Barry Bonds hit 715, passes Ruth

Sad day in baseball as Barry Bonds has proven that cheaters do in fact win as he hit homer 715, passing Babe Ruth on the all time career homer list. He is now 41 homers behind Hank Aaron.

If there is a silver lining to this fiasco of cheating and poor sportmanship, its that the increased scrutiny on Bonds steroids use means he is not um as evidenced by is shrinking mass and inability to hit more then one homer a week, which is a return to his pre-steroid use average. Hopefully in desperation to get the attention of surpassing Aaron, he starts in on the steroids and gets busted. However I suspect that baseball would cover that up in desperation of milking the moment.

Barry Bonds Hits 714*

Barry Bonds hit his 714th career home run yesterday. Its a sad day for baseball for it shows that cheaters and druggies do win. Its a shame too for this milestone will forever have an asterisk after it for everyone knows the record wasn't earned. Also sad is that Barry Bonds will always be tarnished for his actions. He would have been one of the greatest players in the history of the game without his hitting records. He was a shoo-in for the hall of fame long before he began his quest. He didn't need to do steroids but his ego demanded it, and baseball condoned it. As a result of his actions, records that use to be great milestones have become meaningless.

The Da Vinci Code Quest Final Challenge Begins

The Da Vinci Code has been released and the final challenge of the quest has also begun. As the above screenshot shows, if you are one of the 10,000 finalists you have until Sunday at 1:00pm eastern to complete the puzzles. Based on randon searches on the web its looks like the super fast is around 30 minutes and the average playing time is an hour plus so mark off some time. Also remember that once you start you can't stop the timer.

Now it appears that the challenge is made up of five parts, each familar but much harder then the qualifing round. Also, it has no trivia or the like its pure puzzle with few hints. The five parts are:

Symbol (the SuDoKu-like puzzle)
Restoration (tumbleweeds)
Curator (hanging paintings)
Chess
A mix of the observation and geography challenges, with a trailer jigsaw puzzle

Source

CW Upfront

Smash the WB and UPN and you get the CW. Traditionally CW means conventional wisdom. No clue what it means here. Anyway here are their upfront which is basically the cream of the two networks crop (anemic as it may be).

Cancelled:
All of Us, Bedford Diaries, Blue Collar TV, Cuts, Eve, Everwood (eh i was getting bored with it anyway), Get This Party Started (?), Half & Half, Living with Fran, Love Inc, Modern Men, One on One, Pepper Dennis, Reba, Related, South Beach, Survival of the Riches, and Twins. Thats a lot of trash going into the can.

Renewed:
7th Heaven (wth?), All of Us, America's Next Top Model, Beauty and the Geek, Everybody Hates Chris, Gilmore Girls (new leader, means new direction, means Commander-in-Fiasco repeat), Girlfriends, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural, Veronica Mars (sweet but if needs ratings for full season order), WWE Smackdown (ug).

New (3 new, so the budget must be razor thin):
Runaway - Drama about a family of fugitives to prove the dad is innocent. Stars a set of "who?". Probably a failure but if they can walk the line between family drama and action, might stand a chance.

Palm Springs - Mid Season drama. Troubled teen finds secrets in his new community. Basically Desperate Housewives from a kids perspective. Has Sharon Lawrence in it and she is always a scenery chewer and proves that women can not only age gracefully but can look better then younger counterparts doing it.

The Game - Comedy about the relationships between women and their pro football playing men. Eh, smells bad, but a lot of room for solid execution.

Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "7th Heaven"
9pm: "Runaway"

TUESDAY
8pm: "Gilmore Girls"
9pm: "Veronica Mars"

WEDNESDAY
8pm: "America's Next Top Model"
9pm: "One Tree Hill"

THURSDAY
8pm: "Smallville"
9pm: "Supernatural"

FRIDAY
8pm: "WWE Friday Night Smackdown"

SUNDAY
7pm: "Everybody Hates Chris"
7pm: "All of Us"
8pm: "Girlfriends"
9pm: "The Game"
9pm: Repeats

Fox Upfront

Fox did its upfront today.

Canceled:
Arrested Development, Killer Instinct, Kitchen Confidential, Malcolm in the Middle and That '70s Show

Renewed:
24, American Dad, Idol, Bones, Family Guy, House, King of the Hill, The Loop (wth?), The O.C., Prison Break, The Simpsons, So You Think You Can Dance, and War at Home

New:
Standoff - About two lovers the Crisis Negotiation Unit that can handle dangerous criminials just not each other. Stars Ron Livingston (Office Space) and Rosemarie DeWitt. Sounds more like a dramedy. The comedy is the relationship broken up by things getting shot at. Might work but not holding my breath.

Vanished - Drama about the hunt for a missing daughter of a Georgia Senator. The girl has a mysterious past and is part of some conspiracy. Without a Trace with a dose of Prison Break political intrigue. Stars Regbecca Gayheart, Ming-Na (ER), among others. If they can keep up a solid pace, could be a good story.

The Wedding Album - Mid-season drama. Chronicles the life and experiences of a wedding photographer and his staff. Stars Bruno Campos (Nip/Tuck) and several other "who?"s. Wedding anything is only good for about 3 eps before the snooze button gets hit.

Happy Hour - Comedy about a guy that tries to rebuild his life with the help of his wacky friends, after it is trashed by his ex-girlfriend. AKA, Fox's version of "How I Met Your Mother." Like all these shows, its in the casting and the writing. Delicate balance that Fox is unlikely to achieve considering their history. Stars another set of "who?"s.

Til Death - Its a comedic comparison between a couple married for decade+ and newlyweds. Much learning and growth will occur I am sure as a result. Stars Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Joely Fisher (Desperate Housewives) as the older couple. At its core its simple concept, has a few comedic veterans to keep it grounded. If doesn't get to wacky or preachy, could be a rare hit for Fox.

The Winner - Mid-season comedy. The trials and problems of a boy trying to become a man...only he starts the journey at age 32. Now in theory the entire series is one long flashback since its set in 1994 but hopefully that gimmick will die a quick and horrible death. Stars Rob Corddry (The Daily Show) and Julie Hagerty (Airplane).

Reality Stuff:
Duets - C-list music stars duoed with C-list celebrities to learn and grow and then get dumped by the voting audience.

On The Lot - 16 Teams of would be directors make short films each week and get eliminated by audience votes. Winner meets Steven Spielberg and gets a job.

Talk Show with Spike Feresten - Half hour late night comedy show with skits and interviews.

