Dead Cells by Motion Twin is a 2D roguelike game. It has no story. You're basically a mis-mash of cells trying to escape? a dungeon. You have one life, but the more you play the game, the easier it becomes. Along the way you can find power ups such as stat boosts, better weapons, permanent upgrades, and new skills to help you on your adventure. For example, some permanent upgrades might grant you ability to generate a vine to reach higher floors. Before you go to the next level, you can pick a mutation that can boost your DPS or reduce cooldown of skills. The levels have a bit of randomization, but the enemies remain the same per level. 8/10.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Monday, February 19, 2018
Jimmy Butler request to sit during All-Star Game
There was one DNP during the NBA All-Star game and it was Minnesota Timberwolves forward, Jimmy Butter. He requested that Coach Mike D'Antoni not play him because he needed rest. While everyone else was having fun for once in a long time, Butler asks for rest. Yo Butler, how about you ask your head coach, Tom Thibodeau for reduced minute? You average a league high 37 minutes per game. Your old Chicago Bulls teammates Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng all had their career cut short because Thibs played them almost the entire game. You, Wiggins, and Towns will all feel it come playoffs. Too exhausted to compete because Thibs runs you guys down like regular season was a playoff series. Go tell your actual head coach to reduce your minutes and give you rest.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Mark Wahlberg got Shamed into Giving up His Earnings
When Ridley Scott's All the Money in the World required reshoots because Kevin Spacey's character was now replaced with Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg negotiated for a pay raise to do the reshoots while Michelle Williams decided to work for the minimum for the reshoots. So Wahlberg was paid $1.5 million for the reshoots and Williams got like $1,000. But because Williams and the public made a big deal about it, like it was gender inequality, Wahlberg is now donating his pay to Time's Up Legal Defense Fund in her name.
Guys, Williams chose to film the reshoots for less. Williams and Wahlberg are both managed by the same company, WME. He treated it like overtime while she didn't. I mean, who wants to work for free? But nooo, when she disclosed her earnings, there was a public outcry about the pay difference. It had nothing to do with gender inequality if one actor chose to basically volunteer for the reshoots. Wahlberg got bullied into donating his newly earned wages, which is unfair. He's the victim and she is the bully, along with the press who thought she was in the right.
Guys, Williams chose to film the reshoots for less. Williams and Wahlberg are both managed by the same company, WME. He treated it like overtime while she didn't. I mean, who wants to work for free? But nooo, when she disclosed her earnings, there was a public outcry about the pay difference. It had nothing to do with gender inequality if one actor chose to basically volunteer for the reshoots. Wahlberg got bullied into donating his newly earned wages, which is unfair. He's the victim and she is the bully, along with the press who thought she was in the right.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Jeff Fisher Does not Deserve Credit for Rams' Resurgence
Ex-Rams head coach Jeff Fisher says he should get some credit for the unexpected turnaround the Los Angeles Rams are having after going 5-11 last season and becoming 11-5 this season. He blames his disappointing tenure on the Rams' relocation back to Los Angeles area. That was one season. No sir. Look at Case Keenum and Jared Goff right now. Both are solid quarterbacks for the Minnesota Vikings and Rams respectively. They stunk under Fisher. The Rams were dead last in scoring last year and finished first this year. Former Titans QB Vince Young might have still been playing in the NFL if he was not playing for Fisher during their stint together with the Titans. Sean McVay and his coaching staff deserve praise for what they've done. The Rams would have been stuck in mediocrity for several more years because of all the picks Fisher traded away to move up to draft Goff in 2016. Have a Happy New Year without a job and the glory, Jeff Fisher.
UFC Should Strip Conor McGregor of His Belt
Lightweight UFC champion Conor McGregor has no interest in returning to the octagon unless he has some stock or ownership in the company. What hubris! UFC president Dana White said the company was correct in not stripping McGregor of his belt because he has defended his belt. However, McGregor he has not defended either belt that he won previously. He is stalling the entire lightweight division by not coming back to defend his belt since winning it. He is calling his own shots rather than take fights that UFC suggests to him. The same thing happened when he won the lightweight belt. He held onto the featherweight built for nearly a year before it was stripped from him.
