So there you are in your carpool or on the subway or on your lunch break and wiggling your iPhone or Touch making sure your favorite hero Bandicoot is getting his power ups.  Maybe you're drooling over the possibility of getting World of Warcraft on there.  Perhaps you are tapping away at both of your screen on your DSi while chomping away at your "Royale with cheese" followed by a tasty beverage to wash it down.  Your listen to your jams on the PSP enjoying the latest iteration of Patapon or God of War.

In the meantime, you see IT Gary with his Windows "cell" Phone and Microsoft Sync Powered PDA attached to his braided utility belt (he might even still have a pager) drooling in jealousy because his windows based mobile devices are lame for gaming.  What should The MotherShip do for the challenge that lays ahead in the portable gaming market?  You have Nintendo as the continued dominant force with the DS Lite and the DSi, Sony and its PSP trying to loop in the "hardcore" gamers making their PS2 success continue through that platform, and then the new punk in the block the Apple who bring you these beautiful graphic machines that bring together both the casual and the hardcore.

I think it is obvious in the latest generation for the consistent console gaming experience, Microsoft has been dominating the market.  Yeah the Wii is selling, but is anyone really playing it consistently?  Is balancing on the yoga board really gaming?  Microsoft has proved it on XBox and Games for Windows through game purchases and online gaming.  Interestingly enough in addition they opened up development to the everyday man (XNA) much like Apple did with their SDK.  They are open to the independent gamer and provide a medium for them to display their refined ideas through Arcade; see Braid.

Rumors have been abound about a new Zune phone.  There is this mystic"Project Pink" which may or may not come to fruition with all of the recent layoffs.  Both of these will have touch screens and motion sensitivity and a focus on gaming.  

Even if they were to roll either of these out the door they would have to look at the new Blackberry Curve and the upcoming Palm Pre both of which will have an iTunes store feature set which will provide readily accessible games to the general public.

IMHO, MS, please do not do it.  I know Gates is "retired" and only "consulting" on the Board of Managers so he isn't really stopping anyone from going crazy, but it's time to concede defeat in that market.  play nice like Google and open up your apps.  Refine your in-house games, as an example bring Halo Wars to the handheld market (imagine the craziness you would have on Android or the Palm Pre).  Trust me, you'll make a killing like Civ Rev did for the DS.  Focus on your console and what you can do for your current fan base.  For gosh sakes, focus on your Windopws OSs so that people can stay excited about their PC gaming experience.  All of this will mean your continued dominance as long as you don't lose focus.

CHild throws down controller and starts running down the hallway in slow motion.  Object moving at sonic speed is following him.  Fwwt...Fwwt...Fwwt...It's a shoe.  Cut scene to boy being admonished by mom, "what are you doing with your life?  All you do is stay inside and play those darn videotronic thingamagigs...You'll never do any good for yourself or the community by playing these things."

 Well mother, let me kindly retort...

 Most of you have probably been there in some way or another.  maybe even some of you have found your self in that role reversal with your kids growing up.  Well over the past three years, the fast growing community of people exposed to gaming and technology has made everyone that much more efficient and knowledgable at being able to handle and grab the virtual concepts of gaming.  Have you ever asked your newbie mom/father or husband/wife to play a game of Halo or CoD?  They just can't do it right off the bat and they are talking and complaining.   Get yourself a 10 year old boy who has been gaming for a few years and the concentration and the focus and determination in getting those achievements is unbelievable.  So much so that yo mama starts flinging the shoe at you cuz you didn't get to do your homework or finish your errands (for all you "timeout" babies...before staring at the wall, there were open hands, rulers, belts and shoes).

Well the gaming community and scientists have noticed you achievement whores.   PSN introduced Folding@home to the gaming community and it contibuted to 1 Petaflop by the end of 2007.   This has helped researchers make significant steps in understanding protein structures.  Wired magazine just had an article featuring another such game available to the public contributed by Rosetta@home team members, "Foldit" where they allow you to create different Protein structures but utilizing that same Flower Pixel Junk kind of feel.  Except you are actually contributing to the solution of genetical mysteries.  You can have fun playing these casual and relaxation type of games while trying to maintain or achieve that high score. SETI@home has a program for extra terrestrial life.  They are planning on using the same concept as the Rosetta team and distributing games to link up your PCs and add more bandwidth to their research.

In addition the new trend of games like Flower and pixel Junk Eden where they open awareness to the environment and utilize that gaming acumen to help you "get" what's good about your other mother, "nature".