Schedule:
AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2006:

MONDAY
8pm: "Prison Break"
9pm: "Vanished"

TUESDAY
8pm: "Standoff"
9pm: "House"

WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Bones"
9pm: "Justice"

THURSDAY
8pm: "'Til Death"
8:30pm: "Happy Hour"
9pm: "The O.C. "

FRIDAY
8pm: "Nanny 911"
9pm: "Trading Spouses"

SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
11pm: "MADtv"
12:00am: "Talk Show with Spike Ferestein"

SUNDAY
7pm: Football or Comedy Encores
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "American Dad"
9pm: "Family Guy"
9:30pm: "The War At Home"


JANUARY TO MAY 2007:

MONDAY
8pm: "Standoff"
9pm: "24"

TUESDAY
8pm: "American Idol: Performance Show"
9pm: "House"

WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Justice"
9pm: "American Idol: Results Show"
9:30pm: "The Loop"

THURSDAY
8pm: "'Til Death"
8:30pm: "Happy Hour"
9pm: "The O.C. "

FRIDAY
8pm: "Bones"
9pm: "The Wedding Album"

SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
11pm: "MADtv"
12:00am: "Talk Show with Spike Ferestein"

SUNDAY
7pm: Comedy Encores
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "American Dad"
9pm: "Family Guy"
9:30pm: "The War At Home"

The Da Vinci Code Worldwide Protests

Christan groups all over the world are doing whatever they can to prevent the playing of the "The Da Vinci Code" using the courts and protests. In South Korea a judge had to strike down an injunction attempt to prevent it from being played in theatres in the country. In Thailand, Christan groups demanded the film get edited. In India and Singapore, they are going for an outright ban. Athens, Greece had a simple protest. Phillippine censors gave it the equilivant of an R rating. Amazingly, American groups are simply going for the open hand approach figuring anything that strikes debate can only help the Christan cause. It seems to be the Christians in other countries could make use of that example.

For people of the faith, they seem to display a remarkable lack of faith in its ability to withstand a few ideas and questions raised by a fictional film.

$70 Billion Dollar Tax Cut Passed

The Republican Congress continues its path of cutting taxes while spending big with the passage of a $70 billion tax cut for the wealthy and eliminating the $5.1 tax increase for oil companies that would ahve gone to education credits. They also dropped tax breaks for research and development. Interesting how a tax cut for everyone seems to mostly favor the rich and big business while leaving out useful credits for such things as education and R&D. All of this would be fine and dandy if government spending wasn't out of control. The equation is simple, if Republicans want to cut taxes, they should be forced to cut spending.

CBS Upfront

CBS' turn to reveal its new fall schedule.

Canceled:
Out of Practice, CBS sunday night movie, Threshold, Courting Alex, Love Monkey, Still Standing, and Yes Dear.

Renewals:
60 Minutes, Amazing Race, Close to Home, Cold Case, Criminial Minds, CSI (all 3), Ghost Whisperer, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, Old Christine, Numbers, Survior, Two and a Half Men, The Unit and Without a Trace.

New Shows:
Jericho - Drama about a Kansas town that believes it alone in the world after a nuclear explosion. Cast includes Skeet Ulrich, Gerald McRaney, Pamela Reed and few others. Eh, could be good but me think it goes splat after about 6 episodes.

Shark - Despite shows based around the ego of ex-movie stars not lasting long, CBS is giving it a go with this drama serires for James Wood. Its about a defense attorny who switches to the prosecutor's side working for Jeri Ryan. The drama is how the office reacts to a slimy defender becoming an equally slimy prosecutor. As long as it doesn't try to be like Boston Legal, the show might stand a chance.

Smith - Ray Liotta is a career crimial stuck between the mysterious Smith and the FBI who wants to arrest them all. Amy Smart is in it so I will sample the first show but considering that the number of shows that have failed recently with criminals in the lead, I don't see this one lasting long. Besides Ray Liotta gets tiresome very quickly. 20 episodes of over acting maybe to much for the audience to handle.

3 lbs - Mid-season drama with Stanly Tucci, and few others about a brain surgeon and his mentor.

Waterfront - Mid-season drama. Stars Jpe Pantoliano, Mary Stuart Masterson and a Baldwin. Apparently about a mayor and his people. Snore.

The Class - Comedy about some purty 20-somethings who once where in the same third grade class. For reasons that will make no sense they get together for their 20th anniversay of the third grade meet and stay together. Stars some folks, but the show will be canceled in abou tthe time its takes to type all this.

Rules of Engagement - Mid-season comedy to replace the Class. Its a comedy about relationships of the married, engaged and single kind. Cast includes Kathleen Rose Perkins, Megyn Price, Patrick Warburton and Paulo Costanzo. Cast is king and not so sure about this lot with a long list of failures.

Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "How I Met Your Mother"
8:30pm: "The Class"
9pm: "Two and a Half Men"
9:30pm: "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
10pm: "C.S.I.: Miami"

TUESDAY
8pm: "N.C.I.S."
9pm: "The Unit"
10pm: "Smith"

WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Jericho"
9pm: "Criminal Minds"
10pm: "C.S.I.: NY"

THURSDAY
8pm: "Survivor"
9pm: "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation"
10pm: "Shark"

FRIDAY
8pm: "Ghost Whisperer"
9pm: "Close to Home"
10pm: "Numb3rs"

SATURDAY
8pm: "Crime Time Saturday"
10pm: "48 Hours: Mystery"

SUNDAY
7pm: "60 Minutes"
8pm: "The Amazing Race"
9pm: "Cold Case"
10pm: "Without a Trace"

NSA Phone Logs and Abuse

Last week, USA Today revealed that the NSA is collecting the phone call logs of millions of Americas without court approval. The claims is that the data is only being used to catch terrorists. Yet not even a week later and a rumor is suggesting that the the government may be using the data for less noble purposes. Say to discover the confidential sources for journalists.

It amazes that only 51% of Americans have a problem with this program. Its amazing how trusting people can be on the big picture things. Even assuming that the story about the journalist is incorrect, it does show a problem. The data can be used for such a purpose. If anyone tracked their phone calls for a 1 month to a 6 month period, its amazing what kind of picture it can paint about a person. How many times call your parents, your girlfriend, your mistress. Do you call gay chatllnes (see here for Daily Show joke/point). What would prevent someone, regardless of party, from using the information that the phone records might reveal to blackmail people including our government leaders?

People simply don't realize how much one's calling habits could reveal. If the information was trivial, the NSA wouldn't be interested in collecting it. Also, what is to prevent them from expanding on the data they collect?

For instance, your web site tendancies. Review your "history" from your browser. Take a step back from it and try to access it as a stranger. What would that history reveal about what you like and don't like? Your interests and curiousities? Would you want anyone to know these things?

Another example of useful information would be from your cell phone. Why not give the NSA logs of what towers your cell phone connects to. Using triangulation, a little guesswork and lots of data, the NSA could develop a map of your movements over a period of time. Maybe they notice on that business trip you went near that seedy section of town? Yet here your tax records show your married. Hmm and based on this form, you applied to run for office. Ah but you are not of the party I believe in, and the idea of you representing a state just bothers me. I think this info might be useful to your opponent. Far off scenario, yet closer to a possibility.

My point is that the data sounds irrelevant, which if that where true, why collect it? Why assume the data is safe and will never be abused. History has shown over and over again that people will abuse the power they are given. People can only ignore the tempation for so long. What is to prevent Bush from demanding that the NSA give him the phoning habits of certain congressional canditates? What would prevent them from expanding the data they seek? To accept that this collecting of records is all well and good, is to assume that the government can be trusted. Which cannot. Its not even a republican vs democract thing, its a right to privacy thing. Just remember, one day a democrat may become president again, do you want them to have access to this kind of power and control?

