I had said earlier that I would post my mock draft. I got about half way through it when I realized that I wouldn't have time to finish it, so I dumped it. No biggie.
So let's talk about the Lions 3 picks yesterday. I think they did well in terms of grabbing top talent. All three picks were for guys that just flat out know how to play. What a failed to see was the grab for an offensive line giant. Also ESPN coverage only lasts till 5:00 so we lost the last hour and half of the first round. Of course 5 hours of coverage should be able to handle the first round. Very sad. Next year, you only get 10 minutes and if you want more you need to fill our a 7735 Form B for an extra 5 minutes.
So why haven't I been doing much updating. Well there was my second trip to florida and which was preceded by some massive gastro-intestinal problems that put me out of commission for a week, including a nice visit to the local hospital. Otherwise I really have no excuse for a lost month.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Heinlein's Mars may come to pass
Now I am not by any means a Heinlein expert. But I remember reading a book where he talks that the inhabitants of Mars had died out (?) before we had arrived on the planet. It looks like there is some biological activity on Mars and that alot of the methane must have been produced by decomposing material. In general just interesting.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Review: The Street Fighter
You may think that this is referring to late nineties video game movie knockoff. Nope, this is original baby. Back in the year 1974, a series of 4 Hong Kong action flicks came out in the series for The Street Fighter.
The Street Fighter (1974)
Return of the Street Fighter (1974)
Sister Street Fighter (1974)
The Street Fighter's Last Revenge (1974)
All but the third movie stars Sonny Chiba. In terms of action films, the quality of the editting gets progressively better as the films go along, but the feats become more and more implausible. I am also going to say that flat out, if you don't like Hong Kong action flicks or if hate bad editting, just turn away now. I have had a ton of fun watching these 4 movies. There is a style that is so unique in the facial expression of Sonny Chiba's fighting that make this a lovable classic.
In the original, we have Terry Suguri (Sonny Chiba) doing bounty hunting for the highest bidder. At some point, he is betrayed by the bad guys and decides to help out the good guys. He then goes on a one man killing spree. Some of irony in the film is from the fact that the initial guy he helps turns out to be his nemesis because of "bad luck". Terry is paid to save a man, but the family doesn't have any money. The brother kills himself, so Terry sells the girl. In the end it proves to be his greatest challenge. Terry Suguri is not a good guy by any sense, but a man who looks out for number one.
The second movie, finds a slightly more loveable Terry Suguri. Again he is in the Bounty Hunting game, but is more selective in his targets. During the progression of the movie, drugs and the western oppression of the east come into play only to have Terry again triumph after near defeat.
The third movie has Sonny Chiba in it, but only as a bit character. The story centers around a female fighter who is out to save the life of her brother. As she progresses through the ranks, killing assassins, she comes to face the reality of what may have become of her brother, betrayal of family, and other very eastern type themes.
The final movie in this series (as far as I know) has Terry, who I would almost classify as a good guy. Trying to stop drug lords and also make a quick buck. He seems to struggle to find a lasting love that does not try to kill him after or during any love-making sessions. And in the end finds grief again.
What can I say. Just fun films.
The Street Fighter (1974)
Return of the Street Fighter (1974)
Sister Street Fighter (1974)
The Street Fighter's Last Revenge (1974)
All but the third movie stars Sonny Chiba. In terms of action films, the quality of the editting gets progressively better as the films go along, but the feats become more and more implausible. I am also going to say that flat out, if you don't like Hong Kong action flicks or if hate bad editting, just turn away now. I have had a ton of fun watching these 4 movies. There is a style that is so unique in the facial expression of Sonny Chiba's fighting that make this a lovable classic.
In the original, we have Terry Suguri (Sonny Chiba) doing bounty hunting for the highest bidder. At some point, he is betrayed by the bad guys and decides to help out the good guys. He then goes on a one man killing spree. Some of irony in the film is from the fact that the initial guy he helps turns out to be his nemesis because of "bad luck". Terry is paid to save a man, but the family doesn't have any money. The brother kills himself, so Terry sells the girl. In the end it proves to be his greatest challenge. Terry Suguri is not a good guy by any sense, but a man who looks out for number one.
The second movie, finds a slightly more loveable Terry Suguri. Again he is in the Bounty Hunting game, but is more selective in his targets. During the progression of the movie, drugs and the western oppression of the east come into play only to have Terry again triumph after near defeat.
