Just finished the book and sadly I found it too short at only 630 pages. I wanted it to be longer because it was such an enjoyable read. I love to read, always have, and I can't recommend Harry Potter enough. It is a great read for all ages. Once get to book 3, you will not stop till get through with six.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a great and enjoyable read that further's his adventures and his relationships. The novel goes a long way into filling in the back story, motivations and evil of Lord Vordemort while at the same time showing how that back story plays apart into the previous books including a very neat explanation for the diary in the Chamber of Secrets. Pretty much every previous book gets touched upon in this story further filling out many backstories and questions. And like any good book series, new questions arise to join the ones not yet answered. If I had one complaint, it was the ending which seemed sudden and quick even with the big o' boomstick that Rawlings dropped on fans. Oddly enough the ending seems so rushed with the changes, revelations, and a quest that is introduced. that it feels like either the next book will be dictionary sized or maybe just maybe year 7 may not necessary be just one book. I don't remember if Rawlings ever said there would be only 7 books or 7 years but on can hope for the former.
New or old, go read this and all other Harry Potter books.
Now for some mean o fun:
SPOILERS LURK AHEAD, YOU KEEP READING DON'T COMPLAIN TO ME
- Snape kills Dumbledore.
- Voldemort is practically immortal because he committed murders to store 7 pieces of his soul in objects including the diary and his current body.
- To kill Voldemort, all 7 pieces have to be destroyed. Currently two pieces are destroyed, the diary and Sytherin's ring.
- Remaining pieces are in a snake, Humplepuff cup, and two unknown objects beloning to Ravenclaw and the other house.
- Potter vows to destroy Voldemort and will not return to the school to do it.
- Malfoy is instructmental in helping to kill Dumbledore, yet at the same time sorta redeems himself.
- Snape is the one that informed his master of the prophecy that led to the death of Potter's parents and his mark.
- Voldemort created his own arch enemy by responding to the prophecy. No action taken, no dead potter parents and no "chosen one".
- And for the wee ones, Harry and Ginny "snog" then break up and Ron and Hermoine are clearing about to snog but haven't yet.
- Lord Vordemort is winning the war.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Return of the Press Corps!
As the Daily Show recently highlighted on its Tuesday Karl Rove edition, the Press Corps have finally remembered what their job is. One of even invoked the sacred "don't the people have the right to know" comment. Something probably not heard in that building for at least five years. The White House continues to comment with the "don't comment on an investigation [when one of us is named but have no problem doing it]" defense and finally the press corps has perked up and said "how odd". The smelled blood, they since the ability to tear a person's life to shreds, to bring someone high down low, to finally do what they love to do. The shark has awakened. Oh how the american public has pleaded for this shark to return.
Lies to the public didn't awaken the shark. The bad intelligence, the lack of WMDs, the plethora of lies and misinformation about Iraq, the list goes on really of huge wrongs didn't wake the shark. Hell, not even some gay escort non-journalist given full press crendentials and unheard of access awoke the shark. Instead of wakes the press corps? The reveal of ultimatly inconsequential name. All those many many wrongs and the press stays quiet and slumbers. But for this it awakes?!? What the hell? All these wrongs, all the lies, from an administration that sold itself as the honest not clintonite administration, and this is what wakes the shark?
Sadly the shark is still sleepy and not quite into the kill yet. Not even five years agot hey would be pushing the "what did the president know" angle. But this time? Nope not even a whisper. You can't tell me the president didn't know about this. Something as big as a leak like that had to have been passed onto the president and approved. Oddly if this is the case, then Rove probably has a defense and the president, who didn't testify, would take a hit but doubtful he broke a law either (being commander in chief and all). But the important thing to ask is "What did the president know and when?" Why hasn't that been asked? Will the press finally revive itself enough to ask? Will this finally lead them to ask for answers that before they let slide. Hell, just explain Gannon and I might be satisfied if the more complicated stuff like Iraq is too much for their wee little heads. The Bush Administration has done so really way out shit then Clinton has in his most debauched wet dreams, its about damn time the press did their jobs and called them on it.
Lies to the public didn't awaken the shark. The bad intelligence, the lack of WMDs, the plethora of lies and misinformation about Iraq, the list goes on really of huge wrongs didn't wake the shark. Hell, not even some gay escort non-journalist given full press crendentials and unheard of access awoke the shark. Instead of wakes the press corps? The reveal of ultimatly inconsequential name. All those many many wrongs and the press stays quiet and slumbers. But for this it awakes?!? What the hell? All these wrongs, all the lies, from an administration that sold itself as the honest not clintonite administration, and this is what wakes the shark?
Sadly the shark is still sleepy and not quite into the kill yet. Not even five years agot hey would be pushing the "what did the president know" angle. But this time? Nope not even a whisper. You can't tell me the president didn't know about this. Something as big as a leak like that had to have been passed onto the president and approved. Oddly if this is the case, then Rove probably has a defense and the president, who didn't testify, would take a hit but doubtful he broke a law either (being commander in chief and all). But the important thing to ask is "What did the president know and when?" Why hasn't that been asked? Will the press finally revive itself enough to ask? Will this finally lead them to ask for answers that before they let slide. Hell, just explain Gannon and I might be satisfied if the more complicated stuff like Iraq is too much for their wee little heads. The Bush Administration has done so really way out shit then Clinton has in his most debauched wet dreams, its about damn time the press did their jobs and called them on it.
Monday, July 11, 2005
The Stupid Character in Movies
Ok I got a question, why do all movies like this require one of the major characters to be so damn stupid over and over and over? In this movie, the stupid character is Cruise's son. The boy re-defines movie stupidity. His stupidity was so often, so spectacular that it actually took me out of the movie several times. I spent an inordinate amount of time hoping they would kill the character so the story could move on. Also figure great stupidity shouldn't get rewarded but anyways.
Overall a good movie, would have called it great if not for that stupid stupid stupid character.
Overall a good movie, would have called it great if not for that stupid stupid stupid character.
Fantastic Four Review
- Spoilers lurk with, consider this the warning -
I thought it was a good popcorn flick.
But as great movie or even comic book movie, not even close. It was very much the broad brushstrokes take on the FF, like the writer and director just read a encyclopedia entry for each of the characters rather then really trying to understand them. Cause lets face it, as a concept, FF has got to be one of the hardest comics to write for.
Their rogues gallery is non-existant, their powers don't really lend themselves to a teamwork approach. Reed's real "power" is his brain shown off craploads of times in the books because its pretty difficult to make solid use of his powers on a regular basis. Also because its a team book, you really need a villian team to go against, not just one character.
Even in the comics, its rarely Doom vs the FF. Its more like Doom, his bots, distractions, etc vs the FF. The movie failed in a big way by not creating multiple enemies for the big fight so that each would "naturally" use their powers rather then forced into the sequence (the Incredibles being an excellent example of this). Its probably why the Thing and the Human Torch where used most effectivily both in the movies and the comics. Their powers are the easiest to incorportate into any storyline as is their relationship.
The movies has some big ass plot and detail holes in it (since when can Strechy throw a mailbox like he has super strength). The biggest hole was Doom. He was a major wuss. They did nothing to make him seem a super villian threat. Instead he was just a dick and not much else. If they had him blow up the bank boardroom and the entire floor, that at least would have super villian like behavior, but instead he killed one guy and then tried to trick the FF. Also, if you think about it, the two main fight sequences are all situations created by the FF. The bridge sequences wouldn't have been necessary if the Thing just used his head and sat his ass back down instead of scarying the guy and Reed Richards created Doom. He screwed up his calculations that results in the births of themselves and Doom. They should have stole from Ult. FF and had Doom change the calculations. Really at the end of the day, the movie forgot the most important questions of all "Why?" and "How?" Why hate the FF? How did they master their powers? Why do we need this Stretcho in this scene? Why revenge? and so forth.
For Alba , I had zero expectations for except for nice eye candy. Which really is all she was. She must be screwing the right people to keep getting these movie roles is all I am thinking cause there are not only much better looking actresses out there but better skilled ones too. (Is it me but does it seem like she doesn't have a whole lot going on upstairs?)
I thought it was a good popcorn flick.
But as great movie or even comic book movie, not even close. It was very much the broad brushstrokes take on the FF, like the writer and director just read a encyclopedia entry for each of the characters rather then really trying to understand them. Cause lets face it, as a concept, FF has got to be one of the hardest comics to write for.
Their rogues gallery is non-existant, their powers don't really lend themselves to a teamwork approach. Reed's real "power" is his brain shown off craploads of times in the books because its pretty difficult to make solid use of his powers on a regular basis. Also because its a team book, you really need a villian team to go against, not just one character.
Even in the comics, its rarely Doom vs the FF. Its more like Doom, his bots, distractions, etc vs the FF. The movie failed in a big way by not creating multiple enemies for the big fight so that each would "naturally" use their powers rather then forced into the sequence (the Incredibles being an excellent example of this). Its probably why the Thing and the Human Torch where used most effectivily both in the movies and the comics. Their powers are the easiest to incorportate into any storyline as is their relationship.
The movies has some big ass plot and detail holes in it (since when can Strechy throw a mailbox like he has super strength). The biggest hole was Doom. He was a major wuss. They did nothing to make him seem a super villian threat. Instead he was just a dick and not much else. If they had him blow up the bank boardroom and the entire floor, that at least would have super villian like behavior, but instead he killed one guy and then tried to trick the FF. Also, if you think about it, the two main fight sequences are all situations created by the FF. The bridge sequences wouldn't have been necessary if the Thing just used his head and sat his ass back down instead of scarying the guy and Reed Richards created Doom. He screwed up his calculations that results in the births of themselves and Doom. They should have stole from Ult. FF and had Doom change the calculations. Really at the end of the day, the movie forgot the most important questions of all "Why?" and "How?" Why hate the FF? How did they master their powers? Why do we need this Stretcho in this scene? Why revenge? and so forth.
For Alba , I had zero expectations for except for nice eye candy. Which really is all she was. She must be screwing the right people to keep getting these movie roles is all I am thinking cause there are not only much better looking actresses out there but better skilled ones too. (Is it me but does it seem like she doesn't have a whole lot going on upstairs?)
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Subway Bombed
If you haven't heard about this you might live in a whole in the ground. London experienced explosion of four bombs in their subway system that currently has killed 37 and wounded 700.
The group claiming responsibility is is called the "Secret Organization group al Qaeda Organization in Europe." If their actions didn't prove it then their name does. They are the stupidest bastards on the planet. The redefine stupidity. At a time in the ties between the US and Britain where falling apart, they decide that instead of trying to sever those ties to renew and strenghen them instead. They actually blew stuff up to make the relations stronger and better for the US. Gee thanks guys, didn't really need your help on that. Stupidest bastards.
What really amazes me about these groups beyond their stupidity is just how close minded they are. When we blow their shit up, they get pissed. What the fuck makes them think are reaction wouldn't be the same? Seriously what goes through their heads? It seems like their solution to everything is to blow shit up even though that hasn't worked. For centuries. They have literally been blowing shit up for centuries and accomplished nada, yet they continue the path as if something will change. They get pissed when their shit blows up, so do we. There something in common. And it shows just how stupid they are. At least the "infidels" learn after a few years when a new approach is needed. These dumb shits still haven't learned after centuries.
Another reason we know they are dumbshits. They stole from the Christian Playbook. Christian rulers way back when, lets use crusades as an example, would tell the uneducated that the bible says go kill the evil Muslims. Of course the Bible never said this, but the uneducated masses marching off to war couldn't read so they couldn't disprove it. They just assumed their leadership was telling the truth. That is exactly how these dipshit terrorists work. Instead of learning to read and verify for themselves what the Koran says, they just happily follow along with whatever garbage spews from their leadership. Once again, they fail to learn from history. The very tactics used against them, they know use against their own people. And the people love them for it. Once again, stupid dumpshits.
Finally, they blew up the streets of London. London people. Stupid. This is the city that has dealt with more then its share of bombings. The IRA for decades, Indian uprising, pretty much ever country in the world at some point in time has dropped a bomb or two on London. This is the same London that was bombed to hell and back in WWII. After all that, when the resolve of the British never changed, do these dipshits seriously think blowing up a subway system is going to get them to cower? Please.
Again, history. WWII is all you need to know to realize that the only thing this act would do is piss the British off. To again renew their ties with the US. To strengthen the goals of the US. The opposite of what the terrorists want. Stupid stupid stupid dipshits.
The group claiming responsibility is is called the "Secret Organization group al Qaeda Organization in Europe." If their actions didn't prove it then their name does. They are the stupidest bastards on the planet. The redefine stupidity. At a time in the ties between the US and Britain where falling apart, they decide that instead of trying to sever those ties to renew and strenghen them instead. They actually blew stuff up to make the relations stronger and better for the US. Gee thanks guys, didn't really need your help on that. Stupidest bastards.
What really amazes me about these groups beyond their stupidity is just how close minded they are. When we blow their shit up, they get pissed. What the fuck makes them think are reaction wouldn't be the same? Seriously what goes through their heads? It seems like their solution to everything is to blow shit up even though that hasn't worked. For centuries. They have literally been blowing shit up for centuries and accomplished nada, yet they continue the path as if something will change. They get pissed when their shit blows up, so do we. There something in common. And it shows just how stupid they are. At least the "infidels" learn after a few years when a new approach is needed. These dumb shits still haven't learned after centuries.
Another reason we know they are dumbshits. They stole from the Christian Playbook. Christian rulers way back when, lets use crusades as an example, would tell the uneducated that the bible says go kill the evil Muslims. Of course the Bible never said this, but the uneducated masses marching off to war couldn't read so they couldn't disprove it. They just assumed their leadership was telling the truth. That is exactly how these dipshit terrorists work. Instead of learning to read and verify for themselves what the Koran says, they just happily follow along with whatever garbage spews from their leadership. Once again, they fail to learn from history. The very tactics used against them, they know use against their own people. And the people love them for it. Once again, stupid dumpshits.
Finally, they blew up the streets of London. London people. Stupid. This is the city that has dealt with more then its share of bombings. The IRA for decades, Indian uprising, pretty much ever country in the world at some point in time has dropped a bomb or two on London. This is the same London that was bombed to hell and back in WWII. After all that, when the resolve of the British never changed, do these dipshits seriously think blowing up a subway system is going to get them to cower? Please.
Again, history. WWII is all you need to know to realize that the only thing this act would do is piss the British off. To again renew their ties with the US. To strengthen the goals of the US. The opposite of what the terrorists want. Stupid stupid stupid dipshits.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Sandra Day O'Connor Steps Down
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female member of the Supreme Court, has resigned. This seems like a sad day for the US for it gives Bush the ability to continue his streak of unqualified choices for important positions. I swear he does it to amuse himself and just to see if can be done. So far, as proven with Bolton, he apparently can and even the republicans that disagree with the choice will bend over for him.
I have hope though that for something as important long term as a Supreme Court appointee that republicans will finally grow a backbone and start making decisions for the good of the country, not the party. They use to know that the country comes first, the party second or even third. I hope they once again find those priorties for such an important position.
