Oh toonami, it was back in 1998 at 5:30 when you treated the masses to one of the first old school anime to hit the US. But, you weren't the first. It was 1987 to 1993 on channel 9 at 10:00 PM. Robotech, you were the BubbleGum Geek's first taste of anime. She fell in love with the SDF-1 crew and rooted for the amazingly flawed characters.
The BubbleGum Geek has just recently bought Robotech the Protoculture Collection. She finally got to watch the Robotech II, which was very odd because the drawing style was out of the norm. Other than that, it's been great to get to know these characters all over again. Rick Hunter, Lisa Hayes and Roy Falker: these were characters that haven't really been replicated since that initial run. It's time to get back to the hour long marathons because the BubbleGum Geek is hearing the DVD calling out her name.
43 points! Are you serious? What was that atrocious performance from the so-called western conference champions? Now the BubbleGum Geek needs to calm down and relax from the irritation.
The finals are over and it's time to contemplate what had to be the most anti-climatic NBA finals ever. The BubbleGum Geek didn't really care who won. Basically, she didn't really know who to root for. It was another Lakers-Jazz conundrum. Who was the lesser of two evils? On one hand the Geek is from California, so she should be rooting for the "home" team. But, they got Pau Gasol for nothing. Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol! That was just highway robbery. Then we come to to the Celtics. Sure, the Geek wants to root for Paul Pierce because he was the face of the Celtics after enduring ten strenuous years with the organization. And, he's the childhood friend of Baron Davis. So naturally, he would be a favorite. But here's the thing, Boston acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The Ray Allen thing was fine. The BubbleGum Geek could live with that. But to also get Kevin Garnett to make one of the most powerful Big 3's in the history of the game is just aaaahhhhhhhh!!!! Mere words can't even describe the frustration.
Now let's go over the "action" of the finals. The dominant performances the Lakers exhibited over the course of the finals made them a favorite to win. They blasted Denver in the very beginning. The Jazz held a good fight, but they didn't have any answers for Kobe. And of course, San Antonio looked completely old and tired against this young LA team. Boston took two of their series to game 7 against weaker eastern conference teams and beat a Detroit team that should have played better to begin with. At least Detroit stole a game in Boston, unfortunately they lost their next game which was at home.
Game 1 and 2 in Boston: Boston won. No surprise there. Game 3, 4, and 5 in LA: Lakers won 3 and 5. That's right! They lost one at home! So to go back to Boston for a game 6, it seemed exciting. Maybe there was a chance that it could go to Game 7. Kobe was due to explode in a game. Alas, the only time the Lakers led was in the opening minutes. As soon as the Boston lead went beyond 40, the BubbleGum Geek knew it was over. Time to change the channel and watch recorded episodes of America's Best Dance Crew.
In end, Boston won by 39 and LA had to retreat with their heads in shame. Maybe it's karmic retribution for the Lakers. They stole Pau Gasol. There's the controversy that arose with the disgraced NBA referee about fixing the 2002 NBA western conference finals. People believe that 27 free throws in one quarter was way too much. But what about karmic retribution towards Boston. Wasn't the blockbuster trade unfair in the league? What exactly did Boston give up to get these All-stars? Maybe we have to wait next year to see any karma take effect.
Well, the finals are done. Apparently, the better team won. Apparently, it's not possible to have both teams lose in the finals. At least, we can all look forward to a new and more exciting season to watch the western conference teams that we love so much. It's much more enjoyable to watch Phoenix and Golden State score a collective of 300 points with a run and gun style instead of a slow paced Boston and insert lame eastern conference team here.
thanks NBA.com for the images thanks espn/youtube for the video
Who said Disneyland is just for kids? Who said Disneyland is a whole day affair? Who said you can't ride a majority of the rides at Disneyland if you arrive there at 2:30 in the afternoon? Who said you can't enjoy a three hour dinner at Disneyland and still watch Fantastmic? The BubbleGum Geek would like to say these people are boldface liars.
Just relax. It's totally possible to take your sweet time at the supposed place of where dreams come true. First off, pick an overcast and somewhat chilly day to go to the park because no likes unstable weather days. Rest up and take your time getting to the park because your going to want to store up all the energy you can so you can stay at the park until closing. As soon as you get inside, pick one of the most popular rides and get a fast pass. From there, pick the rides that have the shortest wait times and make your way through the park. Take the train as much as possible because everyone knows that more walking means more complaining of sore limbs. Next, eat dinner early so that way you have a good view for watching the show. Once you're done with fireworks, go ahead and enjoy the bigger rides because for one thing Matterhorn is so much better at night than it is during the day.
So those are the BubbleGum Geek's tips for taking your time at Disneyland. The BubbleGum Geek will return for some more insight into all the things we care about.
