I purchased Gears of War last Wednesday but didn't get a chance to play until Friday night. Visually, it's fantastic. The audio kicks butt and the gameplay is very different.
I am used to First Person Shooters, starting with Doom and Marathon by Bungie (developers of Halo) on the Mac. This is a "third person shooter" and requires you to re-gear your brain a little bit. As one of the main engineers on the GoW development team, "Cliffy D" said, you can't do things on your own, you have to work with a team. Providing covering fire is more important than brazenly getting ahead of everyone else. Once your squad is killed, you're pretty much a goner too. I know because I've been slowly adapting from FPS to TPS the hard way.
All in all, GoW is a great "2nd year launch" title for the Xbox 360.
Next up, The Nintendo Wii.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Launches Are On
On Saturday, November 11, 2006 Sony officially launched the Playstation 3 (PS3) in Japan. In two days, their entire supply of consoles were completely sold out! Wow! Oh...wait a minute...the real numbers are coming in...
88,400 PS3 systems sold. The big selling games were Ridge Racer 7 at 30,300 copies, Gundam Crossfire at 30,000 and Resistance: Fall of Man at 15,7000. According to Famitsu magazine in Japan, that's a ratio of 0.98 games for every PS3 sold.
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo tend to sell their consoles at a loss or with extremely narrow margins and make up for those losses with game sales.
By comparison, Microsoft's Xbox 360 launched in Japan earlier this year, selling 62,135 units sold during the first two days.
The first person to buy a PS3 was a Chinese national and it turned out that most of the people in line at the store were other Chinese nationals, paid to buy the systems by someone. Later, a gentleman claimed to have 100 units for sale on eBay.
Oh yeah, and the next shipment of units for Japan aren't due until 2007.
It is claimed that 400,000 units will be available for the U.S. launch this Friday. Not a large number at all.
Nintendo will launch the Wii this Sunday in the United States. They are said to currently have at least 2 milliion units ready for launch. One report said that production was going so well, there should be over 4 million Wiis by Christmas, possibly 6 million.
88,400 PS3 systems sold. The big selling games were Ridge Racer 7 at 30,300 copies, Gundam Crossfire at 30,000 and Resistance: Fall of Man at 15,7000. According to Famitsu magazine in Japan, that's a ratio of 0.98 games for every PS3 sold.
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo tend to sell their consoles at a loss or with extremely narrow margins and make up for those losses with game sales.
By comparison, Microsoft's Xbox 360 launched in Japan earlier this year, selling 62,135 units sold during the first two days.
The first person to buy a PS3 was a Chinese national and it turned out that most of the people in line at the store were other Chinese nationals, paid to buy the systems by someone. Later, a gentleman claimed to have 100 units for sale on eBay.
Oh yeah, and the next shipment of units for Japan aren't due until 2007.
It is claimed that 400,000 units will be available for the U.S. launch this Friday. Not a large number at all.
Nintendo will launch the Wii this Sunday in the United States. They are said to currently have at least 2 milliion units ready for launch. One report said that production was going so well, there should be over 4 million Wiis by Christmas, possibly 6 million.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Brand Bigot
I've been working with computers and electronics for a long time now. Like many tech geeks, I've become something of a "brand bigot". In other words, I like Netgear consumer-grade networking stuff, others out there prefer Linksys. I like Mac OS X, others like Windows XP or Vista. This is not to say I think one brand is soooo much better than the others. It means I like that brand for a particular set of reasons, mileage will vary.
That said, here are some brands I like in particular product categories:
Telephones: Panasonic
Cell Phone: Motorola, Nokia, Palm
Wireless Phone Service Provider: Verizon
Computers: Apple, Dell
Videogame Console: Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii
Printers: Hewlett-Packard
Cars: Honda
Televisions: Sony, Toshiba
PDA: Palm (but the PDA market is dying by way of smartphones)
MP3 Player: Apple iPod
Clothes: L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer
Department Store: Target
That said, here are some brands I like in particular product categories:
Telephones: Panasonic
Cell Phone: Motorola, Nokia, Palm
Wireless Phone Service Provider: Verizon
Computers: Apple, Dell
Videogame Console: Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii
Printers: Hewlett-Packard
Cars: Honda
Televisions: Sony, Toshiba
PDA: Palm (but the PDA market is dying by way of smartphones)
MP3 Player: Apple iPod
Clothes: L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer
Department Store: Target
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Kerry Is Obsessed
This Monday, he said this:
President Bush and others lost no time slamming Kerry for the comment, rightfully so.
Kerry went on the defensive asserting that the statement was actually a "botched joke" intended to focus on the president and not our troops.
According to one of his aides, Kerry was allegedly supposed to say,
And the rest of Kerry's response to the White House had problems as well.
He further expressed disgust with "Republican hacks, who have never worn the uniform of our country."Well, sir, John McCain not only wore a uniform, he was a prisoner of war who was tortured by the enemy. What a silly statement to make.
I'm going out on a limb here and would agree with Foreign Policy that Senator John Kerry seems to be a bit obsessed with regard to whether or not he is smarter than President Bush.
SOURCE
You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq.Wow. Yes folks, once again, a politician does his able best to insert his foot into his mouth.
President Bush and others lost no time slamming Kerry for the comment, rightfully so.
Kerry went on the defensive asserting that the statement was actually a "botched joke" intended to focus on the president and not our troops.
According to one of his aides, Kerry was allegedly supposed to say,
"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq."Even what he was supposed to say is stupid and callous. And all of this wasn't helped by his response to the White House.
"The White House's attempt to distort my true statement is a remarkable testament to their abject failure in making America safe..."He's made this accusation many times and my response is always the same. How aren't we safe and name another terrorist action in the United States since 9-11-01.
And the rest of Kerry's response to the White House had problems as well.
"I'm not going to be lectured by a stuffed-suit White House mouthpiece standing behind a podium..."Hmmm...and Mr. Kerry isn't a stuffed-suit politician?
He further expressed disgust with "Republican hacks, who have never worn the uniform of our country."Well, sir, John McCain not only wore a uniform, he was a prisoner of war who was tortured by the enemy. What a silly statement to make.
I'm going out on a limb here and would agree with Foreign Policy that Senator John Kerry seems to be a bit obsessed with regard to whether or not he is smarter than President Bush.
It is the kind of quote that the Republican machine feeds on. Personally, I buy Kerry's explanation that he was trying to insult Bush's intellect - not that of the troops. Any politician knows that bashing the men and women who serve is the dumbest thing a politician can do and Kerry himself is a veteran. Kerry also seems slightly obsessed with the question of whether he or Bush is smarter. Indeed, one can't help but wonder if he didn't release his Navy records during the campaign because they revealed that he actually got slightly worse grades at Yale than Bush did.Indeed, Republicans are running wild with it and I expect Democrats to do the same if a Republican made a similar statement. Some Democrats are upset with Kerry for making this statement so close to Election Day and giving free ammunition to the Republicans. James Forsyth, who wrote the above-mentioned article, stated
Today there must be even fewer Democrats keen on Kerry '08.Now, Democrats running for office this year have to go on record saying Kerry needs to apologize because they don't want to appear to be anti-soldiers. Oh yes, Kerry has clearly shot himself in the foot...again.
SOURCE
Friday, September 08, 2006
Armitage Says Sorry...Yeah, Right.
Richard Armitage says he's really sorry for leaking Valarie Plame's identity. To me, it's all crocodile tears.
The original Bob Novak news article naming Plame as a CIA operative was printed July 14, 2003. A major investigation was launched, a grand jury was convened. Several charges were handed out and only in September of 2006 did Armitage finally come forward and 'fess up.
Still, the original question that Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation was to answer remains unanswered: was the leak illegal? Sure, he handed down some charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying against Lewis Libby to look busy but if the answer is "No" then it was all a waste of time. Libby, of course, has had to spend money on a lawyer and has been steadfast in his claims of innocence. This seems to be largely borne out by the revalation and subsequent admission by Armitage of his role in the whole deal.
But hey, he's really sorry and he feels just terrible. I can only imagine what Libby must be saying to people and I'm sure it's not printable here.
SOURCE
The original Bob Novak news article naming Plame as a CIA operative was printed July 14, 2003. A major investigation was launched, a grand jury was convened. Several charges were handed out and only in September of 2006 did Armitage finally come forward and 'fess up.
Still, the original question that Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation was to answer remains unanswered: was the leak illegal? Sure, he handed down some charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying against Lewis Libby to look busy but if the answer is "No" then it was all a waste of time. Libby, of course, has had to spend money on a lawyer and has been steadfast in his claims of innocence. This seems to be largely borne out by the revalation and subsequent admission by Armitage of his role in the whole deal.
But hey, he's really sorry and he feels just terrible. I can only imagine what Libby must be saying to people and I'm sure it's not printable here.
SOURCE
When Good Boardrooms Go Bad
Not only did HP launch an investigation to find out which board member was leaking information to the press, the private investigators posed as board members to get access to those board members phone records.
This bit of action is known as pretexting. Here is how the federal government defines pretexting:
Unfortunately, the P.I.s didn't stop there, they went after the phone records of journalists who were talking with the moles.
The state of California is investigating the crime and we'll see if arrests are made. This could lead all the way to the top.
Read
This bit of action is known as pretexting. Here is how the federal government defines pretexting:
Pretexters use a variety of tactics to get your personal information. For example, a pretexter may call, claim he's from a survey firm, and ask you a few questions. When the pretexter has the information he wants, he uses it to call your financial institution. He pretends to be you or someone with authorized access to your account. He might claim that he's forgotten his checkbook and needs information about his account. In this way, the pretexter may be able to obtain personal information about you such as your Social Security number (SSN), bank and credit card account numbers, information in your credit report, and the existence and size of your savings and investment portfolios.In other words, this is a major tool used by identity thieves and under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, is a federal crime.
Unfortunately, the P.I.s didn't stop there, they went after the phone records of journalists who were talking with the moles.
The state of California is investigating the crime and we'll see if arrests are made. This could lead all the way to the top.
A top Hewlett-Packard official indicated earlier this week that the effort to obtain phone records had begun in January 2006 after an article appeared on CNET with accounts of a Hewlett-Packard management meeting. Those revelations prompted H.P.’s chairwoman, Patricia C. Dunn, to order an investigation of leaks, and the company has conceded that subterfuge was used by a subcontractor to gain phone records in the investigation.More than likely, we'll probably see Dunn announce that she will step down. And this is after the mess with the previous CEO. Oh so very messy.
In May, that investigation identified the board’s longest-serving member, George A. Keyworth II, as the source of the leak. He rebuffed a request to resign, but the company said he would not be renominated. Thomas J. Perkins, another board member, resigned in anger over the way the investigation was conducted. His efforts to get the company to acknowledge the reason for his departure led to this week’s disclosures.Help take a bite out of crime, stop the pretexters!
[...]
CNET said Thursday that phone records of two of its reporters, Dawn Kawamoto and Tom Krazit, had also been obtained. It said access to Ms. Kawamoto's records had been gained from the same Internet address used by the person who accessed the phone records of Mr. Perkins. A caller used the last four digits of her husband's Social Security number to establish an online account with AT&T to view the records. Access was gained on one date, in late January 2006, it said.
A CNET spokeswoman, Sarah Cain, said: "These actions not only violated the privacy rights of our employee, but also the rights of all reporters to protect their confidential sources."
Read
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Woo Hoo, Woo Hoo-Hoo
Last Friday afternoon, I finally jumped on the Vonage bandwagon and signed up for service. Tuesday afternoon, I recieved the special hardware to connect between my computer and cable modem internet service. Tuesday night, everything was operational.
For roughly $27 per month (after taxes), I have unlimited local and long distance (U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and some European locations) along with voicemail, caller ID and some fancy call forwarding options.
To get roughly the same service from my telephone service provider, Verizon, I would have to pay $50, and most of that fee was made up by local, state and federal taxes. Granted, it remains to be seen how long Vonage and other Voice over IP services will be able to keep their fees low but for now, I can deal.
So far, voice quality is great and even though Vonage supplied me with a virtual phone number for people to dial while my old phone number is ported from Verizon, I can dial to my old phone number and it will ring through.
Conceivably, I can take my Vonage router on the road with me and connect with a high-speed internet access point in the hotel or someone's house and still use the same phone number. Conceivable but not practical, especially since my cell phone provides unlimited long distance across the country. Then again, if I go overseas, this would be a cool thing. I really wish though, that a "soft phone" which would allow me to use my computer as a phone through the service was available without having to set up a whole new account.
My big question though is whether or not Verizon, while it still has ownership of my phone number, will try to tack on a charge for when I dial a long distance phone number from my Vonage service.
I decided to go with Vonage because some people I know already have the service and love it, there's lots of positive user reviews about voice quality at Cnet.com and other places and they are probably the most common consumer VoIP provider.
For roughly $27 per month (after taxes), I have unlimited local and long distance (U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and some European locations) along with voicemail, caller ID and some fancy call forwarding options.
To get roughly the same service from my telephone service provider, Verizon, I would have to pay $50, and most of that fee was made up by local, state and federal taxes. Granted, it remains to be seen how long Vonage and other Voice over IP services will be able to keep their fees low but for now, I can deal.
So far, voice quality is great and even though Vonage supplied me with a virtual phone number for people to dial while my old phone number is ported from Verizon, I can dial to my old phone number and it will ring through.
