Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Tournament of Couples...Vote for your favorites to advance


We just witnessed one the most exhilarating and unpredictable NCAA tournaments in a very long time.    But what is it about the tourney that makes people crazy?  School pride, right?  For a small few, but it’s really all about the brackets!  In February, I wrote a post for Valentine’s Day about the greatest video game couples.  During that entire process I kept going back to and thinking about the best couples of all time.  But video games don’t necessarily have that many couples to merit a bracket tourney.  Well with the evolution of Apollo’s Gamedom on the horizon, I’m going to give you a sneak peak at what’s to come…here’s the Tournament of the Couples TV/Movie/Video game bracket tournament.

We’re going with a 64 couple single elimination tournament that YOU will be voting on each week starting today.  After each week, I will update the bracket accordingly and the voting will begin again and so on and so forth.

The couples were selected by my team of avid gamers and film/TV watchers; however the seedings were selected by me after arduous research and viewings.  In reality, I just picked the most popular and went from there, but it’s my tourney and I do as I please.  Even though many shows will live on forever through syndication, I’m only including couples from my generation as well.

SPOILERS to follow!

THE OBAMA REGION



§  Cliff and Claire Huxtable were played by Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad and many would consider them to be the prototypical couple.  Both successful in their own rights, but also successful parents of five.  During the 80’s and early 90’s, seeing Cliff and Claire was like watching a recurring dream, hoping that your life would eventually mirror theirs.  Growing up I was always told we were the “Cosby’s” and for a kid growing up no better compliment could be given.
§  What guy hasn’t pretended to be something they’re not, just to get in good with a girl?  I’ve been with my wife almost 10 years and I’m still pretending like I’m cool!  Sure Cloud was pretending to be Zach, but that was because of memory problems.  Nevertheless, Tifa stood by him and helped him regain his memory and helped him save the world!  Now that is a “Round the way” girl.
§  Square has a knack for heartwarming and tragic relationships and Tidas and Yuna are definitely representing the latter.  Tidas was able to traverse time and space a la John Carter to find his true love.  Now unfortunately he was destined to become that world's next villain; however Yuna's love was able to keep Tidas from becoming Sin.  It didn't stop him from disappearing but hey at least he wasn't Sin incarnate.  And Yuna isn’t just some damsel either after Tidas disappeared into wherever land, she searched high and low and finally found him waiting for her.
§  Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper were played by Fred Savage and Danica McKellar.  Who doesn’t remember their first love?  That symbol of first love is what made Kevin and Winnie so endearing.  Did they marry, no?  But through and through they stuck
§  The Joker and Harley Quinn have a convoluted relationship.  In reality, The Joker is Harley’s boss, but she is hopelessly devoted to him.  This dynamic is used to both of their advantages at times, but no matter the trouble they find themselves in…it’s always done together.
§  Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are not only married in the WWE universe, but they are a real life couple! Not bad for a former Degenerate to marry the boss’ daughter!  Although not generally seen together on screen as often, these two are still a feared two-some in the “wrasslin’” business.
§  Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big were played by Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth.  Some may say that these two are the most realistic and adult relationship in the field.  Others may argue that it was the most dysfunctional.  From on again-off again to being stood up at the altar to finally married; these two have run the gamut of every emotion possible.
§  Edge and Lita were both considered bad guys in the WWE, but as a unit you just loved to hate them.  I don’t know if it was their chemistry together or their passion that made them seem as one, but whatever it was it seemed like magic.
§  Simba and Nala were betrothed almost right out of the womb and unlike many arranged marriages these two survived.  These two have triumphed many adversities together because facing problems as a unit is usually a safe bet.  Yeah, Simba ran away, but Nala found him and brought him back to rule his kingdom like he should.
§  Dewey Riley and Gale Weathers-Riley were played by Courtney Cox and David Arquette.  [Courtney Cox also appears later  in this bracket]  After surviving like six different psycho killers, these two can only go up or die at this point.  Unlike many couples in the world, til death actually means something to them. [editor’s note. Courtney Cox and David Arquette divorced in real life after 13 years]
§  Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward were played by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.  Everyone can dream, right?  Well Vivian’s dream came true when prince charming came to her rescue and swept her off her feet.  We’re going to skip over the fact that she was a street walker completely. Shhh!
§  Even though Goku has saved the universe many times over, Chi-Chi still expects him to remain true to his promises.  As a unit, solidarity is crucial and no matter the situation Chi-Chi trusts that Goku will come through in the end…even in death.
§  Quincy McCall and Monica Wright-McCall were played by Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.  It’s not uncommon for high school sweethearts to follow each other to college to remain close.  What is uncommon is that those two will eventually marry.  Well these two buck that trend after venturing the world and realizing that they were meant to be together.  Throw in the fact that both played professional basketball and genetic domination rears its head!
§  April O’Neal and Casey Jones initially started up as a love/hate relationship, but like most their mutual respect for each other eventually became love.  Throw in the fact that both of these guys could probably kick most of the field’s ass doesn’t hurt either.
§  Dan and Roseanne were played by John Goodman and Roseanne Barr.  Dan and Roseanne may be seen openly mocking each other, it was easy to know that they truly loved each other.  Even when dealing with poverty or obesity, these two remain upbeat and humorous.
§  Michael Schofield and Dr. Sara Tancredi were played by Wentworth Miller and Sarah Wayne Callies.  As the prison doctor, Sara assisted Michael and crew with escaping prison with the hopes that they would eventually be together.  Well after her being discharged and her murder exaggerated, Michael and Sara were finally reunited…never mind the fact that they were both on the lamb.







Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Name that Game...Week 4

New to Gamedom is “Name that Game!”  The 1st set of clues will help you figure out the year in which the game dropped and the 2nd set of clues will help you Name that Game!  Good luck and enjoy


    Aretha Franklin becomes the 1st woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame












     Star Trek: The Next Generation engages








      Wrestlemania III breaks the record for largest attendance for live “sporting event” with 93,173 people in attendance from the Pontiac Silverdome











      The Simpsons first appear on The Tracey Ullman Show









        Michael Jackson follows up Thriller with my personal favorite album, Bad
        Microsoft release Windows 2.0
          The Minnesota Twins win the World Series, The New York Giants win the Super Bowl, and the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Finals.












          My brother and I have a penchant for blondes…and we’re willing to fight any and everyone for her.

          We helped spawn a multitude of spin offs such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight.

          Roundhouse kicks and uppercuts can be brutal, but sometimes bats and trash cans are more effective.

          Name that game!





          If you hadn’t already guessed it, last week’s answer was Kingdom Hearts.






          Tuesday, April 2, 2013

          Name That Game...Week 3

          New to Gamedom is “Name that Game!”  The 1st set of clues will help you figure out the year in which the game dropped and the 2nd set of clues will help you Name that Game!  Good luck and enjoy

          The Winter Olympics are held in Salt Lake City, Utah
           


          Spider-Man helped prove that comic book movies could be a worldwide success
           


          The Department of Homeland Security is formed







          The WWF, World Wrestling Foundation, is renamed the WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment














           
          I graduated from Arlington High School in Indianapolis, IN








          The Anaheim Angels won the World Series, The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl, and the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals.










          I feature characters from 3 different universes
          Some people prefer to use swords or guns as their weapon of choice…but keys are my ultimate weapon.
          “A whole new world” is what you’ll travel as you attempt to be a “part of their world!”
          I don’t think Walt ever imagined his work getting down like this.










          If you didn’t already know, the answer for last week is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

          Sunday, March 17, 2013

          It's been over a year and more to come.


          HOLY CRAP!!!

          I can’t believe that it’s been over a year since I created this blog.  It doesn’t even feel like it’s been that long, but in reality it all started back in November 2011! 

          I was coming home from my brother’s house and I was explaining to my wife how upset I was with my brother for letting his son buy the awful terrible sh*tty Tony Hawk Pro Skater and she was like, “Aaron, my love, you are an exceptional writer and with your absurd amount of video game knowledge, you should develop a blog!”  Ok she didn’t quite phrase it like that, but she did foster the idea.

          I’ve made significant strides, both as a writer and gamer, within this year long journey and it’s been a blast sharing it with you all.

          Before you start getting nervous…this is not a farewell post! 

          What this IS, however, is a pause on new material while I reconfigure my settings.
          Apollo’s Gamedom will never die, as video games a passion for me, but I don’t want to limit my writing as a whole either.



          So starting today, I’m going to take a few steps back while I begin transforming the Gamedom into something bigger and better.  Video games will still be a main focus, but I will also lend my “absurd knowledge” to the world of sports, movies, entertainment, historical relevancy, literature, and other stuff.

          I’m not sure how long this upgrade will take, so until then I will keep you updated with the progress and in the down time I’ll keep Name that Game running as long as I continue to get submissions.  I will also “feature” some older post that you may have been missed.

          Once again, THANK YOU to everyone and I look forward to your continued support.





