In another example of a country gone wacky on get rich easy through litigation, a New York grandmother is sueing Rockstar, the make of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas because she was upset over their "false, misleading, and deceptive practices."
For those that don't know, recently this game was changed to Adults Only rating do because khackers discovered hidden sexual explicit areas on the game. Areas that are by no means easy to access. Now before then this game was Mature Only (17+ years of age), which means if parents where doing their part, and lets face it many don't bother anymore, that 14 year old child should never have owned the game to begin with. Which is a main reason why the case should be tossed out, the grandmother should have never bought the game to begin with. The ONLY difference between a M rating and an A rating is wether the person is 17 or 18 years old. That is it! The judge should toss this case on its ass for that reason alone but we all know it will get settled and her get rich scheme will be a success.
Now of course, led by that worthless piece of crap Hillary Clinton, Congress once again wants to somehow legislate video games. This is a good example of how laws don't always help. Here is a rating systems that clearly states children shouldn't own the game. Its all over the box, the advertisement, any read up on the game would make it clear on any internet site in the world. Yet this and many other adults go right out and buy the games anyway turning them over to children without making even basic research or I don't know, reading the fucking box. Then they go crying about how they didn't know. How about instead of trying to force retailers to somehow tell adults what to do, they punish the parents for not doing their fucking jobs. I am so sick of everyone else being punished because of the laziness of others.
Anyone can agree that the extra content, since not really meant for retail use, should have been removed from the code before it shipped. The fact that it took over a year to be discovered is a good indication it wasn't meant to be found, but still, not there can never be found. They have since been punished with the bad press, loss of sales, and the government scrutinizing everything. Yet no one still asks the fundamental question, how can government "fix it" if parents don't do their part. If Clinton wants to do something useful, ask the question "where where the parents?"
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Supreme Court Nom
Too early to form an opinion on the nomination but based on what little I have read, I don't really have cause to complain. Sounds like Bush might have picked a conservative moderate and really can't ask better then that (well for a liberal moderate of course :P). I am alo pleased that Bush didn't pick a woman or minority just to pick a woman or minority so points for that to.
Now here is the thing, its been proven that the press (and by extension congress) only has the attention span for one story at a time, so which will get the focus now? Rove or Court nom? Next few days should be interesting. Either way Bush wins. Attention focuses on the nom, Rove story becomes "old". Or they stay drilled on Rove, attention moves away from the nom making his passage more likely.
Now not saying that the Court nomination was planned for that cause really, I don't. Bush had to wait long enough after the British bombings to announce and if he waited too long that would just look indecisive. So timing is just lucky happenstance.
Now here is the thing, its been proven that the press (and by extension congress) only has the attention span for one story at a time, so which will get the focus now? Rove or Court nom? Next few days should be interesting. Either way Bush wins. Attention focuses on the nom, Rove story becomes "old". Or they stay drilled on Rove, attention moves away from the nom making his passage more likely.
Now not saying that the Court nomination was planned for that cause really, I don't. Bush had to wait long enough after the British bombings to announce and if he waited too long that would just look indecisive. So timing is just lucky happenstance.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Harry Potter Year 6
Just finished the book and sadly I found it too short at only 630 pages. I wanted it to be longer because it was such an enjoyable read. I love to read, always have, and I can't recommend Harry Potter enough. It is a great read for all ages. Once get to book 3, you will not stop till get through with six.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a great and enjoyable read that further's his adventures and his relationships. The novel goes a long way into filling in the back story, motivations and evil of Lord Vordemort while at the same time showing how that back story plays apart into the previous books including a very neat explanation for the diary in the Chamber of Secrets. Pretty much every previous book gets touched upon in this story further filling out many backstories and questions. And like any good book series, new questions arise to join the ones not yet answered. If I had one complaint, it was the ending which seemed sudden and quick even with the big o' boomstick that Rawlings dropped on fans. Oddly enough the ending seems so rushed with the changes, revelations, and a quest that is introduced. that it feels like either the next book will be dictionary sized or maybe just maybe year 7 may not necessary be just one book. I don't remember if Rawlings ever said there would be only 7 books or 7 years but on can hope for the former.
New or old, go read this and all other Harry Potter books.
Now for some mean o fun:
SPOILERS LURK AHEAD, YOU KEEP READING DON'T COMPLAIN TO ME
- Snape kills Dumbledore.
- Voldemort is practically immortal because he committed murders to store 7 pieces of his soul in objects including the diary and his current body.
- To kill Voldemort, all 7 pieces have to be destroyed. Currently two pieces are destroyed, the diary and Sytherin's ring.
- Remaining pieces are in a snake, Humplepuff cup, and two unknown objects beloning to Ravenclaw and the other house.
- Potter vows to destroy Voldemort and will not return to the school to do it.
- Malfoy is instructmental in helping to kill Dumbledore, yet at the same time sorta redeems himself.
- Snape is the one that informed his master of the prophecy that led to the death of Potter's parents and his mark.
- Voldemort created his own arch enemy by responding to the prophecy. No action taken, no dead potter parents and no "chosen one".
- And for the wee ones, Harry and Ginny "snog" then break up and Ron and Hermoine are clearing about to snog but haven't yet.
