Another day of E3 and more impressions and annoucements of games. The big announcement of the day came from Nintendo, which announced a new Super Smash Bros. for the Wii. When the GameCube was launched way back when Smash Bros was a launch title that got rave reviews.
Other games of note:
- Super Paper Mario for GameCube - Some screenshot and info. Looks pretty good.
- Capcom Classics Mini Mix for GBA - HAs Mighty Final Fight, Bionic Commando, and Strider from the NES era.
- Gears of War for 360 - Slick looking game that make take the reign of top shooter from Halo.
- Virtual Console for Wii - Little bit with the interface for all older systems emulation software. No prices announced to download and play the clasics.
- Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for Nintendo DS - Graphics of the Wind Waker combined with the stylus to control Link. I hope it changes so the stylus helps link but controlling him that way will get tiresome fast based on expericence with Mario 64.
- Wii-mote - Little write up on the pros and cons. Basically it will allow of innovative games but has a little curve. Like the DS with the touchpad, I get the feeling companies will try to force the using the controller in ways it doesn't have be done. In other words just because you can build motion sensitive things into the game doesn't mean you have to do it.
- Bomberland for Wii - Apparently bunch of mini-games rather then the usual blow em all up of previous games. To early in development to know for sure.
- Guitar Hero II for PS2 - Same as before but with co-op mode and more music.
- Justice League Heroes for XBox and PS2 - With JLU leaving the airwaves after this Saturday (seen the ep, drool worthy goodness), can get your fix with this button masher, beat em up, playing as different members of the Justice League.
- World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade for the PC and MAC - New lands, new racces, usual add-ons any MMORPG usual covers.
Click here for all of joystiq.com's game impressions across various platforms. Also, a report on the booth babes and some old style arcade units.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
E3 '06: Sony under Attack
Sony annoucned the new and power of the PS3, it was probably expecting much pats on the back, a bevy of celebration and a glut of consumers that can't wait to get hold of its next gen system. Instead, its apparently having to defend its two tier pricing plan and the cost of the device. Even developers are getting into the mix with Ubisoft Executive Clint Hocking not being particularily pleased with the the "me too" motion control controller that was introduced at E3. Even EA was caught off guard, unawaare of the development of the controller.
Most of the criticsm when all said and done will focus on the price tag of the PS3. It turns out that the difference between the $500 and $600 dollar system isn't just the size of the hard drive. The price difference also comes with certain bells and whistles left out. Turns out if you want to "save" $100 dollars you are giving up not only 40GB of storage but lose WiFi connectivity, memory card reader, and HDMI output. If don't have a high def or never plan to get a high def, that last bit is most likely not important. Leaving it out when annoucning the system though is a little annoying and makes you wonder what other tidbits haven't been disclosed.
Another problem is with Sony's full support of Blu-Ray format which tends to be more expensive and is part of the blame for the overall cost of the system. This is in contant to DVD-HD that Microsoft supports.
Finally, the last complaint is concern over what will be the launch titles? The better the launch titles the better the launch. Nintendo has already annoucned a new Super Mario Bros, Zelda, Metroid and other A-list titles for launch. Knowing Nintendo, not even 1/10th of the proposed launch will be released as planned. Regardless, at least you know the gameplan of Nintendo. Sony on the other hand apparently doesn't yet know what it will release. Based on a report at IGN, Sony doesn't have many titles even close to completion and if they suddenly rush to make launch date, the quality will be effected. You have to many bad quality games at launch and that could effect long term sales ot overcome that inital bad impression.
Suffice it to say, Sony has a bigger hill to climb then they probably initially thought as the 360 and potential of the Wii is stealing all their thunder.
Most of the criticsm when all said and done will focus on the price tag of the PS3. It turns out that the difference between the $500 and $600 dollar system isn't just the size of the hard drive. The price difference also comes with certain bells and whistles left out. Turns out if you want to "save" $100 dollars you are giving up not only 40GB of storage but lose WiFi connectivity, memory card reader, and HDMI output. If don't have a high def or never plan to get a high def, that last bit is most likely not important. Leaving it out when annoucning the system though is a little annoying and makes you wonder what other tidbits haven't been disclosed.
Another problem is with Sony's full support of Blu-Ray format which tends to be more expensive and is part of the blame for the overall cost of the system. This is in contant to DVD-HD that Microsoft supports.
Finally, the last complaint is concern over what will be the launch titles? The better the launch titles the better the launch. Nintendo has already annoucned a new Super Mario Bros, Zelda, Metroid and other A-list titles for launch. Knowing Nintendo, not even 1/10th of the proposed launch will be released as planned. Regardless, at least you know the gameplan of Nintendo. Sony on the other hand apparently doesn't yet know what it will release. Based on a report at IGN, Sony doesn't have many titles even close to completion and if they suddenly rush to make launch date, the quality will be effected. You have to many bad quality games at launch and that could effect long term sales ot overcome that inital bad impression.
