My top 12 most shocking movements on reality TV are:
12. Adam Lambert losing the finale to Kris Allen on American Idol season 8
11. David Archuleta losing the finale to David Cook on American Idol season 7
10. Stacey Capers losing the reinstatement challenge to Ed Brantley on The Biggest Loser season 6.
9. Shay Sorrells' elimination on The Biggest Loser season 8.
8. Vitolio Jeune's elimination on So You Think You Can Dance season 5.
7. Pauline Mata's elimination on So You Think You Can Dance season 6.
6. Tamyra Gray's elimination on American Idol season 1
5. Khalood Bojanowski uttering racist talk on Momma's Boys.
4. Comfort Fedoke's elimination on So You Think You Can Dance season 4
3. Jennifer Hudson's elimination on American Idol season 3.
2. Chikezie Eze's elimination on American Idol season 7.
1. Jasmine Murray's elimination on American Idol season 8.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Shay Sorrells and Daniel Wright voted off The Biggest Loser
To me, 2009 is a year of shocking reality TV eliminations. What a shockfest that is. Shauntina "Shay" Sorrells, who is the heaviest contestant in Biggest Loser history, got voted off The Biggest Loser ranch, in a double elimination. Double elimination rarely occurs on The Biggest Loser, and several of my favorite reality TV show contestants were victims of double eliminations. This is my most shocking elimination in Biggest Loser history, but not my most shocking reality TV show elimination (which is Jasmine Murray's elimination on American Idol season 8). Earlier that night, her teammate Daniel Wright, the season 7 contestant who inspired her to be on the show, also got eliminated. Daniel was previously eliminated in week 4 of season 7. Shay was eliminated after a vote between her and Amanda, while Daniel was eliminated at the weigh-in. When Shay started The Biggest Loser competition, she weighed 476 pounds. She lost 100 pounds during her nine week run on The Biggest Loser ranch. Since being on The Biggest Loser, she lost 150 pounds. When Daniel first started the Biggest Loser competition he weighed 450 pounds. Since being on The Biggest Loser, he lost 230 pounds. To make matters worse, Shay's transformation footage was not broadcast.
Later that night, Shay and Daniel appeared on the Jay Leno Show to reveal their updates. Shay works out every day with six trainers, 2 hours on weekdays and 6 hours on weekends.
Later that night, Shay and Daniel appeared on the Jay Leno Show to reveal their updates. Shay works out every day with six trainers, 2 hours on weekdays and 6 hours on weekends.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Michael Irvin voted off Dancing With the Stars
Last night, Michael Irvin, an NFL hall of famer, known as the "Football Playmaker" got voted off Dancing With the Stars in a double elimination. Throughout most of the competition, he came in last place with the judges, but not during the week of his elimination. Later that night, Mark Dacascos, who came in last place with the judges, joined him for the double elimination after a dance off against Aaron Carter. I was pulling for Michael Irvin from day one. Every reality television show has a shocking moment, but this is not my most shocking elimination in Dancing With the Stars history. My most shocking elimination in the history of the series is Toni Braxton's elimination in season 7.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October is domestic violence month
October is domestic violence month. However, the domestic violence industry is corrupt and anti-male biased. It is a regression in civil rights progress since the Jim Crow era. The domestic violence laws have lost civil rights. False allegations of domestic violence and the abuse of domestic violence laws are a growing issue to me. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is out of control for several reasons. One reason is because it has been effective in stopping domestic violence. VAWA provides incentives to file false allegations and to break up families. It has failed to deliver its promises to women and ignores women's preferences. It spreads one-sided and anti-male biased information, such as misleading and hatemongering statistics (e.g. 2 women die in domestic violence incidents every week). It has allowed loose definitions of the term "domestic violence", thus inviting state power into small family matters. VAWA promotes marriage fraud and immigration fraud. It promotes the issuance of restraining orders, even when there is no physical violence. It funds destructive mandatory arrest policies, such as "no drop" policies and "primary aggressor" policies. It biases the judiciary.
The purpose of the domestic violence fraud is to defraud men out of their rights. Men were once in charge of their families and things were much better, and men did not have to endure feminist rebellion and women knew their place in the family. Before feminism came along, there was peace and order, and children were not as rambunctious as they are now. Many of society's ills are caused by radical feminists, who are bent on deposing men of their God-given rights of being household heads and put women on the family pedestal.
I have had enough of women making false allegations of domestic violence or other relationship crimes. These allegations get in the way of real victims of relationship crimes. The relationship justice industry has been flooded with false and trivial allegations of relationship crimes. Therefore, domestic abuse fraud, which is rarely suspected and rarely detected, must be removed from our society.
The purpose of the domestic violence fraud is to defraud men out of their rights. Men were once in charge of their families and things were much better, and men did not have to endure feminist rebellion and women knew their place in the family. Before feminism came along, there was peace and order, and children were not as rambunctious as they are now. Many of society's ills are caused by radical feminists, who are bent on deposing men of their God-given rights of being household heads and put women on the family pedestal.
I have had enough of women making false allegations of domestic violence or other relationship crimes. These allegations get in the way of real victims of relationship crimes. The relationship justice industry has been flooded with false and trivial allegations of relationship crimes. Therefore, domestic abuse fraud, which is rarely suspected and rarely detected, must be removed from our society.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Malum in se vs malum prohibitum
Malum in se a Latin phrase referring to crimes that are innately evil from the nature of the crime, without any notice of it being punished, based on English common law. Common law crimes are malum in se crimes. On the other hand, malum prohibitum is a Latin phrase that refers to crimes that society decides are wrong for some reason or lack of reason but are not innately evil. Malum prohibitum crimes include public order crimes and cultural taboos. Simply because something is legal does not make it right. Just because something is illegal does not make it wrong.
Malum in se: murder and manslaughter, rape, battery, assault, child abuse, theft (such as burglary and shoplifting), driving under the influence (DUI), robbery, extortion, kidnapping, fraud, deceit, forgery, counterfeiting, embezzlement, arson, vandalism, terrorism, genocide, treason, crimes against humanity
Malum prohibitum: speeding, parking violations, driving on the wrong side of the road, copyright infringement, drug possession, not wearing seat belts, indecent exposure, having a broken tail light, smuggling, trespassing, doing certain things without a license, selling certain things to minors, food and drug regulatory offenses, tax law violations (such as tax evasion), publication expressing discrimination, animal cruelty
You make the call: abortion, defamation, usury
Malum in se offenses are usually felonies, and they sometimes involve violent and nonconsensual activities. Malum prohibitum offenses are usually misdemeanors and usually involve nonviolent and consensual activities. However, more people are incarcerated for malum prohibitum offenses than for malum in se offenses. Malum prohibitum cases are naturally more likely to inspire claims of mistake of law than malum in se cases. Defendants in malum prohibitum cases can claim that they were unaware of the illegality and the wrongfulness of the offense, but those in malum in se cases cannot.