Music spans all generations. A song can retell any moment and bring up any emotion. There's something about music that just transcends everything. And you can tell a lot about a person based on what is playing on their MP3 player.
So the BubbleGum Geek was listening to the radio and all of sudden a Surface song came on. Of course, the first reaction was 'oh my god' and a smile comes immediately on her face. This makes the BubbleGum want to share some of the songs that are playing on her Sony PSP.
Apache : Sugar Hill Gang Of course this song brings up memories of the movie Dodgeball, especially the scene where Ben Stiller is trying to "mate" with Christine Taylor's character. But, the main memory of this song comes from the one and only trip to Legoland. There's nothing more hilarious than 2 twenty-something girls hanging out at Legoland singing Apache on the sky cruiser. And by the way, neither of the girls were drunk at the time.
Winning it All : The Outfield The BubbleGum Geek loves the sports feel that just swells up whenever the opening bars start. The 1996 NBA Finals on NBC, Jordan and the Bulls won their first NBA championship, and the finale song was Winning it All. It's one of those great inspirational songs, think of a runner in the park is just running. The BubbleGum Geek was driving with her brother in Golden Gate park and the song was playing and they were coming up along side a runner. You can you say perfect inspiration.
The Touch : Stan Bush - The Transformers Movie (1987) The movie is the memory in itself. The BubbleGum Geek hearts the old school transformers movie. All that really needs to be said is "one shall stand, one shall fall".
Dreamlover : Mariah Carey All time favorite Mariah Carey song. It just brings the BubbleGum Geek back to the days of just hanging out after volleyball games eating nachos. These were the times when there was no pressure. It was just about being a kid and the future was still really far away.
These are just some of the old school songs that are playing on the BubbleGum Geek's MP3 player. Anyone could just listen to the newest song playing on a constant rotation on the radio, but the MP3 playlist is a different story. You could really get to know someone based on what old school songs he or she is listening to. This Geek hopes that you were able to get to know her better.
It's that time of the year. So long Media Management and The Office, hello Age of Information and Psych (the TV show, not the subject). While the BubbleGum Geek had to get over her stomach virus, she was able to lament over the finales that reminded her why she was a TV addict and the finales and school finals that made her cringe questioning why she is a TV addict.
Let's start with the not so pleasant, but very easy finals that all college students have to be subjected to.
Writing for the electronic media: Pitch a TV show.
Media Management: Sales Pitch.
Video Production: Standard type of final.
The easiest semester that the BubbleGum Geek has ever experienced: priceless.
Finales that made the BubbleGum Geek's winners circle:
The Office - the BubbleGum Geek has to admit, there was something missing during the whole season of The Office. The BubbleGum Geek didn't mind missing an episode or two, but the finale brought back the trust and love of the series. Phylis throwing the most awesomest fantabulous going away party for Toby and equally making the female half of Dwangela miserable. Michael's hilarious yet lame attempt to get Toby to leave faster. The return of Dwight's inbred cousin Mose with a rabid raccoon to haze the new HR rep. There were too many moments and not enough words to describe the hilarity. It's definitely an episode that has to be watched to even comprehend how good it was.
CSI - now, it was obvious that Warrick was leaving. The BubbleGum Geek was certain of the possibility that Warrick committed the murder and he was just going to go to jail. Didn't think they would have the balls to actually shoot him. This would be just one of the moments the bubblegum geek had to pick her jaw up from the floor.
How I Met Your Mother - when the BubbleGum Geek heard that Ted was going to be in an accident, she automatically thought it was going to be the life or death ER type of episode. Thankfully, it wasn't. Also, how much is the BubbleGum Geek loving Elliot Reed (wrong show, but character still very similar - does the laughing snort ring a bell).
Lost - time travel. Freighter blowing up. Jin and Micheal! Walt, he's so big! Oh great, he's stabbing him. Sun!! Claire?! My God!!! Obviously, this episode was one giant what the hell moment. The "My God" statement directed for the end reveal. If you want to know what's going on, this was an three hour finale that has to be watched. It's that plain and simple.
Finales that made the BubbleGum Geek want to vomit in a circle:
ER - Greene, Ross, Carter, Benton, Hathaway, Lewis. The BubbleGum Geek loves . . . oh wait, all the characters the Geek loved are all gone. The originality has faded and the characters aren't the type the Geek can root for. Is the Geek the only one not feeling John Stamos on ER? He is not revitalizing the series. Every time he's on screen, the BubbleGum Geek is hoping for someone to just punch him in the face. Oh and it's obvious who's in the ambulance. Who's life hasn't been crappy in the past couple of episodes? ****SPOILER**** Bye bye name who rhymes with brat ****END****
Scrubs - sorry Scrubs, you just barely made the cut. It felt too cartoony, but the BubbleGum Geek has faith in you next season to return to the perfect balance of humor and emotion.
