Who's next after Pacman retires?

Tonight Manny Pacquiao fights Tony Margarito for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight Championship in Dallas, TX where he last beat Joshua Clottey a few months back. As a Pacman supporter, I'm firmly behind my fellow countryman in his quest for an 8^th division title and should be the better of the two combatants in Texas Stadium. Just like Jeff mentioned in his blog the other day, we Filipinos are gambling folk and there's nothing I like better than a sure thing. There's no doubt in my mind that this one's a sure thing.

Manny's Last Fight?

Pacquiao will be fighting over 147 for the first time while Margarito will step in the ring for only his second bout in the weight class, the first being in a fight I'm sure he'd rather not ever have mentioned again. Manny looks to add to his legacy while Tony looks to redeem his.



It'll be speed and accuracy versus endurance and power as Margarito's chin will resist a bit of the punishment bound to fly at him in the way of right jabs, left crosses, and right hooks. Margarito will stalk Pacquiao around the ring as his longer punch will continually be avoided and followed by counters. There will be times where he will catch the smaller fighter on the ropes or in the corner and get in a few heavy shots, but for the most part his aggressive style will have him walking into punches from directions he will never have known possible. I'm predicting Pacman gets the TKO in the seventh after putting Tony down for the third time in the round.

Manny and his people know this is a good fight for him and though many will call for the immediate signing of Manny and Mayweather once again, it's very unlikely that'll happen, IMO. A lot has been said about Manny's side projects between fights and even during training for fights. There's nothing he won't do for his people however with a legacy stamped with 50+ wins and eight titles in eight weight classes, it will be time for him to hang up the gloves and devote his time to other endeavors. He has said himself that he has already accomplished everything he has ever wanted to from within the ring. His life in boxing has been a storied one and though it won't continue in arenas fighting for titles, his legacy will grow as he blazes a new trail to become the Filipino president one day.

His departure from boxing will leave behind a void for a new Champion to take the helm.

I love to fly...still

It’s Sunday night, I’m on the last of six planes I’ve been on this week, and even though I love to fly it’ll be nice to be home. Normally I prefer the aisle seat so I can get up without having to interrupt anyone, it’s that polite Canadian manner that I’ve grown up with. On each of the five planes before this, I had an aisle seat but on this last one, I sit in 22A on United Airlines 97 from Chicago to Vancouver, and as the plane flies through the evening skies a quarter moon accompanies the ride above the sparkling lights of the cities below. It’s a perfect setting for me to reflect on this past week.

You see, NHL 11 and NHL SLAPSHOT launched this week and all spring and summer as the Community Manager on these titles, I’ve been excitedly planning and looking forward to the events that I’m now returning home from. My travel started on Tuesday when I rolled out of bed at 4:30am and kissed my wife Carissa good-bye and made my way to the airport for a 6:00am flight to NYC via Chicago. It would be in New York that we would officially kick off the launch of NHL 11 with this year’s cover athlete Jonathan Toews along with last year’s cover athlete Patrick Kane at the NHL Store in Manhattan.

This would be followed by a couple more flights to get to Dallas for the Stars Ice-Breaker event where plans were made for demoing the game. These plans were locked in and all we need to do was get on the planes, get into these towns and execute.

The launch in NYC would also serve as the venue where I also hosted 12 of the top gamers who played on the two NHL 10 EASHL Championship teams a few months prior. For winning the their respective console’s online tournament, these players who had never met before in person received the chance to celebrate their victory in the Big Apple and take part in the Launch Event festivities.

During that flight to Chicago, I couldn’t help but look back at last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs and how I was going to have a chance to meet these same two players who defeated my beloved Canucks two years in a row. At first it kind of irked me when it was decided that Toews would be the cover on NHL 11 not only given that, but also because of the fact that we had another Chicago guy on the cover two years in a row as well. Argh. I eventually came to appreciate and understand the reasoning behind the decision: Canadian Gold Medalist, a great personality (Mr. Serious is just a front ;) and the youngest captain in the league who also just happens to be the most recent one to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup to make that first pass to his team. Even though I’ve learned to accept it, doesn’t mean I totally have to like it ;)

I also wondered how these 12 gamers would get along with one another in person and how the event was going to fit with them hanging out and taking part in the festivities and get autographs for their copies of NHL 11. We planned for media to have their time with the players along with a trick-shot competition and an autograph session for people who also picked up the game from the store on Wednesday, which just happened to be my 36th birthday. No, I didn’t plan that, but I imagined that it was going to be something being in NYC celebrating what one friend on facebook called, “my celebration of escaping the womb”. Couldn’t have said it better myself.  A lot of different variables, though we planned to be ready for anything.  Well, almost everything.

