tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628276389714708792024-03-13T12:23:05.303-07:00Gölbez's GrowlingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-36941225002203639472016-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:002016-10-05T10:54:34.064-07:00MTG: Kaladesh Nicknames and Knick-KnacksWhile Kaladesh may not have inspired me to do as much deck-building as previous sets, it has inspired me in another way: Flavour.<br />
<br />
<h2>
NICKNAMES</h2>
<br />
Much like "Robopup", for Filigree Familiar, there are other cards that I will likely refer to by their new nicknames. Here are some that I've either come up with, or seen elsewhere (or both! great minds think alike).<br />
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<h3>
AERIAL RESPONDER -> VAMPIRE WHITEHAWK</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Aerial Responder" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Aerial%2BResponder%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Vampire Nighthawk" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Vampire%2BNighthawk%2B%255BDDK%255D.jpg" /></div>
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Makes sense...<br />
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<h3>
VISIONARY AUGMENTER -> "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BITCH!"</h3>
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I'm sure this resemblance to Ripley fighting the Alien was no coincidence<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Visionary Augmenter" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Visionary%2BAugmenter%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2xor4sjn8k/V5P5Fs0lA1I/AAAAAAAAQiw/omIUUvPtlsYW3A8yjW4_C9DrOYCVvk8fg/w640-h400-p-k/Aliens%2BMeme.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image result for Get away from her you bitch" border="0" height="250" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2xor4sjn8k/V5P5Fs0lA1I/AAAAAAAAQiw/omIUUvPtlsYW3A8yjW4_C9DrOYCVvk8fg/w640-h400-p-k/Aliens%2BMeme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
CEREMONIOUS REJECTION -> "TALK TO THE HAND!"</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Ceremonious Rejection" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Ceremonious%2BRejection%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
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She is a rebel and a traitor! Take her away!<br />
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<h3>
<br />PRAKHATA CLUB SECURITY -> "YOU AREN'T ON THE LIST!"</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Prakhata Club Security" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Prakhata%2BClub%2BSecurity%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
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I didn't want to go to your stupid club, anyway!<br />
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<h3>
<br />WILY BANDAR - THE GRINCH</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Wily Bandar" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Wily%2BBandar%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="285" /><img alt="Image result for jim carrey grinch" height="312" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/26/71/cc/2671ccbd5c6e8d7b9f97593407b8068b.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I guess it is hard to do a "Cat Monkey", but c'mon...<br />
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<h3>
<br />KAMBAL, CONSUL OF ALLOCATION -> SOUP NAZI</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.avenuecalgary.com/larry-thomas-is-the-seinfeld-soup-nazi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image result for soup nazi" border="0" height="256" src="https://www.avenuecalgary.com/larry-thomas-is-the-seinfeld-soup-nazi.jpg" width="300" /></a><img alt="Kambal, Consul of Allocation" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Kambal%252C%2BConsul%2Bof%2BAllocation%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
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"No non-creature spell for you!"<br />
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<h3>
<br />NARNAM COBRA -> NOMNOM COBRA</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Narnam Cobra" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Narnam%2BCobra%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
Much easier to remember.<br />
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<h3>
INVENTOR'S APPRENTICE -> NERD APE</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Inventor's Apprentice" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Inventor%2527s%2BApprentice%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Kird Ape" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Kird%2BApe%2B%255B3ED%255D.jpg" /></div>
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The newest 2/3 for one red mana.<br />
<h3>
<br />DHUND OPERATIVE -> "DUN DUN DUN!!"</h3>
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<a href="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Dhund%2BOperative%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dhund Operative" border="0" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Dhund%2BOperative%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></a></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/886ecuKO6Zw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/886ecuKO6Zw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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<br />
The card that comes with its own soundtrack!<br />
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<h2>
<br />PICTURE IMPERFECT</h2>
<br />
I don't usually like criticising art and artists, especially since it is a subjective medium.<br />
<br />
Still, there are a few cards in Kaladesh where the art has me scratching my head...and it's not from my dog's fleas.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Curio Vendor" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Curio%2BVendor%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Not only is Curio Vendor a terrible card, but this might be the worst Magic card art in some time... the face just looks off.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Syndicate Trafficker" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Syndicate%2BTrafficker%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">They call 'em "fingers," but I never see 'em fing. Oh wait, there they go."</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Quicksmith Genius" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Quicksmith%2BGenius%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
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The "I did it!" expression looks a bit goofy, and how the hell is this guy a 3/2?<br />
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Do you even lift, bro? Of course not. This guy hasn't lifted anything heavier than a jar of peanut butter in his life.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Ghirapur Guide" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Ghirapur%2BGuide%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
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Would you like some candy? Just come this way to my van!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Diabolic Tutor" height="400" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Diabolic%2BTutor%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" width="286" /></div>
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Yes, this looks like Liliana telling Chandra, "It was me who farted!"<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dramatic Reversal" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Dramatic%2BReversal%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
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ASSEMBLE THE JACE-TICE LEAGUE! *Snore*<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this lighter look at Kaladesh. Maybe I'll make it a regular thing. Maybe I'll just be lazy and not.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-57161526220120205522016-10-03T09:18:00.005-07:002016-10-03T13:19:23.844-07:00MTG: Casual Cogitations on Kaladesh<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for KAladesh" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6ubsF-7baTDMAhTZlTqvdq-dsEP6lrGkfeqDbL2SXrBooDObx0g" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While I usually do a post about the 10+ intriguing casual cards from the new set, Kaladesh just hasn't inspired me as much. Strange, given that this is the set of inventions.</div>
<br />
The vehicles and energy feel a little gimmicky to me, to be honest, but I am loving the India-inspired atmosphere of the set AND appreciate the fact we're not facing more big tentacle monsters.<br />
<br />
Although life has been busy and I haven't been in a brewing mode, there are still some cards that casual players will definitely want to keep an eye on, and a few cards that have piqued my interest<br />
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<br />
<hr />
<h2>
#VALUETOWN</h2>
<br />
One thing I've noticed from this set is how many cards are similar to past casual all-stars. These are the sorts of cards that can fit into many decks I own.<br />
<br />
Let's see what clones Kaladesh has brought us.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Torrential Gearhulk / Snapcaster Mage</b></h3>
<img alt="Torrential Gearhulk" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Torrential%2BGearhulk%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Snapcaster Mage" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Snapcaster%2BMage%2B%255BISD%255D.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Torrential Gearhulk does a great imitation of Snapcaster Mage. Granted, it costs four more mana, and gets only instants, but the gearhulk DOES allow you to play any instant from your graveyard at no additional mana cost.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Noxious Gearhulk / Nekrataal</b></h3>
<img alt="Noxious Gearhulk" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Noxious%2BGearhulk%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Nekrataal" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Nekrataal%2B%255B10E%255D.jpg" /><br />
<br />
There have been a few different Nekrataal-type creatures over the years, but one that GAINS you life and is a big beater? This was one of my prerelease MVPs.<br />
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>Arborback Stomper / Thragtusk</b></h3>
<img alt="Arborback Stomper" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Arborback%2BStomper%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Thragtusk" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Thragtusk%2B%255BM13%255D.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Stompypoo, aka Baby Thragtusk, might not leave behind a kid when it dies, but it does have trample and a bigger butt!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Cloudblazer / Mulldrifter</h3>
<img alt="Cloudblazer" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Cloudblazer%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Mulldrifter" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Mulldrifter%2B%255BC14%255D.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Mulldrifter belongs to my Top 10 cards of All Time list, and Cloudblazer is smoking it own path to valuetown.<br />
<br />
Now, Mulldrifter is common (pauper!) and can be evoked, if need be, so it will almost always win out. Cloudblazer does have the nice life gain tacked on, and why not have four of each on your deck? *cackle*<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Filigree Familiar / Solemn Simulacrum</b></h3>
<img alt="Filigree Familiar" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Filigree%2BFamiliar%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Solemn Simulacrum" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Solemn%2BSimulacrum%2B%255BC14%255D.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Robopup is the cutest card in the set, and is built to be used in the same way EDH-MVP Simulacrum is... in almost every single bloody deck!<br />
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<hr />
<h2>
TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER</h2>
<br />
After opening a box and attending a prerelease, a few cards caught my eye and will have to find their ways into my grubby hands. Here is my Top 5:<br />
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<h3>
5. CHANDRA, TORCH OF DEFIANCE</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Chandra, Torch of Defiance" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Chandra%252C%2BTorch%2Bof%2BDefiance%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
<br />
Could it be? A Chandra with four different abilities?<br />
<br />
Card advantage? Ramp? Protects itself?<br />
<br />
What makes her intriguing is how hard it is to know just how good or bad she will be, and what kind of decks she can fit into best.<br />
<br />
Some planeswalkers are definite build-arounds (Nissa Revane) and others are just good all of the time (Jace, the Mind Sculptor). Chandra's flexibility suggests that she'd be good in a variety of decks, but is probably most at home in a mid-range creature-heavy strategy.<br />
<h3>
<br />4. METALLURGIC SUMMONINGS</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Metallurgic Summonings" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Metallurgic%2BSummonings%2B%255BKLD%255D.jpg" /></div>
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The most build-around of build-around me cards, this converts any instant or sorcery, good or not, into a useful creature.<br />
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Turning a 5-mana Tidings into a 5/5 on top of drawing four cards? Cute, but I want more.<br />
<br />
Imagine packing this into a blue-red storm shell?<br />
<br />
Combo off with your mana producing spells like as Seething Song and Manamorphose, create an army of tokens, and then use the mana to get back all of your spells and do it again?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Manamorphose" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Manamorphose%2B%255BMMA%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Seething Song" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Seething%2BSong%2B%255B9ED%255D.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Rite of Flame" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Rite%2Bof%2BFlame%2B%255BCSP%255D.jpg" /><img alt="Brainstorm" src="https://cdn1.mtggoldfish.com/images/gf/Brainstorm%2B%255B5ED%255D.jpg" /></div>
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<img src="https://image.spreadshirtmedia.com/image-server/v1/compositions/111497258/views/1,width=300,height=300,appearanceId=231,version=1465297176/now-you-re-playing-with-power-men-s-premium-t-shirt.jpg" /></div>
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<h3>
<b>3. FUMIGATE</b></h3>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.wizards.com/2016/bVvMNuiu2i_KLD/en_HpJJsK3R6H.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://media.wizards.com/2016/bVvMNuiu2i_KLD/en_HpJJsK3R6H.png" width="286" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The one downside of playing a board-stabilizing Wrath effect is that you are probably already down a big chunk of life, and your opponents have first crack at filling up the board with more threats. If I wrath the board, and am down to 5 life, I am still teetering on death, and have just delayed the inevitable. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Thankfully, Fumigate solves that problem. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting to clear the board AND gain back some life will really help against the most aggressive decks. In a multi-player game? Sure, I'd love to gain about 10 life on top of my spring cleaning.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
<b>2. PANHARMONICON</b></h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Panharmonicon" src="https://media.wizards.com/2016/bVvMNuiu2i_KLD/en_BNCoE3UEk8.png" /></div>
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What better way to get more value out of your value cards than getting twice the value? VALUE!<br />
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Cloudblazer? Draws me four cards and gains me four life.<br />
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Primeval Titan? Sure, I'll go and fetch four lands out of my deck.<br />
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This card requires very little effort and asks only that you play creatures that you are already playing with. I expect this will see extensive EDH and casual play in any deck with creatures utilizing 'enters the battlefield' triggers.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
1. AETHERFLUX RESERVOIR</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Aetherflux Reservoir" src="https://media.wizards.com/2016/bVvMNuiu2i_KLD/en_KuDOnPV1qn.png" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I used to have a deck that did almost nothing but gain life. The 'win' condition was Storm Herd and Felidar Sovereign.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The deck was great at gaining thousands of life, but then my win conditions would be dealt with before I could actually bloody win the game! I took apart the deck because it really never did much but turn me into a big meatsack.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This card, however, has me contemplating rebuilding that deck and taking out multiple opponents with the thousands of life I've stored. Just imagine the look on their faces when you whip this out and 50! 50! 50!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="285" src="https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/marvelvscapcom/images/1/1e/Ryu-hadoken-artwork.png/revision/latest?cb=20110908180744" width="400" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Spam HADOUKEN!)</span></i></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These are just some of the Kaladesh cards I will likely tinker with. What cards are sparking the creativity in your head?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-849457829051555252016-07-26T08:42:00.006-07:002016-07-26T11:27:36.931-07:00MTG: 13 Intriguing Casual Cards from Eldritch Moon<i>"Not another bloody Eldrazi set!</i>" I thought, when Emrakul was announced as the big baddie for Eldritch Moon.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the set seems far more interesting than Battle for Zendikar. I can appreciate the Lovecraftian Eldritch horror theme, and this set is far from another Allies vs. faceless menace we had in the last block. Rather than facing off against waves of drones, we see how Emrakul has twisted an already dark plane into further madness.<br />
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This set is also a home run in terms of intriguing cards for us filthy casuals. I had a hard time narrowing down the list.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>13. SPLENDID RECLAMATION. </b></h3>
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This card is just asking to be abused.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQK7-XUFgK0/V5JIHp5G1HI/AAAAAAAABPk/1IuHihuufQIxj0GlLXHkhZdQEfou8RgqACLcB/s1600/140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQK7-XUFgK0/V5JIHp5G1HI/AAAAAAAABPk/1IuHihuufQIxj0GlLXHkhZdQEfou8RgqACLcB/s320/140.jpg" width="224" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhtbKV-Y-5w/V5JICOR5IDI/AAAAAAAABPg/3AUwtx41-8wNMULK49WjVK8Godafm2KwQCLcB/s1600/splended.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhtbKV-Y-5w/V5JICOR5IDI/AAAAAAAABPg/3AUwtx41-8wNMULK49WjVK8Godafm2KwQCLcB/s320/splended.png" width="229" /></a></div>
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<br />
What better way than to combo it with Devastating Summons. Float all of your mana, sacrifice all of your lands for a couple of large tokens, and then get all of the lands back. Easy peasy.<br />
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If you want to be a total jerk, you could also combo this with Armageddon or Jokulhaups. Who needs friends, anyway?<br />
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<h3>
<b>12. WRETCHED GRYFF</b></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbgp1VkL5aw/V5JKdM4Sr0I/AAAAAAAABP0/6OFiKyYHVYczxVHeqq74gVRdvdH62LU3ACLcB/s1600/gryff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbgp1VkL5aw/V5JKdM4Sr0I/AAAAAAAABP0/6OFiKyYHVYczxVHeqq74gVRdvdH62LU3ACLcB/s320/gryff.png" width="229" /></a></div>
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The Emerge mechanic is something I'd love to build around, and this common gryff is a decent flyer that replaces itself. This poor man's Mulldrifter is fairly easy to slot in any blue creature-based decks, and will also be a very popular draft/sealed card, as well as a possible pauper staple.<br />
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<h3>
<b>11. PERMEATING MASS</b></h3>
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This annoying <strike>plant</strike> spirit(?) is a nice rattlesnake creature that will cause all sorts of headaches in free-for-all games. In one pre-release game, we ended up with six copies of this bugger.<br />
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When your opponent plans on bringing in the massive beats, their big dude will turn into a copy of this little dork, causing them to think twice about their attacks. *sad trombone*<br />
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While this is no Deadly Recluse (<i>aka The Green Doom Blade</i>), it's a solid one-drop for those who want to be left alone in the corner.<br />
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<h3>
<b>10. CRYPTBREAKER</b></h3>
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As far as discard outlets goes, this is one of the very best. Turning any card into a 2/2 zombie, and then allowing you to draw even more fuel, will break open many stalemates.<br />
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Of course, this is yet another card that combos so well with Gravecrawler.<br />
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<i>"Discard me, please!"</i></div>
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<h3>
<b>9. SIGARDA'S AID</b></h3>
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A rather unique card that allows you to flash in equipment and auras (both pumping and removal), and it only costs one mana!<br />
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The bigger text is the one that allows you to have equipment attached to a creature for free. Equipping a creature always sucks up a lot of mana and leaves you open to removal spells. Why not flash in a Loxodon Warhammer or an Argentum Armor?<br />
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Sigarda sends her regards.<br />
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<h3>
<b>8. DESPERATE SENTRY</b></h3>
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Another great card for pauper decks, and for Emerge decks, the Sentry leaves behind a solid horror token upon its death, and can even be a powerful 4/2 if you pull off delirium.<br />
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There are a few Emerge enablers, but I like this for decks that want to sacrifice creatures for other benefits.<br />
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<h3>
<b>7. DARK SALVATION</b></h3>
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We have the winner for the "Most misread card in the set", as the card is a little confusing, at first read.<br />
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To be clear, the creature being targeted does not need to be controlled by the player getting the zombie tokens.<br />
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I got pwned by this at the pre-release, and it is a great mana sink/removal spell for black decks. Heck, if you already have three zombies in play, and need to kill a 3/3, just cast it for one black mana and you have a cheap removal spell.<br />
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I love spells that scale, and this plays the role of 2-for-1 nicely. While it is definitely best in Zombie decks, it still works in any black deck that loves value.<br />
<h3>
<br /><b>6. STROMKIRK OCCULTIST</b></h3>
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My black-red madness deck needs some oomph, and this card might be the one to finally do it. If you can get this out early, and then connect, you set yourself up nicely for some card advantage. Playing this off of a turn one discard outlet, such as Insolent Neonate, is the best case scenario.<br />
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I like how the Occultist has trample, so that even that sliver of one damage will allow you the benefit of Stromming into the red zone.<br />
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<h3>
<b>5. SPELL QUELLER</b></h3>
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There is a reason why this card is already seeing Standard play and selling for about $15. The oblivion ring for spells is an efficient creature that can really quell your opponents' plans.<br />
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They want to play a big 4-mana creature? <b>SUCK IT!</b><br />
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They have a removal spell for your key piece?<b> STUFF IT!</b><br />
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They want to counter your spell? <b>STICK IT!</b><br />
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Yes, the opponent can get the spell back, but they have to work for it. If you manage to quell a Counterspell, chances are it will be dead for them when they get it back.<br />
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<h3>
<b>4. EMRAKUL, THE PROMISED END</b></h3>
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I promised my wife that I would play this against her first, if I ever get one :)<br />
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Although The Promised End is not nearly as busted as the original Emrakul, the fact that she is protected from many removal spells, and can wreck your opponents' plans, makes this a card truly worthy of the name.<br />
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Imagine casting this for just 8-9 mana?<br />
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<h3>
<b>3, 2, 1... BRISELA!!</b></h3>
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Yes, I am cheating here a bit, but given my love for Angels, I want all three of these cards.<br />
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Despite the fact that BRISELA sounds like a lame celebrity couple name, this is one of the scariest mini-combos you could pull off. I love how Bruna resurrects her sister, and then they become ...<br />
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:O Wow, that is bloody scary, creepy, and a little sad. Imagine being melded to somebody like that? As much as I love my wife, I need my space.<br />
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Part of me wishes that the meld was a 'may' ability, because putting all of my eggs in one basket is a risk I'm somewhat loathe to take.<br />
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Still, Brisela is immune the many of the common removal spells, and will win you the game if not answered quickly.<br />
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While I try to avoid simply jumping on the mythic bandwagon, it's hard not to be totally gobsmacked by Brisela and Emrakul. There have simply never been cards like them.<br />
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What Eldritch Moon cards strike your fancy?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-69856647080165747442016-04-13T13:37:00.003-07:002016-04-13T13:37:46.294-07:00MTG: 13 Intriguing Casual Cards from Shadows over InnistradHallelujah! We are free from the Eldrazi and Ally <strike>menace</strike> bore, and are returning to the popular plane of Innistrad.<br />
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During the first go around, we were immersed in a well-designed horror world, and Wizards of the Coast, rightly decided that a return to Innistrad was in the cards.<br />
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Looking over the card list, and reading the stories, it looks like the return to Innistrad is a successful one. I haven't been this excited for a new set in a long time, and I am enjoying all of the flavour and aroma that permeates the set, such as the short stories, flavour texts, and artwork.<br />
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As is usual, there are a large pile of cards that I am intrigued by, either for building a deck around, or just adding to an existing deck.<br />
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<h4>
PAUPER POSSIBILITIES</h4>
I have been building plenty of punchy pauper (all-commons) decks in recent weeks, so I have an eye out for common cards that pack plenty of power.<br />
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<b>Angelic Purge</b> is an amazingly powerful removal spell that permanently gets rid of a lot of problems. Sacrificing a token creature, or excess land, is not even much of a cost to exile a dirty bomb.<br />
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<b>Vessel of Nascency</b> is a powerful one-time dig spell, for green(!), that can also help fuel your graveyard. The fact that you can get so many different card types helps you search for a more specific weapon, especially compared to previous Green tutors, which usually find just creatures.<br />
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<b>Murderous Compulsion</b> is a strictly better Assassinate, and allows you to pull the old Royal Assassin trick of killing an attacking creature at instant speed! Two mana to remove any (tapped) creature is great value for a common card. Yes, we aren't getting Terror or Doom Blade back at common, but this is close.<br />
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<b>Pyre Hound</b> is a good candidate for Izzet (blue-red) blitz-type decks. Four mana is usually a bit high for that deck, but the fact the pump is permanent, and the fact it has trample, makes this a real possibility for pauper decks that already use Delver of Secrets. <br />
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With that out of the way, here are the bigger bombs that intrigue me.<br />
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<h3>
13. UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS</h3>
