This particular seemed eirilly appropriate in light of the recent Democratic National Convention. I wonder which lessons it really has to offer?
3 Ağustos 2004 Salı
I Miss Calvin and Hobbes
The Nomad is laid up today with a summer flu, so I am lying in bed and going through some of my old Calvin and Hobbes comics. It is amazing how much I miss those two. My personality has little to do with Calvin, but he definitely reflects a portion of my inner child, and his relationship with Hobbes is something I had with my stuffed animals as a kid.
This particular seemed eirilly appropriate in light of the recent Democratic National Convention. I wonder which lessons it really has to offer?
This particular seemed eirilly appropriate in light of the recent Democratic National Convention. I wonder which lessons it really has to offer?
2 Ağustos 2004 Pazartesi
I Am Admitting Nothing But...
Hmmmmm.......
I say again, "Hmmmmmmm...."
Updated 8/3: Here is a good fan site: XMFan.
Coincidentally, CNN has an article on the satellite radio phenomenon.
I say again, "Hmmmmmmm...."
Updated 8/3: Here is a good fan site: XMFan.
Coincidentally, CNN has an article on the satellite radio phenomenon.
Quicky DVD Reviews
Agent Cody Banks 2 - Destination: London
Rating: PG
This film roughly follows the same formula as the last one: parody James Bond, mine Frankie Muniz for all the charm he's got, and make sure all the adults are pretty much idiots. However, this time instead of Cody Banks saving the world from the shores of the good ole USA, he is doing it in London. He gains a new handler (whose bright idea was it to ditch Angie Harmon?!), a new "love interest" in a British junior agent, and a few new gadgets (How much did Mentos pay for their not-so-brief cameo?) Overall, it is an entertaining film, which is generally family-friendly. Not a film for when you are in the mood for a drama, characterization, or intelligent dialogue. But mindless fun, and generally a step up from any of the Spy Kids movies.
Hellboy
Rating: R
In the age of comic book adaptations, where Marvel can do no wrong (aside from Ward's opinion of HULK) and DC can do nothing right (*cough* Catwoman *cough*), it is nice to see that other comic makers are getting into the swing of things. Hellboy follows the story of a young demon who is sent to earth to destroy it, but is found by a kindly human who raises the creature as his own son. Now mature, Hellboy has become a hero for humanity, fighting against any paranormal monsters that may threaten Joe Public. The problem? Since it is hard to ignore the fact that he is 8 feet tall and bright red, Hellboy is forced to live a life alone, except for a few other exceptional and dangerous friends. The movie is no Spider-Man 2, but it is definitely above-average in the comic-book adaptation genre of films. Put this one above Daredevil but below X-Men. Recommended, though the imagery and quasi-spiritual subject matter will disturb some. Nothing here that worried my spirit-meter, but please be aware there were plenty of things to make you go "Ewwwwwww!"
Alien Saga
Rating: Unrated
The series of movies that began with Ridley Scott's first "haunted house in space" movie has spawned quite a family. The first was an amazing horror film, the second an action-adventure on par with Indiana Jones, the third was moody, bleak, and generally seen as a disappointment, and the fourth... well... if you were aware there was a fourth movie then you are like me and a die-hard sci fi junkie who will see a movie just because it is labelled "sci fi." The alien films had a rocky history, and this new documentary follows it from the original vision of a writer inspired by H.R. Gieger's drawings, to the greed of modern hollywood studios desperate to save a dying franchise with drek like the upcoming "Alien vs. Predator." This film is an interesting look inside the films, and has lots of cool tidbits and cut scenes. But if you are not someone who has seen and enjoyed at least 2 of the alien movies, there is nothing much of interest. Recommended to sci fi freaks, but please be aware that at times it feels more like the filmmakers are pleading for an Alien 5 than like a dispassionate documentary.
Rating: PG
This film roughly follows the same formula as the last one: parody James Bond, mine Frankie Muniz for all the charm he's got, and make sure all the adults are pretty much idiots. However, this time instead of Cody Banks saving the world from the shores of the good ole USA, he is doing it in London. He gains a new handler (whose bright idea was it to ditch Angie Harmon?!), a new "love interest" in a British junior agent, and a few new gadgets (How much did Mentos pay for their not-so-brief cameo?) Overall, it is an entertaining film, which is generally family-friendly. Not a film for when you are in the mood for a drama, characterization, or intelligent dialogue. But mindless fun, and generally a step up from any of the Spy Kids movies.