Suffice it to say, Sony has a bigger hill to climb then they probably initially thought as the 360 and potential of the Wii is stealing all their thunder.
NSA Secret Phone Records Database and Signing Notes
USA Today has released a report that with the NSA is collecting the phone records of tens of millions of Americans that probably represents billions of call. The data has been collected since 9/11 from the big three - AT&T, Verizon, and Bellsouth (soon to be AT&T). These records include businesses, government offices and individuals not suspected of anything. The Bush Administration says they are within the law. Members of congress are less then pleased with Arlen Specter, R-PA calling for a congressional hearing. CLick here for a mini Q&A about the records collecting.
Wow, Bush just keeps setting in it over and over again. I am starting to think he is aiming for a new record in low approval. Many may claim that the records are irrelevant, after its the same records your cell carrier may send you every month with the bill. You know, what numbers you called, when and for how long. Of course, most neglect to mention that these records alone, when cross referenced with the names attached to those numbers (and you can't tell me the CIA isn't doing that), can tell lots about your day to day habits and living style. Long story short, the information is a gateway that violates the privacy regardless if the conversation itself is being recorded or not.
Its also telling that unlike the illegal tapping controversy, the republicans and democrats seem to be equally appalled about this one. Clearly they where not aware it was going on. I am willing to bet that other then yes-man Gonzalez, almost no one in the DoJ are aware of what was going on. Its strikes me as strange that Bush can claim its legal, but seems to go out of his way to avoid those questions of legality. This constant violation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, while claiming to protect is why there is a seperation of powers.
Speaking of seperation of powers, funny thing about that. Apparently Bush has decided that he is a one man Supreme Court. Bush has claimed that he can ignore more then 750 laws he signed into law during his administration if he believes it voilates the Constituion. Irony aside considering his history, that role is exclusive to the Supreme Court. Bush apparently blieves he can ignore miltary regulations, affirmative action provisions, and other safeguards and protections.
The way Bush has done this is "signing notes" he added to nearly every bill he signs instead of vetoing the bill. Presidents have done this for years but only in an occasional fashion, not with the habitually habit of Bush. It could turn out his little scribbles have no meaning other then historical, but that of course is the problem. Do they have meaning? If so how much? How does this impact the power of the president? How does it impact the inacting and enforcing of the law? Could it be used as a legal precident in other matters? There in lies the problems, all the unanswered questions that could confuse or void the intent of the law Bush signed. Basically another mess to add to the already heaping pile.
Wow, Bush just keeps setting in it over and over again. I am starting to think he is aiming for a new record in low approval. Many may claim that the records are irrelevant, after its the same records your cell carrier may send you every month with the bill. You know, what numbers you called, when and for how long. Of course, most neglect to mention that these records alone, when cross referenced with the names attached to those numbers (and you can't tell me the CIA isn't doing that), can tell lots about your day to day habits and living style. Long story short, the information is a gateway that violates the privacy regardless if the conversation itself is being recorded or not.
Its also telling that unlike the illegal tapping controversy, the republicans and democrats seem to be equally appalled about this one. Clearly they where not aware it was going on. I am willing to bet that other then yes-man Gonzalez, almost no one in the DoJ are aware of what was going on. Its strikes me as strange that Bush can claim its legal, but seems to go out of his way to avoid those questions of legality. This constant violation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, while claiming to protect is why there is a seperation of powers.
Speaking of seperation of powers, funny thing about that. Apparently Bush has decided that he is a one man Supreme Court. Bush has claimed that he can ignore more then 750 laws he signed into law during his administration if he believes it voilates the Constituion. Irony aside considering his history, that role is exclusive to the Supreme Court. Bush apparently blieves he can ignore miltary regulations, affirmative action provisions, and other safeguards and protections.
The way Bush has done this is "signing notes" he added to nearly every bill he signs instead of vetoing the bill. Presidents have done this for years but only in an occasional fashion, not with the habitually habit of Bush. It could turn out his little scribbles have no meaning other then historical, but that of course is the problem. Do they have meaning? If so how much? How does this impact the power of the president? How does it impact the inacting and enforcing of the law? Could it be used as a legal precident in other matters? There in lies the problems, all the unanswered questions that could confuse or void the intent of the law Bush signed. Basically another mess to add to the already heaping pile.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
E3 '06: Games
Lots of games info now flowing out of E3 now that the name console presentations are done. The highlights that interest me anyway:
- 23 new DS games announced.
