Time Lapse Video, One Year in Two Minutes
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Congrats Bro!
My brother delivered a bit of long awaited good news for the holiday season; He an Jenny are engaged to get married!
Congrats Mikal!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What is Role Playing
I was reading a series of older articles at the Game Design Novice that did it's best to convince people that Zelda is NOT an RPG, and found myself searching for what really makes a game an RPG.
Typical gamers will say that any game that lets you progress a character's abilities is an RPG. Well, by that definition, there are a lot of sport games that could now hang the RPG tag to their title. For example, Madden NFL games (and other sports titles) have added the feature of creating your own NFL personality and play through the game as that player. You even get to increase his stats to improve it's abilities for the team position you choose to play. You can also hire a manager (NPC) to help negotiate a contract with a new team, so you're not just stuck with one team for your NFL career. It doesn't stop there; you can also equip your character with different outfits and other "bling", just like a character from an RPG. With all that, the game is now an RPG by the standards of most video gamers.
However, a role playing game is much more than taking on the role of a character and improving that characters skills and/or stats. That difference is linearity. Video games are very linear in their score and really don't allow you to improvise. And improvisation is the true hallmark of a role playing game.
The best parallel I can make for Role Playing is improvisational theatre. Everyone takes on a role (a character) and is given the basis of a situation (a quest) which they then get to interact with other characters to resolve. The main difference is that in table-top RPGs, you have a story teller (aka game master, dungeon master, or referee) who helps the game along by taking on the role of every non-player character the player interact with through their characters.
Another thing to keep in mind is that role playing really has nothing to do with dice. Though many role playing game systems use dice roles to determine the outcome of a situation, they are not necessary to the act of role playing. There are game systems that use points, karma, and/or cards to decide the outcome of player character actions, while others that use nothing but the discretion of the story teller.
So really, role playing is best described as a form of theatre often wrapped around (but not requiring) a system of event resolution mechanics. Anything that calls it self an RPG just because you take on the persona of a character without allowing you the free reign of self determination or choice is really nothing more than a scripted story that gives you few choices, limited by it's author, to reach a predetermined ending.
If that's all you want, you may as well go buy a book.
Typical gamers will say that any game that lets you progress a character's abilities is an RPG. Well, by that definition, there are a lot of sport games that could now hang the RPG tag to their title. For example, Madden NFL games (and other sports titles) have added the feature of creating your own NFL personality and play through the game as that player. You even get to increase his stats to improve it's abilities for the team position you choose to play. You can also hire a manager (NPC) to help negotiate a contract with a new team, so you're not just stuck with one team for your NFL career. It doesn't stop there; you can also equip your character with different outfits and other "bling", just like a character from an RPG. With all that, the game is now an RPG by the standards of most video gamers.
However, a role playing game is much more than taking on the role of a character and improving that characters skills and/or stats. That difference is linearity. Video games are very linear in their score and really don't allow you to improvise. And improvisation is the true hallmark of a role playing game.
The best parallel I can make for Role Playing is improvisational theatre. Everyone takes on a role (a character) and is given the basis of a situation (a quest) which they then get to interact with other characters to resolve. The main difference is that in table-top RPGs, you have a story teller (aka game master, dungeon master, or referee) who helps the game along by taking on the role of every non-player character the player interact with through their characters.
Another thing to keep in mind is that role playing really has nothing to do with dice. Though many role playing game systems use dice roles to determine the outcome of a situation, they are not necessary to the act of role playing. There are game systems that use points, karma, and/or cards to decide the outcome of player character actions, while others that use nothing but the discretion of the story teller.
So really, role playing is best described as a form of theatre often wrapped around (but not requiring) a system of event resolution mechanics. Anything that calls it self an RPG just because you take on the persona of a character without allowing you the free reign of self determination or choice is really nothing more than a scripted story that gives you few choices, limited by it's author, to reach a predetermined ending.
If that's all you want, you may as well go buy a book.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Locked In
Well, I had a very awkward moment today. As I'm getting ready to head to work this morning, I get in and start my car then grab the scraper to clear the windshield, but as I go to open the door, I find that nothing happens. I pull the lever, but the door does not open.
I know it was cold last night (sub-zero), but it was a lot colder earlier this week. I grumble, climb over the console and gear shift as I make my way out the passenger door. Pull. Nothing. !?!?!?
Irritated, I put the driver seat forward and reach for the rear door handle... Nothing!? I reach for the other rear door. NOTHING!
I don't know if my car has decided that if I'm going to let it sit out in the sub-zero temps, I was going to be stuck out there too. Well, I don't think so. The only option left was to open a window and hope I could open the door from the outside door handle. After all I was able to get in my car that way.
Well, as one might expect after a cold and snowy weekend, the windows were all frozen shut. [Insert best Charlie Brown "Argh!" here].
Stuck, I figure I'll have to let my car run and hope that that will defrost whatever might be frozen and preventing me from exiting my car. Ten minutes pass and not progress. Windows are also still frozen.
