elias's anything & everything

Mega Man Finally on Atari 2600...I've been waiting 20 years! (Video)

2007-04-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Boss Battle...what an epic battle!

Mega Man Finally on Atari 2600...I've been waiting 20 years!

2007-04-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Wired.com posted "It's official: Mega Man has now appeared on every single game system. This bit of retro homage -- a Mega Man game progammed for the Atari 2600 -- was intended to be part of the i am 8-bit exhibit, but didn't make it in for some reason or another, probably for missing the deadline."

Too bad there are not too many Atari 2600's around anymore...I think they might be 20 years to late! Oh well, better luck next time!

Yahoo sued for informing China on dissidents

2007-04-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

CNN.com reports that Yahoo is being sued by The World Organization for Human Rights USA, who "is seeking unspecified damages and wants Yahoo to actively secure the release of any detainees."

"Yahoo has acknowledged turning over data on its users at the request of the Chinese government, saying company employees face civil and criminal sanctions if they ignore local laws."

Another All-American to Join the Trojans

2007-04-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

As if there isn't enough already, ESPN.com reports Arkansas quarterback and Parade High School Player of the Year Mitch Mustain plans to transfer to USC next year after he and his head coach did not see the offense going in the same direction.

It can't hurt to get another top quarterback, considering we already have two waiting in Booty's shadow (Sanchez and Alex Corp) but I guess it just shows Mustain does not mind competition, as there is certain to be plenty of it next spring!

UNC Wright to NBA

2007-04-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

ESPN.com reported yesterday that UNC's freshman forward Brandon Wright will leave the Tar Heels after just one season and head to the NBA. As Wright if a sure top ten pick, and some have him as high as third, "he just couldn't pass on the chance to take care of his family by entering the NBA draft."

Like Nick Young, Wright found a way to better his family's financial situation, it just sucks for Trojan and Tar Heel fans that they do not get to see them anymore playing college basketball.

Nooooo! (follow up)

2007-04-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well ESPN.com confirmed Nick Young's decision to pass on his senior season at USC and enter the NBA draft.

"I want to buy my mom her first house. That's one of the main reasons I made this decision," Young said Tuesday at a news conference on campus. "It was tough for us. They've been behind me all the way."

I am happy for Young and his family, now they will have financial stability, it just sucks he couldn't hang around another year.

Lil' Romeo to be a Trojan?

2007-04-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

According to ESPN.com rapper Lil' Romeo, who plays basketball on the Beverly Hills High School basketball team wants to play ball at USC. He said he eventually wants to play for the NBA.

Why do all the basketball players want to be rappers and the rappers to be basketball players?!!

First!

2007-04-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

I mean come on...who doesn't like to be first!

Nooooo!

2007-04-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well, according to Andy Katz of ESPN.com, tomorrow (Tuesday) USC men's basketball swingman Nick Young will announce he will enter the NBA draft.

I really don't know what to say other than that sucks!!

Online Piracy PSA Parody

2007-04-15T19:43:00.001-07:00

This is pretty funny...yeah Danny Glover

For All You Concert Goers

2007-04-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

I found this list of spring/summer music festivals on the Rolling Stone website. It has a wide range of festivals and some of the anticipated crowds are insane (1 million?!!).

You never know, you might like some of the musicians preforming...

Our Turn

2007-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

ESPN.com reported UNC men's basketball Sophomore standout forward Tyler Hansbrough and Freshman all-ACC guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington will all return next season. As a North Carolina fan growing up I must admit I am pretty excited they all returned.

But what would be even more exciting is if Trojan guard Gabe Pruitt and forward Nick Young also returned for next season! Then our preseason ranking as #6 would definitely be legit!

Quote of the Day

2007-04-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

I was watching the Colbert Report today (a rerun from last night) and he had some a lady who had her own celebrity gossip website on, and who had also written a book about how her family was homeless at times while growing up.

Anyway, he was asking her if it was intentional that she writes about the fairytale, candy-coated world of celebrities and Colbert said "Celebrities are like unicorns, they aren't even real."