The third movie has Sonny Chiba in it, but only as a bit character. The story centers around a female fighter who is out to save the life of her brother. As she progresses through the ranks, killing assassins, she comes to face the reality of what may have become of her brother, betrayal of family, and other very eastern type themes.
The final movie in this series (as far as I know) has Terry, who I would almost classify as a good guy. Trying to stop drug lords and also make a quick buck. He seems to struggle to find a lasting love that does not try to kill him after or during any love-making sessions. And in the end finds grief again.
What can I say. Just fun films.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Collaboration Tools
After being pointed to this blog site, by a coworker (James Reagan), I have been reading it regularly. One of Dave Pollard's recent entries is on collaboration tools. For me I see to two reasons to need this kind of article. Often time, you can't see all the different tools before you, or they start to blend together to some gelataneous blog of electrons. Dave has graciously put this information into a wonderful table with some strengths and weaknesses.
Business has been getting progressively more cost conscious yet the need to maintain a global presence is still there. How to do you meet with a team when they are scattered across the globe. Well this gives a few options, if you put them together. But now you require people to be tech savvy. But it is a start.
The other part that I saw, was I have tons of friends spread across the country and I have always had the strong desire to do some collaboration on writing (I can give ideas but please don't ask me to write a single line of dialog, unless you want some imaginative insults, Pringle Raper). But their is a revolution brewing where people can communicate, collaboration in a better way and it is darn exciting.
Business has been getting progressively more cost conscious yet the need to maintain a global presence is still there. How to do you meet with a team when they are scattered across the globe. Well this gives a few options, if you put them together. But now you require people to be tech savvy. But it is a start.
The other part that I saw, was I have tons of friends spread across the country and I have always had the strong desire to do some collaboration on writing (I can give ideas but please don't ask me to write a single line of dialog, unless you want some imaginative insults, Pringle Raper). But their is a revolution brewing where people can communicate, collaboration in a better way and it is darn exciting.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Lions needs revisited
Let's first start with the original list of needs I put together a couple weeks ago and tag any offseason movement into it.
I am not going to praise the Jeff Garcia pickup. I am not saying he can't do well, but I feel like we just upgraded to a better McMahon. Mobile, inaccurate. Although version two is less mobile, but slightly more accurate.
For Kenoy Kennedy. Rock rock on. Great pickup, will be a solid contributer.
There has been no word on the Defensive End position, but maybe pick up Marques Douglas?
From the rumor mills, the first round pick of the lions this year will be on a offensive tackle, probably Barrons if he is available. What I have heard is that the top three picks will be for both sides of the line.
Rick DeMulling is a great addition, but for center, well, I will leave to my last blog on this topic to say. Marcus Pollard as the Lions tight end is a great thing to see, and would be a great mentor for Casey Fitzsimmons.
Which leaves us with Wide Receiver and Middle Linebacker. I think that you may want to upgrade middle lineback this year. I like Earl Holmes, but you may want to trade away or some other bargaining chip. I really think you could go into the draft and pick up someone in the second or third round, to play backup or pick up someone like Edgerton Hartwell in the free agency. The worry there is he is a 3-4 guy all the way, and may not work out in the 4-3 of the Lions.
And at wide receiver, we have the two young guys, then blah. No offense guys. You are talented athletes, but sometimes if feels like you are wearing concrete gloves. Nothing sticks. I wouldn't take one in the draft, but instead would look into the free agent market, which is not that deep. About the best one still sitting out there is David Givens. Pick him up. Please.
Sometime later I will start talking about my mock drafts.
- Veteran QB - Jeff Garcia
- Safety - Kenoy Kennedy
- Defensive End
- Offensive Tackle
- Offensive Guard - Rick DeMulling
- Center - Dominic Raiola (re-signed)
- Wide Receivers
- Tight End - Marcus Pollard
- Middle Linebacker (?)
I am not going to praise the Jeff Garcia pickup. I am not saying he can't do well, but I feel like we just upgraded to a better McMahon. Mobile, inaccurate. Although version two is less mobile, but slightly more accurate.
For Kenoy Kennedy. Rock rock on. Great pickup, will be a solid contributer.
There has been no word on the Defensive End position, but maybe pick up Marques Douglas?
From the rumor mills, the first round pick of the lions this year will be on a offensive tackle, probably Barrons if he is available. What I have heard is that the top three picks will be for both sides of the line.