Conceivably, I can take my Vonage router on the road with me and connect with a high-speed internet access point in the hotel or someone's house and still use the same phone number. Conceivable but not practical, especially since my cell phone provides unlimited long distance across the country. Then again, if I go overseas, this would be a cool thing. I really wish though, that a "soft phone" which would allow me to use my computer as a phone through the service was available without having to set up a whole new account.
My big question though is whether or not Verizon, while it still has ownership of my phone number, will try to tack on a charge for when I dial a long distance phone number from my Vonage service.
I decided to go with Vonage because some people I know already have the service and love it, there's lots of positive user reviews about voice quality at Cnet.com and other places and they are probably the most common consumer VoIP provider.
Monday, August 14, 2006
RIAA wants to go after dead defendant's children
Saw this at slash.dot:
..."In Michigan, in Warner Bros. v. Scantlebury, after learning that the defendant had passed away, the RIAA made a motion to stay the case for 60 days in order to allow the family time to "grieve", after which time they want to start taking depositions of the late Mr. Scantlebury's children. Recording Industry vs The People have more details"Seriously, what a bunch of cold-hearted bastards. I have seen the enemy and they is the RIAA.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Over 3,333 Launched
Hezbollah is said to have now fired 3,333 missiles into Israel.
James Joyner over at outsidethebeltway.com put it mildly, "That a terrorist group could amass such an arsenal is stunning."
Clearly, these jaspers are funded by big, big pockets.
Source: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2006/08/hezbollah_has_fired_3333_rockets_/
James Joyner over at outsidethebeltway.com put it mildly, "That a terrorist group could amass such an arsenal is stunning."
Clearly, these jaspers are funded by big, big pockets.
Source: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2006/08/hezbollah_has_fired_3333_rockets_/
Friday, July 28, 2006
Get A Big Mac for $1
Order a Double Cheeseburger off the McDonald's Dollar Menu, take generous liberties with their "have it your way" motto to add the sauce, onions, sesame seed bun and the $1 double cheeseburger is transformed into the Big Mac. Toss in some fries and it all becomes, The Ghetto Big Mac.
The bonus is that since the Ghetto Big Mac doesn't have bread between the two patties, less carbs. After all, when eating fast food, this counts.
I love America.
The bonus is that since the Ghetto Big Mac doesn't have bread between the two patties, less carbs. After all, when eating fast food, this counts.
I love America.
Back Seat Driver's Manual
Back seat drivers of the world, rejoice! Volkswagen, as part of an advertising campaign, has come out with a (humorous) back seat driver's manual. Someone has taken the time to scan the pages and post them online. Find it here.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Bush Drops The S-Bomb
Oh, dear me. The press is all over this one. While attending the G8 Conference in St. Petersburg, Russia today, President Bush was unaware that a microphone was still on and picking up his private conversation with British Prime Minister Tony Blair as they discussed what the UN and other international leaders should do regarding the situation between Israel and Hezbollah. This is what Bush said. Be warned, this quote contains adult language:
Ooh! Somebody send Barbara Bush to Russia to spank Georgie and wash his mouth out with soap! That's all he said? Big deal. What he said to Blair was absolutely correct. Syria or Iran need to step in and tell Hezbollah to stop it.
Tony Snow, press secretary told reporters that he mentioned to the president about what happened.
"See, the irony is what they really need to do is to get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit."See the video footage.
Ooh! Somebody send Barbara Bush to Russia to spank Georgie and wash his mouth out with soap! That's all he said? Big deal. What he said to Blair was absolutely correct. Syria or Iran need to step in and tell Hezbollah to stop it.
Tony Snow, press secretary told reporters that he mentioned to the president about what happened.
"Actually his reaction first was, 'What did it say?' So we showed him the transcript, then he rolled his eyes and laughed."One British newspaper said that Bush was "more like a rapper than a statesman." Blair on the other hand, really seems to be getting the worst end of it.
Most UK papers agreed that Blair had fared the worse over the microphone mishap. The remarks provided a unique insight into the relationship between the two men, said The Independent.SOURCE
It had "done little to rebuff suspicions that the prime minister is something of a Washington poodle." said the Opposition Conservative-supporting Daily Mail.
Pirates Treasure Trove
In spite of all the bad reviews, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is raking in the money. According to CNN, the sequel has,
...earned $62.2 million in its second weekend, raising its 10-day total to $258.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.Arrr, Matey, 'tis a treasure chest for Johnny Depp and crew. Arr!
The movie has quickly become the year's top-grossing film, rocketing past "X-Men: The Last Stand," which has taken in $232 million in eight weeks. The "Pirates" sequel has grossed an additional $125 million overseas.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Solving Sudoku
The Brain Age game I have for the Nintendo DS includes a great implementation of Sudoku. It's so good that people are calling for it to be on its own. The only nit I have about the game is that I am only allowed 5 mistakes before the game calls me a loser boy. Nonetheless, I'm starting to really get used to Sudoku and finding it a nice waste of time.
Here's a great guide on how to solve Sudoku puzzles:
http://www.wikihow.com/Solve-a-Sudoku
WikiHow.com has other great how-to articles so rummage around.
Here's a great guide on how to solve Sudoku puzzles:
http://www.wikihow.com/Solve-a-Sudoku
WikiHow.com has other great how-to articles so rummage around.
Friday, June 30, 2006
The View From Here
To prove that there are no true friends in Hollywood...
"I hope you'll stay with us as long as you want." - Barbara Walters, to Star Jones, on the day Jones announced she was leaving The View.
"Regrettably, Star will no longer be on this program." - Barbara Walters, the next day.
Not only that, the opening credits for the show the next day were sans Star Jones. The website is the same way. Stalin still inspires.
"I hope you'll stay with us as long as you want." - Barbara Walters, to Star Jones, on the day Jones announced she was leaving The View.
"Regrettably, Star will no longer be on this program." - Barbara Walters, the next day.
Not only that, the opening credits for the show the next day were sans Star Jones. The website is the same way. Stalin still inspires.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Teddy Bear USB Drive Gets Stuck In Computer
I can understand why someone would want to make a USB flash drive inside a teddy bear but while everything looks good on paper, the final product didn't. In this case, you take the teddy bear's head off to reveal the USB adapter, plug it in on the computer and it can look like the cute bear is stuck in the computer. READ
James Woods Poker Face
James Woods, one of my favorite actors, is a serious poker player.
11:52 a.m.I'd love to see the playlist he has on that iPod. I've heard Woods is a cool guy and the Entertainment Weekly reporter who was there for the tournament noted that Woods said hello to everyone he could, stopped playing to pose for a photo with a fan and danced a jig later in the evening. Seriously had fun.
Clad in all black, wearing aviator sunglasses and a HollywoodPoker.com shirt, and carrying a white iPod Nano cranking Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, and Aerosmith ditties, Woods settles in: table 3, seat 3. Here, he's known as Jimmy. "I don't need luck because I'm going to win the f---ing thing. I'm serious."
Monday, June 12, 2006
Swigen Is Back!
Deadwood has returned to HBO for 12 episodes. Unfortunately, it looks like season 3 will be the last. HBO and David Milch, the show's executive producer, writer and creator, said there will be two two hour movies to wrap up the series.
In the meantime, check out the real versions of the various characters here.
With the demise of Deadwood and The Sopranos, maybe it's time for me to really think about getting rid of all the movie channels and explore services like Netflix and Blockbuster's similar offering as an alternate.
In the meantime, check out the real versions of the various characters here.
With the demise of Deadwood and The Sopranos, maybe it's time for me to really think about getting rid of all the movie channels and explore services like Netflix and Blockbuster's similar offering as an alternate.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Cell Phones Don't Lie
al-Zarqawi (on cell phone): Eh? Can you hear me now?
NSA Agent tracking call: Sure can, bud! Sending my calling card right now!
F-16 pilot overhead: Yippee-Kiyay Mo-Fo!
Bomb: boom!
Apparently the military was able to track al-Zarqawi to his location at the safehouse via his cell phone. Read.
Cell Phone: Free with new service.
Tracking bad guy to administer justice: priceless.
NSA Agent tracking call: Sure can, bud! Sending my calling card right now!
F-16 pilot overhead: Yippee-Kiyay Mo-Fo!
Bomb: boom!
Apparently the military was able to track al-Zarqawi to his location at the safehouse via his cell phone. Read.
Cell Phone: Free with new service.
Tracking bad guy to administer justice: priceless.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Nintendo's Game
This Sunday, the Nintendo DS Lite will be officially released in the United States. I mentioned that Sunday, June 11 is the official release date because some Target, Toys 'R Us and Walmart locations have broken the release date by putting them on the shelves shortly after Memorial Day.
This dual-screen handheld game console is total redesign of the Nintendo DS released in 2004. While the original DS was pretty good, the industrial design could have been better and the Lite intends to remedy all that. The biggest change is a much smaller and slimmer case and a brighter screen.
In the good ol' days, you hooked up several Nintendo GameBoys to have multi-player action in Tetris. Now, it's all wireless and you can even connect with a special server to play people all over the internet for free.
While I like my Sony PSP handheld game console, I find the Niintendo DS to be a better gaming handheld. Sure, the PSP can play video, display pictures, connect to the internet with a web browser and play music and the graphics may be better than the Nintendo DS but it tries so hard to be everything. The DS is simply a gaming console and tries not to be anything more. I originally thought the dual-screen to be a novelty but instead, has turned into something very useful. Not only that, at $129, is a better price point for kids than the PSP.
The one thing the PSP has that I wish the DS had is expandable memory. That memory card slot has made the PSP a favorite with hackers who have come out with homebrew games. Sony is trying hard to combat the homebrews but maybe it will be worth it to embrace the hacking community. Both could tolerate having a small keyboard for entering text.
Personally, I don't like comparing one videogame system to another. They all have their pluses and minuses. I also think the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are targeting different things.
Now, back to those stores that broke the June 11 street date. Some folks have come up with crafty ways to pry the DS Lites out of the stockrooms at Targe and Walmart. I checked at my local Target but the electronics department manager is wise to the whole thing. He won't pull the DS Lite pallet out of the stock room until Sunday morning because he wants to make sure he has enough units on hand that day because the DS Lite will be in the Target ads included with the Sunday newspaper.
Unlike the Xbox 360, I'm pretty confident there will be units available for purchase Sunday because the handheld games are not as popular as things like the Xbox 360, PS2 or the soon-to-be-released Playstation 3.
Nintendo will release their new gaming console in Novmeber. The development project for this new console was called Revolution. The release name will be Wii. Don't let the stupid name fool you. I've been reading up on the Wii and it looks to be something to check out.
Aside from being cheaper and smaller than the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, the Wii will be sporting a unit hand controller. By moving the controller in a certain fashion, you can, on-screen, wield a sword, hike a football, swing a tennis racket or aim a futuristic rifle at hostile Martians.
A product manager at Electronic Arts said the new controller system is challenging their game programmers in a positive way. You have to take games like Madden Football and totally rethink the controller code.
Speaking of new ideas in videogaming, there is a new game for the Nintendo DS called Brain Age. This is a videogame of sorts that allows you to exercise your brain. There are also some word and number puzzles. I might pick this game up to check it out. You can find out more about Brain Age here.
Wikipedia.org, of course, has some nice write-ups on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Sony PSP.
This dual-screen handheld game console is total redesign of the Nintendo DS released in 2004. While the original DS was pretty good, the industrial design could have been better and the Lite intends to remedy all that. The biggest change is a much smaller and slimmer case and a brighter screen.
In the good ol' days, you hooked up several Nintendo GameBoys to have multi-player action in Tetris. Now, it's all wireless and you can even connect with a special server to play people all over the internet for free.
While I like my Sony PSP handheld game console, I find the Niintendo DS to be a better gaming handheld. Sure, the PSP can play video, display pictures, connect to the internet with a web browser and play music and the graphics may be better than the Nintendo DS but it tries so hard to be everything. The DS is simply a gaming console and tries not to be anything more. I originally thought the dual-screen to be a novelty but instead, has turned into something very useful. Not only that, at $129, is a better price point for kids than the PSP.
The one thing the PSP has that I wish the DS had is expandable memory. That memory card slot has made the PSP a favorite with hackers who have come out with homebrew games. Sony is trying hard to combat the homebrews but maybe it will be worth it to embrace the hacking community. Both could tolerate having a small keyboard for entering text.
Personally, I don't like comparing one videogame system to another. They all have their pluses and minuses. I also think the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are targeting different things.
Now, back to those stores that broke the June 11 street date. Some folks have come up with crafty ways to pry the DS Lites out of the stockrooms at Targe and Walmart. I checked at my local Target but the electronics department manager is wise to the whole thing. He won't pull the DS Lite pallet out of the stock room until Sunday morning because he wants to make sure he has enough units on hand that day because the DS Lite will be in the Target ads included with the Sunday newspaper.
Unlike the Xbox 360, I'm pretty confident there will be units available for purchase Sunday because the handheld games are not as popular as things like the Xbox 360, PS2 or the soon-to-be-released Playstation 3.
Nintendo will release their new gaming console in Novmeber. The development project for this new console was called Revolution. The release name will be Wii. Don't let the stupid name fool you. I've been reading up on the Wii and it looks to be something to check out.
Aside from being cheaper and smaller than the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, the Wii will be sporting a unit hand controller. By moving the controller in a certain fashion, you can, on-screen, wield a sword, hike a football, swing a tennis racket or aim a futuristic rifle at hostile Martians.
