A look into broadcasting

Yea it's one in the morning and I've been drinking with my pals. So let's talk some finer points in life.

So I have made it very apparent that my goal in life is to be an influential sports anchor in America. Well my road right now is at CBS channel 4 in Miami and so far it's great. I'll walk you through the application process for any of you individuals who are looking to get ahead of the competition. Two main points before we begin: make sure you find someone who has connections, and make sure you're willing to ask questions to learn.

Ron Burgundy is the greatest anchor that ever lived.... PERIOD

This tale begins in February of 2012. I walked into the office in a suit, bow tie and all looking to make an impression. Also make sure you have a resume with something that draws attention, anything TV related. From those two facets, plus the former intern giving you a good wrap, got me the job.

From there, I've been working behind the scenes learning all there is to know about business and also learning some secrets to being more successful On-Air.

Now I don't know where this is going to get me in the future, but these relationships and lessons will help me for the future. So for any of you guys reading this and wondering to yourself, "I want to be a prominent anchor, but with everyone telling me it's hard to find why bother?" Please bother. Too many companies are trying to discourage people from trying to be on-air because it limits the potential applicants to a smaller number.

Sportscenter is the greatest thing to happen to sports coverage, but ESPN as a company attempts to eliminate as much competition as possible. From a business perspective it's smart, but do not be discouraged! Pursue your dream no matter what!

ESPN has made an appearance at the University of Miami before. And both times I've been in attendance and both times the head people tried to discourage people from applying for on-air positions. Don't be! Take on the challenge and you'll find your way to where you want to go.

Ok I'm done ranting. I hope you all learned something and take it to heart. 

"Don't let people determine what you can't do. You are the judge of what you and you alone are capable of. Embrace the challenge!!!"

Stay schemin friends.

Is it too soon for the Next Generation?

Now that my Miami Heat have finally gotten their 2^nd NBA title, (suck it Thomas Walter!) I can start to focus on other topics. Mainly the news that the next generation of consoles is coming and there is nothing we can do about it. Or is there?

            I have a problem with this not because of it being brand new and better than the current consoles, but because that these consoles have hit their prime! It’s like saying, and I’m using this analogy only because the Heat just won, “hey LeBron. Nice job winning that title! You are killing it out there with what you’re putting out there on the court, but it’s time we move to find a new gamechanger.” Any normal sports fan would call you crazy, me included, but that’s what we have in front of us. First let’s see what the next gen consoles have to offer over our current gaming platform.

The Next Generation.....

            The next generation looks bright there’s no doubt about that. A new graphic engine that includes the Unreal 4 engine and others that will no doubt blow people away. At last year’s E3 we got our first look from the “Good Samaritan” footage, all of which is claimed to be actual in game footage. And it looks AMAZING. The lighting, weather, skin textures, environments, hell even the cigarette is the most real in a video game! (I’ve always had a gripe when it comes to smoking in video games, you think people could get that right.) All of it was totally new and unknown and we as a population craved more. But at a cost, it was said to only be for the next gen, so we demanded it be on the horizon. Fair enough, but then our current consoles starting hitting all the right strides.

Watch this and just try to tell me this doesn't BLOW YOUR MIND

            The XBOX 360 was owning in terms of 3^rd party games and the graphics, gameplay, and presentation all have steadily improving. Not only that, but more side perks such as XBOX Music, XBOX live, Watch ESPN, and others all were making strides and making what was already a great console even better. The PS3 has dominated in exclusive titles with such games as the Uncharted series, God of War 3, inFamous, and many more separating itself from the pack. All of these games changed the gaming landscape in some form and on top of that looked gorgeous to boot. Playstation Network, despite the Hack Scandal that plagued gamers (thank god my debit card wasn’t hacked, score 1 for Chipper), has been seeing massive upgrades including the incentive based Playstation Plus that gives subscribers exclusive access to games early and discounts. Also one more thing that makes the PS3 better in my opinion, it’s also a Blu-Ray player. Take about a packaged deal here people.  And with more titles such as The Last of Us, which I will go on record and say will be Game of the Year next year, Playstation All-Star Battle Royale, Sly Cooper and Far Cry coming out, it just seems as though the PS3 is on a mission to beat out Microsoft yet again.

As awesome as ACIII is going to be, the Wii U is not what the people will buy this for

            On the other hand, despite the success from the Nintendo Wii, it has struggled a little bit in terms of keeping up graphically with the other consoles. The newly introduced Wii U is the next gen version for Nintendo but it relies on graphics that are on the same engine as PS3 and XBOX. As much of a good thing that is for competition purposes now, it won’t help in the years to come as Sony and Microsoft push for next gen tech. Either way, games such as Super Mario, Rayman, Zelda, and others will continue to evolve along with the next gen tech.