Rick DeMulling is a great addition, but for center, well, I will leave to my last blog on this topic to say. Marcus Pollard as the Lions tight end is a great thing to see, and would be a great mentor for Casey Fitzsimmons.
Which leaves us with Wide Receiver and Middle Linebacker. I think that you may want to upgrade middle lineback this year. I like Earl Holmes, but you may want to trade away or some other bargaining chip. I really think you could go into the draft and pick up someone in the second or third round, to play backup or pick up someone like Edgerton Hartwell in the free agency. The worry there is he is a 3-4 guy all the way, and may not work out in the 4-3 of the Lions.
And at wide receiver, we have the two young guys, then blah. No offense guys. You are talented athletes, but sometimes if feels like you are wearing concrete gloves. Nothing sticks. I wouldn't take one in the draft, but instead would look into the free agent market, which is not that deep. About the best one still sitting out there is David Givens. Pick him up. Please.
Sometime later I will start talking about my mock drafts.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Sun shine and the flu
Ok. I am back. I spent a whole week in Florida, in the Fort Myers area, and managed to feel mighty ill. It was a lot of fun other than that. Let's go for a day by day size up.
Saturday. Waking up at 2:30 am sucks to get your flight. Getting into Ft. Myers before 10am is pretty nice. So the first day, Michelle, Grandma and I went to the Fleamaster, fleamarket. Wow, what HUGE collection of fleas. Really a lot of junk, but some junk was pretty cool. Ate at a nice Italian place for dinner, and had too much wine.
Sunday. Drove down to Naples to visit with my Aunts and Uncles that live down there. Had a casual morning before leaving around noon and found Pat and Red's with no "real" trouble. Had a cook out at Don and Dale's and then meandered home.
Monday. Outlet shopping. Was time to let my wife do some serious shopping, which amounted to not much serious. Hardly spent any money (good) but visited a lot of stores.
Tuesday. Visited Six Mile Cypress Sloughs. Really cool place where we saw tons of native Florida wildlife and some non-native wildlife as well. Snapped a bunch pictures (have to develop as forgot digital camera) and walked around. Went back to Grandma's and played cards. Went out for dinner with my aunt and uncle for mexican. Starting to feel ill. Headaches, etc.
Wednesday. Sat in a boat for almost 8 hours. The result was to spend 4 hours on Key West. Got a tour of the island on "train" and visited the aquarium, and mel fisher treasure museum. It was really cool. Kinda weird. And all together very college spring break like. Except my sickness had NO ALCOHOL INVOLVED. Sad, I know. Definitely want to go back and explore the Keys more.
Thursday. Rained cats and dogs. Some frogs too I think. So being sick, I used it for rest day. Watched some TV. Played some cards. Slept.
Friday. Watched a rain delayed St. Patrick's day parade. Flew home.
Saturday. Waking up at 2:30 am sucks to get your flight. Getting into Ft. Myers before 10am is pretty nice. So the first day, Michelle, Grandma and I went to the Fleamaster, fleamarket. Wow, what HUGE collection of fleas. Really a lot of junk, but some junk was pretty cool. Ate at a nice Italian place for dinner, and had too much wine.
Sunday. Drove down to Naples to visit with my Aunts and Uncles that live down there. Had a casual morning before leaving around noon and found Pat and Red's with no "real" trouble. Had a cook out at Don and Dale's and then meandered home.
Monday. Outlet shopping. Was time to let my wife do some serious shopping, which amounted to not much serious. Hardly spent any money (good) but visited a lot of stores.
Tuesday. Visited Six Mile Cypress Sloughs. Really cool place where we saw tons of native Florida wildlife and some non-native wildlife as well. Snapped a bunch pictures (have to develop as forgot digital camera) and walked around. Went back to Grandma's and played cards. Went out for dinner with my aunt and uncle for mexican. Starting to feel ill. Headaches, etc.
Wednesday. Sat in a boat for almost 8 hours. The result was to spend 4 hours on Key West. Got a tour of the island on "train" and visited the aquarium, and mel fisher treasure museum. It was really cool. Kinda weird. And all together very college spring break like. Except my sickness had NO ALCOHOL INVOLVED. Sad, I know. Definitely want to go back and explore the Keys more.
Thursday. Rained cats and dogs. Some frogs too I think. So being sick, I used it for rest day. Watched some TV. Played some cards. Slept.