I'm already running late for work, so I send the windshield wipers back and forth a few times to clear enough of my view of the road so I won't be driving blind and set off for the station. If I'm lucky, the doors will be released by the time I get there.
No luck. I pull into the parking lot and pull on the lever and still nothing.
Grabbing my cell phone, I call the front desk and ask if they can send someone out to let me out of mt car. I hear a giggle from the other end and soon my door is opened by one of the production crew who gets a laugh out of the situation.
Still hoping that its merely a problem with the cold, I let the car run, with the heater running full blast, for an hour and still no luck...
I've put a call in to the Kia dealership where I bought the car - two years ago - and they said to bring it in tomorrow for them to take a look at. With my luck the doors will work fine tomorrow, but for right now I have to worry about how I am going to get out of the car once I get home tonight.
I know it was cold last night (sub-zero), but it was a lot colder earlier this week. I grumble, climb over the console and gear shift as I make my way out the passenger door. Pull. Nothing. !?!?!?
Irritated, I put the driver seat forward and reach for the rear door handle... Nothing!? I reach for the other rear door. NOTHING!
I don't know if my car has decided that if I'm going to let it sit out in the sub-zero temps, I was going to be stuck out there too. Well, I don't think so. The only option left was to open a window and hope I could open the door from the outside door handle. After all I was able to get in my car that way.
Well, as one might expect after a cold and snowy weekend, the windows were all frozen shut. [Insert best Charlie Brown "Argh!" here].
Stuck, I figure I'll have to let my car run and hope that that will defrost whatever might be frozen and preventing me from exiting my car. Ten minutes pass and not progress. Windows are also still frozen.
I'm already running late for work, so I send the windshield wipers back and forth a few times to clear enough of my view of the road so I won't be driving blind and set off for the station. If I'm lucky, the doors will be released by the time I get there.
No luck. I pull into the parking lot and pull on the lever and still nothing.
Grabbing my cell phone, I call the front desk and ask if they can send someone out to let me out of mt car. I hear a giggle from the other end and soon my door is opened by one of the production crew who gets a laugh out of the situation.
Still hoping that its merely a problem with the cold, I let the car run, with the heater running full blast, for an hour and still no luck...
I've put a call in to the Kia dealership where I bought the car - two years ago - and they said to bring it in tomorrow for them to take a look at. With my luck the doors will work fine tomorrow, but for right now I have to worry about how I am going to get out of the car once I get home tonight.
Friday, December 19, 2008
RIP: Majel Barrett-Roddenberry
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, Gene Roddenberry’s widow, has passed away. She died of leukemia Thursday morning.
She may be best remembered as the voice of the Star Trek Computers
Also as the mother of Diana Troi who had a long standing crush on Capt. Picard.
She may be best remembered as the voice of the Star Trek Computers
Also as the mother of Diana Troi who had a long standing crush on Capt. Picard.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Winter Warning
Now that it's winter, and we have another snow storm on the way, I felt that I should post a video reminder of how not to drive when the roads are covered in snow and ice.
Drive safe :)
Drive safe :)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Iron Sky Teaser
I lost track of this movie after seeing this trailer earlier this year. Finding it again, I am really looking forward to it's release.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Quantum of Failure
I went to see Quantum of Solice before Thanksgiving, and was not impressed. The villain wasn't up to par with Bond villains, to much Jason Bourne-style action, and a huge WTF ending.
This movie will replace "On Her Majesties Secret Service" as the worst Bond film...EVER!
Recently, When asked by Collider about doing a sequel to Quantun, Daniel Craig said, "No fucking way."
*whew*
http://io9.com/5106160/next-bond-wont-be-a-sequel-to-quantum-of-solace-thank-god
This movie will replace "On Her Majesties Secret Service" as the worst Bond film...EVER!
Recently, When asked by Collider about doing a sequel to Quantun, Daniel Craig said, "No fucking way."
*whew*
http://io9.com/5106160/next-bond-wont-be-a-sequel-to-quantum-of-solace-thank-god
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Winter
Yesterday saw the first substantial snowfall so far this season. Close to 6 inches of the white stuff was reported in the news this morning for Austin. The big winners were Dodge Center (8.5") and Decorah (8").
On a whim, a couple cold feet, I decided to go out and buy a pair of winter boots. I don't think I've actually owned a pair of real winter boots since I was a teenager. What's next? Snow Pants? Snowmobile Suit?
On a whim, a couple cold feet, I decided to go out and buy a pair of winter boots. I don't think I've actually owned a pair of real winter boots since I was a teenager. What's next? Snow Pants? Snowmobile Suit?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Great Escape
A few guys watch from the safety(?) of their rubber dingy as a group of orca (killer whales) chase a penguin in the waters. After a long chase, the penguin seeks refuge on the boat with the humans. I'm quite impressed that the orca didn't try flipping the boat the get at their prey.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cooking Mama (PETA Edition)
I'm all for PETA, but this just floored me. For those out of the loop, Cooking Mama is a cooking video game for the Nintendo Wii. Apparently, PETA commissioned an parody version of the game to promote vegetarianism by having you create some nightmarish thanksgiving turkey. It's so absurdly grotesque that the game ends up looking like a parody on PETA.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
First Snow of the Season
Woke up this morning to the first substantial snow fall this season.
