What's the Deal with Gold Coins?

Hey there.  Am I the only one that wonders why we see ads on TV selling gold coins for less than the market value?  I was up late last night watching TV when I saw an advertisement that claimed that the coins were worth hundreds but they're selling them for $20.  It got me wondering if the price of gold is wildly fluctuating that one day, an ounce is worth $20 and the next day, it's a few hundred.

That got me wondering if it's a good investment to keep track of gold prices.  It seems like a good idea.  Invest some money in a commodity that is in demand.  You see gold everywhere.  Watches, necklaces, teeth... Donald Trump's place.  lol  I mean, if gold is that valuable, I don't see where you can go wrong in investing in it.  But then again, it is investing and there's always that risk of it's value decreasing.  Maybe if I go to a gold spot, where they buy and sell gold, to see what's up.  If they say that it's profitable, it may something to consider.  If they say they're barely breaking even... then it's something to think hard before doing.

I'm wondering if any of you have had any experience with the gold trade.  I know that now there's a service where you mail your gold scraps and you get cash for it.  Is that any good?  Would you rather just go into a shop and see what you can get?  I'm curious, friends.  Let me know.  Later!

PSN Down = Bin Laden Dead

Coincidence???

Are Pro Accounts on Sponsored Tweets a Red Flag for Izea, Inc.?

Hey there.  I'm a big fan of Izea, Inc.  They have opened the doors for me to make some money while blogging and sending out tweets.  I have nothing but sincere thankfulness for them.  With that being said, the fact that they are now offering "pro accounts" on Sponsored Tweets is alarming.  If a monthly fee, you're twitter account will get this neat "pro account" symbol attached to it and will be pushed up the queue, ahead of basic accounts, when advertisers are looking for potential tweeters.  I understand that it's an optional service and it's not necessary, but the fact that they are offering it raises some red flags for me.

First off, I don't see the need for pro accounts.  At least on the outside, Izea is doing wonderfully.  Their many platforms are alive and active within the online community.  It's hard to find an online entity that is not associated with one of the many services that Izea offers.  So the fact that they are trying to squeeze out money for pro accounts tell me that 1) Izea is not doing as well as we think they are or 2) they've turned into a bunch of greedy bastards.  lol  I doubt it's the second one since they've all been more than awesome when I've spoken to them, so I'm more inclined to say it's number 1. Then again, it could be that the company is expanding and is looking for extra income to fund upcoming projects.  I don't know, but I'm not so sure if the pro account thing is the way to go.

I've always looked for Izea to come up with fun and innovative ways to make it easy for average Joes, like myself, to make some money online.  I really don't want to hear that Izea may be having some funding issues.  I'm hoping that my observation is wrong and that they're doing it only as a means to further fund their expansion not because they are strapped for cash.  Especially when you consider the amount of online companies that did not make it.  I hope you guys know what you're doing and the same fate doesn't come down on you.  Later!

The 5th Annual Walk for Lupus

5th Annual Walk for Lupus Now!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Los Angeles
Walk for Lupus Now

Hey there.  Help spread the word on the 5th annual Walk for Lupus!  The mother of a friend of mine suffers from Lupus and my friend has started her own fund raising team, Team Nancy, to walk and raise money for lupus research.  Let's help Team Nancy reach their humble goal of $100!  You can donate anywhere from $1 to infinity to help their cause and if you want to register to walk, or start your own team, you can find all the information here.  Thank for the donations, friends.  Every little bit helps!

Being Smart About Credit Cards

Hey there. If you have a TV or a radio then you've heard many commercials to help build or repair your credit. Many of us have struggled with credit card debt. Especially when many of us were forced to use credit cards during the recession.  I'm not saying that we shouldn't use them, I'm just saying that we should be a little more smart about it.

One great way to know whether or not a credit card is a good one is to check out some credit card reviews.  This is an effective way to read up and get comfortable with the credit card.  Are consumers happy with the service?  Are the rates too high?  No grace periods?  Low balance?  Reward points?  You can get all of that answered by reading a few reviews and see if consumers are happy.  Happy customers usually means that it's a fair card.

