SiteForRent.com's Biggest RENThead Competition

Um, wow! Yesterday I was notified by email that I am one of the 10 finalists participating in SiteForRent.com's Biggest RENThead Competition. If I win the Grand Prize, I become the new show's official blogger, and I gain unprecedented access to the production.

To enter, I had to create a 30 second video outlining exactly why I am the Biggest RENThead.



In Round 2, I need to write a 250-word essay about the same topic as my video. They also want me to throw in some flare and give a taste of what my writing skills are like. Without further ado, here it is...

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The house lights dim. A hushed electricity channels through the building, penetrating the actors, the stage hands, the pit band, and the audience alike. Closing night is always a fun and tough experience. Months of rehearsals and performances finally climax into one final production. It all comes down to this. It needs to be perfect. 

I'm playing the part of Roger, and it's Roger's entrance that sets this locomotive of a show into motion. The stage is dark. Everyone is waiting for me, but I want to bask in this feeling a little longer.

"What are you doing?" Matt (Mark) mouthes in the darkness of stage right.

...My mind races. I'm thinking about the first time I saw Rent in high school, and how listening to the music every night helped mend my heart when my grandmother passed. I'm thinking about the wonderful people I've met and now care about, because of this show. I'm thinking of how special Rent is, and how never has a show made such a profound, permanent impression on me…

I should say something. My eyes shoot downward, examining the ground. Maybe the words will be spelt out with glow-in-the-dark gaff tape on the floor of the right wing… They're not.

Suddenly, it strikes me.

"Thanks, Jon."

I smile, take the guitar pick out of my mouth and run across the stage. I plug in the shitty, out-of-tune Fender, and strum the open strings. It rings like a conch; calling all of my friends onto the stage for our final hurrah.

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The submission period ends at 11:59pm (EDT) on May 30th. I should find out a week or so later if I made it. FINGERS CROSSED!

How to Make the Nintendo 3DS an EPIC WIN

Early adopters of the 3DS have waited patiently since purchasing their new toy, for the legendary "May Update" (and rescheduled) "June Update." For those out of the loop, this update will add features that should have been available at launch. We'll get access to an Internet Browser, Netflix Support, and the new eShop. (Nintendo's answer to Apple's App Store.)

These features certainly whet my appetite, but there are certain upgrades that could knock this system out of the park.

1. Skype

Video chatting on the 3DS just makes sense. With a front facing camera, and a beautiful top display, Nintendo would be foolish to not offer Skype support.

What I would like to see:

Apple's iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4g, and iPad 2 all offer the same camera set-up that the Nintendo 3DS does. (Camera on the front, and camera on the back.) They also give the user the ability to switch between the cameras during chatting. What sets the 3DS apart, is that it offers full 3D support for that back camera. Not only could we have 2D support for "face to face" chatting, but also 3D support, when switching to the latter. All the Skype controls could be displayed on the bottom screen as well, allowing for an easy user experience.

How Nintendo could "F#$%" it up:

They develop and implement their OWN video chat service. "Pictochat" anyone?

2. Netlix 3D Streaming

Nintendo has already teased that a future update will allow for 3D video playback AND Netflix support, so why not combine the two?

What I would like to see:

Now I understand this suggestion really belongs to Netflix, so listen up! Why do people go into business? (To make money!) How does Netflix make money? (Subscribers!)

So let's recap... More subscribers = More money.

If Netflix offered a cheap and easy way to enjoy stereoscopic films streamed straight to the 3DS, it's pretty much a shoe-in that any 3DS owner would, in turn, become a faithful subscriber. Not only would this 3D streaming service do wonders for Netflix, it would insure that lots of 3DS systems fly off the shelves.

3. Virtual Console / eShop Integration

The yet-to-be-released Nintendo eShop has been touted as an easy way to download all of your old favorite handheld titles, (much like the Wii's Virtual Console.) So how could Nintendo do us one better?

What I would like to see:

The 3DS has roughy the horsepower of the Nintendo Gamecube. So it's not like it couldn't handle an old console title thrown at it. Not only should the eShop offer old console games, but it should be integrated with the Wii's Virtual Console, so you can download titles to your 3DS that you've already bought for your Wii.

How Nintendo could "F#$%" it up:

They could offer classic console games, but leave out the Virtual Console integration: Making you pay for your favorites ALL OVER AGAIN.

