to Superbowl. It's such a void that will almost certainly be left open in my mind and heart for weeks.

But I'm proud of the team. They almost did the unthinkable. And almost hurts the most. It also brings you the most satisfaction in an otherwise melancholy situation.




*Which as I understand is the right call when sight of the puck is lost.

**Loser in a sense that he lost a game not a loser like Campoli***

***Who still is a loser even if he wins. JUST JOKING!

Page Break Here:

Game Seven

Canucks and Blackhaws,

    For fans of both teams, this is not how they envisioned their series. While some believed or fantasized about seven games rarely do these ever come out of a 3-0 lead. And moreover the prospect of suggesting seven games is more of a tip of the hat to the other team's fans rather then actual truth.

   But in the end, no one and I mean no one could have wanted this match up less then Vancouver's netminder Luongo and his livid coach Alain Vigneault. Both are and will be on the hotseat if they somehow manage to do the unthinkable. Drop game seven along with their best chance at winning Lord Stanley's Cup in some time.

That would be most unfortunate for Canuck fans. Very few people live as far back into the past you'd need to dig to find their last "Championship" which I might add was well before the formation of the league as it is today.

On the other side the red dotted line we have a team that shows serious staying power when endangered. A team that once shown the wall's back will not go silently into the night. A group of young men and veterans on the verge of toppling this years figurative Goliath.

     The president's cup (most points accumulated in reg season) means nil in the playoffs. The Blackhawks have a date with destiny that not even Bryan Bickell's lacerated tendon can fully hamper. The concussive hit on Seabrook was (in my opinion) classless and fuel to their resurgence. Dave Bolland's return has mostly marked the end of the Sedin twins potent offensive attack. And Chicago's Captain has yet to score.


     Yet stating all that. Ignoring Luongo's ten goals allowed over two games and Corey Crawford's playoff emergence in the time of need and crunch; who will win this epic set of games and continue on? And most importantly will you even *care?

*Care can equal watch if applicable.



NHL Playoffs end tonight for one of these teams. Nine Central, Ten Eastern.






And before you ask; as much as I may enjoy some hockey I'll probably discontinue paying attention to the playoffs if/when my team loses. Nothing has changed too much on the homefront (Read: story progress) so I have neither update yet or info on when. Continue to check in from time to time and make sure you help me secure some helpful votes on Amazon. Yes I'm contracting readers for virtual confidence. Don't judge me!

Check back soon,

-Rossini

Grip This

Foreword. I'm not one to relish in gimmicks or trinkets or overhauling modifications. I like my controller clean and pretty.

Afterword. Thus why did I spend the five dollars on an attachment I'd only fancy a wee bit? My "Clean and pretty" Xbox 360 controller is from 2006, used almost everyday for the past five years. The stick is worn beyond the concave and sloped more then an on ramp. It's a rolling lump. An impractical mess so to speak.

Rather then replace the stick (as I should have possibly done instead) I figured this would be the easiest course of action. And it was. It is a solution to a problem.

A solution that will allow me a little longer with a dying controller.

But as I've made abundantly clear, these things are not at all in the slightest necessary. I find that I still loose "grip" from time to time depending on the game and the actions occurring. Their dry sticky style of suction is both adhesive and distracting. From constant use I find my mind drifting from game to controller as the little firm frog foot clings to my thumb. Maybe that is just a personal dilemma but it is worth noting that if you like me find yourself constantly enthralled by the game you're playing, these might unsettle you at first as they have me.

Final word. I hate that these will not fit over a FPS Freak*. They're too small. And the contrast of slightly worn FPS Freak to Grip-iTs is definitely distracting. Otherwise I like them. Not enough to fully one hundred percent recommend them and then and only then would I suggest to those like myself with an old worn out controller but there is enough here to warrant the small investment if curious. These things don't "slip" and don't add much height (if you aren't into that sort of thing).

No "gluing" required in the writing of this review or use of product.

*[Supposedly one must flip them inside out to make them work, decal down. Yet to try]


If you like this review please hit up my Amazon page (just to the right of this post under the tab AMAZON REVIEWS) with a thumbs up. I'm trying to build up a score. Many thanks for reading and look forward to delivering more work soon.


As always, updates soon;

-Rossini

The update from nowhere

Time again crawls, a bitter day soured from news of morose nature. The weekend cometh and I've been lazy to update the blog regarding story time. It's been a busy week but I did make some breakthroughs on the writer's block (yes I know. I never mentioned it. It was implied). Things are looking bright over here and I
have made the fabled progress we've heard so much about. Look forward to release in the near future (after some laboring editing).

But that's not all! Some more lovable hockey updates that the world just loves to read about!

Nucks-Hawks

3-1 Canucks

Wow was game three a disappointment. Game four sure looked like the Canucks of old but I'm afraid the shellacking Luongo withstood in this one will be one and done (sort of like the Hawks). I'm still rooting for game seven but...

Redwings-Coyotes

4-0 Redwings

Over and done obviously. Damn this series I thought would have been tighter but Detroit walloped Phoenix. Congrats motor city.

Ducks-Preds

2-2

What more can I say but oops? Are apologies even seen in professional sports or should I stick to my original post where I threw the Ducks underneath a bus of malcontent? Seriously though, good series. Ducks have it evened now at 2-2. These two teams seem to have mirrored one another every other game winning their respective match in convincing fashion. Should be an interesting finale.