So next time you have people question you on how you are contributing to society or if yo mama gets all over you about not doing anything productive or your significant other starts asking you to get into worthwhile hobbies, you can just point out to them that  gaming as a culture is aware of its surroundings and is a leader and innovator in resolving the mysteries of life; and you can do it too anytime, even @home.

AFC EAST

New York Jets - Grade: A

The team only had 3 picks total at the end of this draft.  They had very specific team needs and did whatever it took to address those needs.  Going with Sanchez was a need pick.  Sanchez is not going to wow you or become a star QB, but he will be servicable and a top half producer.  They needed consistency and moxy, both of which Sanchez can provide.  Also drafting Greene at the RB spot gives them the  bruiser they lacked in the backfield.

Buffalo Bills -  Grade: A-

The Bills addressed almost every single point of need on their team.  The need for a defensive playmaker and solidifying the Offensive line were met with Maybin, Wood, and Levitre; all of whom some may consider the best at their respective positions.  They needed to get a tackle due to trading Peters, but I believe they are counting on the next set of roster cuts to land some depth there.

New England Patriots - Grade: B+

New England does what it do; they traded their picks for more picks next yuear plus made some wiley move ups with the abundance of picks in this years draft.  I would have given them a higher grade expect I didn't understand why they didn't address the LB position with talent that was sitting their on the board even after trading down twice (Muluaga).  Having leaarned his lesson about not having adeep secondary and losing everyne to injury, he shored it up by getting Safety Pat Chung and DB Derius Butler.  Wilfork isn't getting any younger and getting Brace is just extra insurance and should contribute to lengthening his career with the Pats.

Miami Dolphins - Grade: C+

 This grade could change pending the progress offormer Trojan Turner who has a 6-5 225 lb. frame.  He was a TD machine for USC and though he doesn't have blazing speed, I think Parcells had thoughts of "Me"shawn Johnson Lite.  Vontae Davis is a great talent who has produced consistently although he still has great potential that people were concerned they couldn't tap.  Pat White left people scratching their head, includnig mine, but look, Chad is gone after this season and the floor will be open at the QB position if Henne doesn't pan out.  In the meantime, welcome to the WR/Wildcat position.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - Grade: B-

Although the coaches have changed, the philosphy has not.  The focus in this draft was clearly on the defensive end regardless of their need for a WR.  Perhaps there is something in the works for Boldin?  Oher is a solid pick and will be in the NFL for a long time.  He has potential to be an All-Pro, but a lot of work needs to be done.  Hear me now, Jason Phillips (5th rd.) is going to be the next Ravens beast linebacker (circa 2011) that comes from nowehere, stays with the team for 6 years then gets a huge contract from another team.

Cleveland Browns - Grade B-

They went with the Pats approach of trading down and loading up on picks. there are some question on why they picked who they picked when they had more talented players at their position, but it was obvious that depth was the priority. Losing Jurevicious and preapring for life without Edwards had them select close to NFL ready receivers in Robiskie (his pops was a temp. coach for the Browns a few years ago) and Massaquoi. Both are slow but solid route runners with good hands. Alex Mack is a beast. Word on the street is he may play Guard which would be a mistake but let's see. Maiava will be able to contribute immediately although he is small for the 3-4.

Cincinnati Bengals - Grade: C+

First round selection Smith is  going to be a bust.  He is heavy footed and is raw.  The Bengals can't create or make linemen as recent history has told (Anthony Munoz type can only come once a decade in the NFL).  They did great work with their defensive picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds with Muluiaga and Michael Johnson out of Georgia Tech.  They should be immediate starters and contribute for Lewis immediately.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Grade: C

Ra'Shon Harris is the project of the picks.  at 6-4 and 300 lbs., he is ideal for their 3-4 style of play.  Hood is marked as a DT, but I just don't see him as a hard hitting run stuffing NT.  He will most likely play DE.  The best pick for the Steelers came in the 5th round with Burnett.  He made great plays against tough teams with strong receivers and should be at least starting at the Nickel or Dime this year.  He could become the dependable corner they need with Cromartie gone.  Mike Wallace needs to repeat to himself; "the ball is my friend," fast but inconsistent hands.