4. 3D Upscaling for DS Titles

One of the best things about the 3DS is it's ability to play normal DS games. When you buy the console, you already have a huge library of games that are fully playable. But what if those titles could make the leap into 3D by a simple update?

What I would like to see:

We've seen it a million times: Consoles updating themselves to adhere to a specific title. This is most definitely a pipe dream, but if this was technologically possible, imagine the possibilities. You could take all of your favorite titles and make them suddenly relevant again. I wouldn't even mind shelling out a few bucks for each update. We've already been promised downloadable 3D-remakes of older titles in the eShop, but the ability to upscale titles you already own would be a great way for Nintendo to blow everyone's mind.

5. 3D Video Recording

Out of all my suggestions, this one seems the most likely. Nintendo CEO, Satoru Iwata, has already stated that Nintendo's goal is to offer this feature in a future update.

What I would like to see:

Since purchasing my 3DS, I'm still surprised at how often I use the 3D camera. When it was first announced, I thought it was going to be a piece of sleeper software I never used. *AHEM* Nintendo 3DS Sound *AHEM*

But, I've found myself using it quite a bit. Nintendo could step up this experience by giving owners the ability to record videos in 3D. Nintendo should also take a few pointers from Apple on this front. Apple has already proven with their line of iOS devices, that simple editing features can be easy and intuitive on the fly. Why not do the same?

Conclusion:

Nintendo’s launch of the 3DS has been quite disappointing. It’s very likely that new software and the upcoming holiday season will help get consoles off the shelf, but what Nintendo needs to do now, is to make the 3DS MORE than a game console. They need to offer one of a kind experiences that are unique to the 3DS and not be afraid to rely on other companies. (Netflix, Skype, etc.)

What features should be added to the Nintendo 3DS? Sound off in the comments section below!!

Two of My Favorite Musical Worlds Colliding? ---- Could This Be Too Much of a Good Thing?

I was skeptical about the country influence for this album. Don't get me wrong, I was raised on (and love) country music: (Merle, George, Hank, Buck, Conway, Loretta, Tammy, etc.) And, I like the band's brief forays into country: ("Please Daddy", Bandit Queen, Hazards of Love 4, etc.) But I was afraid this album might be too over the top, even for me, and the style that made me fall in love with The Decemberists might be lost.

While "The King is Dead" occasionally stumbles, I'm happy to say that it's a great album that embraces a more mature and simplified sound. The band has never been into complex chord changes, and often times simpler progressions lead to catchier and more gripping melodies. (Also they're easier for me to learn on my guitar.) I would say that this is most certainly the case here with "The King is Dead."

I am a huge fan of the concept rock opera that is "The Hazards of Love," and am still in love with the album's closing number, "The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned.)" It's easily the prettiest song on the album, and "The King is Dead" is filled with songs just as beautiful and riveting.

"Rise to Me," "January Hymn," "June Hymn," and "Dear Avery" engross and please. The soft hummable melodies dig into your ear, and stay long after the album has ended. Mr. Meloy's fantastic lyrical abilities are still in full force, although you can leave your dictionary at home for this album.

There's a good mix here and "Rox in the Box" seems to be the only song I don't care for. Though when it plays, I can't in all good conscious skip it, and I find myself humming along by the end. "This is Why We Fight" is a great tune, and is definitely more rock-centric than the rest of the songs. Some might think it sticks out like a sore thumb, but I can't imagine the album without it. 

My only real gripe with "The King is Dead" is the harmonica. The playing is fantastic, but I've never been a harmonica fan, and feel a little goes a long way. There's more than a little on here, and it occasionally detracts from the songs. However, the playing is so good and clean, that I can, for the most part, overlook it.

After the band's last endeavor, I found myself asking, "Where do you go from here?" Instead of trying to top themselves, and retreading ground that's already been explored, The Decemberists have side-stepped and embraced elements of blue-grass, country, and folk for an entirely different sound that is just as fantastic as their last album, but for different reasons. Where "The Hazards of Love" succeeded in it's big theatrical and conceptual sound, "The King is Dead" succeeds with it's down-home, simplified one.  

While not for everyone, "The King is Dead" is a quick 40 minute tour into a very enjoyable and unique Decemberists experience. I highly recommend it.

Second Impressions of the  iPad

On Thursday, after Apple's iPhone 4.0 keynote, I decided to scoot up to the Apple Shop and get a second opinion on the iPad. This time I picked up a different iPad than the one I initially tried out. I was surprised to find out how sluggish the internet was. I tried downloading an application, and it literally took half an hour. The whole thing dragged, and it made my entire experience off-putting. 