We did have a little snow the weekend before Halloween, but that melted as soon as it hit the ground.
As I look out the window, there is still a light amount of snow falling.
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We did have a little snow the weekend before Halloween, but that melted as soon as it hit the ground.
As I look out the window, there is still a light amount of snow falling.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Yeah!
Obama has been projected to be the next President of the United States of America!
(from abcnews.com)
(from abcnews.com)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Election Day Tomorrow
Why would they want to take your vote away?
Beware electronic voting booths (out of calibration)
Beware electronic voting booths (out of calibration)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
PALINdrome
Had a little fun at a site called PALINdrome. You can create your own Palin speech from snippets of her past speeches (as few as they are).
http://pa.lindro.me/?w=8591
http://pa.lindro.me/?w=8599
http://pa.lindro.me/?w=8591
http://pa.lindro.me/?w=8599
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Ron Paul: "You Can't Save Free Markets By Socialism"
Ron Paul speaks on Fox Business News about the Bush Administration's plan to forcibly nationalize many large banks: (Oct 14)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sarah Palin: Dazed and Confused
John Cleese on Sarah Palin
To add to the humor I came across an article about Palin at the Times-Tribune.com, the article wasn't funny, but what happens if you mouse-over the ad on the right... Priceless.
2001: A Mashup Odyssey
Found this mashup of Back in Black & We Will Rock You running over a sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Pretty good job.
Here's another mashup mixing Eminem and the Eurythmics:
And while we're on the topic here's a Weird Al Polka:
Here's another mashup mixing Eminem and the Eurythmics:
And while we're on the topic here's a Weird Al Polka:
Friday, October 10, 2008
Anime Music Videos
There are several really good anime music video producers out there. Here's an example of one of my favorites. The video is from the anime, "5 Centimeters Per Second".
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Something Different
Gotta give a break to posting all the bleak videos and catch up on what's going on a little closer to home.
I went out to the gun range with Mike and a few guys from his job. To make things even more fun, they brought a box of computer junk to shoot at. The metal support frame of one of the computers we shot at was able to stop the .45 slugs fired from Mike's bosses revolver. The slugs we recovered were squished quite nicely. The manuals other computer paraphernalia didn't fare as well though. I wish I would have brought my camera along to record the carnage.
Earlier Sunday morning I got a call from Mike saying he wanted to go to Cabela's to pick up a few barrel snakes for cleaning his rifles. I agreed to drive since I hadn't been to the Owatonna Cabela's yet. Quite an interesting place. Lots of guns. *drool*
I went out to the gun range with Mike and a few guys from his job. To make things even more fun, they brought a box of computer junk to shoot at. The metal support frame of one of the computers we shot at was able to stop the .45 slugs fired from Mike's bosses revolver. The slugs we recovered were squished quite nicely. The manuals other computer paraphernalia didn't fare as well though. I wish I would have brought my camera along to record the carnage.
Earlier Sunday morning I got a call from Mike saying he wanted to go to Cabela's to pick up a few barrel snakes for cleaning his rifles. I agreed to drive since I hadn't been to the Owatonna Cabela's yet. Quite an interesting place. Lots of guns. *drool*
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Give Me Liberty
Scared yet?
Presidential Directive 51
Am I paranoid? Time will tell.
October 11, 2007
Talk by Naomi Wolf - The End of America
Monday, October 6, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
OMG, Martial Law?!
Rep. Brad Sherman says Congress threatened with Martial Law if bill is not passed. LOL
Ron Paul, "You're Going To Guarantee A Depression"
Ron Paul, "You're Going To Guarantee A Depression"
Fail Palin
PALIN: I’m thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president’s policies. . . .Just what we need. Another VP who want's to rewrite the role of the Vice President. Sure it's a historically awkward office, but trying to redefine the position without amending the constitution just isn't right.
IFILL: Governor, you mentioned a moment ago the constitution might give the vice president more power than it has in the past. Do you believe as Vice President Cheney does, that the Executive Branch does not hold complete sway over the office of the vice presidency, that it it is also a member of the Legislative Branch?
PALIN: Well, our founding fathers were very wise there in allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office of the vice president. And we will do what is best for the American people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president’s agenda in that position. Yeah, so I do agree with him that we have a lot of flexibility in there, and we’ll do what we have to do to administer very appropriately the plans that are needed for this nation. And it is my executive experience that is partly to be attributed to my pick as V.P. with McCain, not only as a governor, but earlier on as a mayor, as an oil and gas regulator, as a business owner. It is those years of experience on an executive level that will be put to good use in the White House also.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Great Speech On Racism
All it takes from evil to triumph, is for the good to remain silent...
AFL-CIO's Richard Trumka on Racism and Obama
The Pain of Palin
Here's another example why Palin is not ready of federal office. When asked a broad question, "What other Supreme Court decisions don't you agree with?" Palin becomes that school kid who has no clue and tries to fake it with an empty answer. Makes me wonder how tonight's VP debate will go.
