I'll begin my post with a random rant. I was at the Megamall today, as I usually am, and I went to the foodcourt, like I usually do. Sitting there, near the kiddie rides, I noticed a little boy, probably around 3 or 4 years old, standing next to a ride in the shape of Yoshi, the dinosaur, with Mario riding in the back (behind where the children are supposed to sit).
Nothing wrong with this scene, then the child exclaims, "Daddy dinosaur! Roaaar!!!"
What the kid said wasn't wrong, because it's true that Yoshi is a dinosaur... of sorts. Well he was supposed to be one. They even gave him the title of "- the dinosaur" just to be sure that you wouldn't think he's some kind of enlarged iguana or komodo dragon.
But what really saddened me is the fact that the boy did not know who Yoshi was. In fact, I'm pretty sure none of the kids there know who Yoshi is, up to the kids that are about 10 years old probably. Why, I remember back when Mario was the biggest thing in console gaming. Every kid knew who he was, and Yoshi made his popularity jump even greater, because it was a dinosaur. For crying out loud, everybody loved dinosaurs back then! And this was only about a dozen years ago or so.
The Yoshi franchise has quickly vanished, and only a few traces and a less-extravagant-than-expected games could be seen featuring him. It's kinda sad. I bet people that grew up with Pong and Space Invaders may be thinking the same thing. Well, not really, since strange people like me still know about Pong, even if I'm not old enough to have grown up with them. The pioneers of gaming will probably always be known among real gamers.
Ah anyway enough of that tomfoolery. o_o Time for some NBA news! As expected, Detroit defeated Miami, in a game 7 that went at Detroit's pace all the way. But it scares me to know that even if Miami was playing with an injured starting 5, they still weren't blown out. Wade is a really scary person, and what's even scarier about him is that he isn't a loudmouth; so he quietly gets his MVP-quality stats and performances. I've always had great respect for Miami, even back in the days of Tim Hardaway. They're eliminated already this year, but their future is really bright. Maybe next year, Zo?
Anyway, game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Spurs begins on Friday morning here (Thursday Night in America). I can't wait. Personally, the Spurs have an upper hand because of their established offense, nevermind the fact that they're a superb defensive team. But the Pistons are getting better offensively too. Rasheed Wallace can shoot anywhere, up to the 3-pt line and a bit beyond. So he's scary. Ben Wallace has been experimenting on some jump shooters himself. Chauncy Billups is a frightening 3-pt and freethrow shooter, one of the most accurate in the league in both categories. Rip Hamilton reminds me (and so many other people) of Reggie Miller, except that Rip is better at the drive and Reggie is better at the jump shot. Anyway, I think the whole series will depend on how San Antonio wants to play it: Will they go with an offensive or defensive style?
Next, I wanted to try to play VF4. I haven't touched the game since VF1 about 10 years ago. The game looks great now, compared to previous versions (obviously). I've decided I'm going to learn how to play it, though I wish it were emulated already, so I can learn at home and not have to waste money on learning tokens. >_<
Finally, in my "Read the Bible in a Year" course, I came upon the 23rd Psalm, which I remember memorizing and reciting as a kid, during my Kindergarten graduation. It's one of my favorite Bible passages of all time.
From the New King James Version of the Bible, just like I recited it back then:
1The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