I decided to sidle over and try the iPad I had used before, in hopes that it would be faster. It was, and once again, I was in love.

However, my second experience has brought me to the conclusion that without the internet, this device doesn't have much going for it. This makes the 3G Model a must-have over the Wi-Fi version.

Because Apple's new 4.0 FW update will not support my iPod Touch, I've decided that I will in fact buy an iPad. My eyes are set on a 3G 64gb Model, but I will wait for the 2nd Generation Models to come out for two reasons. 

1. There will be a price drop on the 1st Generation Model.

2. The 2nd Generation Model might have a camera.

I figure if the 2nd Generation iPad comes out and it doesn't have a camera, I can just pick up a cheaper 1st Generation Model.

If you haven't had a chance to play around with an iPad, I highly recommend you do so. There's a coolness and intuitiveness that can't be captured in pictures. You really need to go hands-on to really understand what all the buzz is about.

Feel free to comment!

Touching You, Touching Me: Hands On with the  iPad

I had the chance to get my grubby little hands on an iPad Monday, and I just wanted to give you my first impressions of the device...



When it was announced, I was completely underwhelmed by the iPad. I felt like, other than getting the name right, Apple had dropped the ball on creating a Tablet Computer. I've owned a first generation iPod Touch for almost two years, and it has been one of the coolest devices I've ever used. It allows me to stay connected, and, in general, makes my life a lot easier. (I can check my Facebook, update my Twitter, read my e-mails, listen to music, watch videos, etc.)

When I saw the iPad, I was disappointed in how similar it was to the device I already own. I basically had in my possession an "iPad Mini." It couldn't do anything that my iPod couldn't do. I believe it all stemmed from using the iPhone OS on the device. I wanted something new and refreshing and Apple didn't really deliver. The only things that really wowed me were the A4 chip that comes installed in every iPad, and AT&T's 3G data plan. As someone who used a Tracfone for almost 8 years, I'm a big fan of pre-paid services. I like the idea of slapping down $30 if I decide I'll use the iPad a lot that month, $15 if I'll use it sparingly, or paying nothing if I just want to stick with Wi-Fi. Other than that, the iPad was "meh."

When I drove to the Apple Shop in my town I went for the exclusive purpose of "visiting the iPad." Apple had sold 300,000 units in the first day, so I figured there must be something I must be missing. I walked in and found, surprisingly, there was nobody crowded around them. I simply went over and picked one up.

I was surprised at how heavy the device was. At 1.5 pounds it had a nice weight that gave a sense of security and solidness. I wouldn't suggest playing frisbee with it, but Apple sure knows how to design their products well. I instantly slid my finger across the bottom of the lock-screen (as I had done thousands of times before on my iPod touch) and all the applications came flying in... but something was different. This device had a smoothness and responsiveness to it that was unmatched by the iPod sitting in my pocket. Applications took next to no time to load. Everything was just there, ready to go, at my fingertips. The screen looked beautiful, and for some unknown reason, I felt a sort of hum in my fingers whenever I touched it.

I opened one application after another, plugging through iPad exclusives and iPhone apps alike. Every application was designed intuitively. An idiot could pick this thing up and know exactly how to use it. I would describe the feeling as being similar to when I switched from PC to Mac. I was genuinely happy using the iPad. It was simple, intuitive, and fun. What excited me the most, was the Netflix application, and it's ability to stream tons of movies right to the device. Hello boredom killer!

I played with the iPad for just about half an hour, and got a good grasp of what it could do. I had entered the store not wanting one, and I had left not being able to live without it. Now that I've had a little time to stand back and reflect, there are a few shortcomings that I want to "touch" on.

The first shortcoming, is the iPad's lack of flash support. I understand that Steve Jobs firmly believes that the future of the internet lies with HTML5, but honestly it is not as predominant as it needs to be to justify NOT having flash on the device. I'm as much of a fan of phasing out flash as the next guy, but right now, it's not doable. ESPECIALLY if you're going to tout this product as the definitive way to experience the internet. Blue bricks don't cut it, Steve.

