Reviewing My Reviews

Guess what? It's my 10th anniversary on blogger!!!

And since I've been talking about reviving a review feature, I thought it would be apropos to review the eclectic collection of reviews I've written over the past 10 years.

I will be critiquing my own previous writings in three areas. Information, Entertainment & General Interest. For the most part, these are all blog posts that have had little to no attention on my blog, so links to the original posts will be provided. And no; I don't for a minute expect anyone to click and read all the links. However, I do hope each reader will find at least one link that interests them enough to check out and leave a thought. Maybe you want to read the review I rated the highest? Or the one I gave the lowest score to. Perhaps you'd like to see how well I reviewed music CD's or check out an odd 'talk show' type entry I made which included a review. Whatever your reason, perhaps you will look into at least one. I'd consider it a 10th anniversary present.


After each review, I have assigned a "Rant Rating". The lower the score, the more I should rant about how awful the review actually was. And now, without further ado...
Did I say this was an eclectic collection? Hoo Boy!

TV: Commercial Review
Superb Owl 50 Review
02/08/16 R.a.n.t. of month February, 2016
This was more a collection of funny TV commercials featured in the popular televised game, and less an actual review of each commercial. Still, this post featured the one and only appearance of Horace the official Jeffrey Scott blog mascot. Perhaps I should bring him back at some point.
Information: 2/10 (None provided by myself personally).
Entertainment: 4/10 (The Superb Owl joke never gets old).
General Interest: 4/10 (Most of the ads are still relevant today).
Rant Rating - 33%

Super Bowl 48 Review
02/02/14 R.a.n.t. of week 02/02/14
My first collection of choice commercials. Personally, I found these more entertaining than the ones from the Superb Owl 50 review. However, I still didn't really 'review' them per se. I did however give a quick cynical recap of the game, but not much more.
Information: 4/10 (A higher rating since I DID recap the game).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Nothing unique was really added beyond the ads).
General Interest: 5/10 (Slightly higher since I added the game scores).
Rant Rating - 43%

Order Now, Operators Are Standing By
05/18/08  After being told I should watch commercials, I decided to review a block of them. You know, just to see what I was missing. Turns out, I wasn't missing a lot. The article was written rather tongue in cheek, though did try to be honest.
Information: 6/10 (Went into detail describing each commercial).
Entertainment: 2/10 (Think watching commercials is boring)?
General Interest: 6/10 (I think almost everyone hates commercials. So we should all relate).
Rant Rating - 46%

TV: Program Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode I
02/04/11 - I had an interesting idea for a new blog feature in 2011. A sort of "talk-show" blog post. My hopes was to have interviews, reviews, music, cartoons and general sort of chit chat. In my debut (of only two episodes) I review a few of my favourite TV shows for the week.I've often considered retooling this idea and bringing it back.
Information: 5/10 (I give information about myself and a few shows I watch).
Entertaiment: 6/10 (A cartoon is provided, a music video and a self interview).
General Interest: 5/10 (Not everyone is into what I'm into. Still, I tried).
Rant Rating - 53%

Music: CD Review
CD Review: Thisbe Vos - "Shophistication"
03/27/12 I discovered Thisbe Vos and promptly wrote a review of her (then) new CD. I think my writing style had vastly improved by the time I wrote this. I review more of the songs on a personal level and keep the additional information abridged.
Information: 7/10 (Information about the CD is great, but I don't have links to her social media).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I personally think it's one of my most well written reviews).
General Interest: 7/10 (If you like jazz of any sort, you should like this.
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Jessy J - "Hot Sauce"
02/16/12 Not to be confused with Jessie J, this CD review was an interesting read. Lots of person opinions about the CD, but then again who wouldn't in a review? I highlight my track favourites and give much information on where to find Jessy J, and who have contributed to the album.
Information: 8/10 (Lots of contributing artist information).
Entertainment: 7/10 (If you like jazz CD reviews, I think you'll like this one).
General Interest: 7/10 (A versatile CD and a versatile review).
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Martha Berner - "Fools Fantasy"
01/22/12 Once upon a time a local radio DJ appreciated my photography enough to invite me to a live recording she was doing for a local cable access program. After the photo shoot and interview was completed, I received a free demo of the CD. So I decided to review it. Upon rereading the review, I was impressed with how well I tried to give the flavour of the CD to all my readers. I also included a few of the photos I took during the photo shoot. I was very proud of this review.
Information: 9/10 (Links to all her social media were included. Along with some background and a link to the photo shoot I did).
Entertainment: 8/10 (An endearing description of the music, if a bit long winded).
General Interest: 8/10 (I think this is a CD everyone can find at least one song to their liking).
Rant Rating - 83%

CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"
12/16/11 A year after my first music review, I decided I needed to review the first album from my favourite jazz artist. Is my review somewhat biased? Perhaps, but I highlight the songs, give credit to the songs inspirations and original artists. Still no numeric rating system, though I do describe which I like, and which I feel others may enjoy.
Information: 10/10 (I also give credit to those who perform with her).
Entertainment: 9/10 (The honest review and photos make it worth reading).
General Interest: 8/10 (Not everyone enjoys jazz. But give it a try).
Rant Rating - 90%

CD Revew: Fuse - Debut Album
06/23/10 I consider this my first proper music review. Though I don't give a numerical rating, I do, however, rave about the artists and the music.
Information: 9/10 (Most people, I think, are unfamiliar with all the info provided).
Entertainment: 7/10 (For an older post, I think it's very well written).
General Interest: 6/10 (Who doesn't like music)?
Rant Rating - 73%

Music: DVD Review
Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall
05/28/11 This quartet is my favourite electric string group. So, I had a lot of fun re-watching and writing about this DVD. Not only do I let everyone know exactly what I love about the DVD, I try to be fair and give some critical thoughts as well. Certainly a well-rounded review.
Information: 7/10 (Once again identify group members, but leave no social media links).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I think it's entertaining to read both positive and negative points).
General Interest: 7/10 (Concert DVD's are not for everyone, but I think you would like it).
Rant Rating - 73%

Gaming: Online Game Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode 2
12/11/11 This review was on the second episode of a failed 'blog talk show' format I tried to use. Ignoring the rest of the post, you'll find a short couple of paragraphs of a recent game I was playing on my Playstation 3. A nice short review, if you are into this kind of thing.
Information: 3/10 (Basic general information).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Describe how I best like to play the game).
General Interest: 3/10 (I think most people will not be interested).
Rant Rating - 33%

Pictures: Funny Picture
Elephantiasis of the Mouth
06/02/08 I called this entry a review, though really it's a fake story based on a funny picture. The story is thankfully, very short. All data has been faked, but that shouldn't surprise you considering it's a fake story.
Information: 1/10 (Hard to say anything is informative if it's make believe).
Entertainment: 5/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this funny).
General Interest: 2/10 (Possibly funny, possibly offensive if someone suffers from elephantiases).
Rant Raiting - 26%

The Beer Store
05/13/08 The first of (mercifully) only two picture reviews. Perhaps something more could be done with a fake picture review, though I'm not exactly sure what.
Information: 1/10 (Make fictitious places and people).
Entertainment: 4/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this offensive).
General Interest: 1/10 (Not that funny and the photo is not very clear).
Rant Rating - 20%

Locations: Super Markets
Metro Market
05/22/08 I wrote a lot of weird stuff when I first started blogging. Case in point, my review of a local grocery store. Like most of my early blog posts, it was fairly brief.
Information: 2/10 (I didn't really describe much about the store).
Entertainment: 1/10 (I can't see how anyone would have found this entertaining).
General Interest: 2/10 (If you are local, you might be interested. If not, probably not).
Rant Rating - 16%