Feminism has in part caused increased prevalence of malum in se incidents and excessive or unconstitutional malum prohibitum laws.
Malum in se: murder and manslaughter, rape, battery, assault, child abuse, theft (such as burglary and shoplifting), driving under the influence (DUI), robbery, extortion, kidnapping, fraud, deceit, forgery, counterfeiting, embezzlement, arson, vandalism, terrorism, genocide, treason, crimes against humanity
Malum prohibitum: speeding, parking violations, driving on the wrong side of the road, copyright infringement, drug possession, not wearing seat belts, indecent exposure, having a broken tail light, smuggling, trespassing, doing certain things without a license, selling certain things to minors, food and drug regulatory offenses, tax law violations (such as tax evasion), publication expressing discrimination, animal cruelty
You make the call: abortion, defamation, usury
Malum in se offenses are usually felonies, and they sometimes involve violent and nonconsensual activities. Malum prohibitum offenses are usually misdemeanors and usually involve nonviolent and consensual activities. However, more people are incarcerated for malum prohibitum offenses than for malum in se offenses. Malum prohibitum cases are naturally more likely to inspire claims of mistake of law than malum in se cases. Defendants in malum prohibitum cases can claim that they were unaware of the illegality and the wrongfulness of the offense, but those in malum in se cases cannot.
Feminism has in part caused increased prevalence of malum in se incidents and excessive or unconstitutional malum prohibitum laws.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Vitolio Jeune has been voted off So You Think You Can Dance
First it was Jasmine Murray and now Vitolio Jeune, thus both missing the top 10 on their respective competitions. So You Can Think You Can Dance season 5 is American Idol season 8 all over again. I am shocked that Vitolio Jeune has been eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance competition, and Kupono is overrated. That is just as much as I was shocked about Comfort Fedoke being eliminated before the top 6 last season. Vitolio's original dance partner was Asuka Kondoh, who was eliminated last week. This week, he did the Quick Step routine, which is a kiss of death routine.
I hope next year, my luck will change on reality television. I hope next year, my first pick on American Idol season 9 and on So You Think You Can Dance season 7 both make the top 10. I do not want 2010 to be 2009 all over again. 2009 is a dark year for me when it comes to reality television. However, the good news is that I will not have to work on the day after this shocking moment. If my first pick (or favorite finalist of the season) misses the top 10 on two more consecutive seasons of American Idol, I will quit watching the show for good. The same will go for So You Can Think You Can Dance.
I hope next year, my luck will change on reality television. I hope next year, my first pick on American Idol season 9 and on So You Think You Can Dance season 7 both make the top 10. I do not want 2010 to be 2009 all over again. 2009 is a dark year for me when it comes to reality television. However, the good news is that I will not have to work on the day after this shocking moment. If my first pick (or favorite finalist of the season) misses the top 10 on two more consecutive seasons of American Idol, I will quit watching the show for good. The same will go for So You Can Think You Can Dance.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson dies
An extreme tragedy in the music industry has occurred. This is one of the most horrific tragedies in the history of the music industry. The King of Pop Michael Joseph Jackson has died of cardiac arrest. This death has shocked the entire world. He changed the face of music for good. He may be gone, but his music, legacy, and influence on pop culture will still live on. I am a big fan of Michael Jackson myself. My favorite songs from him include "Off the Wall", "Rock With You", "Human Nature", "Heal the World" (which I performed at a state mental institution), "Remember the World", and "You Rock My World."
In honor of Michael Jackson, top 13 performance episode of American Idol season 8 performance, which was originally broadcast on March 10, 2009, would be rebroadcast on June 29, 2009.
In honor of Michael Jackson, top 13 performance episode of American Idol season 8 performance, which was originally broadcast on March 10, 2009, would be rebroadcast on June 29, 2009.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
TZ Doctrine tenet #21: Reality comes before ideology
Common sense comes before business sense. Scientific accuracy comes before political correctness, and doing otherwise is politically correct nonsense. The media these days seems to be more interested in political correctness than in scientific accuracy. That is destructive and divisive, and is politically correct nonsense. Putting political correctness ahead of reality or scientific accuracy is a politically correct nonsense and a threat to civil liberty and constitutional government. There are special interests groups within the United States and Great Britain that would love to see those nations fail, and the Americans and the British are cursed with federal governments that do not listen to them. Regardless of how the elections turn out, the special interest groups always win. The United States was once a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. However, after many years of corruption and bribery, it has degenerated into a government of the special interest groups, by the special interest groups, and for the special interest groups.
Freedom of speech means the freedom to saying anything as long as it is the truth. It does not exclude anything that might offend others. We have the extreme right, comprising of social conservatives who attempt to legislate against what they find to be morally objectionable, and the extreme left, comprising of social liberals who attempt to make everything politically correct.
I am opposed to hate crime laws that are based on false premises or violative of the First Amendment. The hate crime laws I am opposed to include religious hate crime laws, such as a law against quoting a passage in the Bible in Church.
There is the gender wage gap myth. Our society teaches that a female employee makes 75 cents for every dollar a male employee makes. That figure is repeated as a mantra and blindly accepted as true, but in reality, it is evidently false. That figure is misleading and dishonest because it does not compare male and female employees of equal experience. Female employees work an average of four and a half years less than their male counterparts. The factors that determine the pay rate include education, job experience, and job choice. There are 80 jobs in which women on average get paid more than men, but they are mostly traditionally female.
Freedom of speech means the freedom to saying anything as long as it is the truth. It does not exclude anything that might offend others. We have the extreme right, comprising of social conservatives who attempt to legislate against what they find to be morally objectionable, and the extreme left, comprising of social liberals who attempt to make everything politically correct.
I am opposed to hate crime laws that are based on false premises or violative of the First Amendment. The hate crime laws I am opposed to include religious hate crime laws, such as a law against quoting a passage in the Bible in Church.
There is the gender wage gap myth. Our society teaches that a female employee makes 75 cents for every dollar a male employee makes. That figure is repeated as a mantra and blindly accepted as true, but in reality, it is evidently false. That figure is misleading and dishonest because it does not compare male and female employees of equal experience. Female employees work an average of four and a half years less than their male counterparts. The factors that determine the pay rate include education, job experience, and job choice. There are 80 jobs in which women on average get paid more than men, but they are mostly traditionally female.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Kris Allen is the eighth American Idol
American Idol season 8 is the most forgettable season of my favorite television show. Kris Allen, who hails from Conway, Arkansas, has been crowned the eighth American Idol, defeating runner-up Adam Lambert from Los Angeles, California, after nearly 100 million votes cast nationwide. A total of over 624 million votes were cast throughout American Idol season 8. I am not a big fan of Kris Allen, nor do I dislike him. One reason is that he hails from Arkansas, the state where the corporate monster Wal-Mart is headquartered. The only finalists of this season I dislike are Michael Sarver, Megan Joy, and Alexis Grace. I am extremely disappointed that Jasmine Murray, my all-time favorite American Idol contestant, will miss out on the Idol summer tour along with Jorge Núñez and Alexis Grace.