The UFC now has two people who are looking for money fights, Georges St. Pierre and McGregor. If UFC keeps letting them choose their fights, it will set a horrible precedent for years to come. Why bother having weight divisions and champions for each weight class? Just have money fights. A lot of lesser known fighters will lose out. The correct lightweight championship fight should be between interim champion Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. With the way things have played out, 2017 ended the same as 2016 for lightweight division. Who is the true lighweight champion and who is the #1 contender? Strip McGregor of his belt and the division can thrive without him.
The UFC now has two people who are looking for money fights, Georges St. Pierre and McGregor. If UFC keeps letting them choose their fights, it will set a horrible precedent for years to come. Why bother having weight divisions and champions for each weight class? Just have money fights. A lot of lesser known fighters will lose out. The correct lightweight championship fight should be between interim champion Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. With the way things have played out, 2017 ended the same as 2016 for lightweight division. Who is the true lighweight champion and who is the #1 contender? Strip McGregor of his belt and the division can thrive without him.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Tyron Woodley Deserves an Apology from Dana White
UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley successfully defended his belt against submission specialist Demian Maia at UFC 214; however, it was a very boring fight to watch. Woodley chose to just defend Maia's takedowns rather than press the offense. He threw about 63 strikes. When UFC promoter Dana White went to the podium, he blasted Woodley for not utilizing his physical gifts and forgetting booed in the fight. Afterwards, Woodley expressed his displeasure and said on the MMA Hour, "When your job is 'promoter', promote your f--ng fighters. Promote your f--ing champions."
The welterweight title fight wasn't as exciting as it should be, but in the end White has to stand up for his fighters. He should have the decency to apologize to Woodley for throwing him under the bus in public. The proper way to express displeasure is to have a private conversation with Woodley rather than blast him in public for his performance. No one wants to work for an employer who doesn't show professionalism and integrity. More fighters will walk away from UFC if the company doesn't change how it handles fights.
The welterweight title fight wasn't as exciting as it should be, but in the end White has to stand up for his fighters. He should have the decency to apologize to Woodley for throwing him under the bus in public. The proper way to express displeasure is to have a private conversation with Woodley rather than blast him in public for his performance. No one wants to work for an employer who doesn't show professionalism and integrity. More fighters will walk away from UFC if the company doesn't change how it handles fights.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Officials Cannot Call Technical Fouls on LaVar Ball
Since LaVar Ball has a tendency to take his team, Big Baller, out of competition if things don't go his way, Adidas, who runs the Summer Championships, have told basketball officials to not call technical fouls on him because of his drawing power. Ball's drawing power was clearly evident last Wednesday when the gym where his youngest son's team played against SC Supreme was overcrowded.
Ball was about to leave when he was called a tech with 1:15 remaining; however, he eventually did return to the game. That official who called a tech on him was removed in Friday's morning game of the championship when she called another tech on the outspoken social media figure. The official gave him a tech for telling officials they don't know how to do their job. Ball claims the official had a vendetta against him. Ed Rush, a former NBA official, denies that accusation, since she normally officiates Division 1 women's basketball games.
Ball should not receive favorable treatment just because of his ability to generate publicity. He is disrespecting the game and the officials. He's a bad role model. He shouldn't be allowed to go on a tirade about a bad call or cuss an official out. The Adidas championship can still thrive without his team and without him. Plus, he and his eldest son Lonzo Ball, walked away from the major shoe companies' pitches and formed his own shoe line, Big Baller Brand. The elder Ball just wants attention good or bad. If the media and companies ignore him, he loses his charismatic power.
Ball was about to leave when he was called a tech with 1:15 remaining; however, he eventually did return to the game. That official who called a tech on him was removed in Friday's morning game of the championship when she called another tech on the outspoken social media figure. The official gave him a tech for telling officials they don't know how to do their job. Ball claims the official had a vendetta against him. Ed Rush, a former NBA official, denies that accusation, since she normally officiates Division 1 women's basketball games.