Another thing you can do is check out the finance boards.  This is most effective when you do not have a particular card in mind.  The finance boards can have a wide range of topics and it can be overwhelming at first, but after reading a few topics, you'll be able to narrow your search and find what you're looking for.  Especially when many customers can pitch in and provide their 2 cents on a credit card that they own. 

Chase credit cards, Citi credit cards, any credit cards.  If you do a little homework before you apply, you are more than likely to know whether or not you really can afford to have a credit card.  Interest rates, grace periods, and whether or not they have reward points may play a factor in your decision but always remember that in the end, the debt will need to be paid and all the points in the world cannot pay it off.  Stay smart and good luck!  Later!

Not in my Garage

Hey there.  Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers got a little revenge on the much hated LeBron James and the Miami Heat.  For those of you living under a rock, LeBron James left the Cavaliers in the off season and made a spectacle of it.  All the while, stringing along the Cleveland team and their fans.  Because he handled the whole thing in a tasteless way, there isn't much love for LeBron in Cleveland, and the owner is making sure LeBron knows it.

In their first meeting, the Heat put a pounding on the Cavs.  Just killed them.  In last night's game, it was a completely different story, and it all started in the Quicken Loans garage.  That's right, the garage.  lol  While a Cav, LeBron was free to do whatever he pleased in the arena.  He brought in his friends into players only areas and pretty much flaunted the whole "king" label.  He tried to do the same last night and the owner made it clear to his staff that the players only area was strictly for players only.  So when LeBron showed up with a whole crew of friends, guess who got turned away at the garage entrance?  lol  LeBron was allowed in, while everyone else was told to go back.

Now this is standard stuff.  There is no discrimination going on here.  It is a rule that is strictly enforced and LeBron should have taken it in stride and said to his people to go the other way.  But instead of that, he decided to act like a baby and during the Heat introduction, he was missing.  What?!?!  When was the last time that you saw a player that present when being introduced?  It was one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen and I can't believe that this guy still doesn't get it.  So what was his excuse?  He had to go to restroom.  HA!  What kind of excuse is that?  He's not above the game, not everyone is going to allow him to do what he pleases and I applaud the Cleveland ownership for making that stand.  He pretty much LeBron, and the world, that he's had enough of LeBron walking all over Cleveland and that they have finally turned a new leaf.  So what happened during the game?  The Cavs beat the Heat by 12 points or so.  The lowly Cavs, having only 14 wins or so this season, beat the "super team" of the Miami Heat.  The win, and the day's prior events, excited the Cleveland owner that he Twittered this message, "Not in our garage."  4 simple words, yet filled with such emotion.

The Mortal Kombat Ressurection

Hey there.  Remember back in the day when Mortal Kombat first came out? It was supposed to be a more gruesome version of the Street Fighter phenomenon.  And for a while, it looked like it was going to take over the world.  A few stale sequels and an awful movie (or two) later, the franchise seemed to be on it's last legs.

There's No Room for Crying in the NBA LeBron!

Hey there.  If you're a NBA fan, you've heard by now how the Miami Heat, once again, collapsed under the pressure and loss a meaningful game against the Bulls last Sunday.  Why is this a big deal?  Because the Heat, dubbed "The Super Team", consists of NBA All Stars Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, were celebrating like they have won the championship before they ever stepped foot on the court and they are losing against the best in the NBA.  According to some stats that have been floating around, the Heat are something like 1-9 against the NBA's elite.  Their only win coming against the LA Lakers.  They have yet to beat the Celtics, The Magic, The Spurs, The Bulls, or the Mavericks.  And this is supposed to be the team that was going to the challenge the NBA record of 73 wins in a season.  They have 43 wins now and I don't see them cracking 55.

Now, back to this weekend.  In a game where the Heat claimed they had to win, they loss, yet again.  They were up by more than 10 points during the game.  Wade and LeBron looked good in the first half.  All they had to do was maintain their lead in that 4th qtr and they'd come out with that victory, but again, missed shots by Wade, missed shots by LeBron, stupid fouls by the Heat, kept the Bulls in the game.  The Bulls are an awesome team.  They're second in the East so they're no pushover, but with the Heat down by 1 and with Wade and LeBron on your side, you should be able to make shots in the clutch.  They have yet to have a single game winning shot this season.  The so called super team cannot muster a single win on a last second shot.  After the game, their coach claimed that some of the Heat players were crying.