Friday. Watched a rain delayed St. Patrick's day parade. Flew home.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Review: KOTOR2
Well I finally beat Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2. The game can be easily reviewed. The first 4 planets (depending on the order you take) are totally awesome. Lots of content, fun stories, etc. The other 3. Horrible. Very little story. Disappointing.
Still roughly the same game as KOTOR, they just went on to create a new story. But this was a total rush job at the end of the game. How about a new idea guys. Write your story, then have two teams, one working forward and one working backward. That way at least these stinking games will finish strong. Halo 2, and now KOTOR 2 felt like they got 2/3 in and then the production boss said, "Good enough, let's wrap it and sell it." Well, frell you!
I would still buy it again. But not for $50. I feel like telling them, 2/3 of a game equals 2/3 the price. If you can get it cheap, grab it, enjoy what you can, I totally love the beginning to middle.
3/5 stars
Beginning: 5/5
End: 1/5
Still roughly the same game as KOTOR, they just went on to create a new story. But this was a total rush job at the end of the game. How about a new idea guys. Write your story, then have two teams, one working forward and one working backward. That way at least these stinking games will finish strong. Halo 2, and now KOTOR 2 felt like they got 2/3 in and then the production boss said, "Good enough, let's wrap it and sell it." Well, frell you!
I would still buy it again. But not for $50. I feel like telling them, 2/3 of a game equals 2/3 the price. If you can get it cheap, grab it, enjoy what you can, I totally love the beginning to middle.
3/5 stars
Beginning: 5/5
End: 1/5
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Update: Lions' Safety
Figured I would do this one in text versus audibly. Detroit Lions have picked up Kenoy Kennedy to start at safety. This is very exciting news. I am hoping that Kenoy will continue to be a strong force in the Lions' secondary that he has been for the Broncos. Either way, I say it is good news.
Second the Lions also had an offer accepted by Marcus Pollard, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. Falling into the older side of the spectrum, it seems that he wants to play his final years here and help out the Lions, and boy can they use the help.
We still need to find that competing quarterback. We also need to find another wideout. The rest of the defense I think that you can pick up folks out of the draft.
I thought more about the Brees option. Yeah, the Lions could probably go get him if they wanted. But for a person who has shown me only one good year, especially only after competition was brought in, doesn't lend for me to have much confidence in him. Now you have to couple that with the need to spend big money on him since he had one good year, I don't think that is a good idea.
Who should they get? I will examine that later.
Second the Lions also had an offer accepted by Marcus Pollard, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. Falling into the older side of the spectrum, it seems that he wants to play his final years here and help out the Lions, and boy can they use the help.
We still need to find that competing quarterback. We also need to find another wideout. The rest of the defense I think that you can pick up folks out of the draft.
I thought more about the Brees option. Yeah, the Lions could probably go get him if they wanted. But for a person who has shown me only one good year, especially only after competition was brought in, doesn't lend for me to have much confidence in him. Now you have to couple that with the need to spend big money on him since he had one good year, I don't think that is a good idea.
Who should they get? I will examine that later.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Audiocast: Lions Safeties
Today I talk about the Detroit Lions offseason with an emphasis on safeties. I talk about Bracy Walker and Brock Marion with a look at potential Lions: Kenoy Kennedy, Arturo Freeman, and Donovin Darius.
Also talk about Trent Dilfer's and Kelly Holcomb's recent trades.
Also talk about Trent Dilfer's and Kelly Holcomb's recent trades.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Roku media player and Open Source Community
Well a friend and coworker recently got me for my birthday the Roku Soundbridge M500 Network Music Player. I still think he spent too much on me, but I really appreciate the gift. The thing is totally awesome. Before in my living room, I had a stereo and a 5 disc player. Plus about a 100 CDs. Just a pain in the butt to operate (mostly cause I am lazy). So this morning I decided to connect it up.
Out of the box, most of the work was disconnected my old disc player and running the cable from the stereo to the media tube. Otherwise, I plugged the wireless card into it, plugged in the other cables and turned it on. I walked through a simple wizard to setup the wireless network security. I went down to my WinXP and enabled Windows Media Connect (a UPnP Media server). I came up and tried to connect, no dice, but the error message said to activate my device in the WinXP machines device list. Two clicks later I was listening to MP3's off of my computer. Awesome. I added all my CDs to my PC months ago for this purpose and I finally get to try it. The controls are good. The remote has an awkward feel, but the functions are easy.
Thank you John.