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Here, we see the return of the MADNESS mechanic. If you discard the card for any reason, you can play the card as an instant, and at an alternate cost. Of course, you will need to find good outlets to be able to discard your own cards.<br />
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As a five-mana sorcery, getting 6/6 of power, and 3 life, is certainly playable. Late in the game, when you can pump 6-7 mana into this, and get a lethal army online, is really what you want to be doing. I'm not sure why you gain life for letting zombies crawl out of the floor, but I won't complain :)<i> (Are they bringing you food from the pantry?)</i><br />
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<h3>
12. CALL THE BLOODLINE</h3>
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Speaking of such discard outlets, we have a cheap one that allows you to grow an army of lifesucking vampire tokens. The only downside is that you can do it only once a turn, but the upside is the cheap cost of a single mana. In multiplayer, you can activate it on each of their turns, giving you a lovely army by the time it is your turn again.<br />
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For a mini-combo you might get in Shadows over Innistrad, pair the enchantment with Groundskeeper. Basically, it reads "2G: Discard a basic land, get a 1/1 lifelink vampire token into play, and return that land to your hand" Not the most powerful interaction, but you can grind somebody out this way.<br />
<h3>
<br />11. TIRELESS TRACKER</h3>
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I played against this at the pre-release, and it was an annoying grind. I was slipping further into the abyss as my opponent draw an extra card every turn.<span style="color: red;"> </span>Here, you see the new INVESTIGATE ability in action.<br />
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For the simple cost of playing a land (you were doing that, anyway), you get a free clue token. On top of the card advantage engine, the tracker get really hold its own<span style="color: red;"> </span>in combat once you crack enough of these clues. You don't need to put this in a dedicated clue deck, as it will just do work by itself in any grindy green/EDH deck.<br />
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<h3>
10. WESTVALE ABBEY</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkK28bPoy3U/VwauBvbWWwI/AAAAAAAABMM/oPZ5g3jVnjEalCon-NlcK4qugY2Zkf4cg/s1600/westvale1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkK28bPoy3U/VwauBvbWWwI/AAAAAAAABMM/oPZ5g3jVnjEalCon-NlcK4qugY2Zkf4cg/s320/westvale1.png" width="229" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sCBb0JyJrg/VwauFWzGJYI/AAAAAAAABMU/v9VnAtNEr6EsijivqzSVIY7_klqSdcivQ/s1600/westvale2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sCBb0JyJrg/VwauFWzGJYI/AAAAAAAABMU/v9VnAtNEr6EsijivqzSVIY7_klqSdcivQ/s320/westvale2.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
Almost every casual player has some sort of mass tokens deck. Why not sacrifice some of the chum and summon <span style="font-size: large;">ORMENDAHL!</span><br />
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Left unchecked, <span style="font-size: large;">ORMENDAHL!</span> is pretty much going to win you the game. Lifelink and indestructible? Yes, I'd love to gain 9 life a turn!<br />
<br />
The land, itself, is also a passable mana sink. Creating a token, when you have nothing else to do, is useful.<br />
<br />
Now, if Downton Abbey was this interesting, I might actually watch it.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
9. SKIN INVASION</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo-7y4FThQ0/VwbHi2ZbFNI/AAAAAAAABMk/LOg4TdFkWeI2NYlSW_dWozP_1TUj4Tnwg/s1600/skininvasion.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo-7y4FThQ0/VwbHi2ZbFNI/AAAAAAAABMk/LOg4TdFkWeI2NYlSW_dWozP_1TUj4Tnwg/s320/skininvasion.png" width="229" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28yPXDaBXoM/VwbHmHtJlBI/AAAAAAAABMs/uq5WVYgQV9g7FKKqHd6aoAUPnWXQBdF5Q/s1600/skininvasion2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28yPXDaBXoM/VwbHmHtJlBI/AAAAAAAABMs/uq5WVYgQV9g7FKKqHd6aoAUPnWXQBdF5Q/s320/skininvasion2.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the strangest cards printed (And creepiest!), we take a pretty uninspiring enchantment, and turn it into a one-mana 3/4?<br />
<br />
This card produces a nice level of tension: Do you put it on your own creature, and kick it into the Spartan Pit, or do you force your opponents creature to walk into the pit? Either way, you end up with the creature, when all is said and done. Very efficient, and very intriguing.<br />
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<h3>
8. EVER AFTER</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPJV6q4yzC8/VwbIeOf8nqI/AAAAAAAABM4/vU6I8OKqkuUvvRdVB_d8G-7QQyBj27SDw/s1600/everafter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPJV6q4yzC8/VwbIeOf8nqI/AAAAAAAABM4/vU6I8OKqkuUvvRdVB_d8G-7QQyBj27SDw/s320/everafter.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Aww, isn't that a happy couple?<br />
<br />
I'm tempted to Photoshop my wife and I onto this card :) As it is, Ever After is a nice late-game reanimation spell that could replace some of my lesser versions in certain decks.<br />
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<h3>
7. DUSKWATCH RECRUITER</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmQrgfJtao8/VwbI5mklu2I/AAAAAAAABNA/YPIlbI7LrfIdn6brpRsKigt0gavBHkBvw/s1600/recruit1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmQrgfJtao8/VwbI5mklu2I/AAAAAAAABNA/YPIlbI7LrfIdn6brpRsKigt0gavBHkBvw/s320/recruit1.png" width="229" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l67FZEaW3PI/VwbJCXKLUCI/AAAAAAAABNQ/tCjMi_YpWM4iQkBO8E1GelZSepLACwLLQ/s1600/recruit2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l67FZEaW3PI/VwbJCXKLUCI/AAAAAAAABNQ/tCjMi_YpWM4iQkBO8E1GelZSepLACwLLQ/s320/recruit2.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
Duskwatch Recruiter is another grindy green card that will slot well into a variety of decks as a value-added mana sink.<br />
<br />
Being able to basically draw a free card per turn is really potent. I'd rather this creature not flip, to be honest, and would be happy having him just sitting there, recruiting other soldiers/werewolves for my army of darkness.<br />
<br />
If he does flip, and your hand is full, then it's easy enough to flip him back over when you are dumping your hand.<br />
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<h3>
6. RISE FROM THE TIDES</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JomG8vo4l0Q/VwbJ3VyjV7I/AAAAAAAABNg/3UEfGojsZIE9kXMpHrPcqlswe8XFmo-Lw/s1600/risefromthetides.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JomG8vo4l0Q/VwbJ3VyjV7I/AAAAAAAABNg/3UEfGojsZIE9kXMpHrPcqlswe8XFmo-Lw/s320/risefromthetides.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
This uncommon sorcery is an interesting build-around-me card that could have a potentially large payoff, assuming your opponents aren't mean and play Bojuka Bog :(<br />
<br />
If you have any spell-heavy control decks, why not put a copy of this into it and see how it works? I could easily see some of my control decks getting 5+ zombies out of this card. Just use your spells to remove their threats and keep the board clean, then create your own army! This would pair very well with Under the Floorboards.<br />
<br />
Time to stock up on Zombie tokens.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
5. GEISTBLAST</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVxJPFEmuDI/VwbKvrdzztI/AAAAAAAABNs/ILo8RMfnEGQW0X4lTqrpYBbMSJLWPS3Iw/s1600/geistblast.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVxJPFEmuDI/VwbKvrdzztI/AAAAAAAABNs/ILo8RMfnEGQW0X4lTqrpYBbMSJLWPS3Iw/s320/geistblast.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>When there's something strange, in your neighbourhood.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who you gonna call? GEISTBLASTERS!</i></div>
<br />
I'm rather disappointed that this doesn't say 'destroy target spirit' :(<br />
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On the other hand, this is one of the top cards in the set for high-ceiling potential.<br />
<br />
After you are done shocking something, you have the ability to copy one of your best spells. The mana cost isn't cheap, but I could see EDH/Commander decks abusing the hell out of this card.<br />
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<br />
<h4>
4. DIREGRAF COLOSSUS</h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Hr80s3LZLo/VwbMsikHq7I/AAAAAAAABN4/kipiHyqBsoMdoWDq4mYF_TMI4jtE1iECQ/s1600/diregraf.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Hr80s3LZLo/VwbMsikHq7I/AAAAAAAABN4/kipiHyqBsoMdoWDq4mYF_TMI4jtE1iECQ/s320/diregraf.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<u>Welcome back to Jes's Combo Corner!</u><br />
<br />
Combine the Colossus with our old friend, Gravecrawler, and you can easily get a free zombie token and a recurring threat. A nice bit of synergy.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqERvPLUTVI/Vw1P0rj7RfI/AAAAAAAABO0/o-BsF4wfCGAQx65B3hQ_Obr1ma3OQ3iDwCK4B/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqERvPLUTVI/Vw1P0rj7RfI/AAAAAAAABO0/o-BsF4wfCGAQx65B3hQ_Obr1ma3OQ3iDwCK4B/s320/59.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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Want to make a large army of smelling, decomposing corpses? Why have one, when you can get the next 3,000,000 for free?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1CBk4bXah8/Vw1QJGmojbI/AAAAAAAABO8/YOgwWFOz-HQ4a9hA0p6UEbpgVRhpM_nFgCK4B/s1600/306.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1CBk4bXah8/Vw1QJGmojbI/AAAAAAAABO8/YOgwWFOz-HQ4a9hA0p6UEbpgVRhpM_nFgCK4B/s320/306.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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Sacrifice the Gravecrawler at the Altar of Phyrexia, and you can get any many Zombies as you want.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
3. ARCHANGEL AVACYN</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_iraPl0oU4/VwbM00g9eVI/AAAAAAAABOA/0AWOahqWQXEVGUyuSSPa9z1rVe21gbJ_g/s1600/avacyn1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_iraPl0oU4/VwbM00g9eVI/AAAAAAAABOA/0AWOahqWQXEVGUyuSSPa9z1rVe21gbJ_g/s320/avacyn1.png" width="229" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur7UzA4c7Zc/VwbM5KT7GDI/AAAAAAAABOI/lUw37PXNOJ8NoFw0dmFoi5z4RaxZESY4g/s1600/avacyn2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur7UzA4c7Zc/VwbM5KT7GDI/AAAAAAAABOI/lUw37PXNOJ8NoFw0dmFoi5z4RaxZESY4g/s320/avacyn2.png" width="229" /></a></div>
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<br />
Whatever dark force has come to Innistrad, it has turned Avacyn into a raging, homicidal angel. This is another flavour home-run from a set filled with them.<br />
<br />
A Serra Angel with Flash is strong, in and of itself, but being able to make your team indestructible for a turn? What better way to protect your weenies from that devastating Wrath of God.<br />
<br />
If one of her flock should die, she'll invoke Hulk Mode and wipe out entire armies. There is a reason she is seeing Standard play, and is well over $30 :( Of course, I didn't crack one out of my box.<br />
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<h3>
2. NAHIRI, THE HARBINGER</h3>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JkbdBvGr_c/VwbNB6ClxPI/AAAAAAAABOQ/9vZZKYtwVNkn1nMJJHtzEKaqVLtebbNtw/s1600/nahiri.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JkbdBvGr_c/VwbNB6ClxPI/AAAAAAAABOQ/9vZZKYtwVNkn1nMJJHtzEKaqVLtebbNtw/s320/nahiri.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
Nahiri seems to be the one behind all of this madness, and her first ability is a great Madness enabler.<br />
<br />
Most Red-White decks want to be aggressive, but Nahiri seems more like a mid-range control card. You definitely can build around her with the red Madness cards, but simply the fact she is a four-mana 'Walker who can start with six loyalty makes her an easy inclusion for decks with these colours.<br />
<br />
Only two turns, and then you can pull out an Emrakul or Blightsteel Colossus and win the game on the spot.<br />
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<h3>
1. SIN PRODDER</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy65WsTIzu4/VwbNJSXwFAI/AAAAAAAABOY/-vl8G4FpUYMiHGyMPQofmh0QtA5uCLmVg/s1600/prodder.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy65WsTIzu4/VwbNJSXwFAI/AAAAAAAABOY/-vl8G4FpUYMiHGyMPQofmh0QtA5uCLmVg/s320/prodder.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
Like a little devil, I cackled when I first saw this card spoiled. Red gets card advantage? Yes, sign me up.<br />
<br />
My wife and I both had this card at the pre-release, and we made opponents pay for their sins. If you don't kill this quickly, the damage he'll do is like a slow bit of torture. It might not hurt a LOT at first, but you will notice the bruising in about 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
Either the opponent lets you draw an extra card for the turn, or they take some sort of damage. Normally, such "punisher" cards aren't good, as your opponent will always make the choice that hurts them the least.<br />
<br />
At least the Sin Prodder will inflict physical pain if they choose to not let you draw the card, so this evasive creature will tack on some extra damage. OK, so you milled my bomb, but you still had to take 4-6 damage to do so.<br />
<br />
Even if the top card revealed is a land, and they mill it, it's likely you really didn't want to draw that land, anyway. I wasn't too unhappy to have a land milled, and then draw a relevant spell.<br />
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<br />
What cards are you intrigued by? Any cool combos I might be missing out on?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-46693871684179293182016-01-20T14:37:00.002-08:002016-01-20T14:37:41.732-08:00MTG: 15 Intriguing Casual Cards from Oath of the Gatewatch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The Eldrazi have launched their offensive on Zendikar, and some of the multiverse's most powerful Planeswalkers must band together to fight off these monstrosities.<br />
<br />
Thus, they make an Oath of the Gatewatch, the name of the new Magic: The Gathering set coming out later this month.<br />
<br />
It is no secret that I wasn't fond of the previous set (Battle for Zendikar), and I'm looking forward to the next block. That said, every set has its treasures and gems for casual players. Here are the 15 cards that intrigue me the most. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The one major change to the rules comes in the form of COLOURLESS mana versus GENERIC mana.<br />
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In the past, these two terms were interchangeable. A Sol Ring tapped for 2 colourless mana, and a Juggernaut needed 4 generic mana (mana of any colour, or colourless) to be cast. They both had the same number denoting the cost (2), so we didn't think much of it. <br />
<br />
Now, colourless mana refers specifically to mana devoid of any colour (as it should), and there are now cards that specifically require colourless mana. This new mana symbol '<>' will now show up on any source tapping for it, rather than the old (1). Yup, Sol Ring now taps for '<> <>'.<br />
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To illustrate, here are two intriguing cards.<br />
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<h3>
15. WASTES</h3>
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<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTkvOF3KKc4/VpcQmVabmII/AAAAAAAABG0/V5bCcl-dp-U/s1600/wastes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTkvOF3KKc4/VpcQmVabmII/AAAAAAAABG0/V5bCcl-dp-U/s320/wastes.png" width="229" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZkPQILaVE/VpcQlk5MnRI/AAAAAAAABG4/2xaGvk8DURA/s1600/waste2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZkPQILaVE/VpcQlk5MnRI/AAAAAAAABG4/2xaGvk8DURA/s320/waste2.png" width="229" /></a></center>
<br />
Magic has always had five basic land types. Over 20 years into the game we get our sixth in the form of Wastes, which taps for a colourless mana. <br />
<br />
What makes it special is that it is searchable via any card that can fetch a basic land. Colourless EDH decks will also love the fact they can now have basic lands tailored specifically for them.<br />
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If you are playing any deck that needs the diamond mana, you will need a LOT of these. The art, too, is beautiful, especially the Bismuth one on the left.<br />
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<h3>
14. MATTER RESHAPER</h3>
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<br />
Much like the popular Solumn Simulacrum, the Reshaper is a source of card advantage that can slot into many different types of decks.<br />
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Granted, this is a little harder to get out (colourless versus generic), and it's just one extra card, but a decently efficient creature that gets you a card, or a permanent (even planeswalkers!) on the board, is the type of thing casual players can easily find a use for.<br />
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Oh, and does Matter Reshaper remind you of anybody? No?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Try and unsee this...</i></span></div>
<h3>
13. KAZUUL'S TOLL COLLECTOR</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't think he has any Toll House cookies :'(</span></i></div>
<br />
This scary looking ogre hasn't received a lot of attention, but any ability that costs (0) is always worth some sort of look.<br />
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You know that feeling you get when you spend three mana to cast Loxodon Warhammer, three more mana to equip your creature, and then your opponent kills that creature in response? Yeah, nobody likes to get Time Walked.<br />
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Why not pile on three or four pieces on the Toll Collector and go to town? <br />
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If you are playing the Red-White equipment deck, playing Sunforger suddenly becomes much easier.<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
12. REFLECTOR MAGE</h3>
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I love me some bouncy castles, especially when they come with some killer art.<br />
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The problem with bounce spells is that you can boing-boing their big fattie, but then your opponent re-casts it and you are back to square one.<br />
<br />
Reflector Mage gives a bit of a reprieve as they can't just simply replay the same creature the very next turn. In a game where you are trying to defend against their biggest threat, or key combo creature, Reflector Mage is a great way to give yourself more time to find a more permanent answer to your imminent problem.<br />
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<h3>
11. KALITAS, TRAITOR OF GHET</h3>
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<br />
Speaking of creatures that give extra value, the new and improved Kalitas seems like he would make a fun Commander general to build around.<br />
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Kalitas turns every removal spell into a token generator, and gets rid of that creature permanently. Being able to use those tokens to make Kalitas bigger is just gravy. The bigger he gets, the more life you gain, and the more your opponents are forced to chump-block Kalitas... which gets you even more tokens, etc etc<br />
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Equip a Darksteel Plate on Kalitas, wrath the board, and you now have your own personal Zombie army while your opponents can only stare at their empty battlefield.<br />
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<h3>
10. WALL OF RESURGENCE</h3>
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While this might not be the most mind-blowing card, the fact is that you are getting 3/9 worth of creature for just three mana - That's absurd!<br />
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<h3>
9. THOUGHT-KNOT SEER</h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"I see what you did there!"</i></span></div>
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Here we have a card a lot of pro players have had their eyes on, especially as it reminds us of Legacy staple Vendilion Clique. You can swipe your opponents best card in hand, or key combo piece, and then they simply get some random card back when it dies.<br />
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For us multi-player Mages, Thought-Knot Seer allows for even more cruelty.<br />
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The death trigger simply states 'target opponent', so you don't have to be nice to the player that you swiped the original card from.<br />
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You believed I was going to let *you* draw that card? I thought not!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Fine, I am no LSV when it comes to puns)</span></i><br />
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<h3>
8. REALITY SMASHER</h3>
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Speaking of cards that pro players will look forward to, I expect we'll see a lot of Reality Smasher as a curve-topper in aggressive decks in the upcoming Standard format. <br />
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A 5/5 with trample and haste for five mana is already potent, but the fact your opponents need to spend an extra card to simply target it makes this thing a nightmare to see on the other side of the board. Whatever happens, you aren't coming out of a tangle with Reality Smasher without cuts and bruises.<br />
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Better get that Wall of Resurgence out! :p<br />
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<h3>
7. GOBLIN DARK-DWELLERS</h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">More like 'dork' dwellers, am I right?</span></i></div>
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It's not often that red gets blatant card advantage, but Goblin Dark-Dwellers is one way for red mages to experience what blue mages always feel.<br />
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I like the idea of the dwellers as a curve topper (probably next to Reality Smasher) in aggressive red/burn decks. Cast the dwellers on turn five, and flash back a Lightning Bolt or some other cheap burn spell. The menace ability makes the dwellers hard to block, too.<br />
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In more control/midrange builds, these fellows can flash back a lot of toolbox cards: Kolaghan's Command, Terminate, Electrolyze, etc... It's basically one way for red to get its own Snapcaster Mage, albeit without the flash. <br />
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Better yet, flashback something like Ancestral Vision, and build your own <strike>bear</strike> red Mulldrifter!<br />
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<h3>
6. WANDERING FUMAROLE</h3>
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Welcome to Jes's Combo Corner! <i>(canned applause)</i><br />
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Today, we have Wandering Fumarole from Oath of the Gatewatch. This land can animate and turn into an elemental than can flip its power and toughness. Seems nifty, right?<br />
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Digging into the old junk box, we find Ceaseless Searblades.<br />
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As Wandering Fumarole turns into an ELEMENTAL, and its activated ability costs (0), just activate its ability over and over and make the Searblades as big as you want. Easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl.<br />
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<h3>
5. LINVALA, THE PRESERVER</h3>
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<i>Side note: According to my wife, Linvala looks like <b>Lightning</b> from Final Fantasy 13. I didn't play that dreck of a game, so I'll take her word for it</i><br />
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I don't know how I'm going to keep fitting all of these awesome angels into my Akroma EDH deck, but I need to find space for the newest Linvala.<br />
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Her abilities hearken back to the aptly-named Timely Reinforcements, one of the cooler control cards in recent history. Beautiful art and relevant abilities make her useful in a variety of decks. Slower decks will appreciate how she can help play 'catch-up'.<br />
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<h3>
4. NISSA, VOICE OF ZENDIKAR</h3>
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Three-mana Planeswalkers have always been good, and Nissa, the damage sponge, is no exception.<br />
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The ability to keep producing chump blockers makes her a great defensive option. In token-heavy builds, or decks that care about +1/+1 counters, her permanent pump is quite useful. She's good early, and pretty good late-game, as well.<br />
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<h3>
3. ENDBRINGER</h3>
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There has to be a heavy metal band with this name somewhere in the world, right?<br />
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Here we have the card that was obviously designed for us multi-player Mages, especially with the "untap Endbringer during each other player's untap step" text.<br />
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I love how flexible Endbringer is, and how political you can be with its abilities. Ping off that chump blocker? Clear a path so you can attack her Nissa? Or, maybe I'll just draw a card. The 5/5 body is beefy enough, too.<br />
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This is the type of card that you don't really build around, but one you can shove into many different decks that can support the '<>' mana requirement.<br />
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<h3>
2. CRUSH OF TENTACLES</h3>
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My wife knows how much I *love* tentacles ^.^<br />
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As a six-mana mass bounce spell, it's adequate. As a five-mana mass bounce spell that gets you a slimy friend? Much better!<br />
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Blue has all sorts of easy cantrips that allow you to play this for the Surge cost... just Ponder your existence or Brainstorm a plan, and then wash away your opponents' tears and leave them staring down an angry, hungry Octopus.<br />
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<h3>
1. ELDRAZI DISPLACER</h3>
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Welcome back to Jes's Combo Corner!<br />
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If you thought the Wandering Fumarole trick was neat-o, wait until you see the #1 casual card from this set: <b>Eldrazi Displacer.</b><br />
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As creatures continue to get printed with powerful 'enter the battlefield' effects glued on, 'blinkers' like the Displacer will continue to be MVPs and sought-after by EDH and Kitchen table players, alike.<br />
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You can combo Eldrazi Displacer with either Emrakul's Hatcher or Brood Monitor.<br />
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Just sacrifice the three tokens for three mana, and you can blink the token maker infinite times. Combo this with a Soul Warden (+1 life) or Zulaport Cutthroat (-1 life), and you have a machine gun that will mow down any number of rebel armies.<br />
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The great thing about the Displacer is that it doesn't have to bother with that summoning sickness nonsense, and it can be used multiple times per turn. As long as you have enough precious diamonds, you can blink to your heart's content.<br />
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---<br />
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So, I am excited about a few of the cards in this set, even if the Allies vs. Eldrazi storyline is a giant bore. What cards are my other filthy casuals on the lookout for?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-27288890198762052622015-11-13T12:23:00.001-08:002015-11-13T12:23:27.995-08:00MTG: 15 Intriguing Casual Cards from Commander 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although <b>Return to Zzzzzzzzendikar</b> was a disappointing experience, it seems that we are getting our Christmas, after all, as Santa WOTC decided to stuff all of the cool toys into this year's Commander stocking.<br />
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While the Commander 2015 offering is a 'casual' product by its very nature, my review is from the point-of-view of a 60-card kitchen table player. Some of the new cards don't work very well in our environment, while others deserve multiple copies in certain decks. <br />
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Honestly, it was hard to whittle down the list to just fifteen. There are easily thirty new cards that I want to try in various casual decks. It is great to feel excited about Magic again!<br />
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<h3>
<b>15. DAWNBREAK RECLAIMER</b></h3>
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Another awesome angel with beautiful art, the reclaimer is part of a cycle of 'I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine' cards, that allow you and one opponent to help each other out. The effect is powerful, but not one-sided...<br />
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...unless you are smart and play graveyard removal. "I'll reanimate my Akroma, and you get NOTHING!"<br />
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The downside is that your graveyard can be full of weenies and low-impact creatures, so you might have to get our your negotiating skills to return something more useful...<br />
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<h3>
<b>14. ARACHNOGENESIS</b></h3>
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Let's face it, the real name of this card is SPIDER FOG.<br />
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<em>"Spider fog, Spider fog</em><br />
<em>does whatever Spider fog does!"</em><br />