Watch CBS Videos Online
CNN remarks on interviews
Palin's Greatest Hits
Watch CBS Videos Online
CNN remarks on interviews
Palin's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Crash and Burn
McCain's stance on the economy before and after the crash.
The Economy's Dirty Little Secret
The Economy's Dirty Little Secret
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Economic Armageddon
Looking over the polls we've gotten at work most people don't have confidence that the government can fix the economy. However, the majority of people want their representatives in Congress to vote for an economic rescue. Then top that with a majority of people expect the economic rescue to fail!
So, We the people have no confidence that the government can fix it, but still want them to vote for an economic rescue that we don't believe will work... WTF?!
So, We the people have no confidence that the government can fix it, but still want them to vote for an economic rescue that we don't believe will work... WTF?!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Gunslinging
I went out to the Austin Gun Club on Sunday with Mike, his boss, and his bosses kid to fire off some rounds.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Is the world ready for Palin?
Watch CBS Videos Online
Is it just me or did Palin come across as a complete moron in this interview?
OMG awful! Please tell me that McCain is embarrassed by his decision!
Want more? Here ya go. Palin on the Bailout...
What's a VP do?
Palin on keeping informed...
What does Palin believe?
Had enough? No? Well, let's lighten it up with a little bit of humor.
Letterman Rips McCain
McCain cancels appearance on Letterman to rush back to Washington to save the economy, but makes a detour to CBS News first. Letterman is irked and lets the audience know it.
McCain's attitude so far in this election really reflects the dire state of the Republican party.
Maybe their be more open to candidates like Ron Paul in the 2012 election. If we're still around...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCumFJjPr8s
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wind on I-90
In a project started earlier this year, McNeilus Wind raised several new wind turbines along a stretch of I-90 between Austin and Rochester. These turbines are still waiting for their substation to be completed before they can start generating power.
These wind turbines join an earlier farm of wind turbines, near Adams, that runs along the Minnesota/Iowa boarder.
These wind turbines join an earlier farm of wind turbines, near Adams, that runs along the Minnesota/Iowa boarder.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Break Time Fun
I found this game a few weeks back called DiceWars. It's a cool flash game along the lines of Risk. A great way to spend your lunch hour or some free time.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cool Nights
I seems that fall is here. The cool down started last week, after Labor Day, with temperatures holding in the low 70s to the mid 60s and, since I like to keep my windows open when I go to bed, nights are also noticeably cooler (~30s). I've tossed on a few more blankets and the cat has started sleeping next to my head.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Tribe
What can the most successful doll on the planet show us about being Jewish today? Narrated by Peter Coyote, the film mixes old school narration with a new school visual style. The Tribe weaves together archival footage, graphics, animation, Barbie dioramas, and slam poetry to take audiences on an electric ride through the complex history of both the Barbie doll and the Jewish people- from Biblical times to present day. By tracing Barbie's history, the film sheds light on the questions: What does it mean to be an American Jew today? What does it mean to be a member of any tribe in the 21st Century?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tropic Thunder
I had been hearing a lot about the movie Tropic Thunder. A comedy about four actors who are dropped into the Vietnam jungles to shoot a movie "guerrilla-style".
I saw the movie last Friday, and while the above description may accurately describe the film, it does not really tell you what the movie is about. The movie is really about four actors coming to terms with their demons. Jack Black a the drug addicted comedian, Brandon T. Jackson is a closet gay rap star, Jay Baruchel is a character actor who will never be a star, Robert Downey Jr. is a multiple Academy Award-winning actor who has lost any sense of who he is due to diving too deep into his roles, and Ben Stiller is the fading action-hero actor who's desperately trying to restart his career. I'm not sure if they intended to hide the introspective story of finding and accepting who we are in a comedy hoping that it would draw in a larger audience, or if they just over did the story which dwarfed the comedy. Either way, if you're going to the movie looking for a "Stripes" style comedy, you will be disappointed.
I'm not going to say that this is a bad movie, but it's not going to win any academy awards either. I'd rack this up as an over-budgeted movie made for the actors, not the audience.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sexy Sunglasses at Night
After braking my glasses a couple weeks ago I've been stuck wearing my prescription sunglasses while driving (about the only time I have to my glasses). Well, as you can imagine, it can make driving at night interesting.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Life on Mars (US)
When I was introduced to the BBC's series "Life on Mars", I was thrilled. When I heard that ABC was going to air a U.S. version of the series, I was pleased with a twinge of doubt. But now I'm more doubtful than pleased when I found this entry in the Wikipedia:
After reviewing the pilot episode, ABC ordered the series be overhauled with a new format. As a result, there will be significant changes in cast and crew, and production will be relocated to New York "to allow producers to take advantage of recently enacted local and state tax credits for shows filmed in that state."
The reshoot, in addition to location change, will consist of a rewrite of the script and an overhaul of casting. In accordance with the script changes, the "unsatisfying mythological element" of Sam's story was removed.