I have hope though that for something as important long term as a Supreme Court appointee that republicans will finally grow a backbone and start making decisions for the good of the country, not the party. They use to know that the country comes first, the party second or even third. I hope they once again find those priorties for such an important position.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Scrushy free, and Alabama regains stupidest state title
Healthsouth CEO Richard Scrushy got off scott free for robbing and nearly destroying the company after losing $3 billion and cooking the books to hide it. He claims trickery...and the Alabama jury in their infinite stupidity believed it.
Why you ask? According to one juror, cause investigators didn't get fingerprints off the notebooks for it "that would have shown Mr. Scrushy handled the notebooks," according to juror Vest. Nevermind that "notebook" is harddrive data, not an actual pile of paper. Nevermind this is about cooking books not a murder investigation. Nevermind this is a case about the responsibility of CEOs not wether they touched a piece of paper or not.
The message seems to be this, keep it digital, go to Alabama and those fools will let anyone off because apparently they watch to much CSI and Law & Order. You know those where a piece of dust in the wrong place points to the evil killer even though in reality doesn't quite work that way. Smart people know this, just not the citizens of Alabama apparently and definity those fools on the jury. If going to acquite someone at least have a sane logical reason for it. Not some bullshit "CSI" nonsense.
So once again, let the nation bestow the title "Stupidiest State" to Alabama.
Why you ask? According to one juror, cause investigators didn't get fingerprints off the notebooks for it "that would have shown Mr. Scrushy handled the notebooks," according to juror Vest. Nevermind that "notebook" is harddrive data, not an actual pile of paper. Nevermind this is about cooking books not a murder investigation. Nevermind this is a case about the responsibility of CEOs not wether they touched a piece of paper or not.
The message seems to be this, keep it digital, go to Alabama and those fools will let anyone off because apparently they watch to much CSI and Law & Order. You know those where a piece of dust in the wrong place points to the evil killer even though in reality doesn't quite work that way. Smart people know this, just not the citizens of Alabama apparently and definity those fools on the jury. If going to acquite someone at least have a sane logical reason for it. Not some bullshit "CSI" nonsense.
So once again, let the nation bestow the title "Stupidiest State" to Alabama.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Been sick
Been awhile cause been sick and just haven't felt like posting. That and haven't had anything that tickled me enough to write about. Feel free to submit your own rants if the mood strikes.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Jackson on all charges: not guilty
All I can say I am so glad that is done with. Not guilty. Another day or two of it and no more Jackson, Jackson, Jackson on the air waves. So sick of it. Now if only that pesky civil trial goes away Jackson can finally slide into that nothingness that all ex-popstars go to.
As for the verdict, I can't say I am happy or not happy. I still don't know what the man did. I do know that based on the evidence as presented by the prosecution, they didn't prove the case. It basically came down to a child with clearly money hungry parents. The problem with this is that you have to wonder how much the child tells is truth and how much was made up to bolster the civil case.
Not sure what the press will do after this, suddenly have 2100 reporters with nothing to do. Yes I am sure they will all squeeze at least another week of "reports" out this, the usual reaction, what you think, what we think, what now, blah blah blahness that tells you nothing and gives no actually news. Sigh, those poor bastards may actually have to do something they are out of practice on, actually report some other news. That transition alone may kill some of them.
Two things I would like to see from this trial:
1) Arrest charges against the parents. If you are not willing to let some adult from down the street watch you children or stay overnight, then there is no excuse for allowing Michael Jackson or any other celebrity that same. Just because can add some zeros on his income doesn't make the decision "ok". Rich, not rich, doesn't matter, those children should have never been allowed to visit and especially never, ever allowed to spend the night. What the parents did was sacrifice their children for the almight dollar and they should get jail time for it.
2) Make the fucking press actually report some news. Strange concept but the ONLY news from the Jackson trail is the verdict. That took, what 2 minutes to rattle off. Allow another 10 minutes for commentary and thats it. No more news. Either repeat or move on. Instead will hear about this for at least another 24-72 hours while the news elsewhere continues to get ignored. So to the press, report some news for once, there is an entire world out there beyond the "story of the day." Go do your jobs, find it and inform us about it.
As for the verdict, I can't say I am happy or not happy. I still don't know what the man did. I do know that based on the evidence as presented by the prosecution, they didn't prove the case. It basically came down to a child with clearly money hungry parents. The problem with this is that you have to wonder how much the child tells is truth and how much was made up to bolster the civil case.
Not sure what the press will do after this, suddenly have 2100 reporters with nothing to do. Yes I am sure they will all squeeze at least another week of "reports" out this, the usual reaction, what you think, what we think, what now, blah blah blahness that tells you nothing and gives no actually news. Sigh, those poor bastards may actually have to do something they are out of practice on, actually report some other news. That transition alone may kill some of them.
Two things I would like to see from this trial:
1) Arrest charges against the parents. If you are not willing to let some adult from down the street watch you children or stay overnight, then there is no excuse for allowing Michael Jackson or any other celebrity that same. Just because can add some zeros on his income doesn't make the decision "ok". Rich, not rich, doesn't matter, those children should have never been allowed to visit and especially never, ever allowed to spend the night. What the parents did was sacrifice their children for the almight dollar and they should get jail time for it.
2) Make the fucking press actually report some news. Strange concept but the ONLY news from the Jackson trail is the verdict. That took, what 2 minutes to rattle off. Allow another 10 minutes for commentary and thats it. No more news. Either repeat or move on. Instead will hear about this for at least another 24-72 hours while the news elsewhere continues to get ignored. So to the press, report some news for once, there is an entire world out there beyond the "story of the day." Go do your jobs, find it and inform us about it.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Apple Switches to Intel
Read it here, Apples waves buy to IBM and says hello to Intel chips starting in 2007 but slow phasing in beginning now. Many may think its gloom and doom for Apple but it could be an excellent idea depending on a few decisions or hurdles.
Hurdle 1 is re-writing all that software and OS. Apple just released another update of OS X and now with a chip change they practically have to re-write it and all other software. Technically a driver update alone can handle it, but it simple wouldn't run as smooth or as quick as software built around a certain chipset. Since Apple likes to trump (its now decaying) dependability, they and related vendors have no choice.
Which leads to hurdle 2. What if many vendors say to hell with re-writing their software or at the very least delay. After all thats alot of work for a company that only has 2% market share. Microsoft and Adobe together could decide not to rewrite Photoshop and Office and that could break Apple's back before the first Intel machine ships.
Hurdle 3 is the pissed off customer base. Apple users tend to be a rabid die hard bunch. Anything that even sniffs of Apple tends to blow their tops and the resulting bad press for the next 2 years could be more damaging then Jobs may think. First step is to make sure those die hards are not losing the Apple they know and love. And nevermind confusion for the less computer savvy who will know have to know what their chipset is to make proper software and hardware purchases. That alone is going to be a troubleshooting nightmare.
Hurdle 4 is the price of those machines could come close to PCs. Cheaper will be nice but at least close to average PC price. iPods show that people are willing to pay a little bit more for looks, the key is making sure that Apple finds that sweet spot of not charging to much. Something they have historically had a problem doing but slowing getting better at. To truly compete however, they can't take their golly sweet time working out the price.
If Apple can overcome these main hurdles, they do have extra pluses going for them. Plus One is the iPod/iTunes combo. Here they have this massive highway into Windows world introducing millions to what Apple is able to do with both hardware and software. If they don't ruin that good will in the next two years, they can use those inroads to promote the intel version of the Macs. One top of that, the iPod shows that people are willing to pay more for a well engineered and gorgeous product. In other words, looks matter, even for computers and Apple bar none has the best looking machines on the market.
This leads to plus number two. Since its an intel chipset, which currently is on many many Windows PCs (such as Dell) this means that technically an Apple machine can run Windows instead of Mac. So users who want the look of a Mac but the OS of Windows can do that. Lots of customers there alone. Or even better, if Apple has some brains, they will make sure that the Intel OS X can run Windows programs nativily or in a built in emulator. Suddenly you can have the best of both worlds. Talk about maximum value. However, I don't see Jobs' ego allowing this to occur and the die hard community will shit a brick.
Finally plus number 3 is the GHZ speed. Most people here 3.2 ghz dell computer or 1.5 G5 they just assume that bigger number equals faster machine. And not only faster but cheaper so hince better deal. Now, finally, Apple can compete at a level the average customer understands. Now number for number there will be a true and easy comparison. Assuming Intel gives Apple the lastest and greatest (and it doesn't have to, Dell could say nope and since bigger customer Intel will listen) then in stats, Apple will have a level ground.
The main key I think however is Apple embracing Windows and windows programming either with duel boot setup (by at least not preventing it) or more smartly building it into the OS. To bad Apple didn't go with some of the proven (and cheaper) chipmakers such as AMD. That alone would have handled the pricing hurdle they have to deal with.
Hurdle 1 is re-writing all that software and OS. Apple just released another update of OS X and now with a chip change they practically have to re-write it and all other software. Technically a driver update alone can handle it, but it simple wouldn't run as smooth or as quick as software built around a certain chipset. Since Apple likes to trump (its now decaying) dependability, they and related vendors have no choice.
Which leads to hurdle 2. What if many vendors say to hell with re-writing their software or at the very least delay. After all thats alot of work for a company that only has 2% market share. Microsoft and Adobe together could decide not to rewrite Photoshop and Office and that could break Apple's back before the first Intel machine ships.
Hurdle 3 is the pissed off customer base. Apple users tend to be a rabid die hard bunch. Anything that even sniffs of Apple tends to blow their tops and the resulting bad press for the next 2 years could be more damaging then Jobs may think. First step is to make sure those die hards are not losing the Apple they know and love. And nevermind confusion for the less computer savvy who will know have to know what their chipset is to make proper software and hardware purchases. That alone is going to be a troubleshooting nightmare.
Hurdle 4 is the price of those machines could come close to PCs. Cheaper will be nice but at least close to average PC price. iPods show that people are willing to pay a little bit more for looks, the key is making sure that Apple finds that sweet spot of not charging to much. Something they have historically had a problem doing but slowing getting better at. To truly compete however, they can't take their golly sweet time working out the price.
If Apple can overcome these main hurdles, they do have extra pluses going for them. Plus One is the iPod/iTunes combo. Here they have this massive highway into Windows world introducing millions to what Apple is able to do with both hardware and software. If they don't ruin that good will in the next two years, they can use those inroads to promote the intel version of the Macs. One top of that, the iPod shows that people are willing to pay more for a well engineered and gorgeous product. In other words, looks matter, even for computers and Apple bar none has the best looking machines on the market.
This leads to plus number two. Since its an intel chipset, which currently is on many many Windows PCs (such as Dell) this means that technically an Apple machine can run Windows instead of Mac. So users who want the look of a Mac but the OS of Windows can do that. Lots of customers there alone. Or even better, if Apple has some brains, they will make sure that the Intel OS X can run Windows programs nativily or in a built in emulator. Suddenly you can have the best of both worlds. Talk about maximum value. However, I don't see Jobs' ego allowing this to occur and the die hard community will shit a brick.
Finally plus number 3 is the GHZ speed. Most people here 3.2 ghz dell computer or 1.5 G5 they just assume that bigger number equals faster machine. And not only faster but cheaper so hince better deal. Now, finally, Apple can compete at a level the average customer understands. Now number for number there will be a true and easy comparison. Assuming Intel gives Apple the lastest and greatest (and it doesn't have to, Dell could say nope and since bigger customer Intel will listen) then in stats, Apple will have a level ground.
The main key I think however is Apple embracing Windows and windows programming either with duel boot setup (by at least not preventing it) or more smartly building it into the OS. To bad Apple didn't go with some of the proven (and cheaper) chipmakers such as AMD. That alone would have handled the pricing hurdle they have to deal with.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Give the finger to striking guild actors
Yeah right. This is one entertainment arena where an actor, wether its an A lister or a Z lister, has zero power. If the video games power that be have any brains, they will give a collective finger to the Screen Actors Guild and tell them to shove their strike (re: greed) where the sun don't shine.
I am just getting sick and tired of the already rich attempting to use their power to get even more money without having to earn it. They signed a contract for X amount to do Y work. If they didn't like the pay, they should have agreed to do the work. Its that fucking simple. I know I don't like what I get paid and I have the option to quit for that reason (of course unlike the rich, that would be disasterous). Just because after the fact they decided maybe they didn't get such a good deal doesn't mean they should be able to force it on others. Again, I am sure there are many many workers who wished they negotiated a higher pay scale but again thats life. Quit and move on, or in this case, don't sign the damn contract.
This strikes smells of the same stink that swirls around the Baseball and Hockey strikes. Its all about the greed for the already stinky rich. "To deny working-class performers their fair share of the tremendous profits their labor helps to generate is illogical, unreasonable and unjust," John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. We all know damn well this has nothing to do with the working class. Its about the A listers who get a pile of dough for a few hours of work and decided they wanted more. Hell, just like baseball, even those poor "working class" slobs are getting an obscene amount of money, $278 an HOUR, in fact. I would love to get that much money in an hour. Hell for me to make that much, I have to work about 20 hours. My 20 hours of dealing with asshats on the phone for one hour of them speaking into a mike from a script. Give me a break.
Yeah, yeah some sympathetic fool will say "but they have no insurance and don't have regualer 40 hour a week jobs." My response is "so?" They made that choice. They went to explore a dream or whatever and if they can't make enough to live off of it, tough shit. Just like businessman who are forced to end their dreams and close up shop, may these actors need to do the same if can't make enough to live off of. Its their choice that put them in that situation, its not up to others to bail them out for no damn good reason. Again, they don't like the pay, don't sign the contract. Its all about choice people.
Fortunatly, video game companies have a choice. Which is truly give them the finger. After all about the ONLY reason voice acting matters is in games based off of movies. That the studio's choice to do that in attempt to get more tickets and DVDs sold. Video gamers will not miss them if not made, video game producers probably don't need to add those dogs to their repuation. I am sure most would agree that if, because of the strike, a game based on a movie, never had voices in it again, we all wouldn't care one damn bit.
"They have no leverage," Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman said of the voice actors.
"In 99 percent of all games, the voice actors are irrelevant. You replace one voice actor with another nonunion actor and no one will know the difference." Really, if need more voices to continue the give crappy performances, bad line readings, etc, I am sure its easy to find any shmoe on the street that is just happy for the privilage. There are a legion of gamers out there who would probably "act" not only better, but do it for free, just to have their name in the end credits. Maybe explore that option rather then give into these greedy fools.
John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. "It is simply shortsighted to believe that consumers don't care about the artistic quality of the characters." Quality is good, we want it, but really how often is there any quality in the voice "acting"? Most of the time its leaden readings that a 6 year old could do better, or worse, its crap taken right out of the movie without even needing the actor to "work" that day. No what that guild needs to understand, and video companies need to hammer home, is that they need video games far far far more then video games need them. At the very least if video game companies going to give in (as I am sure they will), at least make them work for it, force them to give a performance, to "work" for that obscene amount of money, rather then the crap gamers have been getting for over a decade.