Locations: Restaurants
Highland Park Pies and Café
05/16/08 This was the first serious review that started it all. I tried to be informative and brief. I also strived to give readers a small demonstration of what it was like through my description and included photo.
Information: 6/10
Entertainment: 4/10 (If you like restaurant reviews, this might work for you).
General Interest: 5/10 (I think most people like to check out places others have reviewed. Whether they plan to visit it or not).
Rant Rating - 50%

My Gaming A-Z

R.a.n.t. for month of April

I know it's been a while since I've posted. To be honest, I've been in kind of a funk.
I feel like my writing is not all that great, and I've not been very motivated to do much writing.
But I miss it, and I wanted to let everyone know I'm still around, just laying low for awhile.
It's possible I will be back. I also want to let everyone who stopped by my last post and left a comment, that I am sorry I never got back to you with a reply. I shall endeavour to get back to everyone, at least by stopping by their blog and saying hi.

What sucks the most for me now, I'm missing a feature I got involved in two years ago; the A-Z posting in April. So I have decided to do at least one post this month, and see where I go from here.

Enough blah, blah. Since I am missing the April A-Z which I love so much, I will include a fun (I hope) A-Z in this post. This is the proposed A-Z I was planning for this year. Perhaps, I will use this next year and expand on it, if indeed, I get back to writing. Once again, thanks for stopping by.


Jeffrey Scott's A-Z favourite games

A is for Angry Birds
Type: Computer
A fun game I love to play to kill time.

B is for Boss Monster
Type: Card Game
My son asked me to get this.
Essentially, you are the boss of a side scrolling video game (and yet it's a card game. Go figure).
Your goal is to make the hardest castle for the other players to battle. Can you make sure they die in your dungeon before you die trying to run theirs?

C is for Carcassonne
Type: Tile Game
The object is to lay down tiles to form the best kingdom possible. Included on each tile is either a city, a road and/or a field. Each tile interconnects with one another. Depending on how you lay down the tiles, you can score more points. Use your "meeple" to indicate which city, road or field is yours. At the end of the game, the person with the most points, wins the game.

D is for Dealers Choice
Type: Card/Board Game
You are the owner of a sketchy car lot. Your goal is to pawn off your crappy cars to potential buyers.
But beware, you may accidentally sell a classic car worth more than you realize. As the game progresses, you also have to shop around at the other car lots. Will you get a deal? Or will you, yourself, get stuck with a lemon?
This is a classic game from the 70's that was always a family favourite. I recently purchased it online to play once again.

E is for Expansions
Type: Various
Expansions is not a game in itself. An expansion is actually an add-on to a previously released game.
Generally for card games, it also can add on to existing board games.
As an example, one of my favourite games, Dominion, is a card game with a base set of cards. The goal is to score the most points by collecting cards with Victory points on them. But to help you acquire those, you can purchase additional money or action cards. Each card help in a unique way. With the expansion, you have a greater set of cards to select from.
Buying an expansion is a great way to enhance a game you love, but is not required to purchase if you are not fond of the game. The core game is playable by itself.

F is for Firefly the Game
Type: Board Game with Miniatures placed on a galactic map.
Based on the Cult Classic TV show. In Firefly, you are the captain of your of ship. There are different game winning goals, can you be the first person to complete the winning goal before other captains? Fly around the 'verse, hire crew, take on odd jobs, and win the game. But keep on your toes and don't let the Reavers capture you.

G is for Gammarauders
Type: Card Game / Board Game
You live in a time after a horrific atomic war. Large creatures have mutated. Fortunately, you have captured one of these creatures and you must battle other bioborg to gain control of the world. Cards included in the game, give your bioborg grafted weapons, which will help insure you can defeat the other mutated monsters. As an older game, this was one of the first games I ever found that broke out of the pure 'board' game format.