- Lord Vordemort is winning the war.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a great and enjoyable read that further's his adventures and his relationships. The novel goes a long way into filling in the back story, motivations and evil of Lord Vordemort while at the same time showing how that back story plays apart into the previous books including a very neat explanation for the diary in the Chamber of Secrets. Pretty much every previous book gets touched upon in this story further filling out many backstories and questions. And like any good book series, new questions arise to join the ones not yet answered. If I had one complaint, it was the ending which seemed sudden and quick even with the big o' boomstick that Rawlings dropped on fans. Oddly enough the ending seems so rushed with the changes, revelations, and a quest that is introduced. that it feels like either the next book will be dictionary sized or maybe just maybe year 7 may not necessary be just one book. I don't remember if Rawlings ever said there would be only 7 books or 7 years but on can hope for the former.
New or old, go read this and all other Harry Potter books.
Now for some mean o fun:
SPOILERS LURK AHEAD, YOU KEEP READING DON'T COMPLAIN TO ME
- Snape kills Dumbledore.
- Voldemort is practically immortal because he committed murders to store 7 pieces of his soul in objects including the diary and his current body.
- To kill Voldemort, all 7 pieces have to be destroyed. Currently two pieces are destroyed, the diary and Sytherin's ring.
- Remaining pieces are in a snake, Humplepuff cup, and two unknown objects beloning to Ravenclaw and the other house.
- Potter vows to destroy Voldemort and will not return to the school to do it.
- Malfoy is instructmental in helping to kill Dumbledore, yet at the same time sorta redeems himself.
- Snape is the one that informed his master of the prophecy that led to the death of Potter's parents and his mark.
- Voldemort created his own arch enemy by responding to the prophecy. No action taken, no dead potter parents and no "chosen one".
- And for the wee ones, Harry and Ginny "snog" then break up and Ron and Hermoine are clearing about to snog but haven't yet.
- Lord Vordemort is winning the war.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Return of the Press Corps!
As the Daily Show recently highlighted on its Tuesday Karl Rove edition, the Press Corps have finally remembered what their job is. One of even invoked the sacred "don't the people have the right to know" comment. Something probably not heard in that building for at least five years. The White House continues to comment with the "don't comment on an investigation [when one of us is named but have no problem doing it]" defense and finally the press corps has perked up and said "how odd". The smelled blood, they since the ability to tear a person's life to shreds, to bring someone high down low, to finally do what they love to do. The shark has awakened. Oh how the american public has pleaded for this shark to return.
Lies to the public didn't awaken the shark. The bad intelligence, the lack of WMDs, the plethora of lies and misinformation about Iraq, the list goes on really of huge wrongs didn't wake the shark. Hell, not even some gay escort non-journalist given full press crendentials and unheard of access awoke the shark. Instead of wakes the press corps? The reveal of ultimatly inconsequential name. All those many many wrongs and the press stays quiet and slumbers. But for this it awakes?!? What the hell? All these wrongs, all the lies, from an administration that sold itself as the honest not clintonite administration, and this is what wakes the shark?
Sadly the shark is still sleepy and not quite into the kill yet. Not even five years agot hey would be pushing the "what did the president know" angle. But this time? Nope not even a whisper. You can't tell me the president didn't know about this. Something as big as a leak like that had to have been passed onto the president and approved. Oddly if this is the case, then Rove probably has a defense and the president, who didn't testify, would take a hit but doubtful he broke a law either (being commander in chief and all). But the important thing to ask is "What did the president know and when?" Why hasn't that been asked? Will the press finally revive itself enough to ask? Will this finally lead them to ask for answers that before they let slide. Hell, just explain Gannon and I might be satisfied if the more complicated stuff like Iraq is too much for their wee little heads. The Bush Administration has done so really way out shit then Clinton has in his most debauched wet dreams, its about damn time the press did their jobs and called them on it.
Lies to the public didn't awaken the shark. The bad intelligence, the lack of WMDs, the plethora of lies and misinformation about Iraq, the list goes on really of huge wrongs didn't wake the shark. Hell, not even some gay escort non-journalist given full press crendentials and unheard of access awoke the shark. Instead of wakes the press corps? The reveal of ultimatly inconsequential name. All those many many wrongs and the press stays quiet and slumbers. But for this it awakes?!? What the hell? All these wrongs, all the lies, from an administration that sold itself as the honest not clintonite administration, and this is what wakes the shark?
Sadly the shark is still sleepy and not quite into the kill yet. Not even five years agot hey would be pushing the "what did the president know" angle. But this time? Nope not even a whisper. You can't tell me the president didn't know about this. Something as big as a leak like that had to have been passed onto the president and approved. Oddly if this is the case, then Rove probably has a defense and the president, who didn't testify, would take a hit but doubtful he broke a law either (being commander in chief and all). But the important thing to ask is "What did the president know and when?" Why hasn't that been asked? Will the press finally revive itself enough to ask? Will this finally lead them to ask for answers that before they let slide. Hell, just explain Gannon and I might be satisfied if the more complicated stuff like Iraq is too much for their wee little heads. The Bush Administration has done so really way out shit then Clinton has in his most debauched wet dreams, its about damn time the press did their jobs and called them on it.
Monday, July 11, 2005
The Stupid Character in Movies
Ok I got a question, why do all movies like this require one of the major characters to be so damn stupid over and over and over? In this movie, the stupid character is Cruise's son. The boy re-defines movie stupidity. His stupidity was so often, so spectacular that it actually took me out of the movie several times. I spent an inordinate amount of time hoping they would kill the character so the story could move on. Also figure great stupidity shouldn't get rewarded but anyways.