- Super Paper Mario for GameCube - Peach and Bowser now playable. Trailer here. Screenshots here.
- Star Fox for the DS - Apparently the touch pad is used to draw routes for teammates to take and attack from. So a pseudo-computer based co-op play.
- Sonic Wild Fire for Wii - Apparently very fast and potentially a hit
- Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii - Innovative use of the Wi-mote could make this a new landmark in the Zelda series.
- Golden Axe for PS3 and 360 - The return of the 8-bit title for the next gen consoles. Probably will be the usual beat em up with purty new graphics.
- God of War 2 for the PS2 - The PS2 is not dead yet and this title proves it.
- Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii - Mix Super Mario 64 style play, big round globes, usual Mario fun and the Wii-mote for thie probably must have title.
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Just like the other Prime titles only now have the Wii-mote to make aiming and shooting funner.
- Blue Dragon for the 360 - Next gen console plus dragons. Has to be at least interesting.
- Metal Gear Solid 4 for PS3 - Click link for little info about title and Silent Hill PSP title.
Zapper Attachment for Wii - Basically makes the Wii-mote look like a zapper gun, probably very useful for Metroid Prime 3 Hunters.
- 23 new DS games announced.
- Super Paper Mario for GameCube - Peach and Bowser now playable. Trailer here. Screenshots here.
- Star Fox for the DS - Apparently the touch pad is used to draw routes for teammates to take and attack from. So a pseudo-computer based co-op play.
- Sonic Wild Fire for Wii - Apparently very fast and potentially a hit
- Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii - Innovative use of the Wi-mote could make this a new landmark in the Zelda series.
- Golden Axe for PS3 and 360 - The return of the 8-bit title for the next gen consoles. Probably will be the usual beat em up with purty new graphics.
- God of War 2 for the PS2 - The PS2 is not dead yet and this title proves it.
- Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii - Mix Super Mario 64 style play, big round globes, usual Mario fun and the Wii-mote for thie probably must have title.
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Just like the other Prime titles only now have the Wii-mote to make aiming and shooting funner.
- Blue Dragon for the 360 - Next gen console plus dragons. Has to be at least interesting.
- Metal Gear Solid 4 for PS3 - Click link for little info about title and Silent Hill PSP title.
Zapper Attachment for Wii - Basically makes the Wii-mote look like a zapper gun, probably very useful for Metroid Prime 3 Hunters.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
E3 '06: Microsoft Press Conference
Microsoft did its presentation also today. It announced its upcoming game slate, new accessories for the 360 and basically a desire to take advantage of the lead that Nintendo and Sony have granted.
Highlights:
- XBox Live arcade apparently has some arcade games of yesteryears and has added Lumines Live to the list.
- 2nd wave titles: Games of War, Halo 3, Prey, Superman Returns, 99 Nights, Fables 2, Dead or Alive XTreme 2, and Grand Theft Auto IV (release 10/16/07) and usual EA sports games.
- New accessories: wireless wheel controller, wireless headset, XBox Live Vision Camera and HD DVD player.
- Rockstar will produce exclusive episodic content for XBox.
- Also announced some games will be cross platformed for the PC and apparently the graphically speaking, the different between console and PC is starting to evaporate.
- Live Anywhere - Apparently some method to provide cross-platform possibilities where your progress, stats, gameplay etc is shared. Example would be playing a game on the 360 and then continue playing the game on your cell. Its based upon Vista and so more details are irrelevent until 2007.
The conference notes are here.
E3 '06: Nintendo Press Conference
Nintendo announced their slate of Wii and DS things for the upcoming year. The goal is to stroke the fires of interests and passion. Based on what I am reading, I have more then a little concern that this might just be Nintendo's last hurrah in the console market. I pray I am wrong.
The highlights:
- Release date is Q4 2006, ie November or December.
- Price: Didn't say. Which either means its high and they don't want to risk losing any momentum at the start of E3, or they think they can make the price cheaper. Hopefully the latter.
- Launch games: Metroid Prime 3, Dragon Quest Swords, Super Mario Galaxy, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and many more - Considering Nintendo's history on release dates, believe it only when you see it.
- Graphics don't compete with PS3 and 360
- Controller has built-in speaker and rumble
- Final Fantasy III, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Yoshi 2 is coming for DS - not sure but think this would be the first time FFIII has been stateside.
- If don't like the Wii-mote then there is also the classic controller which looks like a modified version of the Super NES controller with an iPod feel. See above.
Blow by blow of the conference is here.
Hands On with Wii - Basically fun with a small learning curve.