Ball should not receive favorable treatment just because of his ability to generate publicity. He is disrespecting the game and the officials. He's a bad role model. He shouldn't be allowed to go on a tirade about a bad call or cuss an official out. The Adidas championship can still thrive without his team and without him. Plus, he and his eldest son Lonzo Ball, walked away from the major shoe companies' pitches and formed his own shoe line, Big Baller Brand. The elder Ball just wants attention good or bad. If the media and companies ignore him, he loses his charismatic power.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
The Los Angeles Clipper Should Have Gone Full Rebuild
After losing point guard Chris Paul to free agency to the Houston Rockets and shooting guard JJ Redick to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers have re-signed power forward Blake Griffin to a five-year $173 million deal. I really wanted the team to trade Griffin and get some picks back in return. Griffin was got injured during the playoffs during 3 years of the 6 years he played alongside Paul. He also missed most of the 2015-16 season from a knee injury and having a fight with a Clippers employee. It was time to part ways with him. Unfortunately, owner Steve Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers view Griffin as the face of the franchise.
We really needed a fresh look to the team. Trade Griffin and Deandre Jordan away. Release Rivers from his double duty of head coach and President of Basketball Operations. The team has yet to advance past the second round. That is sad. Rivers never added anybody to help our Big Three. How do you expect the team to compete with the likes of Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and now Minnesota Timberwolves if you don't acquire more star power?
We really needed a fresh look to the team. Trade Griffin and Deandre Jordan away. Release Rivers from his double duty of head coach and President of Basketball Operations. The team has yet to advance past the second round. That is sad. Rivers never added anybody to help our Big Three. How do you expect the team to compete with the likes of Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and now Minnesota Timberwolves if you don't acquire more star power?
Nike's Logo Infringement Complaint is Bogus
The two logos look nothing alike. It's another case where a larger company wants to knock down a smaller company over something as stupid as logo likeness when there clearly is none.
From 2011-2012, Zenimax, the parent company of Bethesda, who makes Elder Scrolls RPG game, sued Mojang, makers of Minecraft, for its upcoming card battler game that had the name Scrolls. Zenimax claimed Scrolls infringed on its trademark of the Elder Scrolls series. In the end, the two sides reached an agreement where Mojang does not file a trademark for Scrolls and cannot make a sequel with Scrolls in the title; however, it is allowed to publish the card game with the name Scrolls. This means Mojang can't turn its card game into a franchise. If it did, the sequel would require a different name. The two games were nothing alike. Plus, Zenimax only had rights to Elder Scrolls combined, not Elder nor Scrolls.
In both scenarios, there's a large company who felt like overreaching on trademark enforcement upon a smaller business.
Friday, March 3, 2017
DeMarcus Cousins Does Not Fit in Uptempo Offense
The New Orleans Pelicans might have gotten a steal in the DeMarcus Cousins transaction with the Sacramento Kings; however, they now have the wrong pieces to run an uptempo offense that coach Alvin Gentry is familiar with during his stints with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans lost most of their three-point shooters, a key ingredient for the modern NBA. The top 4 teams in the league have a plethora of 3-point shooters. Last year, the average amount of 3-point attempts per team was about 30 per game. During the early 1990s, teams only averaged about 10 from downtown. The fact that players are more proficient from behind the arc than ever before and the less physical nature of the game has sped up the game and encouraged 3-point shooting. The Pelicans will need more outside shooters to open up the inside for Cousins and Anthony Davis.
An uptempo offense requires a lot of running up and down the court. Cousins won't do that consistently. The Kings have run one of the fastest offenses in the league during the last two seasons, but Cousins has shown lack of interest to hustle back on defense, particularly when he feels he deserves a call but did not receive one. That's going to be a huge problem.
Cousins hearkens back to old school greats like Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain, an unstoppable big man. He's also a great passer and can shoot 3s. However, defense and hustle are huge liabilities. Maybe a full training camp session with the Pelicans will fans know whether or not Cousins is a good fit with the team.
An uptempo offense requires a lot of running up and down the court. Cousins won't do that consistently. The Kings have run one of the fastest offenses in the league during the last two seasons, but Cousins has shown lack of interest to hustle back on defense, particularly when he feels he deserves a call but did not receive one. That's going to be a huge problem.
Cousins hearkens back to old school greats like Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain, an unstoppable big man. He's also a great passer and can shoot 3s. However, defense and hustle are huge liabilities. Maybe a full training camp session with the Pelicans will fans know whether or not Cousins is a good fit with the team.