Overall a good movie, would have called it great if not for that stupid stupid stupid character.
Overall a good movie, would have called it great if not for that stupid stupid stupid character.
Fantastic Four Review
- Spoilers lurk with, consider this the warning -
I thought it was a good popcorn flick.
But as great movie or even comic book movie, not even close. It was very much the broad brushstrokes take on the FF, like the writer and director just read a encyclopedia entry for each of the characters rather then really trying to understand them. Cause lets face it, as a concept, FF has got to be one of the hardest comics to write for.
Their rogues gallery is non-existant, their powers don't really lend themselves to a teamwork approach. Reed's real "power" is his brain shown off craploads of times in the books because its pretty difficult to make solid use of his powers on a regular basis. Also because its a team book, you really need a villian team to go against, not just one character.
Even in the comics, its rarely Doom vs the FF. Its more like Doom, his bots, distractions, etc vs the FF. The movie failed in a big way by not creating multiple enemies for the big fight so that each would "naturally" use their powers rather then forced into the sequence (the Incredibles being an excellent example of this). Its probably why the Thing and the Human Torch where used most effectivily both in the movies and the comics. Their powers are the easiest to incorportate into any storyline as is their relationship.
The movies has some big ass plot and detail holes in it (since when can Strechy throw a mailbox like he has super strength). The biggest hole was Doom. He was a major wuss. They did nothing to make him seem a super villian threat. Instead he was just a dick and not much else. If they had him blow up the bank boardroom and the entire floor, that at least would have super villian like behavior, but instead he killed one guy and then tried to trick the FF. Also, if you think about it, the two main fight sequences are all situations created by the FF. The bridge sequences wouldn't have been necessary if the Thing just used his head and sat his ass back down instead of scarying the guy and Reed Richards created Doom. He screwed up his calculations that results in the births of themselves and Doom. They should have stole from Ult. FF and had Doom change the calculations. Really at the end of the day, the movie forgot the most important questions of all "Why?" and "How?" Why hate the FF? How did they master their powers? Why do we need this Stretcho in this scene? Why revenge? and so forth.
For Alba , I had zero expectations for except for nice eye candy. Which really is all she was. She must be screwing the right people to keep getting these movie roles is all I am thinking cause there are not only much better looking actresses out there but better skilled ones too. (Is it me but does it seem like she doesn't have a whole lot going on upstairs?)
I thought it was a good popcorn flick.
But as great movie or even comic book movie, not even close. It was very much the broad brushstrokes take on the FF, like the writer and director just read a encyclopedia entry for each of the characters rather then really trying to understand them. Cause lets face it, as a concept, FF has got to be one of the hardest comics to write for.
Their rogues gallery is non-existant, their powers don't really lend themselves to a teamwork approach. Reed's real "power" is his brain shown off craploads of times in the books because its pretty difficult to make solid use of his powers on a regular basis. Also because its a team book, you really need a villian team to go against, not just one character.
Even in the comics, its rarely Doom vs the FF. Its more like Doom, his bots, distractions, etc vs the FF. The movie failed in a big way by not creating multiple enemies for the big fight so that each would "naturally" use their powers rather then forced into the sequence (the Incredibles being an excellent example of this). Its probably why the Thing and the Human Torch where used most effectivily both in the movies and the comics. Their powers are the easiest to incorportate into any storyline as is their relationship.
The movies has some big ass plot and detail holes in it (since when can Strechy throw a mailbox like he has super strength). The biggest hole was Doom. He was a major wuss. They did nothing to make him seem a super villian threat. Instead he was just a dick and not much else. If they had him blow up the bank boardroom and the entire floor, that at least would have super villian like behavior, but instead he killed one guy and then tried to trick the FF. Also, if you think about it, the two main fight sequences are all situations created by the FF. The bridge sequences wouldn't have been necessary if the Thing just used his head and sat his ass back down instead of scarying the guy and Reed Richards created Doom. He screwed up his calculations that results in the births of themselves and Doom. They should have stole from Ult. FF and had Doom change the calculations. Really at the end of the day, the movie forgot the most important questions of all "Why?" and "How?" Why hate the FF? How did they master their powers? Why do we need this Stretcho in this scene? Why revenge? and so forth.
For Alba , I had zero expectations for except for nice eye candy. Which really is all she was. She must be screwing the right people to keep getting these movie roles is all I am thinking cause there are not only much better looking actresses out there but better skilled ones too. (Is it me but does it seem like she doesn't have a whole lot going on upstairs?)
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Subway Bombed
If you haven't heard about this you might live in a whole in the ground. London experienced explosion of four bombs in their subway system that currently has killed 37 and wounded 700.
The group claiming responsibility is is called the "Secret Organization group al Qaeda Organization in Europe." If their actions didn't prove it then their name does. They are the stupidest bastards on the planet. The redefine stupidity. At a time in the ties between the US and Britain where falling apart, they decide that instead of trying to sever those ties to renew and strenghen them instead. They actually blew stuff up to make the relations stronger and better for the US. Gee thanks guys, didn't really need your help on that. Stupidest bastards.
What really amazes me about these groups beyond their stupidity is just how close minded they are. When we blow their shit up, they get pissed. What the fuck makes them think are reaction wouldn't be the same? Seriously what goes through their heads? It seems like their solution to everything is to blow shit up even though that hasn't worked. For centuries. They have literally been blowing shit up for centuries and accomplished nada, yet they continue the path as if something will change. They get pissed when their shit blows up, so do we. There something in common. And it shows just how stupid they are. At least the "infidels" learn after a few years when a new approach is needed. These dumb shits still haven't learned after centuries.