On to Open Source. I have decided to add to the open source community. I first did something that it seems most people forget about. Search to see if someone is already working on my concept. And low and behold, nobody is. Darn. I really didn't want to write the code. I don't code for the joy of coding. I prefer to code with a purpose. So now I have one. At work, we use a project planning and tracking tool called XPlanner to handle that stuff, but I am horrible at updating it just because it is cumbersome ot go out to the planning site everytime I work on something new or change gears. Accuracy is key in this thing. For a while, I was writing down start time and end time on the work that I was doing. It worked, but I thought that I coudl automate this process. So this week I started work on Time Journal 1.0 written in Visual C#. Hopefully we will see version 1 completed fairly soon. Maybe this week sometime.
Out of the box, most of the work was disconnected my old disc player and running the cable from the stereo to the media tube. Otherwise, I plugged the wireless card into it, plugged in the other cables and turned it on. I walked through a simple wizard to setup the wireless network security. I went down to my WinXP and enabled Windows Media Connect (a UPnP Media server). I came up and tried to connect, no dice, but the error message said to activate my device in the WinXP machines device list. Two clicks later I was listening to MP3's off of my computer. Awesome. I added all my CDs to my PC months ago for this purpose and I finally get to try it. The controls are good. The remote has an awkward feel, but the functions are easy.
Thank you John.
On to Open Source. I have decided to add to the open source community. I first did something that it seems most people forget about. Search to see if someone is already working on my concept. And low and behold, nobody is. Darn. I really didn't want to write the code. I don't code for the joy of coding. I prefer to code with a purpose. So now I have one. At work, we use a project planning and tracking tool called XPlanner to handle that stuff, but I am horrible at updating it just because it is cumbersome ot go out to the planning site everytime I work on something new or change gears. Accuracy is key in this thing. For a while, I was writing down start time and end time on the work that I was doing. It worked, but I thought that I coudl automate this process. So this week I started work on Time Journal 1.0 written in Visual C#. Hopefully we will see version 1 completed fairly soon. Maybe this week sometime.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Lack of Updating
I am just going to say that I have been very bad because I have been playing too much star wars: KOTOR2. It is too addicting.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Football offseason 2005
Ahh, the football offseason is here. Not as good as the regular season, but at times better. It is better, because I don't have to see the Lions lose and of recent they have had pretty good offseasons (most noted by slight increases in wins). So with that I always sit there and have an opinion on how things are going. I like to analyze my team and determine what they should really be doing.
Lets start with a basic needs analysis:
This leaves us at the top three needs.
The Lions need an explosive Defensive End. I would have loved to have Julius Peppers, but that draft.... So we need one. James Hall has done an excellent job, way better than I ever expected, but who lines up on the other side? Kalimba? At this point, I wouldn't call him a no show, but I would say that he is a wall flower. He showed up, but wasn't all we anticipated. Maybe the Lions should go hang out at the NBA draft, and pick the biggest, strongest guy to shore of the side.
Recently the Lions released on of their safeties and couple that with an aging but good Brock Marion, and you need some help there. I would love to see them pick up Arturo Freeman from free agency. I don't think the draft will cut it in this case as I think you are going to want some experience.
Finally, but not finally, a veteran QB. Sorry Joey. I thought we should have never gotten you in the first place. I wasn't much on Charlie Batch, but the one good qb of that draft went to the expansion team and I felt we could wait another year. I am still saying we should have picked up Quentin Jammer. Great cornerback.
So, my surprise take that I think the Lions should listen to? Cut Hakim and pick up Jerry Rice. Some veteran experience on some young, talented receivers and the plus is, there are some miles left on the tread to draw coverage and make some tough catches with some of the softest hands in the league. No brainer.
Lets start with a basic needs analysis:
- Veteran QB
- Safety
- Defensive End
- Offensive Tackle
- Offensive Guard
- Center
This leaves us at the top three needs.
The Lions need an explosive Defensive End. I would have loved to have Julius Peppers, but that draft.... So we need one. James Hall has done an excellent job, way better than I ever expected, but who lines up on the other side? Kalimba? At this point, I wouldn't call him a no show, but I would say that he is a wall flower. He showed up, but wasn't all we anticipated. Maybe the Lions should go hang out at the NBA draft, and pick the biggest, strongest guy to shore of the side.
Recently the Lions released on of their safeties and couple that with an aging but good Brock Marion, and you need some help there. I would love to see them pick up Arturo Freeman from free agency. I don't think the draft will cut it in this case as I think you are going to want some experience.