A product manager at Electronic Arts said the new controller system is challenging their game programmers in a positive way. You have to take games like Madden Football and totally rethink the controller code.
Speaking of new ideas in videogaming, there is a new game for the Nintendo DS called Brain Age. This is a videogame of sorts that allows you to exercise your brain. There are also some word and number puzzles. I might pick this game up to check it out. You can find out more about Brain Age here.
Wikipedia.org, of course, has some nice write-ups on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Sony PSP.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Brannigan...Must It Be On DVD?
The Good
John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn
Humphrey Bogart instead of Ronald Reagan in Casablanca
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
According to Entertainment Weekly, here are some other famous close calls that didn't happen. Let's call it The Bad.
And then, there's The Ugly. Castings that happened that really shouldn't have.
I've never seen The Quiet Man but I've heard so many people say it was his best role. Hmmm...rental time.
John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn
Humphrey Bogart instead of Ronald Reagan in Casablanca
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
According to Entertainment Weekly, here are some other famous close calls that didn't happen. Let's call it The Bad.
— Chris O'Donnell and Claire Danes in Titanic.This was in an article about the release onto DVD of the John Wayne movie, "Branigan."
— Cher and Melanie Griffith in Thelma & Louise.
— Molly Ringwald in Pretty Woman.
And then, there's The Ugly. Castings that happened that really shouldn't have.
- I still contend that while he did a decent job, Mel Gibson was improperly cast in Hamlet. He was too old.There were some great comments online to the story. One of the best was this:
- Leonardo Dicaprio in Titanic. He redeemed himself with The Aviator.
- George Clooney as Batman. Chris O'Donnell as Robin was pretty repulsive too.
I've read the comments that John Wayne can not "act." I feel that people tend to judge him based on his later-years, off-screen persona, when he himself confused the "man" with the "legend." John Wayne did not become an icon because he could not act! He became an icon because he projected what it meant to be "American" and "heroic" at a time when people needed someone and something to believe in. He was, is, and will forever be a "Movie Star" - an icon of the Silver Screen. Pop "The Searchers," "Red River," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence," or "She Wore a Yellow RIbbon" in your DVD player and watch a world-class actor at the peek of his talents. Sure he made some duds, but name a legend who didn't. As far as his not joining the army, remember that he was in his 40's with a family. Well past the average age of recruits. He "played" heroes even if he was not one himself...and that is okay. Clark Gable did not fight in the Civil War, nor did Bogart ever step foot in Casablanca...Still, Brannigan was pretty bad. Make your DVD player feel better with The Quiet Man, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, El Dorado/Rio Lobo, The Sons of Katie Elder, Sands of Iwo Jima, They Were Expendable, The Wings of Eagles (a personal favorite), Donovan's Reef, North to Alaska, True Grit/Rooster Cogburn, The Shootist (his last film), In Harm's Way, and way too many others.
I've never seen The Quiet Man but I've heard so many people say it was his best role. Hmmm...rental time.
Congress Out Of Tune
From CNN.com this morning:
Yeah, clearly another sign that Congress is out of touch with the American people.
The Senate is set to vote this morning on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, even though supporters concede the measure doesn't have enough votes to win. "I don't believe there's any issue that's more important than this one," said Republican Sen. David Vitter.How about the economy, immigration, Social Security or even the little things like congressional ethics.
Yeah, clearly another sign that Congress is out of touch with the American people.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Conservative Top 50
I love lists and the New York Times has created a list of the Conservative Top 50 Rock Songs with explanations. On one hand, I can see the subtle humor. On the other hand, this is a pretty cool list of tunes.
READ
My favorite was number 1 and the comments about The Who:
Time to haul out the DVD of their live concert footage, The Kids Are Alright.
READ
My favorite was number 1 and the comments about The Who:
The instantly recognizable synthesizer intro, Pete Townshend's ringing guitar, Keith Moon's pounding drums, and Roger Daltrey's wailing vocals make this one of the most explosive rock anthems ever recorded — the best number by a big band, and a classic for conservatives.The writer must be a Who fan too. You want explosive music? Listen to the entire Who's Next album this song is on as well as Quadrophenia. Both albums will give your speakers a serious workout.
Time to haul out the DVD of their live concert footage, The Kids Are Alright.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Miscellaneous
"Senator Hillary Clinton is being criticized because she recently called today's college kids lazy and uninformed. A spokesperson for college kids said: 'Whatever, lady from TV.'"
-- Conan O'Brien
"In the wake of reports that the NSA is monitoring phone records, Senator Arlen Specter, the Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would subpoena phone companies to appear before his committee. The phone companies said they would try to be there sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m."
-- Tina Fey, on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update
"If I heard the Lord right about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms."
-- Rev. Pat Robertson, revealing what he says God has told him
"Why do we have to say that English is the language that we speak in America? Are we that insecure about ourselves?"
-- Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, during last week's debate on immigration and making English the nation's official language
----------
$17,316 Total value of personal gifts to President Bush last year, including a $5,474 bicycle
$39,722 Value of gifts to Vice President Cheney, including a $6,125 Colt revolver
----------
1¢ Amount Jacqueline Williams of Flint, Mich., owed her energy company when her power was shut off for seven hours last week
----------
6 Number of mostly Muslim countries among the top 10 nations in which Google users are most likely to search for the word sex. Pakistan, Egypt and Iran lead the list
10 Number of Canadian, Australian and U.S. locales among the top 10 cities in which Google users are most likely to search for the word drugs
----------
1.23¢ Cost to the U.S. Mint to manufacture a penny, a 27% jump from last year, attributed to skyrocketing metals, manufacturing and transportation costs
5.73¢ Cost of producing a nickel, up 19% from 2005
Source 1
Source 2
-- Conan O'Brien
"In the wake of reports that the NSA is monitoring phone records, Senator Arlen Specter, the Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would subpoena phone companies to appear before his committee. The phone companies said they would try to be there sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m."
-- Tina Fey, on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update
"If I heard the Lord right about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms."
-- Rev. Pat Robertson, revealing what he says God has told him
"Why do we have to say that English is the language that we speak in America? Are we that insecure about ourselves?"
-- Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, during last week's debate on immigration and making English the nation's official language
----------
$17,316 Total value of personal gifts to President Bush last year, including a $5,474 bicycle
$39,722 Value of gifts to Vice President Cheney, including a $6,125 Colt revolver
----------
1¢ Amount Jacqueline Williams of Flint, Mich., owed her energy company when her power was shut off for seven hours last week
----------
6 Number of mostly Muslim countries among the top 10 nations in which Google users are most likely to search for the word sex. Pakistan, Egypt and Iran lead the list
10 Number of Canadian, Australian and U.S. locales among the top 10 cities in which Google users are most likely to search for the word drugs
----------
1.23¢ Cost to the U.S. Mint to manufacture a penny, a 27% jump from last year, attributed to skyrocketing metals, manufacturing and transportation costs
5.73¢ Cost of producing a nickel, up 19% from 2005
Source 1
Source 2
Miscellaneous
"Senator Hillary Clinton is being criticized because she recently called today's college kids lazy and uninformed. A spokesperson for college kids said: 'Whatever, lady from TV.'"
-- Conan O'Brien
"In the wake of reports that the NSA is monitoring phone records, Senator Arlen Specter, the Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would subpoena phone companies to appear before his committee. The phone companies said they would try to be there sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m."
-- Tina Fey, on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update
"If I heard the Lord right about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms."
-- Rev. Pat Robertson, revealing what he says God has told him
"Why do we have to say that English is the language that we speak in America? Are we that insecure about ourselves?"
-- Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, during last week's debate on immigration and making English the nation's official language
----------
$17,316 Total value of personal gifts to President Bush last year, including a $5,474 bicycle
$39,722 Value of gifts to Vice President Cheney, including a $6,125 Colt revolver
----------
1¢ Amount Jacqueline Williams of Flint, Mich., owed her energy company when her power was shut off for seven hours last week
----------
6 Number of mostly Muslim countries among the top 10 nations in which Google users are most likely to search for the word sex. Pakistan, Egypt and Iran lead the list
10 Number of Canadian, Australian and U.S. locales among the top 10 cities in which Google users are most likely to search for the word drugs
----------
1.23¢ Cost to the U.S. Mint to manufacture a penny, a 27% jump from last year, attributed to skyrocketing metals, manufacturing and transportation costs
5.73¢ Cost of producing a nickel, up 19% from 2005
Source 1
Source 2
-- Conan O'Brien
"In the wake of reports that the NSA is monitoring phone records, Senator Arlen Specter, the Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would subpoena phone companies to appear before his committee. The phone companies said they would try to be there sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m."
-- Tina Fey, on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update
"If I heard the Lord right about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms."
-- Rev. Pat Robertson, revealing what he says God has told him
"Why do we have to say that English is the language that we speak in America? Are we that insecure about ourselves?"
-- Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, during last week's debate on immigration and making English the nation's official language
----------
$17,316 Total value of personal gifts to President Bush last year, including a $5,474 bicycle
$39,722 Value of gifts to Vice President Cheney, including a $6,125 Colt revolver
----------
1¢ Amount Jacqueline Williams of Flint, Mich., owed her energy company when her power was shut off for seven hours last week
----------
6 Number of mostly Muslim countries among the top 10 nations in which Google users are most likely to search for the word sex. Pakistan, Egypt and Iran lead the list
10 Number of Canadian, Australian and U.S. locales among the top 10 cities in which Google users are most likely to search for the word drugs
----------
1.23¢ Cost to the U.S. Mint to manufacture a penny, a 27% jump from last year, attributed to skyrocketing metals, manufacturing and transportation costs
5.73¢ Cost of producing a nickel, up 19% from 2005
Source 1
Source 2
How Common Is Your Name?
If you think my first name, Roger, is common, I beg to differ. Check out the NameVoyager for proof. What is interesting is that Roger was popular during the 1950s and 1960s, around the time I was...err...born.
I won't argue the fact that my last name, Smith, is pretty common.
So, which names are currently popular? The Baby Name Wizard Blog reported,
I won't argue the fact that my last name, Smith, is pretty common.
So, which names are currently popular? The Baby Name Wizard Blog reported,
2005's Hottest, NottestAs to what are the most common...the blog noted that the Social Security Administration listed these as the most popular names for 2005:
The fastest rising and falling baby names make up a time capsule of a given year. They show off changing fashions, cultural trends, and even world events. The biggest movers of 2005:
RISERS
Girls
1. Ciara
2. Ava
3. Estrella
4. Danica
5. Sienna
6. Emerson
Boys
1. Talan
2. Braylon
3. Leland
4. Amare
5. Landon
6. Johnpaul
FALLERS
Girls
1. Hunter
2. Laisha
3. Sheila
4. Jessica
5. Celeste
6. Christian
Boys
1. Kanye
2. Ashton
3. Alexis
4. Kyle
5. Colby
6. Justin
GIRLS BOYS
Emily Jacob
Emma Michael
Madison Joshua
Abigail Matthew
Olivia Ethan
Isabella Andrew
Hannah Daniel
Samantha Anthony
Ava Christopher
Ashley Joseph
Mapping Languages
Global Mapping International has downloadable maps of the distribution of languages across the world.
Fascinating to see the makeup of language in the world. Some of the maps are quite complex.
Fascinating to see the makeup of language in the world. Some of the maps are quite complex.
Apple Store Marriage Proposal Update
Earlier, I posted a story about some guy proposing marriage to his girlfriend via the webcam at the new Manhattan Apple Store opening last weekend. Here's a happy follow-up, she said yes.
Read
Read
Hicks Gets More Votes Than Bush
Taylor Hicks is now the 5th American Idol. He won on the show, American Idol last night.
According an AP story, "More than 63 million votes were cast, 'more than any president in the history of our country has received,' [Ryan] Seacrest said."
Ahh...but he didn't win the electoral vote!
Maybe John McCain should add him as his vice presidential running mate. Alabama's a red state right?
According an AP story, "More than 63 million votes were cast, 'more than any president in the history of our country has received,' [Ryan] Seacrest said."
Ahh...but he didn't win the electoral vote!
Maybe John McCain should add him as his vice presidential running mate. Alabama's a red state right?
One OutsideTheBeltway.com reader noted,I like Ike!
Yes 63 million votes is more than any American president has received (62 million for Bush in 2004), but you are comparing apples to space ships. As noted above, you are drawing from a different pool of voters. Also, the 63 million was to total vote for American idol. The 122 million total vote in 2004 was considerably higher. This would be like comparing the 62 million votes for Bush in 2004 to the 62 million votes for Ike and Adlai combined in 1956.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Nike Likes iPod
I own jackets from Columbia Sportswear and L.L. Bean that feature special pockets to hold my cell phone. The one from Columbia is much better than the one from L.L. Bean because my Motorola e815 fits in the pocket with the leather case on.
Now, Nike is offering shoes that connect with your iPod to gather data about your exercise. They also have clothes which offer ways to carry your iPod.
Just do it. Turn on the iPod. Now. Really. Just turn it on OK? Batteries are dead?
Now, Nike is offering shoes that connect with your iPod to gather data about your exercise. They also have clothes which offer ways to carry your iPod.
Just do it. Turn on the iPod. Now. Really. Just turn it on OK? Batteries are dead?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Hillary Has An iPod!