I'll hold my judgment on the cast until I've seem the first two episodes.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Half-awake
I've been drowsy most of the day thanks to Cricket waking me up around 4am this morning. She hopped up in bed and started declaring that she needed to be fed. I never did get back to any quality sleep after that.
Zzzzz....
Zzzzz....
Thursday, July 31, 2008
IT vs. Dude
It's only funny because it's true. Half of what's on here I've had to deal with at work IRL.
http://view.break.com/529693 - Watch more free videos
http://view.break.com/529693 - Watch more free videos
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Points For Obsenity
WTF are we teaching kids these days?
Theodore Dalrymple
Grading on a Curse
British students get marks for obscenity.
11 July 2008
The head examiner of a British school-examination board, Peter Buckroyd, whose examinations are taken by 780,000 children, recently explained to teachers why a pupil who answered the question, "Describe the room you’re in," with "Fuck off"—an actual case, apparently—should receive a grade of 7.5 percent rather than a grade of zero. Indeed, Buckroyd went so far as to say that "it would be wicked to give it zero because it does show some very basic skills we are looking for."
First, the candidate had spelled the two words correctly, said the chief examiner, which showed some grasp of English orthography; and second, he had strung two words together correctly, which showed some grasp of grammatical structure and an ability to convey meaning. Had the words come with an exclamation mark, moreover, the candidate should have received a grade of 11 percent, because he would have shown some grasp of punctuation.
"We’re looking for positives," explained another examiner, who was presumably desperate to avoid provoking low self-esteem among his examinees. Buckroyd added that, after all, the candidate was "better than someone who doesn’t write anything at all."
Had the pupil written "Fuck off, you bastard!" he would presumably have received 22 percent, which these days is almost certainly a passing grade with distinction. Unfortunately, my knowledge of English expletives is not sufficiently extensive to compose a sentence that would have attracted marks of 100 percent, and such a sentence, in any case, would not be publishable here.
Theodore Dalrymple, a physician, is a contributing editor of City Journal and the Dietrich Weismann Fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Steaming
Holy Crap! The humidity started creeping in over the weekend and by Monday night it was 83° with over 70% humidity in my apartment. At that point it starts feeling like a swamp in there and I have no choice but to turn on the Air Conditioning.
I don't normally like turning on the A/C, but I don't like it when my carpet starts to feel marshy.
I don't normally like turning on the A/C, but I don't like it when my carpet starts to feel marshy.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More Movies
I went to WALL-E and Wanted last Friday and Hancock last night. No letdowns with these films.
WALL-E is another entertaining Pixar masterpiece. This time we follow the adventures of a trash compacting bot who finds love on an abandoned Earth and then follows that love deep into space where it ends up helping return humanity to their home planet. Very funny and great for everyone.
Wanted is an adult action-adventure film starting James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie. McAvoy plays an assassin prodigy, son of the best-of-the-best, who must accept who he is and what he must become to avenge his fathers murder. But wait, there's a twist! Very little here that's original other than the Matrix like ability to defy the laws of nature to curve bullets, leap buildings, and heal mortal wounds in a wax bath.
Hancock is the tale of a reluctant superhero with no memory of who he really is or how he became super-human. John Hancock (Will Smith) is someone who takes out his inner frustrations on the world around him while fighting crime with no regards to the collateral damage he causes with his super strength. Along comes PR guy Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) who makes it his mission to mold Hancock into a Hero. However, there seems to some tension between Ray's wife (Charlize Theron) and Hancock... The story doesn't feature a super-villain for Hancock to tackle, but he does end up having to fight for his life. I won't spoil the story, but I will say that it could have used some more story to lead up to the climax. Still, an entertaining super-hero flick.
WALL-E is another entertaining Pixar masterpiece. This time we follow the adventures of a trash compacting bot who finds love on an abandoned Earth and then follows that love deep into space where it ends up helping return humanity to their home planet. Very funny and great for everyone.
Wanted is an adult action-adventure film starting James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie. McAvoy plays an assassin prodigy, son of the best-of-the-best, who must accept who he is and what he must become to avenge his fathers murder. But wait, there's a twist! Very little here that's original other than the Matrix like ability to defy the laws of nature to curve bullets, leap buildings, and heal mortal wounds in a wax bath.
Hancock is the tale of a reluctant superhero with no memory of who he really is or how he became super-human. John Hancock (Will Smith) is someone who takes out his inner frustrations on the world around him while fighting crime with no regards to the collateral damage he causes with his super strength. Along comes PR guy Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) who makes it his mission to mold Hancock into a Hero. However, there seems to some tension between Ray's wife (Charlize Theron) and Hancock... The story doesn't feature a super-villain for Hancock to tackle, but he does end up having to fight for his life. I won't spoil the story, but I will say that it could have used some more story to lead up to the climax. Still, an entertaining super-hero flick.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Movies Review: Hulk, Happening, Onion
I gorged myself on movies this weekend. On Friday I treated myself to a double feature: The Incredible Hulk, followed by The Happening. Sunday I then watched The Onion Movie.