Finally, what about the creators, designers, coders, producers, managers, etc of all the people that helped create the game. What about them? Apparently to the Screen Actors Guild they are nothing. Not only not relevant, but having nothing to do with the success of a game. Apparently in their world, a game's success is 99% voice acting and 1% design. That too is a reason to not give in. If they yield to a bunch of greedy actors, then suddenly everyone else that had a stake in the game will also want their share of the pie. That alone should make the companies give the finger to em.
I am just getting sick and tired of the already rich attempting to use their power to get even more money without having to earn it. They signed a contract for X amount to do Y work. If they didn't like the pay, they should have agreed to do the work. Its that fucking simple. I know I don't like what I get paid and I have the option to quit for that reason (of course unlike the rich, that would be disasterous). Just because after the fact they decided maybe they didn't get such a good deal doesn't mean they should be able to force it on others. Again, I am sure there are many many workers who wished they negotiated a higher pay scale but again thats life. Quit and move on, or in this case, don't sign the damn contract.
This strikes smells of the same stink that swirls around the Baseball and Hockey strikes. Its all about the greed for the already stinky rich. "To deny working-class performers their fair share of the tremendous profits their labor helps to generate is illogical, unreasonable and unjust," John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. We all know damn well this has nothing to do with the working class. Its about the A listers who get a pile of dough for a few hours of work and decided they wanted more. Hell, just like baseball, even those poor "working class" slobs are getting an obscene amount of money, $278 an HOUR, in fact. I would love to get that much money in an hour. Hell for me to make that much, I have to work about 20 hours. My 20 hours of dealing with asshats on the phone for one hour of them speaking into a mike from a script. Give me a break.
Yeah, yeah some sympathetic fool will say "but they have no insurance and don't have regualer 40 hour a week jobs." My response is "so?" They made that choice. They went to explore a dream or whatever and if they can't make enough to live off of it, tough shit. Just like businessman who are forced to end their dreams and close up shop, may these actors need to do the same if can't make enough to live off of. Its their choice that put them in that situation, its not up to others to bail them out for no damn good reason. Again, they don't like the pay, don't sign the contract. Its all about choice people.
Fortunatly, video game companies have a choice. Which is truly give them the finger. After all about the ONLY reason voice acting matters is in games based off of movies. That the studio's choice to do that in attempt to get more tickets and DVDs sold. Video gamers will not miss them if not made, video game producers probably don't need to add those dogs to their repuation. I am sure most would agree that if, because of the strike, a game based on a movie, never had voices in it again, we all wouldn't care one damn bit.
"They have no leverage," Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman said of the voice actors.
"In 99 percent of all games, the voice actors are irrelevant. You replace one voice actor with another nonunion actor and no one will know the difference." Really, if need more voices to continue the give crappy performances, bad line readings, etc, I am sure its easy to find any shmoe on the street that is just happy for the privilage. There are a legion of gamers out there who would probably "act" not only better, but do it for free, just to have their name in the end credits. Maybe explore that option rather then give into these greedy fools.
John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. "It is simply shortsighted to believe that consumers don't care about the artistic quality of the characters." Quality is good, we want it, but really how often is there any quality in the voice "acting"? Most of the time its leaden readings that a 6 year old could do better, or worse, its crap taken right out of the movie without even needing the actor to "work" that day. No what that guild needs to understand, and video companies need to hammer home, is that they need video games far far far more then video games need them. At the very least if video game companies going to give in (as I am sure they will), at least make them work for it, force them to give a performance, to "work" for that obscene amount of money, rather then the crap gamers have been getting for over a decade.
Finally, what about the creators, designers, coders, producers, managers, etc of all the people that helped create the game. What about them? Apparently to the Screen Actors Guild they are nothing. Not only not relevant, but having nothing to do with the success of a game. Apparently in their world, a game's success is 99% voice acting and 1% design. That too is a reason to not give in. If they yield to a bunch of greedy actors, then suddenly everyone else that had a stake in the game will also want their share of the pie. That alone should make the companies give the finger to em.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Filibuster Fiasco
Well the Filibuster fight with its overly dramatic named "nuclear option" is at an end. Am I the only one that found the whole battle not only stupid but the height of hyprocrasy. Here is a tool that has been around for over a century, that both parties have enjoyed using, yet suddenly its "tyranncial" according to Frist? Where was that thinking even a few years ago when Republicans filibustered Clinton nominations? Where was that thinking when it was used to try to stop equal right and other needed social changes? Why is it that when republicans do ANYTHING, its wonderful and perfect and right, yet when the Democrats use the EXACT same tactics, its "tyrannical"? Why can't Americans see the hypcrasy of that line of thinking? Why don't people for both parties look at this fight and point out how horrible the behavior is and condemn it properly. I know I would if Democratics pulled this same stunt. Even worse, why would Republicans want to close a loop hole that they used to such great effect for decades? Are they so arrogant that they don't think they will ever become the minority party again? If so, what gives them that supreme confidence? Should that level of untouchable thinking scare the bejeezus out of the electorate? I know it scares me.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I have just returned from the 12:01 showing of Star Wars and to sum up, the movie was incredibily entertaining and worth seeing. There are several ways to attempt to review this movie. On its own merits or within the context of all the Star Wars movies. In this post will just talk about it on its own merits.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Monster-In-Law
Clearly Jane Fonda owns this movie. Jennifer Lopez is so out of her depth compared to her it actually makes you feel sorry for her. In many scenes, its clear Fonda is holding back so the scenes with Lopez have the intended balance but she didn't always succeed. Jane on screen is when movie rocks and is funny. Jennifer on screen is when movie slows down and gets tedious. End results is a so-so funny movies with bursts of life. Hopefully this will finally make people see the light that Lopez has a beautiful face and body, but lacks in any talent.
see it as a matinee.
see it as a matinee.
Mindhunters
This is a horror flick about a group of FBI profilers stuck on an island in a training exercise that turns real when one of their own turns on them but they don't know who. Straight up horror flick with the usual gore, screams and nasty deaths. The story has wholes the size of a truck (a DNA machine in military training grounds) but don't really care because it moves at a good clip and stays interesting the entire time. Wish more movies followed that wisdom instead of the poor attempts to make a statement.
See it as a matinee.
See it as a matinee.
XXX: State of the Union
Its a shame that this movie didn't do to well. Its actually a pretty good movies. Nothing to deep of course, just the hero has to stop the Secretary of State from killing the president and others so he can take over. Lots of action, one liners and stuff blowing up real good ensures. Its another great popcorn movie of the summer. See it, enjoy it, forget it. Which to me is what a great popcorn movie is all about.
See it now, with a crowd.
See it now, with a crowd.
Sahara
Treasure hunt that turns into guy having to save a country from greedy dictator and industrialist. Silly movie but well executed with good lines, acting, and action scenes. Basically a fantastic popcorn movie to spend two hours with.
See now, with a full crowd.
See now, with a full crowd.
Kingdom of Heaven
Oh man where to start with all the problems of this movie. Its too long, poorly written, poorly edited, the characters are asses. The lead character sucks and doesn't fit the hero they are trying to make him. They want him flawed but in the end he is beyond redemption because clearly he has learned nothing by movie's end. And the main women, Eva Green, or as I call her "the skeleton." That girl needs to eat more. She is frankly just ugly in ever scene she is in. Not only an ugly women, but crappy actress. If she ever appears in another anything, it will be too soon.
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
The Interpreter
This movie is about a interpreter who overhears a plot to kill a despot of a foriegn country and the efforts to investigate who is behind the plan. The story is actually pretty good, Interesting if about 20 minutes too long. Don't really like Sean Penn a whole lot so could have done without him but he did a ok job here. Was his usual to serious self so his acting wasn't a stretch. A tense scene on a bus was interesting, if it did make the FBI look like incompetent fools. The silly little "love" cliche could have taken a pass on, but of course its practically studio rule 101 so not suprised its there nor handled well. It was clearly shoehorned in to apease a higher up.
see this as a matinee.
see this as a matinee.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I have never read the book, so the movie was going to be my only exposure. The main problem with this is movie is its simply to British. I just don't get that sense of humor, its too dry for me. The movie itself had some interesting ideas, great FX but really the story as a whole was boring. I just couldn't get into it. The lead characters where fine (the girl not so much) but it just wasn't that interesting to me. It had a plot, run from the bad guys, find out what the question is so can find out the answer, but it was just ho hum execution.
This movie is a renter.
This movie is a renter.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
End of Star Trek Enterprise
I have to admit it, I am a trekkie. Seen all the series (DS9 the best of bunch), watched the movies (II best), read the books religiously, and basically just enjoy the depth of "history" and creativity employed in its long life. So when I heard that season 4 of Enterprise would be its last, I just shrugged and though maybe its time. After all Enterprise for the first three seasons frankly sucked. It never came even close to its potential of exploring Star Trek's "prehistory". I was not only hoping for good stories and good acting, but little things that trekkies would get and enjoy but new audiences could use as launchpads to discover the rest of the universe. Instead, as all know, we got crap. It was season 1-6 of Voyager all over again. They tried for season long stories like the Dominion War of Deep Space Nine but instead they deliviered un-inspiring and pointless story telling. No exploring of the universe. No real attempt to explain how "Star Trek" became Star Trek. Just more of the same. It was a massive massive disappointment. Even worse, it was boring.
The came season 4. It was like an amazing breath of fresh air. Couple changes behind the scenese using "gasp!" real FANS of the universe! Not just businessman wanting next paycheck but FANS who have enjoyed the universe long before they made a living from it. The result is finally, FINALLY, Enterprise lived up to its potential. The Gorn, hints of the Federation Charter, the Dark Universe, and so much more have made this one of the best season of Star Trek in since last season of DS9. I think alot of the credit goes to the writers of some of the best Star Trek books in the entire universe, Gar and Judy Reeves-Stevens. If even a casual fan of Star Trek, I highly recommend picking up really any book on Star Trek they have written. First up, try a little book written about 15 years ago called "Federation."
Alas however, the combination of three lackluster seasons and UPN's fractured personality disorder has done the deed of killing Star Trek from the TV airwaves for years to come. Hopefully this will result in re-newed vigor for the series ala the wonderful Peter David's Star Trek New Frontier series. Not a re-imagining (shudder at that thought as disaster always follows) but simply...a renewal of insight and exploration and humanity that is the series hallmark, over the safe and predicable that has been guiding it for the last 10 years. New blood is necessary and even hoped for, but it must be tempered by their understanding and enjoyment of the universe. New blood who doesn't know Star Trek from Star Wars would be a costly and deadly mistake so lets us hope future masters of Star Trek's destiny are guided more by Gene Roddenberry's spirt and less by greed. Well there is still hope in Star Trek's future...and that really more then anything is what Star Trek is all about.
The came season 4. It was like an amazing breath of fresh air. Couple changes behind the scenese using "gasp!" real FANS of the universe! Not just businessman wanting next paycheck but FANS who have enjoyed the universe long before they made a living from it. The result is finally, FINALLY, Enterprise lived up to its potential. The Gorn, hints of the Federation Charter, the Dark Universe, and so much more have made this one of the best season of Star Trek in since last season of DS9. I think alot of the credit goes to the writers of some of the best Star Trek books in the entire universe, Gar and Judy Reeves-Stevens. If even a casual fan of Star Trek, I highly recommend picking up really any book on Star Trek they have written. First up, try a little book written about 15 years ago called "Federation."
Alas however, the combination of three lackluster seasons and UPN's fractured personality disorder has done the deed of killing Star Trek from the TV airwaves for years to come. Hopefully this will result in re-newed vigor for the series ala the wonderful Peter David's Star Trek New Frontier series. Not a re-imagining (shudder at that thought as disaster always follows) but simply...a renewal of insight and exploration and humanity that is the series hallmark, over the safe and predicable that has been guiding it for the last 10 years. New blood is necessary and even hoped for, but it must be tempered by their understanding and enjoyment of the universe. New blood who doesn't know Star Trek from Star Wars would be a costly and deadly mistake so lets us hope future masters of Star Trek's destiny are guided more by Gene Roddenberry's spirt and less by greed. Well there is still hope in Star Trek's future...and that really more then anything is what Star Trek is all about.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Where in the US is info on the British Election?
What do you know, tomorrow is the last day in United Kingdom to vote for their representatives in Parliment. What does this mean for the US?
Well it means the majority party, currently Tony Blair's Labour Party, would decide who the next prime minister. In theory, that means Tony Blair gets tossed on his keister, a new UK prime minister is selected, one who is not so happy to kiss Bush's ass. The end result would be our last large ally pulling out of Iraq. The one real friend in the world US has left may be gone after these elections end.
You would think the American media would feel a need to mention this at some point in the last week or so. Sounds like news to me, doesn't it you? But nope, the only reason I heard about this was from the 5/4/05 Daily Show. They informed me of this remarkable news. They also had a scathing difference of what a true town hall meeting is supposed to be instead of the rally that Bush's people kept labeling "town hall." So once again, the "Story of the Day" approach to the news fails to inform us of somethign we may need to know, that a new prime minister may be elected.
Well it means the majority party, currently Tony Blair's Labour Party, would decide who the next prime minister. In theory, that means Tony Blair gets tossed on his keister, a new UK prime minister is selected, one who is not so happy to kiss Bush's ass. The end result would be our last large ally pulling out of Iraq. The one real friend in the world US has left may be gone after these elections end.
You would think the American media would feel a need to mention this at some point in the last week or so. Sounds like news to me, doesn't it you? But nope, the only reason I heard about this was from the 5/4/05 Daily Show. They informed me of this remarkable news. They also had a scathing difference of what a true town hall meeting is supposed to be instead of the rally that Bush's people kept labeling "town hall." So once again, the "Story of the Day" approach to the news fails to inform us of somethign we may need to know, that a new prime minister may be elected.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Home stretch for Runaway Bride story
Drive through downtown Duluth today. While the media hasn't quite abandoned this story, its clear the residents have. The news fans are still around the nearby park, but they seem to just be local news fans plus CNN and Fox News. The parking lot that had been the Media Headquarters has once again been returned to its nearly abandoned state. The house where all had congreated to show support now just shows a badly damaged lawn. The ribbons that remain up, which are few now, are showing signs of wear and tear. Yep, this sleepy town is ready to move on, slowly realizing that they are the butthole of many butt jokes. Now if only the Jennifer W would release her freaking statement so the media will skip town.
Of course her statement could be written by anyone, with apolgies to the town, family, volunteers. A quick sentence how she was overwhelmed and just had to leave. Her horror over learning of the attention and belief that only way to get out of it was a lie she now regrets. Etc, etc, etc. What she will fail to address is why a week long game plan, why she didn't tell anyone, yet did bother to make sure her mom had list of wedding vendors that. Of course it could be argued that she should not have to apoligize publically. Afterall, its not her fault that a local news story that should have remained local became national. The media should apoligize for that. If it hadn't gone national, doubt have the volunteers or a lie to the police. It would have remained where it belonged, between local police and the family. The family does deserve something, but thats not really our business.