Pentagon 9/11 film

The pentagon released footage of American Airlines Flight 77 hitting the Pentagon on 9/11. The images where recorded by security camera outside the building and released due to a Freedom of Information Act request from Judicial Watch.

Click here for the footage, which shows a shadow and then a fireball. Not sure what Judicial Watch was looking for because I see nothing in the footage that provides new information or insight.

ABC Upfront

ABC announced their proposed 06-07 schedule today. Once again going lazy and skipping the italics and quotes for shows.

Canceled:
Freddie, Invasion, Emily's Reasons Why Not, Rodney, Jake in Progress, Hope & Faith, Sons & Daughters, Less Than Perfect, Hot Properties, Night Stalker, In Justice, Miracle Workers, and Commander-in-Chief.

New:
Sons and Daugters - Drama that follows the trials and tribulations of siblings throught the perspective of Calista Flockhart. Cast inclues Rachel Griffiths, Patricia Wettig (guess no more Prison Break for her) and several others. It has an attractive cast, lot of familiar names, so has a good chance of being sampled which can only help ratings. Family also makes for good shows if done well.

Men In Trees - Despite the odd name, apparently another drama. Its about Anne Heche dumping her cheating fiance and enjoying a new lease on life. Also stars some other people who don't ring any names but probably are familar faces.

The Nine - The storytelling method of 24 meets Lost with a dash of Prison Break. The nine covers the lives via flashbacks of nine hostages during a failed bank robbery. Starts Tim Daly, Chi McBride, Scott Wolf (Everwood is toast obviousily) and others. Its got my interest, just hope it doesn't become another Heist.

6 Degrees - Title refers to 6 degrees of seperation where everyone is connected to someone else by 6 unknown connections. This series plays up the unknown by showing how 6 people influence each others lives without actually knowing each other and what those connections mean and why. Stars Erika Christensen (ooh la la), Bridget Moynahan (another ooh lala), Hope Davis (ditto) and bunch of guys too lazy to type out. I am there. Good idea with attractive cast. Execution will be key but if they do it right, can be the hit of the new shows.

Day-Break - Mid-season replacement drama. Its the movie "Groundhog Day" without all the carefreeness "must get girl to love me". Basically the guy has to prove in a single day who killed a DA while keeping loved ones alive. Good thing he has a nifty reset button. Stars Taye Diggs, Adam Baldwin and others. Another great exicting concept that will require some tricky editing and wrting to keep all the elements in the air without seeming to be repetitive.

Traveler - Mid-season replacement drama. Bad place at wrong time results in friends being accused of a terrorist bombing. At the same time they discover a friend of theirs doesn't even exist. Without anyone to turn too they must find out who did the bombing. Stars lots of folks and looks like it could be an excellent drama.

Betty the Ugly - Sweet ugly girl (ie overweight but clearly attactive) does good and in the process the guy that only goes for flash starts to fall for her while they try to work together in the fashion world. This is doomed to fail.

Big Day - Comedy that tracks the single day in planning, prepping, and executing a weeding and all the mess that goes on such as parties and all the other hijinks that can ensue. Stars Marla Sokoloff (the Practice), Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) among others. Eh, personally I shut off at "wedding".

Help Me Help You - Group therapy by a celebrity doctor who just may be nuts himself. Stars Ted Danson, Suzy Nakamura, and others. I smell splat.

Let's Rob Mick Jagger - Bunch of screw ups get together to rob Mick Jagger's apartment. In the process of prepping they find out about themselves. This sounds like a smooshy do gooder comedy that once agains makes me go snore.

Notes From The Underbelly - The trials and problems that occur when having a baby especially from interfering family. blah.

In Case of Emergency - Mid-season comedy (they going to need a few). Bunch of high school buddies get together for much bonding as each of their lives fall apart. Sarts David Arguette, Greg Germann, Kelly Hu, and Lori Laughlin. I like most of the people that are in this show, but so far not feeling the interest. May g ive the pilot a go though.

Also three new reality shows: Wake-Up Call (Greg Behrendt helps with relationships), Just for Laughs (Candid Camera redux), and Set For The Rest of Your Life (contestants try to win a check of x value for x frequency over x period of time, with a partner who may be helping or hurting them). Rest of Your Life has legs if its not beat to death with frequent plays. Others will die a quick death.

Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Wife Swap"
9pm: "The Bachelor " (through January)
9pm: "Supernanny" (from January)
10pm: "What About Brian"

TUESDAY
8pm: "Dancing with the Stars" (through January)
8pm: "Set for the Rest of Your Life" (from January)
9pm: "Let's Rob Mick Jagger"
10pm: "Boston Legal"

WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Dancing with the Stars" (through January)
8pm: "George Lopez" (from January)
8:30pm: "According to Jim" (from January)
9pm: "Lost"
10pm: "The Nine"

THURSDAY
8pm: "Big Day"
8:30pm: "Notes from the Underbelly"
9pm: "Grey's Anatomy"
10pm: "Six Degrees"

FRIDAY
8pm: "Betty the Ugly"
9pm: "Men in Trees"
10pm: "20/20"

SATURDAY
8pm: "ABC Saturday Night College Football"

SUNDAY
7pm: "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8pm: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9pm: "Desperate Housewives"
10pm: "Brothers & Sisters"

The Da Vinci Code Quest Finalist Email

As the above picture indicates, finally received the email confirming I am one of the 10,000 finalists for the Da Vinci Code Quest on Google. Oddly enough, I received the email at 10:14pm 5/15/06, hours after the mailman delivered the crytex (pics here). I do believe thats the first time I have experienced the mailman beating the email. Best guess is the contest starts this weekend after the movie premieres. Feel free to comment, curious to know who else I will be competing against to win stuff.

NBC Upfronts

Upfront week has started, where each of the (now) 5 networks announce their upcoming fall and mid-season plans. Monday was NBC's go at showing what they plan on doing. I am not going to bother with italics or " " for each program.

Canceled:
Fear Factor, Conviction, Teachers, Heist, Four Kings, Joey, Surface, The Book of Daniel, E-Ring, Martha Stewart Apprentice, Inconceivable, Three Wishes, The West Wing, and Will & Grace.

New:
Friday Night Lights - Based on the film, starts Kyle Chandler (Early Edition) as the coach, Connie Britton (Spin City) as the wife and lots of others as the team and various related secondary characters. The storyline is basically about the crap all involved go through to get to the state football championship in a town where football is all that really matters. If anything like the film, and its director and writer Peter Berg, is involved, this might be the hit new drama of the season.