Here is how season 8 went down:
Winner: Kris Allen
Runner-up: Adam Lambert
3rd place: Danny Gokey
4th place: Allison Iraheta
5th place: Matt Giraud
6th place: Anoop Desai
7th place: Lil Rounds
8th place: Scott MacIntyre
9th place: Megan Joy
10th place: Michael Sarver
11th place: Alexis Grace
12th place: Jorge Núñez
13th place: Jasmine Murray
Will Kris Allen be a success in the future like David Cook or will he turn out to be a joke like Taylor Hicks? The way I see it is that Kris Allen may turn out to be a joke and be down there with Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks while Jasmine Murray will go from zero to hero and be up there with Kelly Clarkson. Therefore, Kris Allen will turn out to be a fake Idol, while Jasmine Murray will be a true sleeper Idol.
Here are my rankings:
#1 Jasmine Murray
#2 Lil Rounds
#3 Anoop Desai
#4 Matt Giraud
#5 Jorge Núñez
#6 Adam Lambert
#7 Scott MacIntyre
#8 Kris Allen
#9 Danny Gokey
#10 Allison Iraheta
#11 Michael Sarver
#12 Megan Joy
#13 Alexis Grace
Kris Allen is not my American Idol. Jasmine Murray is my American Idol, although she is the first boot. I like the previous American Idol David Cook better.
Here is how season 8 went down:
Winner: Kris Allen
Runner-up: Adam Lambert
3rd place: Danny Gokey
4th place: Allison Iraheta
5th place: Matt Giraud
6th place: Anoop Desai
7th place: Lil Rounds
8th place: Scott MacIntyre
9th place: Megan Joy
10th place: Michael Sarver
11th place: Alexis Grace
12th place: Jorge Núñez
13th place: Jasmine Murray
Will Kris Allen be a success in the future like David Cook or will he turn out to be a joke like Taylor Hicks? The way I see it is that Kris Allen may turn out to be a joke and be down there with Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks while Jasmine Murray will go from zero to hero and be up there with Kelly Clarkson. Therefore, Kris Allen will turn out to be a fake Idol, while Jasmine Murray will be a true sleeper Idol.
Here are my rankings:
#1 Jasmine Murray
#2 Lil Rounds
#3 Anoop Desai
#4 Matt Giraud
#5 Jorge Núñez
#6 Adam Lambert
#7 Scott MacIntyre
#8 Kris Allen
#9 Danny Gokey
#10 Allison Iraheta
#11 Michael Sarver
#12 Megan Joy
#13 Alexis Grace
Kris Allen is not my American Idol. Jasmine Murray is my American Idol, although she is the first boot. I like the previous American Idol David Cook better.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
An all male top 3
For the first time in American Idol history, with the last girl standing, Allison Iraheta, being voted off, American Idol season 8 gets an all-male top 3. This season of American Idol is the popular opposite of season 3 in terms of gender. Season 3 has eight female finalists and an all-female top 3, whereas season 8 has eight male finalists and an all-male top 3.
A record-breaking 64 million votes were cast according to Ryan Seacreast. Iraheta is the youngest finalist of American Idol season 8, being born in April 1992. Her elimination has shocked many viewers and commentators. The mentor Slash stated: "Allison didn't deserve to be voted off so soon. She has amazing potential." The band director Rickey Minor has also been shocked about her elimination. Iraheta landed in the bottom 3 many times prior to her elimination. The commentators have attributed her elimination to American Idol's predominately female voting base, which favors male contestants, while I favor African-American female contestants myself.
A record-breaking 64 million votes were cast according to Ryan Seacreast. Iraheta is the youngest finalist of American Idol season 8, being born in April 1992. Her elimination has shocked many viewers and commentators. The mentor Slash stated: "Allison didn't deserve to be voted off so soon. She has amazing potential." The band director Rickey Minor has also been shocked about her elimination. Iraheta landed in the bottom 3 many times prior to her elimination. The commentators have attributed her elimination to American Idol's predominately female voting base, which favors male contestants, while I favor African-American female contestants myself.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A double Idol shocker
Last Wednesday night, I have been shocked about not one but two American Idol finalists being voted off. The disco ball crashed on my second and third favorites of this season Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. Now, we have an all-white top 5, for the first time in American Idol history. Lil Rounds got my vote after Jasmine Murray got voted off on top 13 week. Anoop Desai would have gotten my vote if Allison Iraheta were voted off in his place. My vote has gone to Matt Giraud, who was saved by the judges on the precedent week.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My top 36 American Idol finalists ever
My top 36 favorite American Idol finalists ever are:
No. 36: Blake Lewis (season 1)
No. 35: RJ Helton (season 1)
No. 34: Kris Allen (season 8)
No. 33: Melinda Doolittle (season 6)
No. 32: Carrie Underwood (season 4)
No. 31: Clay Aiken (season 2)
No. 30: Michael Johns (season 7)
No. 29: Scott MacIntyre (season 8)
No. 28: Adam Lambert (season 8)
No. 27: George Huff (season 3)
No. 26: David Cook (season 7)
No. 25: Lisa Tucker (season 5)
No. 24: Mandisa (season 5)
No. 23: Sanjaya Malakar (season 6)
No. 22: Jorge Núñez (season 8)
No. 21: Matt Giraud (season 8)
No. 20: Justin Guarini (season 1)
No. 19: Christina Christian (season 1)
No. 18: Fantasia (season 3)
No. 17: David Hernandez (season 7)
No. 16: Tamyra Gray (season 1)
No. 15: Elliott Yamin (season 5)
No. 14: David Archuleta (season 7)
No. 13: Syesha Mercado (season 3)
No. 12: Anoop Desai (season 8)
No. 11: Jennifer Hudson (season 3)
No. 10: Jordin Sparks (season 6)
No. 9: Charles Grigsby (season 2)
No. 8: Nikko Smith (season 4)
No. 7: Lil Rounds (season 8)
No. 6: Rickey Smith (season 2)
No. 5: Trenyce (season 2)
No. 4: Ruben Studdard (season 2)
No. 3: Vonzell Solomon (season 4)
No. 2: Chikezie Eze (season 7)
No. 1: Jasmine Murray (season 8)
No. 36: Blake Lewis (season 1)
No. 35: RJ Helton (season 1)
No. 34: Kris Allen (season 8)
No. 33: Melinda Doolittle (season 6)
No. 32: Carrie Underwood (season 4)
No. 31: Clay Aiken (season 2)
No. 30: Michael Johns (season 7)
No. 29: Scott MacIntyre (season 8)
No. 28: Adam Lambert (season 8)
No. 27: George Huff (season 3)
No. 26: David Cook (season 7)
No. 25: Lisa Tucker (season 5)
No. 24: Mandisa (season 5)
No. 23: Sanjaya Malakar (season 6)
No. 22: Jorge Núñez (season 8)
No. 21: Matt Giraud (season 8)
No. 20: Justin Guarini (season 1)
No. 19: Christina Christian (season 1)
No. 18: Fantasia (season 3)
No. 17: David Hernandez (season 7)
No. 16: Tamyra Gray (season 1)
No. 15: Elliott Yamin (season 5)
No. 14: David Archuleta (season 7)
No. 13: Syesha Mercado (season 3)
No. 12: Anoop Desai (season 8)
No. 11: Jennifer Hudson (season 3)
No. 10: Jordin Sparks (season 6)
No. 9: Charles Grigsby (season 2)
No. 8: Nikko Smith (season 4)
No. 7: Lil Rounds (season 8)
No. 6: Rickey Smith (season 2)
No. 5: Trenyce (season 2)
No. 4: Ruben Studdard (season 2)
No. 3: Vonzell Solomon (season 4)
No. 2: Chikezie Eze (season 7)
No. 1: Jasmine Murray (season 8)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Megan Joke
Megan Joy, the second Wild Card finalist, has accepted being voted off American Idol, getting ninth place. She sang "Turn Your Lights Down", which was originally recorded by Lauryn Hill. The theme was Top Music Downloads. In my opinion, Megan Joy should have been voted off before Jasmine Murray, for she is a joke. Jasmine Murray should been have been on the summer tour in place of Megan Joy.