So in the end, she is apolgizing to us for being busy bodies, butting our heads in matters where it didn't belong. So note to all future runaway brides, make sure you are not young white women from an affulent family or you too could have to issue a national apolgy.
Of course her statement could be written by anyone, with apolgies to the town, family, volunteers. A quick sentence how she was overwhelmed and just had to leave. Her horror over learning of the attention and belief that only way to get out of it was a lie she now regrets. Etc, etc, etc. What she will fail to address is why a week long game plan, why she didn't tell anyone, yet did bother to make sure her mom had list of wedding vendors that. Of course it could be argued that she should not have to apoligize publically. Afterall, its not her fault that a local news story that should have remained local became national. The media should apoligize for that. If it hadn't gone national, doubt have the volunteers or a lie to the police. It would have remained where it belonged, between local police and the family. The family does deserve something, but thats not really our business.
So in the end, she is apolgizing to us for being busy bodies, butting our heads in matters where it didn't belong. So note to all future runaway brides, make sure you are not young white women from an affulent family or you too could have to issue a national apolgy.
More Runaway Bride thoughts
Just got my first blog think from Jeff Jarvis at his blog Buzzmachine. Do believe thats the first time I have ever been linked. Also makes me wish had better writing skills but maybe with practice. One thing I appreciate, he gives this runaway bride story the attention it deserves - a quickie paragragh and then moves on to real information of note and interest. I however, just don't have that kind of self control.
Try to check out the Daily Show from 5/2/05. It should be repeating again on Tuesday. About 12 minutes in Jon Stewart gives his opinion about the media's behavior to this story in way only he can...by using their own footage to hang em with. Basically he agrees with me, that clearly the media was hoping for some visious murder. Favorite line "When Hannity is the voice of reason we are all on the bus to CaCa land" Uh may have to watch ep again to get that exactly right. The media reaction to me is the real story, not the bride herself but I think I am a minority in that opinion.
As for local reaction, based on people talking and the radio, its probably what everyone else thinks. What I find amusing is that many feel some need to say something along the lines "thank god she's okay, but..." The opinions range from her needing serious medical attention to being a devious bitch. Some defend the fact that she did many things wrong but none that are illegal since she technically has the right to runaway. However, pretty much everyone agrees that she was selfish and seriously violated some moral lines. Also, that the husband should jettison her ass ASAP. I have a feeling he will but with the press attention on the family its best to just wait rather then do a public drop kicking. If so, I tip my hat to him. I doubt I would have that level of self control.
I, like most here, do believe some form of punishment needs to be dealt with. Most say just pay for the cost, I think forgetting that doesn't really punish the individual in this case since the family as a whole could cover any costs (estimated to be 40k to 80k here). One person suggested she pay in community service equal to the time all volunteers total went looking for her. I thought that was an excellent idea. Its not only an unselfish act (even if forced on her) but its truly a long term lesson that she has to cuss about every hour she works it. Also an excellent example to others who attempt such callous behavior and thens attempts to use lies to dodge responsibilty. If simply pay back the cost, her family writes a check and calls it a day, no lesson learned, consequences dodged.
A telling quote from Gwinnett county DA Danny Porter "Sometimes, I'm not sure she has the capability for remorse." Personally that sounds like political exaggeration but interesting nonetheless.
Try to check out the Daily Show from 5/2/05. It should be repeating again on Tuesday. About 12 minutes in Jon Stewart gives his opinion about the media's behavior to this story in way only he can...by using their own footage to hang em with. Basically he agrees with me, that clearly the media was hoping for some visious murder. Favorite line "When Hannity is the voice of reason we are all on the bus to CaCa land" Uh may have to watch ep again to get that exactly right. The media reaction to me is the real story, not the bride herself but I think I am a minority in that opinion.
As for local reaction, based on people talking and the radio, its probably what everyone else thinks. What I find amusing is that many feel some need to say something along the lines "thank god she's okay, but..." The opinions range from her needing serious medical attention to being a devious bitch. Some defend the fact that she did many things wrong but none that are illegal since she technically has the right to runaway. However, pretty much everyone agrees that she was selfish and seriously violated some moral lines. Also, that the husband should jettison her ass ASAP. I have a feeling he will but with the press attention on the family its best to just wait rather then do a public drop kicking. If so, I tip my hat to him. I doubt I would have that level of self control.
I, like most here, do believe some form of punishment needs to be dealt with. Most say just pay for the cost, I think forgetting that doesn't really punish the individual in this case since the family as a whole could cover any costs (estimated to be 40k to 80k here). One person suggested she pay in community service equal to the time all volunteers total went looking for her. I thought that was an excellent idea. Its not only an unselfish act (even if forced on her) but its truly a long term lesson that she has to cuss about every hour she works it. Also an excellent example to others who attempt such callous behavior and thens attempts to use lies to dodge responsibilty. If simply pay back the cost, her family writes a check and calls it a day, no lesson learned, consequences dodged.
A telling quote from Gwinnett county DA Danny Porter "Sometimes, I'm not sure she has the capability for remorse." Personally that sounds like political exaggeration but interesting nonetheless.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Duluth Runaway Bride
Well I am sure everyone has heard about the Duluth Georgia Runaway Bride Jennifer Wilbanks. Lots of thoughts on this one. One, where the hell was I on this. Another is the press reaction to this, third is Duluth in general, and fourth what a nutter Jennifer has to be. So in no particular coherent order.
Funny thing about this, I live very near where all this went down. Totally oblvious to it. Didn't even find out about it till Thursday afternoon when heading to the library and kept passing all these news vans near the park. Then I pass this house with crap load of cars and people. At the time I thought "what an odd time for a party", then I saw a large missing poster. So the next thought was "wft?!?!" Then passed a parking lot that has no business so 99% of the time it has like 10 cars. That day, it was filled to the gills and then some. So slightly alarmed, I asked around, got the info and immediatly thought "hmph sounds like she ran away, what a doofus."
Now, Jennifer is not really a nutter. After all she planned this a week in advance (neat timeline here). She withdrew the money from the bank and bought the tickets with a plan in mind. That not nutty. What her behavior is selfish. A spoiled brat really. Obviously she was overwhelmed, having doubts, whatever so her response was a week old plan that gave zero consideration to friends and family. That is selfish brought to a new level. It really appalling. However, once you consider her background, you also can't really be suprised.
About Duluth and where she comes from. Duluth is the classis small town made up of the haves and the have nots. The haves generally have hard working parents, and incredibily lazy and spoiled children. You know the type. Cars, homes, bills, pretty much everything is payed for and taken care of. Have a problem, throw enough money at it, simply goes away. So these children have no concept of hardship and hard work. Can't really blame the parents for this, after all what parent doesn't want to protect their children from the big bad world. The problem with line of thinking is the children develop zero coping skills but lots of me-centric thinking. Which brings us back to the runaway bride. Clearly she has no coping mechanism. Clearly she is incredibily me-centric.
Also side note. Duluth cops...they are basically traffic cops. Except for this incident, they have about 50+ cops, a fleet of cars they replace about every 3 years whose only purpose is to issue tickets. The fleet by the way includes such necessities as SUVs, sports cars with no backseat, Harley's and other "necessities" that one may need to cover what is about a 10 miles square area if one is feeling generous. Usually the tough stuff, like the malls, arena, etc they leave to Gwinnett cops. This is probably the first time in years that Duluth earned to high piles of cash the spend and collect in something other then ways to get more tickets issued.
Anyways, if this story is proof of anything, its that press likes to create stories out of nothing. Lets face it, the only reason this became national news is the press was hoping it would be another Peterson case or just as good a dead bride before her wedding. In anycase for them it was a win win in ratings. Did the local news need to cover it throughly, yes it was local news. It just didn't rise to national news. So again further proof how national media CREATES news. Makes mountains out of molehills and so on. Whats really bad is the media is clueless on how this behavior erodes the trust of the public in them. Every time they make something out of nothing, the public isn't greatful, they just get annoyed and more pissed off. They will never stop though. Those brief spikes in ratings is all they care about.
As for the fiance, whathisname, if he is smart he will dump this women off at the nearest bus stop forever. If this is how she handles a one day even of a wedding imagine what she could do for life's other problems including the biggest stressor of all time - parenthood. Not only is that a neverending stress, it requires one to them-centric, not me-centric. Parenthood would probably knock her completly off her rocker and possibly make her dangerous. So for him, he needs to feel relief that he has dodged one massive and possibly deadly bullet. Mourn the loss and move on is my advice for him.
Funny thing about this, I live very near where all this went down. Totally oblvious to it. Didn't even find out about it till Thursday afternoon when heading to the library and kept passing all these news vans near the park. Then I pass this house with crap load of cars and people. At the time I thought "what an odd time for a party", then I saw a large missing poster. So the next thought was "wft?!?!" Then passed a parking lot that has no business so 99% of the time it has like 10 cars. That day, it was filled to the gills and then some. So slightly alarmed, I asked around, got the info and immediatly thought "hmph sounds like she ran away, what a doofus."
Now, Jennifer is not really a nutter. After all she planned this a week in advance (neat timeline here). She withdrew the money from the bank and bought the tickets with a plan in mind. That not nutty. What her behavior is selfish. A spoiled brat really. Obviously she was overwhelmed, having doubts, whatever so her response was a week old plan that gave zero consideration to friends and family. That is selfish brought to a new level. It really appalling. However, once you consider her background, you also can't really be suprised.
About Duluth and where she comes from. Duluth is the classis small town made up of the haves and the have nots. The haves generally have hard working parents, and incredibily lazy and spoiled children. You know the type. Cars, homes, bills, pretty much everything is payed for and taken care of. Have a problem, throw enough money at it, simply goes away. So these children have no concept of hardship and hard work. Can't really blame the parents for this, after all what parent doesn't want to protect their children from the big bad world. The problem with line of thinking is the children develop zero coping skills but lots of me-centric thinking. Which brings us back to the runaway bride. Clearly she has no coping mechanism. Clearly she is incredibily me-centric.
Also side note. Duluth cops...they are basically traffic cops. Except for this incident, they have about 50+ cops, a fleet of cars they replace about every 3 years whose only purpose is to issue tickets. The fleet by the way includes such necessities as SUVs, sports cars with no backseat, Harley's and other "necessities" that one may need to cover what is about a 10 miles square area if one is feeling generous. Usually the tough stuff, like the malls, arena, etc they leave to Gwinnett cops. This is probably the first time in years that Duluth earned to high piles of cash the spend and collect in something other then ways to get more tickets issued.
Anyways, if this story is proof of anything, its that press likes to create stories out of nothing. Lets face it, the only reason this became national news is the press was hoping it would be another Peterson case or just as good a dead bride before her wedding. In anycase for them it was a win win in ratings. Did the local news need to cover it throughly, yes it was local news. It just didn't rise to national news. So again further proof how national media CREATES news. Makes mountains out of molehills and so on. Whats really bad is the media is clueless on how this behavior erodes the trust of the public in them. Every time they make something out of nothing, the public isn't greatful, they just get annoyed and more pissed off. They will never stop though. Those brief spikes in ratings is all they care about.
As for the fiance, whathisname, if he is smart he will dump this women off at the nearest bus stop forever. If this is how she handles a one day even of a wedding imagine what she could do for life's other problems including the biggest stressor of all time - parenthood. Not only is that a neverending stress, it requires one to them-centric, not me-centric. Parenthood would probably knock her completly off her rocker and possibly make her dangerous. So for him, he needs to feel relief that he has dodged one massive and possibly deadly bullet. Mourn the loss and move on is my advice for him.
Catching Up
Man do I have alot of blogging need to do today and rest of the week.
The Runaway Bride near me comes quickly to mind.
Thoughts about Duluth which to me isn't quite like the picture presented by the press
Movies I have seen.
Whatever else comes to mind.
The Runaway Bride near me comes quickly to mind.
Thoughts about Duluth which to me isn't quite like the picture presented by the press
Movies I have seen.
Whatever else comes to mind.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
War on Judges
Apparently the NEW republican thing, attempting to attack, eliminate or destroy Judges that don't agree with them, up to and including maybe splitting up the 9th Circuit, reducing the number of Supreme Court judges, and preventing federal judges from deciding on cases such as Defense of Marriage Act and partial birth abortions.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7529447/site/newsweek/
Leading the charge is DeLay (of course) and his 200+ conservative groups building up the funds etc to attack and "remind" congressmen that to not pick the judge they want could hurt their political career. To be fair, it doesn't seem like mainstream repubs nor Bush is involved in this...but I don't see them stopping them either, which they could. Its almost like they letting others test the water, and if it gets traction dive in with them, rather then making a decision on whats best now.
And for the repubs out there who will ra-ra this, think how would you like if Democrats attempted to toss conservative judges and prevent federal courts from making decisions on ideas they hold dear.
My point, once again some lawmakers are attempting something that all Americans should find repulsive, regardless of what party they support.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7529447/site/newsweek/
Leading the charge is DeLay (of course) and his 200+ conservative groups building up the funds etc to attack and "remind" congressmen that to not pick the judge they want could hurt their political career. To be fair, it doesn't seem like mainstream repubs nor Bush is involved in this...but I don't see them stopping them either, which they could. Its almost like they letting others test the water, and if it gets traction dive in with them, rather then making a decision on whats best now.
And for the repubs out there who will ra-ra this, think how would you like if Democrats attempted to toss conservative judges and prevent federal courts from making decisions on ideas they hold dear.
My point, once again some lawmakers are attempting something that all Americans should find repulsive, regardless of what party they support.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Only one thing happened today
Once again, if going by Fox and CNN, you would assume that only one event occured in the entire world, in this case the tragedy of murder of a young girl in Florida. Its sad and horrible that happened, and hopefully the person responsible will be given the death penalty.
However, this story continues to illustrate the media's desire to make everything an "EVENT!!!" for ratings. Even a year ago, this wouldn't be national news to be discussed all day long. It would be a top story of day at the local and state level and maybe a quickly 10 second mention on Headline News. It should tell you something when local news doesn't break in to discuss it but CNN and Fox go on all day long about it. In the fight for new supremecy, one news service decides this is the event of the day and so in fear the others tag along.
Now I am not saying it shouldn't be on the main news networks, but it shouldn't be the only story of the day or really the main story. It may sound callous, but children are murdered everyday. Making this the event of the day only illustrates just how damn picky the media is on discussing these topics. After all, why not mention all the other children killed in the country or the rest of the world. Why only this florida girl? If, god forbid, another child is murdered in say Wisconsin tomorrow, is that going to be the story of the day? I seriously doubt it, unless slow news day of course. If going to give this such airtime, shouldn't all other murders get the same coverage? Its just seems so arbitary, based on no logic or rules and basically just highlights to everyone why no one really takes the new media seriously anymore.
However, this story continues to illustrate the media's desire to make everything an "EVENT!!!" for ratings. Even a year ago, this wouldn't be national news to be discussed all day long. It would be a top story of day at the local and state level and maybe a quickly 10 second mention on Headline News. It should tell you something when local news doesn't break in to discuss it but CNN and Fox go on all day long about it. In the fight for new supremecy, one news service decides this is the event of the day and so in fear the others tag along.