Heroes - Similar to the 4400 and comic Rising Stars, it focues on the lives of people made extraordinary during a eclipse that somehow gives them abilities. Cast includes Adrian Pasdar (Profit) and Ali Larter (Final Destination). This one could be the next Surface or Invasion. In other words, excellent idea that could be handled horribly. If they are smart they will come out of the gate running and then throttle back once they establish themselves. To many make the mistake of assuming they will be around for 8 or 9 years so hold to many cards to their chest.

Kidnapped - Mix Without a Trace and 24 or Murder One together and you get this series that tracks the investigation into the kidnapping of a rich kid. Cast includes Delroy Lindo and Dana Delany. Overall the cast looks good (not a fan of Jermey Sisto though), have to sample it before deciding. Has potential to be a boring disaster.

Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip - From Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme (of West Wing when it was good), its about the behind the scenes crap that occurs during the making of a weekly late-night comedy show (think SNL or Mad). The cast includes Amanda Peet, Matthew Perry and many others. Oddly enough, its a drama about a comedy show. I would have huge doubts but Sports Night proved that if a show is well written with a fine cast, you can get gold out of pretty much any work setting. Either way, I am there for its debut.

The Black Donnellys - From Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco who brougth us the movie Crash. Its a mid-season replacement show about a crime drama that follows the exploits of a group of brothers dealing with organized crime in New York City. Might be good, but when I read "organized crime" my interest meter goes right to zero. The title doesn't help.

Raines - Another mid-season replacement. this one from Grapham Yost (Band of Brothers) and Frank Barabont (Shawshank Redemption) and stars Jeff Goldblum (lots of stuff). Since Jeff is in it, you know its not going to quite follow the police drama conventions. Its a mix of Monk and Medium where the hero Raines can have conversations with dead crime victims to solve their crimes. Since the police don't like the crazy, much conflict insues while doing the crime solving. Cast includes Linda Park (Enterprise and Nicole Sullivan (MadTV). I like the cast, interesting concept if handled well. Worth a whirl.

20 Good Years - Comedy about two people that realize that one day they could die so hilarity ensues. Starts John Mason (Third Rock from the Sun) and Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development). Its basically the Odd Couple meets death. Whatever, I am not intersted.

30 Rock - Another behind the scenes of a late night variety show. Only this one is a comedy and is produced and stars SNL queen Tina Fey. She plays the head writer, deals with the network president and other eccentric folk that try to interfere with her job. The cast will make or break this show. Tina Fey is a likeable sexy women who knows how to do her thing very well. Its the rest of the cast that could be a problem, especially if they overdue it to much which could be a danger with Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan as part fo the cast.

Andy Barker, P.I. - Midseason replacement that stars Andy Richter (Conan O'Brien) who plays a CPA who becomes a PI after a mistaken identity error. Hilarity ensues as he answers to the new calling. Andy Ricter is the funny man who has usually found the show but not the audience or network support he needs to thrive. Chances are the show will be good, but doesn't mean it will survive.

The Singles Table - Midseason comedy replacement about a group of single strangers that meet at a wedding and become good friends. Basically its "How I Met Your Mother" with a different cast. Doesn't mean it can't be good, but a copy is rarely as good.

The schedule:
New shows in caps (except for ER)
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "HEROES"
10-11 p.m. "Me-dium"

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"
9-10 p.m. "KIDNAPPED"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "The Biggest Loser"
9-9:30 p.m. "20 GOOD YEARS"
9:30-10 p.m. "30 ROCK"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl" (new time)
8:30-9 p.m. "The Office" (new time)
9-10 p.m. "STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP"
10-11 p.m. "ER"/("THE BLACK DONNELLYS" in January 2007)

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "Las Vegas"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent""Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (new day and time)

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline Saturday"
9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. "FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA"
8-11 p.m. "SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL"

MID-SEASON
Post NFL on Sundays:
"America's Got Talent" (8-9 p.m.)
"The Apprentice" (9-10 p.m.)
"Raines" (10-11 p.m.)
"The Singles Table"
"Andy Barker, P.I."
"Crossing Jordan"
"Scrubs"

Da Vinci Code Google contest Finalist

The Google The Da Vinci Code Quest is a movie contest tie in that has some pretty nifty prizes including a trip to New York, Rome, London, and Paris. Its made up of several rounds, the first of which was to be the first 10000 the complete the 24 part contest. These 10,000 then receive via mail a Cryptex inside of which is the link to go to for the final round. The final round is to complete a 5 part contest is fastest cumulative time. The fastest wins the grand prize.

Usually notification was supposed be via email. Oddly enough, I actually got the Cryptex via snail mail before getting the notification. Even though unlikely to win the grand prize, I have to admit I am pleased at winning the cryptex. Its a pretty nifty device that is better constructed then I would have thought for an online contest. Instead of being made completely of plastic its made of a metal alloy with the keys being the only plastic part. It feels quite sturdy in the hand, maybe wieghts 1 - 2 pounds. Nice details on the outside edges. Basically a nice little consolation prize.

Once you open the Cryptex inside is a little tiny note that says:
Congratulations, you have proven worthy of the Da Vinci Code Quest on Google, visit www.Google.com/---- to see if your journey continues."

If go to the site you then get this picture:

Justice League Series Finale

It began September 5 1992 with Batman: The Animated Series. It now ends on May 13, 2005 one of the greatest reigns of quality series cartoons in television history with the series finale of Justice League Unlimited.

In this period we had Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League and finally Justice League Unlimited. This 13 year period of cartoons has re-defined comics and the DC universe for a generation. Its influence is felt throughout cartoons and the comics. When future cartoons are made, the benchmark all will be compared to will always be this series of amazing work.

Today, at 10:30pm the curtain call on the final episode of Justice League, "Destroyer." A fine example of excellence and a sign of what shall be greatly missed as 13 years of storytelling simply wasn't enough.

Some moments of note in "Destroyer":
- the world wide butt whupping
- Superman v Daily Planet globe
- "Doesn't look like it quite made escape velocity."
- Superman v Darkseid
- return of Martian Manhunter
- Batman v Darkseid
- "Excellent strategy."
- "...what we have here is a rare opportunity for me to cut loose..."
- "...I had to go get my power suit."
- "...five minute headstart."
- "These are the end times."

"And the adventure continues."

E3 '06: Final Thoughts

E3 is over. The next-gen consoles have been introduced. The controllers displayed, games demoed. The console wars are going to begin in earnest November 2006. The winner will take years to decide but at the end of the day, the consumer wins no matter what.

Microsoft 360 has 6 months to lock down a stranglehold on the industry and grow in Japan which has been reluctant to embrace the technology. They have shown with their upcoming library, including Grand Theft Auto 4, Halo 4 and Gears of War, along with growing accessories of cameras etc that they have every intent to take advantage of the breathing room. Thanks to the quiet of Nintendo on price and the bombshell from Sony, sales will likely increase now that the reluctant know what is coming. Despite this lead-in, Microsoft does have some disadvanges to overcome including a still lingering rumors of the consoles unrealiability, costs of games, and small library. For them the graphics are king..but it may not be enough.