Beatles Lose Apple Fight but War continues
The Beatles lost round 1 of a court case against Apple Computers for copyright enfringment. Its turns out that the Beatles library is owned by a company called Apple Corp, which is owned by the Beatles. Got that? Anyway, since Apple Computers is now kindof sorta in the music business, the Beatles feel infringed upon. Afterall, don't you think Apple Corp when you think Beatles?
The judge basically said your off your rocker, pay Apple Computers courts costs and be on your merry way. Of course the Beatles don't like this answer and will appeal. Not sure what the goal is but bet its trying to get a piece of the iTunes pie. Greed will out and all that.
Random computer link:
Top 10 XP Tips
Fresh Devices
The judge basically said your off your rocker, pay Apple Computers courts costs and be on your merry way. Of course the Beatles don't like this answer and will appeal. Not sure what the goal is but bet its trying to get a piece of the iTunes pie. Greed will out and all that.
Random computer link:
Top 10 XP Tips
Fresh Devices
Monday, May 08, 2006
E3 '06: Sony Press Conference
Sony has just finished their pre-show conference for E3 announcing some of the games and plans for the Playstation 3. The main highlights:
- Playstation 3 prices 20gig is $500 and 60gig is $600
- release date is around november 17 in the US, Nov 11th in Japan.
- Controller is bluetooth wireless and supports motion sensing technology in the usual Duel Shock controller package.
- Final Fantasy XIII is coming for PS3 (most likely sometime late 2007)
- games are the usual shoot em up, beat em up, drive and play sports variety. IE PS's stock and trade.
- the PSP will have an emulator added so can download and play orginial playstation games (the cost of a game was unspecified). PSP future updates will include RSS video, Flash and VoIP.
Other E3 rumor suggests that Nintendo Wii is going to be $250 and also released in November. Basically XBox has about 6 months to build as strong a stranglehold in the industry it can (and will probably fail to do). Blow by blow of the conference with some screenshots here.
E3 Begins.
E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo has begun. The expo is basically the place well all the video game companies and announce their new toys and titles for the next year.
Since this is the year of the next gen console, the news should be big with Sony and Nintendo finally giving the public the details they need when deciding their next-gen purchase.
The news will be fast and furious but below are a few good sites to get your news.
Engadget
Joystiq
GameSpot
GameDaily
Gaming-Age
E3 Insider
A little new to wet the appetite.
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XIII will be lease for the Playstation 3. Final Fantasy: ring of Fates is coming for the DS and Final Fantasy: Crystal Bearers for the Wii. The last two titles are based off of the Crystal Chronicles FF franchise. Full press conference here.
2006 Summer Movie Predictions
Time to guess what will make moolah this summer and what will not. These are all guesses and if I turn out to be right...I claim the hard work and dedication to achieve accuracy. Money is domestic only not overseas. Money makers are not so much "greatest weekend ever!!!" and "#1 comedy/drama on a fourth sunday in May!" and more of a cost (movie + advertisement) - sells = moolah type of deal.
The money makers, most of which are gimme's.
- Superman (350 million) - The ticket of the summer. Everyone and their mother will go see this. Word of mouth and repeat sells will drive this movie into the number movie of the summer easy. I expect a 110 million opening weekend.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (250 million) - This will be the other ticket of the summer and get lots o repeat business, good for the money machine.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (225 million) - Its like printing money.
- The Da Vinci Code (215 million) - Based on huge book, Tom Hanks, and looks interesting as heck. Don't see much repeat business though.
- Cars (180 million) - Its going to be considered a miss by Pixar standards. I don't think it will have the repeat buys and solid word of mouth that previous Pixar films had.
- Click (150 million) - Its creative looking, it might actually have heart, the teaser gives the entire story away and its has Kate Beckinsale looking hotterific.
- Over The Hedge (135 million) - Looks cute as heck and might even entertain better then the Wild did.
Break-even (make enough of its money back to not be a complete failure)
- Mission Impossible 3 (125 million) - Tom Cruise will hurt it but not as much as people think, DVDs though is where this will get back its cost.
- Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (100 million) - Its fast and the furious, high on action, low on personality, story, and special effects.
- Talladega Nights (80 million) - "Made by the team of Weatherman" should be a red flag about how mcuh this movie will suck. The NASCAR crowd will see it opening weekend, and thats about it.
- Snakes on a Plane (75 million) - Everyone says sleeper hit. I say break-even. Even with the man Samuel L Jackson and a bevy of internet support, I think it will be the Serenity of 2006.
- Strangers with Candy (35 million) - Based on a comedy central show about a creepy ugly women. Its a cheap movie so its doesn't take much to break even.