Finally, but not finally, a veteran QB. Sorry Joey. I thought we should have never gotten you in the first place. I wasn't much on Charlie Batch, but the one good qb of that draft went to the expansion team and I felt we could wait another year. I am still saying we should have picked up Quentin Jammer. Great cornerback.
- Jeff Garcia. Please don't get him. My concern is age in this case. Are you getting someone to challenge for the spot to be starter for 1 year, or is it something more than that? Sometimes I wish FA was after the draft. Then I would say if you get either Smith or Rodgers (QB's) then take Garcia and use Harrington as trade bait to alleviate cap room. Otherwise avoid Garcia. And I say avoid him.
- Brian Griese. Obvious yes choice, money dependent. Low bonus, mid-high level money. That way if he doesn't pan out and you need to get him to a new home, it is less of an impact over time. But one good year, a good quarterback does not make.
- Who else? Draft? Not a chance. Kurt Warner? No please, too much of a chip on his shoulder. Jay Fiedler? I like Fiedler, but I don't know if this is the offense for him.
So, my surprise take that I think the Lions should listen to? Cut Hakim and pick up Jerry Rice. Some veteran experience on some young, talented receivers and the plus is, there are some miles left on the tread to draw coverage and make some tough catches with some of the softest hands in the league. No brainer.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Sorry Laura
So I started commenting on Princess's blog and made a point, and then followed that up by supporting the exact opposite point. Damn split personality. To set the story straight, I like CSI (the original series) and I am not really sure why. Never sat and analysized it. Not like Sci Fi shows which I will sit and analyze pieces and parts. I do think this has to do with the genre (I am sorry, but drama is not a genre, but a style). The reason for those parenthesis is that look at more sci fi and it is drama as well, but no one calls it that. In fact, it does sound a little silly at the same time.
"Star Trek: Vulcan" The new series centered around the inner emotional turmoil a vulcan and her family suffer through as they struggle with a marriage to a human. Science Fiction Drama.
"Star Trek: Vulcan" The new series centered around the inner emotional turmoil a vulcan and her family suffer through as they struggle with a marriage to a human. Science Fiction Drama.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Kwings Win! and Hitch Review
Well Saturday was our day for chillin' in Kalamazoo. Did the shopping thing and followed that up by watching the Kwings play the Flint Generals. Chalk one up for the west siders. It was a good time. The way to measure it is I was a little under the weather and still had a blast. Too much rich food.
First off I got to say, "WHO NEEDS THE NHL!?" I would rather see a UHL game any day. More personal, lots of fun. Great action. Plus you have so much passion for game with the young upcomers and the old fighters hanging on to the game. Rock! Support the ";ittle" hockey league.
On to Hitch. Simply, a chick flick that is fun enough for a guy to enjoy. So the hitch is that this guy fixes it so poor smucks like me and other nerds, get a chance at love. The whole crux of this is that given the opportunity and the right conditions, love will form between that wonderful personal inner love delinquent and the beautiful. Made for an interesting, if partial predicatible movie.
First off I got to say, "WHO NEEDS THE NHL!?" I would rather see a UHL game any day. More personal, lots of fun. Great action. Plus you have so much passion for game with the young upcomers and the old fighters hanging on to the game. Rock! Support the ";ittle" hockey league.
On to Hitch. Simply, a chick flick that is fun enough for a guy to enjoy. So the hitch is that this guy fixes it so poor smucks like me and other nerds, get a chance at love. The whole crux of this is that given the opportunity and the right conditions, love will form between that wonderful personal inner love delinquent and the beautiful. Made for an interesting, if partial predicatible movie.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Review Fable for Xbox + more
Ok. I haven't done this in a while. Of course, I have been busy. You know.
Review:
So next up is to put together the new headboard tomorrow and get some pictures so that my parents can see it all together (they helped buy it as a christmas/birthday present). Plus tonight we are going to watch the Kwings fly into the future.
Review:
Fable for the Xbox gaming console is a great game but it is really similar to eating a single cookie versus eating a piece of pie. Sweet yes, but oh so short. On top of that, the vast majority of the game would be considered too easy. You play a boy who's whole family is murdered in a raid for no known reason. You are rescued by a Hero named Maze. Upon rescuing you, you brought into the hero's guild to learn the trade. Now, being a hero does not mean you are good, you can be a champion of evil as well.So what else have I done. Michelle and I got a new headboard and footboard, so I drove to Holland to pick it up but lost a piece of my tonneau cover in the process. Otherwise not too much else. Mostly working later of late. Lots to do and lots of exciting thing the 'pool.