My second complaint lies with the lack of a web cam. I hadn't gotten into video chatting until September of last year, but now I can't see myself living without it. Skype has used both the iPhone and iPod touch as platforms, and I would have really liked to see video support on the iPad. The entire design SCREAMS video chat. I'm assuming Apple made a conscious decision to leave it out in order to sell better iterations of the iPad down the line, and honestly if a third-party releases a web-cam that plugs into the 30-Pin connector, I probably wouldn't mind having a first generation model.

All in all, I'll probably buy an iPad. I'm already saving up my clams to get one. That being said, I can't decide whether or not I should wait for the bigger and better models which will probably be out late next year.

Is the lack of flash support a deal breaker? Probably not, but the web cam might be. I'll probably end up getting a 3G model as soon as I can afford it. Hopefully, by that time, a Hulu app will be out, and some sort of 3rd party web-cam will be in the works.

Now that the initial "wow-factor" has worn off, I plan on taking another trip to visit the iPad very soon. I definitely want to get a second impression of the device, but I wouldn't mind dreaming a little. I'll be sure to post an update if my mind is changed any.

Star Wars: The Very Worst to the Very Best

Star Wars is one of the most beloved franchises of all time. I decided to comprise a list of how I rank the movies. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.


#6. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Out of the Prequel Trilogy and the entire saga as a whole, this is THE WORST film. Awful writing, awful acting, awful SFX, and awful execution lead to an awful movie. The entire thing seems sloppy, and phoned in.

Hayden Christensen is extremely laughable. George Lucas was a fool for his casting decision. There are no redeeming qualities to him. Just BAADDD!!

It's also a shame to see Natalie Portman thrive in other roles, but virtually sink as Amidala. If you watch her in this, you can clearly see she KNOWS how atrocious the film is. There is not a single spark between her and the cringe-worthy Christensen. It's all just... awkward. The story is convoluted and makes next to no sense.

It merely serves as fluff and filler to get us into Episode III.


#5. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Episode III suffers from the same problems as it's predecessor: too much CGI, a dull storyline, poor character development, and Hayden Christensen. It's been said over and over again. Anakin's fall to the dark side is so quick, it's comedic.

The few things this movie has going for it is Emperor Palpatine, and Ewan McGregor. From the very beginning it was easy for me to believe Ewan became Alec Guiness. The dude did his homework. And when you have the ORIGINAL Emperor from the ORIGINAL Trilogy, only good things can happen.

That being said, the whole movie seems like a big cliche.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"

#4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Before you jump down my throat, let me defend myself. Phantom Menace came out when I was still a kid, so it now helps me to forgive a lot of it's shortcomings. The obvious thing wrong with this movie is, of course, Jar Jar Binks. He was put in purely for the kids, and I'll admit that when I was 9, I loved him. Today it's a different case.

The main thing I like about Phantom Menace is that the CGI is dialed back. It's the biggest thing it's got going for it. Also the awesome three-way lightsaber battle at the end doesn't hurt it either. All in all I was ready to forgive Phantom Menace for it's shortcomings, as long as the following three delivered. That obviously didn't happen, so it still stays fairly low on my list.


#3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

If you had asked me when I was 8, "Hey Paul. What's your favorite Star Wars movie?" I would've said, "Return of the Jedi, mother-fucker" (I was a vulgar child.)

So why does it come in at number three? Return of the Jedi is a great film, don't get me wrong, but it's just not as good as the first two. The end fight between Luke and Darth is dramatic and awesome, but it's inter spliced with teddy bears fighting against laser weapons with sling shots. It's a victim of it's own story.

That being said, Return of the Jedi has some of my favorite moments in cinema history: the speeder chase, the rancor fight, "IT'S A TRAP!" ...The list goes on and on.

But like I said before, it's just not as good as the one's that came before it.


#2. Episode IV: A New Hope

In 1977 Star Wars changed movie history forever. It still stands as one of the most beloved and highest grossing films of all time. It made sci-fi movies cool again.

There is very little to find wrong with A New Hope. It's funny, dramatic, exciting, and visually stunning. It marries The Hero's Journey with space ships and laser swords perfectly. The story is pitch perfect, and goes to show that you can still have a great movie with ZERO CGI!!!!!!!!!!!


#1 Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

You knew it was coming. I'm not the first to say it. Empire is THE best of the trilogy. Everything is happy go lucky in A New Hope, and BLAM-O! Everything goes to shit.

The characters are beautifully developed from the one's we were introduced to in the previous episode. They are also wonderfully portrayed. We get to meet new characters too, including Yoda, Lando, and Boba Fuckin' Fett.