Georges St. Pierre is Underserving of Middleweight Title Shot
It has been recently announced that Georges St. Pierre (GSP)'s first UFC fight after about a two-year layoff will be against Michael Bisping for the middleweight title. GSP will step over more deserving fighters like Yoel Romero and Ronaldo Souza because the UFC lately runs like the WWE: mainstream popularity matters. Even though earlier Dana White says the UFC will have to promote GSP all over again because of the fighter's long layoff. Romero and Souza are not getting the title shot because they are not household names. It's similar to how John Cena, the Undertaker, and Randy Orton are always vying for the WWE belt when there are other wrestlers just as deserving but not as popular or well known.
The UFC matchmaking used to be better when mixed martial arts was not as mainstream as it is today. Now, if fighters know how to talk, they'll have a better chance of earning bigger fights. Everyone has to be good on the microphone like Conor McGregor. McGregor got the lightweight title fight against Eddie Alvarez last year over someone like Tony Ferguson, who was on a 9-fight winning streak. Nine wins in a row and still no title shot? There's a good chance Khabib Nurmagomedov would have been the #1 lightweight contender against McGregor if McGregor didn't decide to take first half of 2017 off. That's because Khabib threatened to quit the UFC, yet he has not been as active as Ferguson.
Pierre getting the next middleweight title shot is even more perplexing when he has 0 fights in that weight class. He was afraid to challenge then champion Anderson Silva when there was all this talk of a super fight between the welterweight and middleweight champions. Majority of fighters want a crack at the middleweight title because they all believe Bisping is an easy matchup. But regardless of their lack of respect for him, there are more deserving fighters than one who has never fought at that weight class and has been inactive for two years.
The UFC matchmaking used to be better when mixed martial arts was not as mainstream as it is today. Now, if fighters know how to talk, they'll have a better chance of earning bigger fights. Everyone has to be good on the microphone like Conor McGregor. McGregor got the lightweight title fight against Eddie Alvarez last year over someone like Tony Ferguson, who was on a 9-fight winning streak. Nine wins in a row and still no title shot? There's a good chance Khabib Nurmagomedov would have been the #1 lightweight contender against McGregor if McGregor didn't decide to take first half of 2017 off. That's because Khabib threatened to quit the UFC, yet he has not been as active as Ferguson.
Pierre getting the next middleweight title shot is even more perplexing when he has 0 fights in that weight class. He was afraid to challenge then champion Anderson Silva when there was all this talk of a super fight between the welterweight and middleweight champions. Majority of fighters want a crack at the middleweight title because they all believe Bisping is an easy matchup. But regardless of their lack of respect for him, there are more deserving fighters than one who has never fought at that weight class and has been inactive for two years.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Kudos to Holly Holm for Taking a Risk
The majority of people, including UFC President Dana White himself, predicted that Miesha Tate was a bad matchup for then champion Holly Holm. White actually blasted Holm's management for accepting the fight rather than wait for the rematch against Ronda Rousey, which would have reaped a bigger payoff. But it didn't play out as one-sided as many people believed. Holm was winning more of the rounds compared to Tate. She had some good takedown defense and pressed Tate to the fence more frequently. That's a sign of octagon control. She lost round 2 when she got taken down, but she defended the rear naked choke well there and survived. She made a little mistake in the final round which led to her eventual defeat.
Tate was a tougher matchup because she was patient and can mix up her takedowns. Rousey usually gets opponents to the ground via upper body clinches. Meanwhile, Tate can duck under strikes and take Holm down. She was also relentless in that final sequence. She held onto Holm like an anaconda and it paid off.
Holm will definitely grow from this loss. Styles make fights. It was a tough matchup but she held her own. That's a sign that she has grown a lot when it comes to mixed martial arts and that she's not just a kickboxer. Holm does not have the luxury to face Rousey all the time. Might as well fight a good wrestler now rather than later. She didn't shy away from a disadvantage and she deserves a lot of credit for it. After the loss, she wanted to fight Tate again, not Rousey. Money doesn't drive her; greatness does.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Tate was a tougher matchup because she was patient and can mix up her takedowns. Rousey usually gets opponents to the ground via upper body clinches. Meanwhile, Tate can duck under strikes and take Holm down. She was also relentless in that final sequence. She held onto Holm like an anaconda and it paid off.