Now I am not saying it shouldn't be on the main news networks, but it shouldn't be the only story of the day or really the main story. It may sound callous, but children are murdered everyday. Making this the event of the day only illustrates just how damn picky the media is on discussing these topics. After all, why not mention all the other children killed in the country or the rest of the world. Why only this florida girl? If, god forbid, another child is murdered in say Wisconsin tomorrow, is that going to be the story of the day? I seriously doubt it, unless slow news day of course. If going to give this such airtime, shouldn't all other murders get the same coverage? Its just seems so arbitary, based on no logic or rules and basically just highlights to everyone why no one really takes the new media seriously anymore.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Amusing Links
Watching G4's Attach of the Show today (god that name sucks) and for once, it was a great show with lots of useful links and crap.
My favorite was a link to Experimental Gameplay which is a site of games put together in one week of work. They are suprisingly creative. I could see many of these being great for WarioWare style games on the DS. My recommendations are The Crowd and Tower of Goo.
Another useful website is GimpShop which seems to be a free, open source version of Photoshop. Probably doesn't have all the bells and wistles but seems good enough to do some sweet pics with.
Lastly, a site that deals with the sexual humor on comic book covers, ie, lets make sex jokes at old comics.
My favorite was a link to Experimental Gameplay which is a site of games put together in one week of work. They are suprisingly creative. I could see many of these being great for WarioWare style games on the DS. My recommendations are The Crowd and Tower of Goo.
Another useful website is GimpShop which seems to be a free, open source version of Photoshop. Probably doesn't have all the bells and wistles but seems good enough to do some sweet pics with.
Lastly, a site that deals with the sexual humor on comic book covers, ie, lets make sex jokes at old comics.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
"Pope Not Dead"
Isn't that a creepy headline for fox to put up yesterday during the Pope deathwatch? Is it me or are the news stations just getting more and more desperate. Instead of seeking out the news and telling us as it happens, the manufacture it, manipulate it, and beat it to death. 20 years, hell 5 years ago, all that would have occured would have been an update during the normal news cycle on his condition and a break in if he died. Now, the stations want bragging rights that now one cares about.
"Ooh fox was behind by 30 seconds, can't trust em, guess I'll have to watch CNN." I seriously think the news executvies are scared shitless that is what would happen even though there is zero proof to backup such an assumption. Even worse, that assumption is a bit insulting, like saying Americans have no attention span so better keep this crap up just in case.
The end result of all these deathwatches, one story a day appraoch that 24 hour news services are taking is that not only are we all going to get sick of watching them, but we are now much less informed. There is an entire world out there, the news doesn't stop because a pope may die, or some bulimic idiot, or cause jackson showed up in pajamas. Where is the information i want about the rest of the world? Why are viewers not demanding that we get that information? We need to learn that we have the power. When these stations keep insisting on the one story a day approach to news...turn them off. Force them to understand that their jobs are to report on the news as it happens...not wait on such as this sickening Deathwatch being conducted on the Pope. There is not even dignity in a death like that.
"Ooh fox was behind by 30 seconds, can't trust em, guess I'll have to watch CNN." I seriously think the news executvies are scared shitless that is what would happen even though there is zero proof to backup such an assumption. Even worse, that assumption is a bit insulting, like saying Americans have no attention span so better keep this crap up just in case.
The end result of all these deathwatches, one story a day appraoch that 24 hour news services are taking is that not only are we all going to get sick of watching them, but we are now much less informed. There is an entire world out there, the news doesn't stop because a pope may die, or some bulimic idiot, or cause jackson showed up in pajamas. Where is the information i want about the rest of the world? Why are viewers not demanding that we get that information? We need to learn that we have the power. When these stations keep insisting on the one story a day approach to news...turn them off. Force them to understand that their jobs are to report on the news as it happens...not wait on such as this sickening Deathwatch being conducted on the Pope. There is not even dignity in a death like that.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Terri Schiavo Dead - A Nation Shrugs
As I am sure you heard, over and over, on every news outlet in the country, that Terry Schiavo is dead. The attention she is getting is usually reserved for heads of states and people that have actually contributed something to society. She has done neither. Looking at the extension coverage you would think this women accomplished great things of at least the mother or family member of someone that accomplished greath things. Nope, she isn't.
So what is she to deserve this attention? Well she was a tool for the press, the republicans, and religious leaders. It is pretty clear that she was a means to an end. For the press, its ratings, for the republicans, its a way to show they are prolife. For religious leaders and the like, it was a means to fill the seats and the coffers. Its sad, its manipulative, and from what I hear, the parents are not short on money because of it. So really its seems, everyone is using her for some agenda.
The reality is this. She was just mrs average citizen thrust into the limelight by a bored press and desperate politicans. Her obit is really this: 41 year old Terry Schiavo passed away today after remaining in a 15 year vegatative state caused by her bulimia. She is survived by her husband and 2 parents who spent the last 8 years fighting each other on how to deal with her condition.
In the end, for all the coverage she is getting all day long, she will become just a law school case study and nothing more. To bad thanks to our president and his ilk, we may have to deal with the repercussion of them running roughshod over the seperation of church and state, seperation of powers, and state rights vs national for years to come.
So what is she to deserve this attention? Well she was a tool for the press, the republicans, and religious leaders. It is pretty clear that she was a means to an end. For the press, its ratings, for the republicans, its a way to show they are prolife. For religious leaders and the like, it was a means to fill the seats and the coffers. Its sad, its manipulative, and from what I hear, the parents are not short on money because of it. So really its seems, everyone is using her for some agenda.
The reality is this. She was just mrs average citizen thrust into the limelight by a bored press and desperate politicans. Her obit is really this: 41 year old Terry Schiavo passed away today after remaining in a 15 year vegatative state caused by her bulimia. She is survived by her husband and 2 parents who spent the last 8 years fighting each other on how to deal with her condition.
In the end, for all the coverage she is getting all day long, she will become just a law school case study and nothing more. To bad thanks to our president and his ilk, we may have to deal with the repercussion of them running roughshod over the seperation of church and state, seperation of powers, and state rights vs national for years to come.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
PSP Review
The PSP is simply the best damn portable gaming machine on the market. Unless Nintendo steps up to the plate, this thing could be the gameboy killer. Everything about it is just so well done.
Design:
This device is very well designed. Its just gorgeous to look at. The sleek black look, the rounded shape, clear L and R buttons. The analog pad. And that large screen Just beautiful. The controls are well laid out, easy to use and hold. The analog pad will take some getting use to, I know my hand was hurting after a long playing jag as using muscles or something that normally don't use because of the different angle. I also like that the memory is based on the duo even though a normal memory stick would have been better mainly because of the price. But if you have a DS, the duo is the same size. If you plan on using the multimedia functions of the system, definitly want to upgrade the size as 32megs isn't good for much. As for the battery, its not too bad, it hold about 6 hours per charge. Additional there is a switch to cut of wireless access which is good BUT this does not stop the PSP from always hunting for a signal which is bad. It should have it its switched off, all wireless activity and attempts to find a network signal end to save on the battery. Also of note, sleeping the PSP is easy, and seems to work pretty well. Just be aware that sleep doesn't work nearly with the efficiency it does with the DS.
Menu:
The menu options are very well laid out, according to function. Its intuitive and easy to use. Didn't really need the instruction book except to look for extra goodies. By the way, the screen color is based on month of the year. So march is green, april is pink, and so on. On thing I wouldn't mind seeing is an ability to save default settings on the system or the memory stick. For instance, with music, you have to set up wether to shuffle and repeat everytime. It doesn't save that setting once and have you cut it off when the mood strikes. Or if can't do that, give option to map certain functions to buttons on the PSP so can at least do it quickly. Another change needs to be the ability to check the battery left. There is a bar in the top right which is great but as a menu option shows, there is a way to estimate the % left and time left. Being able to alter the bar between those three estimates would be fantastic. So really, what I am saying Sony is give us some custimize options.
Video/ Movies:
Gorgeous. Thats it. With that big screen, its simply gorgeous. No other word for it. Easy to use also. The main thing is have to use either the UMD or convert files to .mp4 (MPEG-4) format. Currently I am using 3GP Converter recommended by Engadget. They also have instructions on converting and moving the movies to the PSP. Another recommended program is PSP Video 9, which I haven't used yet. Any case, your only limitation to watching a movie on the PSP at this point is the memory size of your stick. Which can get expensive. Very expensive. So hope the prices begin to drop.
Oh and the including Spider-Man 2 disc. Fantastic. Great clarity, no blurring, even during the train/doc ock sequence.
Music:
The music is great through the provided headphones (with need little remote). The PSP speakers on the otherhand are just adequate. More from background noise really. So if you just have to have great sounding music, stick with an iPod or at least the headphones. As for transfering the music, its easy. Make sure the format the memory stick via the PSP menu, then just drop the .mp3 into the appropriate Music folder. Just be aware that if you drop a folder in the Music, that is called a "group" by the PSP which is almost like a playlist. Also you can't have a subfolder within that folder. So in memory stick your hiarchy at most can be \\PSP\Music\folder\ not \\PSP\Music\folder\folder\ and so forth. One plus, the PSP recognizes .m3u playlists. This format is supported by most computer mp3 players such as winamp. Just drop the file in the \\PSP\Music folder.
Games:
Again, wonder. Clear picture, fantastic graphics. The graphics are superior to the DS and very close but not quote to the PS2 range. So far, using Twisted Metal, i have only tested the Infrastructure mode, which allows online play. Its works like a charm. Able to easily connect and join a game with almost no lag. Nice thing about requiring online play is that means not dealing with dial-up players. The down side though is if you may have to alter your wireless security settings to allow a connection as it doesn't seem the PSP handles WEP encryption. It does however have a MAC address so can use that to limit access. Hopefully though, the price point of the games will take a drop in the DS range of 20-35 rather then the 40-50 it is currently at.
Pictures:
Once again, great. Thanks to the LCD screen not complaints. Keep it mind it only handles the .jpg format so may have to use mspaint or something to convert .bmp and other formats. The PSP also has slideshow, rotate, crop and few other basic pic viewing functions.
So overall, this is a must buy for any gamer and playstation fan. Now many are probably thinking "i am waiting till the price drops." Well don't hold your breath on that happening this year. I suspect this price point will hold to the end of the Christmas season for no other reason then because it can. The device is that good and will remain popular as word of mouth spreads. Oh and invest in a good case, the one that comes with is very lacking in protection qualities.
Design:
This device is very well designed. Its just gorgeous to look at. The sleek black look, the rounded shape, clear L and R buttons. The analog pad. And that large screen Just beautiful. The controls are well laid out, easy to use and hold. The analog pad will take some getting use to, I know my hand was hurting after a long playing jag as using muscles or something that normally don't use because of the different angle. I also like that the memory is based on the duo even though a normal memory stick would have been better mainly because of the price. But if you have a DS, the duo is the same size. If you plan on using the multimedia functions of the system, definitly want to upgrade the size as 32megs isn't good for much. As for the battery, its not too bad, it hold about 6 hours per charge. Additional there is a switch to cut of wireless access which is good BUT this does not stop the PSP from always hunting for a signal which is bad. It should have it its switched off, all wireless activity and attempts to find a network signal end to save on the battery. Also of note, sleeping the PSP is easy, and seems to work pretty well. Just be aware that sleep doesn't work nearly with the efficiency it does with the DS.
Menu:
The menu options are very well laid out, according to function. Its intuitive and easy to use. Didn't really need the instruction book except to look for extra goodies. By the way, the screen color is based on month of the year. So march is green, april is pink, and so on. On thing I wouldn't mind seeing is an ability to save default settings on the system or the memory stick. For instance, with music, you have to set up wether to shuffle and repeat everytime. It doesn't save that setting once and have you cut it off when the mood strikes. Or if can't do that, give option to map certain functions to buttons on the PSP so can at least do it quickly. Another change needs to be the ability to check the battery left. There is a bar in the top right which is great but as a menu option shows, there is a way to estimate the % left and time left. Being able to alter the bar between those three estimates would be fantastic. So really, what I am saying Sony is give us some custimize options.
Video/ Movies:
Gorgeous. Thats it. With that big screen, its simply gorgeous. No other word for it. Easy to use also. The main thing is have to use either the UMD or convert files to .mp4 (MPEG-4) format. Currently I am using 3GP Converter recommended by Engadget. They also have instructions on converting and moving the movies to the PSP. Another recommended program is PSP Video 9, which I haven't used yet. Any case, your only limitation to watching a movie on the PSP at this point is the memory size of your stick. Which can get expensive. Very expensive. So hope the prices begin to drop.
Oh and the including Spider-Man 2 disc. Fantastic. Great clarity, no blurring, even during the train/doc ock sequence.
Music:
The music is great through the provided headphones (with need little remote). The PSP speakers on the otherhand are just adequate. More from background noise really. So if you just have to have great sounding music, stick with an iPod or at least the headphones. As for transfering the music, its easy. Make sure the format the memory stick via the PSP menu, then just drop the .mp3 into the appropriate Music folder. Just be aware that if you drop a folder in the Music, that is called a "group" by the PSP which is almost like a playlist. Also you can't have a subfolder within that folder. So in memory stick your hiarchy at most can be \\PSP\Music\folder\
Games:
Again, wonder. Clear picture, fantastic graphics. The graphics are superior to the DS and very close but not quote to the PS2 range. So far, using Twisted Metal, i have only tested the Infrastructure mode, which allows online play. Its works like a charm. Able to easily connect and join a game with almost no lag. Nice thing about requiring online play is that means not dealing with dial-up players. The down side though is if you may have to alter your wireless security settings to allow a connection as it doesn't seem the PSP handles WEP encryption. It does however have a MAC address so can use that to limit access. Hopefully though, the price point of the games will take a drop in the DS range of 20-35 rather then the 40-50 it is currently at.
Pictures:
Once again, great. Thanks to the LCD screen not complaints. Keep it mind it only handles the .jpg format so may have to use mspaint or something to convert .bmp and other formats. The PSP also has slideshow, rotate, crop and few other basic pic viewing functions.
So overall, this is a must buy for any gamer and playstation fan. Now many are probably thinking "i am waiting till the price drops." Well don't hold your breath on that happening this year. I suspect this price point will hold to the end of the Christmas season for no other reason then because it can. The device is that good and will remain popular as word of mouth spreads. Oh and invest in a good case, the one that comes with is very lacking in protection qualities.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
New PSP owner
About an hour ago I bought the PSP with Twisted Metal from Wal-Mart. So far, based on taking it out and fiddeling with the controls and the Spider-Man UMD, I am very pleased with this device. The picture quality alone is just gorgeous. I will right a full review later, but first impression...Gameboy killer.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Kerri's Law
15 years. Remember that number. Its important.
You have probably heard about the fight to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo always with a pic of the mom kissing the daughter as if she was still a responding human being. The war has been going on for a long time to end this woman's life. It even went up the the Supreme Court who decided to pass. Now our legislative branch has chosen to get involved with Kerri's Law.