Flying into Chicago though was something else that Tuesday morning. About a half hour out, we hit some serious turbulence that at first I thought we’d clear eventually, but as the pilot came over the intercom and asked everyone to take their seats and fasten their seat belts, it seemed we were in for a rough landing in the Windy City.

The plane began to rock back and forth as we made our descent and I couldn’t help think, if only for a moment, that what would happen if the plane tipped coming in and landed on one wheel snapping it off and skidding plane into the ground. Gulp. I remember looking around me and noticing a couple of people holding on to their armrests with a little bit of extra grip with white in their knuckles. I’d never had a fear of flying and, as mentioned, I actually love to fly.

However, coming in as bumpy as we were I had these crazy thoughts and even told myself quietly that if we landed safely I’d be extra good in NYC. I wouldn’t give Kane a hard time for ripping my heart out in the playoffs and I’d give extra shots to the EASHL Champs during our Championship dinner. In a matter of a few shakes of the plane I’d gone from a great flyer to one of the white-knuckled poor flyers that I’d always giggled at in the past.

The approach into Chicago didn’t ease up. Every drop as we descended was accompanied with shakes and rocking and I found myself with some serious dry mouth. I looked out the window as the horizon rose and fell with the motion of the plane. I had five more flights to get through during the week and I wondered if all of them would be as bumpy as this one. Of course they wouldn’t, but man, crazy thoughts take over one’s mind as fear grips like a mo-fo. I still had to get to NYC and then from there to Dallas via DC a few days later. Would I even make to a few days later???

The plane was about twenty feet above ground when a gust hit the wing for one last tilt which made one lady yelp. And once the one lady yelped, others seemed to hold their breath as a synchronized inhale spoke for the entire cabin. And then the back wheels hit the ground followed by the front wheel and the cabin exhaled. Finally!

“And let me be the first to welcome you to Chicago,” said the pilot. “I guess there’s a reason they call this the Windy City.” The passengers let out a cheer and even I had to let out a Ric Flair “Wooo!” for touching down safe and sound. Upon leaving the plane I’d give the pilot a thumbs-up and he replied with a nod and a wink as if he’d done it a thousand times. I’m sure he had.

Of course, the week would go awesome as planned and I was extra enthused through all the events from NYC to Dallas. The flight before the one I’m on now was actually into Chicago as well and though I had a few thoughts tracing back to Tuesday, the approach and landing was nowhere near as bumpy. I’m glad that the experience didn’t remove my love for flying and if only making me appreciate the ground a little more than usual.

So as we prepare to descend into Vancouver, the window seat has been somewhat welcome. We were late getting out of Chicago only because they had some repairs to do to the auxiliary engines. I know there were some put off by the forty-five minute delay, but I had no problems waiting all night if it meant making sure the plane was safe enough to fly.

Looking out on the night sky, with all the fun of launching this week, I find it funny that with all the planning that went into this week, I can appreciate now how traveling for some can be the toughest part. I won’t let that stop me from flying in the future as I love creating and being a part of these events. I guess no matter how much you plan for them, however, one’s always bound to encounter bumps on the road…I mean, in the air.

MasterBatters, Kensington Slo-Pitch Div II Champs!

In what can only be called one of the most exciting finishes in Slo-Pitch Softball history, the MasterBatters overcame numerous hurdles, unruly opponents, sketchy rosters, and worst of all – blazing heat to win six out of seven games en route to the team’s second Championship in two years, this time taking a step up and winning the B Division!

With only barely being able to field a team, the MBs were matched up against A Division’s Beer Factor who finished outside the top 8 and were relegated to the B Division playoffs.  Without shade and without subs, the MBs played great defense behind Heather’s pitching and consistent batting from the entire team getting out to a 5-0 lead and never looking back.  The second game would see more of the same as Beer Factor would strand a number of players on base with big plays being made in the field by the MBs.  The series would be clinched with a catch made by Dave sprinting in from left field, right by Trevor roving, and making a 2-inch off the ground catch to close the series and send the MBs to Championship Sunday in a semi-final match-up against the Coyotes.