Holm will definitely grow from this loss. Styles make fights. It was a tough matchup but she held her own. That's a sign that she has grown a lot when it comes to mixed martial arts and that she's not just a kickboxer. Holm does not have the luxury to face Rousey all the time. Might as well fight a good wrestler now rather than later. She didn't shy away from a disadvantage and she deserves a lot of credit for it. After the loss, she wanted to fight Tate again, not Rousey. Money doesn't drive her; greatness does.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Blake Griffin Did Not Deserve An Ejection
When the Los Angles Clippers played at Chicago against the Bulls, Blake Griffin whacked Taj Gibson on the head while swiping for the ball and was ejected because the foul was deemed a flagrant 2. In a different game, the Toronto Raptors' point guard, Kyle Lowry, throws an elbow that hits 76ers' power forward, Nerlens, Noel, right in the eye. Lowry just gets a technical foul.
To me, Griffin should have been given a flagrant 1 since he at least attempted to make a play on the ball and he immediately held Gibson up after the foul. On the other hand, Lowry made no attempt at the ball and thus should be given a flagrant 2. It was unnecessary and excessive.
Now, here's http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/04/18/flagrant.technical/ ruling on flagrant fouls.
Flagrant 1: unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent.
Flagrant 2: unnecessary and excessive contact committed by a player against an opponent.
Other factors officials will look at to determine which foul to give include:
1) Severity of the contact
2) Whether or not the player was making a legitimate basketball play
3) Did the fouling arm have a wind up or follow through
4) Potential for injury (blow to head or was foul committed when player was in vulnerable position)
5) Severity of the injury suffered by the offended player
6) Finally, was there an altercation.
There's also a set of rules on elbows. A technical foul is given only if the elbow was swung and misses.
According to these rules, I could see why Griffin was given a flagrant 2 because of #3 and #4, but the officials' call on Lowry was just terrible.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
To me, Griffin should have been given a flagrant 1 since he at least attempted to make a play on the ball and he immediately held Gibson up after the foul. On the other hand, Lowry made no attempt at the ball and thus should be given a flagrant 2. It was unnecessary and excessive.
Now, here's http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/04/18/flagrant.technical/ ruling on flagrant fouls.
Flagrant 1: unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent.
Flagrant 2: unnecessary and excessive contact committed by a player against an opponent.
Other factors officials will look at to determine which foul to give include:
1) Severity of the contact
2) Whether or not the player was making a legitimate basketball play
3) Did the fouling arm have a wind up or follow through
4) Potential for injury (blow to head or was foul committed when player was in vulnerable position)
5) Severity of the injury suffered by the offended player
6) Finally, was there an altercation.
There's also a set of rules on elbows. A technical foul is given only if the elbow was swung and misses.
According to these rules, I could see why Griffin was given a flagrant 2 because of #3 and #4, but the officials' call on Lowry was just terrible.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Holly Holms vs Ronda Rousey is not PPV Worthy
UFC could of had the biggest fight to start next year if they somehow agreed to book bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey to a fight with Invicta's Cris "Cyborg" Justino. But nooo, the UFC is scared of Justino so they went with a boring fight in matching Rousey with former boxer Holly Holms. Look, Holms may be 9-0 in her MMA career, but she's still raw and has no ground game. Rousey will finish her with a submission in less than a minute. Remember at UFC 118 when Randy Couture embarrassed James Toney? Couture got Toney to the ground easily and made sure Toney couldn't get up nor land a single punch.