I just thought that was hilarious....hopefully you do to!

Picture from Italy

2007-04-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

My friend is on his Mormon mission right now and he won't be back until next May. Anyway he sent me a picture from where he stayed in Italy a few weeks ago...I don't really know where, all I know is northern Italy, around Pisa I think. I think the picture is awesome!

3 more weeks of school

2007-04-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

Why does it always seem that the whole semester always goes by extremely fast but the last few weeks cant seem to come fast enough! I think I'm in that period right now...hopefully the end of April will come soon enough!

Next year's ranking: #6...for basketball!

2007-04-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

I just think it is awesome that ESPN analyst Andy Katz has us ranked #6 for next year's men's basketball season....plus #1 in football, the future is exciting!

I'm the Juggernaut Bitch!

2007-04-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

Man, I remember the good ol' days when this cartoon was awesome...oh wait, it still is....

If We Could Have Only Rebounded

2007-03-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, the USC Trojan Men's Basketball Team played North Carolina is the Sweet 16. I was watching the game with my friends from home and they were all going for Carolina and I was lonely rooting for USC. And I was happy being the only one able to boast for the entire first half, and even the first few minutes of the second half, as we jumped out to a 16 point lead in the second half.

Then the tide turned after USC lead 49-33 with 17 minutes left in the game. North Carolina used its size to grab numerous offensive rebounds and rally to a 74-64 win.

All we had to do was grab defensive rebounds and we had the game put away. North Carolina only made 3 shots outside of the paint, but with its second, third and sometimes fourth offensive rebounds they quickly turned the USC lead to one of their own.

All I can say now is...I really hope Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt stay for one more year...because with them we are instantly a top 10 team in the hunt for next year's national title....

Sugar We're Going Down Parody

2007-03-25T22:11:00.001-07:00

This video is so funny. If do not look at the lyrics when you listen to this song, then you might here something like this....

Snowboarding

2007-03-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Over spring break a few of my friends and I went snowboarding in Aspen (it’s in Colorado for all those that don’t know!). Being my first time I must say that snowboarding is pretty tough to learn. We snowboarded all day (7 hours) for the whole weekend and by the third day my entire body and screaming of pain and wondering why I am torturing it!

Towards the end of the first day I started to get the hang of it and could go through the course under control, though I was staying only on my heels. I guess you are supposed to transfer from heel to toe, but I was deathly afraid of falling considering I was doing it all day long. The next morning I was so sore it hurt putting on all the gear, but I was ready to get the better!

After taking a nasty fall and feeling like crying because my body hurt so much after hitting the ice, I started to go from heel to toe. The only problem is that I am not able to stay under control while on my heels.

Anyway, I must say my overall snowboarding experience was pretty good, and they said it only gets easier right? So watch out Shaun White!!!

World's Greatest Rivers in Danger

2007-03-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

In an article on CNN.com the Associated Press report the World Wide Fund for Nature released a report urging the government to take immediate action to stop pollution, development, and global warming from threatening the many of the World's greatest rivers, ranging from Rio Grande to the Nile to the Ganges.

"Pollution, global warming and rampant development could destroy some of the world's most iconic rivers in the coming decades, threatening to wipe out thousands of fish species and cause severe water shortages."

"Global warming is threatening fish populations in Africa, where even small temperature changes can dramatically alter water levels and fish productivity, the report said. The Nile, the world's longest river, is expected to reach a critically low level by 2025, threatening a source of drinking water for thousands of years."

Imagine a life with severe water shortages? Not cool....

The Future of Online Ads?

2007-03-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Jeanette Borzo of Wired.com reports Netvibes, "an everyman's dashboard" has ditched the traditional style of online advertisements, filled with blinking and flashing banners because you won a "free ipod," for a new approach: ad-less.

Borzo reports Netvibes founder, Tariq Krim has refused to display advertisements on Netvibes user's homepage, saying they are just not as effective as they used to be. Not many are clicking on the ads like they were in the past.