Heat would be a factor once again as record highs in the city would drain teams the longer they played into the day.  The Coyotes and MBs have had numerous battles this year splitting games and their squad sounded pretty confident once they found out they were playing us.  Add the subtle injuries players were starting to feel and it looked to be an uproad battle to the finals.  The teams would split the first two games with MBs winning the first with consistent fielding including a nice play from Byron-Quinto-Trevor-Dave to get an out at third, while the MB bats continued to roll with Dan finding the base numerous times when we needed support the most.  With a change in the 2^nd game moving Ollie into center, the Coyotes took advantage of a blazing sun and a capless CFer to get some big runs and taking game two.  A pitching change in the third would turn the tables back to the MBs as the Coyotes would have a hard time getting their bats on the Quinto-sidespin falling behind 9-0 and possibly getting mercy-ruled out of out of the playoffs.  Unfortunately, some hits and an poor throws on bunts on my part put them on the board and extended the game.  I would battle throws to first most of the day, though big thanks to Jenn for digging a couple out of the dirt.  On the flip side, huge props go out to our ladies who consistently found first on clutch hits and key bunts out-running throws or pushing our runners along into scoring positions.  The game wasn’t without more stellar defense including a belly-flop diving catch from Trev now on third to end an inning with runners on base while old-man Colin continuously found life to make catch after catch from the rover position.  In SS, Dave would secure the win with plays to first where Jenn consistently made outs whether throws were coming from him or Sheri on 2^nd who also was as cool as a cucumber given her counterpart on the other team was a complete douchebag with a mouth like a NYC trucker.  The team would need a break and re-fueling before taking on the surprising Canadian Flyers in the Championship Finals.

Before the finals even began, there were questions about the CF roster.  Players that were unfamiliar to many made up a pretty strong squad that defeated the Relics in their opening series before coming back and beating BullsHit in their semi-finals.  Though their coach was unable to produce lineups proving their players played enough games, we would take their word, focus on our game and play the finals out without question.  Add the fact that they also had a few players from the Fireballs joining them on their sideline, and it was a series that had the makings of potential fireworks.  Once again, no shade and little rest as the first game started.  The teams would exchange runs early before the MBs slowly crept away late taking the first game after key outs from Byron/Colin/Dave in the field.  Game two would see a pitching change on their side which would make a difference as the CF’s went out to an early lead after a muffed throw to first (again) and big hits on their side.  It would be the only 3 runs they would get all game.

Their bench began to gain confidence as the MBs, looking a little weary from long games and scorching heat started popping up balls and having a hard time getting on base.  Comments about a no-hitter and shutout began ringing on the other side, however the MBs defence still held their own with key two-handed catches from Dan in right and some big throws from the outfield to first to catch a couple of their slower runners (Great rule change, btw!).  In the sixth is when the tides would turn as a two-out pop deep to center by Byron was uncharacteristically played just short and dropped.  Dan would fly into home as would Byron beating the relay to put the MBs on the board down by only one run.  In the bottom of the sixth, the CFs would rally themselves getting runners on base.  With one out, the key play saw a hit into the field where Dave came up throwing to third where Ollie put his foot down in front of the bag and put the tag on their runner for the 2^nd out.  The third out would be a pop-up short to left which would have been a sure score from their runner from 2^nd, but Byron would make a diving catch to end the inning.  In the last inning, the comeback would be complete when Ollie would take his momentum from the out and turn it into a big hit himself.  Patience would be a virtue as I chased a bad pitch high for a second strike and after not finding a base all game, it didn’t look good.  Holding back on the next few pitches would put the count to full and I’d find a gift of a pitch that I swung on that zinged right past the pitcher’s head into center field for a double with Ollie representing the tying run at 3^rd.  Cue more drama as Trevor would swing at the 2^nd pitch and push the ball into the field scoring Ollie for the tie and moving me to third.  Jenn would find a bunt and on the throw to first for the out, we’d take the lead as I crossed the plate moving Trevor to 2^nd.  Dave would pop up to deep right and as their players celebrated the catch, Trevor sprinted around 3^rd and made it into home for a two-run lead.  It would be all the runs the MBs would need to close things out.