Now this is where I have a problem.  There is no room for crying in the NBA.  If you are crying, they are tears of joy after winning the NBA championship, NOT after a loss during the regular season.  There is absolutely no reason to cry.  And I'm looking at you, LeBron.  What's wrong?  You're realizing that you're not as good as Kobe or MJ?  You can't carry your team, or should I say Dwayne Wade's team, over a quality win?  You're realizing that "The Decision", the prancing around, and the guarantees of championships were stupid moves made by you and the team?  Grow up, man.  You're a great player, no doubt about it, but you have made some pretty stupid moves this year and many of the fans that have become "witnesses" are now witnessing your flaws.  You couldn't do it in Cleveland being the man, now I believe you are realizing that you can't do it being a wing man.  You force bad shots at the end of games trying to be the hero.

Now, I'm a Lakers fan.  Always will be.  But I'm also a fan of the game.  I'll watch the east powerhouses go at it so that I can see an entertaining game.  I'll watch our western conference foes play against each other to better assess our competition.  But when I hear a team chirping away that they're the best before even playing a game, it insults the intelligence of us fans.  We know that it takes more than just talent to win (eg. Malone, Payton, Bryant, Shaq Laker team...).  You need chemistry and you need an identity.  Right now, the Heat have no identity and they have shown flashes of some chemistry, but nothing that can say this is a championship caliber team.  Time is running out.  If they cannot get it together before the playoffs start, they will be bounced from the playoffs in the first or second round.  Then, LeBron, you'll have a real reason to cry.  Later!

Egyptian President Steps Down

Hey there.  I try not post news type stuffs on this blog, since I figured that the same story is posted just about anywhere else on the web, but this one intrigues me.  As you may or may not know, things in Egypt have been bad.  Very bad.  There is so much turmoil between the people of Egypt and their leaders that the people have turned to violence due to the authoritarian ways of their president.  Today, the president finally steps down and the military has taken power.  Can you imagine something like that happening in the States?  Where the people of the US say, "Screw you prez!" and marches, and protests are rampant throughout the States because the people are standing up to what they believe in.  I think that the police force would start taking advantage and use their authority to have their way.  I can imagine that police harassment would be up, similar to the stuff that went down in Orlando, Fl .  Imagine the military coming in and taking control?  That's just an insane thought to me.

I'm glad that the people of Egypt are rejoicing over their president stepping down.  It's good to see that the voice of the people still has a purpose.  What's awful about the whole thing is that the voice used was not only that of reason, but that of violence.  Congrats and best of luck, Egypt.  Your people have spoken, changes are being made and democracy is on it's way.  I hope that all turns out well for you.  Later!

Super Bowl XLV is in the Books

Hey there.  I know, I know.  I'm late to the party.  The Super Bowl is now 3 days removed and I am just getting the chance to add my 2 cents to the whole thing.  The game itself was awesome, the halftime show was eh, and the commercials were simply hit or miss.  First the game:

The game was great.  I think that the NFL has had a nice 4 or 5 game string of awesome Super Bowls.  I believe they all were close in the end, they all had some sort of theatrics going on, and they all were decided by a single score.  This was no different.  The Steelers, even with their 3 turnovers, were in position to win the game in the 4th qtr.  Down by six point and possession of the ball, the script was written for Steelers QB Big Ben to march down the field and take the win.  But it wasn't to be.  Not this time.  Packers QB Aaron Rodgers played the best game of his life and earned himself the MVP and the Lambardi Trophy.  He can finally emerge from that huge Brett Favre shadow that has followed him ever since Favre left Green Bay.  Congrat to all your cheeseheads.  You guys deserve it.  Now, on to the entertainment.