Caps-Rangers

3-1 Caps

Again I don't follow a lot of hockey and most of it stays within the west but should be noted that the Capitals finally look poised to make a run. Let's see your victory dance Ovechkin.

And the rest....

I'm still liking San Jose in their series.

Pittsburgh should now easily wrap up their 3-1 series (sorry Lightning, I thought it was yours from the outset).

I still expect Philly to win against Buffalo but I suppose you never know. Course I wouldn't mind seeing them lose. A little biased revenge if you will. Only joking. Not really joking.

Bruins and Canadians no idea.


And that's a really really really poor wrap up of the Hockey Playoffs 2011!

Enjoy your weekend folks.

           -Rossini

Wii Wii

    Obviously my subject title has all the words necessary for anyone to instantaneously understand the purpose of this update. And quite simply put; its about fricken time.

Finally on a level playing field. Six years later.

     I love the little white box to some degree but just like all his predecessors, the games I want to play seem to end up else where. This is not me trying to slight the tiny thing's feelings. No I just relate Nintendo to nostalgia.

When you got some, you fondle it tight. And when you don't, you weep.

     The Wii is sort of like that. Regardless of one's personal opinions I commend their foresight into offering a new style even if it all becomes a sad gimmick. I can't in good faith suggest that if the system does not sell itself I'd recommend it but then again hawking wares was never my forte.

      But I feel relieved by this rumor if not because I see a great many things coming from it. Sony and Microsoft will now drop their bullshit ten year shenanigans lest they be left in the dust. And the jokes of the little white box being two gamecubes duct taped together will at long last end. And the PC gamers will rejoice now that their ports will quickly become decent for a time (until consoles start to suck again, say three months).

       Most importantly the world will once again be round. With money. Money paid to the almighty juggernauts of technology. Which actually once said in context among these three....


ULTERIOR MOTIVE EMPLOYED>....


      I always have more then one idea caught inside my head at a given time. Who doesn't?

     Needless to say I wanted to once again reiterate that I'm not just screwing around with my stories. I'm trying to give the best possible time and respect that I can at this time (as in a year I'd surely do better. Tongue in cheek). This story about the vacant world isn't stuck in limbo (puns unintended) I'm just fraying the outer realms of my cerebrum searching for something I'm not sure is there.

     Either way it's coming. If I can get any good amount of time and work done this weekend maybe very soon I post at least the original transcript. As always I'll look to keep you informed on the when.

                         -Rossini

NHL Plyayoffs

One thing I'll never quite grasp about America is why the ice game doesn't reel in more viewers. See I get the whole disrespect soccer thing. Not that I do but surely I understand that conundrum. Hockey on the other hand... What more could you really ask for?

Its not Football I know but that would be like assigning blame to a cabbage for not being spinach. It just isn't quite the same thing and never will be. Their goals are roughly the same but most sports are fairly barbaric and archaic in nature anyways. And don't get me started on the money issue. Seriously.

Anyways moving on; the NHL playoffs have started and a little over half the initial games have been played offering us the viewers a small fraction of insight into the future of these eight match ups.Here is what I've learned so far.



         Blackhawks sure seemed intent to write the headlines this morning: Must miss Dustin Byfuglien. More like must hit more goal iron if you ask me. Luongo played well but lady luck sure had a finger in this opening series. Perhaps only a small one but we'll see if it continues.

My recommendation to the Hawks? Try eating some Lucky Charms next time because remember children. Its more then just lucky! Its intoxicating. No but seriously tighten up those shots Hawks. And for the love of god turn around and give as you receive. 

      Prediction: This will either be a very short series or a very long one. Just watching the first period alone would give you the idea it'll be short but the second and third periods gave the Hawks hope. We'll see soon enough.


        Redwings are still a championship quality team regardless of age. Obviously Pheonix had a chance with all the Powerplays but could not seal doom for a penalty happy Detroit.

      Prediction: Long series. I don't expect an upset but it could happen.


     Nashville sure is a sound team aren't they? Last year they had the Blackhawks on their heels and this year they start with a great game.

     Prediction: I really don't expect the ducks to survive this series especially with how well Nashville has been playing as of late.



And finally both the Caps and Pens won. Surprisingly I don't know a whole hell of a lot bout either team other then their stars and outside of Crosby (who obviously didn't play) they showed up and played well or so I read. Honestly however I didn't expect Pitt without Crosby to win this series but perhaps I'm over analyzing his impact (even though it is so large). And that's a good start for the always playoff disappointing Capitals. I'm just saying.



I may not drop sport stuff on here. I may just make a new sports blog for this kind of crap. We'll see. I just kinda wanted to comment on the subject since I was paying a slight bit of attention to them.


- Rossini

Updating the updates

It feels like two weeks have flown by and I've yet to figure any topic/rant into a meaningful blog post. Alas I'll chalk it up to nonsensical nonsense.

On the bright side I'll be reviewing L.A. Noire once it's released in May and look forward to yet another redesign on that front. It'll also mark the first relevant review I've yet to make. Fingers crossed.

Vacant world on the other hand has hit a rock. What I want to do and what I can do and what makes sense is all a mess. But I can reign her back in. Just need to a little more concentration...

*EDITED THE STUPID OUT*

- Rossini