Formerly known as Megan Corkery, she was born Megan Knudsen on August 5, 1985. She hails from Taylorsville, Utah. She was dubbed Megan Joy after the Wild Card show. She had very little training before she auditioned for American Idol.
I wish Jasmine Murray would be on this year's summer tour instead of Megan Joy.
Jasmine Murray is underrated, and Megan Joy is a joke.
Jasmine is commercial. Megan is a karaoke.
Jasmine has a big voice and wide vocal range. Megan has a limited vocal range.
Jasmine has been singing since the age of 3 and attends an art school. Megan has limited vocal experience and did not attend an art school.
Jasmine is musically diverse. Megan is limited to being a jazz singer.
Formerly known as Megan Corkery, she was born Megan Knudsen on August 5, 1985. She hails from Taylorsville, Utah. She was dubbed Megan Joy after the Wild Card show. She had very little training before she auditioned for American Idol.
I wish Jasmine Murray would be on this year's summer tour instead of Megan Joy.
Jasmine Murray is underrated, and Megan Joy is a joke.
Jasmine is commercial. Megan is a karaoke.
Jasmine has a big voice and wide vocal range. Megan has a limited vocal range.
Jasmine has been singing since the age of 3 and attends an art school. Megan has limited vocal experience and did not attend an art school.
Jasmine is musically diverse. Megan is limited to being a jazz singer.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Michael Sarver is not too proud to beg
Last night, on the first anniversary of Chikezie's elimination, Michael Sarver, a construction worker, gets voted off on American Idol, giving him 10th place. He sang the Temptations song "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", one of my father's favorite songs. He sang the same song in hopes to have the judges save him, but the judges decided that he would be sent back to Jasper, Texas. However, he will get to participate in the American Idols LIVE! Summer Tour 2009.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Petition to Universal Music Group on behalf of Jasmine Murray
Chikezie Eze, my favorite American Idol finalist of last season, has already gotten a record deal with Universal Music Group. I am so saddened that Jasmine Murray from Starkville, Mississippi, was the first to be eliminated in the finals of American Idol season 8. Therefore I am petitioning that Universal Music Group to offer her record deal. I believe that Jasmine Murray is worthy of a record deal and proving that winning American Idol does not guarantee success as a recording artist and that being a last place finalist will not hinder success as a recording artist. Comment on this post if you agree with this petition.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Alexis Disgrace
American Idol Season 8 is somewhat like Season 7 to me, except that my neither my favorite nor my least favorite in the competition will get to go on tour. First my favorite finalist is voted off with the elimination followed by country music themed week, and then my least favorite finalist is voted of the week after my favorite finalist. First it was Chikezie Eze and Ramiele Malubay respectively, then it was Jasmine Murray and Alexis Grace respectively. I am so glad Alexis Grace got voted off tonight. She is the worst in the competition. I will forget Alexis, but I will never forget Jasmine.
Alexis Grace auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. She previously auditioned twice without making it to Hollywood. She has one child, an illegitimate daughter. She was originally from Memphis, Tennessee, which is also the home of Lil Rounds, my second pick in the competition.
Alexis Grace auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. She previously auditioned twice without making it to Hollywood. She has one child, an illegitimate daughter. She was originally from Memphis, Tennessee, which is also the home of Lil Rounds, my second pick in the competition.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Jasmine Murray goes the way of Leah LaBelle, with Jorge Núñez joining her
"We've discussed it. Sorry baby, you're headed home. This is not gonna work." — Randy JacksonThis is the most shocking moment I have ever witnessed in reality television history. I am highly disappointed that my favorite contestant Jasmine Murray got the first boot in the finals of this season of my favorite television show American Idol. This is a very untimely elimination. This is ten times more shocking than Chikezie's untimely elimination last year, for one thing is that she will not get to go on tour. Inconsolably, she has been crying like a baby girl for the rest of the night, shedding an ocean of heavy tears. Joining her on the bus ride home in tonight's result show is Jorge Núñez. However, this is not the end of her story, and it is the beginning of something much better. She will continue to sing on stage, and maybe in two years she will get a record deal and go from zero to hero. I will still be a fan of hers. The American voting public is wrong about her, for her status as last place finalist will turn out to be a joke in the next few years. She did not deserve to be eliminated this early. The next American Idol will be a joke, and may turn out to be worse than Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. I believe that Jasmine Murray will be commercially more successful than the next American Idol, most likely Adam Lambert. America has done no justice voting by popularity. American Idol season 8 is not the same without Jasmine Murray. The American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009 will be forgettable without her. I really wanted to see her on the summer tour, and show her the love and receive her autograph, but now I will not get to do that.
"Don't quit believing. Just believe that you can do it, cause all things are possible. — Lisa Murray (mother of Jasmine Murray)
During the results show, it was announced that there would be a twist that would solve the problem that existed in past seasons, such as with the eliminations of Jennifer Hudson in season 3 and Michael Johns in season 7. That would be the judges' save. Unfortunately, the judges decided to agree with the public vote on Jasmine Murray and Jorge Núñez, but the decision was not unanimous. Randy Jackson said about Jasmine, "We've discussed it. Sorry baby, you're headed home. It's not gonna work", and that is when the emotional fireworks went off on me. Simon Cowell said about Jorge, "No. Sorry." The judges made a huge mistake by not saving Jasmine Murray.