Christina Aguilera botched the national anthem and the Black Eyed Peas are so outdated I'm extremely surprised they were chosen to play the half time show.  You would expect that Christina would practice the national anthem a billion times considering that this is the biggest of stages in all of sports.  She completely missed a line and added words to the song.  As for the Black Eyed Peas, I'm not the biggest of fan of theirs, but at least their light show was good and it was cool to see Slash on stage.  I feel as if the NFL has gotten the jitters when it comes to their shows and are playing it extremely conservative.  Ever since the "wardrobe malfunction" incident, the half time shows have not stood out like they used to.

As for the commercials, some companies got it right while others completely bombed.  I'm looking at you, Coke.  Really now?  Drink a Coke and you're dragon will start spewing fireworks?  What are you trying to say?  That was one stupid commercial and there was no appeal what so ever.  And considering that it was CGI, I'm sure it was a pricey mistake on your end.  One commercial that definitely got it right was the Volkswagon commercial featuring a young Darth Vader.  That one was awesome.  It was funny, intuitive, and all around fun.  Awesome job WV.  Awesome job.  Check out the commercial below.

All in all a good experience.  Can't complain about the product that the NFL has given us.  The game is as popular as it ever has and it has continued to produce awe inspiring performances.  Great job NFL!

On a side note, I want to give some thoughts on the whole thing being in Dallas.  There is no doubt that the stadium is awesome.  Top of the line, state of the art type stuffs.  However, Jerry Jones greed was a complete embarrassment to the league.  Jones wanted to break the NFL attendance record for the Super Bowl.  That records sits somewhere around 105,000 people.  Jones added extra seats to the stadium in an attempt to break it.  Sold the tickets and everything and then on game day, the fire marshall explained that they were not safe and had to be removed.  You know what that means?  That some 500 people or so were turned away from the game.  TURNED AWAY!  Can you believe that?!  You've just managed to get a ticket to the Super Bowl and have made travel arrangements, got a week off from work and what not only to be turned away at the gate.  What a HUGE black mark on what was an awesome day.  There was a letter that was handed out to those who were turned away but don't you think that letter would have served a purpose a few days before the game?  And even if they knew that they couldn't seat all ticket holders, they should have created an area where those that could not be seated could have hung out, watched the game, and still say that they were there.  The NFL tried to make it right by offering some $2500 to each ticket holder.  I just don't think that's enough.  In my opinion, that's just soul crushing.  Later!

The NFL is Coming Back to Los Angeles

Hey there.  It's been too long.  Way way too long.  The NFL announced this morning that a deal is in place for a new football stadium to be built in Los Angeles.  That can only mean one thing... THE NEFL IS BACK IN LA, BABY!  Here is a glimpse of what the stadium may look like:

The proposed deal is estimated to be worth approx. $700 Million over 30 years and AEG us at the helm of backing this thing up.  AEG is proving to be one of the powerhouses for Los Angeles.  They were involved in building the Staples Center and now they are involved in building what would be known as Farmers Field. 

Now this begs the question:  Are we getting a new franchise?  Or is an existing team coming in?  The Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers are extremely popular in the Los Angeles area.  I would even say that the fan base in Los Angeles is split 50/50 between those 2 teams.  Considering that those two franchises are close by, it wouldn't surprise me if one or both come to Los Angeles.  The Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars have also been in the running to come to Los Angeles so those are two more teams that would be considered.

I would love for the Raiders to come back to Los Angeles.  Being a fan, I would love to not be have to drive for hours to catch them in San Diego or fly to Oakland.  It's exciting that the NFL is coming back to Los Angeles.  Now, we're in suspense as to which team will have the label, Los Angeles, in front of it.  Later!

Motivational Monday - Jay Cutler

Jay, you are a QB playing in the NFC championship game!  If you can walk, you should be able to play!

Final Fantasy XIII - 2 Announced

Hey there.  I'm giddy.  Not too long ago, there was word that Square Enix was trademarking logos and potential names for future Final Fantasy projects.  Me being a huge fan of the series, saw it as a sign that we may be getting a new Final Fantasy game soon.  Well, it looks like we will be getting a new Final Fantasy game and it's going to be a direct sequel to Final Fantasy XIII.  Check out the logo below.