- Clerk II (35 million) - Technically a failure but because its cheap to make, its would take a really poor showing to actually loose money. Their are enough View-Askewverse fans to keep it even.
The money loosers.- Poseidon (75 million) - Retread of a tired story that was recently horrible done on TV
- Miami Vice (90 million) - Based on the slick 80s show and probably re-imagined for the egos of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Lots of things go boom and you will take a snooze.
- My Super Ex-Girlfriend (65 million) - Superhero and love never mixes well. With Uma "depends on lightning to look good" Thurman, there really isn't a hook to make this movie rise above the rest of the movie noise.
- The Break-Up (60 million) - Vince Vaugn does his thing and does it well, but Jennifer Aniston for all her sex appear isn't nearly as good as she and Hollywood thinks she is. Get a second coming on DVD though.
- A Scanner Darkly (60 million) - Curious looking film that will only get sells from comic fans, the curious and the bored.
- World Trade Center (55 million) - United 93 shows that US just isn't ready for 9/11 films. That combines with the always touchy and conspiracy prone Oliver Stone, and many will take a pass.
- The Omen (50 million) - Frankly its being sold horribly and interest seems to be in the non-existant range. Plus its the Omen, a crappy movie the first time it was made and in today's horror = gore or atmosphere but no story, well the signs are bad.
- DOA: Dead or Alive (50 million) - Based on a video game and the track record or those is basically 0 for 1000.
- The Devil Wears Prada (45 million) - One of those Wha? movies for everyone but those that read the book. The cast will get some feet in the door and thats about it.
- Nacho Libre (40 million) - Jack Black may be in it but a stinker is a stinker. This isn't the sleeper many are predicting.
- Garfield's A Tale of Two Kitties (20 million) - The first stunk, this will stink worse. But the goal is just to make some moolah in theatres to help make even more moolah on DVD. The producers will be pleased with any ticket sells.
The suprises.
- Monster House (150 million) - I don't think this movie is on most people's radar but by the time the summer is done most people will have found out about this film and be suprised.
- Just My Luck (80 million) - Lindsay Lohen looking hot and back in her comfort zone. Simple cheap movie that will get the tweens in the seats.
Not to many suprises this year but after the poor showing in theatres last years, studios are going to play it safe as much as possible. The rest is up to the viewing public. Don't feel sad though, with DVD sales and the growing overseas market, even a "failure" can still be profitable (assuming the studios didn't screw themselves on backend points with the stars.)
The money makers, most of which are gimme's.
- Superman (350 million) - The ticket of the summer. Everyone and their mother will go see this. Word of mouth and repeat sells will drive this movie into the number movie of the summer easy. I expect a 110 million opening weekend.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (250 million) - This will be the other ticket of the summer and get lots o repeat business, good for the money machine.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (225 million) - Its like printing money.
- The Da Vinci Code (215 million) - Based on huge book, Tom Hanks, and looks interesting as heck. Don't see much repeat business though.
- Cars (180 million) - Its going to be considered a miss by Pixar standards. I don't think it will have the repeat buys and solid word of mouth that previous Pixar films had.
- Click (150 million) - Its creative looking, it might actually have heart, the teaser gives the entire story away and its has Kate Beckinsale looking hotterific.
- Over The Hedge (135 million) - Looks cute as heck and might even entertain better then the Wild did.
Break-even (make enough of its money back to not be a complete failure)
- Mission Impossible 3 (125 million) - Tom Cruise will hurt it but not as much as people think, DVDs though is where this will get back its cost.
- Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (100 million) - Its fast and the furious, high on action, low on personality, story, and special effects.
- Talladega Nights (80 million) - "Made by the team of Weatherman" should be a red flag about how mcuh this movie will suck. The NASCAR crowd will see it opening weekend, and thats about it.
- Snakes on a Plane (75 million) - Everyone says sleeper hit. I say break-even. Even with the man Samuel L Jackson and a bevy of internet support, I think it will be the Serenity of 2006.
- Strangers with Candy (35 million) - Based on a comedy central show about a creepy ugly women. Its a cheap movie so its doesn't take much to break even.
- Clerk II (35 million) - Technically a failure but because its cheap to make, its would take a really poor showing to actually loose money. Their are enough View-Askewverse fans to keep it even.
The money loosers.- Poseidon (75 million) - Retread of a tired story that was recently horrible done on TV
- Miami Vice (90 million) - Based on the slick 80s show and probably re-imagined for the egos of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Lots of things go boom and you will take a snooze.
- My Super Ex-Girlfriend (65 million) - Superhero and love never mixes well. With Uma "depends on lightning to look good" Thurman, there really isn't a hook to make this movie rise above the rest of the movie noise.