An agreement to a catchweight 140 lb non-title fight is all it would take to have the best female MMA fighters compete for superiority rights. But UFC wanted to stand firm at 135, even though Rousey has fought at 145 initially before she moved down to 135. I guess Dana White wants to protect Rousey. He said there's no featherweight division because there's not enough depth. The bantamweight division isn't going anywhere either if Rousey is finishing everyone off in less than a minute. Rousey is on a whole another level compared to her peers and Justino is the only fighter out there that can match her skill level.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
An agreement to a catchweight 140 lb non-title fight is all it would take to have the best female MMA fighters compete for superiority rights. But UFC wanted to stand firm at 135, even though Rousey has fought at 145 initially before she moved down to 135. I guess Dana White wants to protect Rousey. He said there's no featherweight division because there's not enough depth. The bantamweight division isn't going anywhere either if Rousey is finishing everyone off in less than a minute. Rousey is on a whole another level compared to her peers and Justino is the only fighter out there that can match her skill level.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Jurassic World is a Terrible Sequel to Jurassic Park
Jurassic World has so many things going wrong for it because of the themes that are present in it. You've got the military involved, one who wants to turn the dinosaurs into soldiers. There's some hypocrisy involved in Bryce Dallas Howard's character and family. She was peeved at one employee for wearing a Jurassic Park T-shirt, yet she is carrying out John Hammond's legacy. Then she and her sister are squabbling over not being there for the children, when both are not there for the children. Howard's company is gene splicing a dinosaur, because obviously consumers want a dinosaur that can't be under control. Lastly, there's no dinosaur expert working there. What all this means is a lack of interest on the people in the movie.
Yes, people will be in danger. But all this hypocrisy and greediness creates a lack of connection between viewer and the characters in the movie. I had a similar problem with Katniss in the "Hunger Games" because she was a bitch. Since she was, I would not root for her. Jurassic World may be the best sequel to the original, but that's not saying much.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Yes, people will be in danger. But all this hypocrisy and greediness creates a lack of connection between viewer and the characters in the movie. I had a similar problem with Katniss in the "Hunger Games" because she was a bitch. Since she was, I would not root for her. Jurassic World may be the best sequel to the original, but that's not saying much.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Rebuttal to use of Rape in Storytelling
Author John Scalzi recounts a lesson he learned about the incorporation of a rape scene in storytelling, as seen here. In summary, when he first began honing his craft, Scalzi had a story where an investigator matched wits with a serial killer. He added a scene where the serial killer tortured and raped the investigator's wife. His writing mentor was a female, Pamela Wallace, who left disgusted after reading that scene. Scalzi said that was the last time he ever thought of using rape in a novel.
What did he learn from Wallace's reaction? That rape was bad? Of course rape is bad, but why was it bad in this story? She didn't say nor did he say what else she may have said. The good advice Scalzi added at the end was from Robert Jackson Bennett, who stated that before a scene gets added in ask yourself what purpose does it serve.
I still believe Scalzi could have used that rape scene if he explained why he wanted to use it in the first place. It also was not the main plot device that makes a story one dimensional. There are plenty of movies were murder leads to revenge and that's basically all the movie is about. There are plenty of movies that have cheesy sex scenes with no purpose. That is lazy writing.
In Stephen King's Rose Madder, the titular character, Rose, was an abused wife who endured it for nine some years. Was it wrong to show that she was abused? No! It would have been extreme, however, to have several chapters about her abuse. The abuse was the driving point for Rose to develop a spine and escape her abusive husband. The abuse served a purpose. King wasn't being sexist nor did he throw it in just because he could.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
What did he learn from Wallace's reaction? That rape was bad? Of course rape is bad, but why was it bad in this story? She didn't say nor did he say what else she may have said. The good advice Scalzi added at the end was from Robert Jackson Bennett, who stated that before a scene gets added in ask yourself what purpose does it serve.
I still believe Scalzi could have used that rape scene if he explained why he wanted to use it in the first place. It also was not the main plot device that makes a story one dimensional. There are plenty of movies were murder leads to revenge and that's basically all the movie is about. There are plenty of movies that have cheesy sex scenes with no purpose. That is lazy writing.
In Stephen King's Rose Madder, the titular character, Rose, was an abused wife who endured it for nine some years. Was it wrong to show that she was abused? No! It would have been extreme, however, to have several chapters about her abuse. The abuse was the driving point for Rose to develop a spine and escape her abusive husband. The abuse served a purpose. King wasn't being sexist nor did he throw it in just because he could.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Floyd Mayweather is a Dirty Fighter
Floyd Mayweather, Jr is hailed as the best pound-for-pound boxer in many magazines and is currently 47-0. He will face Manny Pacquiao in a mega fight that took five years to make this May. Yet for all his accomplishments, many people including the officials refuse to recognize Mayweather for who he truly is, a dirty fighter. They often say he is an elusive fighter and a great counter puncher, but he wins by illegal means.