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There have been many one-sided Fog effects, but this one nets you some creepy crawlies in the deal. Depending on how many creatures are attacking you, the # of spiders you get may be able to take down one of the attackers. If not, you still have blockers to negate a future attack. <br />
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Bonus points if you throw a bunch of plastic spiders on the table when playing this card.<br />
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<h3>
<b>13. KARLOV OF THE GHOST COUNCIL</b></h3>
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Teysa's grandpappy is the true patriarch of the Orzhov, and he loves to suck blood just as much as his ghostly brethren.<br />
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Triggering the life gain is pretty easy, and this becomes a much more powerful version of Ajani's Pridemate, who gets just one measly +1/+1 counter for each lifegain trigger. <br />
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I'm not sure how keen I am to shrink Karlov to take care of a single creature, but the ability is a nice safety valve. <br />
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Karlov easily fits into Orzhov decks, and can get out of hand quite quickly. Low cost and low maintenance. BUY NOW!<br />
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<h3>
<b>12. PATHBREAKER IBEX</b></h3>
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Never has a goat been more scary... Pathbreaker Ibex gives you a potential overrun+ on each of your attacks, clearing the way to take out multiple opponents.<br />
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The ability is a bit slow, but it's also one that you never want to let your opponent untap with. The Ibex basically says <em>"Deal with me, or die!"</em><br />
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I just wish this card had a more relevant creature type, like Beast, so that it could fit into more tribal-oriented decks. <br />
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<h3>
<b>11. MEREN OF CLAN NEL TOTH</b></h3>
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Here we see the new Experience Counter feature. Even in 60-card casual games, Experience Counters will still stick around, so that's not an "EDH-only" rule.<br />
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Meren promises a Raise Dead each of your end steps, at the very least. We know, however, that green/black decks can easily sacrifice numerous creatures quite easily, like Eldrazi spawn and scion, and Meren can quickly become a daily reanimator.<br />
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At 3/4 for four mana, she's efficient enough for normal Golgari decks, and her ability will slowly grind out card advantage.<br />
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<h3>
<b>10. GRASP OF FATE</b></h3>
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Sure, it's just a fancier Oblivion Ring, but when has that spell not been good?<br />
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This version can hit a threat from each opponent, allow you to (temporarily) take control of the board and deal with multiple threats. If you are already playing O-Rings in any deck, this is an easy upgrade. <br />
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Remember that the card says 'up to one', so you can get political and not remove a threat from an opponent's board, if you feeling generous.<br />
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<h3>
<b>9. SKULLWINDER</b></h3>
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Love the name, and love the art. This literal Rattlesnake card will keep opponent's threats at bay, while allowing you a cheap Regrowth effect. I hope this is a more budget-conscious replacement for Eternal Witness.<br />
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Sure, the effect isn't as one-sided, but the political aspect (there's that word, again) adds another cool dimension to the card. Need your opponent to wrath the board? Let them get back their wrath, while you re-load for the post-wrath wasteland.<br />
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...Or you can just get back a Fetchland on Turn 3 and give an opponent nothing from their empty graveyard.<i> *sad trombone*</i><br />
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<h3>
<b>8. DAXOS THE RETURNED</b></h3>
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Elspeth's ex-boyfriend is back, and looking rather sad :'(<br />
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I already have a B/W Enchantment deck, and Daxos will fit right into it as an enabler.<br />
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Daxos is cheap to cast, and can start pooping out little creatures to help trigger your Constellation abilities. While he doesn't look to be an All-Star, he's an easy include in specific decks, and makes a good late-game mana sink.<br />
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<h3>
<b>7. DAXOS'S TORMENT</b></h3>
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Now we see why Daxos is looking so weepy. Aww, poor wittle Daxy!<br />
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This enchantment seems innocuous, but I think it is incredibly powerful.<br />
<br />
It comes down as a 5/5 flyer, with haste, on your fourth turn, and multiple instances will give you a plump army of temporary demons to smack opponents around with. I'd love to attack for 10 damage in the air on my fifth turn, wouldn't you?<br />
<br />
The tormentors also dodge most sorcery-speed removal, so Wrath of God isn't going to do much for your rival.<br />
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<h3>
<b>6. ILLUSORY AMBUSHER</b></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTgx0_jUUqQ/VkUemrD0UjI/AAAAAAAABDM/xj7jg8-fftk/s1600/Illusion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTgx0_jUUqQ/VkUemrD0UjI/AAAAAAAABDM/xj7jg8-fftk/s400/Illusion.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"IT'S A CAT!"</em></div>
<br />
Here we have a very interesting way for blue decks to draw cards.<br />
<br />
Somebody attacking you with some giant monster? Flash in the ghost kitty and get back a robust return on your investment.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4cpBDnHT7w/VkZEY-4OriI/AAAAAAAABGA/Wt1FPL8oLso/s1600/tumblr_lqj0302OrY1r2oqygo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4cpBDnHT7w/VkZEY-4OriI/AAAAAAAABGA/Wt1FPL8oLso/s320/tumblr_lqj0302OrY1r2oqygo1_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yes, the kitty can be killed before it has a chance to block and deal damage, but, like any good stock, there is no return without risk.<br />
<br />
The kitty also has four power, so it could take out some decent amount of attackers, too.<br />
<br />
<u>Combo corner:</u> Play Blasphemous Act to clear the board...and draw 13 cards! <em>*giggle*</em><br />
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<h3>
<b>5. RITE OF THE RAGING STORM</b></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lxIjNkZPXo/VkUerxW9pjI/AAAAAAAABDU/j6k4ZEHXP3w/s1600/rite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lxIjNkZPXo/VkUerxW9pjI/AAAAAAAABDU/j6k4ZEHXP3w/s400/rite.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
I love creating chaos, and I love cards that force my opponents to hurt each other.<br />
<br />
Sure, you are giving every opponent a mini-Ball Lightning on their turns, but they can't attack you with it, and like any carpenter with a new hammer, they'll want to use it on<em> something. </em><br />
<br />
Just sit back and watch the carnage.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ply2qVeuQx0/UuPnvVuBNeI/AAAAAAAANBE/xmFinpxE8LA/s1600/palpatine+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ply2qVeuQx0/UuPnvVuBNeI/AAAAAAAANBE/xmFinpxE8LA/s1600/palpatine+good.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h3>
<b>4. MYSTIC CONFLUENCE</b></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ox4BK--NKgI/VkUew9GWJ1I/AAAAAAAABDc/DE0YZ6ITyKA/s1600/Mysticconfluence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ox4BK--NKgI/VkUew9GWJ1I/AAAAAAAABDc/DE0YZ6ITyKA/s400/Mysticconfluence.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember Cryptic Command, that annoying POS overpowered instant? Just like the original Command cycle, it seems that Blue gets the best one, and it isn't even close. <i>(Thanks, WOTC)</i><br />
<br />
Just casting the spell as it reads feels as orgasmic as taking a massive piss. Counter their spell, bounce their threat, and replace itself?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-KnChOovM8/VkZE81vKwyI/AAAAAAAABGQ/gHj0wc7DDd0/s1600/fe901dca2ac88fd4a009523df0a4f79e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-KnChOovM8/VkZE81vKwyI/AAAAAAAABGQ/gHj0wc7DDd0/s200/fe901dca2ac88fd4a009523df0a4f79e.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This card is just pure tempo and card advantage, and being able to select multiple modes makes this useful at any time of the game. Control decks will want a full playset of this bad boy.<br />
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<h3>
<b>3. GIGANTOPLASM</b></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPE_RPh7FN0/VkUe4piC7mI/AAAAAAAABDk/ALdX1q0-QMI/s1600/gigantoplasm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPE_RPh7FN0/VkUe4piC7mI/AAAAAAAABDk/ALdX1q0-QMI/s640/gigantoplasm.png" width="457" /></a></div>
<br />
Aww, it's a giant cute homunculus! ^.^ <i>*squee*</i><br />
<br />
<u>Flavour Fail:</u> How is this not an Ooze? It's a plasm, after all!<br />
<br />
There have been many new clone+ effects, but this one has a bit of extra text that makes it even more useful.<br />
<br />
Notice a few words missing at the end of that activated ability?<br />
<br />
<b>"UNTIL THE END OF TURN"</b><br />
<br />
Yup, you can make this permanently smaller or larger, depending on the game state, and the effect doesn't just vanish after one use. Make sure you are aware of this little bit o' trinket text.<br />
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<h3>
<b>2. BLADE OF SELVES</b></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHNBuv90w4/VkUfYyx7OjI/AAAAAAAABDs/82_2LXAze_8/s1600/BladeofSelves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHNBuv90w4/VkUfYyx7OjI/AAAAAAAABDs/82_2LXAze_8/s400/BladeofSelves.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
While this sword doesn't boost your creature's power or toughness at all, it does add this incredible new MYRIAD ability to it.<br />
<br />
Commander/EDH players have been touting this as the must-have card of the set, and it will only ever get better as better creatures are printed. With the way we have 'enter the battlefield' abilities tacked on to more and more creatures, this blade is bloody nuts!<br />
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<b>Creature Denail</b>: Blade + Flametongue Kavu or Shriekmaw<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAhOdQ9mrHQ/VkVp-c2zLsI/AAAAAAAABEI/kZ5-1bjKlPA/s1600/Shriekmaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAhOdQ9mrHQ/VkVp-c2zLsI/AAAAAAAABEI/kZ5-1bjKlPA/s320/Shriekmaw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMUWh_UcACw/VkVp-ZWV-XI/AAAAAAAABEE/TQxHz63Ur9A/s1600/FTK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMUWh_UcACw/VkVp-ZWV-XI/AAAAAAAABEE/TQxHz63Ur9A/s1600/FTK.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<b>Creeping Mold:</b> Blade + Acidic Slime or Indrik Stomphowler<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBfKHFggLY/VkVqaDRIy6I/AAAAAAAABEg/RT3wxgt92XQ/s1600/indrik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBfKHFggLY/VkVqaDRIy6I/AAAAAAAABEg/RT3wxgt92XQ/s1600/indrik.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EULlL7vvwCI/VkVqaMHsCyI/AAAAAAAABEc/WSG6tT4rhs4/s1600/acidic%2Bslime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EULlL7vvwCI/VkVqaMHsCyI/AAAAAAAABEc/WSG6tT4rhs4/s1600/acidic%2Bslime.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<b>Card Draw Insanity:</b> Blade + Mulldrifter<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYBS7FtdrgQ/VkVqOhmEvQI/AAAAAAAABEU/457AivcUg5Y/s1600/mully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYBS7FtdrgQ/VkVqOhmEvQI/AAAAAAAABEU/457AivcUg5Y/s1600/mully.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
The possibilities are endless, and there are definitely some crazy combos and shenanigans players can dream of. I bet a few epic stories will come of this card...just be prepared to be Target Numero Uno once you slam this down.<br />
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<h3>
<b>1. MIZZIX'S MASTERY</b></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXnxbMJrwtU/VkUfda4ds8I/AAAAAAAABD0/XFjUdNOrdYM/s1600/mizzix.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXnxbMJrwtU/VkUfda4ds8I/AAAAAAAABD0/XFjUdNOrdYM/s400/mizzix.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
This, by far, is the sweetest build-around-me card of the set, and I already have dreams of abusing this card like Rush Limbaugh abuses Oxycontin.<br />
<br />
There are so many expensive spells that I'd love to play, but THE COST IS TOO DAMN HIGH!<br />
<br />
Just find a way to dump some of these spells into the graveyard, get up to 8 mana, and boom-chaka-laka!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTWykMtD1_0/VkVrrCwZ8WI/AAAAAAAABE4/106TIxA03Mk/s1600/blatant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTWykMtD1_0/VkVrrCwZ8WI/AAAAAAAABE4/106TIxA03Mk/s1600/blatant.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1bnuRGwcA/VkVrqhG3x_I/AAAAAAAABE0/od57IiP6QuE/s1600/army.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1bnuRGwcA/VkVrqhG3x_I/AAAAAAAABE0/od57IiP6QuE/s1600/army.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1hF6HiYxy8/VkVrrS16cFI/AAAAAAAABFA/ROuEAJnYfTI/s1600/enterinfinite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1hF6HiYxy8/VkVrrS16cFI/AAAAAAAABFA/ROuEAJnYfTI/s1600/enterinfinite.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp_KGSgMEK8/VkVrrsCr2CI/AAAAAAAABFE/tjk8d14wKyM/s1600/crush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp_KGSgMEK8/VkVrrsCr2CI/AAAAAAAABFE/tjk8d14wKyM/s320/crush.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XUuud8VRvI/VkVrr9bxuPI/AAAAAAAABFM/jX2nvXtdqYE/s1600/searing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XUuud8VRvI/VkVrr9bxuPI/AAAAAAAABFM/jX2nvXtdqYE/s1600/searing.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3ENdHhtVNs/VkVrrofFLnI/AAAAAAAABFI/c1yebprIrmc/s1600/rise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3ENdHhtVNs/VkVrrofFLnI/AAAAAAAABFI/c1yebprIrmc/s1600/rise.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZZtvSkrzKs/VkVrqtca-pI/AAAAAAAABEw/cvsC8kGqx7c/s1600/Timestretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZZtvSkrzKs/VkVrqtca-pI/AAAAAAAABEw/cvsC8kGqx7c/s1600/Timestretch.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpcpSJeoM4/VkVrsKva_KI/AAAAAAAABFQ/EnMg9ruCUwQ/s1600/sorins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpcpSJeoM4/VkVrsKva_KI/AAAAAAAABFQ/EnMg9ruCUwQ/s1600/sorins.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
There has to be more broken things that can be done with this spell, and I look forwarding to brewing.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
So, what cards from this set tickle your fancy? There are so many new toys to unwrap!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-41879034919673667172015-07-14T15:14:00.005-07:002015-07-16T11:54:03.583-07:00MTG: 10 Intriguing Casual Cards from Magic Origins<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99PmpcKbym0/VaWIIbomAiI/AAAAAAAAA9g/6qqK3KXQdcA/s1600/origins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99PmpcKbym0/VaWIIbomAiI/AAAAAAAAA9g/6qqK3KXQdcA/s320/origins.jpg" width="320" /></a>The <b>Core Set </b>has long been the cornerstone of the Magic: The Gathering universe over its 20+ year history, dating back to Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, and then Revised. One could always count on the core set to be the all-encompassing general set that was a little less advanced and complicated than the Expect expansions.<br />
<br />
Magic Origins represents the 'final' core set to be released for Magic, as the game shifts to two-set blocks twice a year from the usual three-set block plus core set scheme we've been used to for well over a decade. Cards that don't fit into certain worlds could find a home in the more neutral setting of the core set. <br />
<br />
While core sets have long been rather stale (although Magic 2010 was a nice change from the previous ways of doing things), and most won't be too sad to see them go, Magic Origins proves that core sets can be fresh and exciting.<br />
<br />
Dripping with flavor, story, and many intriguing cards, Magic Origins *almost* makes me sad that we will no longer see core sets. Almost.<br />
<br />
I wasn't expecting there to be so much to look forward to, but I see many cards that I want to try in my casual decks.<br />
<br />
Here is what is stoking my creative flames.<br />
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<h4>
<br />
<u>1. Tainted Remedy</u></h4>
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<br />
<center>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6eUksuvRRk/VaWJaMwPEtI/AAAAAAAAA98/jC6uzuRph5E/s1600/beacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6eUksuvRRk/VaWJaMwPEtI/AAAAAAAAA98/jC6uzuRph5E/s320/beacon.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuSa_xgT0HI/VaWJaGAgtFI/AAAAAAAAA-A/wXlcx3fs47M/s1600/Tainted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuSa_xgT0HI/VaWJaGAgtFI/AAAAAAAAA-A/wXlcx3fs47M/s320/Tainted.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
If you play against people who love their life gain, this is a pretty decent way to stop them. <br />
<br />
Of course, why just annoy them when you can kill them outright with Beacon of Immortality *cackle*. A pretty cheesy, but easy to do, 2-card combo kill.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Your opponent's reaction when you pull this off</i></span></div>
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<h4>
<u>2. Dark Petition</u></h4>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSdVCKP_B74/VaWKZVxS0tI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UiCeDsM-yQk/s1600/Petition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSdVCKP_B74/VaWKZVxS0tI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UiCeDsM-yQk/s1600/Petition.jpg" /></a></div>
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Most modern tutor cards cost at least 4 mana, so you end up using your entire turn just digging for an answer. <br />
<br />
With Dark Petition, if you meet the spell mastery condition, which can be quite easy for certain decks, you can basically end up paying <b>Demonic Tutor</b> mana for whatever you had to search for. Voila! You now have mana floating to cast whatever bomb or removal spell you got your greedy hands on.<br />
<br />
Sure, combo decks will love this, but any general black deck could probably find a home for one of these.<br />
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<h4>
<u>3. Managorger Hydra</u></h4>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExEvi3Vd0BA/VaWLhKqPN0I/AAAAAAAAA-U/-3bm75DlzM0/s1600/Hydra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExEvi3Vd0BA/VaWLhKqPN0I/AAAAAAAAA-U/-3bm75DlzM0/s1600/Hydra.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExevZLD2FYQ/VaWLjN-z1fI/AAAAAAAAA-c/pjyUdIQsUJA/s1600/mauler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExevZLD2FYQ/VaWLjN-z1fI/AAAAAAAAA-c/pjyUdIQsUJA/s1600/mauler.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />
Anybody who has played against Taurean Mauler <i>(one of my wife's favourites)</i> knows just how easily that bull can get out of hand.<br />
<br />
While the hydra doesn't have the all-creature-types thing going for it, it does have trample, AND it gets bigger from your own spells, too. If left unchecked, the Managorger Hydra can easily win some multiplayer games on its own, or at least take out an obnoxious opponent or two.<br />
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<h4>
<u>4. Flameshadow Conjuring</u></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmwlwhhqVPA/VaWMx9zd0RI/AAAAAAAAA-o/1HYkmHAZmzA/s1600/Conjuring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmwlwhhqVPA/VaWMx9zd0RI/AAAAAAAAA-o/1HYkmHAZmzA/s1600/Conjuring.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Why have one when you can have two <strike>for twice the price</strike> ONE red mana? <br />
<br />
No contracts to sign, no shipping fees, and only one low payment!<br />
<br />
With all of the awesome creatures with enters-the-battlefield triggers on them, this enchantment is going to find itself in many of my red-based casual decks. <br />
<br />
Sure, the token disappears quickly, but it can attack right away and you'll be sure to conjure up some immediate value. <br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/JOO0r.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/JOO0r.gif" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This guy knows what I'm talking about!</span></i></div>
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<h4>
<u>5. Languish</u></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Let's face it, Wizards of the Coast will never print a 4-mana black wrath as strong as Damnation ever again. EVER!<br />
<br />
Mutilate, and now Languish, are as close as we can expect.<br />
<br />
What makes Languish great is that you can build around it. If you have a bunch of high-toughness creatures (Tasigur and Siege Rhino in standard), this can be quite one-sided. <br />
<br />
The art, flavor text, and the name are all flavor knockouts.<br />
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<h4>
<u>6. Chandra's Ignition</u></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-tV446gfu0/VaWOBUa74HI/AAAAAAAAA-8/nxmp6ANj6CY/s1600/Ignition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-tV446gfu0/VaWOBUa74HI/AAAAAAAAA-8/nxmp6ANj6CY/s1600/Ignition.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's fitting that red gets such a Boom-or-Bust spell like Chandra's Ignition.<br />
<br />
If you play your cards right <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*groan*</span></i>, this is easily a one-sided wrath that smacks your opponent upside the head.<br />
<br />
Yes, you are prone to get blown out like Carrot Top's hair, and this spell depends on having a good creature in play, but I'm willing to roll the dice. <br />
<br />
How to abuse this?<br />
<br />
1. Find a Hexproof creature with a decent amount of power.<br />
<br />
2. Find a deathtouch creature with any amount of power. Yes, those 1 points of deathtouchy goodness will kill every one of your opponents meatbags<br />
<br />
3. Find a lifelink creature, letting you gain life off of the misfortune of others.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<h4>
<u>7. Deadbridge Shaman</u></h4>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0L4Sil5_OpM/VaWOXNJwVlI/AAAAAAAAA_E/OmhQ0Fcd9jQ/s1600/Shaman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0L4Sil5_OpM/VaWOXNJwVlI/AAAAAAAAA_E/OmhQ0Fcd9jQ/s1600/Shaman.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This is just a common girl with a gluteus minimus, but this is the kind of rattlesnake card that I love to play.<br />
<br />
Your opponents will be loathe to attack into her, as the 3 power will take out quite a few of their creatures.<br />
<br />
Your opponents will be loathe to block her, as they'll have to pay the price one way or another.<br />
<br />
The only way to win is to not play.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<u>8. Jace, Vryn's Prodigy</u></h4>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnpi4HaONMY/VaWOer0K-tI/AAAAAAAAA_M/FFbwrwqUCAA/s1600/Jace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnpi4HaONMY/VaWOer0K-tI/AAAAAAAAA_M/FFbwrwqUCAA/s1600/Jace1.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaZj7Jy9gBU/VaWOeq1HSEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/tSGqV8YN_Ss/s1600/Jace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaZj7Jy9gBU/VaWOeq1HSEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/tSGqV8YN_Ss/s1600/Jace2.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
The new hitch to the Planeswalkers is that we see them in their pre-spark form, back when they were normal mortals. They have to reach some condition to trigger their spark, meaning you need to work to get them to where you want to.<br />
<br />
This version of Jace is hardly as powerful as previous iterations, but the ability to flashback big instants and sorceries, or simply play a little defense, is still valuable in control strategies. <br />
<br />
At the bare minimum, the prodigy side will replace my looters in any deck that uses them. The only downside is that you *might* not want your looter to flip. <br />
<br />
<h4>
9. Liliana, Heretical Healer</h4>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AI4XQHq8RKM/VaWOyOYnvjI/AAAAAAAAA_c/1JQjBLPjzXs/s1600/Liliana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AI4XQHq8RKM/VaWOyOYnvjI/AAAAAAAAA_c/1JQjBLPjzXs/s1600/Liliana2.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASU3cr1eFLU/VaWOyJdUXpI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ZRGDdvUcmEA/s1600/Liliana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASU3cr1eFLU/VaWOyJdUXpI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ZRGDdvUcmEA/s1600/Liliana.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Liliana tried to cure her brother with some forbidden concoction, turning him into a zombie (hence, the token). Strangely enough, I'm a zombie until I've had my morning coffee. <br />
<br />
A 2/3 lifelinker for three mana is solid, but the value you get from the token, as well as her reanimation ability, makes her a powerhouse all around. Of all of the 'walkers in the set, she seems to be the easiest to flip.<br />
<br />
<h4>
10. THE THOPTER CORPS</h4>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1UnNn-e1o/VaWPRs3ssLI/AAAAAAAAA_w/W2VNPIwyEvw/s1600/Hangarback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1UnNn-e1o/VaWPRs3ssLI/AAAAAAAAA_w/W2VNPIwyEvw/s1600/Hangarback.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REi4teump3Q/VaWPRll7HgI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EVHs9P_tHo8/s1600/Pia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REi4teump3Q/VaWPRll7HgI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EVHs9P_tHo8/s1600/Pia.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq64P7NzpvQ/VaWPRouzB2I/AAAAAAAAA_0/MMVpngahXyk/s1600/SpyNetwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq64P7NzpvQ/VaWPRouzB2I/AAAAAAAAA_0/MMVpngahXyk/s1600/SpyNetwork.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUl_TuZQEbA/VaWPSOOGJeI/AAAAAAAABAA/bM4pQIGdbwk/s1600/Whirler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUl_TuZQEbA/VaWPSOOGJeI/AAAAAAAABAA/bM4pQIGdbwk/s1600/Whirler.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Yeah, I'm kind of cheating by putting four cards here, but they all fit into a single Red-Blue Thopters archetype. If you are going to build that deck, you want all of these.<br />
<br />
What I like about these four, in particular, is that they are all pretty good in their own right, and don't necessarily have to go into just one specific deck.<br />
<br />
<b>Hangarback Walker</b> - Play this on turn two, and keep ticking it up. When it explodes, it's raining thopters! It makes a good late-game play, as you can sink in all of your extra mana into it.<br />
<br />
<b>Pia and Kiran Nalaar</b> - Chandra's parents do a good impression of Siege-Gang Commander, and turn all of your drones into suicide bombers.<br />
<br />
<b>Thopter Spy Network</b> - A little more narrow, but you get a card that basically combines Bitterblossom and Coastal Piracy. In any artifact deck, and even with artifact lands, you are going to get some serious incremental advantage every turn.<br />
<br />
<b>Whirler Rogue</b> is just plain nuts for an uncommon, as you get the same little army that you do with Chandra's parents. What I really appreciate is that you can use the rogue's ability right away, and make another creature of yours unblockable, and with no mana cost.<br />
<br />
Of course, if you put these all together in a single deck, you have a drone army that would make Barack Obama jealous.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZdf5-PzOU/VafcUXaeWLI/AAAAAAAABAg/E5CPSDT4800/s1600/gyNAVgv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZdf5-PzOU/VafcUXaeWLI/AAAAAAAABAg/E5CPSDT4800/s400/gyNAVgv.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Those are the 10+ cards that have me the most excited to brew with. What strikes your fancy?<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b><u>Shameless Plug:</u></b><br />
<br />
Do you love dragons? Do you love dragon art?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDDOpOpa0aI/VafdoEJ5IYI/AAAAAAAABAs/vYFWpth4FhM/s1600/cookie_dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDDOpOpa0aI/VafdoEJ5IYI/AAAAAAAABAs/vYFWpth4FhM/s640/cookie_dragon.jpg" title="Cookie Dragon, by White Magic" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Cookie Dragon" , courtesy of White Magic</span></i></div>
<br />
If you think this cookie-munching dragon is cute, then check out my wife's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteMagicbySarahWhite?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WhiteMagicDragons?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy Store</a>. White Magic has lots of these adorable dragons for sale and show.<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-12135177923514404392015-06-30T19:51:00.002-07:002015-06-30T19:51:31.015-07:00Yes, I am THAT Guy in Casual Magic<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vy-NamWgFbc/VZMYRfJ2T_I/AAAAAAAAA9M/ZRDNrqDCltQ/s1600/What-good-is-Magic-if-you-dont-have-a-gathering-300x170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vy-NamWgFbc/VZMYRfJ2T_I/AAAAAAAAA9M/ZRDNrqDCltQ/s1600/What-good-is-Magic-if-you-dont-have-a-gathering-300x170.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The Mana Pool</b> is one of my favourite Magic: the Gathering
podcasts, and one of the few geared towards casual players.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The most recent episode,</span><a href="http://themanapool.com/podcast/episode-377/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"> #377 Aaron’s Fifteen Minutes of Fame</span></a><span style="color: black;">, hit home as Aaron talked about being THAT Casual guy:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Aaron comes on to talk about being That Guy. No no, not THAT That Guy.