H is for Heroclix
Type: Miniature
Heroclix is a game with miniatures of your favourite super heroes. Each minature has a card that tells you how to use it. Each miniature is different, i.e. it has different super powers. Your goal is to fight a rival super hero team. Can your heroes/villains defeat your opponents heroes/villains?
Depending on the version you buy, you can be either DC or Marvel heroes. There are also Star Trek type ship battles available, and a few other interesting versions. This game relies heavily on expansions.

I is for Intellivision
Type: Video Game Console
Back in the time when not everyone owned a video game console, my family owned the Intellivision game console. This was awesome at the time. The graphics were far superior to that of the Atari 2600 and there were even a few games that could TALK!!! Can you believe that? I video game system where you could actually hear it talking to you? One of my favourite games was called 'Space Spartans'. It was like Star Wars. It was simply amazing. As you flew through space fighting wave after wave of tie-fighter type ships, the computer would let you know when your ship was damaged, which feature was damaged and how far repairs were progressing. This was no side-scrolling game. It was simply jaw-dropping. To this day, I would play it if I were to find it.

J is for Jenga
Type: Family Game
I think most people I know have actually played this game at one time or another. The goal is simple. Take a piece from the bottom of this wooden structure, and place it at the top of the structure without making the entire structure fall over. The person who makes the tower fall, loses the game.

K is for Kerplunk
Type: Family Game
This was another of my favourites growing up, though we never owned it. Probably a good reason for that. The game was a cylinder tube with sticks poking through the tube. On top of all the sticks, were a pile of marbles. Each player in turn would remove one of the sticks, releasing more and more of the marbles below. The person who released the most marbles lost the game. AS you can imagine, it could be a very loud game to play at times. Especially when you have five other siblings and a mother and father who simply wanted some quiet.

L is for Love Letter
Type: Gard Game
This is a real quick game. The goal is to end the game with the highest point value card. Each card allows you to do something different. Change cards with another player, discard your lowest point value card, play a card to make you immune from other attacks. The possibilities are endless. The game is fast paced and you can complete a game in under ten minutes. A great filler game to play during a family game night.

M is for Mad Magazine
Type: Board Game
This game is a spoof of Monopoly. As you might imagine, Mad Magazine is played in a ridiculous way. The object of this game is to be the first person to LOSE all your money. That's right. You don't want to win. The player who wins this game, actually loses and the player who loses, actually wins the game. Can you lose all your money before everyone else? Be careful, you might be on the verge of losing all your money, when you are suddenly forced to either exchange money or even change your seat (leaving your money) with another player. Cards and stunts you perform can also help you lose more money.

N is for No Man's Sky
Type: Video Game
This is a new game released last year. It's a space exploration game. The goal is to get to the centre of the universe and explore the galaxy. As a procedurally generated game, each planet you visit is slightly different. From planet to planet the flora and fauna you discover changes. Also, each planet has different minerals you can mine. As you continue to explore, you can enhance your starship, find a better starship and build a home base. It's a great time waster and is essentially a solo game with little to no interaction with other players.

O is for Once Upon a Time
Type: Story Telling / Card
This is a very unique game. The goal of the game is to tell a fairy tale, utilizing the cards you have drawn. Every player has a specific card telling them how the story should end. As you play the game, others can interrupt your story (with specific cards) which will allow them to continue the story in hopes of finishing the story the way they need to. Each player also have specific elements they need to add to the story before they can conclude it. One player may need to make sure a dragon is included in the story, another player may need to make sure a room full of gold is found somewhere in the story, or a wicked step-mother or... well, you get the point.

P is for Pizza Party
Type: Dice
Another quick game. The goal is to completely fill a pizza pie with all the required toppings. The first person to do so, wins. Each die depicts different toppings to put on your selected pizza. To match the toppings on your pizza, you must roll the die. When it matches what you are looking for, you place it on your pizza. Hurry, finish the pizza before your opponent does.

Q is for Qix
Type: Arcade Game
Back in the day, you went to an arcade to play video games. This, along with Tron, was one of my favourites. The object was to surround an energy beam in the centre of the screen. In order to do this, you simply drew lines to make boxes. When the box is filled, you score points. But if the energy beam catches you before you complete the box, you lose a life. Can you completely surround the energy in boxes, or will he catch you before you can finish?