In the bottom of the 7^th, we’d get the first out with a hit straight back to me…an easy underhand to first.  They would get a hit into short right putting the tying run at the plate and a runner on 1^st.  Pop up to right where Dan’s two-handed magic would make the play.  Two outs, female at the plate…everyone knew the bunt was coming to advance the runner.  Then the pitch…and the bunt…and everyone behind me gasping for a breath.  Heather behind the plate, let up and I grabbed the ball, stuck it into my glove with a step and drilled a throw to first praying to God that it would hit Jenn’s outstretched glove.  The smack of the ball hitting the glove a step before the runner’s foot planted was sweeter than angels singing as the celebration began and comments of disbelief over the throw echoed amongst us.  It’ll be a finish I’m sure those who were present will never forget…especially to those Fireball players present to watch the game including our favorite 3^rd baseman who Heather over-heard sayin’ “Man, I hate these guys.”  I have a feeling he hates us even more J

A huge thanks to everyone on this team that made this year’s season so much fun to play in.  Though there were ups and downs, it couldn’t have ended any better.  But is it the end?

The New Shooting Mechanics in NBA ELITE 11

What do you think about the new shooting mechanic?

Quick Pics from E3

E3 is just about in the books and these past three days have been nothing short of a video gamers dream come true!  I know we've got more videos on the way but in the meantime I thought I'd throw up some pics from my walk through the EA SPORTS floor today.  Great job by all the EA SPORTS demo staff on hand as it's no doubt there are plenty of tired feet and lost voices among them.

But enough from me...click on the thumbs to see larger versions and thanks to all the fans at home for their replies and comments on my twitter this past week.

EA SPORTS Dominates Best of E3 Sports Category

The critics have spoken and the hard work put in by the number of development teams at Tiburon and EA Canada have been recognized on Day Two of E3.  IGN released their list of nominees, less Best Overall game, and within the Sports Video Games category EA SPORTS had the only five titles listed.  The five that will by vying for their Best Sports Game at E3 are EA SPORTS MMA, Madden NFL 11, FIFA Soccer 11, NHL 11, and NBA JAM.

What was also pretty cool was during today's EA SPORTS Show with Peter Moore, three EA SPORTS titles also received nods to get into the Video Game Guinness Book of World Records.  The FIFA franchise, with Producer David Rutter on hand, received a Guinness Award for the highest sales in a franchise pushing out 60 million copies in its lifetime.  The Madden NFL franchise was recognized for its longevity as Senior Producer Phil Frazier received the award for most titles in a series.  Does anyone know how many years the franchise has been out?  First correct answer tweeted to me @sk88z gets a copy of Madden NFL 11 when the game ships!  Lastly, NHL 09 received a Guinness Award for being the First MMO Sports game with David Littman receiving the award on behalf of the team back at EA Canada.

With a couple of extra hours more than yesterday and what seemed to be bigger crowds, the show floor definitely heated up and I joked on twitter that the one booth that could've been as big a hit as the EA booth would've been a Speed Stick one.  However, if you were lucky enough to get in behind closed doors to check out some of the EA SPORTS games that weren't on the show floor, you were welcomed with some nice AC and an exclusive look at NHL 11, FIFA 11, NBA ELITE 11, and OTP action in Madden NFL 11.

Following today's EA SPORTS Show (we'll have videos tomorrow right here on the Inside EA SPORTS blog), select community leaders were given an opportunity to not only get inside those closed doors, but they also were given a chance to speak directly with Peter Moore and get some questions with him.  Community leaders from Operation Sports, the The Bitbag, TQCast, SFX-360, 360 Sync and more got inside looks that were usually only reserved for larger press outlets.

See below for videos posted today including a look at demonstration of EA SPORTS Active and a full quarter of NBA JAM:

And if you missed the blogs posted earlier, click here to check out yesterday's EA SPORTS Live Show and OTP action in Madden NFL 11.

Check back tomorrow for more from EA at E3 including today's EA SPORTS Live show featuring another live demonstration of EA SPORTS Active on the XBOX 360 Kinect, and Gus Johnson doing live play-by-play with Madden NFL 11.

That's it for now...we're off to the Strikeforce MMA event tonight at the Nokia Center and then who knows what the night brings. May want to follow me on twitter for a fun tweetphoto or two ;)

EA's E3 Press Conference Impresses

Though the doors to the LA Convention Center don't open until tomorrow, today was filled with early E3 goodness as press conferences from first-party manufacturers and leading publishers, including Electronic Arts, were attended by gamers that have descended into the city.  EA proudly introduced ten titles that will be featured this week and among them, EA SPORTS grabbed the attention of sports gamers as President Peter Moore introduced EA SPORTS Active 2, EA SPORTS MMA, and Madden NFL 11.