Hillary Clinton revealed to the New York Post that she received an iPod from her husband Bill for her birthday last October. She said she has a huge variety of songs on the digital music player.
I certainly hope all the songs on the iPod are legally owned by her.
She's so hip!
SOURCE
I certainly hope all the songs on the iPod are legally owned by her.
She's so hip!
SOURCE
Saturday, May 20, 2006
New Apple Store Time Elapsed Photos
Apple Computer, Inc. opened their newest Apple Store in New York City, on 5th Avenue, Friday May 19 at 6pm. The store features a 30 foot glass cube in front of the entrance.
As part of the celebration, they set up a camera in front of the store hooked to the web to show time-elapsed photos of the first 24 hours being open.
This is a very cool thing to watch. I never knew that many people could be wandering around in front of the store at 4 in the morning. Fascinating to watch the windows in the building behind the glass cube as the day progresses.
According to a reader at TUAW.com,"If you click on the time lapse, it will stop and you can step through the frames with the arrow keys."
One guy even proposed to his girlfriend in front of the camera.
I know where I'm heading on my next trip to NYC.
As part of the celebration, they set up a camera in front of the store hooked to the web to show time-elapsed photos of the first 24 hours being open.
This is a very cool thing to watch. I never knew that many people could be wandering around in front of the store at 4 in the morning. Fascinating to watch the windows in the building behind the glass cube as the day progresses.
According to a reader at TUAW.com,"If you click on the time lapse, it will stop and you can step through the frames with the arrow keys."
One guy even proposed to his girlfriend in front of the camera.
I know where I'm heading on my next trip to NYC.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Love Me Do?
Paul McCartney...excuse me...Sir Paul McCartney. You know, the cute Beatle that America has known since 1963 or 1964, one of the most recognizeable icons in the world and all that. Well, he held a press conference to announce that he and his wife, Heather Mills, are splitting up and the press folks are to blame.
Hmmm...I dunno but you would think that a guy who has been in the public eye since 1963 would know how to deal with this stuff by now. Heather is no stranger to the press herself, using the attention to promote some cause or other.
CNN.com is reporting that Sir Paul did not set up a pre-nuptial agreement before the marriage. D'Oh! Seems pretty silly for a guy who is worth around $1,555 million (seems like an odd number) and given the state of other high profile marriages. This could cost him up to a quarter of his estimated worth, something like $380 million.
It hasn't been a good two weeks for Paul. First, The Beatles lose the lawsuit against Apple Computer, Inc. and now this.
Maybe Sir Paul could seek some cheer by allowing Beatles songs to appear on the iTunes Music Store (although Micheal Jackson would probably have to be involved in the deal. Look here for on that.). Or, he and Ringo could accept the $3,200 offer from Lorne Michaels if The Beatles reunited to perform on Saturday Night Live as The Beatles.
Hmmm...I dunno but you would think that a guy who has been in the public eye since 1963 would know how to deal with this stuff by now. Heather is no stranger to the press herself, using the attention to promote some cause or other.
CNN.com is reporting that Sir Paul did not set up a pre-nuptial agreement before the marriage. D'Oh! Seems pretty silly for a guy who is worth around $1,555 million (seems like an odd number) and given the state of other high profile marriages. This could cost him up to a quarter of his estimated worth, something like $380 million.
It hasn't been a good two weeks for Paul. First, The Beatles lose the lawsuit against Apple Computer, Inc. and now this.
Maybe Sir Paul could seek some cheer by allowing Beatles songs to appear on the iTunes Music Store (although Micheal Jackson would probably have to be involved in the deal. Look here for on that.). Or, he and Ringo could accept the $3,200 offer from Lorne Michaels if The Beatles reunited to perform on Saturday Night Live as The Beatles.
It's The Thought That Counts.
Last night, Wen-Yi and I drove to the mall to find a birthday gift for her friend's 8 year-old daughter. We went into a store called Claire's Accessories. After looking around for a little bit, the girl who was working there asked if we were looking for anything. Wen-Yi mentioned that she was trying to find something for an 8 year-old girl. The Claire's girl right away suggested that Wen-Yi get a gift card since she could leave it up to the 8 year-old to find something.
Mmm-kay, girlfriend, thanks for the hot, creative tip. I'm so used to my sales background where my managers told me to point out what was on sale, what was popular and point out how several items could go together. "Go for the Up-Sale." Instead, we get a suggestion to buy a gift card. Don't work too hard there, girlfriend.
While I thought the It's Happy Bunny stuff was cool, Claire's seems a bit too trendy and way too cute for me.
Mmm-kay, girlfriend, thanks for the hot, creative tip. I'm so used to my sales background where my managers told me to point out what was on sale, what was popular and point out how several items could go together. "Go for the Up-Sale." Instead, we get a suggestion to buy a gift card. Don't work too hard there, girlfriend.
While I thought the It's Happy Bunny stuff was cool, Claire's seems a bit too trendy and way too cute for me.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
On The Air Job Interview...Not.
This has been making its way around the internet lately. Following the British court ruling favoring Apple Computer Inc. over Apple Corps (aka The Beatles), the BBC interviewed a computer expert about what he thought would come of the decision. The only problem was, the computer expert was really a cab driver. TVSquad.com explained:
There's another twist to the whole story. Turns out he isn't a cabbie at all:
And we all thought situation comedy shows were unrealistic.
How does this happen? Well, the cab driver appeared at the BBC front desk and someone assumed he was the computer expert who was scheduled to appear on a news program. Without asking any questions, he was whisked onto the set and interviewed on live television. He made a valiant effort at trying to answer the anchor's questions! She only asked him three questions about downloading music before suddenly tossing to a reporter in the field. I think someone told her in her ear that she had the wrong guy on set.
It's especially funny when the cab driver is introduced as the editor of some tech magazine -- the look on his face is priceless. Apparently, the real tech editor watched the whole thing from the BBC reception area.
There's another twist to the whole story. Turns out he isn't a cabbie at all:
And he wasn't there to pick up a fare, because he's not a cabbie. He's a Business Studies graduate, from the Congo, and he was there in reception because he was applying for a high level IT job with the BBC.Check out the video at YouTube.com.
Apparently the unflappable Mr Goma assumed the whole thing was some kind of initiation prank. His own speciality is data cleansing, and (my source inside the Beeb tells me) was "a little upset that nobody asked him about his data cleansing expertise."
And we all thought situation comedy shows were unrealistic.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
“I don’t believe...evil elections people exist.”
From a New York Times article about security flaws in the Diebold electronic voting machines:
That's almost like saying GM stopped putting air bags in their cars because they believe there will no longer be any car crashes.
Diebold has been trying to down-play the security flaws in their voting machines in spite of everyone who has examined the system and reporting just how serious the security hole is.
Mr. Bear, here's a penny for the clue your company needs to buy. It is your job to make those assumptions to insure the integrity of the system.
David Bear, a spokesman for Diebold Election Systems, said the potential risk existed because the company’s technicians had intentionally built the machines in such a way that election officials would be able to update their systems in years ahead.
“For there to be a problem here, you’re basically assuming a premise where you have some evil and nefarious election officials who would sneak in and introduce a piece of software,” he said. “I don’t believe these evil elections people exist.”
That's almost like saying GM stopped putting air bags in their cars because they believe there will no longer be any car crashes.
Diebold has been trying to down-play the security flaws in their voting machines in spite of everyone who has examined the system and reporting just how serious the security hole is.
Mr. Bear, here's a penny for the clue your company needs to buy. It is your job to make those assumptions to insure the integrity of the system.
Skype Offers Free Calls
Skype is now offering, until the end of the year, free outgoing domestic calls to all landline and mobile phones in the United States and Canada. Yes, free as in free:
READ
Yes. It is really very, very free. There’s no prepayment, no minimum use, no subscription, no monthly fee, no nothing. You just download and install Skype and then you start calling. Both the caller and the number called must be in either the US or Canada. There are no strings attached.
The only condition is that we have said free SkypeOut within the US and Canada is guaranteed to last until the end of this year — that is, until December 31, 2006. We’re not quite sure yet what we will do after that. Maybe we extend the free period, maybe not. You’ll hear more about this towards the end of the year.
Until then, happy calling.
READ
Friday, May 12, 2006
Good News...Maybe
The good news: Verizon Wireless (my mobile service provider) and T Mobile are not supplying the National Security Agency with phone records.
The bad news: Terrorists now know which cell servces to use.
The bad news: Terrorists now know which cell servces to use.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Battlestar Simpsons
Dylan Meconis has drawn the characters of Battlestar Galactica as characters on The Simpsons. Check it out.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Surprise
As I write this, I am listening to the second song, "Everything About It Is A Love Song," on Paul Simon's new album, Surprise. Definitely a well titled album given that it is not only a departure from work since Graceland but a completely sonic departure from anything he's done before.
Paul brought Brian Eno on board to help with the "Sonic Landscape" of the album. If you are familiar with Eno's producing on U2's "The Unforgettable Fire," "The Joshua Tree," "Achtung Baby," "Zooropa," "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and Peter Gabriel's "Us," then you have an idea of his atmospheric music.
The first song on Paul Simon's album is "How Can You Live In The Northeast?" I first heard this song two weeks ago on XM Radio. At first, I wondered if it was indeed Paul Simon that I was hearing because of the distorted electric guitar. What a departure for Paul.
What amazes me about Paul Simon, 65, is his complete willingness to change styles, adapt and change to what he is trying to accomplish musically at the moment. Even his mediocre albums are great. Paul Simon clearly remains one of the premeire American songwriters.
So give Surprise a listen. Be warned though, Art Garfunkel is not on this album and don't expect anything like the familiar Simon & Garfunkel tunes.
Paul brought Brian Eno on board to help with the "Sonic Landscape" of the album. If you are familiar with Eno's producing on U2's "The Unforgettable Fire," "The Joshua Tree," "Achtung Baby," "Zooropa," "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and Peter Gabriel's "Us," then you have an idea of his atmospheric music.
The first song on Paul Simon's album is "How Can You Live In The Northeast?" I first heard this song two weeks ago on XM Radio. At first, I wondered if it was indeed Paul Simon that I was hearing because of the distorted electric guitar. What a departure for Paul.
What amazes me about Paul Simon, 65, is his complete willingness to change styles, adapt and change to what he is trying to accomplish musically at the moment. Even his mediocre albums are great. Paul Simon clearly remains one of the premeire American songwriters.
So give Surprise a listen. Be warned though, Art Garfunkel is not on this album and don't expect anything like the familiar Simon & Garfunkel tunes.
Worried for James Bond
I saw the movie Layercake with Daniel Craig, who is set to be the next James Bond. I'm worried. He seems to be more of a walking GQ ad than an actor. He just might have been a bad pick to play James Bond. It really should have been Hugh Jackman.
Playstation 3 and Gasoline
The best comment I've seen online thus far regarding the high price tag ($499) for the barebones version of the Playstation 3:
"500 bucks, Hmm... Just when I thought the price of gas was f**king high."
"500 bucks, Hmm... Just when I thought the price of gas was f**king high."
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
PS3, Wii, Xbox 360
This week, the E3 Expo is being held in Los Angeles. This is the big, big, big show for the videogame community and this year's show is definitely not a let down in terms of news.
I've just finished reading announcements from Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft regarding their game systems.
Sony Playstation 3 - Will be out in November with two configurations. The core system, which supposedly cannot be upgraded, will dig $499 out of your wallet and the premium unit will fetch $599. Ouch.
Now we see why Microsoft has the hard drive and other accessories seperate from the console. Upgrading from the core unit is easy. This press conference made Microsoft's Xbox 360 look downright enticing.
Nintendo Wii - They showed off some gameplay with their unique controller system and mentioned some features but nothing was said about the release date or price. The rumor is that it will sell at around $250. I'm more impressed with the system now. Could be cool.
Nintendo DS - The Nintendo DS Lite will be available June 11, 2006 for $149. They showed off a bunch of games. It looks like Nintendo is really getting behind the DS now.
Microsoft Xbox 360 - The HD-DVD, wireless headset and camera will be available this Fall. Lumines will be available soon in Xbox Live. Grand Theft Auto in Decemenber. Halo 3 will be out in 2007.
All Microsoft game development will be under one roof, so to speak for the Xbox 360, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
I would have to say Nintendo came in first with Microsoft as a close second.
I've just finished reading announcements from Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft regarding their game systems.
Sony Playstation 3 - Will be out in November with two configurations. The core system, which supposedly cannot be upgraded, will dig $499 out of your wallet and the premium unit will fetch $599. Ouch.
Now we see why Microsoft has the hard drive and other accessories seperate from the console. Upgrading from the core unit is easy. This press conference made Microsoft's Xbox 360 look downright enticing.
Nintendo Wii - They showed off some gameplay with their unique controller system and mentioned some features but nothing was said about the release date or price. The rumor is that it will sell at around $250. I'm more impressed with the system now. Could be cool.
Nintendo DS - The Nintendo DS Lite will be available June 11, 2006 for $149. They showed off a bunch of games. It looks like Nintendo is really getting behind the DS now.
Microsoft Xbox 360 - The HD-DVD, wireless headset and camera will be available this Fall. Lumines will be available soon in Xbox Live. Grand Theft Auto in Decemenber. Halo 3 will be out in 2007.
All Microsoft game development will be under one roof, so to speak for the Xbox 360, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
I would have to say Nintendo came in first with Microsoft as a close second.