"If advertisers -- attracted by Netvibes' 10 million users around the world -- want access to Netvibers, they need to create a service in the form of a Netvibes module. If the module -- such as eBay's auction-tracking module -- doesn't benefit the user, forget it. That's Krim's rule."

I must say personally, I cannot wait for the day when markers drop the ad banners, and move towards a use ad technique that benefits me, the user! Good job Krim!

Tim Floyd Listen Up!!

2007-03-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I am not an expert college basketball analyst, nor am I even deserving of being a college basketball coach. But here is my take on the strategy the Trojan basketball team needs to take in order to beat North Carolina on Friday (9:57 pm eastern, CBS):

- Control Ty Lawson's (UNC point guard) speed and penetration. The best way to do this is have Gabe Pruitt guard him and try to use his quickness to cover Lawson.

- Do not let Wayne Ellington (UNC shooting guard) have any open looks. Have Daniel Hackett guard Ellington, as Hackett is our best defender, he should be able to handle Ellington and force him into bad shots.

- Match Taj Gibson against Brandon Wright (UNC power forward). This is probably the most even match-up we have. I have complete confidence Gibson will be able to match Wright's length and height. He just has to stay out of foul trouble!

-Have Nick Young guard Reyshawn Terry (UNC small forward). Terry is not so much a scoring threat as the other members of North Carolina are. If Young can control Terry on defense, he should have enough energy to take over the game on offense.

- Let Tyler Hansbrough get his. Similar to Texas and Kevin Durant, we do not have anyone who can stop Hansbrough. So the best thing we can do is let him have his points and concentrate on stopping everyone else.

If we are able to execute these strategies, we will have a good chance at beating the top seeded team in the East! Now all we have to do is score plentifully, as UNC averages nearly 85 points per game!!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

2007-03-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Imagine being one of the first people to be able to walk 70 feet beyond the Grand Canyon's edge with "no visible support above or below."

The Associated Press posted an article on CNN.com stating the Hualapai Tribe unveiled a promising tourist attraction to their side of the Grand Canyon which allows tourists to walk beyond the edge of the canyon and experience the vast canyon unlike anyone has before for $25.

"Visitors who have marveled at the Grand Canyon's vistas will now have a dizzying new option: a glass-bottom observation deck allowing them to gaze into the chasm beneath their feet."

Wow. This new skywalk sounds amazing and I would gladly pay $25 to see the Grand Canyon from 70 feet beyond its edge. Though some people complain about the skywalk, it seems like a unique and awesome idea.

And the YouTube award goes to...

2007-03-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

In an article by the Associated Press on CNN.com YouTube will host its first ever video awards.

"The awards will be handed out in seven categories: most creative, most inspirational, best series, best comedy, musician of the year, best commentary and 'most adorable video ever.'"

"'We wanted to call out some of the most popular videos and let the users choose which ones deserve some additional recognition,' said Jamie Byrne, head of product marketing at YouTube."

So go to youtube.com and vote for your favorite videos.

Most Computer Attacks Originate in U.S.

2007-03-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

In an article by Jordan Robertson of Wired.com, most computer attacks are generated in the United States, as attackers are becoming more evolved.

"Criminals may purchase verified credit card numbers for as little as $1, and they can buy a complete identity - a date of birth and U.S. bank account, credit card and government-issued identification numbers - for $14, according to Symantec's twice-yearly Internet Security Threat Report released Monday."

Pretty scary is you ask me!

Because I Can't Get Enough!

2007-03-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

USC vs. Texas

OJ Mayo's Final High School Play

2007-03-19T21:37:00.001-07:00

Let's see if he can keep it up next year!

Motivation for Tournament Run

2007-03-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

The reason for the Trojans making a run into the tournament might be the dedicated season to Ryan Francis. Though he was the heart of the team last season, he might still be leading the Trojans in spirit.

USC in the Sweet 16!

2007-03-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

After beating the 12th seeded Razorbacks on Friday night, the Trojans thumped 4th seeded Texas on Sunday and held Kevin Durant, regarded as the "soon-to-be" national player of the year, in check for most of the game.