Mayweather's three main strategies are running away, clinching, and ducking. He should be deducted points for all three. Running away is a cowardly move. Boxing is a contact sport. Mayweather spends a lot of time retreating from his opponent. Clinching is sometimes used to help a tired fighter get a breather or throw an opponent's momentum off. Mayweather clinches often after throwing a counter punch. It prevents the opponent from having an opportunity to strike back. Excessive holding is considered a foul, yet Mayweather is usually the winner in the judges' scoring. Lastly, Mayweather likes to duck. It's a foul to duck below the opponent's belt. Yet, Mayweather can be seen ducking below the belt or at waist level. It's a cheap strategy. His competitor can't strike back because there's no area for him to strike.
Mayweather is calling for Olympic drug testing because he wants a fair fight. However, he himself does not fight fair when inside the ring and the officials and judges kiss his butt all the time. Any time he runs away, ducks at waist level, or presses for a clinch Mayweather should be called for a foul.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Mayweather's three main strategies are running away, clinching, and ducking. He should be deducted points for all three. Running away is a cowardly move. Boxing is a contact sport. Mayweather spends a lot of time retreating from his opponent. Clinching is sometimes used to help a tired fighter get a breather or throw an opponent's momentum off. Mayweather clinches often after throwing a counter punch. It prevents the opponent from having an opportunity to strike back. Excessive holding is considered a foul, yet Mayweather is usually the winner in the judges' scoring. Lastly, Mayweather likes to duck. It's a foul to duck below the opponent's belt. Yet, Mayweather can be seen ducking below the belt or at waist level. It's a cheap strategy. His competitor can't strike back because there's no area for him to strike.
Mayweather is calling for Olympic drug testing because he wants a fair fight. However, he himself does not fight fair when inside the ring and the officials and judges kiss his butt all the time. Any time he runs away, ducks at waist level, or presses for a clinch Mayweather should be called for a foul.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Friday, February 20, 2015
When will the Tanking Stop?
Right before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76er's general manager, Sam Hinkie, traded away Michael Carter Williams, a Rookie of the Year winner, for more first round draft picks. Yep, more draft picks. I believe he's a little carried away with this tanking strategy. Next, he might trade Nerlen Noels and Joel Embiid for future draft picks. Who knows? The problem with all of this player movement is the team will never get better and there will not be any team chemistry. Team chemistry is vital to a team's success. You can't just get the best players and expect them to all get along. What if everyone wants to be the alpha dog? The 2003-04 Lakers consisted of Gary Payton, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Karl Malone. They lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, a team that played together longer than the Lakers. During the 2011 NBA Finals, the new look Miami Heat lost to the underdog Dallas Mavericks. The majority of people expected the Heat to win because they had Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh--three superstars compared to the Mavericks, who only had Dirk Nowitzki. Only after that NBA Finals loss did the Heat win in two straight Finals appearances.
When players are constantly moved around, there's a sense of job insecurity. That creates anxiety and the players might under perform because they don't feel comfortable. Plus, no player enjoys losing all the time. Ask any Detroit Lions player that was present when during the 2008 season if he loved losing every game.
Rebuilding and tanking only works if it is temporary. A general rebuilding time table is about 4-5 years. But since the 76ers just traded away their best asset, they're going to take even longer to rebuild. Constant rebuilding also wears out the fans. When fans feel despair, home game attendance drops and there is loss of revenue. Hinkie should be fired before he causes any more damage to the team.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
When players are constantly moved around, there's a sense of job insecurity. That creates anxiety and the players might under perform because they don't feel comfortable. Plus, no player enjoys losing all the time. Ask any Detroit Lions player that was present when during the 2008 season if he loved losing every game.