AFC South

Houston Texans - Grade: B

The first three picks were solid choices.  Cushing is going to be an immediate starter and provide stability at the LB position against the run allowing the other playmakers like Mario Williams get to the QB's.  Barwin may be trained to be a hybrid DE/OLB since he is raw anyways.  This would address the weakness at the other OLB postion.  Myers is aging and injury prone so getting Caldwell gets you the needed depth.  Possibly could end up being the starter if he has a good training camp.  They attempted to address the need at the safety position, but the talent wasn't there in this year's draft.Jacksonville Jaguars -

Jacksonville Jaguars - Grade: C+

Eugene Monroe is the best OT in this draft. This is why they picked him even though they now have Tra Thomas and got Pashos last year. However, getting Britton doesn't make sense to me. Tthey still need an OG which is where they got destroyed last season (via injury and death). They signed HOlt, but find a WR is a dire need. Three picks were dedeicated to WR, the last of which, Underwood, may be the one who pans out in the slot as a seam buster. Jennings in the 6th helps get the complimentary pounder to MJD, but I don't think he is NFL ready so playing time will be limited.

Indianapolis Colts - Grade: C

I know that the backfield was a concern with Addai always getting hurt, but picking Brown really does not address the need.  A receiver would have been a smarter pick or trading out would have been wise.  There were plenty of other backs who could contribute.  Perhaps this signals the end of Addai at the completion of his contract.   Moala fits in great with the Dungy defensive scheme which is still in place even after his departure. Powers is more of a man to man press corner and will struggle at the nickel so expect to see him in the dime or quarter packages.

Tennessee Titans - grade: B-

Fischer and Co. needed a receiver in a bad way.  Britt is a solid receiver who has promise.  Not a good idea to make him the go-to guy right now, but they might not have too much of a choice if Nate Washington can't produce as a #2.  Justin Gage has prvoen to be a reliable target, but he is not a #1 so they hope Britt can grow to be that guy.  How do you replace your All-Pro DT? You draft a big size player like Sen'Derrick Marks who has been known to be disruptive.  If they can work on his conditioning and strength, he could be a steal.   Theyalso got Cook out of South Carolina to replace Scaife an/or Crumpler although they wished they got Pettitgrew.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - Grade: C+

Shanahan is  gone and so is the winning aura.  Cutler was shipped out pouting, Marshall is on the brink of getting booted from the NFL, and Orton is now your leader when you really wanted Cassell.  You want to be the anti-Mike and you pay for Lamont Jordan, JJ Arrington, andCorrell Buckhalter.  Then you decide, let me get Moreno.  He is good, but I don't think you are going to get more than the same potential Jordan can give you if he stays healthy.  It's insurance, but with more needs at DB and DE, drafting Ayers and then trading away next year's #1 pick for Alphonso Smith was a mistake.  Grabbing Jenkins first would have been the difference between a C+ and a B+.  McBath is going to be a solid contributer if he can get playing time.

San Diego Chargers - Grade: C-

Larry English is a football player first and foremost. He may not be the biggest or the fastest, but he has heart and did it against D-1 talent. Picking him this early is a bit of a reach as Mel Kiper Jr. stated on Saturday, but he does fit the system. Vasquez will probably see ample playing time very soon. The only other player I like is kevin Ellison. He is not fast, but he always seems to be in position in those Trojan games I watched.

Kansas City Chiefs - Grade: D+

As stated in my Mock Draft, Tyson jackson was rated as the top defensive talent at one point.  however, it is obvious that he is not a #3 overall pick.  Maybe the Chiefs couldn't gte the value they needed for trade offers.  He is a great fit for them at the 3-4 playing end.  Their 2nd pick from the 3rd round Magee is also a great fit for the 3-4 scheme on the outside.  They definitely want to shore up on the edges against the run.  However, no one else added any key depth and neither of these guys is going to take over a game.

 Oakland Raiders - Grade: D-

Seriously, Heyward-Bey is going to be a good receiver in this league.  At least I would have said that if it were any other team.  No one knows how to corrupt talent any better than the Raiders franchise.  Loaded with #1 picks, this team is athletic on paper, but character is not a strong suit for any of them except their DBs who are one of the best tandems in the NFL.  he is still looking for a healthy Randy Moss and DHB has the speed, but he doesn't have the hands or the height.  No one else that they picked has any significance to help out this team.

See Part 1 for picks 1-12 and Part 2 for picks 13-22

23. New England Patriots - Michael Oher, OT Mississippi - This is almost a guarantee that the Pats will trade out of this pick for picks next year.  They have 11 total draft picks.  I can see them trading away three picks total.  But if they have any point of weakness after their free agency moves shoring up their secondary, it would be the O-Line.  Matt Light is going into his 10th year, Cassell was running a lot towards Light's side to buy more time.  now you have an immobile Tom Brady.  They need to add to the depth and talent pool here.   Outside linebacker is another possibility.

24. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Johnson, DE Georgia Tech - They really need help on the defensive end.  Big man Grady went away.  They have a huge hole to fill with him and former linebacker/safety Babineaux moving into the DT position on the depth chart tells you that they are getting desperate. They let their two starting OLBs go via free agency.  They have another Bellicheck disciple as a GM, and if you can get your hybrid DE/LB for your 3-4 scheme plus he is a hometown hero?  Well that's why Johnson has been marked as "the guy" for the Falcons by all the draft boards.  I would have had them picking Pettigrew, but they got Tony Gonzalez.  Wow.  Matt Ryan, welcome to my fantasy team.

25. Miami Dolphins - James Laurinaitis, ILB Ohio State - Parcells just can not bring himself to draft a receiver or a CB both of which are dire needs for the Fins.  The Tuna is going to look for a tough minded beast and then go skill with the 44th pick.  JL has been a dominating starter for years.  Maualuga will be very tempting, but Laurinitis seems to be more of a Parcells type guy (hard hitting and hard working) since he has been more consistent than his USC counterpart.  Plus his skills at defending the pass make him more of an asset since the angry mammals were getting killed by the mid range pass up the middle.  JL will definitely fix that problem.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers - This was a gift.  They probably would prefer to have a speedster and are praying that Heywar-Bey somehow falls to them, but Britt is a solid big body posession receiver.  Many of the successes of the Ravens offense revolved around timed route runnin.  Expect a lot of short curls with with the Big Gun of the former Deleware Blue Hen going to their new starting receiver.

27. Indianapolis Colts - Percy Harvin, WR Florida - The defense is a need for the Colts who year in and year out get run over through the middle.  They could go with Brace or Hood, but I don't think these two will pan out.  Losing Harrison was a bigger deal for Manning and having the 4 receiving threats for Manning is a priority.  harvin can also be used out of the backfield like Reggie bush, so he is an ideal flex offense choice for the Colts new staff inspite of the positive drug tests.

28. Buffalo Bills - Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State - If they can, they will trade out of this pick since they need many positions tro fill.  However, Pettigrew is a great choice in the sense that he is a solid blocker and is another weapon on Offense to help T.O. get relief from the double team.  Too bad that Peters couldn't stay, this offense might have had a chance to be very scary (barringTrent Edwards's inneptness.

 29. New York Giants - Rey Maualuga, ILB Southern California - The Jints have to find a way to make a trade for a receiver whether it be Boldin or Braylon.   Maybe they bring back Burress if he gets out of jail time, but I don't see it happening.  They may look to trade down, but not sure if there are going to be too many takers here.  This is the point where they go "best avaialble" and they got a doozy here.  Muluaga is a dominant inside playmaker.  With Pierce being constantly injured and Blackburn being the backup, this would be a great draft pick.

 30. Tennessee Titans - Ron Brace, DT Boston College - BC is known for their defense and he is a solid defender.  I am not sure if he is 1st round worthy, but the Titans priority of receiver is definitely too thin to draft here.  They need the replacement for Haynesworth and Brace has a run stuffing background.

31. Arizona Cardinals - Alex Mack, C California - They go with the center here.  Pittsburghs D and solid up the middle 3-4 defenses give this team trouble.  Mack is an elite center and with Grimm being out there, he will get the tutelage necessary to become a mainstay.  Boldin may or may not go, but they will have to make sure they are adequately compensated so they can get Nicks.  This is why the Giants can't make a deal.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma - Losing Faneca caused them a lot of troubles.  It didn't cost them the championship, but Big Ben was running for his life quite a lot.  In the Super Bowl, blitzes were hard for them to handle and it was a tough game for them to pull off.  Duke is not a first round guy, but he fills a much needed position gap.

In sports there is always talk about an east coast vs. a west coast bias.   So I started thinking about everywhere I have been in my short life.   Did I have any sort of tendency to avoid certain places wheter it be concious or sub concious.  Is it a lack of curiosity or is it that I am just a creature of convenience.  So I decided to map out every I have been in the US and the world.  Well, the results are in here's my map.  Here is my conclusion, I like warm to moderate temperature places.  The most dominant fact is that I am very coastal.  If there is a beach, there is a way.  The glaring ommission to me though is Mexico.  How I have managed to not end up out there is beyond me.

visited 24 states (10.6%)
Create your own visited map of The World or vertaling nederlands duits?

visited 21 states (42%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or Like this? try: Sea Level Rise