Moussaoui Wants To Withdraw Guilty Plea
After being sentanced to life in prison, Zacarias Moussaoui had his lawyers file papers saying he wants to withdraw his guilty plea and be granted a new trial because he lied on the stand about his involvement with the terrorist murderers on September 11, 2001. READ
There's speculation that he is trying to continue having his day in court or that he wanted to receive a death sentance, not life in prison.
I'm sure Moussaoui will not be granted his wishes simply because he pled guilty to the crime.
There's speculation that he is trying to continue having his day in court or that he wanted to receive a death sentance, not life in prison.
I'm sure Moussaoui will not be granted his wishes simply because he pled guilty to the crime.
U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema summarily rejected Moussaoui's motion late yesterday, saying federal rules prohibit a defendant from withdrawing a guilty plea after being sentenced. "Because defendant was sentenced on May 4, 2006, his motion is too late and must be denied on this basis alone,'' Brinkema wrote.While Moussaoui isn't insane in the legal sense, he's certainly a very high maintenance indivual, to say the least.
Moussaoui can appeal her ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, but legal experts said such appeals are rarely granted and would probably require a grievous legal error by the judge.
Even Moussaoui's attorneys acknowledged in a footnote yesterday that their motion could not be granted under federal rules, but they said they were filing it anyway "given their problematic relationship with Moussaoui."The sentence Moussaoui received was something of an eye-opener for him:
He [Moussaoui] also offered measured praise for the U.S. legal system he has spent the past four years attacking. Moussaoui said he lied on the stand because he assumed he would be executed "based on the emotions and anger toward me for the deaths on Sept. 11.'' But he was "extremely surprised" at the jury's verdict, he said, and now believes "it is possible I can receive a fair trial even with Americans as jurors.''At first I thought the life in prison sentence was indeed fair. Reading this story I've come to realize Moussaoui's sentence was fair on two levels. First, even though Moussaoui pled guilty, there are some doubts as to how big a role he served. Second, if you receive the death sentance, your case is automaticaly appealed. With a life sentence, it isn't. Thus, disallowing him from having his pulpit, he's really hurting. Plus, he doesn't get all those virgins after death. So sorry, bud.
John Lennon's BeatleBox, The First iPod?
Yesterday, Apple Computer, Inc. won the lawsuit brought on by The Beatles. Steve Jobs then invited Apple Corps to release The Beatles catalog on the iTunes Music Store.
Today, we learned that it was actually John Lennon who invented the iPod. There's even video proof.
Today, we learned that it was actually John Lennon who invented the iPod. There's even video proof.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Top Ten Professor Comments
Last Friday was the last day of final exams for the Spring semester here at Penn State. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for this weekend. One part of the end of semester rituals is the student evaluation of professors. There is a website where students can rate and comment on their professors at campuses across the nation.
Here are the top twenty comments from students regarding their professors at RateMyProfessors.com:
20. You can't cheat in her class because no one knows the answers.
19. His class was like milk, it was good for 2 weeks.
18. Houston, we have a problem. Space cadet of a teacher, isn't quite attached to earth.
17. I would have been better off using the tuition money to heat my apartment last winter.
16. Three of my friends got A's in his class and my friends are dumb.
15. Emotional scarring may fade away, but that big fat F on your transcript won't.
14. Evil computer science teaching robot who crushes humans for pleasure.
13. Miserable professor - I wish I could sum him up without foul language.
12. Instant amnesia walking into this class. I swear he breathes sleeping gas.
11. BORING! But I learned there are 137 tiles on the ceiling.
10. Not only is the book a better teacher, it also has a better personality.
9. Teaches well, invites questions and then insults you for 20 minutes.
8. This teacher was a firecracker in a pond of slithery tadpoles.
7. I learned how to hate a language I already know.
6. Very good course, because I only went to one class.
5. He will destroy you like an academic ninja.
4. Bring a pillow.
3. Your pillow will need a pillow.
2. If I was tested on her family, I would have gotten an A.
1. She hates you already.
Here are the top twenty comments from students regarding their professors at RateMyProfessors.com:
20. You can't cheat in her class because no one knows the answers.
19. His class was like milk, it was good for 2 weeks.
18. Houston, we have a problem. Space cadet of a teacher, isn't quite attached to earth.
17. I would have been better off using the tuition money to heat my apartment last winter.
16. Three of my friends got A's in his class and my friends are dumb.
15. Emotional scarring may fade away, but that big fat F on your transcript won't.
14. Evil computer science teaching robot who crushes humans for pleasure.
13. Miserable professor - I wish I could sum him up without foul language.
12. Instant amnesia walking into this class. I swear he breathes sleeping gas.
11. BORING! But I learned there are 137 tiles on the ceiling.
10. Not only is the book a better teacher, it also has a better personality.
9. Teaches well, invites questions and then insults you for 20 minutes.
8. This teacher was a firecracker in a pond of slithery tadpoles.
7. I learned how to hate a language I already know.
6. Very good course, because I only went to one class.
5. He will destroy you like an academic ninja.
4. Bring a pillow.
3. Your pillow will need a pillow.
2. If I was tested on her family, I would have gotten an A.
1. She hates you already.
Beatles Told To Let It Be
There is a long history to the whole legal issue between Apple Computer, Inc. and The Beatles, or more specifically, their record company, Apple Corps (Yes, it still exists).
This latest legal battle between the two Apples stems from a 1991 agreement by Apple Computer, Inc. to not get into the music making business. The Beatles thought the computer company had done so with the iPod and iTunes Music Store. That legal agreement came after Apple Corps sued Apple Computer because the computer company was offering the ability for musicians to connect musical instruments to their computers.
Here's what the Justice Edward Mann said:
There is scuttlebutt that the cash-strapped Michael Jackson may put what Beatles songs he owns up on the auction block. What if a certain Steve Jobs were to buy said songs.
Until something like that happens, don't hold your breath over The Beatles songs appearing on the iTunes Music Store anytime soon. Too bad though, that would be a win-win for everyone involved.
Or, as a recent episode of The Office noted, a "Win-Win-Win."
This latest legal battle between the two Apples stems from a 1991 agreement by Apple Computer, Inc. to not get into the music making business. The Beatles thought the computer company had done so with the iPod and iTunes Music Store. That legal agreement came after Apple Corps sued Apple Computer because the computer company was offering the ability for musicians to connect musical instruments to their computers.
Here's what the Justice Edward Mann said:
I conclude that the use of the apple logo ... does not suggest a relevant connection with the creative work," he wrote in his judgment.According to that BBC News report,
I think that the use of the apple logo is a fair and reasonable use of the mark in connection with the service, which does not go further and unfairly or unreasonably suggest an additional association with the creative works themselves.
But Mr Justice Edward Mann ruled that the computer company used the Apple logo in association with its store, not the music, and so was not in breach.The Beatles not only lose, but have to pick up Apple Computer, Inc.'s legal bill, some £2 Million. Alas, all is not over yet.
While the conclusion may seem obvious, it is official and these are highly technical points. I would be surprised if Apple Corps wins on appeal.
Apple Corps manager Neil Aspinall said: With great respect to the trial judge, we consider he has reached the wrong conclusion.
We felt that during the course of the trial we clearly demonstrated just how extensively Apple Computer had broken the agreement.
We will accordingly be filing an appeal and putting the case again to the Court of Appeal.
There is scuttlebutt that the cash-strapped Michael Jackson may put what Beatles songs he owns up on the auction block. What if a certain Steve Jobs were to buy said songs.
Until something like that happens, don't hold your breath over The Beatles songs appearing on the iTunes Music Store anytime soon. Too bad though, that would be a win-win for everyone involved.
Or, as a recent episode of The Office noted, a "Win-Win-Win."
Friday, May 05, 2006
Innertubing
CBS has launched it's own streaming video content website called innertube. The site will feature replays of CBS shows and some original content.
Predictions Of The Future
"The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a 'mouse.' There is no evidence that people want to use these things."
-- John C. Dvorak, San Francisco Examiner, 19-02-1984
-- John C. Dvorak, San Francisco Examiner, 19-02-1984
Thursday, May 04, 2006
ASCII Maps
Sure, Google Maps is a cool thing but now we have the ability to view the maps as ASCII art. This harkens back to the days when people would make pictures out of letters.
Check out ASCII Maps for more of what I'm talking about.
Check out ASCII Maps for more of what I'm talking about.
Original Star Wars On DVD
Way back when, record engineer Glyn Johns helped make The Beatles' "Let It Be" album. The project got shelved and for some reason, Capitol brought in Phil Spector to re-produce the album. Johns over the years said that Spector came in, took what he did and simply puked all over it. Listen to the originally released version of "Let It Be" and the recently released Glyn Johns version, "Let It Be: Naked," and you'll hear what we're talking about.
George Lucas pretty much did the same thing but with his own original Star Wars trilogy. Rather than simply transfer the movies to DVD, he redid many scenes and special effects. Die-hard fans viewed the re-working as garbage.
Rant no longer ye Star Wars fans for great joy is at hand! For a limited time only, September 12 through December 31, you will be able to purchase two disc sets of the theatrical release versions of the original three movies (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). The first disc contains the theatrical release while the second one contains the re-tooled version.
SOURCE
George Lucas pretty much did the same thing but with his own original Star Wars trilogy. Rather than simply transfer the movies to DVD, he redid many scenes and special effects. Die-hard fans viewed the re-working as garbage.
Rant no longer ye Star Wars fans for great joy is at hand! For a limited time only, September 12 through December 31, you will be able to purchase two disc sets of the theatrical release versions of the original three movies (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). The first disc contains the theatrical release while the second one contains the re-tooled version.
SOURCE
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
No Place To Go With An iPod
I read at TUAW.com a report about two trapped miners in Tasmania. While they have been stuck down there for eight days, thankfully, rescue efforts are going well and the miners should be out in roughly 48 hours. In the meantime, rescue crews used a PVC pipe to send in food, blankets and clothes along with several iPods to help the trapped miners while away the hours.
So instead of wondering what songs or albums you'd want to be stuck with on a deserted island, it's all about being stuck 3 miles under the Earth. Hopefully they got iPods that can play video.
"They remain in good health and have now received iPods so they can listen to their favourite music."A digital camera was also sent down so the miners could take pictures to show their surroundings and what is going on.
So instead of wondering what songs or albums you'd want to be stuck with on a deserted island, it's all about being stuck 3 miles under the Earth. Hopefully they got iPods that can play video.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Let Your Fingers Do The Walking
In last night's episode of The Sopranos, titled "Johnny Cakes," Vito, who was hiding from Tony's gang, stole a cell phone belonging to a guest in the bed and breakfast he was staying at in New Hampshire to call his wife back in New Jersey.
Why steal a cell phone rather than using a public telephone? With cell phones anymore, there is no such thing as a long distance call. Of course, if Vito had a calling card, using the public telephone would not have been an issue. Nonetheless, this was yet another sign of the technological times.
So far, part one of the final season of The Sopranos has been excellent. Once again, HBO shines over most mainstream media programming. Exceptions, in my opinion, would be Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is besting the original series, Criminal Intent and Conviction right now).
Why steal a cell phone rather than using a public telephone? With cell phones anymore, there is no such thing as a long distance call. Of course, if Vito had a calling card, using the public telephone would not have been an issue. Nonetheless, this was yet another sign of the technological times.
So far, part one of the final season of The Sopranos has been excellent. Once again, HBO shines over most mainstream media programming. Exceptions, in my opinion, would be Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is besting the original series, Criminal Intent and Conviction right now).
CNN Late To The Story
"Viruses catch up to the Mac" declared the CNN.com story about "what security experts call the first virus for Mac OS X." Only problem is, the reporter of this story was asleep at the wheel on several counts.
First, according to TUAW.com, the unnamed virus was the Ooma-Loompa virus that was first reported back in February. Second, the Ooma-Loompa virus was a proof-of-concept that a security leak existed, which has since been shored up. Third, the story only mentioned two people being affected by the virus, hardly newsworthy and sounding more like a couple of guys hanging around the house looking for a story to write to fill a quota of sorts.
This is yet another example of how the general news media (CNN and other broadcast networks as well as many newspapers) messes up computer related news stories.
Another example. There was a headline which talked about the Ipod. Uhhh, it's an iPod. Another story wrote about a computer company called Apple Computers. A little bit of research at http://www.apple.com would show that the company's name is Apple Computer, Inc. It's right at the bottom of the main page.
Indeed, grammatical and spelling errors occur. I'm guilty of them myself. But to see something of a pattern in regard to regular news media versus news media related to computers...argh!
First, according to TUAW.com, the unnamed virus was the Ooma-Loompa virus that was first reported back in February. Second, the Ooma-Loompa virus was a proof-of-concept that a security leak existed, which has since been shored up. Third, the story only mentioned two people being affected by the virus, hardly newsworthy and sounding more like a couple of guys hanging around the house looking for a story to write to fill a quota of sorts.
This is yet another example of how the general news media (CNN and other broadcast networks as well as many newspapers) messes up computer related news stories.
Another example. There was a headline which talked about the Ipod. Uhhh, it's an iPod. Another story wrote about a computer company called Apple Computers. A little bit of research at http://www.apple.com would show that the company's name is Apple Computer, Inc. It's right at the bottom of the main page.
Indeed, grammatical and spelling errors occur. I'm guilty of them myself. But to see something of a pattern in regard to regular news media versus news media related to computers...argh!
