Speaking of shmups:

I got Free MCBoot set up, so I can play imports and backups on my PS2 now. This includes allowing me to play
Rogue Galaxy and
Dragon Quest VIII, games that are in my house but that I can't play the actual copies of due to various disc-related problems.
Also, my grandmother bought us a fat PS2 for $3, so if it works, I have yet another PS2.