Not one of the bad ones. But the guy that’s been playing forever and has lots
of cards and lots of decks and actually has some money to spend on the game.
Some casual players frown on That Guy, which gives That Guy some kind of
stigma. Aaron wants to address that stigma and help change the opinion of That
Guy. That Guy might not be all bad. You might even be able to learn something
from That Guy’s experiences! So don’t dump on That Guy!</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">As you might have guessed, I am also that guy…and my wife, I
guess she is THAT girl ^.^<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We’re the ones that have been playing for years (2007), have
a huge collection, make far too many decks (over 200!), and spend an excessive
amount of our disposable income on the game. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We have met a lot of new people playing Magic, yet it’s been
eight years since we’ve had the feeling of being the newbies. Most everybody we
play with has varying levels of experience, and some even have been playing
longer, but my wife and I always tend to be the ones with <span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span>all of the good
cards<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">On this ‘cast, Aaron brought up some good points that I’d
like to connect with our personal experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
STARTING OFF<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Magic: the Gathering is a very complicated game, and there
have been over 13,000 unique cards printed. When we first met some very
experienced casual players, it was an overwhelming experience. I had played
back during the REVISED era, and the card pool was fairly tiny compared to
today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Not only did we have to stop and read every card, but with
so many (new) rules to learn, and so many strange interactions, our hastily
put-together new decks were often destroyed. It was great to swim with the
sharks and learn to swim without a floatation device, but it can be daunting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The players we played with we far from cutthroat, but the
nature of the game, combined with their massive card and deck pools, meant that
we had a lot of catching up to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Thus, it is important to be patient with new and very casual
players and do your best to explain what your cards do (let them read them
carefully) and how things work. Try not to overwhelm them right off the bat, or
they might get discouraged. Informati<span style="font-family: inherit;">on overloa<span style="font-family: inherit;">d<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a real possibili<span style="font-family: inherit;">ty. </span></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
POWER LEVEL<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">If you are playing with newer or unfamiliar players, it is
best to have a variety of decks to choose from. If you curb-stomp them with
your Tier 1 Standard deck, and do it constantly, they won’t even want to play
with you again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">This isn’t the military, and we don’t need hard-knock boot
camp training. I don’t suggest going ‘easy’, but bring out a mid-level ‘fair’
deck and try to have interactive games. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">I always bring a good range of decks to play against new and
unfamiliar opponents. If I notice that they have some <span style="font-family: inherit;">serious</span> game, then I can
bring out the big guns. Otherwise, I have goofier decks that I can play and
foster a more social setting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">As for Combo<span style="font-family: inherit;"> decks</span>, most of our playgroups frown on those these days. I
know only to whip them out around other players that are at ease facing them,
and only on rare occasions. Best leave the combo decks in the box until you
know it’s safe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">** One little caveat that amuses me is just how much more
powerful creatures are compared to 10-20 years ago. Even newer players can
match up well against old decks, simply by the virtue of how much better
today’s creatures are. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
DOLLAR SIGNS<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78Gv74jL1Qk/VZMW5oRnb5I/AAAAAAAAA84/mO9DFJZh1uk/s1600/greed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78Gv74jL1Qk/VZMW5oRnb5I/AAAAAAAAA84/mO9DFJZh1uk/s400/greed.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Maybe he should change his diet?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">One intimidating factor can be the fact that my wife and I
tend to have a lot of splashy mythics and rares. Yes, we’re the lambs that
usually buy a box of every new set, tend to do a bit of trading, and like to
tweak and evolve our decks from time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It’s important to note that money isn’t everything in the
game, and newer players should be taught that...</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Many of the expensive cards that we might have
were acquired when they were cheap. Liliana of the Veil is now over $100, but I
got my copy from a booster pack. Simply put, long-time players will have
expensive cards, just by the nature of the game as a collectible and popular
hobby. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Not all good cards are expensive. I love to
‘bin’, and search bulk boxes for $1 gems. Some of the best cards are commons
and uncommons, and I like to challenge myself to build good decks without
spending $ and by using cheap cards. These two cards, for example, are amazing,
and can be found very cheap. </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you have a large collection, with lots of
excess cardboard lying around, donate some of those cards! We have a bulk box
that any of our friends can search and take some freebies from, and we’ve also
put some bulk rares into a binder. If we won’t use them, and they aren’t very
trad<span style="font-family: inherit;">a</span>ble, maybe one of our playgroup can find a home for them. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">
HAVE FUN<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It goes without saying, but try not to be an
over-competitive ass. I know I had a few spurts where I was getting far too
angry about losing casual games, and it was making the other players
uncomfortable. If you are feeling very competitive and want nothing to do but
win, find a different arena. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zYUOMJXpWQ/VZMXrgbAp7I/AAAAAAAAA9E/YN5O3rOkTVg/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zYUOMJXpWQ/VZMXrgbAp7I/AAAAAAAAA9E/YN5O3rOkTVg/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Remember, nobody is keeping stats, and you want to be able
to foster relationships that will last. I know I was close to driving away some
people because I was acting like a prick, and appeared to not be having fun, so
cut that crap out.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-62569499118285159692015-06-05T21:28:00.004-07:002015-06-05T21:31:47.314-07:00Grand Prix Vegas - Casually Disappointed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/c0/fa/c0fab8cd14a869009eddde5eb4440089.jpg?itok=LGOVtCrg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/c0/fa/c0fab8cd14a869009eddde5eb4440089.jpg?itok=LGOVtCrg" height="170" width="320" /></a></div>
Grand Prix Las Vegas 2015 was, by far, the biggest Magic: The Gathering tournament ever held.<br />
<br />
In addition to the 7,500+ players that played in the regular weekend event, several thousand also came for the side events and general shenanigans that surrounded the event. #Makemagichistory was all over Twitter and Reddit. <br />
<br />
My wife and I chose to travel to Las Vegas for our yearly vacation, with the Grand Prix a nice excuse to make our way south of the border.<br />
<br />
Sadly, our experience with Grand Prix Vegas was memorable for all of the wrong reasons. We were part of that not-so-vocal minority that didn't have the "most epic time ever, dude!"<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
GP Las Vegas ran from Thursday, May 28th, to Sunday, June 1st, 2015.<br />
<br />
Thursday and Friday were purely for side events, while Saturday and Sunday also contained the big main event.<br />
<br />
We intended to attend Thursday and Friday for the side events, as we're not interested in the large main event and had a trip to the Grand Canyon to make. <br />
<br />
We arrived Thursday morning, and were astonished at the pure size of the convention hall and how busy it was already. We thought Thursday would be a fairly quiet day, but I think the attendance on that day dwarfed that of most any regular event.<br />
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<br />
It seems that the event organizers and judges were also overwhelmed by the unexpected surge, as all events were well behind schedule. Those who signed up for on-demand drafts waited over an HOUR to even start their events, and those are supposed to be the fastest-running. <br />
<br />
My wife and I had preregistered for a 2HG (Two-headed Giant event) for US$80. With the exchange rate, it was just over $100 Canadian. Owch! :(<br />
<br />
As is the theme of the post, this was a disappointing experience for us, for the most part.<br />
<br />
To start things off, the whole event started about 45 minutes late. This was 45 minutes before we even got our packs of cards to build our decks! Add on time to build our decks, and it was a good 90+ minutes before we even played our first game.<br />
<br />
Rounds are supposed to take 50 minutes, and they usually run a little long. This time? Each round lasted 75-90 minutes, and this was a 5-round event. We seemed to spend more time waiting around than actually playing. Ugh.<br />
<br />
We certainly enjoyed the process of building our decks and PLAYING the game, and we got to meet some pretty cool people from all parts of the USA. Our first round opponents even cracked a foil Tarmogoyf (A cool $300 or so), so we didn't feel too bad for beating them.<br />
<br />
For the actual tournament, we went 2-1 and then dropped. The proceedings simply took too damn long, and Vegas had other things to explore. We intended to play all 5 rounds, but not if we're playing the Doctor Waiting Room Experience.<br />
<br />
Our pool?<br />
<br />
Well, a certain friend of mine said about the cost: "You'll probably make up the value in the cards you open!"<br />
<br />
Let's see how we did..<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
For those who don't play the game (much), the card in the lower left corner is the only card worth more than 50 cents. (It's about $13 now)<br />
<br />
That's right, we pretty much got one of the most worthless pools we could have possibly opened. No mythics, and one Surrakar Spellblade, a card so bad that I wouldn't taint my drinks by using it as a coaster.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, we actually had a good pool for the tournament. Despite the lack of money, my wife and I had pretty good cards and decks that complimented each other. I think we could have ended up 4-1 if we had played the last two rounds.<br />
<br />
My wife played the GOOD deck of the two: <u>Gw Ramp/Tokens</u>.<br />
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With limited bombs like Ant Queen, Mirror Entity, and Wilt-Leaf Liege, combined with 3 ramp spells, we finished off the top of the curve with 2(!) Pelakka Wurms and 2 Ulamog's Crusher. There was so much beef in this deck that we could open up a Fatburger franchise.<br />
<br />
I went on the support role with a durdly black-blue deck with some random artifacts. My role was to kill and/or bounce creatures, and make sure Sarah's army destroyed the opponents. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yes, 3 Aethersnipes and 3 Nameless Inversions.</span></i></div>
<br />
My wife and I make a good team, and our play styles certainly paired well with the cards we got. The only match we lost was due to a Primeval Titan (expensive bomb) that we couldn't quite deal with. I would love to try a 2HG event again, as long as it is well-run.<br />
<br />
Two other things contributed to us having a less-than-stellar time at Grand Prix Las Vegas<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>1. Artist Alley was a nightmare!</b></u><br />
<br />
We were fortunate to get a bunch of autographs from some of the lesser-known artists, but weren't able to get any from the popular artists.<br />
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<br />
Long lineups are expected, but many jerks decided to bring 40-50 cards for the artist to sign, and the line would barely move. Is it worth it to wait an hour for autographs? Hardly. I wish the artists told these idiots "<i>I'll sign 12, and then you go to the back of the line".</i><br />
<br />
<u><b>2. We didn't know anybody else!</b></u><br />
<br />
Many people attending GP Vegas managed to meet up with friends, have parties, and have a real experience out of it. Nobody we know, apart from a local vendor, made the trek to Vegas. Being casual players, most of the people we play with have never even been to a Friday Night Magic, much less a Grand Prix.<br />
<br />
Even the podcasters and writers I correspond with said Vegas was too far/expensive to get to.<br />
<br />
Thus, it was kind of a lonely feeling being at a large event where we miss out on the social aspect.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
We were certainly happy to travel to Vegas and be part of this experience, but it was definitely not as fun as we expected it to be. We didn't even bother going back on Friday for drafts, since waiting around for hours didn't seem like a great use of vacation time.<br />
<br />
Yes, we're the silent minority that came away from this event the same way we came away from the city of Las Vegas: "That's it? It was expensive and overrated"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-57387379915443883832015-03-31T09:36:00.001-07:002015-03-31T09:41:45.512-07:00MTG: 11 Intriguing Casual Cards from Dragons of TarkirDue to some real life events, and the fact that <b>Fate Reforged</b> came out not *that* long ago, I haven't really gotten into Dragons of Tarkir as much as I would normally do for any new set.<br />
<br />
One rant before I begin: <span style="font-size: large;">Where are all the frickin' baby dragons?</span><br />
<br />
WOTC's official answer was that the Dragon Tempest only gives 'birth' to fully-grown dragons, and baby dragons don't exist on Tarkir. <i>Pbbbbbttt!</i><br />
<br />
What a load of junk! Seriously, Dragon decks have been craving lower-drops for years, and this was the perfect set to do it.<br />
<br />
What do we get? A bunch of durdly 6-drops :(<br />
<br />
<i>*ahem*</i><br />
<br />
Now, after playing in a release tournament, and getting to look through the player's guide (aka Bathroom Reading), I've finally started to get excited about some of the new goodies.<br />
<br />
What's inspiring this casual player? In a totally random order... <br />
<br />
<h4>
<u><b>1. Rakshasa Gravecaller</b></u></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73uE7OOoAU0/VRmjvMR4cWI/AAAAAAAAA40/_7Rl84BEXIE/s1600/RakshasaGravecaller.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73uE7OOoAU0/VRmjvMR4cWI/AAAAAAAAA40/_7Rl84BEXIE/s1600/RakshasaGravecaller.png" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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My allegiance has now shifted to the Silumgar brood, as they reward cunning and resourcefulness. I favour decks that win on grinding resource advantage, as my opponents slowly find the game slipping out of their hands.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, the Gravecaller is one of the most powerful cards in the set, especially in a Draft or Sealed environment. How many cards, especially UNCOMMONS, offer 7 power and 10 toughness for the price of one <i>(well, plus another)</i> card? This card could have been rare, and that would have been fair. </div>
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This card was a definite MVP for my winning Silumgar deck at the release tournament. I don't often win, so I might as well brag a little ;)</div>
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<u><b>2. Assault Formation</b></u></h4>
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<br />
Harkoning back to Doran, the Siege Tower, Assault Formation is a great 'build around me' card that turns your 0/5 walls into brutal attackers. Most high toughness creatures are fairly cheap to cast, as is this card. <br />
<br />
Thankfully, I already have a deck pre-made for this beauty. My Arachnophobia deck is full of spiders with big asses and not much power. <i>(Sir Mixalot would approve!)</i> This enchantment will turn any 2/4 into a literal 4/4, and give the whole team a big papa pump.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>3. Palace Familiar</b></u></h4>
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<br />
Yes, a 1/1 owl for two mana hardly seems exciting, but if you need fodder for your exploitations, this feathery friend will ensure that you don't face card disadvantage. <br />
<br />
This dude also makes an amazing chump blocker, since it replaces itself. Don't need to block? Just peck your opponent in the eyes or poop on their head until you need it as a sacrificial fowl. <br />
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<h4>
<b><u>4. Deathmist Raptor</u></b></h4>
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<br />
It seems the Predator is done with earthlings and decided to visit Tarkir.<br />
<br />
Besides being a powerful creature in its' own right (<i>it's already seeing Standard play</i>), the fact that you can get it back over and over again in a deck with Morphs is one reason why this card was turned into a mythic rare.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>5. Youthful Scholar</b></u></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9PVH-kD08I/VRmjup7t5gI/AAAAAAAAA4s/oVPHtPliPl4/s1600/Jes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9PVH-kD08I/VRmjup7t5gI/AAAAAAAAA4s/oVPHtPliPl4/s1600/Jes.png" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
When this card came out, I joked that it was the perfect Magic representation of myself: I'm not dumb, and, while I am smart, I am not a high achiever.<br />
<br />
Best to keep expectations low and pleasantly surprise people :)<br />
<br />
On it's own, it's almost Mulldrifter-level in terms of power. If you need an Exploit target, this is the very best.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<u><b>6. Dragon Whisperer</b></u></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcQoDRylFoM/VRmjt2YHkjI/AAAAAAAAA4g/Fw9kPjQM5Hk/s1600/DragonWhisperer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcQoDRylFoM/VRmjt2YHkjI/AAAAAAAAA4g/Fw9kPjQM5Hk/s1600/DragonWhisperer.png" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
On the other hand, this card is a great Magical representation of my wife: She really is the Dragon Whisperer, and this is one of the few low drops that will actually make it into a Dragon deck.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<u><b>7. Sarkhan Unbroken</b></u></h4>
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Sarkhan has finally shed the madness that has consumed him, and has found happiness in a plane ruled by dragons.<br />
<br />
As for this card, how can you not love a card that poops out dragons? At the very worst, he 'gains' you 5 life and draws you a card.<br />
<br />
As for the Limit Break? Well, I have a dream where my wife ultimates Sarkhan Unbroken, only for me to Wrath the board the very next turn. <br />
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<h4>
<u><b>8. Sidisi, Undead Vizier</b></u></h4>
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<br />
We hardly ever get any Demonic Tutor type cards these days, and now we have one that is built into a 4/6 deathtouch monster! It pays to serve Silumgar. <br />
<br />
Yeah, I'll gladly turn my dorky 1/1 into the most powerful card in my deck. <br />
<br />
Deathtouch creatures tend to be purely defensive in nature, but 4 power? Talk about an offensive powerhouse. Your opponents are going to have to put something beefy in front of her to actually kill her, or will be afraid to block her at all. <br />
<br />
<u><b>9. Silumgar's Command</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3ty3-2I2to/VRmjv7lyyMI/AAAAAAAAA48/fM64ozB32FM/s1600/SilumCommand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3ty3-2I2to/VRmjv7lyyMI/AAAAAAAAA48/fM64ozB32FM/s1600/SilumCommand.png" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
Of all of the commands, this is the most likely to produce 2-for-1s.<br />
<br />
Now, five mana makes it a very expensive spell, especially since the other commands are all cheaper. You don't want to be stuck with 3-4 of these in your hand.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, any card that can outright kill annoying Planeswalkers is going to get top marks from me. It's a pain in the arse to have to devote so many creature attacks to kill an opposing planeswalker, after all. <br />
<br />
The first three modes will see the most play, for sure, but all of them provide a load of value and tempo.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>10. Dragonlord Silumgar</b></u></h4>
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<br />
The big daddy himself! Yeah, he's gotten a bit lazy in his old age, but he will still *steal* the show.<br />
<br />
If you are desperate for exploit fodder, and/or want to get rid of your opponents most annoying creature, just borrow it and exploit it for profit.<br />
<br />
(I feel so much like a Wall Street banker *giggle*)<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>11. Silumgar Sorcerer</b></u></h4>
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<br />
If you had a spell that read "Choose one - Counter target creature spell or put a 2/1 flying wizard into play", you would most certainly put that card into any blue deck. <br />
<br />
Silumgar Sorcerer is great in that it offers so much flexibility, and you don't need to decide between a Remove Soul or a flashy flyer for the last spot in your deck. <br />
<br />
Granted, this card can't counter more annoying removal spells and planeswalkers, but it's still a deceptively powerful creature that can go into even non-Exploit decks. <br />
<br />
<u><b>12. Sunscorch Regent</b></u><br />
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<br />
Remember this bullish creature?<br />
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<br />
Taurean Mauler is one of the more annoying cards to face off against in multiplayer, since it just keeps growing...and growing...<br />
<br />
Well, Sunscorch Regent is the dragonic version of Mrs. Mauler, destined to make all of your opponents groan in resignation.<br />
<br />
Now, the Regent isn't quite as good as the Mauler in two respects: a. The Mauler comes down much earlier, and is will get much larger much earlier, and b. the Mauler has any and all creature types... yes, even a dragon :)<br />
<br />
Still, the Regent has a nice bit of evasion, and will also gain you some life for all of the work your opponents are doing.<br />
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<br />
<h4>
<u><b>13. Swift Warkite</b></u></h4>
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<br />
Welcome to Valuetown, population: <u>Swift Warkite</u>.<br />
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Of all of the uncommon gold dragons in the set, this is, by far, my favourite.<br />
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Besides having decent stats, the reanimating clause can bring back a bevy of valuable creatures onto the battlefield for another go.<br />
<br />
Don't want to lose the creature you just reanimated? Don't attack! At the end of turn, it will bounce safely back into your welcome bosoms.<br />
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I think the Warkite combos very nicely with something like Bone Shredder. Then, it reads as a 4/4 dragon with Terror attached.<br />
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<hr />
<br />
So, while Dragons of Tarkir might not have any cards that make me nerdgasm (Villainous Wealth), or any real big combo enablers, the set will inspire me to make a new deck based around the Exploit mechanic.<br />
<br />
What cards are you looking forward to getting? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-15946021860199523642015-01-23T10:25:00.000-08:002015-01-23T10:25:16.367-08:00MTG: 11 Intriguing Casual Cards from Fate Reforged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Fate Reforged</b> is due out tomorrow, and, as always, there are a bunch of cards that are intriguing for this casual player.<br />
<br />
This set had to be built differently, as it is bridging two different draft formats. Fate Reforged will be drafted with <b>Khans of Tarkir</b>, and then also exclusively with the next set (<b>Dragons of Tarkir</b>)<br />
<br />
To those who don't follow the story closely, Fate Reforged actually takes place 1,000+ years in the past from the last set, and Dragons of Tarkir will take us forward to the 'present', albeit with things changed significantly. We see how the clans were not yet as strong, as they were forced to defend for themselves against nasty dragons. Three of the five mechanics from the previous set also return.<br />
<br />
Overall, <a href="http://golbezgrumblings.blogspot.ca/2014/09/mtg-12-intriguing-cards-from-khans-of.html" target="_blank">I don't feel nearly as excited for this set as I did the last one</a>, although that is common with the second set of a three-set block. There are some cards that I definitely want to play with, but nothing that left my jaw dropping like Villainous Wealth :) <br />
<br />
So, onto the list.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>11. MANIFEST</b></u></h4>
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</div>
Technically, this is not a card, but this is the one thing I really want to build a deck around.<br />
<br />
How can you take advantage of manifests? How about one of these babies?<br />
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<center>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UcCY_SDFDI/VMFdhFKA54I/AAAAAAAAA2c/cuwQZSx7h3w/s1600/phyrexiandred.jpg" />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Kxw7piVh2Y/VMFdhGFkKZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/XzJBAOdLBdA/s1600/eater.jpg" /></center>
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By paying their actual mana cost to flip them over, you avoid the awful 'comes into play' triggers. They are already in play! You can also avoid the blowouts that can happen when your Torpor Orb gets bounced, or you don't ever even find one.<br />
<br />
There are even morph creatures that can be abused with the manifest ability.<br />
<br />
For example...<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Why pay five-mana to flip Hooded Hydra when you can simply pay GG? For creatures that have a higher morph cost than their casting cost, manifest allows you to exploit some tax loopholes.You, too, can feel like Mitt Romney, if only for a fleeting moment. <br />
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<h4>
<u><b>10. SOULFIRE GRAND MASTER</b></u></h4>
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I'm not sure I have an existing deck to put the Master into, but I'd love to pull off this goofy combo and gain 130+ life. <br />