Nintendo finally introduced the Wii. The name is silly but its potential is not. The Wiimote has shown a great potential in gaming and could start a new era in creativity for the console market that has been pretty dry for years lost in the deluge of shoot-em-up and beat-em-ups. Nintendo is also assembling launch titles second to none with a new Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, and Metroid games. They are not slacking in the handheld market with the upcoming release of DS Lite. To support this "new" system they have also added the US premier of Final Fantasy III, new Mario related games, Castlevania, and many other titles. As the Wii and the DS show, you want innovation and imaginiation you go to Nintendo. However, the sacrifice is graphics. The Wii is clearly inferior to Sony and MS offerings and are clearly hoping that the Wiimote, virtual library and price will overcome that glaring shortcoming to consumers. Nintendo created a momemtum at E3 that it didn't have before but may lose it if it continues its history of missing launch dats on key games and the price isn't nearly the bargain they say it is.

For Sony, E3 was a disaster. It was supposed to be the coming out party. A celebration of the next leap in technology, a repeat of the reception they recieved when first introduced the PS2. Instead it became a defensive battle of trying to justify a $600 console with a old-style remote that blantently steals from Nintendo's ideas. Working for the PS3 though is its clearly gorgeous graphic capabilities that just barly edge out the 360 and stomps all over the Wii in ability, and if Blu-Ray is embraced like Sony hopes, it could become the pricing steal they claim it is. Also helping in its war is its library, with Final Fantasy XIII and Metal Gear Solid 4. The PSP continues to grow, especially with a PS One emulator being added to allow for classic games to be played on the handheld. However, Sony still hasn't quite figured out the "portable" concept as many of the games seem to be indirect ports of existing PS2 franchises. Really though, Sony is buried in a ditch it wasn't aware existed. The announced library is small and barely functional. Its huge games, FF and MGS are notorious for taking years to develop and likely will not see the light of day until a year + after launch. The price, regardless of the bells and whistles will drive consumers away. Long story short, for Sony to overcome all these stumbles, it will have to deliver and deliver big on everything promised at E3.

The video game market is a billion dollar industry, and while all three consoles can co-exist together and make oodles of money, being King of the hill is always the goal. This fight will be long and bloody and will take at least a year before a leader emerges.

E3 '06: Little bit more

Just a few more bits from E3. Nothing of note really, just some stuff that grabbed my attention.

- Castlevania: Portait of Ruin for DS - Next in the successful line and rumors are its pretty good.
- Virtua Fighter 5 for PS3 - Another system, another sequel.
- 360 gear - More rumors and pricing for 360 gear including wireles gaming recieve, headset and faceplates.

Finally in regards to PS3 pricing, Sony chief Ken Kutaragi believes the system is "probably too cheap." Realistically, considering the system is basically a graphics dedicated computer system in power, memory, abilities etc, hes not wrong. When just compare it to the iPod, its a great deal. We just like our systems cheaper since feeding the beast in games more then makes up the difference.

E3 '06: More Game Impressions

Another day of E3 and more impressions and annoucements of games. The big announcement of the day came from Nintendo, which announced a new Super Smash Bros. for the Wii. When the GameCube was launched way back when Smash Bros was a launch title that got rave reviews.

Other games of note:
- Super Paper Mario for GameCube - Some screenshot and info. Looks pretty good.
- Capcom Classics Mini Mix for GBA - HAs Mighty Final Fight, Bionic Commando, and Strider from the NES era.
- Gears of War for 360 - Slick looking game that make take the reign of top shooter from Halo.
- Virtual Console for Wii - Little bit with the interface for all older systems emulation software. No prices announced to download and play the clasics.
- Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for Nintendo DS - Graphics of the Wind Waker combined with the stylus to control Link. I hope it changes so the stylus helps link but controlling him that way will get tiresome fast based on expericence with Mario 64.
- Wii-mote - Little write up on the pros and cons. Basically it will allow of innovative games but has a little curve. Like the DS with the touchpad, I get the feeling companies will try to force the using the controller in ways it doesn't have be done. In other words just because you can build motion sensitive things into the game doesn't mean you have to do it.
- Bomberland for Wii - Apparently bunch of mini-games rather then the usual blow em all up of previous games. To early in development to know for sure.
- Guitar Hero II for PS2 - Same as before but with co-op mode and more music.
- Justice League Heroes for XBox and PS2 - With JLU leaving the airwaves after this Saturday (seen the ep, drool worthy goodness), can get your fix with this button masher, beat em up, playing as different members of the Justice League.
- World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade for the PC and MAC - New lands, new racces, usual add-ons any MMORPG usual covers.

Click here for all of joystiq.com's game impressions across various platforms. Also, a report on the booth babes and some old style arcade units.

E3 '06: Sony under Attack

Sony annoucned the new and power of the PS3, it was probably expecting much pats on the back, a bevy of celebration and a glut of consumers that can't wait to get hold of its next gen system. Instead, its apparently having to defend its two tier pricing plan and the cost of the device. Even developers are getting into the mix with Ubisoft Executive Clint Hocking not being particularily pleased with the the "me too" motion control controller that was introduced at E3. Even EA was caught off guard, unawaare of the development of the controller.

Most of the criticsm when all said and done will focus on the price tag of the PS3. It turns out that the difference between the $500 and $600 dollar system isn't just the size of the hard drive. The price difference also comes with certain bells and whistles left out. Turns out if you want to "save" $100 dollars you are giving up not only 40GB of storage but lose WiFi connectivity, memory card reader, and HDMI output. If don't have a high def or never plan to get a high def, that last bit is most likely not important. Leaving it out when annoucning the system though is a little annoying and makes you wonder what other tidbits haven't been disclosed.

Another problem is with Sony's full support of Blu-Ray format which tends to be more expensive and is part of the blame for the overall cost of the system. This is in contant to DVD-HD that Microsoft supports.

Finally, the last complaint is concern over what will be the launch titles? The better the launch titles the better the launch. Nintendo has already annoucned a new Super Mario Bros, Zelda, Metroid and other A-list titles for launch. Knowing Nintendo, not even 1/10th of the proposed launch will be released as planned. Regardless, at least you know the gameplan of Nintendo. Sony on the other hand apparently doesn't yet know what it will release. Based on a report at IGN, Sony doesn't have many titles even close to completion and if they suddenly rush to make launch date, the quality will be effected. You have to many bad quality games at launch and that could effect long term sales ot overcome that inital bad impression.

Suffice it to say, Sony has a bigger hill to climb then they probably initially thought as the 360 and potential of the Wii is stealing all their thunder.

NSA Secret Phone Records Database and Signing Notes

USA Today has released a report that with the NSA is collecting the phone records of tens of millions of Americans that probably represents billions of call. The data has been collected since 9/11 from the big three - AT&T, Verizon, and Bellsouth (soon to be AT&T). These records include businesses, government offices and individuals not suspected of anything. The Bush Administration says they are within the law. Members of congress are less then pleased with Arlen Specter, R-PA calling for a congressional hearing. CLick here for a mini Q&A about the records collecting.