We haven't been to the tournament since 2002, and were not supposed to make a run in it until next year. But with great teamwork and chemistry we are set to play top seeded North Carolina on Friday. Hopefully we will give them a run for their money and perhaps pull off the upset!!

Oops.....Listen Up!!!

2007-03-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

In an article by Ryan Singel of Wired.com, an attorney Wendell Belew received a document in August 2004 containing a log of all this recent phone calls. Singel says two months later the FBI shows up, demand for the document back, and order him to forget he ever saw it!!

Singel says Wendell and a colleague are suing the NSA $1 million each for illegally tapping their phone!! Experts say this lawsuit has the greatest chance of actually succeeding!!

Wow. Finally after such allegations have occurred for some time now, someone finally has substantial evident to prove its existence!

Some People Are So Stupid!!!

2007-03-05T17:53:00.001-08:00

Aries Spears Impression

2007-03-02T12:59:00.001-08:00

This is the funniest thing ever!

Fellow Trojans, "Start saving your beer money -- you might need it for court."

2007-03-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

In an article by Eliot Van Buskirk of Wired.com, Eliot says the RIAA sent a letter to 13 college universities "asking" the them to release "any name tied to an IP address suspected of file sharing." Furthermore, Eliot claims the letter asks the universities to send a copy of the letter to those students in question. "If students settle their cases over the phone or on P2PLawsuits.com within 20 days of their university's receipt of the letter, the RIAA promises their settlement will be at a 'substantial discount.'"

This article sucks on two levels. The first level is that the RIAA sent a letter to our university. The second level is that the RIAA is actually SO desperate they have reverted to begging ISP companies and schools for information regarding "suspected" file sharing users.

Trojans in the Tourney?

2007-02-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

After handling the Cardinal and Bears last week, the USC men's basketball team now holds sole possession of third place in the Pac-10 conference. With two games left in league play against the Washington schools, we can finish as high as second place!

Most experts believe we are already in the tournament and now are just fighting for a high seed! What a way to close out the season considering we were not supposed to be a force until next season with the arrival of O.J. Mayo. The future looks bright for SC basketball!!

James Cameron Resurrects Jesus To Kill Christianity

2007-02-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

In an article on Wired.com, directors James Cameron and Smicha Jacobovici claim they have DNA evidence that Jesus did not rise from the dead after he was crucified.

Listen Up Email Addicts

2007-02-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

"Alcoholics have one, and so do drug abusers. Now people addicted to e-mail also have a 12-step program designed to tackle their obsession."

In an article posted on CNN.com, executive coach Marsha Egan has devised a 12-step plan for those obsessed with checking their email.

Who Doesnt Love Japanese TV

2007-02-20T19:46:00.001-08:00

talk about a dunk!

Listen To Those Brids

2007-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

In a recent article by Randy Dotinga on Wired Magazine, he reports that a stem-cell approach to curing deafness could be the answer.

Discussed at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where Dotinga says "the stem-cell approach involves restoring the tiny 'hair cells' in the ear that convert sound into electrical impulses. When the cells die, people permanently lose their hearing. Bringing back the cells through stem-cell transplants, along with a shock of electricity, could restore hearing, scientists say."

Dotinga also says scientists are studying birds, who never lost their hearing, to see what "secret genetic recipe for warding off hearing loss" birds have.

Super Mario

2007-02-14T20:16:00.001-08:00

Wow...what more to say

iTunes Rivals

2007-02-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

In a recent article from CNN Money, more and more record companies are looking to alternatives to cd's as a source of revenue. This namely means turning to digital media, much like iTunes has done. And for iTunes this can only mean trouble.

eMusic has become the second leading online music store, selling nearly 100 million songs. And what has made this store more appealing than others? The answer lies in formatting. eMusic sells songs in MP3 format that is compatible with almost all digital music players, even iPods. This is where others have lacked, as other online stores have only sold songs in WMA, Window's copy-protected format.

eMusic also has a better value for costumers, as they allow 30 songs a month for $9.99. This beats Apple's $0.99 per song cost. And though eMusic might not be anywhere close to iTune's 2 billion songs sold, in the near future others, such as Yahoo!, might follow these leads and tap into Apple's market share.