R is for Risk
Type: Board Game
Would you like to play a game? How about world domination? This is quite a safe way to control the world. And no one has to die. At least not in real life. The goal is to place troops in different countries and use those troops to battle other countries. If you can are skilled enough, you can take over other countries without losing the countries you currently hold. If you can do that one simple thing, you will control the world. Of course, your competitors are trying to do the same thing. Who will control the world, will it be you?

S is for Star Trek CCG
Type: Card Game
This is another game that relied heavily on expansion card packs you purchase in the store. The object of the game was to fly around the universe, attempt missions on various planets and score mission points. The first to 100 points wins the game. This game was unique in that you could play with any number of different factions. You could play with any number of different factions: Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Borg, Ferengi, Bajoran, Cardassian and more. With different 'treaty' cards you could even play with two different factions. You start the game with one outpost and you 'report' ships and crew to that location. When you think you have a decent crew and a decent ship, you can explore the galaxy. Be careful though, different planets and missions require specific player types to complete. To complete, you might need one of many different skills, Computer Skill, Medical, Officer, Science, Security, Astrophysics and many, many more. Truly, the possibilities were endless.

T is for Trivial Pursuit
Type: Board / Trivia
How good are you at trivia? You'll find out in this game. A classic game with many different variations out now. I have a few variants including: Doctor Who, The 80's, Saturday Night Live and Star Wars. Are you as good at trivia as I am? Let's find out.

U is for Utopia
Type: Video Game
A video game that goes with the Intellivision system, this was one of my favourite games. Not only could you play with another person, you could play alone if you were bored, against the computer. Each player must build up their island to the most perfect utopia possible before time runs out. In peace mode, you each tend to your own countries and fear the awful weather patterns that transpire. Or if you want to be evil, you can create PT boats to destroy your opponents fishing boats and place rebels in their country.

V is for Vector TD
Type: Computer Game / Tower Defence
Just another version of a tower defence game. The goal is to set 'towers' which shoot at to eliminate 'creeps' that scroll across your computer board. There are various towers you can place and you can make each tower stronger.

W is for Water Works
Type: Card Game
A classic card game. One of my families favourites. In this game, you are a plumber (naming yourself Mario is optional) and must lay a set of pipes leading from the tap valve to the faucet. Your opponents will try to lay leaking pipes for you to fix. If they do so, you must repair the leak before you can proceed. Can you finish your set of pipes before everyone else?

X is for X-Wing
Type: Miniature
This is actually a game I do not have, but would love to get into it if I knew enough people that would like to play. This is also another game that relies on picking up expansion ships. As you may imagine, the goal of this game is to fly around the map destroying all the other players ships. Every possible ship you can think of can be acquired in this game (each sold separately, of course). This makes the game rather expansion to collect and play. Part of the reason I have not picked this up yet.

Y is for Yahtzee
Type: Dice Game
Yet another game I don't think I really need to explain. You don't really even need to purchase the game as long as you own five dice. The object is to get the best score. Playable with others or solo. You can purchase game sheets or you can find ones online or just simply scribble on your own scratch paper. A fun and easy game for yourself or with a small group of people.

Z is for  Zelda
Type: Video Game
Okay, so I'm cheating a little with this one. The official title is the Legend of Zelda. However, most people I know simply call it Zelda, or the Zelda series as there are many games in the Zelda series. Though most people think the lead character is named Zelda, in fact his name is Link. Your goal is to walk the land, collect various objects in your quest to complete the game. Each item helps assist you in completing the game and defeating the boss monsters, and then finally, Gannon. How long will it take you to complete the game?

Which games sounds the most interesting to you?
Do you own any of these games?
Do they sound fun?
Would you like to learn more?
Would this be a good A-Z list to expound on at another time?
Would you play / have you played any of these games?