Wow, Bush just keeps setting in it over and over again. I am starting to think he is aiming for a new record in low approval. Many may claim that the records are irrelevant, after its the same records your cell carrier may send you every month with the bill. You know, what numbers you called, when and for how long. Of course, most neglect to mention that these records alone, when cross referenced with the names attached to those numbers (and you can't tell me the CIA isn't doing that), can tell lots about your day to day habits and living style. Long story short, the information is a gateway that violates the privacy regardless if the conversation itself is being recorded or not.

Its also telling that unlike the illegal tapping controversy, the republicans and democrats seem to be equally appalled about this one. Clearly they where not aware it was going on. I am willing to bet that other then yes-man Gonzalez, almost no one in the DoJ are aware of what was going on. Its strikes me as strange that Bush can claim its legal, but seems to go out of his way to avoid those questions of legality. This constant violation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, while claiming to protect is why there is a seperation of powers.

Speaking of seperation of powers, funny thing about that. Apparently Bush has decided that he is a one man Supreme Court. Bush has claimed that he can ignore more then 750 laws he signed into law during his administration if he believes it voilates the Constituion. Irony aside considering his history, that role is exclusive to the Supreme Court. Bush apparently blieves he can ignore miltary regulations, affirmative action provisions, and other safeguards and protections.

The way Bush has done this is "signing notes" he added to nearly every bill he signs instead of vetoing the bill. Presidents have done this for years but only in an occasional fashion, not with the habitually habit of Bush. It could turn out his little scribbles have no meaning other then historical, but that of course is the problem. Do they have meaning? If so how much? How does this impact the power of the president? How does it impact the inacting and enforcing of the law? Could it be used as a legal precident in other matters? There in lies the problems, all the unanswered questions that could confuse or void the intent of the law Bush signed. Basically another mess to add to the already heaping pile.

E3 '06: Games

Lots of games info now flowing out of E3 now that the name console presentations are done. The highlights that interest me anyway:

- 23 new DS games announced.
- Super Paper Mario for GameCube - Peach and Bowser now playable. Trailer here. Screenshots here.
- Star Fox for the DS - Apparently the touch pad is used to draw routes for teammates to take and attack from. So a pseudo-computer based co-op play.
- Sonic Wild Fire for Wii - Apparently very fast and potentially a hit
- Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii - Innovative use of the Wi-mote could make this a new landmark in the Zelda series.
- Golden Axe for PS3 and 360 - The return of the 8-bit title for the next gen consoles. Probably will be the usual beat em up with purty new graphics.
- God of War 2 for the PS2 - The PS2 is not dead yet and this title proves it.
- Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii - Mix Super Mario 64 style play, big round globes, usual Mario fun and the Wii-mote for thie probably must have title.
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Just like the other Prime titles only now have the Wii-mote to make aiming and shooting funner.
- Blue Dragon for the 360 - Next gen console plus dragons. Has to be at least interesting.
- Metal Gear Solid 4 for PS3 - Click link for little info about title and Silent Hill PSP title.

Zapper Attachment for Wii - Basically makes the Wii-mote look like a zapper gun, probably very useful for Metroid Prime 3 Hunters.

E3 '06: Microsoft Press Conference

Microsoft did its presentation also today. It announced its upcoming game slate, new accessories for the 360 and basically a desire to take advantage of the lead that Nintendo and Sony have granted.

Highlights:
- XBox Live arcade apparently has some arcade games of yesteryears and has added Lumines Live to the list.
- 2nd wave titles: Games of War, Halo 3, Prey, Superman Returns, 99 Nights, Fables 2, Dead or Alive XTreme 2, and Grand Theft Auto IV (release 10/16/07) and usual EA sports games.
- New accessories: wireless wheel controller, wireless headset, XBox Live Vision Camera and HD DVD player.
- Rockstar will produce exclusive episodic content for XBox.
- Also announced some games will be cross platformed for the PC and apparently the graphically speaking, the different between console and PC is starting to evaporate.
- Live Anywhere - Apparently some method to provide cross-platform possibilities where your progress, stats, gameplay etc is shared. Example would be playing a game on the 360 and then continue playing the game on your cell. Its based upon Vista and so more details are irrelevent until 2007.

The conference notes are here.

E3 '06: Nintendo Press Conference

Nintendo announced their slate of Wii and DS things for the upcoming year. The goal is to stroke the fires of interests and passion. Based on what I am reading, I have more then a little concern that this might just be Nintendo's last hurrah in the console market. I pray I am wrong.

The highlights:
- Release date is Q4 2006, ie November or December.
- Price: Didn't say. Which either means its high and they don't want to risk losing any momentum at the start of E3, or they think they can make the price cheaper. Hopefully the latter.
- Launch games: Metroid Prime 3, Dragon Quest Swords, Super Mario Galaxy, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and many more - Considering Nintendo's history on release dates, believe it only when you see it.
- Graphics don't compete with PS3 and 360
- Controller has built-in speaker and rumble
- Final Fantasy III, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Yoshi 2 is coming for DS - not sure but think this would be the first time FFIII has been stateside.
- If don't like the Wii-mote then there is also the classic controller which looks like a modified version of the Super NES controller with an iPod feel. See above.

Blow by blow of the conference is here.
Hands On with Wii - Basically fun with a small learning curve.

Beatles Lose Apple Fight but War continues

The Beatles lost round 1 of a court case against Apple Computers for copyright enfringment. Its turns out that the Beatles library is owned by a company called Apple Corp, which is owned by the Beatles. Got that? Anyway, since Apple Computers is now kindof sorta in the music business, the Beatles feel infringed upon. Afterall, don't you think Apple Corp when you think Beatles?

The judge basically said your off your rocker, pay Apple Computers courts costs and be on your merry way. Of course the Beatles don't like this answer and will appeal. Not sure what the goal is but bet its trying to get a piece of the iTunes pie. Greed will out and all that.

Random computer link:
Top 10 XP Tips
Fresh Devices

E3 '06: Sony Press Conference

Sony has just finished their pre-show conference for E3 announcing some of the games and plans for the Playstation 3. The main highlights:

- Playstation 3 prices 20gig is $500 and 60gig is $600
- release date is around november 17 in the US, Nov 11th in Japan.
- Controller is bluetooth wireless and supports motion sensing technology in the usual Duel Shock controller package.
- Final Fantasy XIII is coming for PS3 (most likely sometime late 2007)
- games are the usual shoot em up, beat em up, drive and play sports variety. IE PS's stock and trade.
- the PSP will have an emulator added so can download and play orginial playstation games (the cost of a game was unspecified). PSP future updates will include RSS video, Flash and VoIP.


Other E3 rumor suggests that Nintendo Wii is going to be $250 and also released in November. Basically XBox has about 6 months to build as strong a stranglehold in the industry it can (and will probably fail to do). Blow by blow of the conference with some screenshots here.

E3 Begins.

E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo has begun. The expo is basically the place well all the video game companies and announce their new toys and titles for the next year.

Since this is the year of the next gen console, the news should be big with Sony and Nintendo finally giving the public the details they need when deciding their next-gen purchase.