The game includes some very interesting pieces where your appearance changes based on how evil or good you are. Since I am a good two shoes, I played totally good and ended the game with light blue eyes, fair complexion, kinda scrawny, with butterflies and a halo around my head. Evil, you would grow horns, etc. Also the time spent out doors will affect if you have a tan... along with the amount of magic that you use will affect the way you look. You can also get muscles by constant use as well as get fat by eating alot of food and not running around.
What I liked was the story and how it evolved. They kept it fairly simple in terms of twists and turns and you find your way to the end without too much trouble. I however was expecting tons of quests to take similar to freelancer or privateer for PC, but usually you get 2 quests to pick from and you can tell the evil ones. The only complex thing in the game was the character and development of the character.
I didn't like that it was too short, and changing your character at times seemed like very tedious work. But the final bad guy wasn't even that hard once I worked into a strategy, and I did not even have really powerful weapons.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
So next up is to put together the new headboard tomorrow and get some pictures so that my parents can see it all together (they helped buy it as a christmas/birthday present). Plus tonight we are going to watch the Kwings fly into the future.
Friday, February 04, 2005
More movie reviews
So I watched a couple more movies.
First: Chronicles of Riddick
I know that I will get harrassed for this one, but I actually really like it. It was so much fun to watch, the characters were good. The dialogue wasn't bad. The only thing I really hated was the name of the planets the the "races". Argh, totally painful.
Second: Screaming Tiger
Wow. This was a horrible film and I loved it. I wish I could tell you more, like which actor's were in it or who directed it or even when it was made, but I can't. This is a hong kong action flick and just fun in a bad sense. It is a pretty short movie but you don't get to see the main bad guy till quite late and then there seems to be little if any antaganism between any of the characters. I did have trouble staying awake during the 20 minute final battle. I mean, come on. That is way too long for a 85 minute film.
First: Chronicles of Riddick
I know that I will get harrassed for this one, but I actually really like it. It was so much fun to watch, the characters were good. The dialogue wasn't bad. The only thing I really hated was the name of the planets the the "races". Argh, totally painful.
Second: Screaming Tiger
Wow. This was a horrible film and I loved it. I wish I could tell you more, like which actor's were in it or who directed it or even when it was made, but I can't. This is a hong kong action flick and just fun in a bad sense. It is a pretty short movie but you don't get to see the main bad guy till quite late and then there seems to be little if any antaganism between any of the characters. I did have trouble staying awake during the 20 minute final battle. I mean, come on. That is way too long for a 85 minute film.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Movie Review: Seven Years in Tibet
I don't know if to give it a bad review or a good review. It seems to be a movie of middles. Gorgeous scenery, mediocre acting, and beautiful plot lead to a picture that will make you wonder if it 7 years or 27 years. You get to watch as Brad Pitt's character (Heinrich) developes from an uncaring, self centered man, into a compassionate, human that is full of life and wisdom. The emotions of them film seem to run at odds with itself through many parts. I guess, it might be because I just finished reading "A Long Walk" which details the journey of 8 individuals away from the prison camps of Siberia all the way to India. It is one of those stories that you cannot put down.
Seven Years in Tibet is another rich and wonderful story, but I felt that it fell short in when it all came together. Of course this movie may have lost me as I am on cold meds.
Morale of the Review: Skip Seven Years, and go buy or borrow A Long Walk.
Seven Years in Tibet is another rich and wonderful story, but I felt that it fell short in when it all came together. Of course this movie may have lost me as I am on cold meds.
Morale of the Review: Skip Seven Years, and go buy or borrow A Long Walk.
Sick
Fraggin' muggin' grumble grumble.
I am sick. So that is part of my no post. It is has been all of my nothing accomplished this weekend. Lots of horrible sleep. You know the kind, sleep two hours, lay awake for an hour. Repeat. Seems like a combo hit of the flu and a sinus infection. We'll see what the doc says. My guess: Take some antibiotics, get lots of fluids and get lots of rest.
Aaron out.
I am sick. So that is part of my no post. It is has been all of my nothing accomplished this weekend. Lots of horrible sleep. You know the kind, sleep two hours, lay awake for an hour. Repeat. Seems like a combo hit of the flu and a sinus infection. We'll see what the doc says. My guess: Take some antibiotics, get lots of fluids and get lots of rest.