Friday, April 28, 2006
TurboTax Blog
The Tax Man has come and gone this year but it's never too late to start planning for 2006 taxes. The Intuit folks have set up a pretty darn informative weblog for TurboTax that is seriously worth checking out.
If you have Quicken and TurboTax but haven't really delved into setting up all the various categories for transactions, now is also a good time to do so and tag all your transactions to help speed up the tax form process. TurboTax can import Quicken data. I've never done this before so that's definitely a project for me this Summer, aside from maybe trying to dig into the Lord of the Ring trilogy.
If you have Quicken and TurboTax but haven't really delved into setting up all the various categories for transactions, now is also a good time to do so and tag all your transactions to help speed up the tax form process. TurboTax can import Quicken data. I've never done this before so that's definitely a project for me this Summer, aside from maybe trying to dig into the Lord of the Ring trilogy.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Killing The Revolution
Nintendo has been working on a new videogame system which has gone by the name of "Revolution." Today, they announced the product's release name....Wii.
Yeah, that's what I said too.
Wii as in We, not Wee or Why. Why? Because we like it...not. Revolution was a better name.
Trust me, the online discussion boards are ripping this apart and coming up with phrases to show this was a really bad idea. Some are simply too naughty to print here.
Yeah, that's what I said too.
Wii as in We, not Wee or Why. Why? Because we like it...not. Revolution was a better name.
Trust me, the online discussion boards are ripping this apart and coming up with phrases to show this was a really bad idea. Some are simply too naughty to print here.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Best. Cereal. Toy. Prize. Ever.
When I was a kid, we'd buy cereal based on what the cool toy prize was inside. Based on that, I should be eating Cheerios, Cookie Crisp, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms. For a limited time, iTunes Gift Certificates will be included in specially-marked boxes. This is all part of General Mills' Big Groove promotion. (source)
Too bad I'm cutting down on sugar.
One should probably chalk this up to yet another sign of the times and another indicator that the iPod has reached commonality.
Another sign o' the times? Apple is warning of counterfeit iPods. (source 1) (source 2)
Too bad I'm cutting down on sugar.
One should probably chalk this up to yet another sign of the times and another indicator that the iPod has reached commonality.
Another sign o' the times? Apple is warning of counterfeit iPods. (source 1) (source 2)
3-Iron
While channel surfing the other night, I stopped on one of the movie channels showing a scene in which a guy was picking a lock to a house in the proper manor (not in the usual movie fashion of using one lock picking "knife", You actually use several.) Intrigued, I contined watching.
The movie, a Korean film with English subtitles, is called "Bin-jip" and known as "3 Iron" or "Empty Houses" overseas.
The guy breaks into the house and stays there for a few days, while the occupants are away on vacation. He makes meals, fixes things, keeps the place clean but steals nothing. He does this several more times during the film.
During one break-in, he stumbles upon a woman, sitting and crying. She has bruises on her face. During their encounter, not a word is spoken. In point of fact, not a word was spoken in the film up to this point, that I had been watching. The guy befriends the woman, helps to cheer her up and she eventually joins him on his breaking-and-entry spree until he ultimately gets caught and sent to prison.
At first look, it is a very quirky film. On deeper viewing, it is very intriguing with a very sad and touchy romantic story. Readers at the Internet Movie Database, gave the movie an 8 out of 10. I definitely concur.
The last non-English film I watched was "Dark Blue World" about a Czech pilot flying for the RAF during WWII. Both are great movies and worthy of viewing, even if you have to do a lot of English subtitle reading.
The movie, a Korean film with English subtitles, is called "Bin-jip" and known as "3 Iron" or "Empty Houses" overseas.
The guy breaks into the house and stays there for a few days, while the occupants are away on vacation. He makes meals, fixes things, keeps the place clean but steals nothing. He does this several more times during the film.
During one break-in, he stumbles upon a woman, sitting and crying. She has bruises on her face. During their encounter, not a word is spoken. In point of fact, not a word was spoken in the film up to this point, that I had been watching. The guy befriends the woman, helps to cheer her up and she eventually joins him on his breaking-and-entry spree until he ultimately gets caught and sent to prison.
At first look, it is a very quirky film. On deeper viewing, it is very intriguing with a very sad and touchy romantic story. Readers at the Internet Movie Database, gave the movie an 8 out of 10. I definitely concur.
The last non-English film I watched was "Dark Blue World" about a Czech pilot flying for the RAF during WWII. Both are great movies and worthy of viewing, even if you have to do a lot of English subtitle reading.
What's In A Name? Everything!
I am of the mindset that when you name your kids, you have to put some serious, serious thought behind it. Put it this way, look at the names of some of the famous people out there: Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Oprah Winfrey, Susan B. Anthony, Georges Seurat.
General William Tecumseh Sherman's middle name comes from the name of a famous Native American chief and it's so strong that it's worthy to have the great general's name completely spelled out.
So what the heck is up with Hollywood folks? Tom Cruise and his wife gave birth to a girl and named her Suri. Brooke Shields gave birth, hours before Tom and Katie, to a boy named Grier Hammond, which sounds a bit more realistic than Suri.
I wonder if Dweezil or Moon Unit have second thoughts about the names their late father, Frank Zappa gave them.
Sure, it's probably all that creativity stuff but hey, if you're going to throw caution to the wind with naming the child, why not go for something like Ocean, Boat or even Disney?
UPDATE - From Tom and Katie's prepared statement..."Both mother and daughter are doing well The name Suri has its origins in Hebrew, meaning “princess,” or in Persian, meaning 'red rose.'"
I suppose the meaning is OK but I can only imagine Suri Cruise going through life known as Surly Cruise or Sordid Cruise. Ocean or Boat might have been better. Seriously.
General William Tecumseh Sherman's middle name comes from the name of a famous Native American chief and it's so strong that it's worthy to have the great general's name completely spelled out.
So what the heck is up with Hollywood folks? Tom Cruise and his wife gave birth to a girl and named her Suri. Brooke Shields gave birth, hours before Tom and Katie, to a boy named Grier Hammond, which sounds a bit more realistic than Suri.
I wonder if Dweezil or Moon Unit have second thoughts about the names their late father, Frank Zappa gave them.
Sure, it's probably all that creativity stuff but hey, if you're going to throw caution to the wind with naming the child, why not go for something like Ocean, Boat or even Disney?
UPDATE - From Tom and Katie's prepared statement..."Both mother and daughter are doing well The name Suri has its origins in Hebrew, meaning “princess,” or in Persian, meaning 'red rose.'"
I suppose the meaning is OK but I can only imagine Suri Cruise going through life known as Surly Cruise or Sordid Cruise. Ocean or Boat might have been better. Seriously.
Friday, April 14, 2006
BSG & HSB
Ron Moore, producer of SciFi Channel's Battlestar Galactica, has been answering viewer questions in his blog. Here's an interesting one:
Is the new Battlestar Galactica amongst the 10 best ever? Hard to say but it is, of the current shows on television, in my opinion, one of the top 10.
"Ron, on another board we've been having a discussion about the comparisons between Galactica and Hill Street Blues, which just came out on DVD (Season One). How much of a conscious foundation is HSB for BG?"Hill Street Blues was an incredibly innovative television series and can probably stand as one of the five best American television series. I bought the season 1 DVD set and found it remarkable as to how well the show stands up to today, except for maybe the 1980s hairstyles.
Hill Street Blues was definitely something of an archetype we looked to for developing the structure of the series. I made explicit reference to the show in our series bible and talked about how we would strive to emulate their structure as much as possible. That structure was, basically, to have a self-contained A-Story that would begin and end each week, with smaller character-centered B-Stories that would take place over a few episodes, and finally long-running C-Stories that would arc throughout the season. It was a starting place for a lot of story discussions and script meetings, but we didn't strictly adhere to the form, as you can see from the experimentation we did throughout the first season. The first seven episodes of season two roughly follow this format, but then we varied again from that structure for the rest of the season. Why didn't we hew more closely to the Hill Street format? Partly it's a result of not wanting the show to get so serialized as to be inaccessible to new viewers, and partly it's a result of continually wanting to try new things on the show and mix up the story-telling.
Is the new Battlestar Galactica amongst the 10 best ever? Hard to say but it is, of the current shows on television, in my opinion, one of the top 10.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
I Didn't Say That Or It Was Out Of Context
I love it when politicians and celebrities blab and say something they really shouldn't have and then fall over themselves as they offer excuses whilst pulling that foot out of the mouth. Truly embarassing. Best example to date is when Michael Douglas said this to GQ magazine about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's romance:
Whatever happened to the good old days when you got in front of a microphone and instinctively knew that certain statements or thoughts were simply not for public consumption?
“leaving that beautiful woman (Jennifer Aniston) to go hold orphans for Angelina. I mean how long is that going to last?”Now, of course, Douglas claims he never said that.
“I didn’t say it,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I spent a number of hours in that interview, a lot of it on tape and when I asked the reporter … to play back the tape for me, I was told the tape was turned off, and it was something that was written down, and I just don’t buy that.”Yeah, whatever. Take some lessons from Pat Robertson or any of our various elected officials like Hillary.
Whatever happened to the good old days when you got in front of a microphone and instinctively knew that certain statements or thoughts were simply not for public consumption?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
More iPod Good Stuff: Virgin Atlantic Podcasts
In the previous post, I discussed walk tours of Dublin that you can download to your iPod. While traveling to St. Louis in February, I read that Virgin Atlantic has several podcast tours of cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and New York, along with several more.
Check them out here.
Check them out here.
Great iPod Uses: Walking Tour O' Dublin
Going to Dublin this Summer? Have an iPod? Then download some audio walking tours of Dublin.
Get them at the Dublin Tourism iWalks site or from iTunes.
Walks are podcast audio guides to Dublin from Dublin Tourism. These convenient guides tell the story of Dublin as spoken by their author, historian and artist, Pat Liddy. There are eleven themes covering many fascinating aspects of the city. You can download the guides and use them as free walking tour guides to the city, or you can just listen to them to discover the fascinating story of Dublin.
Get them at the Dublin Tourism iWalks site or from iTunes.
DeLay Threatens Ethics Charges Against McKinney
According to a story at Outsidethebeltway.com, Tom DeLay (R.-Texas) is quoted as saying that if no one else does it, he will file ethics charges against Cynthia McKinney (D.-Georgia).
Oh, the irony, if that were happen.
Oh, the irony, if that were happen.
Frequent Flyer Miles or Frequent Sleeper Points?
For my last trip to St. Louis, I used some of my frequent flyer miles from South African Airways to obtain a Delta Airlines ticket. The problem was, there were so many restrictions on what flights I could get or what airports I could fly out of. Not only that, when I was traveling home, I got put on some sort of double-secret standby seating assignment list in Atlanta.
I asked the customer service rep what was up, didn't get a direct answer. I saw a flat screen monitor which provided details regarding the flight and saw there was still a spot open in first class. I told him that I was definitely on that flight, even if it meant putting me in business or first class. I obtained those tickets at least a month before the flight and was told seating was available.
My mood was heightened by the fact that I really hadn't eaten dinner and the smell of steak sandwiches from the restaurant next door didn't help. Luckily, he found a seat in economy class for me. I ended up sort of babysitting two girls who were traveling without their parents.
I have come to the conclusion, after my two recent visits to St. Louis on US Airways and Delta, that if you are in First or Business Class, you get special treatment. If you are in Economy, you get decent treatment. Using Frequent Flyer miles in Economy/Coach? You may have a heartbeat but you are dead to the airline.
So really, what's the value in frequent flyer miles if you have so many hurdles to getting a flight, which will probably be a red-eye flight?
Timing was perfect as I saw at CNN.com, a Fortune magazine article about Best Travel Reward Cards.
Their advice gels with my thinking about frequent flyer miles:
I asked the customer service rep what was up, didn't get a direct answer. I saw a flat screen monitor which provided details regarding the flight and saw there was still a spot open in first class. I told him that I was definitely on that flight, even if it meant putting me in business or first class. I obtained those tickets at least a month before the flight and was told seating was available.
My mood was heightened by the fact that I really hadn't eaten dinner and the smell of steak sandwiches from the restaurant next door didn't help. Luckily, he found a seat in economy class for me. I ended up sort of babysitting two girls who were traveling without their parents.
I have come to the conclusion, after my two recent visits to St. Louis on US Airways and Delta, that if you are in First or Business Class, you get special treatment. If you are in Economy, you get decent treatment. Using Frequent Flyer miles in Economy/Coach? You may have a heartbeat but you are dead to the airline.
So really, what's the value in frequent flyer miles if you have so many hurdles to getting a flight, which will probably be a red-eye flight?
Timing was perfect as I saw at CNN.com, a Fortune magazine article about Best Travel Reward Cards.
Their advice gels with my thinking about frequent flyer miles:
It's because they give you little bang for your buck and limit your options. Airlines are flying fewer planes with cheaper fares, while a record number of people are accumulating countless frequent flyer miles. That translates to fewer available reward tickets that are worth less and less. Plus by earning miles on one airline, you're severely limiting your options for your next vacation.Instead, the article reports, turn your attention to credit cards or reward programs that give you points toward free hotel stay.
'For some reason, people seem to forget they spend more on an average hotel stay than they do on their airline fare to get there,' says Randy Peterson, editor of Inside Flyer Magazine. 'It just makes more sense to be invested in a hotel rewards program.'Not only would you really be saving money, the hotel reward programs are a bit more flexible than air mile reward programs.