Another reason we know they are dumbshits. They stole from the Christian Playbook. Christian rulers way back when, lets use crusades as an example, would tell the uneducated that the bible says go kill the evil Muslims. Of course the Bible never said this, but the uneducated masses marching off to war couldn't read so they couldn't disprove it. They just assumed their leadership was telling the truth. That is exactly how these dipshit terrorists work. Instead of learning to read and verify for themselves what the Koran says, they just happily follow along with whatever garbage spews from their leadership. Once again, they fail to learn from history. The very tactics used against them, they know use against their own people. And the people love them for it. Once again, stupid dumpshits.
Finally, they blew up the streets of London. London people. Stupid. This is the city that has dealt with more then its share of bombings. The IRA for decades, Indian uprising, pretty much ever country in the world at some point in time has dropped a bomb or two on London. This is the same London that was bombed to hell and back in WWII. After all that, when the resolve of the British never changed, do these dipshits seriously think blowing up a subway system is going to get them to cower? Please.
Again, history. WWII is all you need to know to realize that the only thing this act would do is piss the British off. To again renew their ties with the US. To strengthen the goals of the US. The opposite of what the terrorists want. Stupid stupid stupid dipshits.
The group claiming responsibility is is called the "Secret Organization group al Qaeda Organization in Europe." If their actions didn't prove it then their name does. They are the stupidest bastards on the planet. The redefine stupidity. At a time in the ties between the US and Britain where falling apart, they decide that instead of trying to sever those ties to renew and strenghen them instead. They actually blew stuff up to make the relations stronger and better for the US. Gee thanks guys, didn't really need your help on that. Stupidest bastards.
What really amazes me about these groups beyond their stupidity is just how close minded they are. When we blow their shit up, they get pissed. What the fuck makes them think are reaction wouldn't be the same? Seriously what goes through their heads? It seems like their solution to everything is to blow shit up even though that hasn't worked. For centuries. They have literally been blowing shit up for centuries and accomplished nada, yet they continue the path as if something will change. They get pissed when their shit blows up, so do we. There something in common. And it shows just how stupid they are. At least the "infidels" learn after a few years when a new approach is needed. These dumb shits still haven't learned after centuries.
Another reason we know they are dumbshits. They stole from the Christian Playbook. Christian rulers way back when, lets use crusades as an example, would tell the uneducated that the bible says go kill the evil Muslims. Of course the Bible never said this, but the uneducated masses marching off to war couldn't read so they couldn't disprove it. They just assumed their leadership was telling the truth. That is exactly how these dipshit terrorists work. Instead of learning to read and verify for themselves what the Koran says, they just happily follow along with whatever garbage spews from their leadership. Once again, they fail to learn from history. The very tactics used against them, they know use against their own people. And the people love them for it. Once again, stupid dumpshits.
Finally, they blew up the streets of London. London people. Stupid. This is the city that has dealt with more then its share of bombings. The IRA for decades, Indian uprising, pretty much ever country in the world at some point in time has dropped a bomb or two on London. This is the same London that was bombed to hell and back in WWII. After all that, when the resolve of the British never changed, do these dipshits seriously think blowing up a subway system is going to get them to cower? Please.
Again, history. WWII is all you need to know to realize that the only thing this act would do is piss the British off. To again renew their ties with the US. To strengthen the goals of the US. The opposite of what the terrorists want. Stupid stupid stupid dipshits.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Sandra Day O'Connor Steps Down
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female member of the Supreme Court, has resigned. This seems like a sad day for the US for it gives Bush the ability to continue his streak of unqualified choices for important positions. I swear he does it to amuse himself and just to see if can be done. So far, as proven with Bolton, he apparently can and even the republicans that disagree with the choice will bend over for him.
I have hope though that for something as important long term as a Supreme Court appointee that republicans will finally grow a backbone and start making decisions for the good of the country, not the party. They use to know that the country comes first, the party second or even third. I hope they once again find those priorties for such an important position.
I have hope though that for something as important long term as a Supreme Court appointee that republicans will finally grow a backbone and start making decisions for the good of the country, not the party. They use to know that the country comes first, the party second or even third. I hope they once again find those priorties for such an important position.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Scrushy free, and Alabama regains stupidest state title
Healthsouth CEO Richard Scrushy got off scott free for robbing and nearly destroying the company after losing $3 billion and cooking the books to hide it. He claims trickery...and the Alabama jury in their infinite stupidity believed it.
Why you ask? According to one juror, cause investigators didn't get fingerprints off the notebooks for it "that would have shown Mr. Scrushy handled the notebooks," according to juror Vest. Nevermind that "notebook" is harddrive data, not an actual pile of paper. Nevermind this is about cooking books not a murder investigation. Nevermind this is a case about the responsibility of CEOs not wether they touched a piece of paper or not.
The message seems to be this, keep it digital, go to Alabama and those fools will let anyone off because apparently they watch to much CSI and Law & Order. You know those where a piece of dust in the wrong place points to the evil killer even though in reality doesn't quite work that way. Smart people know this, just not the citizens of Alabama apparently and definity those fools on the jury. If going to acquite someone at least have a sane logical reason for it. Not some bullshit "CSI" nonsense.
