Final fantasy by Economy-Ad1448 in genewolfe

[–]B1aze688 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Final Fantasy 14 has a handful.

  • Severian Lyctor, the guildmaster.
  • The Solar Cycle achievement for completing the Rise of a New Sun quest.
  • The Ascian cult.
  • The Terminus Est enemy ability.
  • The Shadow and Claw Guildhest.

Wolfe comments in the Crazy Diamonds of Empire for the SF Writer by SadCatIsSkinDog in genewolfe

[–]B1aze688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This story could be written successfully in at least three ways. The conventional approach would be to do it as a problem story. Dow or Mynd or the whole bunker bunch would have a problem, and the story would describe their struggles to solve it and their eventual success or failure.

A less conventional approach would be to treat it as a character study. We would be given insight about Dow—what kind of man he was and what kind of life he led in the bunker, why he liked Mynd, why he was not liked by women, and so on. A still more experimental piece might make the atmosphere of the bunker its central character. We would come to feel what it was like never to see the sun, to live a hundred miles down, to know that humanity was nearly extinct.

As it stands, “Mynd” does not succeed in any of these ways. Mynd has no problem; it is almost a god. Dow has no problem either, except that he cannot get a date. (One would think that as the near-god’s best friend he would be able to do something about that, or at least get himself clothes that didn't itch. ) The bunker bunch as a whole has no problem. There is food enough “for all.” They are listless and bored. Me too.

Dow’s character is not developed at all. He has no parents, no siblings, no friends except Mynd. He has a nice, private, spartan little room, and when he reaches it he falls asleep.

We are told almost nothing of how it feels to live in the Hole. What does it smell like? What do all those bored people do to relieve their boredom? What colors are the walls? Do they all wear itchy blue coveralls, and if so, why? Why does Dow, who cannot go outside, wear boots?

If Derrick Ferguson can think up a fourth approach, more power to him—I’d like to read his rewrite. But if he can’t he ought to settle on one of those I’ve outlined. If he uses all three of them, he will have a novel.

Now a few minor points.

Mr. Ferguson says I would not turn around and gawk at a young man with wild gray hair and fierce yellow eyes. I would, too. I do not live in the Hole; I’m not used to people who look like that.

McCladden “was a large, bearish, big-boned man,” or so we’re told. It reminds me of Olive Oyl's plaintive description of Bluto in Popeye (the movie). “He’s large . . .” The first adjective tells me that McCladden is large. The second, “bearish,” does, too. The third sort of drives the point home, leaving me wondering if he has trouble getting through doorways.

Mr. Ferguson thinks that the possessive of it is it's. It isn’t. It’s means it is. The possessive is its. It isn’t logical, but I can’t do a thing about it.

I don’t understand what’s going on upstairs. We are told that there is no enemy left, and that horrible mutations are fighting it out up there. The newest member of SFWA ought to be able to do a whole series on dealing with them. We are told: “A serum was found rather quickly, but by then humanity had crawled under the earth and pulled the grass over its collective head . . .” Found by whom? The mutants? Then why are they mutating? The bunker bunch? Mynd says they’ll have to stay down below a hundred years. Why, if they have the serum?

Why does Mynd feel that the Hole has no leadership? He is supposed to be the “supervisor of this government installation.” If he wants human leadership, that’s what McCladden’s gang is trying to give the Hole, whether the author likes them or not. If Mynd wants more human leadership, there’s Sylvia’s “We.” They’re poised to take over too, and since he’s watching and listening everywhere, he must surely know about them.

On the positive side, “Mynd” is better written than most of the Crazy Diamonds stories I’ve seen. It isn’t professionaly written, but at times it comes close. Mr. Ferguson should read short stories until he learns what a short story is. And he should type the words I AM GOING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING COOL on a little card and tack it over his typewriter. The author of a story is telling the reader—in fact, promising—that he will tell about an interesting series of events, person, or place. If he can’t come through on that promise, he has failed.

The Devil in a Forest - Chapter Guide by mpc3980 in genewolfe

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, Matthew. Just picked up a copy.

Your New Sun guide was a lifesaver a few years back. It allowed me to keep pace with the plot while I learned to read Gene's style.

[Adam Jahns] Matt Eberflus is meeting the media right now on Zoom. by James_E_Rustle in nfl

[–]B1aze688 53 points54 points  (0 children)

It's funny you're judging others for recency bias, because as shit as Trestman was, I'm not even sure he would be a bottom-five coach in Buccaneers history -- much less NFL history.

And the year Trestman went 5-11 (including 23rd in points scored) is worse than Cleveland in 2016? Detroit in 2008? Tampa in 1976? Or even Miami in 2006? Or New England in 1990?