Grey's Anatomy - why is the BubbleGum Geek still watching this show? If Christina gets punched in the face next season by a miraculous appearance of Burke, or just anyone, the BubbleGum Geek will forgive the show for wasting her time and put it back into the DVD rotation.
The season had its ups and downs. The BubbleGum Geek is definitely looking forward to the next season. Heroes, Chuck, Pushing Daisies and all the other shows that have been gone for way too long will all be back. It's going to be a long 3 months. The BubbleGum Geek will just have to do with summer school and summer programming for now.
It's definitely been awhile. This is day 4 of horrendous weather, which is certainly unbecoming of the bay area. There's nothing worse than sitting in an unbearably hot stagnant room trying to watch Undeclared. So they say that the weather should be getting cooler, but how often are weather people right? In any case, the BubbleGum Geek would like to apologize for the one week hiatus. From TV to tech to sports, it's been an eventful past few days. It's time to look back at the moments that had made the BubbleGum Geek giddy for joy.
Oh guitar hero, they finally made you portable. Guitar hero sequel after guitar hero sequel, Activision has been planning to release the ultra popular franchise onto the Nintendo DS. Engadget has reported the game combo and the BubbleGum Geek has to admit that this may be a must have. Although you never know, this Geek may go back on her word on find a better buy that could eclipse this franchise staple.
Smart fortwo . . . yes please! Hybrids and small cars are here to stay. Why pay 20 thousand plus for a car that switches between gas engine and electric engine when you're driving 30 miles per hour, that's you Toyota Prius. How often does a person drive 30 when there's not a cop around? Also this Geek has been seeing Honda Fits at every corner. It's starting to appeal to her mainly because of that blazing orange color. While the BubbleGum Geek still longs for her dream car, oh mod-squadesque Porsche Cayman you will be mine, the commuter car could be a Honda Fit or a Smart car. . . or a BMW z4. . . or a Mercedes CLK. Never Mind!
The Nike 6.0's that have been haunting the Geek ever since she saw them online have been release. In the words of Estelle's song American Boy, these sneakers are fresh to death. The BubbleGum Geek isn't technically a sneaker-head, but there's a love that can't be denied for certain sneakers.
Who knew the BubbleGum Geek could cheer for the Lakers? How was she suppose to decide between the lesser of two evils, Jazz or Lakers? In the end, the BubbleGum Geek could care less because she's not a fan of either team. It just so happens the Geek dislikes the Jazz a little bit more than the Lakers. Now they're going to the Western Conference finals. And who knew that the second round of the playoffs were going to be riddled with game 7s? Boston can't win on the road. The Spurs are having a tough time closing out New Orleans. And Detroit is just sitting there waiting. Well at least the second round has been a lot more interesting than the first round.
Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law is the show of the week, despite there aren't any new episodes. But it's a great late night watch especially if you love old school cartoon characters of the Hanna-Barbera age.
Stay tuned for season finale wrap up. Read my take of TV show finales and college finals. There's nothing like trying to watch The Office finale and finishing online quizzes before the 30 minute time limit.
It's time to go back. It was a time where 3D graphics were becoming more and more relevant. The next generation boy band was hitting an all time high with no end at sight. And the highly anticipated Star Wars prequel the Phantom Menace was a juggernaut in all aspects of pop culture. That's right, it was the tumultuous year of 1999.
The BubbleGum Geek was just entering high school and she was a wide-eyed individualist who believed in the goodness of the world. It's been almost nine years and the Geek is highly perceptive to the world around her. She knows the world sucks. Now it's time to go look back at the golden moments of her childhood to make her feel like the idealist she once was and give her readers a blast from the past (cliche phrase, but it had to be said).
September 9, 1999. "It's Thinking". The Sega Dreamcast was released with high hopes. With tremendous let downs of the Saturn and Game Gear, the Sega team was not willing to fail again. This was the console that was going to put them back into top dog status, especially with the rise of console competition coming from Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. When it was released, Sega won the market due to amazing graphics, quality game play, and the first of it's kind, online gaming. Unfortunately, Sony was able to eclipse the Sega console with the release of the ultra mysterious and hyped up Playstation2. Suddenly, the Dreamcast faded into oblivion only to be remembered by the few that still own one. Here is the complete story of the beloved console that still lives on through emulators/roms, ported games, and fan sites. .
The BubbleGum Geek happens to be one of the people that still own a Dreamcast. ChuChu Rocket, Crazy Taxi, Power Stone, Samba de Amigo, Sonic Adventure, and Soul Calibur: these were all games that became hour long marathon runs filled with laughter and anger. They were all good times. So here's to you Dreamcast; thanks for bringing together the socially awkward and everyone else to make a gaming experience worthwhile. Oh Dreamcast, you truly were a dream.