The Incredible Hulk
This is the latest film from the new Marvel Studios - their first being Iron Man. Now, you need to know that this movie is not connected in any way with the 2003 Hulk film (which I have not seen) with the exception that they share the same characters. This is not a sequel. What this film is is a new story loosely connected to the 1970s TV series and building on a new theatrical Marvel universe which will - presumably - see all of the new movies connected.
This movie starts out with a quick telling of the origin of the Hulk (in this version it's connected to the Super Soldier program experiment (i.e. Captain America) and not a Gamma Bomb explosion) in the opening credits, followed by finding Bruce Banner hiding from General Ross (head of the super soldier project) in Brazil and working with an anonymous "Mr. Blue" over the net to find a cure for Bruce's gamma irradiated blood. What follows is a man hunt and some great Hulk action as he makes his way back to the US to retrieve data from the experiments but bumps into his only girlfriend, Elizabeth 'Betty' Ross. Meanwhile, a soldier is given some injections to help him fight the Hulk, but these end up going wrong and lead to the creation of the Hulk's antithesis, The Abomination. These two end up having a battle royal in the streets of New York that shows that the Hulk is a force of nature that will not be stopped.
In the end the Hulk escapes again. General Ross is seen later in a bar sulking over some drinks and approached by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in regards to Project Avenger thus connecting the two movies and foreshadowing Marvel Studios next project, Captain America: the first Avenger. Woot!
The Happening
M. Night Shyamalan's latest movie is about an event that is causing people to kill themselves. At first it's called a terrorist attack, then it is suggested that it may be a CIA experiment gone wrong, or maybe it's some form of radiation, or is it the plants? But that's just the catalyst for the story of two very innocent people trying to escape whatever it is that is happening. I'm not all that sure about the actors direction in the film, they all seemed a bit flat, but that my just be the type of people Night wanted them to come across as.
The movie starts with the Happening occurring in Central Park and spreading into the city. Then we move to a classroom in a New Jersey high school where Mark Wahlberg's character, a science teacher) is discussing the disappearance of bees all across America before the school is dismissed due to the event in New York. At this point the main characters start their trek west to escape the ever increasing area being affected by the mysterious events. Theories are tossed about until one is somewhat proven by the scientist character to be the most logical cause.
I can't really say to much without giving everything away, but I will say that this movie makes for a good creepy story that doesn't degrade itself into a huge gore fest. I found it slow, but enjoyable.
The Onion Movie
I was hoping for something akin to the Kentucky Fried Movie. At heart it was, but not as good. A lot of the news parody seemed old and overdone.
You will probably be better off renting this before committing to buying it (like I did)...
The Incredible Hulk
This is the latest film from the new Marvel Studios - their first being Iron Man. Now, you need to know that this movie is not connected in any way with the 2003 Hulk film (which I have not seen) with the exception that they share the same characters. This is not a sequel. What this film is is a new story loosely connected to the 1970s TV series and building on a new theatrical Marvel universe which will - presumably - see all of the new movies connected.
This movie starts out with a quick telling of the origin of the Hulk (in this version it's connected to the Super Soldier program experiment (i.e. Captain America) and not a Gamma Bomb explosion) in the opening credits, followed by finding Bruce Banner hiding from General Ross (head of the super soldier project) in Brazil and working with an anonymous "Mr. Blue" over the net to find a cure for Bruce's gamma irradiated blood. What follows is a man hunt and some great Hulk action as he makes his way back to the US to retrieve data from the experiments but bumps into his only girlfriend, Elizabeth 'Betty' Ross. Meanwhile, a soldier is given some injections to help him fight the Hulk, but these end up going wrong and lead to the creation of the Hulk's antithesis, The Abomination. These two end up having a battle royal in the streets of New York that shows that the Hulk is a force of nature that will not be stopped.
In the end the Hulk escapes again. General Ross is seen later in a bar sulking over some drinks and approached by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in regards to Project Avenger thus connecting the two movies and foreshadowing Marvel Studios next project, Captain America: the first Avenger. Woot!
The Happening
M. Night Shyamalan's latest movie is about an event that is causing people to kill themselves. At first it's called a terrorist attack, then it is suggested that it may be a CIA experiment gone wrong, or maybe it's some form of radiation, or is it the plants? But that's just the catalyst for the story of two very innocent people trying to escape whatever it is that is happening. I'm not all that sure about the actors direction in the film, they all seemed a bit flat, but that my just be the type of people Night wanted them to come across as.
The movie starts with the Happening occurring in Central Park and spreading into the city. Then we move to a classroom in a New Jersey high school where Mark Wahlberg's character, a science teacher) is discussing the disappearance of bees all across America before the school is dismissed due to the event in New York. At this point the main characters start their trek west to escape the ever increasing area being affected by the mysterious events. Theories are tossed about until one is somewhat proven by the scientist character to be the most logical cause.
I can't really say to much without giving everything away, but I will say that this movie makes for a good creepy story that doesn't degrade itself into a huge gore fest. I found it slow, but enjoyable.
The Onion Movie
I was hoping for something akin to the Kentucky Fried Movie. At heart it was, but not as good. A lot of the news parody seemed old and overdone.