So once again, let the nation bestow the title "Stupidiest State" to Alabama.
Why you ask? According to one juror, cause investigators didn't get fingerprints off the notebooks for it "that would have shown Mr. Scrushy handled the notebooks," according to juror Vest. Nevermind that "notebook" is harddrive data, not an actual pile of paper. Nevermind this is about cooking books not a murder investigation. Nevermind this is a case about the responsibility of CEOs not wether they touched a piece of paper or not.
The message seems to be this, keep it digital, go to Alabama and those fools will let anyone off because apparently they watch to much CSI and Law & Order. You know those where a piece of dust in the wrong place points to the evil killer even though in reality doesn't quite work that way. Smart people know this, just not the citizens of Alabama apparently and definity those fools on the jury. If going to acquite someone at least have a sane logical reason for it. Not some bullshit "CSI" nonsense.
So once again, let the nation bestow the title "Stupidiest State" to Alabama.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Been sick
Been awhile cause been sick and just haven't felt like posting. That and haven't had anything that tickled me enough to write about. Feel free to submit your own rants if the mood strikes.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Jackson on all charges: not guilty
All I can say I am so glad that is done with. Not guilty. Another day or two of it and no more Jackson, Jackson, Jackson on the air waves. So sick of it. Now if only that pesky civil trial goes away Jackson can finally slide into that nothingness that all ex-popstars go to.
As for the verdict, I can't say I am happy or not happy. I still don't know what the man did. I do know that based on the evidence as presented by the prosecution, they didn't prove the case. It basically came down to a child with clearly money hungry parents. The problem with this is that you have to wonder how much the child tells is truth and how much was made up to bolster the civil case.
Not sure what the press will do after this, suddenly have 2100 reporters with nothing to do. Yes I am sure they will all squeeze at least another week of "reports" out this, the usual reaction, what you think, what we think, what now, blah blah blahness that tells you nothing and gives no actually news. Sigh, those poor bastards may actually have to do something they are out of practice on, actually report some other news. That transition alone may kill some of them.
Two things I would like to see from this trial:
1) Arrest charges against the parents. If you are not willing to let some adult from down the street watch you children or stay overnight, then there is no excuse for allowing Michael Jackson or any other celebrity that same. Just because can add some zeros on his income doesn't make the decision "ok". Rich, not rich, doesn't matter, those children should have never been allowed to visit and especially never, ever allowed to spend the night. What the parents did was sacrifice their children for the almight dollar and they should get jail time for it.
2) Make the fucking press actually report some news. Strange concept but the ONLY news from the Jackson trail is the verdict. That took, what 2 minutes to rattle off. Allow another 10 minutes for commentary and thats it. No more news. Either repeat or move on. Instead will hear about this for at least another 24-72 hours while the news elsewhere continues to get ignored. So to the press, report some news for once, there is an entire world out there beyond the "story of the day." Go do your jobs, find it and inform us about it.
As for the verdict, I can't say I am happy or not happy. I still don't know what the man did. I do know that based on the evidence as presented by the prosecution, they didn't prove the case. It basically came down to a child with clearly money hungry parents. The problem with this is that you have to wonder how much the child tells is truth and how much was made up to bolster the civil case.
Not sure what the press will do after this, suddenly have 2100 reporters with nothing to do. Yes I am sure they will all squeeze at least another week of "reports" out this, the usual reaction, what you think, what we think, what now, blah blah blahness that tells you nothing and gives no actually news. Sigh, those poor bastards may actually have to do something they are out of practice on, actually report some other news. That transition alone may kill some of them.
Two things I would like to see from this trial:
1) Arrest charges against the parents. If you are not willing to let some adult from down the street watch you children or stay overnight, then there is no excuse for allowing Michael Jackson or any other celebrity that same. Just because can add some zeros on his income doesn't make the decision "ok". Rich, not rich, doesn't matter, those children should have never been allowed to visit and especially never, ever allowed to spend the night. What the parents did was sacrifice their children for the almight dollar and they should get jail time for it.
2) Make the fucking press actually report some news. Strange concept but the ONLY news from the Jackson trail is the verdict. That took, what 2 minutes to rattle off. Allow another 10 minutes for commentary and thats it. No more news. Either repeat or move on. Instead will hear about this for at least another 24-72 hours while the news elsewhere continues to get ignored. So to the press, report some news for once, there is an entire world out there beyond the "story of the day." Go do your jobs, find it and inform us about it.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Apple Switches to Intel
Read it here, Apples waves buy to IBM and says hello to Intel chips starting in 2007 but slow phasing in beginning now. Many may think its gloom and doom for Apple but it could be an excellent idea depending on a few decisions or hurdles.
Hurdle 1 is re-writing all that software and OS. Apple just released another update of OS X and now with a chip change they practically have to re-write it and all other software. Technically a driver update alone can handle it, but it simple wouldn't run as smooth or as quick as software built around a certain chipset. Since Apple likes to trump (its now decaying) dependability, they and related vendors have no choice.
Which leads to hurdle 2. What if many vendors say to hell with re-writing their software or at the very least delay. After all thats alot of work for a company that only has 2% market share. Microsoft and Adobe together could decide not to rewrite Photoshop and Office and that could break Apple's back before the first Intel machine ships.