Let's not forget about the coolest things about this film...

5. Battle on Hoth
4. Cool scenes with Yoda and the Force
3. Han and Leia / Han in carbonite.
2. Awesome lightsaber battle between Luke and Vader
1. "No Luke, I am your father!"

Empire Strikes back did everything right, and I think that mostly has to do with Irvin Kershner's wonderful direction. It built on everything established and provided great new ideas that have made it not only the best in the saga, but one of the best movies of all time.

5 Ways to Make The New Spider-Man Reboot NOT Suck!!

I was in middle school when Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man hit theaters. It was one of the best movies I’d ever seen. If you were to find all my old binders and notebooks from 8th grade, you would find the web head doodled all over them.

In general I appreciated the love Sam Raimi had for the character. For crying out loud, he had a Spider-Man poster on the wall of his childhood bedroom!

I saw Spider-Man 3 the night it came out. I found it just “OK” and I’m ashamed to say I was one of those Venom fanboys who demanded his appearance in the movie. Like so many, I was disappointed.

That is why I looked forward to the fourth installment. From interviews with Tobey and Sam it seemed they had learned their lessons from the previous film and were ready to redeem themselves with the fourth.

A release date of May 2nd, 2011 was instated. Anne Hathaway was confirmed in a mystery role, and John Malkovich was confirmed as The Vulture, which was some news I was less than thrilled about. Then without warning, Sam, his cast, and his crew were all scrapped from the project, and Sony was starting over with a reboot!

In the words of Chris Griffin… “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!”

The Internet was blown away by the horrible news. Everyone was abuzz and quite frankly... angry!! I’m not pleased by any means, but I’ve constructed a list of how Sony should go about the sequel without having it SUCK!!


1. Skip The Origin!

We’ve seen it. It’s old news. Let’s take a page from 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Show the origin during the credits (or in flashbacks) and let’s get to the good stuff!! Also try and hold off on introducing Mary Jane. Maybe use Gwen as the first love interest, like in the comics….

2. Use The Lizard First!

We’ve already seen The Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Sandman, Venom, and *cough* New Goblin *cough.* (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.)

Spider-Man has one of the best rogues galleries of all time (next to Batman) let’s see some of them! I’m not talking about Kingpin, either. He had his chance in DareDevil…

Let me make something completely clear, Sony. We’ve been waiting since Spider-Man 2 to see the God Damn Lizard!! Dylan Baker would’ve been fantastic, but unfortunately that’s not going to happen.

But, that doesn't mean we can't ride the wave the first trilogy gave us... Doc Connors was introduced!

We already know he’s a brilliant, one-armed, science teacher with an affinity for lizards! Can we PLEASE just get on with some kick-ass, mutant-reptile on super-hero action?!

3. Cast an Unknown as the Wall Crawler!

There has been a lot of fuss about Disney buying out Marvel. Dear God, please do not cast a tween off Nickelodeon!! No Zac Effron or Rob Pattinson!! We want someone other than Joseph Gordon-Levitt too. I’m looking at you Marc Webb. Just because he was good in (500) Days of Summer, doesn’t mean he needs to be here too.

4. Keep The Trilogy in Mind!


















Sony has already stated that they want to make this new reboot the first film of an epic trilogy. The last trilogy seemed thrown together. It did not feel linear whatsoever. I say come up with a storyline that will flow through all three. Keep us wanting more. Leave us with an awesome cliff hanger or two!! Maybe throw Green Goblin or Doc Ock into the sequel and slowly work us up to a worth while Venom in number three!!


5. Don’t Make It DARK!

Sony stated that they are interested in a more gritty, contemporary redo of the series….

No. No. No!

Ever since Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, everyone wants to make their characters darker and “grittier” Spider-Man is a funny and adventurous character. He doesn’t work as dark or troubled.

We need a joke cracking, down to business sorta Spider-Man... Not an emo, whiny, cut my wrist shooters for attention sorta Spider-Man...


Conclusion:

Sony has done a lot to make me weary of this upcoming reboot. I think the average person will be pissed off and confused about a reboot this soon. The new reboot will have to be friggin’ amazing if it stands a chance against the awesomeness that is Sam Raimi.

Here's a Spider-Man 4 poster I made back during Spider-Man 3... (And yes, that's Jake Gyllenhaal.)

Be sure to leave what your thoughts in the comments section below!!