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<h4>
<u>9. ELITE SCALEGUARD</u></h4>
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This doesn't look all that exciting, from first glance, but it is a deceptively powerful scalpel.<br />
<br />
I saw my wife play this at the pre-release, and it helped her win some games. I will fit at least one into my current Abzan deck.<br />
<br />
Giving your creatures the ability to clear away an annoying blocker is helpful in breaking through board stalls, especially when they thought they were safe behind their big walls. Even if it just pumps itself, a 4/5 for five mana is OK. <br />
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<h4>
<u><b>8. MONASTERY SIEGE</b></u></h4>
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<br />
The cheapest of all of the sieges, this one can allow controls decks a frightening amount of card advantage and filtering. Throw away those extra lands? Dump a fatty to reanimate? Fuel delve? This one has it all. I can see Standard control decks wanting this as a 1 or 2-of.<br />
<br />
The second ability is nothing to sneeze at either, as it can make it harder for your opponents to deal with your army. If you build around creatures, this forces your opponent to ether have a board wipe, or spend a lot more time trying to pick off your dudes. <br />
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<h4>
<u><b>7. CLOUDFORM</b></u></h4>
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Of the Manifest enablers, this is the one I will always want to draw first. <br />
<br />
I don't want my Eaters of Days to get Lightning Bolted before I get a chance to flip them, and this provides the SHIELDS UP that is needed to stop the Klingons from ruining my fun!<br />
<br />
Oh, the flying is also a nice bonus. If you end up manifesting a land, a 2/2 flyer for three mana is acceptable.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>6. SOULFLAYER</b></u></h4>
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<br />
<br />
Soulflayer is one of those projects that requires a bit of work to complete, but can be worth millions once you finish the renovations and put it on the open market.<br />
<br />
Yeah, you can just get a cheap 4/4 for two mana, but the real combo comes with Chromanticore.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGvRbj9_s8E/VMFcwPBOBCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/0bLVjifYaOQ/s1600/Chrom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGvRbj9_s8E/VMFcwPBOBCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/0bLVjifYaOQ/s1600/Chrom.jpg" /></a></div>
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A two-mana 4/4 flyer with all them keywords?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nhiMt6wBJg/VMFc8bHESFI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8r08tEnACeA/s1600/drooling-homer-simpson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nhiMt6wBJg/VMFc8bHESFI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8r08tEnACeA/s1600/drooling-homer-simpson.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<b><u>5. HUMBLE DEFECTOR</u></b></h4>
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Humble Defector is a cute, new design space that gives Red decks the potential of card advantage. Combine it with spells or abilities that untap a creature and you can easily draw four or six cards at once! If you have a sacrifice outlet, just eat him up before he makes it to the enemy camp. <br />
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For those that love politics, this is the perfect card for you. Pass around the hot potato!<br />
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<h4>
<b><u>4. CRUX OF FATE</u></b></h4>
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Just take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness of this card, and witness the ultimate battle between Nicol Bolas and Ugin. The flavour oozes from this like a grilled cheese sandwich. <br />
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Not since Damnation has black had a pure mass removal spell at less than six mana. Mutilate is close, but depends on your mana base to be effective.<br />
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In most multi-player games, this will simply be a pure board wipe. If you have a dragon or two on the board, it's quite one-sided.<br />
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<h4>
<u><b>3. UGIN, THE SPIRIT DRAGON</b></u></h4>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GITpA5oSD7o/VMFgxJuiQBI/AAAAAAAAA20/6KK6n-OxAcM/s1600/ugin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GITpA5oSD7o/VMFgxJuiQBI/AAAAAAAAA20/6KK6n-OxAcM/s1600/ugin.png" /></a></div>
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Ever since the strange 'red' card <a href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?printed=true&multiverseid=136044" target="_blank">Ghostfire</a> was printed in 2007, there have been players asking <i>"Who is this Ugin?"</i><br />
<br />
After all of this waiting, and all of the teasing, we finally get the <strike>man</strike> dragon, itself!<br />
<br />
The art is worthy of a creature this legendary, and Control decks of any colour now have another splashy finisher that ought to cement the fates in your favour.<br />
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Even if you just use it's Ghostfire ability, you now have a 9-loyalty 'walker that must be answered. Otherwise, just wipe the board of any coloured permanent. <br />
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<i>(Is Ugin racist? Hmm....) </i><br />
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<h4>
<b><u>2. SUPPLANT FORM</u></b></h4>
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I love to clone creatures. I love to bounce creatures.<br />
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<br />
One downside of clone effects is that when you clone an opponent's creature, they still have the same damn creature! Discounting enter-the-battlefield abilities, this leave you only at parity with your enemy.<br />
<br />
Supplant Form allows you a huge tempo boost by cloning that very creature, but getting rid of their original...if only for a turn. This spell at the opponent's end-of-turn is fine form, indeed.<br />
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<h4>
<b><u>1. BRUTAL HORDECHIEF</u></b></h4>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxb9K124ac/VMFjYTyW6NI/AAAAAAAAA3M/YQoKzNz2zQs/s1600/BrutalHordechief.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxb9K124ac/VMFjYTyW6NI/AAAAAAAAA3M/YQoKzNz2zQs/s1600/BrutalHordechief.png" /></a></div>
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<br />
For those that remember <b>Hellrider</b>, we get another creature that turns any little 1/1 dude into am actual threat.<br />
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Aggressive decks, or token weenie decks, can sometimes run out of steam and get outclassed easily by bigger creatures. It's a brutal feeling when your opponent stabilizes and you can't force through that last 5-6 points of damage. <br />
<br />
Brutal Hordechief is perfect for breaking through the stalemate and dealing those last points of damage to the dome. I have a black-red tokens deck that will love this card as a win condition. The hordechief doesn't even ever have to attack for him to have his effect. <br />
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<i>"Why, yes, I'd love to get a 10-point life swing in one attack."</i><br />
<br />
That last ability is also a game-winner, as you can easily force terrible blocks and ensure most of your forces get through, even after pinging them. <br />
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<hr />
These 11 cards will give me some Scooby snacks to munch on until Dragons of Tarkir. At the very least, I'll have one cool new deck out of the manifest ability.<br /><br />
What cards are you looking forward to? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-45444677063252049582015-01-02T12:38:00.001-08:002015-01-02T12:38:13.354-08:00A Positive Post about Brands and Products I've often ranted about <a href="http://golbezgrumblings.blogspot.com/2014/02/adrants-big-steaming-pile.html" target="_blank">terrible advertisements</a>, the evils of unchecked capitalism, and <a href="http://golbezgrumblings.blogspot.com/2014/08/tim-hortons-sucks-and-you-know-it.html" target="_blank">overrated products</a>.<br />
<br />
For once, I should write something positive. Not everything in this world annoys me.<br />
<br />
So, why not write about the brands, products, and stores that I actually like and would recommend?<br />
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Yes, I am somewhat loyal to certain big bame brands, even if I do try to support local businesses and smaller labels, rather than large multinationals <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<u><b>DAIRY QUEEN</b></u><br />
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I eat a lot less fast food than I did before the turn of the century. When I do want something quick and easy, Dairy Queen is my favourite large chain, by far.<br />
<br />
Even if DQ served only Skor Blizzards<i> (for you Americans, your HEATH bar is a close comparison)</i>, I would still rank it #1. Skor Blizzards and ice cream cakes are manna from heaven, and the most delicious thing the human tongue has ever had the pleasure of tasting.<br />
<br />
I love the Skor ice cream cakes so much we had one at our wedding!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.kevoshod.ca/samples/DairyQueen/assets/images/SKOR_Blizz_Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kevoshod.ca/samples/DairyQueen/assets/images/SKOR_Blizz_Cake.JPG" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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The chicken strip basket is also a big winner, and the burgers, which are actually grilled, are acceptable.<br />
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Most big chain's burgers are rather 'meh', but I never get that sinking feeling of shame eating a DQ burger that I do from McRonalds or Burger Tsar.<br />
<br />
DQ seems to be able to walk the fine line of being not-too-unhealthy and greasy, yet still serve you a meal in about 2 minutes.<br />
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<br />
<u><b>TACO TIME</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.internationalvillagemall.ca/files/TacoTime.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.internationalvillagemall.ca/files/TacoTime.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is more local to Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the US, but it has become my go-to place for something 'Mexican'.<br />
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First, realize that Vancouver has very few actual Mexican restaurants, and Taco Bell, thankfully, has no presence here. There are very few choices when you want meat, lettuce, rice, and salsa.<br />
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Taco Time is so much better than Taco Bell for the simple fact that Taco Time food does not give you instant, explosive diarrhea. Taco Time food is quite a bit healthier, fresher, and does not contain more grease than edible matter.<br />
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Taco Time also has something called Mexi-Fries, which is one of my bigger fast-food cravings. Yes, you can buy Tater-Tots at the grocery store freezer, but they never work out nearly as well.<br />
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<br />
<u><b>HONDA</b></u><br />
<br />
When it comes to automobiles, I have a pretty small list of things I need looked after. <br />
<br />
1. Reliability<br />
2. Fuel Efficiency<br />
3. Customer Care<br />
<br />
Let's face it, the cars, themselves, are fairly interchangeable between most brands, and I don't need to compensate for a lack of manliness or hair with an Lamborghini or Hummer. <br />
<br />
When it comes to my experiences with Honda, they win all three categories. My wife's last Civic lasted 15(!) years, and rarely had to go through major repairs, or a string of constant small ones.<br />
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For customer care: A big shout-out to Westwood Honda in Port Moody for their excellent service. The repair shop tells you exactly what needs to be done, doesn't try to upsell you needless stuff, and is honest about when you actually need to do things.<br />
<br />
Toyota? Only if you want your vehicle recalled.<br />
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American brands? Forget about it. Between planned obsolescence of the parts to their attention to gas guzzlers, there is no reason to ever consider buying one.<br />
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<br />
<u><b>ARM & HAMMER</b></u><br />
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No, I'm not a Communist :)<br />
<br />
A&H makes my list for one very simple reason: THEY MAKE STUFF THAT DOESN'T BLOODY STINK!<br />
<br />
It seems product manufacturers think people want their cleaning products to reek of artificial flowers. Walking down the laundry deterigant aisle at the grocery store always makes me feel nauseous. Yes, I've ranted about this way too many times. <br />
<br />
A&H is one of the few that produces unscented products, and they generally do it right. Some other brands' 'unscented' products will still have a very strong chemical smell or they'll just mask it with some other noxious miasma.<br />
<br />
I use A&H for anti-perspirant, toothpaste, laundry soap, and, of course, baking powder. <br />
<br />
<br />
There, four brands I can get behind and have earned my loyalty (for now....)<br />
<br />
What brands are you partial to? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-49074602467630095582014-12-04T14:36:00.001-08:002014-12-04T14:37:20.343-08:00Random Rantings - Brown Eggnog DynastyIt's been far too long since I wrote something in this space.<br />
Like exercise, it's always hard to get started again when you've had a long layoff.<br />
<br />
So, here's some random brain dumpings.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
Do you need to give somebody a Christmas gift that says, <b>"I want you out of my life!"</b><br />
<br />
Well, check out the Chia Duck Dynasty head.<br />
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<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/39/399fd414-32a4-4dd2-8ad6-3917800526d1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/39/399fd414-32a4-4dd2-8ad6-3917800526d1_400.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I won't dump on Chia products, but how low can you go? It's bad enough that you can get Duck Dynasty anything, but a frickin Chia head?<br />
<br />
Even the most inbred of Hillbilly trailer trash must think this atrocity is beneath them. <br />
<br />
<i>"Yeah, I'll screw my cousins and the cattle, but this? What kinda freak ya think I am?"</i><br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
Speaking of things that are affront to the spirit of Christmas, how about <b>Almond "Eggnog".</b><br />
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<br />
My wife loves Almond Milk, for some reason, so she bought this pretend crap as a light-calorie alternative to real Christmas Magic.<br />
<br />
I am open-minded about most food products, so I did give it a chance. I understand that some lactose-intolerant people are craving the fine taste of 'nog.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say, this is one of the most revolting drinks I have had the displeasure of running through my mouth.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> The product doesn't actually taste like Eggnog. There is some hint of nutmeg buried in there, but it's hard to taste over the 'dirty water' flavour. </li>
<li>Eggnog is a creamy drink. Noel Nog is runny, watery, and a bit slimy. I'm not one who cares too much about food textures, but this drink feels 'wrong'.</li>
<li>Even my wife think it's gross. If she doesn't like an Almond 'Milk' product, who in the hell does?</li>
</ol>
<br />
Worried about calories? Spike some light eggnog with ice-cubes or milk, add a bit of nutmeg, and sip some real stuff.<br />
<br />
Can't have lactose? Well, stop being such a milk racist!<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
My pal Eric asks, "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3z.1:3:1:$comment10154894243140534_10154894253455534:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".3z.1:3:1:$comment10154894243140534_10154894253455534:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3z.1:3:1:$comment10154894243140534_10154894253455534:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><i>Why do teams who wear the color brown tend to play that way?</i>"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
Is that true?<br />
<br />
Looking at the four major North American sports, very few teams have brown uniforms, to begin with.<br />
<br />
Teams want primary, basic colours (red, white, black), or something that pops (blue, orange). Brown is that unhappy medium that is neither strong or bright.<br />
<br />
That, and it looks like poop. <br />
<br />
<u><b>NHL</b></u><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.icejerseys.com/images/products/33/Philadelphia-Flyers-201314-Reebok-EDGE-Authentic-Home-NHL-Hockey-Jersey-(Made-in-Canada)-N30643_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.icejerseys.com/images/products/33/Philadelphia-Flyers-201314-Reebok-EDGE-Authentic-Home-NHL-Hockey-Jersey-(Made-in-Canada)-N30643_XL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Philadelphia Flyers - </b>This is a bit of a stretch, since the Flyers are technically 'Orange'.<br />
<br />
Still, this orange of theirs is very dirty. Growing up, I actually thought the Flyers uniforms were brown. <br />
<br />
The Flyers? Yup, they suck.<br />
<br />
I guess we'll call it karma since many Philly fans, and the Flyers players, are a bunch of boorish thugs and jerks.<br />
<b><br /></b><u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>MLB</b></u><br />
<br />
None, currently.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://cabinetdenvie.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/san-diego-padres-brown-jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cabinetdenvie.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/san-diego-padres-brown-jersey.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The San Diego Padres used to have brown uniforms, but later switched to more basic white-and-grey.<br />
<br />
The Padres did suck, for the most part, when they had brown uniforms. They haven't been much better with the colour switch, either. The franchise lifetime record is 3398 wins and 3928 losses.<br />
<br />
We're 2-for-2<br />
<br />
<u><b>NFL</b></u><br />
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<br />
The obvious choice, since the Cleveland Browns have the colour right in the name.<br />
<br />
During the early years of their existence, the Browns were actually a really good team. The team actually has a 451-429-10 record in the NFL.<br />
<br />
Still, I will call them a CRAP team and make it a 3-for-3.<br />
<br />
Despite sporting a 7-4 record in 2014, the Browns have had a winning record in only three of their past sixteen seasons (since the franchise reboot), and have been one of the worst teams in the NFL for quite some time.<br />
<br />
<u><b>NBA</b></u><br />
<br />
None that I know of.<br />
<br />
I guess the theory holds, although there isn't much of a sample size.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-11462194268586990772014-09-25T13:02:00.002-07:002014-09-25T13:02:21.364-07:00MTG: 12 Intriguing Cards from Khans of Tarkir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Let's get this out of the way now...)</i></span></div>
<br />
<b>Khans of Tarkir</b>, the newest expansion for Magic: The Gathering, will be out Friday. After attending last weekend's prerelease (<i>and somehow winning it!</i>), and looking over all of the spoilers, there are a handful of cards, like in any set, that I am most intrigued by.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5MrHERzQIE/U-_jn6ofE5I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/qWMeqpyWbUY/s1600/abzan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5MrHERzQIE/U-_jn6ofE5I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/qWMeqpyWbUY/s1600/abzan.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, this list have quite an Abzan bent (the White, Green, and Black clan). The Abzan clan fits my grindy Orzhov style, and playing this style of deck requires an amazing amount of decision making.<br />
<br />
Why didn't I Play <b>JES</b>kai? Despite the awesome name, the White-Blue-Red style of deck has never suited me all that well. Jeskai decks can tend to be a bit more fragile, and require a good amount of trickery. I prefer decks that have some good amount of defense and protection, while allowing me to slowly grind away for long-term advantage. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
12. Jeskai Ascendancy</h3>
<br />
The Old Combo Jes would be all over this card. Here is an easy two-card combo that generates infinite tokens. <br />
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<br />
This card is amazingly and deceptively powerful, even without the combo potential. The problem is that, again, I rarely play the American colour scheme.<br />
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<h3>
11. Utter End</h3>
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<br />
Sure it's just a one-for-one removal spell, but the Orzhov mage in me will want about 30 of these for my various Black/White decks. Instant speed exiling is always potent, especially if you can hit those pesky planeswalkers. <br />
<br />
I'd also like somebody to alter one and put a cow on it. Moo!<br />
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<h3>
10. Bear's Companion</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUg-rGm_oGY/VCRIzQ2J37I/AAAAAAAAAy4/6vF50PbZlXk/s1600/bearbuddy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUg-rGm_oGY/VCRIzQ2J37I/AAAAAAAAAy4/6vF50PbZlXk/s1600/bearbuddy.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Any creature that comes with other creatures is worth considering, especially when it's a 4/4 bear! My Riku EDH deck will definitely want this pair. It's not easy to play, being 3 colours, but it is a very powerful uncommon.<br />
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<h3>
9. Altar of the Brood</h3>
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This artifact is deceptively powerful, turning any land drop into a Mill-1 for all opponents. Combine this with fetchlands and token makers, and you can very easily mill your opponent a bunch of times with little effort. <br />
<br />
I don't plan to play this in my mill deck, so much as I'd put it in a Mimeoplasm deck where I want my opponents to have NomNoms for my pets. <br />
<br />
<h3>
8. The Abzan Lords</h3>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxjKb9t8t4E/VCRKD81oFcI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/_lqzaXocXls/s1600/AbzanFalconer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxjKb9t8t4E/VCRKD81oFcI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/_lqzaXocXls/s1600/AbzanFalconer.png" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWt5pXImwMY/VCRKD3ykQOI/AAAAAAAAAzM/60vNDc043BA/s1600/AbzanPriest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWt5pXImwMY/VCRKD3ykQOI/AAAAAAAAAzM/60vNDc043BA/s1600/AbzanPriest.png" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSmMRqfLD20/VCRKD7IZYLI/AAAAAAAAAzU/4f0vl9Ss_6U/s1600/AinokBond.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSmMRqfLD20/VCRKD7IZYLI/AAAAAAAAAzU/4f0vl9Ss_6U/s1600/AinokBond.png" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
OK, this is technically three cards, but they all fill the same type of role in the casual Abzan deck I'll be building. After playing them at the pre-release, I can appreciate how well they work together.<br />
<br />
This trio basically function as 'lords', as they grant your team certain abilities, providing you meet the requirements. They also grow themselves, giving you a good way to use extra mana. Think of them as harder-to-use slivers :)<br />
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<h3>
7. Bloodsoaked Champion</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzORJ-JczNI/VCRxu78Wh7I/AAAAAAAAA0g/EnuMEOqsB0s/s1600/Bloodsoaked.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzORJ-JczNI/VCRxu78Wh7I/AAAAAAAAA0g/EnuMEOqsB0s/s1600/Bloodsoaked.png" /></a></div>
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<br />
How can a guy with a shield in each hand not bloody be able to block? o.O<br />
<br />
This was another card I had in my pre-release pool, and it is one of the better 1-drop creatures ever printed.<br />
<br />
Besides the fact it's an efficient, aggressive, creature, it will just keep coming back again and again and... again.<br />
<br />
Read the ability carefully, and you realize you can bring back the Champion the same turn he attacks and dies a traumatic death. <br />
<br />
<h3>
6. Sultai Flayer</h3>
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Not such Roose Bolton have we seen such a dreadful flayer!<br />
<br />
This was played against me at the pre-release, and it gave my opponent about 12+ life each game. Besides the four life you will gain when it dies, your other fatties turn into life-nourishing snacks when they hit the bin.<br />
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<h3>
5. Sultai Charm</h3>
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For casual play, I think this is the best charm of them all. The flexibility to handle most troublesome permanent is all that you can ask for in a card, and you will likely always have a target for this. Any BUG/Sultai deck ought to easily have a spot for this, and I can see it replacing other removal spells that I have in those decks.<br />
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<h3>
4. Abzan Ascendancy</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I35sWTruBKY/VCRLEft736I/AAAAAAAAAzs/3H9Tzj1lw6o/s1600/AbzanAsc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I35sWTruBKY/VCRLEft736I/AAAAAAAAAzs/3H9Tzj1lw6o/s1600/AbzanAsc.png" /></a></div>
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It's hard not to like this enchantment, as it can grow your existing team. For Abzan, turning on the lords (not in *that* way, pervs!) is key to victory, and this allows you to do it without tapping them to use the Outlast ability.<br />
<br />
This card also provides some removal and wrath protection, giving you a nice ghost once the original creatures bite the dust. If you overextend, or get wrathed out, it is nice to not be left empty-handed. <br />
<br />
<h3>
3. Duneblast</h3>
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He who controls the spice controls the board!<br />
<br />
This was my pre-release MVP, despite the heavy mana cost. Yeah, I don't normally play 7-mana wraths, but this one is damn well worth it! This limited format was quite slow and allowed for big spells to be played. <br />
<br />
Being able to clear the board of pesky rodents, and then swing in with your best creature? That is such a good feeling. It can often suck to wipe the board when you have a creature you don't really want to have die, so why not have your cake and eat it to? <br />
<br />
In multi-player, there is an added political aspect to this card, as it may be somebody else's creature that you let live. Yes, I'd like you to attack Jace, the Wallet Sculptor, for me next turn!<br />
<br />
<h3>