Hurdle 3 is the pissed off customer base. Apple users tend to be a rabid die hard bunch. Anything that even sniffs of Apple tends to blow their tops and the resulting bad press for the next 2 years could be more damaging then Jobs may think. First step is to make sure those die hards are not losing the Apple they know and love. And nevermind confusion for the less computer savvy who will know have to know what their chipset is to make proper software and hardware purchases. That alone is going to be a troubleshooting nightmare.
Hurdle 4 is the price of those machines could come close to PCs. Cheaper will be nice but at least close to average PC price. iPods show that people are willing to pay a little bit more for looks, the key is making sure that Apple finds that sweet spot of not charging to much. Something they have historically had a problem doing but slowing getting better at. To truly compete however, they can't take their golly sweet time working out the price.
If Apple can overcome these main hurdles, they do have extra pluses going for them. Plus One is the iPod/iTunes combo. Here they have this massive highway into Windows world introducing millions to what Apple is able to do with both hardware and software. If they don't ruin that good will in the next two years, they can use those inroads to promote the intel version of the Macs. One top of that, the iPod shows that people are willing to pay more for a well engineered and gorgeous product. In other words, looks matter, even for computers and Apple bar none has the best looking machines on the market.
This leads to plus number two. Since its an intel chipset, which currently is on many many Windows PCs (such as Dell) this means that technically an Apple machine can run Windows instead of Mac. So users who want the look of a Mac but the OS of Windows can do that. Lots of customers there alone. Or even better, if Apple has some brains, they will make sure that the Intel OS X can run Windows programs nativily or in a built in emulator. Suddenly you can have the best of both worlds. Talk about maximum value. However, I don't see Jobs' ego allowing this to occur and the die hard community will shit a brick.
Finally plus number 3 is the GHZ speed. Most people here 3.2 ghz dell computer or 1.5 G5 they just assume that bigger number equals faster machine. And not only faster but cheaper so hince better deal. Now, finally, Apple can compete at a level the average customer understands. Now number for number there will be a true and easy comparison. Assuming Intel gives Apple the lastest and greatest (and it doesn't have to, Dell could say nope and since bigger customer Intel will listen) then in stats, Apple will have a level ground.
The main key I think however is Apple embracing Windows and windows programming either with duel boot setup (by at least not preventing it) or more smartly building it into the OS. To bad Apple didn't go with some of the proven (and cheaper) chipmakers such as AMD. That alone would have handled the pricing hurdle they have to deal with.
Hurdle 1 is re-writing all that software and OS. Apple just released another update of OS X and now with a chip change they practically have to re-write it and all other software. Technically a driver update alone can handle it, but it simple wouldn't run as smooth or as quick as software built around a certain chipset. Since Apple likes to trump (its now decaying) dependability, they and related vendors have no choice.
Which leads to hurdle 2. What if many vendors say to hell with re-writing their software or at the very least delay. After all thats alot of work for a company that only has 2% market share. Microsoft and Adobe together could decide not to rewrite Photoshop and Office and that could break Apple's back before the first Intel machine ships.
Hurdle 3 is the pissed off customer base. Apple users tend to be a rabid die hard bunch. Anything that even sniffs of Apple tends to blow their tops and the resulting bad press for the next 2 years could be more damaging then Jobs may think. First step is to make sure those die hards are not losing the Apple they know and love. And nevermind confusion for the less computer savvy who will know have to know what their chipset is to make proper software and hardware purchases. That alone is going to be a troubleshooting nightmare.
Hurdle 4 is the price of those machines could come close to PCs. Cheaper will be nice but at least close to average PC price. iPods show that people are willing to pay a little bit more for looks, the key is making sure that Apple finds that sweet spot of not charging to much. Something they have historically had a problem doing but slowing getting better at. To truly compete however, they can't take their golly sweet time working out the price.
If Apple can overcome these main hurdles, they do have extra pluses going for them. Plus One is the iPod/iTunes combo. Here they have this massive highway into Windows world introducing millions to what Apple is able to do with both hardware and software. If they don't ruin that good will in the next two years, they can use those inroads to promote the intel version of the Macs. One top of that, the iPod shows that people are willing to pay more for a well engineered and gorgeous product. In other words, looks matter, even for computers and Apple bar none has the best looking machines on the market.
This leads to plus number two. Since its an intel chipset, which currently is on many many Windows PCs (such as Dell) this means that technically an Apple machine can run Windows instead of Mac. So users who want the look of a Mac but the OS of Windows can do that. Lots of customers there alone. Or even better, if Apple has some brains, they will make sure that the Intel OS X can run Windows programs nativily or in a built in emulator. Suddenly you can have the best of both worlds. Talk about maximum value. However, I don't see Jobs' ego allowing this to occur and the die hard community will shit a brick.
Finally plus number 3 is the GHZ speed. Most people here 3.2 ghz dell computer or 1.5 G5 they just assume that bigger number equals faster machine. And not only faster but cheaper so hince better deal. Now, finally, Apple can compete at a level the average customer understands. Now number for number there will be a true and easy comparison. Assuming Intel gives Apple the lastest and greatest (and it doesn't have to, Dell could say nope and since bigger customer Intel will listen) then in stats, Apple will have a level ground.
The main key I think however is Apple embracing Windows and windows programming either with duel boot setup (by at least not preventing it) or more smartly building it into the OS. To bad Apple didn't go with some of the proven (and cheaper) chipmakers such as AMD. That alone would have handled the pricing hurdle they have to deal with.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Give the finger to striking guild actors
Yeah right. This is one entertainment arena where an actor, wether its an A lister or a Z lister, has zero power. If the video games power that be have any brains, they will give a collective finger to the Screen Actors Guild and tell them to shove their strike (re: greed) where the sun don't shine.