Hellboy
Rating: R
In the age of comic book adaptations, where Marvel can do no wrong (aside from Ward's opinion of HULK) and DC can do nothing right (*cough* Catwoman *cough*), it is nice to see that other comic makers are getting into the swing of things. Hellboy follows the story of a young demon who is sent to earth to destroy it, but is found by a kindly human who raises the creature as his own son. Now mature, Hellboy has become a hero for humanity, fighting against any paranormal monsters that may threaten Joe Public. The problem? Since it is hard to ignore the fact that he is 8 feet tall and bright red, Hellboy is forced to live a life alone, except for a few other exceptional and dangerous friends. The movie is no Spider-Man 2, but it is definitely above-average in the comic-book adaptation genre of films. Put this one above Daredevil but below X-Men. Recommended, though the imagery and quasi-spiritual subject matter will disturb some. Nothing here that worried my spirit-meter, but please be aware there were plenty of things to make you go "Ewwwwwww!"
Alien Saga
Rating: Unrated
The series of movies that began with Ridley Scott's first "haunted house in space" movie has spawned quite a family. The first was an amazing horror film, the second an action-adventure on par with Indiana Jones, the third was moody, bleak, and generally seen as a disappointment, and the fourth... well... if you were aware there was a fourth movie then you are like me and a die-hard sci fi junkie who will see a movie just because it is labelled "sci fi." The alien films had a rocky history, and this new documentary follows it from the original vision of a writer inspired by H.R. Gieger's drawings, to the greed of modern hollywood studios desperate to save a dying franchise with drek like the upcoming "Alien vs. Predator." This film is an interesting look inside the films, and has lots of cool tidbits and cut scenes. But if you are not someone who has seen and enjoyed at least 2 of the alien movies, there is nothing much of interest. Recommended to sci fi freaks, but please be aware that at times it feels more like the filmmakers are pleading for an Alien 5 than like a dispassionate documentary.
Intelligent Life in Outer Space? No, Just Satellite Radio
I have to admit it. I really do. I have largely left the realm of AM/FM radio behind for the beautiful simplicity of my iPod. WABC radio in New York still retains a certain appeal due to some interesting personalities, and WCBS does have the top stories, but pretty much everything else is either identical top-40-radio, inane DJs, or classical stations where even the "talent" seems to be struggling to stay awake. (I am blessed to be in a part of the country with absolutely NO country music on the radio. For this, I am eternally grateful to a merciful creator.) Thus, more and more I am gravitating to my own preselected series of songs on my iPod.
Thing is, life is about more than just the music I already know. I am big fan of the Christian rock genre, but while PETRA and Michael W. Smith are great... they are - how do you say - not exactly the latest and greatest. Plus, in an election year, and in an age where politics is coming to dominate our lives more than ever, is it healthy to only be getting your information from the Net? (Unless you are surfing the info smorgasbord that is Mod-BLog, of course.)
So recently, I have started looking into alternatives to AM/FM and static MP3 players, and Satellite Radio has reappeared on my radar. When satellite radio first appeared a couple of years ago, I remember laughing out loud. They charged a premium for their equipment (which was incompatible with just about everything), they only installed into cars, then they charged a sizeable monthly fee, and most of what they advertised was the same top-40-radio but with less or no talk. Basically, they wanted to establish a cable-TV-style market for the radio world, without offering much that was different from free radio. The two providers - XM and Sirius - did not offer interchangeable technology, and seemed rather clueless about what mainstream America would want from them.
Well, now my needs have changed and luckily satellite radio has changed a bit, too. The hardware has come way down in price - for about $100 you can get everything you need. It is no longer simply focused on your car - there are now boom boxes, home stereo connections, and a walkman-style kit is due out before the Fall. And the quality of the satellite offerings have improved and deepened. So suddenly, I find myself tempted.
According to my research, there are a few quick facts that might help any of our readers dealing with the same issues. XM is the cheaper per-month alternative at $9.99, while Sirius charges $12.95 a month. Sirius offers a larger talk selection and better DJs, while XM has a larger selection of interruption-free channels. (I should mention that XM has all of the talk options I am really interested in - CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, etc.) XM has a larger selection of hardware, but Sirius has plenty of it including bargain options from AudioVox. Finally, one point which seems worth noting. While both Sirius and XM sites are clear about their monthly fees, both are a little less up-front about the fact that there is an initial setup fee. So keep that in mind when doing any cost-benefit analyses for your life.
What am I doing? Not sure yet. If I go satellite, then I think I am going XM. But I am not yet convinced 100% that satellite is inherently better than AM/FM or that it really will fill my most important needs than my trusty iPod.