I just find the whole thing appalling. Our system of law worked. The parents and the husband have battled it out back and forth for years. Governors and states have gotton involved. Every check and balance you can think of has been employed. A final decision was made. The right to choose to live..or not live is up to the individial, not the government. But lo! Our "moral" republicans, those who say less government is better, seems to can't help but get government involved on everything. This battle is none of their damn business. They know it but the photo opportunity apparently was just to much to pass up. So here they are once again passing laws that reduce the ability for individuals to make their own damn decisions. Ok that sub rant over.
Now back to the number 15. That is the number of years this woman has been in a vegatative state. Two important pieces of information that the press and the politicans are not always making sure to share. For those that don't know, vegatative state means she has no higher brain wave function. She only has automatic functions like breathing, heart going, digestive process, the basic stuff that occurs without thought, stuff that any lifeform can do. The higher brain functions however are what seperates us humans for everything else. This controls memory, emotion, cognative abilities, association, hell even the ability to walk upright. All things this woman no longer will ever be able to do. She has been this way for 15 years. 15.
Hell thats pretend her parents are not in lala land and this woman can respond. They then are prolonging this womans hell for she is trapped in her body with no means to communicate. For 15 years. You try staying completely still, not blinking, not moving mouth, not even breathing heavier for 15 hours. Don't tell me thats not hell.
But really this woman will not recover. She is nearly brain dead. She is not in a coma. A coma shows higher brain function. A coma means the brain is working, just not well enough. She is in the step after a coma. When the brain functions have degraded even further. Could she recover? Maybe when hell freezes over and we all win the lottery.
The end result is this, no matter how you approach this, she has zero quality of life. The act of living is simply not enough. Hell, look at our society. Its not based on living, its based on quality of life. Everything we do is about improving and expanding that quality. Our justice system is based on punishment by reducing that quality. Our measurement of pleasure, success, goals, everything, is based on quality of life. Yet suddenly we say thats not important. Only that she lives is, which is bullshit. Give the woman her piece. Its time the parents let go and move on with their lives.
You have probably heard about the fight to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo always with a pic of the mom kissing the daughter as if she was still a responding human being. The war has been going on for a long time to end this woman's life. It even went up the the Supreme Court who decided to pass. Now our legislative branch has chosen to get involved with Kerri's Law.
I just find the whole thing appalling. Our system of law worked. The parents and the husband have battled it out back and forth for years. Governors and states have gotton involved. Every check and balance you can think of has been employed. A final decision was made. The right to choose to live..or not live is up to the individial, not the government. But lo! Our "moral" republicans, those who say less government is better, seems to can't help but get government involved on everything. This battle is none of their damn business. They know it but the photo opportunity apparently was just to much to pass up. So here they are once again passing laws that reduce the ability for individuals to make their own damn decisions. Ok that sub rant over.
Now back to the number 15. That is the number of years this woman has been in a vegatative state. Two important pieces of information that the press and the politicans are not always making sure to share. For those that don't know, vegatative state means she has no higher brain wave function. She only has automatic functions like breathing, heart going, digestive process, the basic stuff that occurs without thought, stuff that any lifeform can do. The higher brain functions however are what seperates us humans for everything else. This controls memory, emotion, cognative abilities, association, hell even the ability to walk upright. All things this woman no longer will ever be able to do. She has been this way for 15 years. 15.
Hell thats pretend her parents are not in lala land and this woman can respond. They then are prolonging this womans hell for she is trapped in her body with no means to communicate. For 15 years. You try staying completely still, not blinking, not moving mouth, not even breathing heavier for 15 hours. Don't tell me thats not hell.
But really this woman will not recover. She is nearly brain dead. She is not in a coma. A coma shows higher brain function. A coma means the brain is working, just not well enough. She is in the step after a coma. When the brain functions have degraded even further. Could she recover? Maybe when hell freezes over and we all win the lottery.
The end result is this, no matter how you approach this, she has zero quality of life. The act of living is simply not enough. Hell, look at our society. Its not based on living, its based on quality of life. Everything we do is about improving and expanding that quality. Our justice system is based on punishment by reducing that quality. Our measurement of pleasure, success, goals, everything, is based on quality of life. Yet suddenly we say thats not important. Only that she lives is, which is bullshit. Give the woman her piece. Its time the parents let go and move on with their lives.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Wacko Jacko Trial
Am I the only one that doesn't really give a crap about all these celebrity trials such as Wacko Jacko trial? Just because a celebrity did it, why does a crime get more attention then those committed everyday? Let's face it, pedophilia occurs daily. Shouldn't that get a full press coverage? Wouldn't that probably even help reduce occurance of the crime if the pedophile has to work about Wacko level coverage?
What about the Robert Blake trial? He may or may not have murdered a woman. That to sadly happens all the time. Again why does the press not give it the attention it deserves.
Or the king of all to much attention, the Peterson Trial. Why does the killing of a black woman get this level of attention? What about a poor woman? How about a murder that didn't occur in California? It seems almost racist that the only murder trials that get the full court press across the country involve attractive white rich woman in California. It seems if a murder occurs anywhere else, its just a page 10 item. But if its a rich white woman hold the presses!!!
Its a stupid double standard that is exasperated by the public that laps up whatever crap the press is willing to feed them.
What about the Robert Blake trial? He may or may not have murdered a woman. That to sadly happens all the time. Again why does the press not give it the attention it deserves.
Or the king of all to much attention, the Peterson Trial. Why does the killing of a black woman get this level of attention? What about a poor woman? How about a murder that didn't occur in California? It seems almost racist that the only murder trials that get the full court press across the country involve attractive white rich woman in California. It seems if a murder occurs anywhere else, its just a page 10 item. But if its a rich white woman hold the presses!!!
Its a stupid double standard that is exasperated by the public that laps up whatever crap the press is willing to feed them.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
1st Admendment doesn't extend to online content?
Well apparently if go by a judge in California who ruled that since its trade secrets it doesn't. If this had been a newspaper or news network he wouldn't have dreamed of making that kind of decision. But because its small online websites, its suddenly no big deal.
Whats even worse is how far up their heads the newspaper companies and networks are about this issue. They should be stepping up to the plate to help these websites. Not because they are mister nice guys, but because it directly effects them. Maybe not today or even next year, but a case like this sets a precendence that could be used against them in some future case. Its in their best interest to squash this ruling now rather then pay the consqeuences later. I think they are under the mistaken impression that this may help eliminate some competition for news. After all if sources can't trust online websites, the assumption is they will run back to the newspapers. Well, thats sadly shortsighted and simply not true. All that will happen is sources will be much more careful. With the internet its very easy to provide information without ever being able to track down the source location.
The end results is this, just because the source of news is exclusivily online, rather then some wierd world based office and beaurcracy etc that doesn't change the fact that its still protected by the first admendment. Its just shows the continues erosion of the bill of rights since 9/11. Instead of protecting what makes this country safe we seem to be tossing it aside for safety and corporate cronies. Its a damn shame.
Whats even worse is how far up their heads the newspaper companies and networks are about this issue. They should be stepping up to the plate to help these websites. Not because they are mister nice guys, but because it directly effects them. Maybe not today or even next year, but a case like this sets a precendence that could be used against them in some future case. Its in their best interest to squash this ruling now rather then pay the consqeuences later. I think they are under the mistaken impression that this may help eliminate some competition for news. After all if sources can't trust online websites, the assumption is they will run back to the newspapers. Well, thats sadly shortsighted and simply not true. All that will happen is sources will be much more careful. With the internet its very easy to provide information without ever being able to track down the source location.
The end results is this, just because the source of news is exclusivily online, rather then some wierd world based office and beaurcracy etc that doesn't change the fact that its still protected by the first admendment. Its just shows the continues erosion of the bill of rights since 9/11. Instead of protecting what makes this country safe we seem to be tossing it aside for safety and corporate cronies. Its a damn shame.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Brian Nichols captured
If you haven't heard about the courthouse killings then you must live in a whole. Its been everywhere, on all the major new channels. It even pre-empted Wacko Jackso's trial. What really bothers me about the shooting is the death of the courthouse reporter Julie Ann Brandau. I guess because Judge Rowland W. Barnes and the deputy are on the front lines so to speak. While they really don't think they are in danger, its kind of assumed they are targets of sorts because of what they do. The court reporter however doesn't fall on that category. She was just doing her job and now she is dead because of the rabid animal. Its just sad.
Another disturbing thing is he guy was captured about 5 minutes from my home. It never occured to me he would make his way north much less that close to my home. I just assumed he would remain Atlanta's problem while he holed up in some idiot girlfriend's home or some other cliche of the escaping criminial. Sadly someone else died for no reason during his trek to Duluth.
What really annoys me is the press. You could almost see the glee they had over this. Like "yes! we have a real story to cover!" It was almost sickening as the various stations, knowing they where getting national coverage on a slow news day, just soaked up the spotlight as much as possible while relaying no new information thoughtout the day. Its almost like ambulance chasing. Whatever it takes for ratings I guess. Its also easier then covering other issues such as the economy, gas prices, Iraq, North Korea, and other issues that are news but reflect not so great on the Bush Admin. Cause of that, they are pretty much off limits to nothing more then quicky blurbs. Thus we are left if Wacko Jacko and similar "news".
Even worse, if not for the obsessiveness of the press, which wouldn't have occured if not a slow news day, the police might have been able to do the necessary job of putting this rabid dog to sleep forever. He doesn't need to be tried, he doesn't need to get famous, he doesn't need to be the story anymore. He simply needs to be dead, killed with no more consideration then we would give any rabid dog. Kill him and let society wash our hands of him. Instead he will be the occasional senstation, his trial getting more attention then it deserves, followed by about 10-15 years in jail before finally be put to death. In that time, he may once again try to escape and renew taking more lives. No its just better if he had died, but the inordinate media attention prevented this from occuring.
Another disturbing thing is he guy was captured about 5 minutes from my home. It never occured to me he would make his way north much less that close to my home. I just assumed he would remain Atlanta's problem while he holed up in some idiot girlfriend's home or some other cliche of the escaping criminial. Sadly someone else died for no reason during his trek to Duluth.
What really annoys me is the press. You could almost see the glee they had over this. Like "yes! we have a real story to cover!" It was almost sickening as the various stations, knowing they where getting national coverage on a slow news day, just soaked up the spotlight as much as possible while relaying no new information thoughtout the day. Its almost like ambulance chasing. Whatever it takes for ratings I guess. Its also easier then covering other issues such as the economy, gas prices, Iraq, North Korea, and other issues that are news but reflect not so great on the Bush Admin. Cause of that, they are pretty much off limits to nothing more then quicky blurbs. Thus we are left if Wacko Jacko and similar "news".
Even worse, if not for the obsessiveness of the press, which wouldn't have occured if not a slow news day, the police might have been able to do the necessary job of putting this rabid dog to sleep forever. He doesn't need to be tried, he doesn't need to get famous, he doesn't need to be the story anymore. He simply needs to be dead, killed with no more consideration then we would give any rabid dog. Kill him and let society wash our hands of him. Instead he will be the occasional senstation, his trial getting more attention then it deserves, followed by about 10-15 years in jail before finally be put to death. In that time, he may once again try to escape and renew taking more lives. No its just better if he had died, but the inordinate media attention prevented this from occuring.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Getting visits?
No one comments. Which either means no one has anything to say or more likely I am about the only one that reads this blog. So how can I tell the hits I am getting if any? Also what do people suggest I do to improve the blog. I know its scattered, directionless, and frankly boring because my writing skills are subpar at best, but please offer suggestions. The more feedback, the more I know where can improve and attempt to make this something worth reading.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
John Quinones. John of God shill
I just got done reading a commentary post by James Randi. I was appalled at the lack of reporting done by ABC News, Primetime Live and John Quinones. The decide to basically support the John of God by rebunking nothing or supporting nothing or really much reporting. Isn't the job of these types of programs to report facts? You can do this pretty easily by showing the facts from side A such as what they believe, how they conduct themselves, etc and then can show the facts of side B such as what they also believe, how they can disprove side A and so forth. It doesn't require the production to give an opinion for the facts will speak for themselves and provide the audience an opportunity to make their own conclusion.
Instead you get this weak willed pandering that is going to result in others being hurt and swindled for the facts where kept from them. ABC should be ashamed. This is just as bad as what CBS did with George Bush. Not reporting is a failure regardless if the person involved is the President or some stranger on the street.
Now one thing I don't agree is James Randi obsolves John Quinones of any guilt in this farce of a story. John was the on air "reporter" that intros the stories, did some of the pre-prepped interviews and so forth. While I do understand that these "reporters" are glorified teleprompter readers that do nothing more then what they are told this doesn't obsolve them of guilt when a story is reported incorrectly or missing needed information. The man sells himself as a respected investigated reporter, so when he is shown with a story, it means he approves and agreed with the story as it was reported. If he sold himself as "teleprompter reader" then he would be innocent, but until he does that, he should be held to the same standards all reporters are held to. Just because he is on TV shouldn't change that. Yet for some reason it does. Just look at Dan Rather.
Instead you get this weak willed pandering that is going to result in others being hurt and swindled for the facts where kept from them. ABC should be ashamed. This is just as bad as what CBS did with George Bush. Not reporting is a failure regardless if the person involved is the President or some stranger on the street.
Now one thing I don't agree is James Randi obsolves John Quinones of any guilt in this farce of a story. John was the on air "reporter" that intros the stories, did some of the pre-prepped interviews and so forth. While I do understand that these "reporters" are glorified teleprompter readers that do nothing more then what they are told this doesn't obsolve them of guilt when a story is reported incorrectly or missing needed information. The man sells himself as a respected investigated reporter, so when he is shown with a story, it means he approves and agreed with the story as it was reported. If he sold himself as "teleprompter reader" then he would be innocent, but until he does that, he should be held to the same standards all reporters are held to. Just because he is on TV shouldn't change that. Yet for some reason it does. Just look at Dan Rather.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
NHL season goes boom
Well, its official, the NHL have called it a season before the season got a chance to begin. Its a shame for hockey fans, no biggie to others but its still pretty historic. Most of these strikes are a lot of talk and threats but usually a side caves, typically the owners. In this case they stayed the course and I applaud them for it.
Normally I am all for worker rights, I know I would love to get that raise that has been dangled my way for literally years now. However, frankly its hard to be sympathetic when its a bunch of athlets poed because they may have to settle for 10 million a year contract instead of 15 million. I just can't care, especially when a raise to me is couple hundred if that. Hell id take a shopping certificate at this point. I am sure many others feel the same way.
The owners have a right to make money as much as the players do yet the players don't seem to care. In every other business, its the workers that make the moolah for the company, yet we don't get the leverage to go "give us 75% of your profits" nor should we. But some how athetes are "special." The rules just don't apply which is bullshit.
Frankly its also insulting. Its like the big wig CEOs who bury a company just to get their 10 million dollar bonus and then boo hoo about how unfair it is they got fired. I am sorry but when your salary is in the millions per year, I have zero sympathy. The players talk on and on about rights, labor, blah blah blah. but really I would give them props if they just stood up and flat out admitted "i greedy, I want my piece of the pie!" I can respect that because I understand that. I want a piece to. Bigger the better, just the like the CEO getting his bonus over the carcasses of his employees. I can't blame them for wanting a piece, but don't cry to the fans and buyers when it doesn't work out.