So in the words of Stephen Colbert: Apple, you better watch out for others "riding your coattail!"

OJ Mayo...You Decide

2007-02-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

For all you SC basketball sports fans, I'm sure you have heard of this already, but for those who haven't, here is the story.

OJ Mayo, regarded as the best high school basketball player in the nation who plays at Huntington High School in West Virginia, signed a letter of intent to play for the Trojans next year.

A few weeks ago, he played in a game where he was called for a technical foul for taunting the opposing team's player, and then thrown out of the game for making contact with the referee and knocking him down.

Check out the video of him knocking the referee down

After much debate, the majority of people in the basketball world do not believe Mayo intentionally touched the referee...however, a few days ago he was sentenced to serve a three game suspension for the incident. (The article)

Either way, the Trojan fans should be excited for next season with the addition of Mayo, who is a highlight reel in himself! The future looks bright!

why can't we finish??!!

2007-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

every time the usc basketball team plays they always look extremely impressive in the first part of the first half. then by halftime the opponent has made the game interesting (close!)

at the start of the second half, we keep a minimal lead, but by the end of the game it seems we have to rely on a last second stop (or shot) just to get the win! and sometimes, it takes a turn for the worst, as in the case last night.

we lost to ucla in the final minutes of the game and ended up losing by five. and when did we all-of-a-sudden stop getting rebounds and turnovers?!

unless we start getting boards and and make some free throws, its going to be a scare at the end of every game!!

ncaa rivalry week

2007-02-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

duke vs carolina......need i say more

even though duke is winning i have faith in the tar heels!

usc vs ucla

2007-02-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

its on tonight at 7pm! i am so excited i can't wait! ucla is the #2 team in the nation, and we are back in the rankings (at #19). if nobody remembers, a couple weeks ago ucla came to the galen center and pulled off a last second shot that beat us by 1!

however, i am a little scared because, after all, we are going to pauley pavillion and have to face their students! nonetheless, i am confident in our team and i am predicting a seven point win for the trojans!!

being sick....

2007-02-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

why is it that every year it is inevitable you will get sick at least once in the winter?

i don't know, but this is actually my third time this winter being sick, and the worst part is i am at the stage where i'm not the worse i'm going to be, and i am just waiting "it to really" hit me! that's the worst!

three hour meetings...

2007-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

wow i just got out of a three hour meeting at work, i work for the city of los angeles, and man i must say those meetings are way too long!! after a couple hours you start to get tired and worst of all i was taking notes the whole time! well, i guess its back to work! bummer.....

unc

2007-01-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

so im watching the unc-wake forest college basketball game right now, and what can i say other than unc is going to win! i am a die-hard unc fan...and here is my prediction....unc is going to win the championship!...

not much to say

2007-01-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

i really don't have much to say other than the fact that I'm bored and tired at work....but other than that my day hasn't been too bad...

so continuing with my other post, the USC basketball team beat ASU on Saturday! it was awesome and now we are ranked in the latest AP Top 25 rankings! that is pretty awesome considering we haven't been ranked in five years!!

up to nothing

2007-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

so this is my first post and im new to this blogging craze, but hey lets see if i get into it...

so since this is a blog of anything and everything i will talk precisely about that...well, really only stuff that interests me, and hopefully that interests you as well

im going to the sc basketball game today, and i really think we have a legitimate shot to make it to the ncaa tournament THIS year. most experts thought we would make it next year, because of o.j. mayo (the number one player in his class) coming to play here next year, so it is a surprise we are as good as we are this year. and i cant be more excited because basketball is my favorite sport and i really wanted us to be good before i left school. personally, i would rather have a good basketball team than football, and i know most people will disagree, but hey thats just me. so im excited for today, even though we are playing arizona st. and are gonna beat them!

so until next time...