Who don it?

I know...I know...my bad

You know, I’m tired of video games getting the Terrence and Phillip treatment by so called experts. For years, researchers have argued that “the brains of violent video game players become less responsive to violence, and this diminished brain response predicts an increase in aggression.” This sort of short-sided research has been harped upon for years and years

At their worst video games serve as a form of entertainment and an escape from reality.  At their best, video games can elicit a variety of emotions, spark intrigue, and even teach.

Teach???  You’re probably thinking, “Dude, I don’t play video games to learn!” but every time you pick up the sticks you’re building on foundation that came from somewhere.  Now I’m not saying that after playing Portal 2 that you’ll be able to build warp guns and/or break down Newton’s Laws of Motion, but one will get a good grasp at thinking outside the box to solve problems.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have two young boys (6 & 3) who love to game as well, much to the chagrin of my wife, and as they play I can see the benefits.  Now of course, they’re not playing (or watching me play) Call of Duty because…well hell it’s pretty irresponsible; however I love watching them play Trials HD, Hexic HD, and Aegis Wing.  Each game pushes them in different way: with Trials embedding them with patience, Hexic teaches them problem-solving, and Aegis Wing is all about cooperation and trust or you won’t make it through the first level.

Now how often do you see these sentiments mirrored in the myriad of research articles?  How does slim to none sounds?  In a recent article on CNN, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, I mean Dr. Philip Zimbardo argues that video games and online porn are causing the “demise of guys.”  Now I don’t know what sort of research was done for this study (because none is provided), but most of my friends are big time gamers and more importantly they’re upstanding citizens, responsible parents, and loving spouses.  This kind of drivel frustrates me to know end because most of the “research” is done blindly and published unjustly.   The most glaring detail I’ve noticed is that one can find articles defending and attacking video games; however when you look deeper those that are attacking are featured on major news sites.  Take a guess where you find the defense? 

Go ahead I’ll wait…

NCAA Coach Profile: Week 2

Next up on the coach carousel is Antwan Love:

Undersized, small, too little were all words used to describe Antwan Love’s 5’7” stature on the football field.  Nasty, explosive, skilled were the words describing Antwan’s play on the field.  Although usually the shortest player on the field, Antwan was always match up against defensive lineman and linebackers twice his size. “Leverage that was his biggest advantage” stated former NFL star and rival Roosevelt Colvin.  Colvin also stated, “I hated going up against Arlington [Knights], not only were they our rivals but I had to line up against that damn pit bull Love every play and he was relentless!”  After earning multiple All-City awards, Antwan decided to attend Indiana State University.  Antwan became one of Coach Raetz for his toughness and willingness to go to battle against men twice his size.  Although winning was not always a part his collegiate career, Antwan did garner Academic All American 3 times and more importantly realized that his passion for the gridiron extended beyond the hash marks.

After a short stint in the CFL, Antwan was offered a position as the Offensive Line coach for the Rhode Island Rams.  From 2000 to 2003, the Rams battered opponents on the ground and were consistently in the Top 5 for rushing.  In 2004, Love decided to try his hand in the NFL after being offered a scout position with the San Francisco 49ers.  With Love’s help the Niners were able to turn their third round pick into Frank Gore who has been their feature back since 2006.  With the Niners, Love helped shape the team, but wanted more authority and knew that his opportunity to shine would come back in the college ranks.

In 2009, Love finally got his shot to run the show with the UAB Blazers as the Offensive Coordinator.  Knowing the run game like few others, Antwan forced the Blazers into a battering ram of a team averaging 6.0 yards per carry.  Love has helmed the offense for the past three years, but is now looking for the ultimate challenge. 

"It has always been my dream to become a head coach on any level and to think that I'm even being considered is humbling."

NCAA Coach Profile

So now that we’re officially a month away from the release of NCAA Football 2013, we’re going to meet the next crop of coaches who will surely shake up the college football landscape as we know it!

Boiler UP!

Starting off this week is the offensive genius upstart Aaron Love:

Aaron, after only playing two years of high school football, was a finalist for Mr. Football eventually losing to current San Diego Padre Clayton Richard (former Michigan QB). Aaron then went on to Purdue University and was prepared to compete for the starting running back position but due to unfortunate freak accident Aaron was never able to play for his beloved Boilermakers.  Fortunately, Aaron was taken under the wing of former offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.  Under Chaney’s tutelage, Love was able to absorb the intricacies of the spread offense and has able to help mold one of the more potent offenses in the Big 10.  “Aaron was like a sponge, spending time watch film and digesting the offense and dissecting the opposing D.  He always said that ‘all armor has its flaws and it’s our job to find it and exploit it’,” stated Joe Tiller after a narrow victory of Penn State. 

After Jim Chaney left the team in 2005 to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Aaron also parted ways to join Bobby Petrino at Louisville as the WR coach.  In just his first year with Petrino, Love watched Petrino turn Louisville in a powerhouse finishing with the 3^rd rated offense in 2005 and 2006; Louisville also finished 12-1 in 2006 winning the Orange Bowl in the process.  In 2008, Love finally got his chance to become an offensive coordinator for Central Michigan.  With his unusual play calling scheme, the Chippewas were able to rack up huge offensive numbers ranking in the Top 20 in every season in which Love was their offensive coordinator.

With the upcoming 2012-2013 season upcoming, Aaron Love is one of the hottest names floating around for a head coaching position.  “At 28, I never thought I would be in a position to become a head coach, but football has been apart of my life from an early age and I’ve always gone against the grain. So for me this decision is just a natural career arc of my journey!”

Suckidy Suck Suck

I.Sucked

I guess its confession time again!  Every year, I run out and buy the newest edition of NCAA Football and NFL Madden without fail and every year I wind up playing for 3 months and shelving the game (NCAA gets a little more run because of Online Dynasty).  It’s like getting back with an ex knowing good and damn well that they are still only good for one thing!  Every year, I say to myself “I’m done with Madden, unless they fix…” but see I’m already setting myself up…leaving the door wide open for the mookie-fluke.  I know this because this is the same thing I said about NBA Live year after year.  After the wackness that was Live ’04, I knew there was no way I would spend my money on Live again…

I.Sucked.Less

but then came NBA Live ’05 and I was right back in line (to my defense it was given high marks by other gaming critics) and within a matter of weeks I was right back to being disappointed.  Luckily, ’05 was the last time I bought Live and couldn’t be happier.  Now here we are just one month away from NCAA 13 dropping (July 10^th) I’m starting to get that itch; as in I’ve already pre-ordered the game and took off a half day from work.  I’m sure you’re thinking that clearly I need some kind of intervention (which is true) but honestly I do play the HELL out of NCAA because of Online Dynasty and this year I’ve got some big plans for our OD to keep things fresh and I plan on sharing them here regularly.  And after hearing about Connected Careers for Madden NFL 13, I’m willing to give it one last shot.  Well, that’s until Madden NFL 14 comes knocking on my door, telling me how much things have changed.

Help. Me

Please don't suck

Please don't suck more

E3 Extravaganzapalooza

Not much I really need to say: Day 1 of E3...DAYUM!


Halo 4 demo

Assassin's Creed 3

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

Dead Space 3

Tomb Raider

Resident Evil 6

Far Cry 3

Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Crysis 3

Watch Dogs

I'm claiming this now...E3 2013...I will be there