            Ok enough setting the scene, let’s do this dance of gaming generation battles. My gripe is that there is still more to be had from the current technology. Even though we believe that companies have used all of the systems processing power, people were amazed by one game that basically shattered what we thought we knew of the capabilities of each system. That game is Watch Dogs. 

            Ubisoft finished their E3 conference with an emphatic BANG when they announced and showed off the game. I don’t need to say anything except watch this game…..

No words, just watch and marvel in its glory....

            Yea this game looks that freaking good. I mean it’s got everything and all we say was a sliver; breathtaking and incredibly realistic graphics, a very intuitive AI and contextual gameplay, and the presentation value is off the charts! It also should be noted that this game was just announced, nobody knew it existed. How on Earth do you keep such an awesome game like Watch Dogs under wraps for what the Game Director said was two years of production? HOW?! Comparing this game to what we saw in the Good Samaritan footage it looks as though both are very very similar in terms of graphics and engine power. So I raise the question to you, should we be thinking of the next generation and getting a new system all over again? Or, what I believe should be done, wait and see what the systems have left in the tank because after watching Watch Dogs for the 10^th time (it’s that good man) I easily believe there is more to be had on this generation of consoles. Comment below and keep the discussion going because it is going to be a major talking point for the years to come.

            

"It's About Damn Time"

After nine long seasons of constant critiques, sad endings, controversy, and adversity LeBron James finally got his 1st NBA Title. In a blowout of a Game 5, LeBron carried his team to victory and earned NBA Finals MVP. He finished the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists which was his first triple double of the season for him! What a time to pull that out of his bag of tricks. And when he finally hugged his well earned Larry O' Brien trophy and Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy, all he had to say on finally coming through,

"It's about damn time!"

Well said indeed LeBron, not only just getting your first ring and finally establishing himself as one of the best to play the game of basketball, but also for the Heat who have solidified themselves as a powerhouse in terms of getting the pieces together and getting back to NBA glory.

I'm so happy for LeBron. He's worked so hard and watching him hug that trophy with a gigantic smile on his face almost made me cry. Also this is a sign that LeBron is ready for yet another challenge. That challenge being winning more titles and establishing himself in the pantheon of the best NBA players to play the game. And if teams aren't scared of what the Heat can do now, they will be. LeBron has grown up, and now he's ready to use these new lessons and experiences to dominate the competition.
Enjoy your glory "King" James as it now is properly fitting. You have earned every single bit of this moment.

I gotta find a rhythm..... kinda like LeBron has.

Wow, it's been busy. And I keep having to say that each time I post. Shucks I wish this whole blogging thing was easy, but it really is not. Kudos to all of you who are way better at this gig than a passionate fan who can keep his calender organized. But I digress....

Now to the good stuff, LeBron James is off the charts hot right now. So hot even that he's legs couldn't handle it and gave out on him. But that didn't stop LeBron from hitting the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT SHOT OF HIS NINE YEAR CAREER. It was the stuff of legends, LeBron gets back on the floor after cramps sidelined him with 5 minutes to go, gets the ball with a minute left and pulls up to nail the three pointer and boost the Heat to a 3 point lead. His teammates saw the signs that he needed his team to help, and they answered with authority. Chalmers had 25 points? As annoying as he is to judge as a player, the guy's got guts. And he proved it last night. Will LeBron finally get that highly sought NBA Title? My prediction, the Heat win by 10 and LeBron sheds tears of joy as he finally seals the deal and caresses the Larry O 'Brien trophy.

In other news, E3 went down and from what people are saying, was mostly disappointing. Sure Dead Space 3, The Last of Us, Tomb Raider and Splinter Cell Blacklist are big selling points, but the presence, or lack thereof, of next gen gaming was what held this show back. Now with leaks coming out about Microsoft's plans for the XBOX 720 you wonder what made the companies hesitant. Either way, change is coming to the gaming landscape and this year will just be a filler year. Which to me is disappointing considering there are great games on the horizon.

And finally, the movie world has been pretty quiet. That's My Boy is out in theaters and still haven't seen it, but did get to see Prometheus and was pleased. Wasn't blown away, but the questions presented in the film's plot were interesting and provide possible arguments for years to come. But for now as a summer blockbuster, didn't hold up to the expectations. Still waiting on The Dark Knight Rises, which keeps on releasing content and makes my anticipation that much worse. I would describe what it feels like for me to wait for this movie, but after sitting through my Media Law class during this summer I'm gonna keep it censored until I get to the point where I can write a book on whatever the hell I want. Until then, I'll give you this. Waiting for this movie is like waiting for a roller coaster. The wait takes FOREVER and it's usually hot and there are way too many people, and they only run one train every 3 minutes. But in the back of your head you know once you strap in, the adrenaline and joyous screams are worth the wait.

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter: @chipbrierre, and I am finally making a Podcast. Technology rocks. Once I publish my first one I'll post the link here.

Stay Schemin My Friends