2. Siege Rhino</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iwzBFv-n-M/VCRM9XLYqcI/AAAAAAAAA0A/CWr6SR7AJEc/s1600/siegerhino.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iwzBFv-n-M/VCRM9XLYqcI/AAAAAAAAA0A/CWr6SR7AJEc/s1600/siegerhino.png" /></a></div>
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Another bloody Abzan card, I know :)<br />
<br />
Still, how could you not like the value on this Rhino? A 4/5 trampler that also does three damage to each opponent? Oh, I also get three life? Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. <br />
<br />
I don't understand the flavour of this card, but that won't stop me from using and abusing it <i>(Don't call PETA on me, thanks)</i> in my Junk Reanimator build. Blinking and reanimating this creature just feels so dirty. <br />
<br />
<h3>
1. Villainous Wealth</h3>
<br />
I'll finish with the card that made me squee like a little girl at a One Direction concert when it was first spoiled.<br />
<br />
Remember Genesis Wave?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN7c6DrMGXI/VCRPh14r-7I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/vufzlBlLTdQ/s1600/GenesisWave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN7c6DrMGXI/VCRPh14r-7I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/vufzlBlLTdQ/s1600/GenesisWave.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Introducing ... <b>NEMESIS WAVE!</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldhz4XuwROQ/VCRPZJZDMZI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XS1RAYt_rcM/s1600/Villain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldhz4XuwROQ/VCRPZJZDMZI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XS1RAYt_rcM/s1600/Villain.png" /></a></div>
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My playgroup buddies know how much I love to 'borrow' their stuff! There are so many cool cards that I never get to play, so this is my chance to do so. <br />
<br />
While the mana investment will be quite high, being able to borrow a big pile of your opponents deck gets Greedy Jes all shuttering with excitement. A Genesis Wave on your opponents deck is boom or bust, but it will likely always be fun ... for me, at least ;)<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
So, while I'm mostly looking at the Abzan cards in this set, there are many other cool cards that could find their way into existing decks. The Abzan is the one clan I'll be building around, while most of the other cool cards will just find their way into my existing decks.<br />
<br />
What cards from this set excite you? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-26855745071226655572014-08-26T10:48:00.001-07:002014-08-26T10:48:11.636-07:00Tim Hortons Sucks, and You Know It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/599352/thumbs/r-TIM-HORTONS-EARNINGS-PROFIT-Q1-600x275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/599352/thumbs/r-TIM-HORTONS-EARNINGS-PROFIT-Q1-600x275.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The internet tubes are abuzz with news that <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tim-hortons-burger-king-agree-to-merger-deal-1.2746948" target="_blank">Tim Hortons and Burger King are merging.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQqQIoADAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2F2014%2F08%2F25%2Fburger-king-boycott_n_5710695.html&ei=TsD8U5KwFaasigK8l4DwBA&usg=AFQjCNGvA2eV44FzEDTA9s2vzKVJwZTFPg&sig2=WQ_mNCA4gLGCPIhYZDv9wA&bvm=bv.73612305,d.cGE" target="_blank">Americans are angry that another large multi-national is not paying their fair share of taxes</a>, while Canadians are flipping out <a href="http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/burger-king-wants-to-buy-tim-hortons-destroy-canada-436" target="_blank">that their precious national coffee slinger is going to be taken over by Americans.</a><br />
<br />
People easily forget that Timmy's was taken over by Wendy's back in 1995, and it didn't cause the brand to disappear.<br />
<br />
If you really think that buying Tim Hortons or Molson Canadian beer makes you a good Canadian, then you are a marketer's wet dream. Supporting Timmy's is no more or less Canadian than buying coffee from a local cafe, or a gas station.<br />
<br />
To quote <a href="https://twitter.com/BDGallof" target="_blank">BD Gallof</a>: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1n.1:3:1:$comment10152669228899134_10152669313469134:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1n.1:3:1:$comment10152669228899134_10152669313469134:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1n.1:3:1:$comment10152669228899134_10152669313469134:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1n.1:3:1:$comment10152669228899134_10152669313469134:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1n.1:3:1:$comment10152669228899134_10152669313469134:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">
<i>Acting like it is some sort of national pride to eat processed fried
dough and badly roasted, but drinkable, coffee beans is just plain
silly.</i></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />I really don't understand why people feel the need to tie their nationality to a large corporation, especially one that has been acting more and more American the past decade.<br />
<br />
While Timmy's used to be cool, and a box of fresh donuts would make the whole office happy, the franchise is no longer worth supporting. Those people mad about this deal have their priorities in the wrong place, and need to wake up to some basic truths.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Timmy's hires boatloads of Temporary Foreign Workers. </b></u><br />
<br />
Once upon a time, Tim Hortons used to air ads proclaiming that working at Timmy's was a great way to get started on a solid career, <a href="http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/team/scholarship.php" target="_blank">and even promoted their Scholarship Program</a>. Timmy's was a place you could get a half-decent job, while working towards something better.<br />
<br />
Realizing that paying workers decent wages stops the executives from buying a new Mercedes Benz each Thursday, Timmy's took to, instead,<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQqQIoADAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefreepress.ca%2Fnews%2F270178251.html&ei=w8P8U_24D4zcoATbm4DgCA&usg=AFQjCNERXxSA9pJ0xa7fsEbP0xT0B9IQsg&sig2=NTu32yyJ1dVefCVr25p_EA&bvm=bv.73612305,bs.1,d.cGE" target="_blank"> hiring piles of Temporary Foreign Workers</a>.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that there are thousands of Canadians who could use a decent job, <a href="http://business.financialpost.com/2014/06/26/tim-hortons-coffee-foreign-workers/" target="_blank">Timmy's would rather hire indentured servants from other countries</a>, and pay them cheaper wages than actual Canadian citizens would be entitled to receive.<br />
<br />
Timmy's claims to be a Canadian company, yet hires non-Canadians to fill jobs that Canadians could easily do. Yup. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Tim Hortons donuts are not at all FRESH</b></u><br />
<br />
Once upon a time, Tim Hortons actually baked the donuts, from scratch, in the individual stores.<br />
Realizing that they could make more money by just having the stores warm up frozen dough, and thus requiring even less-skilled staff on hand, <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/02/28/tim-hortons-lawsuit/" target="_blank">Tims forced franchises to switch</a>, with some of them filing, and then losing a lawsuit.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>At the heart of the case, which began in 2008, is what the judge
describes as the “Always Fresh Conversion,” a shift from fresh baking in
each store to a system of industrial par baking and flash freezing at a
centralized plant in Brantford, Ont., followed by reheating in
specially designed ovens.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />Hmm, reheating dough? This sounds an awful lot like Pillsbury products. <br /><br />The last few times I've seen Timmy's in the office, there was more of a collective 'meh'. Donuts used to be OMGZ EXCITMENT!!!!11111, but it has been replaced by, "Ok, cool, a free snack... I guess". <br />
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<u><b>Their Timbits are laced with Crack Cocaine</b></u><br />
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OK, maybe not, but they are far too addicting. Any time somebody brings a box of them to the office, or some other party, I end up eating far more of them than I should. I don't find them particular awesome, and they seem far too bland for the calories they contain, but I seem to end up scarfing down a half-dozen before I realize what I've done with my life. <br />
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<br />
So, what is Canadian about heavily-processed, reheated food and hiring Temporary Foreign Workers? Tim Hortons has been acting more and more American each year, and is about as Canadian as Basketball now is. <br />
<br />
If you want to be a good Canadian, and support Canadian businessess, go to your local coffee cafe. Not only do you support the hiring of Canadian workers, but you'll actually keep the money in your community, and probably get better food out of the deal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/a9/a9c1770f0029f78cf2beecb98933f54b0fee9e05299849a4d9744970355840e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/a9/a9c1770f0029f78cf2beecb98933f54b0fee9e05299849a4d9744970355840e2.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-43195320637157626272014-08-11T10:08:00.004-07:002014-08-11T10:08:58.309-07:00Vancouver's Food Truck Follies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.followmefoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Vancouver-Foodie-food-Cart-Tour-Winston-Wong-Photo-6-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.followmefoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Vancouver-Foodie-food-Cart-Tour-Winston-Wong-Photo-6-Small.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the recent trends in Vancouver has been the explosion of Food Trucks on the streets.<br />
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While other major cities in North America have an abundance of these mobile kitchens, it wasn't until 2010 that Vancouver had its first. <a href="http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/street-food-vending.aspx" target="_blank">Now, we have over 100. </a><br />
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To understand why it is such a big deal, you have to know that Vancouver has always been behind the times and quite strict about food safety for mobile food sellers.<br />
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I remember how big of a deal it was when the first street hot dog vendors (Mr. Tube Steak!!!!!) were allowed to start operating about 20-odd years ago. While other big cities had plenty of these street meat hawkers, Vancouver didn't start catching up until my early teens. It's no surprise that we didn't get food trucks until just a few years ago.<br />
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Unfortunately, the food truck industry in Vancouver has been, to my experience, one GIANT disappointment.<br />
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Here is what I expect from a mobile food seller:<b> Fast and cheap</b><br />
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Here is what Vancouver Food Trucks (VFTs) are generally not: Fast and cheap<br />
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<hr />
<br />
One reason I'd want to go to a VFT is to get a quick meal to go. If I had the time, I'd go to a cafe or restaurant, so going to a street vendor is for time-saving purposes.<br />
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VFTs fail largely in this regard, with 7-15 minute waits not uncommon. Fresh food does take time to prepare, but many VFTs don't seem to have certain staples prepared beforehand, and efficiency is lacking.<br />
<br />
VFTs have nowhere to sit, and you are often left there standing in the baking hot sun with nothing to do. <br />
<br />
Prices at the typical VFT also mirror that of most small cafes and some restaurants, which is to say it is not cheap. $10-15 for a small meal is the norm with many VFTs, and the quantity of food doesn't make up for it.<i> (Although that isn't as much of a concern to me these days). </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I'm not sure the <u>quality</u> of food makes up for the prices, either. I've had one fish & chips that was so oily that I had to throw it up an hour later, I've tried the famous "Japadog" (<i>overrated, but still tasty</i>), and found most dishes to be pretty much of average quick-food quality. <br />
<br />
I understand every business has costs to cover, and Vancouver's licenses aren't cheap, but the food trucks don't have the brick-and-mortar costs that a typical restaurant has, nor do they need to hire serving staff. VFTs should be able to offer lower prices due to lower overhead, but it doesn't happen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://postmediavancouversun.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/4857.sun1110l_food_cart_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://postmediavancouversun.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/4857.sun1110l_food_cart_1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(c) The Vancouver Sun</i></span></div>
<br />
From anecdotal internet talk and other things I've read, it seems that other cities with food trucks have it better, and have it right. <br />
<br />
Honestly, downtown consumers are better off going to any of the numerous food courts at the malls here. You get air conditioning and protection from the elements, you don't have to wait as long for the food, and the prices are a bit lower. The quality is about the same, too. <br />
<br />
Mobile food trucks are a great concept, and seem to be popular, for the time being, but I still fail to understand how they will continue to be successful if they cannot offer any time or money savings from the thousands of other options we have in this city. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-88019531934908974782014-07-17T15:13:00.004-07:002014-07-17T15:13:53.554-07:00MTG: 11 Intriguing Cards from M15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
M15, the new core set for Magic: The Gathering, is being released this Friday to lots of anticipation. <br />
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With the major reboot of M10 in 2009, core sets are far better than they used to be. That said, these summer releases have been getting stale the past couple of years, and Wizards of the Coast needed to add some more spice to the pot. M13 and M14 were complete snoozefests, really. <br />
<br />
Well, <a href="http://screenburn.kotaku.com/magic-the-gathering-cards-designed-by-star-video-game-1594801925" target="_blank">by asking famous names in the gaming community (Video games, board games, etc) to design some cards</a>, tweaking the card frame, and getting away from some of the stale reprints, M15 is looking to be the best core set since M10.<br />
<br />
After reviewing the set, and playing in this past weekend's prerelease, I've got a list of 11 cards that I will be looking forward to building and playing with in the future.<br />
<br />
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<br />
In alphabetical order, because Stone Cold said so!<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>1. Avacyn, Guardian Angel </b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkbrGJUZ51U/U8hJu__aKyI/AAAAAAAAAyM/k5c1ZvHiPM4/s1600/Avacyn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkbrGJUZ51U/U8hJu__aKyI/AAAAAAAAAyM/k5c1ZvHiPM4/s1600/Avacyn.png" /></a></div>
<br />
My Angel EDH/Commander deck is currently lead by <b>Avacyn, Angel of Hope</b>. While the original is far more powerful, the 8 mana cost makes her an expensive date. <br />
<br />
This version doesn't need a fancy steak dinner every night, and she can still protect your army. I'm not sure if I'll replace the original, or just take another card out. A flying 5/4 vigilance angel is good in any white deck. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>2. Brood Keeper</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rqW1KNurkU/U8gbWxzfynI/AAAAAAAAAwo/NKrsY2e8nK0/s1600/BroodKeeper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rqW1KNurkU/U8gbWxzfynI/AAAAAAAAAwo/NKrsY2e8nK0/s1600/BroodKeeper.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I had two Brood Keepers in my prerelease pool, but not enough auras to make it worthwhile to play them :(<br />
<br />
Slapping auras on a non-hexproof creature always make me nervous, but Brood Keeper will definitely reward the risk. A 2/2 dragon whelp for every Aura attached to her? This is a pretty good build-around-me card. I will certainly brood over the possibilities. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>3. Chasm Stalker</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaOS-0bcY60/U8gb114IQqI/AAAAAAAAAws/fuassQnqTmo/s1600/Chasm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaOS-0bcY60/U8gb114IQqI/AAAAAAAAAws/fuassQnqTmo/s1600/Chasm.png" /></a></div>
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This might be my favourite new card from the set. Who doesn't love SQUID tokens? <i>*Squish*</i><br />
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Blue decks always draw plenty of cards, so, when this fellow dies, you ought to be left with quite a calamari army.<br />
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Brainstorm or Ancestral Vision will get you 3 additional 1/1s for cheap, and those are cards I use in many blue decks. Better get some tzatziki ready. <br />
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<u><b>4. Ensoul Artifact</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdlVk_kPhv4/U8gcwiKDERI/AAAAAAAAAw4/KGruPtMnEbs/s1600/EnsoulArtifact.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdlVk_kPhv4/U8gcwiKDERI/AAAAAAAAAw4/KGruPtMnEbs/s1600/EnsoulArtifact.png" /></a></div>
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Your mother told you not to run with scissors, but you should probably run FROM them! <br />
<br />
In terms of raw power, this card ranks highly. Turning a Darksteel Ingot or Darksteel Citadel (the artifact land) into indestructible 5/5s, for just two frickin' mana, ought to make the cut. <br />
<br />
The artwork alone, is full of win.<br />
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<u><b>5. Generator Servant</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPX3GFKUs78/U8gdNnwQKVI/AAAAAAAAAxA/XLxj_G4bnI8/s1600/Generator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPX3GFKUs78/U8gdNnwQKVI/AAAAAAAAAxA/XLxj_G4bnI8/s1600/Generator.png" /></a></div>
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This little bugger was surprisingly powerful at the prerelease, allowing players to cast out huge hasty creatures a lot earlier than they should be able to. It's not often we get served with any type of Sol Ring effects. <br />
<br />
Red often gets some form of temporary mana generation, but giving one or two creatures haste? That is what pushes this card over the edge. <br />
<br />
Don't forget that the mana generated can be used for anything, even instants. <br />
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<u><b>6. Hushwing Gryff</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZY8DTRQRGI/U8gd21YBf3I/AAAAAAAAAxI/VKStf5iErr0/s1600/Gryff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZY8DTRQRGI/U8gd21YBf3I/AAAAAAAAAxI/VKStf5iErr0/s1600/Gryff.png" /></a></div>
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More and more creatures are being printed with 'enter the battlefield' triggers. Killing those creatures doesn't stop their controller from getting the benefit, dammit!<br />
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With that in mind, Hushwing Gryff is another 'hate bear' created to help in competitive formats. Decks that rely upon Birthing Pod will definitely not be happy to see this flashed on to the table.<br />
<br />
For us casuals? This is a very flexible answer, and can save you from the devastating effects of an Inferno Titan or Acidic Slime. <br />
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<u><b>7. Necromancer's Stockpile</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pes85zVLIOY/U8gfH6scwKI/AAAAAAAAAxU/mFNJ9Ho3S4o/s1600/Necroma.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pes85zVLIOY/U8gfH6scwKI/AAAAAAAAAxU/mFNJ9Ho3S4o/s1600/Necroma.png" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Cheap discard outlets are always useful, especially if you get some real return on your investment.<br />
<br />
I already have a middling Zombie deck, so this ought to slide right in their perfectly. If you have recursion creatures like Gravecrawler or Bloodghast, discarding that card isn't a real cost at all. <br />
<br />
As the zombie Billy Mays would say: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"NOT ONLY DO YOU GET TO DRAW A CARD, BUT WE'LL THROW IN A 2/2 ZOMBIE TOKEN, FOR FREE!" </b></span><br />
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<u><b>8. Nightfire Giant</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ELm84_sBVs/U8gf6jCwY-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/A80_YiF-0yY/s1600/Nightfire.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ELm84_sBVs/U8gf6jCwY-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/A80_YiF-0yY/s1600/Nightfire.png" /></a></div>
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Talk about a bomb in sealed and draft! A 5/4 that can machine gun opposing creatures and players? Ick. My poor wife was on the wrong side of the table from this creature at the prerelease, and her army of little dudes didn't last too long. <br />
<br />
Yes, the activation cost isn't cheap, but you get a fairly costed creature that makes a great mana sink. I could see myself finding a home for him in one of my numerous red/black decks. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>9. Ob Nixilis, Unshackled</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aZzsSTd1B4/U8ggaDpCqjI/AAAAAAAAAxo/KCYxbXM_gAQ/s1600/ObNoxious.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aZzsSTd1B4/U8ggaDpCqjI/AAAAAAAAAxo/KCYxbXM_gAQ/s1600/ObNoxious.png" /></a></div>
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Those who have played against my Demons deck know how ObNoxious the original Ob Nixilis can be. <br />
<br />
Creatures die often in multiplayer Magic, so Obby here will get bigger with little effort. Being able to punish somebody for shuffling their library will be almost orgasmic, I'm sure. It's too bad he doesn't have flash, so you could really "GOTCHA!" some unsuspecting shmuck. <br />
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<u><b>10. Scuttling Doom Engine</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJvAGalO2A4/U8ghJIZy9bI/AAAAAAAAAxw/iR_Cp2A2kWk/s1600/Scuttling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJvAGalO2A4/U8ghJIZy9bI/AAAAAAAAAxw/iR_Cp2A2kWk/s1600/Scuttling.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm torn ... <i>(but not Rip Torn) </i>is this a really good card name, or a terrible one?<br />
<br />
This card hasn't been getting as much hype of some of the others, but I love being able to punish somebody else for killing my creatures. Six damage is significant, and will definitely scare people into poking it with a stick.<br />
<br />
"Scuttles" also makes it so that opponents can't easily chump-block it with some dumb token. One way or another, you are DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!<br />
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<b><u>11.Waste Not </u></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_-gZESo74g/U8ghyJ50cFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/FliOPnWeRK4/s1600/Wastenot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_-gZESo74g/U8ghyJ50cFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/FliOPnWeRK4/s1600/Wastenot.png" /></a></div>
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I finish with the card designed by 'the Magic community', including another name that strikes me as both clever and/or lame. <br />
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For sure, this is a powerful 'build around' card that will put further pain on those opponents who have to discard precious resources.<br />
<br />
Seeing as I already have such an annoying discard deck, I look forward to the scowls of my playgroup when I whip this out for the first time.<br />
<br />
I know karma will come back to bite me, but I don't want your cards to go to ... waste ...<br />
<br />
<i>*mic drop*</i><br />
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So, what cards from M15 interest you? <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-87740082943070804872014-07-11T11:22:00.002-07:002014-07-11T11:22:48.216-07:00World Cup Schadenfreude - Brazil Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Give the post a minute to load, will ya?)</i></div>
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With the <b>2014 FIFA World Cup </b>nearing the final weekend, and the Dutch out of contention for the title, I can relax and enjoy the fact that Brazil won't be winning the whole thing.<br />
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It is no secret I am not fond of Brazil's soccer team. The people, country, and food? Fine by me, but their soccer team can KISS ... MY ... GRITS!<br />
<br />
During their beating at the hands of the Germans <i>(7-1 is like 24-3 in hockey terms)</i>, I experienced a grand dose of Schadenfreude. I was actually cackling as I watched the Brazilians collapse in front of their home fans, and was enjoying watching the many replays on my screen. <br />
<br />
<i>"Jes, why do you not like Brazil?"</i><br />
<br />
Let me count the ways...<br />
<br />
<b>The Diving </b>- Italy and Hondruas might be the worst, but Brazil is up there in terms of countries that flop more than a fish out of water, or Arjen Robben. As soon as a Brazilian is within 5 feet of an opposing player, they suddenly have balance issues.<br />
<br />
Here is 'Fred' getting a penalty call, thanks to a typical flop:<br />
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<br />
<b>The Acting</b> - Any time a Brazilian player is even breathed on, or a foul is called on them, they roll around like they've been shot with a rubber bullet. It makes it hard to tell when they are actually hurt, like when Neymar got kneed in the spine. <br />
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<b>The Bandwagoners</b> - Strangely, Vancouver seems to suddenly have about 100,000 Brazilians every four years. Brazil is a trendy 'easy' team to cheer for, especially for people with absolutely no connection to the country.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi-cg03XTtY/U8AoRRBCqUI/AAAAAAAAAuc/8DVsdcGtCVY/s1600/Bieber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi-cg03XTtY/U8AoRRBCqUI/AAAAAAAAAuc/8DVsdcGtCVY/s1600/Bieber.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Typical bandwagon douchebag.</i></span></div>
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Their fans also seem to think that their team and game are 'beautiful', and other football is 'ugly'. Basically, Brazil is the self-absorbed high-maintenance type that is too in love with themselves to ever love you. <br />
<br />
<b>The Names</b> - Yes, you are so awesome and god-like that you go by single names. Fred, Hulk, Kaka, Ronaldo, Neymar, etc ... I don't care of Portguese naming conventions give you 34 different middle and last names. Pick two or three and use them. What conceited poppycock!<br />
<br />
To quote the awesome <b>George Carlin</b>:<br />
<blockquote>
These singers who think they're so special they only need one name.