I am just getting sick and tired of the already rich attempting to use their power to get even more money without having to earn it. They signed a contract for X amount to do Y work. If they didn't like the pay, they should have agreed to do the work. Its that fucking simple. I know I don't like what I get paid and I have the option to quit for that reason (of course unlike the rich, that would be disasterous). Just because after the fact they decided maybe they didn't get such a good deal doesn't mean they should be able to force it on others. Again, I am sure there are many many workers who wished they negotiated a higher pay scale but again thats life. Quit and move on, or in this case, don't sign the damn contract.
This strikes smells of the same stink that swirls around the Baseball and Hockey strikes. Its all about the greed for the already stinky rich. "To deny working-class performers their fair share of the tremendous profits their labor helps to generate is illogical, unreasonable and unjust," John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. We all know damn well this has nothing to do with the working class. Its about the A listers who get a pile of dough for a few hours of work and decided they wanted more. Hell, just like baseball, even those poor "working class" slobs are getting an obscene amount of money, $278 an HOUR, in fact. I would love to get that much money in an hour. Hell for me to make that much, I have to work about 20 hours. My 20 hours of dealing with asshats on the phone for one hour of them speaking into a mike from a script. Give me a break.
Yeah, yeah some sympathetic fool will say "but they have no insurance and don't have regualer 40 hour a week jobs." My response is "so?" They made that choice. They went to explore a dream or whatever and if they can't make enough to live off of it, tough shit. Just like businessman who are forced to end their dreams and close up shop, may these actors need to do the same if can't make enough to live off of. Its their choice that put them in that situation, its not up to others to bail them out for no damn good reason. Again, they don't like the pay, don't sign the contract. Its all about choice people.
Fortunatly, video game companies have a choice. Which is truly give them the finger. After all about the ONLY reason voice acting matters is in games based off of movies. That the studio's choice to do that in attempt to get more tickets and DVDs sold. Video gamers will not miss them if not made, video game producers probably don't need to add those dogs to their repuation. I am sure most would agree that if, because of the strike, a game based on a movie, never had voices in it again, we all wouldn't care one damn bit.
"They have no leverage," Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman said of the voice actors.
"In 99 percent of all games, the voice actors are irrelevant. You replace one voice actor with another nonunion actor and no one will know the difference." Really, if need more voices to continue the give crappy performances, bad line readings, etc, I am sure its easy to find any shmoe on the street that is just happy for the privilage. There are a legion of gamers out there who would probably "act" not only better, but do it for free, just to have their name in the end credits. Maybe explore that option rather then give into these greedy fools.
John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. "It is simply shortsighted to believe that consumers don't care about the artistic quality of the characters." Quality is good, we want it, but really how often is there any quality in the voice "acting"? Most of the time its leaden readings that a 6 year old could do better, or worse, its crap taken right out of the movie without even needing the actor to "work" that day. No what that guild needs to understand, and video companies need to hammer home, is that they need video games far far far more then video games need them. At the very least if video game companies going to give in (as I am sure they will), at least make them work for it, force them to give a performance, to "work" for that obscene amount of money, rather then the crap gamers have been getting for over a decade.
Finally, what about the creators, designers, coders, producers, managers, etc of all the people that helped create the game. What about them? Apparently to the Screen Actors Guild they are nothing. Not only not relevant, but having nothing to do with the success of a game. Apparently in their world, a game's success is 99% voice acting and 1% design. That too is a reason to not give in. If they yield to a bunch of greedy actors, then suddenly everyone else that had a stake in the game will also want their share of the pie. That alone should make the companies give the finger to em.
I am just getting sick and tired of the already rich attempting to use their power to get even more money without having to earn it. They signed a contract for X amount to do Y work. If they didn't like the pay, they should have agreed to do the work. Its that fucking simple. I know I don't like what I get paid and I have the option to quit for that reason (of course unlike the rich, that would be disasterous). Just because after the fact they decided maybe they didn't get such a good deal doesn't mean they should be able to force it on others. Again, I am sure there are many many workers who wished they negotiated a higher pay scale but again thats life. Quit and move on, or in this case, don't sign the damn contract.
This strikes smells of the same stink that swirls around the Baseball and Hockey strikes. Its all about the greed for the already stinky rich. "To deny working-class performers their fair share of the tremendous profits their labor helps to generate is illogical, unreasonable and unjust," John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. We all know damn well this has nothing to do with the working class. Its about the A listers who get a pile of dough for a few hours of work and decided they wanted more. Hell, just like baseball, even those poor "working class" slobs are getting an obscene amount of money, $278 an HOUR, in fact. I would love to get that much money in an hour. Hell for me to make that much, I have to work about 20 hours. My 20 hours of dealing with asshats on the phone for one hour of them speaking into a mike from a script. Give me a break.
Yeah, yeah some sympathetic fool will say "but they have no insurance and don't have regualer 40 hour a week jobs." My response is "so?" They made that choice. They went to explore a dream or whatever and if they can't make enough to live off of it, tough shit. Just like businessman who are forced to end their dreams and close up shop, may these actors need to do the same if can't make enough to live off of. Its their choice that put them in that situation, its not up to others to bail them out for no damn good reason. Again, they don't like the pay, don't sign the contract. Its all about choice people.