You will probably be better off renting this before committing to buying it (like I did)...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Stormy Week
We've been having wet weather since this past weekend. Put together a slide show of some of the pictures I've taken:
Monday, June 9, 2008
RIP: Erick Wujcik
Erick passed away this weekend at the age of 57.His fight with cancer ended Saturday evening.
Erick is one of those people who has inspired me over the years and it is a great loss to hear of his passing.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Robotic Prosthetic Arm
I was quite impressed with this video. How much longer until we can build a cybernetic arm or rebuild an organic arm from scratch that can be reattached to the body?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Went to see the Midnight showing of the latest Indiana Jones film last night.
Two thumbs up for this fourth movie. I think if was closer to the first movie, in theme and tone, than the last two movies. Favorite moment was Jones standing in the shadow of a mushroom cloud (I'll say no more...)
Two thumbs up for this fourth movie. I think if was closer to the first movie, in theme and tone, than the last two movies. Favorite moment was Jones standing in the shadow of a mushroom cloud (I'll say no more...)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Eye (Chinese)
While at the local video store I saw a movie that caught my attention, "The Eye".
I've been a fan of Asian horror for a while now, and this is one I haven't seen or bought yet. I found out that this was also remade in Hollywood, so that's usually a good sign that the original is going to be awesome.
I will have to track this movie down and get myself a copy to add to my home collection.
I've been a fan of Asian horror for a while now, and this is one I haven't seen or bought yet. I found out that this was also remade in Hollywood, so that's usually a good sign that the original is going to be awesome.
I will have to track this movie down and get myself a copy to add to my home collection.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Grievance
I have a grievance to lodge against our News Director. Today I was ordered to remove Ron Paul's name from the list of Republican candidates from our Vote 2008 page. I tried to argue that he should remain since he is still in the race, regardless of how far behind he is in the delegate count. He wouldn't have any part of it. He said that Ron Paul didn't stand a chance and was of no consequence to Minnesota voters. I tried to use the same argument to remove Hillary Clinton from the list. He didn't bite and so I removed Ron's name.
Well at least Ron is still in the news:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4844181&page=1
Well at least Ron is still in the news:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4844181&page=1
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cardinal Visit
Had a regal visitor in the area outside my office window today.It's been a chilly few days following the nice 70° weather we had last week. I vowed that I would not turn my furnace back on until next fall/winter, so its been rather cool in my apartment. Cricket has been snuggling up with me to keep warm at night. Last night I even laid down early to watch some movies in bed so she could cuddle up with me.
She seemed to enjoy that.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
38th
We had a good line of thunder storms move through the area last night, which also happened to be my 38th birthday. Stayed home and had some brats for dinner and connected a different computer to my TV.
This is one I scraped together from spare parts from work. The screen doesn't look half bad, but it's running on a AMD Duron which isn't a very fast processor, and there's only two RAM slots which currently hold two 128M (PC133) ram sticks, and frankly I don't know if buying two bigger RAM sticks into it would help much. It also doesn't like booting up with a USB keyboard connected, which is a bummer. Actually it may just be the keyboard. I'm thinking I might have to try the keyboard (Logitech Classic 200) from work since I had it hooked up to this computer via a USB KVM switch.
This is one I scraped together from spare parts from work. The screen doesn't look half bad, but it's running on a AMD Duron which isn't a very fast processor, and there's only two RAM slots which currently hold two 128M (PC133) ram sticks, and frankly I don't know if buying two bigger RAM sticks into it would help much. It also doesn't like booting up with a USB keyboard connected, which is a bummer. Actually it may just be the keyboard. I'm thinking I might have to try the keyboard (Logitech Classic 200) from work since I had it hooked up to this computer via a USB KVM switch.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Caffeine Cure
Here I was trying to cut caffeine out of my daily routine, but after watching this I wonder if that was a wise decision. Maybe I can work a little caffeine back into my diet.
Something Significant Happened in Spokane
Found posted on dalypaul.com:
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/46535
...it became increasingly apparent that what I was witnessing was something far more significant than what I expected. This was no ordinary, pre-ordained, rubber-stamp-the-party-line-and-get-out-before-lunch kind of an affair.Read the full article here:
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/46535
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day
Happy Earth Day!
I bought "The 11th Hour" on DVD two weeks back and watched last Saturday. It's quite a kick to the gut when you realize how fine a line we are walking to keep our civilization afloat. There are a lot of times I wish it would just collapse in on itself, but humanity is too tenacious to let that happen easily. Still, it will happen if the population keeps increasing the way it has been. It's inevitable.
On the brighter side of things, it hit 70°+ yesterday! I opened the windows and let the cat out, it was such a nice day. However, a thunderstorm rolled in around 8pm to put a damper on things. Still, it was a nice day.