Bono, Sting, Jewel, Tiffany, Prince. What a crock of shit! Get a fucking
last name, would you please? ... It's not bad
enough the music sucks, but with no last name, you can't find out where
these people live so you can throw a fuckin' bomb through their window!
It's frustrating.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>The Overt Religiousness </b>- Even after they got curbstomped, the Brazilian players were bowing down to their deity and praying for ... not to get killed by the fans?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPQk-3GiGLk/U8AlOghXFPI/AAAAAAAAAuA/fOgF6DjMNWY/s1600/davidluizluizgustavo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPQk-3GiGLk/U8AlOghXFPI/AAAAAAAAAuA/fOgF6DjMNWY/s1600/davidluizluizgustavo.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> "Please, Hammer, don't hurt me!"</i></span></div>
<br />
Many of the Brazilian players are in-your-face about their religion as much as a Southern "Born Again" Baptist. Even the strongly Catholic Italians are rather quiet about their religion, and Italians are rarely quiet about anything!<br />
<br />
Look, your god does not care about sporting events. You didn't lose because of anything other than your own terrible play and Germany's good tactics.<br />
<br />
That penalty call above? Here is Fred thanking God for apparently helping the ref make a terrible call. <i>*sigh*</i> Yes, Brazil are somehow the "Chosen Ones", asshole.<br />
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<hr />
<br />
Now, I expect Brazil is going to slaughter the Netherlands in the "3rd Place game that should not even be played", as Brazil has something to prove to their home fans.<br />
<br />
Still, I will take great satisfaction in knowing Brazil won't win the World Cup in their own country, and that they wasted billions of dollars building gaudy sports stadiums instead of addressing actual problems, like poverty.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> OM NOM NOM NOM!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuCTaWKOirA/U8AodK5WHyI/AAAAAAAAAwE/zTjs-Joz2L0/s1600/BsDOHRJCUAEvx5-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuCTaWKOirA/U8AodK5WHyI/AAAAAAAAAwE/zTjs-Joz2L0/s1600/BsDOHRJCUAEvx5-.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> "I can't believe it's not butter!"</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> This is how FIFA developed the 2014 World Cup Logo</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfje2wb_JZY/U8AodYeqKRI/AAAAAAAAAuw/kef0d-W8BP0/s1600/Christ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfje2wb_JZY/U8AodYeqKRI/AAAAAAAAAuw/kef0d-W8BP0/s1600/Christ.png" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Yes, even their statues were facepalming after that game.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfZ7l5fhj4s/U8AofG07VSI/AAAAAAAAAvc/rgev60b-Dqk/s1600/fan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfZ7l5fhj4s/U8AofG07VSI/AAAAAAAAAvc/rgev60b-Dqk/s1600/fan3.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Aww, I kinda feel a bit sorry for this old guy.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8kaHsOAS0/U8AofjsIGMI/AAAAAAAAAvY/KgO-bI-AM9A/s1600/fan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8kaHsOAS0/U8AofjsIGMI/AAAAAAAAAvY/KgO-bI-AM9A/s1600/fan4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Burning the flag. How original, you terrorists. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ummm... wow... </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> DOWN IN FRONT!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WorEZ04Iur0/U8AohbNsnrI/AAAAAAAAAvw/42WDCJ5KEiw/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WorEZ04Iur0/U8AohbNsnrI/AAAAAAAAAvw/42WDCJ5KEiw/s1600/flag.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Brazil's new flag</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxxZtdD7FVk/U8AodveQS_I/AAAAAAAAAu4/68bsQptTK2A/s1600/Merkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxxZtdD7FVk/U8AodveQS_I/AAAAAAAAAu4/68bsQptTK2A/s1600/Merkel.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Now that the Germans have conquered Brazil...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHlhk6rkJY4/U8AoigiQqVI/AAAAAAAAAwM/eMNSLLBpXKA/s1600/yx8rf5xi1nxfowzkptjh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHlhk6rkJY4/U8AoigiQqVI/AAAAAAAAAwM/eMNSLLBpXKA/s1600/yx8rf5xi1nxfowzkptjh.gif" height="179" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Teeheehee</i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-29103077951659462222014-07-01T08:44:00.002-07:002014-07-01T08:44:27.933-07:00Canada Day Thoughts: USA v. Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinkmafia.ca/blog/wp-content/themes/cooldept/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Canadian_American-flag-430x322.jpg&h=360&w=600&zc=1;q=90" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pinkmafia.ca/blog/wp-content/themes/cooldept/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Canadian_American-flag-430x322.jpg&h=360&w=600&zc=1;q=90" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For Canada Day, why don't I write about something about ... Americans! (?)<br />
<br />
My wife and I took a nice little mini-vacation to Canada's Vancouver, aka Seattle, and I got to observe Americans in their natural habitat.<br />
<br />
While I talk to many Americans online every day, they are usually like-minded people, or those I deal with in my line of work. I don't often interact with the 'average' American, so these trips are always a little experience.<br />
<br />
While Canada and the USA are similar in many ways, there is always a difference once you cross the border, and it's not just the air quality.<br />
<br />
<i>(many sweeping Generalizations, based on purely personal experience, abound!)</i><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<b>SECURITY</b><br />
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<a href="http://federalamericansecurity.com/img/toonline/supervisor_team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://federalamericansecurity.com/img/toonline/supervisor_team.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This does not make me feel safe...</i></span></div>
<br />
The American border guards are always surly and look at me as if I'm a terrorist, but that's their job. Ordinary Americans seem much more anal about perceived threats than they should be.<br />
<br />
One recent example is us going into Safeco Field (a beautiful place) for a Mariners game. Not only did we have to empty our pockets, but we had to go through some kind of scanner. I'm used to a minor security checkpoint at Rogers Arena (<i>mainly for alcohol</i>), but this was a bit of overkill for a frickin' baseball game.<br />
<br />
Airport security, security guards, police presence... you see a lot more of this south of the border than you do up here.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is that this heightened security makes me feel more unsafe, more than anything else. The most law enforcement officers, security guards, and security checks I see, the more I'm subconsciously thinking "Is this place dangerous"?<br />
<br />
<b>FOOD</b><br />
<br />
<u>Variety:</u><br />
<br />
I know Americans love their big, crappy chains, but Seattle seems to be a great place for restaurants.<br />
<br />
Vancouver is often pointed-to, or wants to be, as a world-class city for food, but it lacks one major thing: VARIETY.<br />
<br />
Vancouver has plenty of great restaurants, but if you want Central European, Eastern European, African, Southern, Cajun, Central American, South American, or Mexican cuisine, you are out of luck.<br />
<br />
Almost every month, you can see a few new Japanese or Chinese restaurants open up in the Greater Vancouver region. While I enjoy both of these cuisines, the market must be saturated like 1-ply toilet paper after a single wipe. Vancouver also has enough "West Coast" restaurants to service the entire population of Canada. <br />
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<u>Portion Sizes:</u><br />
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Somehow, we forgot that American restaurants serve about 3,500 calories worth of food on the average plate. I am a BIG eater, and thrice could not finish a good chunk of the food I ordered.<br />
<br />
This might seem like a generalization, but it's happened on every trip to the US that I've been on. Hawaii was the one place that didn't seem hellbent on stuffing my stomach to the hilt, although just about every meal we had there was still very filling. <br />
<br />
<i>Note to self:</i> Order appetizers, or split a dish with the wife. I feel bad wasting so much food, and I can't understand how people can eat so damn much! Even the small restaurants give you massive portions. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>PEOPLE</b><br />
<br />
On an individual level, most Americans are quite friendly and easy to talk to. Even in more conservative areas<i> (Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Leandro, Castro Valley)</i>, I've rarely had unpleasant interactions with the average person. In fact, I've tended to have more random conversations with American strangers than I have with Canadian strangers. <br />
<br />
That said, Americans are hyper-competitive people, and seem to react quite strongly when competing for a resource(s), driving, involved in sporting events, or are discussing politics and/or religion. <br />
<br />
American drivers are especially aggressive, and tailed my ass more than I'd ever allow my wife to. I even missed an exit because other drivers would speed up and cut me off. I guess that's the 'reward' for using my turn signal, something American drivers rarely seem to do. Ugh.<br />
<br />
<i>(Maui, being an obvious exception, is so laid back and slow...)</i><br />
<br />
It's a weird Jekyll-Hyde thing, as I do find Americans can either be really nice, or really angry, yet not as much in the middle as the average Canadian I interact with. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
So, while I certainly enjoy my experiences in the USA with American people, I am certainly glad to be home in Canada Day to celebrate the better of the two countries ;)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-31112410991205683582014-06-04T09:12:00.004-07:002014-06-04T09:12:35.965-07:00NHL: Stanley Cup Finals ThoughtsAt long last, the <b>2014 Stanley Cup Finals</b> are set, and Count Gary Bettman is creaming his pants at having biglargehuge TV markets Los Angeles and New York as the final two teams.<br />
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<br />
Seeing the Kings in the finals is no real surprise, but the Rangers? I bet you would have cashed in big if you bet on them to make the finals back in September.<br />
<br />
First, a look back at the semi-finals. I got both predictions wrong, so now I'm 9 for 14 in the playoffs. Like the Canucks, I choke in the later rounds :(<br />
<br />
<h3>
Rangers v. Canadiens</h3>
<br />
I flipped a coin, and ended up picking the Canadiens in 7. It's the coin's fault, obviously. <br />
<br />
A few things did the Habs in, and led to the Rangers taking the series in 6 games.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u><b>Goaltending:</b></u> Carey Price went down in the first game to an injury that ended his playoffs. Dustin Tokarski, the third-string goaltender, was given the reins after that. While Tokarski did well for himself, he didn't steal games like Carey Price was able to. Lundqvist has been, by far, the best goalie in these playoffs. </li>
<br />
<li><u><b>Coaching:</b></u> I think that Michel Therrien is not a very good coach,<a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/habs-should-look-to-theriens-replacements/" target="_blank"> and the advanced stats back that up</a>. In game six, the Canadiens were constantly on the defensive, and the Rangers looked like the desperate team. Alain Vigneault knows how to better use his players, and his team looked fresh and confident. </li>
<br />
<li><u><b>Thomas Vanek:</b></u> What a disappointment as Vanek completely disappeared in this series, with just 2 assists and a -4 in 6 games. Instead of owning up to his indifferent play, <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/thomas-vanek-quietly-blames-michel-therrien-for-lack-of-playoff-production-194200644.html" target="_blank">Vanek blamed his new linemates for a 'lack of chemistry', and his coach for his own lack of production</a>. Vanek was good the first two rounds, but then decided, for whatever reason, that he was done playing hard. Not the kind of guy I want on my team, when the chips are down.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://dennis-kane.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vanek-milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dennis-kane.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vanek-milk.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image borrowed from <b>dennis-kane.com</b>, a fine Habs blog. </span></i></div>
<br />
<h3>
Kings v. Blackhawks</h3>
<br />
While I picked the Hawks to win this series in 7 games, it was pretty much another coin-flip scenario. I figured the Hawks would be a bit fresher and a bit deeper.<br />
<br />
In the end, it came down to a bad bounce in Game 7's overtime to give the Kings their ticket to the Cup Finals. It was a great series, and, apologies to the Rangers, truly showcased the two best teams in the league.<br />
<br />
1.<b> Justin Williams</b> is clutch. Just look at his production in playoff Game 7s. He is the best Game 7 playoff scorer, ever! Yes, even better than Gretzky and Glenn Anderson. If this was Final Fantasy 7, Williams would be doing 7,777 damage each hit!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>7 games</li>
<li>7 goals</li>
<li>7 assists </li>
<li>7 wins</li>
</ul>
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<br />
2. Jonathan Quick is actually the weak link in the Kings armour. With a 90.6 SV% in these playoffs, Quick ranks well below average. Luckily for him, Corey Crawford was not that great for the Hawks, either.<br />
<br />
3. Duncan Keith does not get enough press for being one of the dirtiest players in the league. He got away with concussing Daniel Sedin a few years ago, <a href="https://storify.com/torontostar/blackhawks-duncan-keith-in-hot-water-again" target="_blank"> got caught slashing Jeff Carter on the head</a>, and even got called out by Don Cherry for his slashiness. If Keith weren't a 'star' player, you can bet he'd be punished a lot more severely. I suppose this makes Keith a modern-day Chris Pronger. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-wfSViLSA1w" width="480"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<h1>
LOS ANGELES KINGS v. NEW YORK RANGERS</h1>
The Los Angeles Kings have to be the "Team of Destiny". Not only did they overcome a 3-0 series deficit versus the Sharks in the first round, but they've now won three straight Game 7s to get to the finals. Things just seem to be going their way.<br />
<br />
Most pundits expect the Kings to walk away with the Stanley Cup, and I am not going to disagree. The Kings have been one of the strongest teams for the past few years, better overall depth, and I think their larger forwards will give the Rangers problems. The Canadiens are a small team, and the Rangers had a fairly easy time containing the Montreal attack.<br />
<br />
That said, the Rangers have a decent shot at pulling the upset, for a few reasons.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u><b>Goaltending:</b></u> Henrik Lundqvist has been stealing games left and right, and compare his 92.8 SV% to Quick's 90.6%. Quick has been overrated for awhile now, while King Henrik was been, somewhat quietly, one of the elite goaltenders for some time. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rangerface.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Henrik-Lundqvist.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rangerface.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Henrik-Lundqvist.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lundqvist is also so damn handsome. It's not fair!</span></i></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><u><b>Fatigue</b></u>: Western Conference teams have far more travel, and the New York teams have always had some of the easiest travel schedules in the league. While the Kings have had the nice luxury of playing two California teams during these playoffs, the season-long travel schedule can really be a factor for LA. </li>
<br />
<li><u><b>Fatigue, again:</b></u> The LA Kings have had three straight brutal 7-game series, and have made things tough on themselves. The Rangers, on the other hand, came through the Canadiens series relatively unscathed, apart from Derek Stepan's jaw. The Rangers will be better rested before the series starts, and this might come into play down the road. Remember, Western Conference hockey has tended to be faster-paced and more physical than Eastern Conference hockey. Just watch a regular season game and notice the difference. </li>
</ul>
<ol>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Prediction: LA Kings in six.</b></u><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-24440104907634206702014-05-17T11:18:00.001-07:002014-05-17T11:18:18.505-07:00NHL Playoffs: Round 3 Predictions and MusingsWhile the first round of the <b>2014 NHL Playoffs</b> went about as much as expected (<i>I got 7 of 8 predictions correct</i>), the second round produced a lot of shocking results.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<td class="xl65" height="38" style="height: 28.8pt; width: 87pt;" width="116"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 390px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 5404; mso-width-source: userset; width: 114pt;" width="152"></col>
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<td class="xl66" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt; width: 114pt;" width="152"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">PREDICTION</span></b></td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 93pt;" width="124"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">RESULT</span></b></td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 86pt;" width="114"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">MATCH?</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td>
<td class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hawks in 6</span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hawks in 6</span></td>
<td class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Y*</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kings in 6</span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kings in 7</span></td>
<td class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Y</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bruins in 4</span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Habs in 7</span></td>
<td class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">N</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Penguins in 6</span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rangers in 7</span></td>
<td class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">N</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 58pt;" width="77"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 57pt;" width="76"><br /></td>
</tr>
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<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td class="xl66"><br /></td>
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Thanks to the more predictable Western Conference, I was able to go 2 for 4 with one perfect pick. That leaves me 9 for 12 for the playoffs, thus far.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Hawks v. Wild</b></u> - As usual, the Wild were almost-unbeatable at home, but were outclassed by the much stronger team. Kudos to the Wild for playing their hearts out.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Kings v. Ducks</b></u> - The Kings certainly don't make it easy for themselves, but they managed to edge out another California powerhouse. I wonder how much they'll have left in the tank. Admittedly, this is the series I watched the least. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Bruins v. Canadiens</b></u> - I picked the Bruins to sweep, and they really are the team with more talent and size ... but, the Canadiens were not intimated, and took the play right to the Bruins.<br />
<br />
Yes, Carey Price pretty much carried the Habs for most of the series, but just look at how <a href="http://www.diehardsport.com/2014/05/15/brad-marchand-cheapshots-tomas-plekanec-face/" target="_blank">Tomas Plekanec reacts (or doesn't) to this Brad Marchand cheapshot to the face.</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bno6tdiIQAAdA6U.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bno6tdiIQAAdA6U.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I ain't even mad!"</span></i></div>
<br />
The Canadiens were not at all scared of the big bad Bruins, instead playing an aggressive speedy style that put the Bruins back on their heels. It was astonishing, and also great to see. I'm not fond of Therrien's coaching, but he's certainly pushing the right buttons right now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*** Now, allow me to go on a bit of a tangent. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuczfHQ2ElU/U3ednd53GaI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ZPoY_NpafRE/s1600/lucicspear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuczfHQ2ElU/U3ednd53GaI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ZPoY_NpafRE/s1600/lucicspear.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Milan Lucic</b> is one of my favourite all-time players, especially since I got to see him grow up as a member of the Vancouver Giants. He led our WHL club to a Memorial Cup, and his story is one of perseverance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That said, I've lost a lot of respect for him the past few weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First, he seems to have taken up the hobby of spearing other players in the junk. A player of Lucic's size does not need to resort to such stickwork, and he's always been able to stick up for himself fairly in the past. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/05/16/boston-bruins-milan-lucic-not-sorry-for-threatening-montreal-canadiens-players-during-post-game-handshake/" target="_blank">Second, the whole 'handshake line' nonsense.</a> Yes, I think the forced handshake line tradition is overrated, but glaring at Dale Weise and threatening him with violence is just lame. Suck it up, shake hands, and move on. Lucic just comes off whiny, and seems to have picked up bad habits from douchebag Marchand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, for now, Brendan Gallagher has surpassed Lucic on my list of favourite Vancouver Giants. *** </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Rangers v. Penguins</b></u> - This was the series that my gut told me would be an upset, but I went against my gut and picked the Penguins. Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
The Penguins, like the Bruins, ran into a really hot goaltender. The lack of depth on the Penguins did not help matters, and Crosby/Malkin can't do EVERYTHING. Already, GM Ray Shero has been canned, and head coach Dan Bylsma might be soon behind.<br />
<br />
It's not like the Penguins played poorly...really, they had the majority of chances and puck possession...but they just seem to flame out in the playoffs like the San Jose Sharks. To his credit, Marc-Andre Fleury played fairly well in this series.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">ROUND 3 PREDICTIONS</span></u></span></h2>
<br />
<h3>
LOS ANGELES v. CHICAGO</h3>
<br />
These are the two teams I consider the cream of the crop, despite the Kings not-as-dominating regular season record. The addition of Marian Gaborik has given the Kings much-needed offense, and Jonathan Quick has decided to stop being a merely average goaltender.<br />
<br />
I think the Hawks edge will be the fact that the Kings will eventually run out of steam. The Kings have to travel a LOT more than the Hawks have, and the Kings have played two brutal seven-game series.<br />
<br />
The Hawks have had some physically challenging series, too, but should be a bit more fresh. Otherwise, this is a battle of two great clubs.<br />
<br />
<u>Predictions: Hawks in 7</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
MONTREAL v. NEW YORK</h3>
<br />
<i>(It's 2-0 New York in Game 1, as I type this...)</i><br />
<br />
Honestly, I have no idea how to predict this series. I did not expect both teams to make it this far, and both teams have ridden red-hot goaltenders. One upset team in the conference finals makes sense, but two??? <br />
<br />
I do like the depth of the Canadiens more, especially up front. The Habs also have superstar d-man PK Subban, and should be able to generate more offense, overall. <br />
<br />
Still, it's pretty much a toss-up, so let me flip this coin...<br />
<br />
<u>Prediction: Canadiens in 7</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-27587669811532247282014-05-01T09:35:00.001-07:002014-05-01T09:35:12.358-07:00NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Predictions and MusingsThe first round of the 2014 NHL Playoffs was definitely full of surprises ... and a lot of groin shots. Seriously, what the hell?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/p1dexhaYd_k6K3zTypbvNA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQyMTtweG9mZj01MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz03NDk-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/sports/2014-04-19/3a37c4f0-c763-11e3-b6c9-0122ca7ad3da_Screen-Shot-2014-04-18-at-9-37-40-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/p1dexhaYd_k6K3zTypbvNA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQyMTtweG9mZj01MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz03NDk-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/sports/2014-04-19/3a37c4f0-c763-11e3-b6c9-0122ca7ad3da_Screen-Shot-2014-04-18-at-9-37-40-PM.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
How did I do with my first round picks?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 324px;"><colgroup><col span="2" style="mso-width-alt: 4754; mso-width-source: userset; width: 98pt;" width="130"></col>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 98pt;" width="130"><b>PREDICTION</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 98pt;" width="130"><b>RESULT</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b>MATCH?</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Avalanche in 5</td>
<td>Wild in 7</td>
<td>N</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Hawks in 7</td>
<td>Hawks in 6</td>
<td>Y</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Ducks in 6</td>
<td>Ducks in 6</td>
<td>Y*</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Kings in 7</td>
<td>Kings in 7</td>
<td>Y*</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Bruins in 5</td>
<td>Bruins in 5</td>
<td>Y*</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Habs in 7</td>
<td>Habs in 4</td>
<td>Y</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Penguins in 5</td>
<td>Penguins in 6</td>
<td>Y</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Rangers in 7</td>
<td>Rangers in 7</td>
<td>Y*</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Wow, I got 7 out of 8, including 4 perfect picks :) Too bad I had no money on the line...<br />
<br />
A few first round thoughts, before I predict the next round.<br />
<br />
<u><b>AVALANCHE V. WILD</b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3704053/patrickroy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3704053/patrickroy.gif" height="221" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I will never get tired of seeing Patrick Roy angry.</i></span></div>