But while hotel rates are setting record highs, they're also relatively easy to find free. At Starwood (Research), the parent company for such brands as Westin, W, Sheraton, St. Regis and Le Meridian, you can use Starwood Preferred Guest points for any available room. (It's also pretty easy with the other big chains like Marriott, Hyatt or Hilton, but many have minor restrictions.)I remember my stay at the Westin Bonaventure in Loss Angeles back in May of 1996. What a great hotel. So yeah, count me in. Too bad none of the hotels at Cape May offer frequent sleeper rewards. Then again, maybe that's not such a bad thing. One of Cape May's best qualities is that there aren't any hotel or restaurant chains.
[...]
That's because not only will accumulated Starpoints work for any of the more than 800 Starwood hotels, they can also be transferred to 30 different airlines. And best of all, for every 20,000 points transferred to an airline's frequent flyer account, you get a 5,000-mile bonus. 'It's as close to the Swiss Army Knife of rewards cards as it gets,' says Tim Winship who publishes FrequentFlier.com. 'It all comes down to simple math.'
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
State Of TV
Here's a run-down of what I think of the shows I watch on television (mostly on the weekend thanks to my lovely DVR):
ER - Stagnating. This show could go on and on but I think the scripts have been very lacking. I'm still trying to decide when this show "Jumped the Shark." Probably after George Clooney and Anthony Edwards left.
Law & Order - While still top notch, it's sister show, Special Victims Unit (SVU), has been getting better twists in the storyline. It's moving through the water nicely.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Good scripts, great cast. Definitely on the quality level of Hill Street Blues.
The Office - Brilliant. It has been a long time since we've had a really good comedy on the level of Seinfeld, Friends, The Mary Tyler Moore Show or The Dick Van Dyke Show. Rarely have I seen a TV series where each episode is better than the previous one.
Battlestar Galactica - The season finale for season 2.5 really solidified this series as being one of the best things on TV right now. As I've said before, I'm not a huge Science Fiction fan but this series is more than SciFi, very character-driven, which is what I like.
McLeod's Daughters - This is one of the top-rated dramas in Australia, about two sisters who run a ranch in South Australia. An honor that is very much deserved. The ensemble cast is probably one of the best I've seen and the stories are very positive. Not the usual nastiness you'd see on a regular soap opera. What I also like is the fact that the ranch the show is filmed on is actually owned by the network. They have a real station hand managing all the animals that live on the property. The series has been broadcast here in the States on Women's Entertainment Network (WE). Unfortunately, WE has decided not to bring any new episodes to our side of the ocean, cancelling the show. Instead, they'd rather show stupid stuff like "Bridezilla" or John Edwards' psychic talk show. Hopefully another network will see that this is definitely quality TV and add McLeod's Daughters to their list.
ER - Stagnating. This show could go on and on but I think the scripts have been very lacking. I'm still trying to decide when this show "Jumped the Shark." Probably after George Clooney and Anthony Edwards left.
Law & Order - While still top notch, it's sister show, Special Victims Unit (SVU), has been getting better twists in the storyline. It's moving through the water nicely.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Good scripts, great cast. Definitely on the quality level of Hill Street Blues.
The Office - Brilliant. It has been a long time since we've had a really good comedy on the level of Seinfeld, Friends, The Mary Tyler Moore Show or The Dick Van Dyke Show. Rarely have I seen a TV series where each episode is better than the previous one.
Battlestar Galactica - The season finale for season 2.5 really solidified this series as being one of the best things on TV right now. As I've said before, I'm not a huge Science Fiction fan but this series is more than SciFi, very character-driven, which is what I like.
McLeod's Daughters - This is one of the top-rated dramas in Australia, about two sisters who run a ranch in South Australia. An honor that is very much deserved. The ensemble cast is probably one of the best I've seen and the stories are very positive. Not the usual nastiness you'd see on a regular soap opera. What I also like is the fact that the ranch the show is filmed on is actually owned by the network. They have a real station hand managing all the animals that live on the property. The series has been broadcast here in the States on Women's Entertainment Network (WE). Unfortunately, WE has decided not to bring any new episodes to our side of the ocean, cancelling the show. Instead, they'd rather show stupid stuff like "Bridezilla" or John Edwards' psychic talk show. Hopefully another network will see that this is definitely quality TV and add McLeod's Daughters to their list.
Couric to CBS?
Talk is rampant as Katie Couric's contract with NBC nears expiration. The big guess is that Couric will leave NBC and the Today Show and become the Evening News anchor at CBS.
This is more of a gamble than one would think. Couric is great as a co-host of a morning news show but as a evening news anchor? Since Bob Schieffer took over the anchor position from Dan Rather, ratings for The CBS Evening news have gone up. Schieffer, 69, however, has indicated that he does not want to keep the anchor job.
My guess is that since Couric is not a news anchor in the traditional sense, it seems that CBS may be wanting to change the format of the CBS Evening News, break away from the other two mainstream media broadcast networks and offer something oriented to a younger audience.
Right now, I watch the Fox Report with Shepard Smith. His style is not as dour as that of the regular broadcast network news. Sure, it's a little flashy but at least it's upbeat.
This is more of a gamble than one would think. Couric is great as a co-host of a morning news show but as a evening news anchor? Since Bob Schieffer took over the anchor position from Dan Rather, ratings for The CBS Evening news have gone up. Schieffer, 69, however, has indicated that he does not want to keep the anchor job.
My guess is that since Couric is not a news anchor in the traditional sense, it seems that CBS may be wanting to change the format of the CBS Evening News, break away from the other two mainstream media broadcast networks and offer something oriented to a younger audience.
Right now, I watch the Fox Report with Shepard Smith. His style is not as dour as that of the regular broadcast network news. Sure, it's a little flashy but at least it's upbeat.
Friday, March 31, 2006
April Fool's Day at The Office
During last night's episode of The Office, there were several spoof "The More You Know" public service announcements that were very funny. Check them out here.
Remember, eat saltines responsibly.
Remember, eat saltines responsibly.
iTMS TV Show Season Passes
According to TUAW.com, you are now able to buy iTunes Music Store season passes for television shows like Desperate Housewives, Ghost Hunters and Lost. In other words, pay one price, get all of the season episodes you can download to computer and iPod.
I agree with one person who commented, "A season is what, usually 22 episodes? So you would save about 10 bucks using a season pass over buying every show. If they do this with Battlestar Galactica next season (in fraking OCTOBER) , I would probably do it."
First, I'd need to buy one of the new iPods that can allow you to view video. I'm just waiting to see if some of the rumors I'm hearing about the "true" video iPod come true. Watching BSG on a boring plane flight would be so cool and watching on an iPod would be so much more convenient than using a laptop. Early birthday gift hint folks!
By the way, if you are puzzled about that word, "frak," it is spelled correctly and is a swear word used by the Battlestar Galactica fleet members. No, it is not a replacement for another certain F word that Lenny Bruce used to extoll on.
I agree with one person who commented, "A season is what, usually 22 episodes? So you would save about 10 bucks using a season pass over buying every show. If they do this with Battlestar Galactica next season (in fraking OCTOBER) , I would probably do it."
First, I'd need to buy one of the new iPods that can allow you to view video. I'm just waiting to see if some of the rumors I'm hearing about the "true" video iPod come true. Watching BSG on a boring plane flight would be so cool and watching on an iPod would be so much more convenient than using a laptop. Early birthday gift hint folks!
By the way, if you are puzzled about that word, "frak," it is spelled correctly and is a swear word used by the Battlestar Galactica fleet members. No, it is not a replacement for another certain F word that Lenny Bruce used to extoll on.
Battlestar Galactica Comic Book
SciFi's Battlestar Galactica fans like myself can rejoice. While we wait for season 2.5 to be released on DVD in September and season 3 to start in October, there will be a comic book version to help us bide the time.
Dynamite Entertainment will release a Battlestar Galactica series starting in May. In an interview, the main writer behind the series, Greg Pak, said the comic book events will occur during the middle of season 2 of Battlestar Galactica, before Battlestar Pegasus joins up with the fleet.
It has been a long time since I stepped into a comic book store (no one I know here in Pennsylvania plays Magic: The Gathering) but for Battlestar Galactica, oh yes.
The season 2.5 finale episode was so incredible; it's going to be a long wait until October.
Background music: Ode To Joy
Dynamite Entertainment will release a Battlestar Galactica series starting in May. In an interview, the main writer behind the series, Greg Pak, said the comic book events will occur during the middle of season 2 of Battlestar Galactica, before Battlestar Pegasus joins up with the fleet.
It has been a long time since I stepped into a comic book store (no one I know here in Pennsylvania plays Magic: The Gathering) but for Battlestar Galactica, oh yes.
The season 2.5 finale episode was so incredible; it's going to be a long wait until October.
Background music: Ode To Joy
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Hollywood Has Lost Originality
A new James Bond film, bringing Dallas and Welcome Back Kotter to the big screen. Does anyone need further proof that Hollywood is running out of original ideas for movies?
Sure, I'll go see Casino Royale in November but I'm sure the typical James Bond movie formula will be followed. The movie will start with some sort of action sequence in which our villain does a nasty deed and we later see Bond evading capture or death in a different mission and possibly falling into a love seat with some beautiful woman. The credits will play with some silly Bond related song. Then we'll have Bond show up at the office, flirt with Moneypenny and show off his knowledge of whatever M wants to chat about regarding his new mission. Bond will then search for clues, meet beautiful women, get captured, escape two or three times, blow up cars and kill bad guys and then blow up the HQ of Evil Dude with the help of the British Royal Marines, U.S. 101st Airborne and end the movie floating on a boat in the middle of nowhere with some fair maiden.
Does Dallas or Welcome Back Kotter really need to move from TV series to movie screen? Can anyone really replace the original cast?
There is also talk of a Magnum, PI movie...without Tom Selleck. The saving grace I suppose is that there's a rumor that George Clooney or Vince Vaughn might play the role of Thomas Magnum. If Clooney were to do the role and Donald Bellesario was attached to the flick, I'd be mildly interested. I'd rather, however, see the original cast and Magnum's grown-up daughter (probably have some sort of plot with Magnum and friends rescuing his daughter from kidnappers). Then again, the series ended with Magnum re-enlisting in the Navy and walking away from the camera holding his daughter's hand.
But, come on Hollywood! Get original again! Did we really need a three hour kinda, sorta remake of King Kong?
Sure, I'll go see Casino Royale in November but I'm sure the typical James Bond movie formula will be followed. The movie will start with some sort of action sequence in which our villain does a nasty deed and we later see Bond evading capture or death in a different mission and possibly falling into a love seat with some beautiful woman. The credits will play with some silly Bond related song. Then we'll have Bond show up at the office, flirt with Moneypenny and show off his knowledge of whatever M wants to chat about regarding his new mission. Bond will then search for clues, meet beautiful women, get captured, escape two or three times, blow up cars and kill bad guys and then blow up the HQ of Evil Dude with the help of the British Royal Marines, U.S. 101st Airborne and end the movie floating on a boat in the middle of nowhere with some fair maiden.
Does Dallas or Welcome Back Kotter really need to move from TV series to movie screen? Can anyone really replace the original cast?
There is also talk of a Magnum, PI movie...without Tom Selleck. The saving grace I suppose is that there's a rumor that George Clooney or Vince Vaughn might play the role of Thomas Magnum. If Clooney were to do the role and Donald Bellesario was attached to the flick, I'd be mildly interested. I'd rather, however, see the original cast and Magnum's grown-up daughter (probably have some sort of plot with Magnum and friends rescuing his daughter from kidnappers). Then again, the series ended with Magnum re-enlisting in the Navy and walking away from the camera holding his daughter's hand.
But, come on Hollywood! Get original again! Did we really need a three hour kinda, sorta remake of King Kong?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The Best Ensemble TV Shows
TVSquad.com had a list of what a writer considered to be the best ensemble cast TV shows. Here are my picks:
1. Hill Street Blues - I've been watching the first season on DVD. Amazing how the show still holds up today, compared to Friends. Easily one of the five best TV series ever in America.
2. ER - The early years with Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Juliana Margolies, Noah Wylie, etc.
3. The Sopranos - Paulie would have a fit if they weren't.
4. The Wire - Brilliant HBO series that has very deep stories and sometimes you really need to keep track of the characters but the whole thing just clicks.
5. The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
6. WKRP In Cincinnati
7. Newsradio - Phil Hartman is sorely missed. Easily one of the greatest comedians to grace the screen. So funny. I'll never forget the poker game episode.
8. Seinfeld.
9. Friends - Hard to say about this show because there was only really four ensemble members, compared to Hill Street Blues or The Wire.
10. Monty Python's Flying Circus - Probably cheating a little bit because you could then probably include the original "Not ready for primetime" troupe from the first several years of Saturday Night Live.
I would list MASH but really, the focus of the show was Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda. The same goes for Deadwood, focus for that show was on Al Swearengen and Seth Bullock.
1. Hill Street Blues - I've been watching the first season on DVD. Amazing how the show still holds up today, compared to Friends. Easily one of the five best TV series ever in America.
2. ER - The early years with Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Juliana Margolies, Noah Wylie, etc.
3. The Sopranos - Paulie would have a fit if they weren't.
4. The Wire - Brilliant HBO series that has very deep stories and sometimes you really need to keep track of the characters but the whole thing just clicks.