With yesterday's official unveiling of the XBOX 360's Kinect (formerly known as Natal...I wonder if it'll have a symbol?), EA SPORTS Active 2 naturally becomes the first game out the label to bring the new motion sensing device to our fans.  The on-stage demonstration saw @EASActiveGirl and others sweating it up with new exercises using the new wireless leg and arm straps that include heart-rate monitors (which by the way had KP up at 167 bpm...either that's quite the workout or she was just a tad nervous on stage as well!).  Check out the newest EA SPORTS Active 2 video here.

Here's what fans had to say on Twitter:

@yuki_hime - @EASActiveGirl You were looking good up on that stage. Looking forward to seeing more of EA SPORTS Active 2!
@scbound - I want the EA SPORTS Active 2...definitely something I'd love to get! 

We've known for a while now that coming this fall we'd be diving into mixed martial arts with EA SPORTS MMA.  Today the team from Tiburon announced that two fighters will be on the cover of the game which will officially be released on October 26^th.
Gracing the cover of the first MMA game from EA SPORTS will be the ageless legend Randy Couture along with heavyweight bruiser and world champion Fedor Emelianenko.  Moore talked about different individual fighter styles and how they've been recreated in the game along with how different real-world environments will provide their own flavor making every fight unique.

The biggest news coming out of the game, however, had to be the announcement of EA SPORTS Live Broadcast.  This new feature in EA SPORTS MMA gives gamers the chance to fight in front of fans everywhere and truly experience what it is like to be a professional athlete.  You will be able to upload your personal pre-fight hype video message online and selected fighters will have their fights broadcasted live along with accompanying play-by-play.  It's a pretty ambitious endeavor and could most definitely be the start of something bigger and better for all EA SPORTS titles.  Make sure you tune in tomorrow at 3PM PST to see the first EA SPORTS MMA Live Broadcast!

@brianjyriel - EA MMA is lookin' awesome! Especially EA SPORTS Live Broadcast!
@TheCodySchulman - Sounds like the most badass MMA game ever!

Finally, Moore unveiled some of the new features to Madden NFL 11 including an all new way for gamers to call their plays and online co-op.  What better person to enter stage-left than 4-time Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Famer Joe Montana.  They broke down what coaches and QB's do during play-calling and how the card the coach holds contains plays divided up by situation.  For example, there are specific plays the coach would call in a 1^st and 10 down in your own half vs a 3^rd and 4 inside the red zone.  By the sounds of it, plays will be available in the menu based on down and distance which should make it a little easier to get the right play at the right time. I'm pretty sure during Joe's time they didn't have mics inside player's helmets providing coaching advice on the fly, though it is a cool new feature in the upcoming Madden. Check out the new features here:  PS3 Features / XBOX 360 Features

@Lirodon - Madden NFL 11 looks quite awesome!
@jcallahan - Madden NFL 11 looks to easily be the slickest, most accessible, and all around best Football game ever. Oh and the cover is awesome.

During the press conference, we also pushed out a bunch of new content including the first NHL 11 trailer, NCAA Football 11 blog and video to go with today's demo release, and more videos from Peter Moore on his thoughts on EA SPORTS MMA, Madden NFL 11, and NCAA Football 11 at E3 this week.­­­


All this and we haven't even gotten inside the conference center yet!  For the lucky fans that are at E3 tomorrow, make sure you head over to the EA stage at 3:00PM PST where Peter Moore will be hosting the EA SPORTS Show and talking with producers and special guests.  On tap for discussion will be NBA JAM, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 on the Sony Move, NHL Slapshot, and EA SPORTS MMA.  I'll be there a little bit before the start to give away a bunch of swag so follow me on Twitter and during the show we'll be giving away a couple of Dwight Howard autographed copies of Nintendo Power along with some tickets to Wednesday night's Strikeforce event. 

Tomorrow plans to be quite the opening day of E3 and I couldn't be more excited to be in Los Angeles for this year's event.  Look out for tweetphotos, quick stories, and swag giveaways live and on twitter from the EA SPORTS Community team throughout the week.