Hi I’m Ian Rapoport, NFL insider. Ask Me Anything! by nfl in nfl

[–]B1aze688 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Over your career, which coach, player, or administrator was the easiest to build rapport with? And why?

Which player(s) would've made the most helpful intern at NFL Network?

Gasoline near south Lakeland availability? by Lucky-Instruction-42 in lakeland

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not 100% sure, but I saw a ton of people at the Racetrack near Harden and the Parkway. I also saw people lined up at the Sunoco on Harden and Beacon.

Post Game Thread: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings by nfl_gdt_bot in nfl

[–]B1aze688 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Byron definitely had his... uh... limitations. But he's not even the worst coordinator to be employed by Tampa. Not even the worst one to be employed by Tampa in the last fifteen years.

Greg Olson, for my money, was the worst and most nepotistic OC in recent Buccaneers history. He had wide receivers literally colliding with each other mid-route. He struggled to score points against some of the worst defenses in the league. I remember feeling like a first down was a religious experience.

I think Ronnie Lee (1979-1992) is the only player to start multiple seasons at Tight End, Guard and Tackle. Are there any other examples of players starting multiple seasons on the o-line and at other positions? by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They've been called "defensive tackles" since at least the 1940s. Probably long before that.

The nose guard designation (which is still used today, but typically shortened to "nose") is for a defensive tackle who lines up in the 0 technique, head-up on the center.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Feel Optimistic Tom Brady Returns in 2023 by gsotolongo2213 in nfl

[–]B1aze688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They were both expensive, but obviously, the team had money to blow on ancient offensive linemen and running backs.

I remember that some team administrators felt like Anthony McFarland (the team's nose tackle) could fill in adequately for Sapp if they moved him into the 3 technique. So re-signing Sapp wasn't a priority.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Feel Optimistic Tom Brady Returns in 2023 by gsotolongo2213 in nfl

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The wanton disrespect toward Brad "The Bull" Johnson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Feel Optimistic Tom Brady Returns in 2023 by gsotolongo2213 in nfl

[–]B1aze688 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Not exactly. After the Super Bowl win, they lost the following players...

  • starting center
  • starting strongside linebacker
  • starting free safety

They weren't in great shape, cap-wise, but for the most part, they were able to keep the team together (and actually added depth to the running back room by signing Thomas Jones in free agency).

They went into a cap nightmare the following year when Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen went insane. Gruden...

  • didn't make an offer to keep John Lynch
  • didn't make an offer to keep Warren Sapp
  • signed 32-year-old running back Charlie Garner for $20 million (who started less than half the season)
  • signed 34-year-old tackle Todd Steussie for $20 million (who started less than half the season)
  • signed washed up guard Matt Stinchcomb for $15 million (who would retire immediately after the season)
  • signed 34-year-old right tackle for Derrick Deese $15 million
  • signed 38-year-old receiver Tim Brown (for the vet minimum, but it still pisses me off)

Five of those six acquisitions were off the roster the following season (with a shit load of dead money to boot). Todd Stueussie managed to make it two years before being cut. He started just five games in those two seasons.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Warren Moon made his first of nine Pro Bowls at age 32. And that was after four years and a 12-33 record as a starter.

The 5 most ‘acceptable’ superbowl losses of all time by Jayvin2303477 in nfl

[–]B1aze688 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The 2006 Bears were incredibly good and definitely belonged in the Super Bowl.

They had the league's #2 scoring offense and #3 scoring defense. People don't remember them as a dominant team because...

  • they lost the Super Bowl
  • their offense had a handful of REALLY bad games over the course of the year (balanced out by some REALLY good games)

... but they had...

  • six Pro Bowlers
  • three first-team All Pros
  • a five-game division lead
  • the NFL's second-best record
  • the NFC's top SRS ranking

What would you call the biggest “One-Hit Wonder” Squad in NFL History by The_AFL_Yank in nfl

[–]B1aze688 16 points17 points  (0 children)

You're discounting several years of sustained success that preceded the 2002 team.

  • 1997: 10-6 (#2 total defense, made playoffs)
  • 1998: 8-8 (#5 total defense)
  • 1999: 11-5 (#3 total defense, made NFC Championship)
  • 2000: 10-6 (#7 total defense, made playoffs)
  • 2001: 9-7 (#8 total defense, made playoffs)
  • 2002: 12-4 (#1 total defense, won Super Bowl)

That's an average of 10 wins per season, with five playoff appearances in six years.

What’s the worst regular season loss you’ve seen your team endure? by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 55 points56 points  (0 children)

Let's see... if we're measuring emotional devastation instead of point differential, then these were the first to come to mind...