Looks like we're in for another adventure with Lightning.  Well... at least the woman on the right looks like Lightning.  As with all Final Fantasy logos, there definitely is an insight to the game there.  Black and white?  Good and evil?  Maybe the reinvention of Lightning?  Who know but I'm definitely looking forward to this game!  Until then, later!

What a Way to Kick Off the 2010-2011 NFL Playoffs

Hey there.  Hope you all had a great weekend.  For all non football fans out there, this Saturday was the beginning of the NFL playoffs.  Where games matter more and the losses stay with you until next year.  This Saturday's lineup included the Seattle Seahawks vs. the New Orleans Saints followed by The Indianapolis Colts vs. the New York Jets.  Being a fan, you'd figure that the Saints will roll over the 'Hawks, since the 'Hawks  being the only team in history to enter the playoffs with a record below .500.  Man.. that was not the case.

Simply put, the game was freakin' awesome.  Everything you want in a football game.  High scoring, hard impact, 4th qtr drama and it was all capped off by this killer run by Marshawn Lynch that has everyone who watched it say, "WOW!". To everyone's surprise, the "lowly" Seahawks came up and defeated the defending Super Bowl champs.  Brees had his chance to bring the team back but the unsuccessful onside kick sealed their fate.  If you missed this game, you MUST watch it when the NFL Network replays it sometime this week.

The Colts vs the Jets game was just as good.  The poster boy on NFL QBs, Peyton Manning, is set off to make another run to the Super Bowl against the loudmouth Jets.  Classic stuff.  And after what seemed to be the game winning 50 yard field goal by K Adam "I don't miss big kicks in play off games" Vinitieri, Jets QB Mark Sanchez came up big by setting his team up for an easy field goal for the win.  All in all, an awesome set of games to usher in the playoffs!

Sunday morning featured the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Baltimore Ravens.  I'll admit that I was rooting for the Chief's to lose.  In my opinion, Oakland should have been in their place, but the Raiders screwed up their chance to represent the AFC West.  Anyways, The Ravens just destroyed the Chiefs, and just to throw salt into the wound of Oakland fans everywhere... the dreaded "tuck rule" made an appearance in the game.  Bitter or not, that tuck rule is a stupid rule and it should be changed or completely scratched out of the NFL rule book.  I'm just saying.

The afternoon game featured the game of the weekend, The Green Bay Packers vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.  The felon turned savior, Michael Vick vs back up to Mr. Favre turned uprising star, Aaron Rodgers.  This game had classic written all over it and even though it wasn't a high scoring game like the Seahawks/Saints game, this one was still decided in the 4th qtr in the final minute of the game.  QB Vick had the Eagles at the 27 yard line with seconds to go and he was looking for the win when his pass was intercepted in the end zone.  Awesome, awesome game.

In all honesty, I don't remember a better Wild Card weekend in the NFL.  The games were exciting (except the Chief/Ravens game) and they all had their big play moments.  If you are an NFL fan you have to be happy with the games this weekend.  And wow... I'm still thinking about that Marshawn Lynch run!  Here's a video of the play that I found online.  The run looked so much like it came from a video game that someone decided to add Tecmo Super Bowl sounds to it!  Freakin' awesome!  I know for a fact that all football fans everywhere simultaneously said, "UUUHHHH!  GET OFF ME!!!!" at the .13 second mark of this video.  If you didn't, you are not a fan.  lol  Enjoy.  Later!

Auburn Takes on Oregon

Contribution by Prince Raymond

If you love college football than you are probably looking forward to the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game that is coming up in a few weeks. The Auburn Tigers are taking on the Oregon ducks and it should turn out to be an offensive showcase. Both of these teams have some of the highest scoring offenses in all of college football. They also both have some of the most dynamic athletes. Cam Newton is the Heisman Trophy winner and promises to always put a show and put up points on the board. LaMichael James for Oregon is also the top running back in the country and should prove a tough test for Auburn's defense.

I got my tickets to go to this game weeks ago and decided to take my friend George. We both said goodbye to our wives, switched on our home alarm systems from ALL HOME SECURITY, packed out bags and boarded the plane for sunny Glendale Arizona got the national championship. The game should be really exciting because it is the premiere game of the college football season. All of the hype and trash talk leads up to this point. This game will decide the best team in college football and George and I will be there to see who wins it!