          Saturday, March 2, 2013

          Name that Game...week 2

          New to Gamedom is “Name that Game!”  The 1st set of clues will help you figure out the year in which the game dropped and the 2nd set of clues will help you Name that Game!  Good luck and enjoy

          • The Facebook launched and for awhile nothing else mattered…that is until I came out!
          • The Summer Olympics open in Athens, Greece

          • During the Super Bowl halftime performance, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson birthed the phrase “wardrobe malfunction”

          • Ken Jennings won 74 games and 2.5 million on Jeopardy!

          • The Boston Red Sox broke the “Curse of the Bambino,” and won the World Series, the New England Patriots on the Super Bowl, and Detroit Pistons won the NBA Finals.









          Some may argue about whom was really the best game that year, but no one can argue…”Highest selling PS2 game of all time!”
          NWA, John Singleton, Boyz in tha Hood, Menace 2 Society, etc were my inspirations to create something bold.
          And last but not least…
          HOT COFFEE!

          If you hadn’t guessed it already, last week’s answer is Pokémon

          Tuesday, February 19, 2013

          Name that Game!

          New to Gamedom is “Name that Game! 
          The 1st set of clues will help you figure out the year in which the game dropped and the 2nd set of clues will help you Name that Game!  Enjoy

          • The Summer Olympics opens and eight days later the Centennial Olympic Park is bombed
          • MLS “kicks off” is front of 31,683 fans, a paltry number compared to my debut.

          • O.J. Simpson civil trial begins

          • The New York Yankees win the World Series, the Chicago Bulls win the NBA title, and the Dallas Cowboys win the Super Bowl.

          • Hulk Hogan joins the New World Order (NWO) at WCW’s Bash at the Beach 

          • Independence Day is released and grosses $306 million








          I sold somewhere around 23.64 million copies.
          It took me two years to make it to the states after my initial debut.
          Even though I come in a small package, I shocked the world with my massive popularity.
          In my 17 years of existence, I’ve been flying high above New York City for 10 years giving thanks.
          What game am I?

          Thursday, February 14, 2013

          Video game couples: Valentine's Day for all

          Can you feel the love tonight…something, something, something.  I don't really know the lyrics but today is Valentine's Day.  Today is a day full of love, romance, and who am I kidding…today is just another made up holiday in which Hallmark and women are the only winners!
          But I'm going to put my hatred of Valentine's Day to the side and put together a list of some of my favorite video game couples.
          SPOILERS AHEAD!

          Tidas and Yuna (FFX)
                          Square has a knack for heartwarming and tragic relationships and Tidas and Yuna are definitely reppin' the latter.  Tidas was able to traverse time and space a la John Carter to find his true love.  Now unfortunately he was destined to become that world's next villain; however Yuna's love was able to keep Tidas from becoming Sin.  It didn't stop him from disappearing but hey at least he wasn't Sin incarnate.

          Cloud and Tifa (FFVII)
          What guy hasn't pretended to be something they're not, just to get in good with a girl?  I've been with my wife almost 10 years and I'm still pretending like I'm cool!  Sure Cloud was pretending to be Zach, but that was because of memory problems.  Nevertheless, Tifa stood by him and helped him regain his memory and helped him save the world!  Now that is a "Round the way" girl.

          Dominic and Maria Santiago (GoW 2)
                          As any married man will tell you…there are no limits when it comes to family.  Those limits become slightly easier to overcome when you have a chainsaw mounted to your assault rifle.  Unfortunately, their onscreen time is cut short…being that fact that Maria is captured and tortured by the Locust and Dom shoots her.  But right before he shoots her, he gets to see her one last time in her "beautiful," natural state.  Its also possible Dom was hallucinating from toxin gas in the cave.

          Mario and Princess Peach
                          Mario and Peach are the OG's of video game love!  I mean forget bringing chocolates; Mario's willing to eat magic mushrooms, flowers, and feathers to save his love.  As a whole fellas we can't compare to Mario, but don't be afraid to follow suit and definitely don't be afraid to eat giant mushrooms so you can "grow!"  Mario has endured many a hater trying to steal his woman; a tie wearing gorilla, a giant fire-breathing tortoise, and an evil doppelganger.  But none of his haters can hold him back!

          Commander Sheppard and Ashley Williams (Mass Effect)
                          Space…the final frontier!  Oops wrong sci-fi franchise.  In all seriously Commander Sheppard has kick some serious ass over and over again but he's also had his fare share of lady (alien) love.  Out of all the options, Ashley Williams provides the most earnest moments of the series.  I mean she recited William Earnest Henley's Invictus for cripes sakes.  Let's forget about Saren, the Geth, the Collectors, and even the Reapers trying to destroy everything in sight, Sheppard and Ashley eschewed Alliance protocol in order to keep their love going.

          Happy Valentine's Day people!

                         
                         





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