<br />
This series was definitely a "home-ice advantage wins", except for Game 7. The Wild were absolutely terrific at home, where Mike Yeo could match up his lines well vs. the Avs top line of Stastny, Landeskog, and MacKinnon. The Avalanche spent way too much time in their own zone when playing in Minnesota, and Roy was simply outcoached by Mike Yeo.... yes, Mike Yeo.<br />
<br />
Darcy Kuemper was brought in after Bryzgalov sucked in Games 1-2, and was easily the better of the three goalies who played in the series. He should carry the torch the rest of the way.<br />
<br />
<u><b>HAWKS v. BLUES</b></u><br />
<br />
Yes, the Blues won the first two games, but their loss was inevitable :(<br />
<br />
The Blues have a very good team, but they definitely need toughness on the blueline. Bouwmeester, Pietranglo, and Shattenkirk are all fabulous defensemen, but that is a lot of Marshmallow on the back end. The physical Hawks had their way in front of Miller, and showed why they, and not the Blues, win in the playoffs. <br />
<br />
Ryan Miller was also a complete bust and had a sub 90.0 SV% with the Blues... so much for THAT #1 GOALIE WE'VE ALWAYS NEEDED! The Blues should not waste any money signing Miller to a long-term deal. <br />
<br />
<b><u>KINGS v. SHARKS</u></b><br />
<br />
Although I predicted the Kings to win in 7, nobody could have thought the series would go the way it did... with the Sharks winning the first 3 games and the Kings becoming just the fourth team, ever, to come back from that deficit.<br />
<br />
The Sharks looked unbeatable, and then the Kings woke up and the Sharks just choked. Expect a coaching regime change.<br />
<br />
<u><b>CANADIENS v. LIGHTNING</b></u><br />
<br />
Backup goalie Anders Lindback didn't lose the series for the Lightning, but he certainly did nothing to help the Bolts have a shot. The Lightning need a real backup next season, as coach Cooper had so little confidence in Lindback that he ran Ben Bishop into the ground. The Bolts definitely deserved better than a sweep.<br />
<br />
<u><b>PENGUINS v. BLUE JACKETS</b></u><br />
<br />
The Jackets have a ton of heart, but injuries and an awakened Malkin did them in.<br />
<br />
The Penguins have a lot of glaring holes, starting with Marc-Andre Fleury. Although his SV% is much higher than it has been in the past, his glaring miscues late in games make any Pens fan nervous. In addition, the Penguins get completely outchanced when Crosby and/or Malkin are not on the ice, by a WIDE margin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
SECOND ROUND PREDICTIONS</h2>
<br />
<h3>
CHICAGO v. MINNESOTA</h3>
<br />
Minnesota exposed the Avalanche's weaknessess, but what do they do against a team that has so few?<br />
<br />
The Wild play so well at home, so I expect they can take two games from the Hawks. Darcy Kuemper has shown that he is a pretty good goaltender, and gives the Wild a distinct advantage over Corey Crawford. <br />
<br />
The Hawks, on the other hand, came off a brutally physical series against the Blues. The Hawks might end up running out of steam faster due to the beatings they took.<br />
<br />
Still, I don't think the Wild will pull the upset.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Prediction: Hawks in 6</u><br />
<br />
<h3>
LOS ANGELES v. ANAHEIM</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.cdn.nhle.com/kings/images/upload/2010/02/96433028_slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.cdn.nhle.com/kings/images/upload/2010/02/96433028_slide.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another Battle of California pits the <i>'How the hell are they winning so much?'</i> No-longer Mighty Ducks of Anaheim versus the awakened LA Kings.<br />
<br />
The Kings seemed to have found their stride, and choke opponents to death with Sutter's stifling system. It's boring, but it works!<br />
<br />
I still think the Ducks play worse than their record shows, and their luck has to run out. The Kings can better stop a one-line team than the Stars could.<br />
<br />
<u>Prediction: Kings in 6</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
BOSTON v. MONTREAL</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wpmedia.sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/chara.jpg?w=620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wpmedia.sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/chara.jpg?w=620" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An Original Six classic, and a real David v. Goliath battle. You pit the big physical Bruins versus the tiny, speedy Habs, and you get quite a contrast in styles.<br />
<br />
The Bruins are my pick to take the East, and should roll over the Habs without a big sweat. Carey Price matches up decently with Tuukaa Rask, but the rest of the roster? The Bruins have every advantage, by a mile. <br />
<br />
<u>Prediction: Bruins in 4</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
PITTSBURGH v. NEW YORK</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc_GVXdASU0/T5RcOP3FGLI/AAAAAAAADBA/We6xvomMqGI/s1600/beachball2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc_GVXdASU0/T5RcOP3FGLI/AAAAAAAADBA/We6xvomMqGI/s1600/beachball2.png" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If there was a series to pick an upset, this might be it. The Penguins look like they have too many glaring weaknessess, and will eventually implode. Looking at advanced stats, the Penguins, as a team, rank quite low in Corsi and Fenwick. To put it in basic terms, the Penguins tend to possess the puck less and generate fewer scoring chances than the opposition. <br />
<br />
That said, I would expect a much more physical team would do well against the Penguins, as past history has shown, than the Rangers.<br />
<br />
<u>Prediction: Penguins in 6.</u><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-20521125168985231042014-04-28T18:58:00.002-07:002014-04-28T19:00:03.715-07:00MTG: Jes's Top 12 Journey Into Nyx Cards<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Why Top 12? Because Stone Cold said so!)</i></span><br />
<br />
After getting to play a few of the new cards in this past weekend's Journey Into Nyx pre-release (<span style="font-size: x-small;">in which I sucked, again. This block hasn't been kind to me</span>), and with the set coming out on Friday, I figured I'd opine on the 12 cards that I'm most excited about from the new set.<br />
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The previous set, Born of the Gods, was fairly 'blah'. Journey Into Nyx seems to have more cards that really stand out and get my creative juices flowing . There isn't too much that is screaming '<i>Brew Around Me</i>!' just yet, but there is potential.<br />
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<h3>
#12 - Chariot of Victory</h3>
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This piece of equipment looks rather innocuous, and doesn't boost power or toughness, but I could see putting this into many different decks. The combination of those three tasty keywords, and<u> just <b>1</b> mana to equip</u>?<br />
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Any equipment with haste will <i>always</i> get a look-see, and adding first strike and trample turns any creature into a mini-Akroma.<br />
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The chariot likely works best on high-power/low-toughness creatures, but is a great casual card for any player.<br />
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<h3>
#11 - Dictate of Heliod</h3>
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The guy who won our pre-release had this bad boy in his deck, along with the two rare hydras, and just destroyed everybody in his path. +2/+2 is just such a massive boost, turning those dorky 1/1s into actual threats, and being able to play it as an instant-speed combat trick can be backbreaking. I could see putting this into my token-based decks, or even my Angels EDH deck.<br />
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<h3>
#10 - Nyx-Fleece Ram</h3>
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Another gorgeous Terese Nielsen art (as was the last card), this little guy is a great defensive creature that will help against very aggressive decks. Gaining a life every upkeep makes this playable, and the cuteness factor cannot be denied.<br />
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<h3>
#9 - Nyx Weaver</h3>
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I love utilizing the graveyard, and have two decks that this spider will slide nicely into. Besides being a good roadblock, the ability to 'Regrowth' any card is pretty potent.<br />
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<h3>
#8 - Tethmos High Priest</h3>
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Recursion on a creature? That is always tantalizing. Turning any bestow or pump spell into a reanimate is serious business, even if it is just weenies you are getting out of the BBQ.<br />
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My UW Heroic deck will want at least one of these, given that almost every other creature is 2 mana or less.<br />
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<h3>
#7 - Doomwake Giant</h3>
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The one potential 'build around me' card is Doomwake Giant. Shrinking your opponents creatures with every enchantment can add up quickly and help win combats. The 4/6 body is beefy, and I could see myself rebuilding my clunky BW Enchantment deck around this.<br />
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<h3>
#6 - Fleetfeather Cockatrice</h3>
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The most beautiful card in the set, by far... the use of blue and green really evokes the colour-pie feel of the card, and it really stands out from most illustrations.<br />
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This card is one of my wife's favourites, and I'm sure my she will use this against me in nefarious ways.<br />
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<h3>
#5 - Hydra Broodmaster</h3>
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Mmm... Who is up for Hydra Omelettes?<br />
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Another card in our pre-release winner's pool, this Hydra is serious BEEF. A 7/7 for six mana is pretty typical for green, but if you untap and play another land, you get Three 3/3 hydras, and this thing becomes a 10/10. That's not bloody fair!<br />
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This is one of those 'must deal with right away' dudes that brings so much value for your investment.<br />
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<h3>
#4 - Dictate of Erebos</h3>
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Another awesome illustration! Here, we have an instant-speed Grave Pact that doesn't hurt your teammates. In our 2-on-2 environment, this is a much better card than Grave Pact. Block with your weeny 1/1s and then them all into removal spells.<br />
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<h3>
#3 - Keranos, God of Storms</h3>
This card is pure value, and is an amazing card for UR control decks. Even if he never becomes a creature, you will storm over your opponent(s) with the constant advantage you get each turn.<br />
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Really, drawing a card or dealing 3 damage each upkeep will add up quickly, and we know indestructible enchantments are not easy to remove in casual environments. This is probably the easiest god to play, simply because it requires no other upkeep or investment, and devotion really doesn't matter too much.<br />
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<h3>
#2 - Sigiled Starfish</h3>
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♫ Oh, the fabulous Scryfish ♫<br />
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I had this in my crappy pre-release pool, and this little sea creature was the only reason I managed to not get completely stomped.<br />
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3 toughness makes this a pretty decent defender, and getting to scry every turn, for multiple turns, leads to some much-needed card filtering and selection. This card is easy to overlook, but can be deceptively powerful if left unchecked.<br />
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<h3>
#1 - Athreos, God of Passage</h3>
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As an Orzhov mage, I was obliged to pre-order and pay over $20 to get myself one of these. Being an Orzhov mage isn't cheap, after all :(<br />
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There is usually one card in every set that makes me jump up and down like a little girl, and this one was it!<br />
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Like Keranos, Athreos requires little upkeep after you cast it. Even if it never becomes a creature, you are going to get some value from Athreos as the game goes on. Either I get my dead creature back, or you take 3 to the dome.<br />
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The low mana cost is what will likely push this into Standard, as the BW-based beater decks can flush him out early, and then build from there.<br />
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The only downside is that decks with lifegain can easily take 3 life to not give you your creature back, and it doesn't give you as much 'free' value as Keranos will. Still, this is the card I'm most excited to own and play with. Better be prepared to pay the ferryman.<br />
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So, what cards are you looking forward to getting? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-85155720520457076552014-04-16T09:18:00.002-07:002014-04-17T13:28:47.501-07:00NHL: First Round Playoff Predictions - Bestern Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight's the night where Canadian hockey fans can unite and watch American teams chase the Stanley Cup. No, Montreal is not going to win it all. *sigh*<br />
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Here are my picks, using actual standings for the rank vs. the weird NHL system.<br />
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<h3>
#2 Colorado Crapalanche vs. #7 Minnesota Mild</h3>
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As an aside, I have loathed the Avalanche for many years, dating back to them beating the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals and Clod Lemieux's dirty hit-from-behind on Kris Draper. I dislike the Red Wings with respect, and the Avalanche without it. <br />
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Now, they are coached by the megalomanical Patrick Roy, a man with serious anger and ego issues (Just ask his wife). In goal? How about oft-drunk woman-beater Semyon Varlamov, whose sins seem to be swept under the rug because he can stop a hockey puck.<br />
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<i>*ahem*</i><br />
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As for the on-ice stuff, the Avalanche have been this season's surprise story in the West, going from laughing stock to finished second in the West. For all of Patrick Roy's faults, his player want to play hard for him (out of fear, perhaps), and they show 10x the emotion the Canucks have. <br />
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<a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/avs-have-been-lucky-but-theyre-also-good/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">That said, the Avalanche are the league's luckiest team, and their record is a bit of a mirage</a>. The Avalanche, like the Maple Leafs, are constantly out-shot and out-possessed (<i>is that even a term, Jes?</i>). Although the Avalanche have a lot of skilled players, they have relied far too much on their goaltender to bail them out.<br />
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<u>Goaltending</u>: Varlamov, as I mentioned, is the prime reason the Avalanche did so well. His 92.7SV% ranks third in the NHL, and he did it facing many quality scoring chances.<br />
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For the Wild, Josh Harding provided the league's best goaltending early in the season, before his battle with MS forced him out of the lineup. Crazy Ilya Bryzgalov was brought in to be his replacement, and he's a clear downgrade. Advantage: Colorado<br />
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<u>Defense</u>: I still laugh at how the Blues fleeced Colorado for Kevin Shattenkirk. Erik Johnson is an OK defenseman, but he'll never be the franchise player that was expected of him. Minnesota's D is anchored by Ryan Suter, one of the league's steadier blueliners, and a guy who *did* blossom into a franchise-type player. <br />
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Where it comes apart for the Wild is their 78.8% penalty kill, 4th worst in the league. Colorado isn't great on the PK, either, but still better than Yeo's club. <br />
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<u>Forwards:</u> Is it Mike Yeo's terrible coaching? The Wild have some really good forwards <i>(Parise, Koivu, Moulson, Pominville)</i>, but have, as always, trouble scoring goals. Their +1 goal differential is the worst amongst all Western playoff clubs, and 207 goals for is second worst. Their leading scorer, Pominville, had only 60 points. <br />
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Colorado, on the other hand, finished fourth overall in goals scored. Speedster Matt Duchene is out for at least the first round, which hurts a lot, but they seem to be a better-performing group. The Avalanche have five players with 60 or more points, and their Power Play is also one of the league's best. <br />
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Patrick Roy knows how to let his dogs out (It was him!).<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Prediction: Avalanche in 5. The Wild are relying on a real wild-card in goal, and appear to be the weakest team heading into the playoffs. </b></u><br />
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<h3>
#3 St. Louis vs. #5 Chicago</h3>
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The Blues have long been my *other* favourite team, so this is my one dog in the fight.<br />
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Unfortunately, the Blues seem to have run into the most rotten of luck. Besides having to face the powerful and experienced Blackhawks, the Blues limped into the playoffs, losing their final six games. With injuries to Oshie, Backes, and Pietrangelo, it is not looking good for the good guys!<br />
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<u>Goaltending: </u>Ryan Miller's save percentage went from 92.4% to 90.3% with the Blues. Ugh! He was traded for to be the OMGAWESOME goalie the Blues have always lacked. Corey Crawford is a steady goalie who provides slightly-above-average 'keeping. I'd give the edge to the Blues, but not with how Miller is playing right now.<br />
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<u>Defense</u>: The Hawks have an amazing trio of Keith, Seabrook, and Hjarmalsson, which the Blues match up well with Olympians Bouwmeester, Shattenkirk, and Pietrangelo. The Blues have better depth, but Pietrangelo's injury could even things up.<br />
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<u>Forwards:</u> The Hawks have the star power with Kane, Hossa, and Toews, but the Blues have a lot more depth up front. Unfortunately, ex-Sabres Steve Ott and Derek Roy have been terrible for the Blues, giving the lineup a glaring hole. When you trade for players from crappy teams, do you really expect them to do well? This is why the Canucks need to stop trading with the Florida Panthers (David Booth, I'm looking at you!).<br />
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Honestly, both lineups are pretty stacked, and both teams could have easily had a better record than they did if not for injuries. With Kane and Toews back from injury, I think this series is the Hawks' for the taking :(<br />
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<b><u>Prediction: Hawks in 7.</u></b><br />
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<h3>
#1 Anaheim vs. #8 Dallas</h3>
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For some reason, Anaheim does not seem like THAT good of a team to me. Yeah, they have talent, but something about their record seems...inflated like Pamela Anderson's boobs. I haven't delved into why I feel this way, but some bacteria in my gut tells me the Ducks aren't as good as their record suggests. Their special teams are middle-of-the-road, for one thing... <br />
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<u>Goaltending:</u> Anaheim's greatest weakness is that Jonas Hiller is not that good. Will the Ducks go with rookie Frederik Andersen? He's played much better than Hiller has.<br />
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For the Stars, Kari Lehtonen has put behind his groin injury problems and become a very dependable goaltender. This is Dallas' one edge in the series.<br />
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<u>Defense:</u> Adding 50-year old Sergei Gonchar and dumping Stephane Robidas did help the Stars make the playoffs, but their group isn't overly impressive. The Ducks are anchored by the underrated Cam Fowler and steady Francois Beauchemin. A slight edge to the Ducks.<br />
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<u>Forwards:</u> This is where Anaheim has shined all season. Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has always been great at getting offensive production from his roster, and the Ducks finished second overall with 266 goals for. The Ducks get good production throughout their lineup. <br />
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The Stars have two absolute bombs in Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, but their depth just doesn't compare. Somehow, the Stars think the corpse of Erik Cole is still worth putting on the ice, and Ray Whitney's age has finally caught up to him. <br />
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<u><b>Prediction: Ducks in 6</b></u>.<br />
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<h3>
#4 San Jose vs. # 6 LA Kings</h3>
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The LA Kings have quietly been one of the league's most dominant teams, at least according to advanced stats. Darryl Sutter is a great coach for the club, and the Kings possession numbers and metrics suggest their record should be better than it is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Darryl Sutter, the original "Grumpy Cat" </i></span></div>
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San Jose, of course, has a Vancouver Canucks-like history of playoff misery.<br />
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<u>Goaltending</u>: Quick is a bit overrated, in my eyes, but still battle-tested and dependable. For the Sharks, Niemi is also solid. A fairly even match. <br />
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<u>Defense</u>: No team was better than the LA Kings, defensively, as they finished first in goals-against with 174! Drew "Pillsbury" Doughty is one of the league's better 2-way defenseman, and Slava Voynov is tough to score on. San Jose's group is good, but the Kings can't be matched when it comes to team defense.<br />
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<u>Forwards</u>: The LA Kings bane has been their inability to score, while the Sharks are loaded with talent up front. If Havlat (big IF) can come back to the lineup and produce, the Sharks may be able to break the dam the Kings will put up.<br />
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The Kings are the worst offensive team in the 2014 playoffs, and their stifling system isn't the sole reason. They have a fine assortment of offensive talent (Kopitar, Williams, Carter, Richards), but seem to struggle on the Power Play, with the league's 4th-worst conversion rate.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2014/4/15/5619048/nhl-la-kings-sharks-playoff-preview-special-teams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marian Gaborik has given the LA Kings a big boost on offens</a>e, and he might be the spark they need to retain the throne. <br />
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<b><u>Prediction: Los Angeles in 7 very close games. </u></b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-862827638971470879.post-46693763808064868322014-04-15T08:30:00.002-07:002014-04-15T08:30:41.944-07:00NHL: Yes, The Flyers Are Still Stupid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Philadelphia Flyers have long had a well-deserved reputation for being a bunch of dimwit thugs. When your team is run by the likes of Booby Clarke and Paul Holmgren, you ought to expect a bevy of bad business decisions.<br />
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Today's laughable news from Philly comes in the form of a disgustingly stupid long-term contract for defenseman Andrew McDonald.<br />
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The terms? <a href="http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCwQ-AsoATAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fnhl%2Feye-on-hockey%2F24527579%2Fandrew-macdonald-signs-deal-with-flyers-for-reported-six-years-30m&ei=Pk5NU6f5AYGMyQHtm4GQAQ&usg=AFQjCNEU1FC4Icb7vGsQG9wx22WLcUpy3Q&sig2=sUgfKR48X7chl0Lh74IRXw&bvm=bv.64764171,d.aWc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6 years, $30mil - cap hit of $5mil per season.</a><br />
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If you don't know who Andrew McDonald is, don't be alarmed. <a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2014/4/15/5615178/andrew-macdonald-flyers-defenseman-neutral-zone-play" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">He's an slight-above-average-at-best defenseman who is known for blocking shots and not much else.</a><br />
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Sure, McDonald was set to be an unrestricted free agent, but that doesn't mean the Flyers needed to open Scrooge's vault to let him dive into. Let some other team sign him to a dumb contract. In the era of salary caps, every dollar poorly spent hurts.<br />
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Of course, this is the team that still has Chris Pronger on the books for a $5mil/season cap hit. Ha!<br />
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How does this new contract compare to his peers? <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/comparables/?player_id=1110&year_id=2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CapGeek has the 20 best comparables.</a><br />
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For real perspective, compare his new contract to those of two Canadian Olympians!<br />
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Jay Bouwmeester - $5,400,000<br />
Andrew McDonald - $5,000,000<br />
Dan Hamhuis - $4,500,000<br />
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McDonald is nowhere near the skill level of these other two defenseman, yet is getting paid like a star. As somebody who does not like the Flyers, this contract does make me laugh...as well as shake my head in disgust.<br />
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<a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2014/4/15/5616796/andrew-macdonald-contract-flyers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Even the Flyers bloggers think this deal is crazy. </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882752106662170837noreply@blogger.com0