Glendale Arizona should be a perfect place to host a national championship because the weather should be perfect and the city of Glendale has something to offer almost anyone.

Final Fantasy: Type 0 in the Works?

Hey there.  When G4 announced that the name and logo for Final Fantasy: Type 0 was trademarked, it immediately grabbed my attention.  Square Enix might be releasing a new Final Fantasy game!  It may be a spin off... it may be a continuation of an existing Final Fantasy title.  As of right now, it's way to early to tell.  G4 doesn't have info on the project but they're willing to spill what ever they do have.  Check out the brief announcement here.

Intrigued?  Yes.  Excited?  Not so much.  Not until we receive some more details.  For all we know, this is Square Enix trademarking POTENTIAL names.  And even if they are, I would assume that because they are trademarking anything Final Fantasy, some sort of product will become of it.  Until then, later!

Motivational Monday - Miley Cyrus

What are the odds of "by the end of the year" ???

BCBG Sale Nov. 20th

Hey there.  I'm spreading the word on the BCBG sale that is going to be going on this Saturday, November 20th.  I know that many are familiar with the BCBG Max Azria name and these kind of sales only happen once or twice a year.  So, if you're in the Los Angeles area and are looking to score some designer clothes, stop by and get yourself some high end stuff at dirt cheap prices.  Details are in the flyer below.  Later!

Kirk Hammet Kicks Ass... And Kids?!?!?!

Hey there friends. I love Metallica. I've seen them a few times when they're in the Los Angeles area and they put on one awesome live show. A staple of theirs during the Death Magnetic Tour is hundreds of beach balls falling from the ceiling and everyone in the stands punches them and the band members kick them off stage. Well... the below video shows what may happen when "unauthorized personnel" in on the stage. Hope the little guy is alright. Later!

Thanks for the link, Enigmageek!

Penis Pictures: Are they Flattering?

Great football legend?  Or biggest d**k ever?

Hey there. There has been much talk about Brett Favre in regards to pictures that he allegedly sent to a Jets "game day host." Now, these were no ordinary pictures. They were of his penis. Now... for those of you that don't know, Brett Favre is considered a legend in football circles everywhere. The man has played the game for 20 some odd years and he's considered a man's man. It's hard not to root for him when he plays the game by his rules and by his own style. So, when something like this surfaces, does it tarnish his reputation? Or do we just look the other way and see how it all plays out? The NFL commissioner is conducting an investigation but it begs to ask the question on how meaningful the investigation will be.

Victim? Or pathological liar?

First off, the woman claiming the sexual harassment claims that it happened back in 2008. Now... I have a problem with this. Let's say Favre did send her his "magic stick" in the form of picture messages. Why didn't she say something then and there? Why wait 2 years to pass by before anything is mentioned? If the woman really felt harassed in any way, wouldn't she have brought it to somebody, anybody's attention? Did the woman admire what she got and then someone told her that she should say something?  Was a penis picture not that a big a deal to her that she simply kept the picture and placed in on the backburner for later viewing pleasure?  Or did she keep the picture and decided that one day, when she's done messing with Favre, she'll burn him by claiming she was appalled by the unflattering picture?   There's a lot of gray areas in this case.

Then there's Brett Favre. Now, the man is not really known for doing anything of this sort. Especially since he's been married to high school sweetheart (I think) since forever. He's been known to pop more than a few pain killers but he's no Big Ben. His past is not littered with sexual encounters of any kind and it's tough to say that he did this act.

Sexiest reporter ever?

If Brett Favre is found guilty, the man is an idiot. If he's not, it's going to raise questions on whether or not female "game day hosts" should be allowed in locker rooms and what not. We've already had allegations against the Jets (is there a pattern here?) where a female reporter claims that the Jets team harassed her with cat calling and the like. This is a sticky situation and all allegations should be taken seriously, but how much credibility can be given to these women when one of them flaunts the title of "sexiest sports reporter" and the other decides to wait 2 years before deciding that she's offended? Tough case, commissioner Goodell. Good luck. Later!