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.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
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.
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