During the week, as the theme "Michael Jackson" implies the top 13 finalists were instructed sing Michael Jackson songs, including those from his solo career and from his time with the Jackson 5. Jasmine Murray sang "I'll Be There", originally recorded by The Jackson 5 and later covered by Mariah Carey. In her honor, I will be doing a karaoke performance of the song at a state institution on May 15, 2009. My next pick is Lil Rounds from Memphis, Tennessee, who is an R&B star and who is vocally compared to Mary J. Blige. Lil's grandfather once worked for blues legend B.B. King. The elimination song used is "Home Sweet Home", which is covered by Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood and was originally recorded by Motley Crue.
Jasmine Murray's elimination has caused American Idol to suffer a big drop in ratings, especially for African-American audiences. Her elimination caused the African-American audience to decrease by 28%. American Idol has fallen out of the top 3 in the ratings chart, especially for African-American audiences. Next season, the judges will have to think twice before cutting any African American hopefuls during the Hollywood rounds.
On a side note, I would like for Jasmine Murray to record a duet with Chikezie. It may possibly be a cover of the Luther Vandross hit "So Amazing" and based on the Beyoncé and Stevie Wonder version.
"No matter where you finish on Idol—even if you finish twelfth [or thirteenth]—if you make a great record and you got that kind of exposure, the public will resoundingly buy it." — Randy JacksonWinning American Idol does not guarantee success in a music career. According to Chris Daughtry, who got fourth place on American Idol season 5, the show lacks credibility. Even a last-place finalist can make double platinum hits. If David Hernandez can make double platinum hits, Jasmine Murray can too. Jasmine Murray could become a prime example as well as an archetype of this. In two years, Jasmine Murray will achieve much better than she did on American Idol, and she will show us that winning American Idol does not guarantee recording artist success and that a last place finalist can spawn a huge fanbase and huge success. American Idol season 8 will go down in my book as the most forgettable season of the series. This season has very low credibility and is going to be a joke in terms of commercial success. Therefore, the way I see is that Jasmine Murray will go from zero to hero and be more successful than the next American Idol.
Jasmine Murray stated that she would like to explore various music genres, including traditionally Caucasian genres, just like the late Ray Charles did, but the judges suggest that she go the R&B route. The judges compared her to Rihanna.
Jasmine Murray's status as last place finalist will most likely be ironic. One reason why she is the first to be voted off in the finals is that many believed she entered the competition two years too early. Another reason is that many viewers of American Idol wanted Ricky Braddy, Von Smith, Jessie Langseth, or Felicia Barton to advance to the finals in her place. Some people claim she has no personality, but that is a naked lie. She does have personality. She has better manners than the rest of the top 13, and she is musically diverse and tolerant. Jasmine Murray is really the best of the top 13. If she were to last on American Idol any longer, she would have improved significantly each week. If she were to make the top 10, she would have impressed the tour audiences significantly. She will most likely ink a deal with a major record label and go from zero to hero, and ultimately surpass this season's winner, which is Kris Allen.
Too many of my hopes have been crushed all too soon. I am getting tired of my hopes being crushed. I hope American Idol season 9 will not be season 8 all over again. If my favorite finalist finishes last place in two more seasons, I will quit watching the series for good. Some fans of Jasmine Murray have quit watching the show.
I personally like to have Jasmine Murray duet with Chikezie and maybe Kris Allen or Matt Giraud. I have no plans to meet Jasmine Murray or Lil Rounds at this time, I will consider it in the future. However, I have plans to meet Chikezie, as well as Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, and Jorge Núñez.
Although she is the first to be eliminated in the competition, Jasmine Murray is after all my American Idol. She is really the best singer, despite what people say. She is miles better than what people say. People need to keep in mind that she was 16 at the time of her elimination, and she has done nothing to receive the hate she has scraped in. She has the potential to go from zero to hero and be more successful than the rest of the top 13 combined.
According to the HCD Research study, either Anoop Desai or Megan Joy should have been eliminated instead of Jasmine Murray, while Jorge Núñez's elimination was democratically correct. Therefore, if American Idol season 8 went by the HCD Research study, Jasmine Murray would have been on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009.
Here is how I rank the performances of the night:
- Jasmine Murray - "I'll Be There"
- Kris Allen - "Remember the Time"
- Matt Giraud - "Human Nature"
- Jorge Núñez - "Never Can Say Goodbye"
- Adam Lambert - "Black or White"
- Lil Rounds - "The Way You Make Me Feel"
- Anoop Desai - "Beat It"
- Allison Iraheta - "Give in to Me"
- Michael Sarver - "You Are Not Alone"
- Danny Gokey - "PYT (Pretty Young Thing)"
- Scott MacIntyre - "Keep the Faith"
- Alexis Grace - "Dirty Diana"
- Megan Joy - "Rockin' Robin"
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Jasmine Murray makes the top 13 on Idol
I am so delighted that tonight Randy Jackson has announced that my favorite of this season of America's favorite reality television show Jasmine Murray has made the top 13 on American Idol season 8. She is my favorite in the top 13. During Group 2 week, she chose the wrong song, "Love Song", which was originally recorded by rock star Sara Bareilles. She was passed over by public vote on February 26, 2009. I was at a local movie theater watching the film Madea Goes to Jail at the time the results show was broadcast. However, last night Kara DioGuardi picked her for a second chance in the Wild Card round. Redeeming herself with the song "Reflections" by Christina Aguilera, that was a successful second chance. Joining her in the top 13 tonight are Megan Cokery, Matt Giraud, and Anoop Desai. Anoop Desai thought he did not make the finals, but at the last minute, Simon Cowell announced: "We decided recently we're going to make this a Top 13." They will join the finalists that were chosen by public vote: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez, Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and Michael Sarver. The judge's decision to place Jasmine Murray in the top 13 was unanimous.
Jasmine Murray was born on March 14, 1992. She hails from Columbus, Mississippi. She lives in Starksville, Mississippi. She is the youngest of five children, thus a boy and four girls. Her parents and siblings will cheer her on in the studio audience. Before she auditioned for American Idol, she watched the previous seasons on television. At the age of 16, she auditioned in Jacksonville, Florida, with the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She received standing ovation in the Hollywood Round.
I will be rooting for Jasmine Murray. I hope she is dubbed the eighth American Idol, but the poll at PollDaddy.com is predicting that Anoop Desai will get that title. Unfortunately, she has a small fanbase, probably due to one subpar performance. I hope she does not get voted off before Alexis Grace, my least favorite of the season. I hope she does not get voted off too early like the highly underrated Chikezie did last season, but sadly many fans predict that my hope will come false. If she gets voted off, I will root for Lil Rounds. I hope she at least finishes in 10th place like Chikezie did (so I could see her on tour), but the poll at PollDaddy.com is predicting that she will be in 12th place. It comes down to what the judges say.