The news will be fast and furious but below are a few good sites to get your news.
Engadget
Joystiq
GameSpot
GameDaily
Gaming-Age
E3 Insider

A little new to wet the appetite.
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XIII will be lease for the Playstation 3. Final Fantasy: ring of Fates is coming for the DS and Final Fantasy: Crystal Bearers for the Wii. The last two titles are based off of the Crystal Chronicles FF franchise. Full press conference here.

Bush at 31% approval

New week, new poll, new low. Maybe time for new policies and less yes-men? The announced nomination for new CIA chief, General Michael Hayden, is not a step in the right direction.

2006 Summer Movie Predictions

Time to guess what will make moolah this summer and what will not. These are all guesses and if I turn out to be right...I claim the hard work and dedication to achieve accuracy. Money is domestic only not overseas. Money makers are not so much "greatest weekend ever!!!" and "#1 comedy/drama on a fourth sunday in May!" and more of a cost (movie + advertisement) - sells = moolah type of deal.

The money makers, most of which are gimme's.
- Superman (350 million) - The ticket of the summer. Everyone and their mother will go see this. Word of mouth and repeat sells will drive this movie into the number movie of the summer easy. I expect a 110 million opening weekend.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (250 million) - This will be the other ticket of the summer and get lots o repeat business, good for the money machine.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (225 million) - Its like printing money.
- The Da Vinci Code (215 million) - Based on huge book, Tom Hanks, and looks interesting as heck. Don't see much repeat business though.
- Cars (180 million) - Its going to be considered a miss by Pixar standards. I don't think it will have the repeat buys and solid word of mouth that previous Pixar films had.
- Click (150 million) - Its creative looking, it might actually have heart, the teaser gives the entire story away and its has Kate Beckinsale looking hotterific.
- Over The Hedge (135 million) - Looks cute as heck and might even entertain better then the Wild did.

Break-even (make enough of its money back to not be a complete failure)
- Mission Impossible 3 (125 million) - Tom Cruise will hurt it but not as much as people think, DVDs though is where this will get back its cost.
- Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (100 million) - Its fast and the furious, high on action, low on personality, story, and special effects.
- Talladega Nights (80 million) - "Made by the team of Weatherman" should be a red flag about how mcuh this movie will suck. The NASCAR crowd will see it opening weekend, and thats about it.
- Snakes on a Plane (75 million) - Everyone says sleeper hit. I say break-even. Even with the man Samuel L Jackson and a bevy of internet support, I think it will be the Serenity of 2006.
- Strangers with Candy (35 million) - Based on a comedy central show about a creepy ugly women. Its a cheap movie so its doesn't take much to break even.
- Clerk II (35 million) - Technically a failure but because its cheap to make, its would take a really poor showing to actually loose money. Their are enough View-Askewverse fans to keep it even.

The money loosers.- Poseidon (75 million) - Retread of a tired story that was recently horrible done on TV
- Miami Vice (90 million) - Based on the slick 80s show and probably re-imagined for the egos of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Lots of things go boom and you will take a snooze.
- My Super Ex-Girlfriend (65 million) - Superhero and love never mixes well. With Uma "depends on lightning to look good" Thurman, there really isn't a hook to make this movie rise above the rest of the movie noise.
- The Break-Up (60 million) - Vince Vaugn does his thing and does it well, but Jennifer Aniston for all her sex appear isn't nearly as good as she and Hollywood thinks she is. Get a second coming on DVD though.
- A Scanner Darkly (60 million) - Curious looking film that will only get sells from comic fans, the curious and the bored.
- World Trade Center (55 million) - United 93 shows that US just isn't ready for 9/11 films. That combines with the always touchy and conspiracy prone Oliver Stone, and many will take a pass.
- The Omen (50 million) - Frankly its being sold horribly and interest seems to be in the non-existant range. Plus its the Omen, a crappy movie the first time it was made and in today's horror = gore or atmosphere but no story, well the signs are bad.
- DOA: Dead or Alive (50 million) - Based on a video game and the track record or those is basically 0 for 1000.
- The Devil Wears Prada (45 million) - One of those Wha? movies for everyone but those that read the book. The cast will get some feet in the door and thats about it.
- Nacho Libre (40 million) - Jack Black may be in it but a stinker is a stinker. This isn't the sleeper many are predicting.
- Garfield's A Tale of Two Kitties (20 million) - The first stunk, this will stink worse. But the goal is just to make some moolah in theatres to help make even more moolah on DVD. The producers will be pleased with any ticket sells.

The suprises.
- Monster House (150 million) - I don't think this movie is on most people's radar but by the time the summer is done most people will have found out about this film and be suprised.
- Just My Luck (80 million) - Lindsay Lohen looking hot and back in her comfort zone. Simple cheap movie that will get the tweens in the seats.


Not to many suprises this year but after the poor showing in theatres last years, studios are going to play it safe as much as possible. The rest is up to the viewing public. Don't feel sad though, with DVD sales and the growing overseas market, even a "failure" can still be profitable (assuming the studios didn't screw themselves on backend points with the stars.)

4th Amendment and General Hayden

Possible new CIA head is General Hayden. He is a huge fan of the wiretap policy of the administration...and apparently doesn't know what the fourth amendment says.

Landay: "...the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifies that you must have probable cause to violate an American's right against unreasonable searches and seizures..."

Gen. Hayden: "No, actually - the Fourth Amendment actually protects all of us against unreasonable search and seizure."

Landay: "But the --"

Gen. Hayden: "That's what it says."

Landay: "The legal measure is probable cause, it says."

Gen. Hayden: "The Amendment says: unreasonable search and seizure."

Landay: "But does it not say 'probable cause'?"

Gen. Hayden [exasperated, scowling]: "No! The Amendment says unreasonable search and seizure."

Landay: "The legal standard is probable cause, General -- "

Gen. Hayden [indignant]: "Just to be very clear ... mmkay... and believe me, if there's any Amendment to the Constitution that employees of the National Security Agency are familiar with, it's the Fourth. Alright? And it is a reasonableness standard in the Fourth Amendment. The constitutional standard is 'reasonable'" ( h/t Dale)

What the fourth says:
To quote the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States in its entirety, the one the general and the NSA folks are so familiar with and know is about reasonableness and not about probable cause, quote, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Sadly, because of the cowardice of the republican party, the guy would pass easily. On bright side, at least his background indicates he might actually have the background to do the job but that doesn't mean he deserves the postion.

Picture from cnn.com

McIntrye in the Morning Apologizes

Something pretty amazing has occured in this age of follow your party no matter what act of stupidity or damage it does. A republican apolgizes. Doug McIntyre, radio host on Talk Radio 790 KABC in New York (i think) apolgizes for voting for Bush in 2000. Basically he has seen the light and in his apology lists all the damage that Bush has done. If look at the line-up on KABC, its clearly a conservative station so this is actually pretty amazing. Make no mistake though, he hold democrats to the fire for their total lack of leadership and inability to get their act together.