Rebuilding and tanking only works if it is temporary. A general rebuilding time table is about 4-5 years. But since the 76ers just traded away their best asset, they're going to take even longer to rebuild. Constant rebuilding also wears out the fans. When fans feel despair, home game attendance drops and there is loss of revenue. Hinkie should be fired before he causes any more damage to the team.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Monday, January 19, 2015
DeMarco Murray Should be Re-signed Over Dez Bryant
After the Dallas Cowboys lost in the second round to the Green Bay Packers, the team has to decide whether or not to re-sign running back DeMarco Murray or wideout Dez Bryant. While the NFL is a passing league, Murray would be the more valuable weapon to keep. The real reason the Cowboys fared so well this past season was because of their offensive line. They did a fantastic job protecting Tony Romo. As Colin Cowherd of ESPN pointed out on the radio, the offensive line should get the credit for the team's success and get paid. However, offensive linemen don't get paid as well as offensive weapons like receivers, quarterbacks, and running backs.
The Cowboys should re-sign Murray over Bryant because he makes the team better. The opposing team would have to respect both the running game and the passing game. If the other team tries to stop Murray, Romo can throw it downfield or use play action. The running game wears down defenses and takes crucial time off the clock when used effectively. In 2011, Murray's rookie season, the Cowboys were 5-0 when Murray had 20+ touches in a game and 2-5 when he did not.
A receiver's success ultimately depends on the ability of the quarterback. Bryant cannot help the team if he has to play with a terrible quarterback. On the other hand, a running back can create for himself and help an inexperienced quarterback. It's not a coincidence that the Cowboys finished 12-4, with Murray running for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, Bryant receiving for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns, and Romo throwing for 34 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions. It was a balanced offense.
A good wide receiver is a luxury but not necessary. The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks in recent years have had great success because they have a solid running game and a good quarterback. In addition, they all don't have an All-Pro wide receiver.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
The Cowboys should re-sign Murray over Bryant because he makes the team better. The opposing team would have to respect both the running game and the passing game. If the other team tries to stop Murray, Romo can throw it downfield or use play action. The running game wears down defenses and takes crucial time off the clock when used effectively. In 2011, Murray's rookie season, the Cowboys were 5-0 when Murray had 20+ touches in a game and 2-5 when he did not.
A receiver's success ultimately depends on the ability of the quarterback. Bryant cannot help the team if he has to play with a terrible quarterback. On the other hand, a running back can create for himself and help an inexperienced quarterback. It's not a coincidence that the Cowboys finished 12-4, with Murray running for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, Bryant receiving for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns, and Romo throwing for 34 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions. It was a balanced offense.
A good wide receiver is a luxury but not necessary. The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks in recent years have had great success because they have a solid running game and a good quarterback. In addition, they all don't have an All-Pro wide receiver.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Great Packers-Cowboys Game Ruined by Calvin Johnson Rule
Last Sunday was a great football game between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their playoff hopes ended with a controversial call that ultimately decided the outcome of the game. On fourth and 2, Dez Bryant of the Cowboys leaps high into the air for a catch that would have spotted him at the 2 or 1 yard line had it been declared complete. It was initially declared a complete pass, but upon review after the Packers challenged the call, the officials overturned the decision and declared it incomplete. The decision was based on the "Going to the Ground" rule, often referred as the Calvin Johnson rule because he was the first victim of it. That rule states:
"If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete."
Here is the video: Link
However, there is another rule that talks about when a play is dead. It says:
"An official shall declare the ball dead and the down ended:
(a) when a runner is contacted by a defensive player and touches the ground with any part of his body other than his hands
or feet. The ball is dead the instant the runner touches
the ground. A runner touching the ground with his hands or feet while in the grasp of an opponent may continue to advance."
In real time, it appears Bryant loses the ball the moment he touches the ground. But in slow motion, like in this video, Bryant touches the ground four times before the ball comes loose. He takes 3 steps and his right forearm touches the ground before the ball falls out. That's a complete pass. The officials messed this call up big time.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
In real time, it appears Bryant loses the ball the moment he touches the ground. But in slow motion, like in this video, Bryant touches the ground four times before the ball comes loose. He takes 3 steps and his right forearm touches the ground before the ball falls out. That's a complete pass. The officials messed this call up big time.
Robert Lin enjoys basketball and anime. Follow him on Twitter and/or Google.
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