Fortunatly, video game companies have a choice. Which is truly give them the finger. After all about the ONLY reason voice acting matters is in games based off of movies. That the studio's choice to do that in attempt to get more tickets and DVDs sold. Video gamers will not miss them if not made, video game producers probably don't need to add those dogs to their repuation. I am sure most would agree that if, because of the strike, a game based on a movie, never had voices in it again, we all wouldn't care one damn bit.
"They have no leverage," Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman said of the voice actors.
"In 99 percent of all games, the voice actors are irrelevant. You replace one voice actor with another nonunion actor and no one will know the difference." Really, if need more voices to continue the give crappy performances, bad line readings, etc, I am sure its easy to find any shmoe on the street that is just happy for the privilage. There are a legion of gamers out there who would probably "act" not only better, but do it for free, just to have their name in the end credits. Maybe explore that option rather then give into these greedy fools.
John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. "It is simply shortsighted to believe that consumers don't care about the artistic quality of the characters." Quality is good, we want it, but really how often is there any quality in the voice "acting"? Most of the time its leaden readings that a 6 year old could do better, or worse, its crap taken right out of the movie without even needing the actor to "work" that day. No what that guild needs to understand, and video companies need to hammer home, is that they need video games far far far more then video games need them. At the very least if video game companies going to give in (as I am sure they will), at least make them work for it, force them to give a performance, to "work" for that obscene amount of money, rather then the crap gamers have been getting for over a decade.
Finally, what about the creators, designers, coders, producers, managers, etc of all the people that helped create the game. What about them? Apparently to the Screen Actors Guild they are nothing. Not only not relevant, but having nothing to do with the success of a game. Apparently in their world, a game's success is 99% voice acting and 1% design. That too is a reason to not give in. If they yield to a bunch of greedy actors, then suddenly everyone else that had a stake in the game will also want their share of the pie. That alone should make the companies give the finger to em.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Filibuster Fiasco
Well the Filibuster fight with its overly dramatic named "nuclear option" is at an end. Am I the only one that found the whole battle not only stupid but the height of hyprocrasy. Here is a tool that has been around for over a century, that both parties have enjoyed using, yet suddenly its "tyranncial" according to Frist? Where was that thinking even a few years ago when Republicans filibustered Clinton nominations? Where was that thinking when it was used to try to stop equal right and other needed social changes? Why is it that when republicans do ANYTHING, its wonderful and perfect and right, yet when the Democrats use the EXACT same tactics, its "tyrannical"? Why can't Americans see the hypcrasy of that line of thinking? Why don't people for both parties look at this fight and point out how horrible the behavior is and condemn it properly. I know I would if Democratics pulled this same stunt. Even worse, why would Republicans want to close a loop hole that they used to such great effect for decades? Are they so arrogant that they don't think they will ever become the minority party again? If so, what gives them that supreme confidence? Should that level of untouchable thinking scare the bejeezus out of the electorate? I know it scares me.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I have just returned from the 12:01 showing of Star Wars and to sum up, the movie was incredibily entertaining and worth seeing. There are several ways to attempt to review this movie. On its own merits or within the context of all the Star Wars movies. In this post will just talk about it on its own merits.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Monster-In-Law
Clearly Jane Fonda owns this movie. Jennifer Lopez is so out of her depth compared to her it actually makes you feel sorry for her. In many scenes, its clear Fonda is holding back so the scenes with Lopez have the intended balance but she didn't always succeed. Jane on screen is when movie rocks and is funny. Jennifer on screen is when movie slows down and gets tedious. End results is a so-so funny movies with bursts of life. Hopefully this will finally make people see the light that Lopez has a beautiful face and body, but lacks in any talent.
see it as a matinee.
see it as a matinee.
Mindhunters
This is a horror flick about a group of FBI profilers stuck on an island in a training exercise that turns real when one of their own turns on them but they don't know who. Straight up horror flick with the usual gore, screams and nasty deaths. The story has wholes the size of a truck (a DNA machine in military training grounds) but don't really care because it moves at a good clip and stays interesting the entire time. Wish more movies followed that wisdom instead of the poor attempts to make a statement.
See it as a matinee.
See it as a matinee.
XXX: State of the Union
Its a shame that this movie didn't do to well. Its actually a pretty good movies. Nothing to deep of course, just the hero has to stop the Secretary of State from killing the president and others so he can take over. Lots of action, one liners and stuff blowing up real good ensures. Its another great popcorn movie of the summer. See it, enjoy it, forget it. Which to me is what a great popcorn movie is all about.
See it now, with a crowd.
See it now, with a crowd.
Sahara
Treasure hunt that turns into guy having to save a country from greedy dictator and industrialist. Silly movie but well executed with good lines, acting, and action scenes. Basically a fantastic popcorn movie to spend two hours with.
See now, with a full crowd.
See now, with a full crowd.
Kingdom of Heaven
Oh man where to start with all the problems of this movie. Its too long, poorly written, poorly edited, the characters are asses. The lead character sucks and doesn't fit the hero they are trying to make him. They want him flawed but in the end he is beyond redemption because clearly he has learned nothing by movie's end. And the main women, Eva Green, or as I call her "the skeleton." That girl needs to eat more. She is frankly just ugly in ever scene she is in. Not only an ugly women, but crappy actress. If she ever appears in another anything, it will be too soon.
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
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