Anyway, congrats to the owners. I hope they get everything they want and if a few players go bankrupt then HAHA cause thats what they get for not planning and spending way beyond their means.
Normally I am all for worker rights, I know I would love to get that raise that has been dangled my way for literally years now. However, frankly its hard to be sympathetic when its a bunch of athlets poed because they may have to settle for 10 million a year contract instead of 15 million. I just can't care, especially when a raise to me is couple hundred if that. Hell id take a shopping certificate at this point. I am sure many others feel the same way.
The owners have a right to make money as much as the players do yet the players don't seem to care. In every other business, its the workers that make the moolah for the company, yet we don't get the leverage to go "give us 75% of your profits" nor should we. But some how athetes are "special." The rules just don't apply which is bullshit.
Frankly its also insulting. Its like the big wig CEOs who bury a company just to get their 10 million dollar bonus and then boo hoo about how unfair it is they got fired. I am sorry but when your salary is in the millions per year, I have zero sympathy. The players talk on and on about rights, labor, blah blah blah. but really I would give them props if they just stood up and flat out admitted "i greedy, I want my piece of the pie!" I can respect that because I understand that. I want a piece to. Bigger the better, just the like the CEO getting his bonus over the carcasses of his employees. I can't blame them for wanting a piece, but don't cry to the fans and buyers when it doesn't work out.
Anyway, congrats to the owners. I hope they get everything they want and if a few players go bankrupt then HAHA cause thats what they get for not planning and spending way beyond their means.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Embarassing to be a Georgian
Once again Georgia does something that is simply embarassing. In this case, arresting and pressing charges against a Rome Georgia retailer for giving away a historically accurate comic that depicted a nude Pablo Picasso.
Its the whole indencey charge that pisses me off. This attack on the first admendment needs to stop. People don't like something, don't read it. Turn it off, change the channel. The options are endless. As for children, parents should monitor. Just because you think its safe doesn't mean shouldn't check it out first. Be a damn parent. Stop trying to be a friend. Stop assuming others are looking out for you children. Cause guess what, they are not and frankly they shouldn't be. Thats your damn job. Don't have children if can't handle it. Having other people arrested or sued because you failed is setting a bad example at the very least.
Its the whole indencey charge that pisses me off. This attack on the first admendment needs to stop. People don't like something, don't read it. Turn it off, change the channel. The options are endless. As for children, parents should monitor. Just because you think its safe doesn't mean shouldn't check it out first. Be a damn parent. Stop trying to be a friend. Stop assuming others are looking out for you children. Cause guess what, they are not and frankly they shouldn't be. Thats your damn job. Don't have children if can't handle it. Having other people arrested or sued because you failed is setting a bad example at the very least.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The State of the Union '05
I missed it. Decided to go the movies since figured it would be "freedom", "liberty", "social security", and "marriage" repeated over and over.
Based on write ups read on CNN and Fox I was mostly right. I am amazed he mentioned the economy even though it seemed to be a pat on the back for its stagnation. I guess it not sliding backwards but not really growing is a win.
So what else,
War - like how he continues to hammer the whole "bring freedom" thing while ignoring even worse and more dangerous regimes in the world. Also like that whole "WMD" thing just didn't happen.
Social Security - well as 401k programs prove, unless you are already rich, all the investing in the world not going to create a nest egg large enough to retire on. So expect his plan for SS to create a mess in about 20 years. Not that anyone would blame him by then.
Gay Marriage - Sadly an admendment would pass and it proves that America is falling apart at the seems. I guess the whole "equality' thing was just a joke that people have died for 100+ years to prove and make sure America lived up to. So much from learning from history.
Stem cells - You would have though Ronald Reagan's plights would have taught a lesson. Stem cells doesn't harm babies. The fool tries to paint some picture that women are out manufacturing babies to turn over for research or some other way out there line of thinking.
Abortion - Fix the current welfare system and all the children that are left behind, abused, uncared for and stuck in the system then maybe I can support eliminating abortion. As it is we have more children then the system can handle abused and unwanted. Eliminating abortion would simply make a bad situation horribly worse. Its simply evil to do that. For every "thank god i didn't get the abortion" happy story there are probably dozens of "that poor child" stories. Fix the system before moving on to something that will make it worse.
Government spending - Bush talking about fiscal responsibility is hilarious. I mean it. How he about it and keeps a straight face is hilarious. I am guessing his idea would be to eliminate any program that hurts his corporate buddies, increase defense spending for future wars and of course gut education. Now if he has a true, logical plan that is good for the country, more power to him. But his history shows that is highly unlikely.
Basically, you can sum up his State of the Union address as more of the same.
Based on write ups read on CNN and Fox I was mostly right. I am amazed he mentioned the economy even though it seemed to be a pat on the back for its stagnation. I guess it not sliding backwards but not really growing is a win.
So what else,
War - like how he continues to hammer the whole "bring freedom" thing while ignoring even worse and more dangerous regimes in the world. Also like that whole "WMD" thing just didn't happen.
Social Security - well as 401k programs prove, unless you are already rich, all the investing in the world not going to create a nest egg large enough to retire on. So expect his plan for SS to create a mess in about 20 years. Not that anyone would blame him by then.
Gay Marriage - Sadly an admendment would pass and it proves that America is falling apart at the seems. I guess the whole "equality' thing was just a joke that people have died for 100+ years to prove and make sure America lived up to. So much from learning from history.
Stem cells - You would have though Ronald Reagan's plights would have taught a lesson. Stem cells doesn't harm babies. The fool tries to paint some picture that women are out manufacturing babies to turn over for research or some other way out there line of thinking.
Abortion - Fix the current welfare system and all the children that are left behind, abused, uncared for and stuck in the system then maybe I can support eliminating abortion. As it is we have more children then the system can handle abused and unwanted. Eliminating abortion would simply make a bad situation horribly worse. Its simply evil to do that. For every "thank god i didn't get the abortion" happy story there are probably dozens of "that poor child" stories. Fix the system before moving on to something that will make it worse.
Government spending - Bush talking about fiscal responsibility is hilarious. I mean it. How he about it and keeps a straight face is hilarious. I am guessing his idea would be to eliminate any program that hurts his corporate buddies, increase defense spending for future wars and of course gut education. Now if he has a true, logical plan that is good for the country, more power to him. But his history shows that is highly unlikely.
Basically, you can sum up his State of the Union address as more of the same.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Talon News
As show on Daily Show (1/27/05) and elsewhere, a member of the Press Corps asked the following question of George Bush:
Little background. The person that asked the question, Jeff Gannon, is a member of Talon News. Which if go to your site wastes little time in linking to its main parent site, www.gopusa.com, a clearly pro-Bush site.
How is this person a member of the White House press corps?
How in the world did he pass muster to get there?
Has the White House just said to hell with pretending to communicate with the press?
Why is the press in general and other people not questioning his prescence? Has the press gone so far that they don't even bother to question something that reflects poorly on them? Do they not care anymore?
Hell, how can you call this person a reporter? That kind of question is just gross incompetence even if wasn't clearly meant to pander.
Doesn't the Bush Admin know that allowing such a pandering fool into the press corps does little to help him? Its not a plus but a minus to him and his attempt to pretend he is open with the press.
Just a sad state of affairs.
Thank you. Senate Democratic leaders have painted a very bleak picture of the U.S. economy. [Senate Minority Leader] Harry Reid [D-NV] was talking about soup lines. And [Senator] Hillary Clinton [D-NY] was talking about the economy being on the verge of collapse. Yet in the same breath they say that Social Security is rock solid and there's no crisis there. How are you going to work -- you've said you are going to reach out to these people -- how are you going to work with people who seem to have divorced themselves from reality?
Little background. The person that asked the question, Jeff Gannon, is a member of Talon News. Which if go to your site wastes little time in linking to its main parent site, www.gopusa.com, a clearly pro-Bush site.
How is this person a member of the White House press corps?
How in the world did he pass muster to get there?
Has the White House just said to hell with pretending to communicate with the press?
Why is the press in general and other people not questioning his prescence? Has the press gone so far that they don't even bother to question something that reflects poorly on them? Do they not care anymore?
Hell, how can you call this person a reporter? That kind of question is just gross incompetence even if wasn't clearly meant to pander.
Doesn't the Bush Admin know that allowing such a pandering fool into the press corps does little to help him? Its not a plus but a minus to him and his attempt to pretend he is open with the press.
Just a sad state of affairs.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Assault on Precient 13
Good popcorn movie. Great date movie. Doesn't require a big screen to enjoy so watch it as a matinee but don't wait till its a rental. The story is the similar to the orginial but the bad guys are different. In it some cops have to join with some criminials to save their own bacon against the bad guys that are attacking the building, precient 13, that they are in. What unfolds is why they are attacking it, who is attacking it, and how everyone (if any) survives. Simple story, entertaining movie. The acting was good. The character development pretty good for such a story. The action very nice. About the only complaint is the legizamo character. Very annoying. That was intentional but still grated none the less. Early on there is some extreme camera shaking moments, trying to capture that Bourne Supremeacy feel...but luckily someone wised up and nixed it shortly after that. So go out, just the brain off, and enjoy this nice action flick.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Lemony Snicket Review
Eh. This movie was just eh. The idea is decent. The delivery not bad. Jim Carrey acted well but wasn't particurily funny or seemed very evil. The atmosphere, sets and all that good. The story, Carrey tries to kill children for the fortune left by their dead parents, decent. The main problem with the movie is pacing. It was just sooooo freaking slow. To much padding or belief that all that dead weight would equal care for the children. Well, it didn't. Sadly the kids where cute but really the only reason to care about them is cause their parents died. Sad, but not enough to be upset or engrossed in their lives. The movie seemed to have a lesson, an ending designed to make you feel choked up or hopeful. I was just glad the movie was over. This movie is a rental or even better catch it on cable.
Elektra Review
I like to keep reviews short and sweet. Ultimately all that matters is "was i entertained?" In this case yep. The movie was entertaining. Good acting on Jennifer Garners part. Decent plot, good effects and action sequences. The story is basically bad girl seeks redemption by saving cute girl's life several times. Pretty straight forward. Good for making good movies and pleny of bad. In this case just so-so. My main complaint is that it didn't have enough action. Maybe about two real good ones. The rest seemed to be something out of Alias, good but very short. I would have happily traded the CGI for just good ole buttkicking ninja style. Maybe its the limited budget, or limited imagination but this movie just lacked size and scope. I call this one a renter or a matinee. Don't pay the big bucks for it.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Mac Mini
OMG! I may convert. Never really liked Apple machines, not enough software, interface always seemed clunkier then even Windows, but hell for 500, with that kind of speed and price, and even better the sleek look, why not give it a whirl.
By adapters and don't even need to get new monitors, keyboard or mouse (i think).
Check it out.
By adapters and don't even need to get new monitors, keyboard or mouse (i think).
Check it out.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Kudos for Bush?
The Gaurdian wants to. I actually want to also. Anytime a leader responds well to a crisis you want to be able to look at them with pride and so thats MY president. Sadly, as is the norm, the White House response to the Tsunami was anything but something to be proud of.
The fact that it took Bush THREE days to even respond is horrible. Then to decide to respond with a pentence until pressure results in the 350 million donation? As its been pointed out, we allocated 15 billion for florida and "only" several hundred died. The 350 is about of the cost each day for the Iraqi War. So the donation is technically one less day Bush could have troops in Iraq (as if that has a near end). Bush's people also went out of their way to critize Clinton for his "feel your pain" comments with sarcasism and snarkiness instead of stepping up and responding as a representive of the US (with Bush) instead as an individual (as Clinton was). This thing was partisan from the beginning and the weird thing is most of the republican congress wasn't even participating in the White House's behavior (for once), they where trying to respond as leaders are supposed to.
From day one, the response from the White House has been horrendous. If anyone deserves a kudos it is Colin Powell. While the US was waiting on the White House to get its act together, he was the caring face of America. Promising aid and help, showing the concern that the President himself should have done.
Just because Bush finally got his crap together (finally), doesn't excuse the horrendous initial response to this tragedy. If anything this shows why their is genuine fear of Bush. His first response was one of disinterest and arrogance instead of leadership and concern.
The fact that it took Bush THREE days to even respond is horrible. Then to decide to respond with a pentence until pressure results in the 350 million donation? As its been pointed out, we allocated 15 billion for florida and "only" several hundred died. The 350 is about of the cost each day for the Iraqi War. So the donation is technically one less day Bush could have troops in Iraq (as if that has a near end). Bush's people also went out of their way to critize Clinton for his "feel your pain" comments with sarcasism and snarkiness instead of stepping up and responding as a representive of the US (with Bush) instead as an individual (as Clinton was). This thing was partisan from the beginning and the weird thing is most of the republican congress wasn't even participating in the White House's behavior (for once), they where trying to respond as leaders are supposed to.
From day one, the response from the White House has been horrendous. If anyone deserves a kudos it is Colin Powell. While the US was waiting on the White House to get its act together, he was the caring face of America. Promising aid and help, showing the concern that the President himself should have done.
Just because Bush finally got his crap together (finally), doesn't excuse the horrendous initial response to this tragedy. If anything this shows why their is genuine fear of Bush. His first response was one of disinterest and arrogance instead of leadership and concern.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tsunami Aid
CNN's list of places to donate
Hotline numbers from CNN:
HOTLINE NUMBERS
For information on relatives/friends in the affected areas:
India: +91 11 2309 3054
Thailand: +66 2643 5262 and 2643 5000; Phuket enquiries call +66 76 240 729
Sri Lanka: residents: +94 11 536 1938; tourists: +94 11 243 7061
Maldives: +44 20 7224 2149
Hong Kong residents: +852 2829 3010
U.S. citizens: 1-888-407-4747
Australian citizens: Toll-free 1800 002 214
Aid provided:
U.S.A: $350 million
Australia: $764.5 million (1 billion ins Australian dollars)
Germany: $660 million (500 million euros)
Japan: $500 million
Norway: $183 million
Britain: $95 million
Sweden: $75.5 million
Spain: $68 million
France: 65.9 million
Canada: $65.5 million
China: $60 million
Note these figures don't include all countries, private donations and of course the cost of the supplies, man power, machinary etc many many countries are sending.
source: Fox News and CNN
Of disturbing note to me is that many of those effected are not majority Christian and Muslim nations and as a result it seems that most Muslim countries have committed zero aid. Also noticed neither has Vatican City in Rome. I am hoping this is just a reporting oversite and not a refusal on those areas to provide help for religious reasons.