- The Break-Up (60 million) - Vince Vaugn does his thing and does it well, but Jennifer Aniston for all her sex appear isn't nearly as good as she and Hollywood thinks she is. Get a second coming on DVD though.
- A Scanner Darkly (60 million) - Curious looking film that will only get sells from comic fans, the curious and the bored.
- World Trade Center (55 million) - United 93 shows that US just isn't ready for 9/11 films. That combines with the always touchy and conspiracy prone Oliver Stone, and many will take a pass.
- The Omen (50 million) - Frankly its being sold horribly and interest seems to be in the non-existant range. Plus its the Omen, a crappy movie the first time it was made and in today's horror = gore or atmosphere but no story, well the signs are bad.
- DOA: Dead or Alive (50 million) - Based on a video game and the track record or those is basically 0 for 1000.
- The Devil Wears Prada (45 million) - One of those Wha? movies for everyone but those that read the book. The cast will get some feet in the door and thats about it.
- Nacho Libre (40 million) - Jack Black may be in it but a stinker is a stinker. This isn't the sleeper many are predicting.
- Garfield's A Tale of Two Kitties (20 million) - The first stunk, this will stink worse. But the goal is just to make some moolah in theatres to help make even more moolah on DVD. The producers will be pleased with any ticket sells.
The suprises.
- Monster House (150 million) - I don't think this movie is on most people's radar but by the time the summer is done most people will have found out about this film and be suprised.
- Just My Luck (80 million) - Lindsay Lohen looking hot and back in her comfort zone. Simple cheap movie that will get the tweens in the seats.
Not to many suprises this year but after the poor showing in theatres last years, studios are going to play it safe as much as possible. The rest is up to the viewing public. Don't feel sad though, with DVD sales and the growing overseas market, even a "failure" can still be profitable (assuming the studios didn't screw themselves on backend points with the stars.)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
4th Amendment and General Hayden
Possible new CIA head is General Hayden. He is a huge fan of the wiretap policy of the administration...and apparently doesn't know what the fourth amendment says.
Landay: "...the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifies that you must have probable cause to violate an American's right against unreasonable searches and seizures..."
Gen. Hayden: "No, actually - the Fourth Amendment actually protects all of us against unreasonable search and seizure."
Landay: "But the --"
Gen. Hayden: "That's what it says."
Landay: "The legal measure is probable cause, it says."
Gen. Hayden: "The Amendment says: unreasonable search and seizure."
Landay: "But does it not say 'probable cause'?"
Gen. Hayden [exasperated, scowling]: "No! The Amendment says unreasonable search and seizure."
Landay: "The legal standard is probable cause, General -- "
Gen. Hayden [indignant]: "Just to be very clear ... mmkay... and believe me, if there's any Amendment to the Constitution that employees of the National Security Agency are familiar with, it's the Fourth. Alright? And it is a reasonableness standard in the Fourth Amendment. The constitutional standard is 'reasonable'" ( h/t Dale)
What the fourth says:
To quote the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States in its entirety, the one the general and the NSA folks are so familiar with and know is about reasonableness and not about probable cause, quote, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Sadly, because of the cowardice of the republican party, the guy would pass easily. On bright side, at least his background indicates he might actually have the background to do the job but that doesn't mean he deserves the postion.
Picture from cnn.com
McIntrye in the Morning Apologizes
Something pretty amazing has occured in this age of follow your party no matter what act of stupidity or damage it does. A republican apolgizes. Doug McIntyre, radio host on Talk Radio 790 KABC in New York (i think) apolgizes for voting for Bush in 2000. Basically he has seen the light and in his apology lists all the damage that Bush has done. If look at the line-up on KABC, its clearly a conservative station so this is actually pretty amazing. Make no mistake though, he hold democrats to the fire for their total lack of leadership and inability to get their act together.
The essay is worth reading and highly recommend.
Some highlights:
Tragically, the Democrats have allowed crackpots, leftists and demagogic cowards to snipe from the sidelines while taking no responsibility for anything.
Its sad, with all the mistakes, corruption and cronyism of the Bush and Republican era, this is prime opportunity for Democrats to step up to the plate. Instead they cower in the dugout.
The essay is worth reading and highly recommend.
Some highlights:
But in the months and years since shock and awe I have been shocked repeatedly by a consistent litany of excuses, alibis, double-talk, inaccuracies, bogus predictions, and flat out lies. I have watched as the President and his administration changed the goals, redefined the reasons for going into Iraq, and fumbled the good will of the world and the focus necessary to catch the real killers of September 11th.