The top 13 will begin performing Tuesday night on American Idol, America's favorite reality television show. Next week's theme will be Michael Jackson. Rapper Kanye West will appear on Wednesday night's results show. Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol, will also perform live on the results show. West will perform "Heartless" and Clarkson will perform her latest single "My Life Would Suck Without Out" before the top 13 finalists find out which one of them will be voted off. I certainly hope it is not Jasmine Murray who goes the way of Leah LaBelle, but unfortunately that is the worst case scenario. The best case scenario as of now is that she may finish in 7th place. What negatively affected the predictions on her is that she chose the wrong song on her semifinal performance. Will she impress the America and turn the tide on America's predictions or will she be Chikezie all over again? The winner will be announced on May 20, 2009.
On a side note, I support Joanna Pacitti's disqualification. I like Felicia Barton better than Joanna Pacitti. Pacitti forgot the lyrics, but Barton got standing ovation in Hollywood round 3. Michael Johns, who finished in eighth place on American Idol season 7, is ineligible to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy!, because he has ties with Pat Sajak.
Here is how I rank the top 13:
No. 13: Alexis Grace: She is the worst singer in the competition. She is a fake Kelly Clarkson wannabe. She is an abysmal country singer.
No. 12: Megan Joy: She is an abysmal singer. She has no right to be in the finals. She is an absolute joke. Therefore, I might as well call her "Megan Joke."
No. 11: Michael Sarver: A construction worker dreaming to be a singer? He is not too proud to beg. He is worse than Jorge.
No. 10: Allison Iraheta: She is a punk rock star. She is the youngest of the top 13. She is not my cup of tea. She should be voted off before Lil Rounds.
No. 9: Danny Gokey: He is receiving mercy from America since he lost his wife in death shortly before he auditioned for American Idol. He is the predicted runner-up.
No. 8: Kris Allen: He is quite like David Archuleta. He is nothing special, and he is from Arkansas. His family may have ties to Wal-Mart.
No. 7: Scott MacIntyre: He is visually impaired, and America is showing mercy towards him for that. He is somewhat like Ray Charles.
No. 6: Adam Lambert: He is the predicted winner of this season. He has received standing ovation from the judges. However, he is a joke.
No. 5: Jorge Nuñez: It is better than he sings in Spanish. He may have a good voice somewhat, but it is okay.
No. 4: Matt Giraud: He is compared to Justin Timberlake. He lives in the state my father was originally from, which is Michigan. He has that bluesy soul.
No. 3: Anoop Desai: He is a great R&B star. He is a fan of new jack swing. He lives closest to where I live.
No. 2: Lil Rounds: She is my second pick after Jasmine Murray is voted off. She is compared to the R&B legend Mary J. Blige, the queen of hip hop soul. Could she take the crown from Mary J. Blige?
No. 1: Jasmine Murray: She is the most underrated of this season ever. She is not only my favorite in this competition. She is my favorite American Idol contestant ever; thus she is my American Idol. She is musically diverse and has an excellent personality. She got her mother with her in the contestants' mansion. Second to her is Chikezie from season 7.
Jasmine Murray was born on March 14, 1992. She hails from Columbus, Mississippi. She lives in Starksville, Mississippi. She is the youngest of five children, thus a boy and four girls. Her parents and siblings will cheer her on in the studio audience. Before she auditioned for American Idol, she watched the previous seasons on television. At the age of 16, she auditioned in Jacksonville, Florida, with the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She received standing ovation in the Hollywood Round.
I will be rooting for Jasmine Murray. I hope she is dubbed the eighth American Idol, but the poll at PollDaddy.com is predicting that Anoop Desai will get that title. Unfortunately, she has a small fanbase, probably due to one subpar performance. I hope she does not get voted off before Alexis Grace, my least favorite of the season. I hope she does not get voted off too early like the highly underrated Chikezie did last season, but sadly many fans predict that my hope will come false. If she gets voted off, I will root for Lil Rounds. I hope she at least finishes in 10th place like Chikezie did (so I could see her on tour), but the poll at PollDaddy.com is predicting that she will be in 12th place. It comes down to what the judges say.
The top 13 will begin performing Tuesday night on American Idol, America's favorite reality television show. Next week's theme will be Michael Jackson. Rapper Kanye West will appear on Wednesday night's results show. Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol, will also perform live on the results show. West will perform "Heartless" and Clarkson will perform her latest single "My Life Would Suck Without Out" before the top 13 finalists find out which one of them will be voted off. I certainly hope it is not Jasmine Murray who goes the way of Leah LaBelle, but unfortunately that is the worst case scenario. The best case scenario as of now is that she may finish in 7th place. What negatively affected the predictions on her is that she chose the wrong song on her semifinal performance. Will she impress the America and turn the tide on America's predictions or will she be Chikezie all over again? The winner will be announced on May 20, 2009.
On a side note, I support Joanna Pacitti's disqualification. I like Felicia Barton better than Joanna Pacitti. Pacitti forgot the lyrics, but Barton got standing ovation in Hollywood round 3. Michael Johns, who finished in eighth place on American Idol season 7, is ineligible to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy!, because he has ties with Pat Sajak.
Here is how I rank the top 13:
No. 13: Alexis Grace: She is the worst singer in the competition. She is a fake Kelly Clarkson wannabe. She is an abysmal country singer.
No. 12: Megan Joy: She is an abysmal singer. She has no right to be in the finals. She is an absolute joke. Therefore, I might as well call her "Megan Joke."
No. 11: Michael Sarver: A construction worker dreaming to be a singer? He is not too proud to beg. He is worse than Jorge.
No. 10: Allison Iraheta: She is a punk rock star. She is the youngest of the top 13. She is not my cup of tea. She should be voted off before Lil Rounds.
No. 9: Danny Gokey: He is receiving mercy from America since he lost his wife in death shortly before he auditioned for American Idol. He is the predicted runner-up.
No. 8: Kris Allen: He is quite like David Archuleta. He is nothing special, and he is from Arkansas. His family may have ties to Wal-Mart.
No. 7: Scott MacIntyre: He is visually impaired, and America is showing mercy towards him for that. He is somewhat like Ray Charles.
No. 6: Adam Lambert: He is the predicted winner of this season. He has received standing ovation from the judges. However, he is a joke.
No. 5: Jorge Nuñez: It is better than he sings in Spanish. He may have a good voice somewhat, but it is okay.
No. 4: Matt Giraud: He is compared to Justin Timberlake. He lives in the state my father was originally from, which is Michigan. He has that bluesy soul.
No. 3: Anoop Desai: He is a great R&B star. He is a fan of new jack swing. He lives closest to where I live.
No. 2: Lil Rounds: She is my second pick after Jasmine Murray is voted off. She is compared to the R&B legend Mary J. Blige, the queen of hip hop soul. Could she take the crown from Mary J. Blige?
No. 1: Jasmine Murray: She is the most underrated of this season ever. She is not only my favorite in this competition. She is my favorite American Idol contestant ever; thus she is my American Idol. She is musically diverse and has an excellent personality. She got her mother with her in the contestants' mansion. Second to her is Chikezie from season 7.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My top 100 Nintendo characters video on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ1Kxy7ce4w
Yesterday, I posted a countdown slideshow on YouTube about my top 100 favorite Nintendo characters. That was a very interesting project. The numbers countdown from no. 100 to no. 1, from the oldest Nintendo character to an obscure Fire Emblem sword demon. What my no. 100 and no. 1 Nintendo characters have in common is that they were both from games produced by the late Gunpei Yokoi. My no. 100 Nintendo character is from the first Yokoi produced game, and my no. 1 Nintendo character is the last Yokoi produced game.