Aaron out.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Farscape
Ok. I wasn't fortune enough to have cable when the original airing of farscape was on. That being said, I had heard lots of good things about it. Now I was and still am to some degree a trek focus'd individual (however I would like to some heinlein like series out there, with some although they seem to be heading towards that with each new series). So I rented the first two episodes on DVD. One word: hooked. It is an amazing series with great characters, wonderful sets, and some excellent shows. Now mind you I am not saying that all are good, but there is an epic feeling of the undertaking of the crew that I have not seen in Trek and to some degree Bab5. As to firefly, that is on my to watch list post Farscape.
I am currenlty working on season 3 and have enjoyed the vast majority of it. For a while I was getting let down on certain shows, until I realized that it was the ones after major story arcs. Let's call them filler episodes that start the setup of another arc or are sitting ot in space. Once I saw them for what they are, I regained an appreciation for them as well.
As for the characters, Cricton as played by Ben Browder is just an awesome character. Rich, random, and dynamic with color that is needed in more shows. On a side note, before I go to the next, I am always amazed at the ability for a woman on a scifi show to be transformed into the ultimate geekboy fantasy postergirl. Just a side note. Claudia Black plays Aeryn Sun whose character shows much more stability but a also shows a steady growth path that is just a blast to watch grow. Virginia Hey plays Zhaan and adds a steady character with a rumbling volcano inside that helps play against the others so that when they are sane she is out there and vice versa. Anthony Simcoe as D'Argo is another great character who in the first season seems as though a teenager trying to impress and domineer, but in the later episodes, he becomes more of a pillar to the crew. Rygel's character is your classic thief that believes in the his own greatness as a leader and individual. Very wise, yet rarely puts that wisdom to use and is often seen to others as a nuisance, which is played well even though the characters are completely justified from history, but fail to move passed (to date). Later on they add moreo characters and there are other changes, but there is just an amazing chemistry for the characters and that brings life to what could have been a dead show (ala enterprise which does not seem to have any chemistry).
I guess the telling fact of the power of this show is the fact that my wife loves it and laughs out loud. Not a common feat. So watch it and welcome to the Federation Starship SS Buttcrack.
I am currenlty working on season 3 and have enjoyed the vast majority of it. For a while I was getting let down on certain shows, until I realized that it was the ones after major story arcs. Let's call them filler episodes that start the setup of another arc or are sitting ot in space. Once I saw them for what they are, I regained an appreciation for them as well.
As for the characters, Cricton as played by Ben Browder is just an awesome character. Rich, random, and dynamic with color that is needed in more shows. On a side note, before I go to the next, I am always amazed at the ability for a woman on a scifi show to be transformed into the ultimate geekboy fantasy postergirl. Just a side note. Claudia Black plays Aeryn Sun whose character shows much more stability but a also shows a steady growth path that is just a blast to watch grow. Virginia Hey plays Zhaan and adds a steady character with a rumbling volcano inside that helps play against the others so that when they are sane she is out there and vice versa. Anthony Simcoe as D'Argo is another great character who in the first season seems as though a teenager trying to impress and domineer, but in the later episodes, he becomes more of a pillar to the crew. Rygel's character is your classic thief that believes in the his own greatness as a leader and individual. Very wise, yet rarely puts that wisdom to use and is often seen to others as a nuisance, which is played well even though the characters are completely justified from history, but fail to move passed (to date). Later on they add moreo characters and there are other changes, but there is just an amazing chemistry for the characters and that brings life to what could have been a dead show (ala enterprise which does not seem to have any chemistry).
I guess the telling fact of the power of this show is the fact that my wife loves it and laughs out loud. Not a common feat. So watch it and welcome to the Federation Starship SS Buttcrack.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
I have babies
Sorry Princess, but not of the human kind. My Sunshine Peacocks (Aulonocara baenschi) have spawned. Of course that are about 8 mm in length but there is about 20 of them hanging out in their momma's mouth. I would have never seen them except that I was moving the fish to my redone 55 gallon upstairs. I didn't like having them with the mbuna's in the basement so wanted to get them their own tank to induce spawning. In fact I think they may have spawened before but it was unsuccessful (other fish ate the fry I think). So cool. Maybe I will get lucky and catch some on the digital camera.
** Update: I have some pictures.
** Update: I have some pictures.
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