Thing is, life is about more than just the music I already know. I am big fan of the Christian rock genre, but while PETRA and Michael W. Smith are great... they are - how do you say - not exactly the latest and greatest. Plus, in an election year, and in an age where politics is coming to dominate our lives more than ever, is it healthy to only be getting your information from the Net? (Unless you are surfing the info smorgasbord that is Mod-BLog, of course.)
So recently, I have started looking into alternatives to AM/FM and static MP3 players, and Satellite Radio has reappeared on my radar. When satellite radio first appeared a couple of years ago, I remember laughing out loud. They charged a premium for their equipment (which was incompatible with just about everything), they only installed into cars, then they charged a sizeable monthly fee, and most of what they advertised was the same top-40-radio but with less or no talk. Basically, they wanted to establish a cable-TV-style market for the radio world, without offering much that was different from free radio. The two providers - XM and Sirius - did not offer interchangeable technology, and seemed rather clueless about what mainstream America would want from them.
Well, now my needs have changed and luckily satellite radio has changed a bit, too. The hardware has come way down in price - for about $100 you can get everything you need. It is no longer simply focused on your car - there are now boom boxes, home stereo connections, and a walkman-style kit is due out before the Fall. And the quality of the satellite offerings have improved and deepened. So suddenly, I find myself tempted.
According to my research, there are a few quick facts that might help any of our readers dealing with the same issues. XM is the cheaper per-month alternative at $9.99, while Sirius charges $12.95 a month. Sirius offers a larger talk selection and better DJs, while XM has a larger selection of interruption-free channels. (I should mention that XM has all of the talk options I am really interested in - CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, etc.) XM has a larger selection of hardware, but Sirius has plenty of it including bargain options from AudioVox. Finally, one point which seems worth noting. While both Sirius and XM sites are clear about their monthly fees, both are a little less up-front about the fact that there is an initial setup fee. So keep that in mind when doing any cost-benefit analyses for your life.
What am I doing? Not sure yet. If I go satellite, then I think I am going XM. But I am not yet convinced 100% that satellite is inherently better than AM/FM or that it really will fill my most important needs than my trusty iPod.
1 Ağustos 2004 Pazar
Terrorists Target Financial Icons?
MyWay News is reporting that Tom Ridge is warning of credible and specific threats against "financial icons" in the greater New York Metro area, and Washington D.C. As a man who works for a bank, this one hits a bit close to home. Course, I live about two hour's drive from the site of the World Trade Centers, so I am not sure how much closer to home things have to get. 
Terror Plot Against... Saudi Arabia!
The BBC is reporting the newest front in the War on Terror (WOT to you abbreviation-lovers) is not New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC. It is Saudi Arabia! A leading arab terror activist had admitted to taking part with Libya in a plot to assassinate the crown prince of the Saudi Kingdom. Maybe now our alleged allies will get on board with the War on Terror and start really cracking down on their own home-grown psychos!
I Pledge Allegiance to... Dick Cheney?!
Some Wyoming paper is reporting that anyone who sought to attend a recent Dick Cheney speech were required to sign an oath pledging to endorse President Bush. Apparently, the Bush camp got advanced word that ACT (Americans Coming Together, a Pro-Kerry activist group) had a protest planned to disrupt the event, and hoped to use the pledge to keep protesters out.
This is just downright wacko! You should never need to sign any indication of your political views in order to hear a public official speak at a public event. I realize there are security concerns and that one wants to control a venue for maximum political advantage, but this sounds like something they would have done in Soviet Russia.
Wake up, Bush/Cheney camp! I have been a supporter since 2000, and still plan to vote for the ticket in 2004. But between Mr. Cheney's f-word on the Senate floor, and this 1984-esque loyalty oast, I am starting to wonder if the #2 man in the Executive Office is really mentally fit to serve. Or is that really the key? Maybe, Mr. Cheney does not want to stay in the veep office, but will not step down unless asked by Bush? Either way, this weirdness needs to end as soon as possible.
This is just downright wacko! You should never need to sign any indication of your political views in order to hear a public official speak at a public event. I realize there are security concerns and that one wants to control a venue for maximum political advantage, but this sounds like something they would have done in Soviet Russia.
Wake up, Bush/Cheney camp! I have been a supporter since 2000, and still plan to vote for the ticket in 2004. But between Mr. Cheney's f-word on the Senate floor, and this 1984-esque loyalty oast, I am starting to wonder if the #2 man in the Executive Office is really mentally fit to serve. Or is that really the key? Maybe, Mr. Cheney does not want to stay in the veep office, but will not step down unless asked by Bush? Either way, this weirdness needs to end as soon as possible.
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)