Counting down from 100 to 1
No. 100: Mr. Game & Watch: He is Nintendo's oldest character. He is a two-dimensional character. He was created by Gunpei Yokoi.
No. 99: Kirby: He is the name of the first franchise created by Masahiro Sakurai who would later become the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series. He is voiced by a female seiyuu named Makiko Ohmoto. He is one of Nintendo's well known characters.
No. 98: MetaKnight: He is my favorite Kirby character, also created by Masahiro Sakurai. He is enigmatic, follows a code of honor, and lends Kirby a sword before they fight to be fair. His sword can create tornadoes, fire waves, and electric force fields. He wears a navy blue cloak that he can use as a set of wings and wears a silver mask. Beneath his mask, he looks like Kirby. He first appeared in Kirby's Adventure. He has appeared in many games and shows since then.
No. 97: Super Macho Man: He is a stereotypical body builder. He appears in Punch-Out! and Super Punch-Out!. He is known for his spin punch. He taunts Little Mac by flexing his pectoral muscles and incorporates his exercise routines into his powerful attacks.
No. 96: Little Mac: The protagonist of the Punch-Out! series. He hails from Bronx, New York. He appears as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He is voiced by Hisao Egawa.
No. 95: Ice Cimbers: They consist of Popo and Nana. They are voiced by a female seiyuu named Sanae Kobayashi. They would later appear in Super Smash Bros. Melee and return for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In those games, the player only controls Popo while Nana mimics the moves.
Yesterday, I posted a countdown slideshow on YouTube about my top 100 favorite Nintendo characters. That was a very interesting project. The numbers countdown from no. 100 to no. 1, from the oldest Nintendo character to an obscure Fire Emblem sword demon. What my no. 100 and no. 1 Nintendo characters have in common is that they were both from games produced by the late Gunpei Yokoi. My no. 100 Nintendo character is from the first Yokoi produced game, and my no. 1 Nintendo character is the last Yokoi produced game.
Counting down from 100 to 1
No. 100: Mr. Game & Watch: He is Nintendo's oldest character. He is a two-dimensional character. He was created by Gunpei Yokoi.
No. 99: Kirby: He is the name of the first franchise created by Masahiro Sakurai who would later become the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series. He is voiced by a female seiyuu named Makiko Ohmoto. He is one of Nintendo's well known characters.
No. 98: MetaKnight: He is my favorite Kirby character, also created by Masahiro Sakurai. He is enigmatic, follows a code of honor, and lends Kirby a sword before they fight to be fair. His sword can create tornadoes, fire waves, and electric force fields. He wears a navy blue cloak that he can use as a set of wings and wears a silver mask. Beneath his mask, he looks like Kirby. He first appeared in Kirby's Adventure. He has appeared in many games and shows since then.
No. 97: Super Macho Man: He is a stereotypical body builder. He appears in Punch-Out! and Super Punch-Out!. He is known for his spin punch. He taunts Little Mac by flexing his pectoral muscles and incorporates his exercise routines into his powerful attacks.
No. 96: Little Mac: The protagonist of the Punch-Out! series. He hails from Bronx, New York. He appears as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He is voiced by Hisao Egawa.
No. 95: Ice Cimbers: They consist of Popo and Nana. They are voiced by a female seiyuu named Sanae Kobayashi. They would later appear in Super Smash Bros. Melee and return for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In those games, the player only controls Popo while Nana mimics the moves.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
TZ doctrine tenet #18: Color is preferred
Before my college years (late 1990s and early 2000s), I was all about black and white. In late 1998, I learned to appreciate color. Color is the most versatile method of conveying messages and definitions. Color photography provides realism and creativity unmatched by sepia and black and white photography. Vibrant colors are better than shades of gray. Black and white and sepia just cannot hold a candle to full color. The human eye is drawn to color, while the bovine eye is drawn to black and white. Color carries more information than black and white. Color photography attracts readers, for color expands the audience by 80% over black and white. Color activates the right brain; black and white does not. I encourage school yearbooks and newspapers. All-color school yearbooks are on the rise, and because of that more yearbooks are sold. Switching to all-color has been a huge success for high school yearbooks. When I was attending school, yearbooks were in black and white. Full-color publications make places come alive. Most people love to see things in color. Black-and-white photography may be all right much of the time, but full color photography really captures the essence of the moments that will be fondly remembered for years to come. The analogy is: Black and white is to color as standard definition is to high definition.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
TZ doctrine tenet #17: Graphics do not break a game
In the wake of Mega Man 9, I am concerned about these retro fanboys complaining that video games were better before shiny graphics and stereo sound came along. Nostalgia factor is just pure politics and purely abstract. Retro fanboys are one of the most annoying fanboys in my opinion. One thing is that I hate chip music. As I love the video game Heavenly Sword and Lair, I had enough of those retro fanboys saying stuff like "gameplay is more important than graphics/sound" and "video games were better before flashy graphics came along." I have had enough of those 8-bit fanboys overrunning the gaming forums. They are just the mindless vocal minority who like to complain about what they think does not matter. Golden Axe: Beast Rider is a prime example of this case. Technological retroism is not the way. It is like being the wife of Lot, and it limits creativity. I do not consider myself what you call a "graphics whore." However, I do not like the idea of Mega Man 9, because of the message its fans are sending. I do not like 8-bit, but 16-bit is fine with me. 8-bit is overrated but 16-bit is tried and true with RPGs. The 16-bit Final Fantasy games were far more successful than their 8-bit counterparts. However, I do not want high-definition gaming to die.
The vocal minority of gamers believe that gameplay value is everything and graphics and sound do not matter. Gameplay is no more important than graphics and sound, nor is vice versa. Gameplay judgement depends on how you experience the video game. Retroism is a threat to the evolution of video games as an art form. The Mega Man 9 approach is not very productive. Capcom is not good at making great games with great graphics, but Konami, Namco, and Square Enix are. We should have new direction in gaming, not the same old thing from the 1980s. Graphics complement gameplay. It is unwise to focus on thing and neglect the other. A game that is all about gameplay value and nothing about graphics or audio only appeals to retro fanboys. The user feedback also depends on how a video game developer hires its people and how to user plays the games. Gameplay value is in the eye of the beholder.
E-on Software, Inc., the maker of Vue, should step in and make graphics development easier for video games, thus making Vue Game. That would reduce the cost of development. E-on Software, Inc. could be involved in the development of the eighth, ninth, and tenth generation consoles.