The essay is worth reading and highly recommend.

Some highlights:

But in the months and years since shock and awe I have been shocked repeatedly by a consistent litany of excuses, alibis, double-talk, inaccuracies, bogus predictions, and flat out lies. I have watched as the President and his administration changed the goals, redefined the reasons for going into Iraq, and fumbled the good will of the world and the focus necessary to catch the real killers of September 11th.

I have watched the President say the commanders on the ground will make the battlefield decisions, and the war won’t be run from Washington. Yet, politics has consistently determined what the troops can and can’t do on the ground and any commander who did not go along with the administration was sacked, and in some cases, maligned.

Katrina, Harriet Myers, The Dubai Port Deal, skyrocketing gas prices, shrinking wages for working people, staggering debt, astronomical foreign debt, outsourcing, open borders, contempt for the opinion of the American people, the war on science, media manipulation, faith based initives, a cavalier attitude toward fundamental freedoms-- this President has run the most arrogant and out-of-touch administration in my lifetime, perhaps, in any American’s lifetime.

Tragically, the Democrats have allowed crackpots, leftists and demagogic cowards to snipe from the sidelines while taking no responsibility for anything.

Its sad, with all the mistakes, corruption and cronyism of the Bush and Republican era, this is prime opportunity for Democrats to step up to the plate. Instead they cower in the dugout.

Porter Goss, CIA Chief Resign

After only a year and a half on the job, Porter Goss resigned, effective immediatly, as the CIA chief. Not much to say except something stinks to high hell about this. TalkingPointsMemo suggests it has something to do with "HookerGate" that is currently being investigated. Apparently Hookergate is contracters using hookers and parties over at Watergate to get defense contractors. You know basically what everyone assumes is occuring but noone talks about. Since Republicans are the only ones worth wining and dining, its can't be good for the dogpile of problems they are already dealing with. Not a dig, but you are not going to wine and dine a democrat that can barely scratch his ass without permission from a republican. This should be a story worth watching once the mainstream media gets wind, usually about 3 days behind the online media nowadays.

DS Lite Release: June 11th for $129.99

Nintendo has finally confirmed a release date for the Nintendo DS Lite in North America. It arrives in white, for existing prices of $129.99. This probably means that Nintendo will phase out the production of the older version since the prices are identical. There are other colors available in Japan, so if want some variety, history shows wait about three months.

Un-edited Star Wars Trilogy on DVD

Lucasfilms has announced that for a limited time only, they will release the unaltered, pre-1997 versions of Star Wars on DVD from September 12th to December 31st. Each movie will be a two disc set containing the orginial film and the new editions developed in the 2004.

Good news, except for the fact I have a set of the 2004 series that will quickly become redundant. Really wish the studios would get this right the first time because I am starting to stop buying DVDs on the assumption the "new and improved" version will get released at a later date. Crap like this only re-enforces the notion.

Superman Returns Trailer

Looks good. Lex may be a little over the top. Hopefully the bits don't represent the whole. Everyone looks to young considering its playing off Superman I and II mythology. Not saying 20 years older, but five years older as established by the movie plot. Instead it looks like every lost about 10 years. Oh well. Minor quibbles. Main thing is the look and the flying looking sweet.

Apple linky.

Stephen Colbert at White House Correspondents Dinner

Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" was a guest speakers at Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner. The dinner is basically a way for the rich and powerful politicians to rub elbows with the rich and famous and the press.

The presentation is usually mostly humorous, a kind of tepid roast of the sitting President. This year Bush did a pretty funny bit using a person impersonating him as his inner thoughts. The real moment of the show was at the end though.

Stephen Colbert basically ripped the President and the press corp a new one with his jokes. The move was simply ballsy and amazing to view. I still can't believe he did that. Historically the comedian's job is to cow tow to his audience, a little gotcha humor but mostly keep it safe. Not Colbert. He was noone near safe. He held very little back.

"Listen, let's review the rules. Here's how it works: the president makes decisions. He's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Put them through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration. You know -- fiction." That is just one example of many scathing jokes that was met with tepid responses from the audience. No suprise, the press is notoriousily thin skinned when the spotlight of imcompetence or humor is shined on them.

An interesting aspect of this whole thing is that the press then chose to report very little about this event. From reading press reports you almost wouldn't even be aware that Colbert was the comedic guest of the event. Its like they want to pretend he didn't attend. This of course is the press doing what they do best, the omission of facts. Can't say you lied if you didn't report what occured.

The blogosphere of course can't be fooled. What they will not report, the bloggers of the will happily do for them. Below is a few links including video. Especially note how much you may laugh and how its the opposite of how the audience responded. Sadly I think Colbert will take a hit as the press's usually response to insult is to deny access, which sound vaguely familiar doesn't it?

YouTube.com videos: part 1, part 2, part 3
C-Span's entire video of event is here.
ABCNew.com video, starts with the President's bit, actually worth watching is here.
Transcript is here.

Blogs and other links about the event:
Dan Froomlin, ABCNews
Whiskey Bar
MediaBistro
Crooks and Liars
PublicEye
Editor & Publisher

www.thankyoustephencolbert.org - Pass along your thank you for his routine.

Microsoft loses $32 billion in one day

Microsoft's market value took a $32 billion nose dive Friday. You may thing yes! Did they lose money because of bad products? Bad management? Crappy sales? Profits not meet expectations? Nope, sadly none are the reasons.

According to the Seattle Times:

Microsoft's stock closed at $24.15, down $3.10 a share, or 11.4 percent, after the Redmond software company indicated plans Thursday to invest more in its businesses — including a battle for the Internet with Google and Yahoo! — at the expense of higher short-term profits.

Basically Microsoft took this hit because they decided to invest to gain profits in the long term rather then the short term. God forbid they think about the future beyond the next quarter. This is a solid example why US businesses are falling apart. Microsoft can take this hit, but what about companies that can't? This is why layoffs are always the quick temp fix. Why canceling projects, short term ideas are employed. The alternative is to risk losing more value in the market then the action is worth. Such a "risk" could then doom a company. This is the sad state of US business policies. Our national ADD and impatience for results now rather then later. This is why we are losing ground to China and India and why are days as a "superpower" are going to end. To be punished for thinking long term is hubris beyond all repair and the nation will pay for it.

Nintendo Revolution Now Named Wii

Nintendo announced today the official name of its next gen console. Its now called the Wii, pronouced like "we" or "whee". The name Revolution was also a code name for the project but most, including me, assumed that would become its final name as thats been the tendancy in the past. Plus its good name. The online sites have been having a field day with the name change announcement. Nintendo stance is the name reflects the fun and to emphasis "that the console is for everyone."

My initial reaction was the sneer. After much thought, my reaction is to ask "why?". My final reaction is to simply shake my head in confusion and be saddened by this PR blunder that Nintendo isn't even aware of yet. Can you imagine going into a store and asking "Got any Wii games in?" I just feel stupid thinking about it.

E3 starts May ninth I think. That will tell us if "Wii" will be worth buying, crappy name or not.