I have watched the President say the commanders on the ground will make the battlefield decisions, and the war won’t be run from Washington. Yet, politics has consistently determined what the troops can and can’t do on the ground and any commander who did not go along with the administration was sacked, and in some cases, maligned.
Katrina, Harriet Myers, The Dubai Port Deal, skyrocketing gas prices, shrinking wages for working people, staggering debt, astronomical foreign debt, outsourcing, open borders, contempt for the opinion of the American people, the war on science, media manipulation, faith based initives, a cavalier attitude toward fundamental freedoms-- this President has run the most arrogant and out-of-touch administration in my lifetime, perhaps, in any American’s lifetime.
Tragically, the Democrats have allowed crackpots, leftists and demagogic cowards to snipe from the sidelines while taking no responsibility for anything.
Its sad, with all the mistakes, corruption and cronyism of the Bush and Republican era, this is prime opportunity for Democrats to step up to the plate. Instead they cower in the dugout.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Porter Goss, CIA Chief Resign
After only a year and a half on the job, Porter Goss resigned, effective immediatly, as the CIA chief. Not much to say except something stinks to high hell about this. TalkingPointsMemo suggests it has something to do with "HookerGate" that is currently being investigated. Apparently Hookergate is contracters using hookers and parties over at Watergate to get defense contractors. You know basically what everyone assumes is occuring but noone talks about. Since Republicans are the only ones worth wining and dining, its can't be good for the dogpile of problems they are already dealing with. Not a dig, but you are not going to wine and dine a democrat that can barely scratch his ass without permission from a republican. This should be a story worth watching once the mainstream media gets wind, usually about 3 days behind the online media nowadays.
DS Lite Release: June 11th for $129.99
Nintendo has finally confirmed a release date for the Nintendo DS Lite in North America. It arrives in white, for existing prices of $129.99. This probably means that Nintendo will phase out the production of the older version since the prices are identical. There are other colors available in Japan, so if want some variety, history shows wait about three months.
Un-edited Star Wars Trilogy on DVD
Lucasfilms has announced that for a limited time only, they will release the unaltered, pre-1997 versions of Star Wars on DVD from September 12th to December 31st. Each movie will be a two disc set containing the orginial film and the new editions developed in the 2004.
Good news, except for the fact I have a set of the 2004 series that will quickly become redundant. Really wish the studios would get this right the first time because I am starting to stop buying DVDs on the assumption the "new and improved" version will get released at a later date. Crap like this only re-enforces the notion.
Good news, except for the fact I have a set of the 2004 series that will quickly become redundant. Really wish the studios would get this right the first time because I am starting to stop buying DVDs on the assumption the "new and improved" version will get released at a later date. Crap like this only re-enforces the notion.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Superman Returns Trailer
Looks good. Lex may be a little over the top. Hopefully the bits don't represent the whole. Everyone looks to young considering its playing off Superman I and II mythology. Not saying 20 years older, but five years older as established by the movie plot. Instead it looks like every lost about 10 years. Oh well. Minor quibbles. Main thing is the look and the flying looking sweet.
Apple linky.
Apple linky.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Stephen Colbert at White House Correspondents Dinner
Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" was a guest speakers at Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner. The dinner is basically a way for the rich and powerful politicians to rub elbows with the rich and famous and the press.
The presentation is usually mostly humorous, a kind of tepid roast of the sitting President. This year Bush did a pretty funny bit using a person impersonating him as his inner thoughts. The real moment of the show was at the end though.
Stephen Colbert basically ripped the President and the press corp a new one with his jokes. The move was simply ballsy and amazing to view. I still can't believe he did that. Historically the comedian's job is to cow tow to his audience, a little gotcha humor but mostly keep it safe. Not Colbert. He was noone near safe. He held very little back.
"Listen, let's review the rules. Here's how it works: the president makes decisions. He's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Put them through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration. You know -- fiction." That is just one example of many scathing jokes that was met with tepid responses from the audience. No suprise, the press is notoriousily thin skinned when the spotlight of imcompetence or humor is shined on them.
An interesting aspect of this whole thing is that the press then chose to report very little about this event. From reading press reports you almost wouldn't even be aware that Colbert was the comedic guest of the event. Its like they want to pretend he didn't attend. This of course is the press doing what they do best, the omission of facts. Can't say you lied if you didn't report what occured.
The blogosphere of course can't be fooled. What they will not report, the bloggers of the will happily do for them. Below is a few links including video. Especially note how much you may laugh and how its the opposite of how the audience responded. Sadly I think Colbert will take a hit as the press's usually response to insult is to deny access, which sound vaguely familiar doesn't it?
YouTube.com videos: part 1, part 2, part 3
C-Span's entire video of event is here.