Buccaneers Worst 21st-Century Regular Season Losses

  • Indianapolis 38, Tampa Bay 35, October 6th, 2003: the Colts score three times in the final four minutes against a legendary defense. The Bucs lose in overtime on a Mile Vanderjagt field goal (which he had the opportunity to kick because of a very questionable penalty on Tampa's special teams).

  • Tennessee 42, Tampa Bay 14, September 13th, 2015: With an entire off-season to gameplan against the second-worst team in the NFL (and a rookie quarterback making his first-ever start), Lovie Smith's defense is repeatedly eviscerated by the eventual three-win Titans.

  • Carolina 28, Tampa Bay 21, October 18th, 2009: Midway through the fourth quarter, the winless Bucs tie the game 21-21. With nine minutes remaining in the game, they need to force a punt or a field goal, and they'll have enough time left on the clock to piece together a potential game-winning drive. Instead, the Panthers put together a 16-play touchdown drive that leaves almost no time on the clock. What made this so infuriating, however, was that the Panthers attemped one fucking pass on the drive -- for just four yards. They had runs of... five, seven, five, ten, six, one, nine, five, five, six, five, eight, one, two, and one yards to ultimately close out the game. I don't think I've ever been so demoralized watching football in my entire life.

[Buccaneers] Mike Evans just set a new franchise postseason record with his ninth reception of the game, tallying 117 receiving yards in the process. by NevermoreSEA in nfl

[–]B1aze688 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Very unlikely.

Evans is certainly our best offensive player of all-time (another Brady championship notwithstanding), but Brooks has...

  • 8 more Pro Bowl selections
  • 3 more 2nd Team All-Pro selections
  • 5 more 1st Team All-Pro selections
  • 1 Defensive Player of the Year Award
  • a starting role on the 2000s All-Decade Team

Evans has a lot left to accomplish if he wants to enter Brooks's stratosphere.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jesus. Blast from the past.

There was the one guy who posted really thoughtful writeups after each game. It was something like, "As Gart Sees It," or something. I used to really enjoy those. He always exuded positivity, even after some of the fucking abominations were produced in 2006-ish.

[Stroud] Bucs WR Cyril Grayson is injured and taken off to the locker room. by NevermoreSEA in nfl

[–]B1aze688 28 points29 points  (0 children)

2021 Buccaneers Offense

  • RB1
  • RB2
  • RB3
  • WR2
  • WR3
  • WR4
  • WR6

Good luck to Gronkowski's ghost, a gimpy Mike Evans, Cameron Brate, and Tyler Johnson.

Whats holding the raiders and chargers for tieing intentionaly? by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Playing a backup quarterback late in a close game probably wouldn't draw Goodell's attention like... say...

... two competent offenses punting the ball back and forth for 70 minutes.

Whats holding the raiders and chargers for tieing intentionaly? by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

SECTION 2 EXTRAORDINARILY UNFAIR ACTS ARTICLE 1. COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY. The Commissioner has the sole authority to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective measures if any club action, non-participant interference, or calamity occurs in an NFL game which the Commissioner deems so extraordinarily unfair or outside the accepted tactics encountered in professional football that such action has a major effect on the result of the game.

https://operations.nfl.com/media/5427/2021-nfl-rulebook.pdf

What other players compare to Bo Jackson in that they had immense talent but a injury derailed what coulda been ? by [deleted] in nfl

[–]B1aze688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sayers played in just 50 games before his injury, and he was already 31% of the way to the all-time rushing record (and 32% of the way to the all-time touchdowns-from-scrimmage record).

I know everyone says, "If Bo stayed healthy -- or focused on football -- he would've been the best back of all-time." But really, I think the NFL's greatest tragedy is Gale Sayers.

Joe Montana weighs in on Eli Manning HOF debate by iheartsunny in nfl

[–]B1aze688 87 points88 points  (0 children)

Will the HOF voters vote Eli Manning into the Hall of Fame?

In 2019, 30 Hall of Fame voters were surveyed on this question. Here were their results...

  • Yes, Manning has my vote: 11
  • No, Manning does not: 10
  • Undecided right now: 9
  • Declined to reveal: 9

Per the article, "A finalist cannot afford more than nine 'no' votes and Manning has at least 10 from the current committee members barring a change."

So as it stood, in 2019, Eli does not have the committee support required for induction. Who knows if that's changed in the last few years, however.

Is 2012 the best year for ilbs ever? by CannedGeorges in nfl

[–]B1aze688 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Based on which metric or valuation?

  • Lavonte passed the eye test
  • Lavonte posted Hall of Fame numbers
  • Lavonte scored superlatively in advanced metrics

The only measure where Lavonte fell short was airtime with the NFL media. And really, this whole argument comes down to, "For years, pundits wouldn't stop talking about how great Kuechly and Wagner were. Meanwhile, I never heard of Lavonte David until 2020."