Hotline numbers from CNN:
HOTLINE NUMBERS
For information on relatives/friends in the affected areas:
India: +91 11 2309 3054
Thailand: +66 2643 5262 and 2643 5000; Phuket enquiries call +66 76 240 729
Sri Lanka: residents: +94 11 536 1938; tourists: +94 11 243 7061
Maldives: +44 20 7224 2149
Hong Kong residents: +852 2829 3010
U.S. citizens: 1-888-407-4747
Australian citizens: Toll-free 1800 002 214
Aid provided:
U.S.A: $350 million
Australia: $764.5 million (1 billion ins Australian dollars)
Germany: $660 million (500 million euros)
Japan: $500 million
Norway: $183 million
Britain: $95 million
Sweden: $75.5 million
Spain: $68 million
France: 65.9 million
Canada: $65.5 million
China: $60 million
Note these figures don't include all countries, private donations and of course the cost of the supplies, man power, machinary etc many many countries are sending.
source: Fox News and CNN
Of disturbing note to me is that many of those effected are not majority Christian and Muslim nations and as a result it seems that most Muslim countries have committed zero aid. Also noticed neither has Vatican City in Rome. I am hoping this is just a reporting oversite and not a refusal on those areas to provide help for religious reasons.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Need Amazon.com number?
If you need list of number to attempt to get some customer service with Amazon.com click here.
Monday, December 27, 2004
I Got Nada
I got nada to write about. Sure events are occuring in the world, but I have nothing new to add. I could just repeat other people such as Jeff Jarvis but that seems pointless. I pretty much agree with many of his points so go read some of his stuff. I especially recommend his "God Rolled His Eyes" I-III.
A side note: Entertainment Weekly declared Jon Stewart of the Daily Show Entertainer of the Year. Not exactly sure if thats something a person wants to achieve or not but congrats anyway. Nice to see more and more people appreciating his program. Hopefully this will continue to fuel his attacks on the pathetic press corps.
A side note: Entertainment Weekly declared Jon Stewart of the Daily Show Entertainer of the Year. Not exactly sure if thats something a person wants to achieve or not but congrats anyway. Nice to see more and more people appreciating his program. Hopefully this will continue to fuel his attacks on the pathetic press corps.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Nation of Hate and Fear
You know reading the posts of Republican's and others it seems that most of their views come down to what they like or what they think may or may not happen. Yet they act like the support the ideals of America.
For example flag burning. That is an expression of free speech. I don't like it. I despise it. But I love America more. The America I love accepts it. Just like the America I love accepts bashing of presidents, of critizing them. The America I love recognizes that sometimes the expressions of the rights we take for granted may not be pleasant or agreeable.
A worldview fpr many many many Republican's if they don't like it, it must go, the ideals of America be damned. Rights be damned. To me you can't claim National Pride then support decisions that go against the very grain of the nation. The Patriot Act is one such example. Its suspends rights. America was founded on the ideal that rights trumped EVERYTHING, including safety and life. EVERYTHING. The America I use to know would find such a law that did otherwise unacceptable. That America no longer exists. The America I know believes everyone has a right to express themselves. That is no longer the case. It seems the expression extends to followers of Jesus now, all others need no apply. I also thought America could learn from its own and others past mistakes, but that was wishful thinking.
America is now a country where fear and safety are king, where rights can be ignored or suspended. A country of religious intolerance. A country of hate. I have hope that the country will past this test of nationhood as it seems all countries must. This is our time of hate and fear and when its over we will be much stronger for it.
For example flag burning. That is an expression of free speech. I don't like it. I despise it. But I love America more. The America I love accepts it. Just like the America I love accepts bashing of presidents, of critizing them. The America I love recognizes that sometimes the expressions of the rights we take for granted may not be pleasant or agreeable.
A worldview fpr many many many Republican's if they don't like it, it must go, the ideals of America be damned. Rights be damned. To me you can't claim National Pride then support decisions that go against the very grain of the nation. The Patriot Act is one such example. Its suspends rights. America was founded on the ideal that rights trumped EVERYTHING, including safety and life. EVERYTHING. The America I use to know would find such a law that did otherwise unacceptable. That America no longer exists. The America I know believes everyone has a right to express themselves. That is no longer the case. It seems the expression extends to followers of Jesus now, all others need no apply. I also thought America could learn from its own and others past mistakes, but that was wishful thinking.
America is now a country where fear and safety are king, where rights can be ignored or suspended. A country of religious intolerance. A country of hate. I have hope that the country will past this test of nationhood as it seems all countries must. This is our time of hate and fear and when its over we will be much stronger for it.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Apprentice Finale
Ooh ahhh kelly won. Whoopie. I felt for poor Jen or whatever her name she took a beating for that first hour with everyone fawning on the to-be winner. I give her credit for taking it stride but love to know what thoughts where floating through that head.
Mostly I am disappointed Stacy Rotner lost for no other reason then I have a crush on her. She just roxor me. Gorgeous from head to toe and a brain to match. :X
Well anyway another season endeth and i just can't seem to care. BTW, I think Trump knows on day one who he wants to win cause some of his reasons for tossing where just asinine. Really where. Tossing some for having to much education, then tossing another for not having enough, yet final two both had to much education and not enough experience so in the end it just didn't make sense.
Mostly I am disappointed Stacy Rotner lost for no other reason then I have a crush on her. She just roxor me. Gorgeous from head to toe and a brain to match. :X
Well anyway another season endeth and i just can't seem to care. BTW, I think Trump knows on day one who he wants to win cause some of his reasons for tossing where just asinine. Really where. Tossing some for having to much education, then tossing another for not having enough, yet final two both had to much education and not enough experience so in the end it just didn't make sense.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
LoTR: Return of the King EE
Bought it, watched it, and reminded once again what good movie making is. Few films have integration story with special effects so well. Then when you add the sound and the glorious Howard Shore music...well you have a level of movie making perfection that has rarely been achieved. The most amazing part is that it wasn't done just once...but three times with the entire trilogy.
These films, together and seperate, will be stand the test of time and be considered some of the best ever made in any category. My hats off to the achievements of Peter Jackson and company.
These films, together and seperate, will be stand the test of time and be considered some of the best ever made in any category. My hats off to the achievements of Peter Jackson and company.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Peterson Trial
Well the was declared guilty and sentenced to death. People cheered or cried. This whole trial things annoys me on sooooo many levels.
One is why. Why did this get national attention over all the thousands of murders that occur every year from a husband killing a wife and vice versa? Why does no ask that question. It seems very critical to me to understand why the press picked this story. And make no mistake, it was the press that drove this to national attention. The viewers where words of encouragement only. Am I the only one pissed off by manufactured news of this level.
The woman died, its sad but it is NOT national news. If a husband killing a wife was national then how come all the other deaths that occur national wide not reported on CNN and FoxNews ad nausem? Well one reason is because apparently to be worthy of national news certain requirements have to be made. One is the family has to be photogenic. Do you really think national coverage would have happened if the Petersons where ugly? I don't think. Another requirement is apparently have to live in California. Why, beats the hell out of me. Also you have to be rich and white. The exception to this requirement is if a famous black person. If not rich then apparently your murder is just expected and barely worth local news coverage. Finally the woman has be gorgeous. If men don't look at her photo and think unclean thoughts, well just not good enough.
So the lesson to be learned is this. If photogenic, rich, white woman in California and you get murdered you just might become famous! Then throngs of insane strangers will rally around your corpse and declare love for you!! I bet that will make death go down easier.
BTW, the jury did Peterson a favor. Getting sentenced to death means his litany of appeals will probably get heard when before they may not have. Long story short, expect his ass freed in about 5-10 years.
One is why. Why did this get national attention over all the thousands of murders that occur every year from a husband killing a wife and vice versa? Why does no ask that question. It seems very critical to me to understand why the press picked this story. And make no mistake, it was the press that drove this to national attention. The viewers where words of encouragement only. Am I the only one pissed off by manufactured news of this level.
The woman died, its sad but it is NOT national news. If a husband killing a wife was national then how come all the other deaths that occur national wide not reported on CNN and FoxNews ad nausem? Well one reason is because apparently to be worthy of national news certain requirements have to be made. One is the family has to be photogenic. Do you really think national coverage would have happened if the Petersons where ugly? I don't think. Another requirement is apparently have to live in California. Why, beats the hell out of me. Also you have to be rich and white. The exception to this requirement is if a famous black person. If not rich then apparently your murder is just expected and barely worth local news coverage. Finally the woman has be gorgeous. If men don't look at her photo and think unclean thoughts, well just not good enough.
So the lesson to be learned is this. If photogenic, rich, white woman in California and you get murdered you just might become famous! Then throngs of insane strangers will rally around your corpse and declare love for you!! I bet that will make death go down easier.
BTW, the jury did Peterson a favor. Getting sentenced to death means his litany of appeals will probably get heard when before they may not have. Long story short, expect his ass freed in about 5-10 years.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Poor Kitty
BERLIN (Reuters) - A German couple was shocked after a 275-mile car journey to discover a surprise stowaway cowering next to the engine of their car -- a 6-week-old kitten.
The meows of the tiny animal only became audible after Elisabeth and Dieter Gesehl had parked their car.
"First of all we called the police as we feared for a moment that we must have run over and seriously injured a cat," the 64-year-old woman from Eggenfelden told Bonn express newspaper.
After checking under the hood, however, they discovered the unharmed kitten. The animal, which the couple have since adopted and named "Pussy," was soon back to normal after a few minutes of petting.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=7041359&src=rss/oddlyEnoughNews
- Hope they at least fed the poor thing.
The meows of the tiny animal only became audible after Elisabeth and Dieter Gesehl had parked their car.
"First of all we called the police as we feared for a moment that we must have run over and seriously injured a cat," the 64-year-old woman from Eggenfelden told Bonn express newspaper.
After checking under the hood, however, they discovered the unharmed kitten. The animal, which the couple have since adopted and named "Pussy," was soon back to normal after a few minutes of petting.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=7041359&src=rss/oddlyEnoughNews
- Hope they at least fed the poor thing.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Alexander
Don't watch this movie...ever. Even if its shows up for free at your doorstep or on tv. Its simply aweful and boring. The only good things going for it is Angelina Jolie and Rosario Dawnson (who shows off a great set of tatas) both of whome looked great on screen. Acting, lines, etc onthe otherhand...
This movie should have been titled "Alexander the Gay". Every scene is just loaded with gay sexual innuedno. I don't care if Alexander was gay there are better ways to express that then inordinate amounts of time being spent on gay looks, lines, and longing stares at the dude that looks feminimn. Take all the innuendo out and you have a 2 hour film instead of three.
Then there are other problems, scenes that go way way to long without conveying important information about the man or his supporters. Usually the first line or two is the core idea and the rest is the "Oscar siloquey" films like this suffer from. They might as well splash up a "for oscar consideration" card before these moments. But again they do nothing for the film. Take these out and you have an hour film instead of three.
What is really sad about this film is it doesn't convey WHY he is called Alexander the Great. Apparently its because his mom said so the way the film shows it. Not because he conquered most of the known world or had progressive ideas of a unified world. These are touched upon in the film but poorly as they Oliver Stone just could not miss opportunies to display more gay inneundo.
The only real good think about this movie is the sets, costume design and CGI being used. Anytime see a new set or costume moment, there is a great wow factor. The CGI people also out did themselves. Babylon, Athens, and other cities where conveyed in amazing detail making you wish they existed today to walk through them, truly gorgeous. To bad Oliver Stone didn't depend on them more, might have had a better movie.
So now you are thinking, what about the battle scenes? They have to be good right? Well no. They could have been. Again when CGI is used, great, when not, aweful. And there was only one real epic battle scene. What messed up the scene was again Oliver Stone's dislike of CGI. You literally lose track of what is occuring during the fight. Because of this it has no impact. All you know is Alexander won. You don't know how. It comes across as dumb luck instead of the military prowess of this great leader. Once again undermining why Alexander is great. Its like Stone intentially wanted to make sure that the only thing you learned when walked away was Alexander is gay because he seemed to undermine any other attempt to draw other conclusions.
Now to the acting and writing. Well frankly it was all garbage, across the board. Not only did a lot of lines seemed cribbed from superior films such as Braveheart and Gladiator but they where delivered poorly and without context. There is zero emotional heft in this movie. Pretty much the actors where phoning it in (such as Jolie) or way way out of their depth (such as Colin Ferrell).
Long story short, this movie has no redeeming value to it. Absolutly nothing. Unless you feel like learning that Oliver Stone thinks Alexander is gay there is nothing to gained from watching this movie except a nap and waste of three hours of your life.
This movie should have been titled "Alexander the Gay". Every scene is just loaded with gay sexual innuedno. I don't care if Alexander was gay there are better ways to express that then inordinate amounts of time being spent on gay looks, lines, and longing stares at the dude that looks feminimn. Take all the innuendo out and you have a 2 hour film instead of three.
Then there are other problems, scenes that go way way to long without conveying important information about the man or his supporters. Usually the first line or two is the core idea and the rest is the "Oscar siloquey" films like this suffer from. They might as well splash up a "for oscar consideration" card before these moments. But again they do nothing for the film. Take these out and you have an hour film instead of three.
What is really sad about this film is it doesn't convey WHY he is called Alexander the Great. Apparently its because his mom said so the way the film shows it. Not because he conquered most of the known world or had progressive ideas of a unified world. These are touched upon in the film but poorly as they Oliver Stone just could not miss opportunies to display more gay inneundo.
The only real good think about this movie is the sets, costume design and CGI being used. Anytime see a new set or costume moment, there is a great wow factor. The CGI people also out did themselves. Babylon, Athens, and other cities where conveyed in amazing detail making you wish they existed today to walk through them, truly gorgeous. To bad Oliver Stone didn't depend on them more, might have had a better movie.
So now you are thinking, what about the battle scenes? They have to be good right? Well no. They could have been. Again when CGI is used, great, when not, aweful. And there was only one real epic battle scene. What messed up the scene was again Oliver Stone's dislike of CGI. You literally lose track of what is occuring during the fight. Because of this it has no impact. All you know is Alexander won. You don't know how. It comes across as dumb luck instead of the military prowess of this great leader. Once again undermining why Alexander is great. Its like Stone intentially wanted to make sure that the only thing you learned when walked away was Alexander is gay because he seemed to undermine any other attempt to draw other conclusions.
Now to the acting and writing. Well frankly it was all garbage, across the board. Not only did a lot of lines seemed cribbed from superior films such as Braveheart and Gladiator but they where delivered poorly and without context. There is zero emotional heft in this movie. Pretty much the actors where phoning it in (such as Jolie) or way way out of their depth (such as Colin Ferrell).
Long story short, this movie has no redeeming value to it. Absolutly nothing. Unless you feel like learning that Oliver Stone thinks Alexander is gay there is nothing to gained from watching this movie except a nap and waste of three hours of your life.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Man I suck
More I read other people's blogs the more I realize how I suck at this. What I type is not only shallow but its pointless and boring. On top of that I don't even do it habitually. Like television blogs succeed by being a thing you check out every day or once a week or even once a month. In other words it becomes a habit for the reader. Yet I can't even make it a habit to type junk. Don't know why. I could make excuses I guess but I don't have any. This does tell me one thing...all that thinking about how easy blogging is...wrong wrong wrong. Its hard. It actually does take skill to wright down words regularly and in a way that motivates people to not only read them but decide to come again. So hats off the the successful bloggers and those to come. Maybe with practice I will be one of them.
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