I've hooked my laptop up to my LCD TV and it looks pretty good. I can view it in stretched Wide Screen or, for a better view, in 1:1 or Aspect (looks the same). I initially had my old Win 98 PC hooked up to the TV, but both the on-board video processor and the one I bought back in 2000 (which actually handled my TVs resolution) decided to stop working after I tried to hook up my external hard drive (USB to IDE). Not sure why that happened, but I do think it's time to consider buying a new tower PC so I can play some of those games I've bought, to play on Mike's PC, at home.
I bought "The 11th Hour" on DVD two weeks back and watched last Saturday. It's quite a kick to the gut when you realize how fine a line we are walking to keep our civilization afloat. There are a lot of times I wish it would just collapse in on itself, but humanity is too tenacious to let that happen easily. Still, it will happen if the population keeps increasing the way it has been. It's inevitable.
On the brighter side of things, it hit 70°+ yesterday! I opened the windows and let the cat out, it was such a nice day. However, a thunderstorm rolled in around 8pm to put a damper on things. Still, it was a nice day.
I've hooked my laptop up to my LCD TV and it looks pretty good. I can view it in stretched Wide Screen or, for a better view, in 1:1 or Aspect (looks the same). I initially had my old Win 98 PC hooked up to the TV, but both the on-board video processor and the one I bought back in 2000 (which actually handled my TVs resolution) decided to stop working after I tried to hook up my external hard drive (USB to IDE). Not sure why that happened, but I do think it's time to consider buying a new tower PC so I can play some of those games I've bought, to play on Mike's PC, at home.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Chosen Space
Being a pirate is all well and good for a laugh, but I'd like to get a little more out of a game.
Today I decided to check some of the game voting boards for a space based game and found Chosen Space. It's one of the few browser based games that doesn't reset every few months, nor are their any victory conditions. It's play at your own pace and do what you want.
I've decided to try to become a miner. It's a hard life without glitz and glory, but the rewards should make me rich with some hard work.
Oh yeah, I was Pirate of the Hour on Rule the Seas from 1 to 2 pm. Not sure how that works, but it's still nice.
Today I decided to check some of the game voting boards for a space based game and found Chosen Space. It's one of the few browser based games that doesn't reset every few months, nor are their any victory conditions. It's play at your own pace and do what you want.
I've decided to try to become a miner. It's a hard life without glitz and glory, but the rewards should make me rich with some hard work.
Oh yeah, I was Pirate of the Hour on Rule the Seas from 1 to 2 pm. Not sure how that works, but it's still nice.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Bad Day To Be A Pirate
Mike talked me into joining a game called, "Rule The Seas". It's a browser based Pirate game. Very cheesy. Unfortunately, they have been under attack by hackers (cyber-pirates) and have had to roll back the game twice in the last week.
It's a lot less intensive than Travian was, or at least so far.
It's a lot less intensive than Travian was, or at least so far.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Rise and Fall of the Empire
New Scientist wrote:
I don't think that would be a bad thing... :P
"Most people think that our civilisation is of such a scale and complex level of innovation that we are immune to collapse. However, a growing number of researchers are coming to the conclusion that our society is becoming ever more vulnerable. In this special report, New Scientist looks at two possibilities. Could a pandemic be devastating enough to wipe out our entire civilisation - and does the very nature of our civilisation means that ours, like every other civilisation in history, is destined to collapse...."I've been saying this for years. With all the technology we insist on using to prop up our society, it is inevitable that we will become more and more reliant on it to take the "burden" of everyday work off our shoulders until we forget how to do things without them. Then when the technology breaks down, society will most likely break down since so few people will know how to getthigs to work.
I don't think that would be a bad thing... :P
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Flip Flop Weather
Yesterday it was dark, dreary, and raining. Later in the afternoon it started to change over to ice pellets.
Last night it turned to snow which continued until this morning.
Now it's early afternoon and most of the snow has melted away.
Gotta love Minnesota
Last night it turned to snow which continued until this morning.
Now it's early afternoon and most of the snow has melted away.
Gotta love Minnesota
Monday, March 31, 2008
Leaving Travian
I've made the decision to leave the Travian game. It was starting to consume me as much as many of the other online games had in the past. Sunday morning, while I was getting Cricket's food ready, I lost track of time and ended up boiling dry the pot that was warming her food. It must have been on the stove over an hour while I sat in front of the computer screen, oblivious to Cricket's constant cries of, "My food is burning!"
This isn't the first time I've been so engrossed in an online game that I've dropped everything else. It's an addiction that I have to live with, and not get stuck in. If there was an Online Gamers Anonymous group I would have joined it ages ago.
My first encounter was back at the UofM: Mankato where I became addicted to Mudding - the early text forefather to MMO's. Then it was Everquest. Mudding caused me to have to leave Mankato, but I was able to handle and then kick that habbit before it cost me my job.
This isn't the first time I've been so engrossed in an online game that I've dropped everything else. It's an addiction that I have to live with, and not get stuck in. If there was an Online Gamers Anonymous group I would have joined it ages ago.
My first encounter was back at the UofM: Mankato where I became addicted to Mudding - the early text forefather to MMO's. Then it was Everquest. Mudding caused me to have to leave Mankato, but I was able to handle and then kick that habbit before it cost me my job.
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