5. The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
6. WKRP In Cincinnati
7. Newsradio - Phil Hartman is sorely missed. Easily one of the greatest comedians to grace the screen. So funny. I'll never forget the poker game episode.
8. Seinfeld.
9. Friends - Hard to say about this show because there was only really four ensemble members, compared to Hill Street Blues or The Wire.
10. Monty Python's Flying Circus - Probably cheating a little bit because you could then probably include the original "Not ready for primetime" troupe from the first several years of Saturday Night Live.
I would list MASH but really, the focus of the show was Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda. The same goes for Deadwood, focus for that show was on Al Swearengen and Seth Bullock.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
My Cinderella
The NCAA Basketball Championship tourney tips off today at Noon. Oh yeah, there was the silly play-in game yesterday but I already have Villanova beating whoever that was...Monmouth State?
Back in 1999 I thought one team in particular would go all the way from the bottom of the pack as the Cinderella team. And the did get to the final eight. Gonzaga is probably not so much of a cinderella team this year because they've made it into the tourney several times now and they are a really strong team this year. Thus, my pick to win it all is Gonzaga.
Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated has this list of how a true Cinderella team should be defined. The only one I'd have to agree with is the first one. Think about Austin Peay a couple years back when they came out of the blue and beat the heavily favored University of Illinois Fighting Illini, only to lose in the next game.
Sadly though, given the powerhouses in men's collegiate basketball, I wonder if the idea of a Cinderella team winning the tourney is endangered.
Back in 1999 I thought one team in particular would go all the way from the bottom of the pack as the Cinderella team. And the did get to the final eight. Gonzaga is probably not so much of a cinderella team this year because they've made it into the tourney several times now and they are a really strong team this year. Thus, my pick to win it all is Gonzaga.
Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated has this list of how a true Cinderella team should be defined. The only one I'd have to agree with is the first one. Think about Austin Peay a couple years back when they came out of the blue and beat the heavily favored University of Illinois Fighting Illini, only to lose in the next game.
1. First and foremost, a Cinderella should be able to pass the basic fan litmus test, which is not having the slightest idea where the school is located.
2. A team cannot be considered a Cinderella if it's reached the Elite Eight (No. 12 Kent State, No. 14 Xavier) or Sweet 16 (No. 5 Nevada, No. 11 Wisconsin-Milwaukee) within the past few years.
3. A team cannot be considered a Cinderella if it comes from a conference that's produced a recent Final Four team (No. 11 San Diego State and No. 13 Air Force of the Mountain West, Utah's conference).
4. A team cannot be considered a Cinderella if it was seeded in the upper half of the bracket just last year (No. 13 Pacific).
5. Finally, it goes without saying that no team from the Missouri Valley (No. 7 Wichita State, No. 10 Northern Iowa, No. 11 Southern Illinois and No. 13 Bradley) can be considered a Cinderella, seeing as the league was rated higher than the Pac-10 this season. (This, of course, does not apply to Nantz and Packer, who apparently consider anyone outside of the big-six to be in Division III).
Sadly though, given the powerhouses in men's collegiate basketball, I wonder if the idea of a Cinderella team winning the tourney is endangered.
Port Management For Sale
DP World said they are seeking buyers for the rights to manage six U.S. ports. Haliburton anyone?
Charles Schumer, D-New York said this:
I hope the company that buys DPWorld's management rights is Haliburton. I want to see the stink that raises, even though it shouldn't. Haliburton is an American company and is best capable of such a job.
Charles Schumer, D-New York said this:
'It now seems clear that this deal has finally been scuttled, and it is good news for keeping our country secure,' Schumer said in a statement. 'This announcement, once it is fulfilled, is exactly what we've been asking for. We will keep a watchful eye and our legislation at the ready until this deal is finally done.'So what about the other ports managed by companies from other countries? There are a number of other ports managed by a different UAE company. I guess going after one company is good enough. Pat yourself on the back Mr. Schumer.
I hope the company that buys DPWorld's management rights is Haliburton. I want to see the stink that raises, even though it shouldn't. Haliburton is an American company and is best capable of such a job.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Xbox 360 Is Back
I received my Xbox 360 back from Microsoft yesterday. That part is great. And so is the fact that after 30 minutes of game time, there were no lock-ups. The part that has me miffed though is the fact that Microsoft chose to send me a refurbished unit, rather than repair mine. The reason, as stated in the letter included in the body-box, was to allow me to get back to gaming right away.
As Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry once said, "Mighty White of you."
I received a brand new Xbox 360 as a Christmas and birthday gift and I get a used unit in return? Hardly seems right. I'd rather have my game console, not someone else's that looks a little worn out (the serial number info on the back was faded).
I'm sure the reason for not sending me a new console was because of the continued shortage of units for sale. More units are getting out into the world but that is happening slowly.
In other gaming news, Sony announced yesterday that the Playstation 3 system, originally slated for a March release, has been pushed back to November 2006. I doubt I'll get one right away. I'm busy doing the bleeding edge thing with the Xbox 360.
As Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry once said, "Mighty White of you."
I received a brand new Xbox 360 as a Christmas and birthday gift and I get a used unit in return? Hardly seems right. I'd rather have my game console, not someone else's that looks a little worn out (the serial number info on the back was faded).
I'm sure the reason for not sending me a new console was because of the continued shortage of units for sale. More units are getting out into the world but that is happening slowly.
In other gaming news, Sony announced yesterday that the Playstation 3 system, originally slated for a March release, has been pushed back to November 2006. I doubt I'll get one right away. I'm busy doing the bleeding edge thing with the Xbox 360.
The Tale Of The Slow SUV In The Snow
Middle March, Early Spring Junk Weather.
This past weekend was warm and enticingly Spring-like but Mother Nature was in a cruel mood and decided to put Winter back in the mix. Overnight, we received about a quarter inch of snow, if that much. It must have warmed up because it was icy, slushy, snowy this morning. While the roads weren't terrible, there were patches of ice to be concerned about.
As I was driving up North Atherton Street to get to work, I saw a metallic brown Honda Pilot SUV driving more slowly than a car in a funeral procession, holding up many cars behind it. Most people buy SUVs with the assumption that it will do better than other vehicles on roads during adverse conditions. So here's a nice SUV (if I were to buy an SUV, the Honda Pilot would be my choice. Probably red or blue...) holding up traffic as the driver negotiated the roads, which were not all that bad. Ugh!
Most of the SUV drivers I've seen on dangerous roads usually fly down the road thinking they are invincible superhero types. I've often seen those Superman or Superwoman wannabes with their SUVs in the ditch at the side of the road.
Now I'm safely at work. I'm sure the Pilot owner was late.
This past weekend was warm and enticingly Spring-like but Mother Nature was in a cruel mood and decided to put Winter back in the mix. Overnight, we received about a quarter inch of snow, if that much. It must have warmed up because it was icy, slushy, snowy this morning. While the roads weren't terrible, there were patches of ice to be concerned about.
As I was driving up North Atherton Street to get to work, I saw a metallic brown Honda Pilot SUV driving more slowly than a car in a funeral procession, holding up many cars behind it. Most people buy SUVs with the assumption that it will do better than other vehicles on roads during adverse conditions. So here's a nice SUV (if I were to buy an SUV, the Honda Pilot would be my choice. Probably red or blue...) holding up traffic as the driver negotiated the roads, which were not all that bad. Ugh!
Most of the SUV drivers I've seen on dangerous roads usually fly down the road thinking they are invincible superhero types. I've often seen those Superman or Superwoman wannabes with their SUVs in the ditch at the side of the road.
Now I'm safely at work. I'm sure the Pilot owner was late.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Hayes Departs South Park
I read that Isaac Hayes quit South Park "citing the show's 'inappropriate ridicule' of religion." Matt Stone, co-creator of South Park, said Hayes,
...was upset the show had recently lampooned the Church of Scientology, of which Hayes is an outspoken follower.South Park started out as a short animated film which took a satirical look at the Christmas holiday and Santa versus Jesus.
"In ten years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park,' Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslim, Mormons or Jews," Stone said in a statement issued by the Comedy Central network.
"He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show."
He added: "Of course we will release Isaac from his contract, and we wish him well."
Monday, March 13, 2006
Sopranos Return, Finally!
No spoilers here but let's just say The Sopranos season opener was worth the wait the hype. I don't think HBO has to worry about ABC and Desperate Housewives. The goings-on on Wisteria Lane pale by comparisons to the deep story lines on The Sopranos. Not only that, the dark humor is far more effective.
I have to brush up on the cast because I haven't watched the show since Tony ran off, letting Johnny Sack get busted by the FBI in 2004.
There is one shocking scene (whew!) in this week's episode to remind you that this is clearly not for children. I don't care if you do let the kids see South Park.
I have to brush up on the cast because I haven't watched the show since Tony ran off, letting Johnny Sack get busted by the FBI in 2004.
There is one shocking scene (whew!) in this week's episode to remind you that this is clearly not for children. I don't care if you do let the kids see South Park.
The Simpsons, Live!
There is a live-action version of the opening credits for the animated Matt Groening television series, The Simpsons, floating around the internet.
According to TVSquad.com,
According to TVSquad.com,
...the video is part of a...marketing campaign by UK broadcasting network, Sky. The network and its ad agency created the dead-on, live-action video as part of an on-air promotion for The Simpsons. They even had the blessings of Simpsons producers and creator Matt Groening. The ad gurus thought it was so cool that they decided to launch it on the internet and just let word-of-mouth go to work for them. Obviously, they were successful. The video is huge right now...Youtube.com has it but the video quality isn't that good. Instead, go here to view the video in one of two different formats.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Barry Bonds? Steroids? Noooooooo Waaaaaaay!
Sports Illustrated has a photo gallery of Bonds' expanding physique.
If we can absolutely prove Bonds' drug use, his name should be stricken from the home run record. He doesn't deserve to break Aaron's record.
Then again, how do we know Aaron didn't use steroids? Just throwing the question out there.
Another thought. Bud Selig, baseball commissioner said it would be impossible to remove steroid users from the history books. Well, uh, if we focus on Bonds where's the difficulty? If Pete Rose can be punished for gambling, Bonds should be punished for drug use. The commissioner should be asking the umpire for some new balls.
If we can absolutely prove Bonds' drug use, his name should be stricken from the home run record. He doesn't deserve to break Aaron's record.
Then again, how do we know Aaron didn't use steroids? Just throwing the question out there.
Another thought. Bud Selig, baseball commissioner said it would be impossible to remove steroid users from the history books. Well, uh, if we focus on Bonds where's the difficulty? If Pete Rose can be punished for gambling, Bonds should be punished for drug use. The commissioner should be asking the umpire for some new balls.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
So, Who Likes Cube Farms?
CNN.com has a story in which Robert Probst, the person who invented the Cubicle, thought it was a bad idea.
In the movie, Office Space, the hero used a drill to dismantle his cubicle. I just love that scene. If you haven't seen thise movie and you are an office place veteran, you owe it to yourself to see this silly movie.
My office may be in a computer network server room but it has four real walls and a door.
Office place nirvana.
After years of prototyping and studying how people work, and vowing to improve on the open-bullpen office that dominated much of the 20th century, Propst designed a system he thought would increase productivity (hence the name Action Office). The young designer, who also worked on projects as varied as heart pumps and tree harvesters, theorized that productivity would rise if people could see more of their work spread out in front of them, not just stacked in an in-box.Businesses saw the cubicle as a way to cheaply build offices and cram people into those big rooms.
The new system included plenty of work surfaces and display shelves; partitions were a part of it, intended to provide privacy and places to pin up works in process. The Action Office even included varying desk levels to enable employees to work part of the time standing up, thereby encouraging blood flow and staving off exhaustion.
But inventions seldom obey the creator's intent. "The Action Office wasn't conceived to cram a lot of people into little space," says Joe Schwartz, Herman Miller's former marketing chief, who helped launch the system in 1968. "It was driven that way by economics."
The upshot: A company could recover its costs quicker if it purchased cubes. When clients told Herman Miller of that unexpected benefit, it became a new selling point for the Action Office. After only two years on the market, sales soared. Competitors took notice.My entire career, until I started work here in the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State, has been spent in cubicles. Probably the most extreme use of cubicles I've ever seen was during my tenure at Gateway Computers in North Sioux City, South Dakota. There was one huge office just packed to the gills with a "cube farm." It was insane to see that many people packed into one room.
That's when Propst's original vision began to fade. "They kept shrinking the Action Office until it became a cubicle," says Schwartz, now 80. As Steelcase, Knoll, and Haworth brought their versions to market, they figured out that what businesses wanted wasn't to give employees a holistic experience. The customers wanted a cheap way to pack workers in.
Propst's workstations were designed to be flexible, but in practice they were seldom altered or moved at all. Lined up in identical rows, they became the dystopian world that three academics described as "bright satanic offices" in a 1998 book, Workplaces of the Future.
Designer Douglas Ball, for instance, remembers the first installation of cubicles he created for a Canadian company in 1972. "I thought I'd be excited, but I came out depressed," says Ball, now 70. "It was Dilbertville. I'd failed to visualize what it would look like when there were so many of them."
In the movie, Office Space, the hero used a drill to dismantle his cubicle. I just love that scene. If you haven't seen thise movie and you are an office place veteran, you owe it to yourself to see this silly movie.
My office may be in a computer network server room but it has four real walls and a door.
Office place nirvana.
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