ABCNew.com video, starts with the President's bit, actually worth watching is here.
Transcript is here.
Blogs and other links about the event:
Dan Froomlin, ABCNews
Whiskey Bar
MediaBistro
Crooks and Liars
PublicEye
Editor & Publisher
www.thankyoustephencolbert.org - Pass along your thank you for his routine.
The presentation is usually mostly humorous, a kind of tepid roast of the sitting President. This year Bush did a pretty funny bit using a person impersonating him as his inner thoughts. The real moment of the show was at the end though.
Stephen Colbert basically ripped the President and the press corp a new one with his jokes. The move was simply ballsy and amazing to view. I still can't believe he did that. Historically the comedian's job is to cow tow to his audience, a little gotcha humor but mostly keep it safe. Not Colbert. He was noone near safe. He held very little back.
"Listen, let's review the rules. Here's how it works: the president makes decisions. He's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Put them through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration. You know -- fiction." That is just one example of many scathing jokes that was met with tepid responses from the audience. No suprise, the press is notoriousily thin skinned when the spotlight of imcompetence or humor is shined on them.
An interesting aspect of this whole thing is that the press then chose to report very little about this event. From reading press reports you almost wouldn't even be aware that Colbert was the comedic guest of the event. Its like they want to pretend he didn't attend. This of course is the press doing what they do best, the omission of facts. Can't say you lied if you didn't report what occured.
The blogosphere of course can't be fooled. What they will not report, the bloggers of the will happily do for them. Below is a few links including video. Especially note how much you may laugh and how its the opposite of how the audience responded. Sadly I think Colbert will take a hit as the press's usually response to insult is to deny access, which sound vaguely familiar doesn't it?
YouTube.com videos: part 1, part 2, part 3
C-Span's entire video of event is here.
ABCNew.com video, starts with the President's bit, actually worth watching is here.
Transcript is here.
Blogs and other links about the event:
Dan Froomlin, ABCNews
Whiskey Bar
MediaBistro
Crooks and Liars
PublicEye
Editor & Publisher
www.thankyoustephencolbert.org - Pass along your thank you for his routine.
Microsoft loses $32 billion in one day
Microsoft's market value took a $32 billion nose dive Friday. You may thing yes! Did they lose money because of bad products? Bad management? Crappy sales? Profits not meet expectations? Nope, sadly none are the reasons.
According to the Seattle Times:
Basically Microsoft took this hit because they decided to invest to gain profits in the long term rather then the short term. God forbid they think about the future beyond the next quarter. This is a solid example why US businesses are falling apart. Microsoft can take this hit, but what about companies that can't? This is why layoffs are always the quick temp fix. Why canceling projects, short term ideas are employed. The alternative is to risk losing more value in the market then the action is worth. Such a "risk" could then doom a company. This is the sad state of US business policies. Our national ADD and impatience for results now rather then later. This is why we are losing ground to China and India and why are days as a "superpower" are going to end. To be punished for thinking long term is hubris beyond all repair and the nation will pay for it.
According to the Seattle Times:
Microsoft's stock closed at $24.15, down $3.10 a share, or 11.4 percent, after the Redmond software company indicated plans Thursday to invest more in its businesses — including a battle for the Internet with Google and Yahoo! — at the expense of higher short-term profits.
Basically Microsoft took this hit because they decided to invest to gain profits in the long term rather then the short term. God forbid they think about the future beyond the next quarter. This is a solid example why US businesses are falling apart. Microsoft can take this hit, but what about companies that can't? This is why layoffs are always the quick temp fix. Why canceling projects, short term ideas are employed. The alternative is to risk losing more value in the market then the action is worth. Such a "risk" could then doom a company. This is the sad state of US business policies. Our national ADD and impatience for results now rather then later. This is why we are losing ground to China and India and why are days as a "superpower" are going to end. To be punished for thinking long term is hubris beyond all repair and the nation will pay for it.
Nintendo Revolution Now Named Wii
Nintendo announced today the official name of its next gen console. Its now called the Wii, pronouced like "we" or "whee". The name Revolution was also a code name for the project but most, including me, assumed that would become its final name as thats been the tendancy in the past. Plus its good name. The online sites have been having a field day with the name change announcement. Nintendo stance is the name reflects the fun and to emphasis "that the console is for everyone."
My initial reaction was the sneer. After much thought, my reaction is to ask "why?". My final reaction is to simply shake my head in confusion and be saddened by this PR blunder that Nintendo isn't even aware of yet. Can you imagine going into a store and asking "Got any Wii games in?" I just feel stupid thinking about it.
E3 starts May ninth I think. That will tell us if "Wii" will be worth buying, crappy name or not.
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