I am all for remaking video games into today's graphical standards, but I would not say that the original version is no good. Remakes are a great thing. A remake as I define it is any re-released game that makes a jump from low definition or standard definition to high definition, a jump from 2D to 2.5D or 3D, goes from lackluster 3D to photorealistic 3D, or a direct port that contains significant gameplay changes. Gamers have been begging and pleading for a high-definition console remake of Final Fantasy VII. That is because a remake done right takes everything we love about a video game and expands upon them, while keeping what is so enjoyable about the original gameplay intact. Full-fledged remakes enhance the gaming experience.
The most noticeable change in a remake is updated, more realistic graphics. As far as remakes go, there is no downside to redoing a game with more realistic graphics. The core game mechanics are basically the same, but everything gets more realistic presentation. There may be nostalgia factor involved in playing games the way you originally played them for the first time when you were a child, but in entirety, being able to play your favorite game with more realistic presentation style, such as photorealistic backgrounds, detailed character models, and enhanced color and atmosphere only adds to the gaming experience. Graphical enhancements also lead to other non-graphical enhancements and widen the variety, and open the door to things that are impossible to achieve in the original because of the graphical technology of the original's platform does not support them.
The Nintendo DS remake of the Famicom/NES classic Final Fantasy III. One great feature of the remake is the way each character gained a unique appearance. Fans of the original version of the game will remember that all four characters are basically palette swaps of each other, and their appearance was depends on their job class. The graphics technology of the NES days were too primitive to create four unique characters in a game with over 20 job classes. However, the Nintendo DS remake's graphical enhancement enabled the idea of four unique characters which consequently led to backstories and character personality development for them, which the original version lacked.
Raytracing will one day replace rasterization. It enables graphics and special effects that are too time consuming to implement in a rasterization environment. The video game industry has not yet gone into raytracing. When real-time raytracing becomes mainstream, rasterization will go the way of the dodo, and the focus will be balanced between graphics and gameplay. Final Fantasy should go the 1080p 3D Crystal Tools route. The mainline Final Fantasy games should be in 1080p 3D Advent Children quality graphics and symphonic soundtracks when real-time raytracing becomes a reality on the consoles. Therefore, when real-time raytracing becomes a reality, Final Fantasy I and II would be remade in 1080p 2D as downloadable games, and the rest of the mainline Final Fantasy games would be remade with 1080p Advent Children quality graphics. The 1080p 2D remakes of Final Fantasy I and II would be available for download forever on PC, on the next generation Nintendo console, and on the PS3 and PS4, and on the Xbox 360 and 720, and so on. Mario, Zelda, and Fire Emblem should also go the clear cut HD route. Castlevania should go the HD 2.5D route. Mega Man may go whatever route it wants to, but not overdo the same route.
The vocal minority of gamers believe that gameplay value is everything and graphics and sound do not matter. Gameplay is no more important than graphics and sound, nor is vice versa. Gameplay judgement depends on how you experience the video game. Retroism is a threat to the evolution of video games as an art form. The Mega Man 9 approach is not very productive. Capcom is not good at making great games with great graphics, but Konami, Namco, and Square Enix are. We should have new direction in gaming, not the same old thing from the 1980s. Graphics complement gameplay. It is unwise to focus on thing and neglect the other. A game that is all about gameplay value and nothing about graphics or audio only appeals to retro fanboys. The user feedback also depends on how a video game developer hires its people and how to user plays the games. Gameplay value is in the eye of the beholder.
E-on Software, Inc., the maker of Vue, should step in and make graphics development easier for video games, thus making Vue Game. That would reduce the cost of development. E-on Software, Inc. could be involved in the development of the eighth, ninth, and tenth generation consoles.
I am all for remaking video games into today's graphical standards, but I would not say that the original version is no good. Remakes are a great thing. A remake as I define it is any re-released game that makes a jump from low definition or standard definition to high definition, a jump from 2D to 2.5D or 3D, goes from lackluster 3D to photorealistic 3D, or a direct port that contains significant gameplay changes. Gamers have been begging and pleading for a high-definition console remake of Final Fantasy VII. That is because a remake done right takes everything we love about a video game and expands upon them, while keeping what is so enjoyable about the original gameplay intact. Full-fledged remakes enhance the gaming experience.
The most noticeable change in a remake is updated, more realistic graphics. As far as remakes go, there is no downside to redoing a game with more realistic graphics. The core game mechanics are basically the same, but everything gets more realistic presentation. There may be nostalgia factor involved in playing games the way you originally played them for the first time when you were a child, but in entirety, being able to play your favorite game with more realistic presentation style, such as photorealistic backgrounds, detailed character models, and enhanced color and atmosphere only adds to the gaming experience. Graphical enhancements also lead to other non-graphical enhancements and widen the variety, and open the door to things that are impossible to achieve in the original because of the graphical technology of the original's platform does not support them.
The Nintendo DS remake of the Famicom/NES classic Final Fantasy III. One great feature of the remake is the way each character gained a unique appearance. Fans of the original version of the game will remember that all four characters are basically palette swaps of each other, and their appearance was depends on their job class. The graphics technology of the NES days were too primitive to create four unique characters in a game with over 20 job classes. However, the Nintendo DS remake's graphical enhancement enabled the idea of four unique characters which consequently led to backstories and character personality development for them, which the original version lacked.
Raytracing will one day replace rasterization. It enables graphics and special effects that are too time consuming to implement in a rasterization environment. The video game industry has not yet gone into raytracing. When real-time raytracing becomes mainstream, rasterization will go the way of the dodo, and the focus will be balanced between graphics and gameplay. Final Fantasy should go the 1080p 3D Crystal Tools route. The mainline Final Fantasy games should be in 1080p 3D Advent Children quality graphics and symphonic soundtracks when real-time raytracing becomes a reality on the consoles. Therefore, when real-time raytracing becomes a reality, Final Fantasy I and II would be remade in 1080p 2D as downloadable games, and the rest of the mainline Final Fantasy games would be remade with 1080p Advent Children quality graphics. The 1080p 2D remakes of Final Fantasy I and II would be available for download forever on PC, on the next generation Nintendo console, and on the PS3 and PS4, and on the Xbox 360 and 720, and so on. Mario, Zelda, and Fire Emblem should also go the clear cut HD route. Castlevania should go the HD 2.5D route. Mega Man may go whatever route it wants to, but not overdo the same route.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Historic American Event
January 20, 2008, has been a historic American day. Barack Hussein Obama II has been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, and as the first African American President of the United States. Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., has been sworn in as the 47th Vice President of the United States and the first Catholic Vice President of the United States. The inauguration was packed with about 2 million people. I saw only part of the inauguration coverage. I originally intended to miss work for the inauguration, but I was talked out of that decision. I watched 20 minutes of the NBC coverage, which includes the Presidential swear-in, on the job. However, I did watch the last hour of the inauguration coverage. Meanwhile, my father recorded the NBC coverage of the inauguration. Obama's parents did not live to see this historic event, but his mother-in-law did.
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