Monday
Superman: Birthright
Another take on the Superman story, Superman: Birthright
includes some aspects from Lois and Clark and from Smallville.
One difference is that rather than the "S" insignia representing the house of El, it represents Krypton as a whole being the flag of Krypton.
This change delves into our own (Earth's) tribal differences (Navajo, Scottish kilts, etc.) and rather than Superman wearing the S to represent his family he is using it to represent an entire people and really portrays him as "The Last Son of Krypton."
Superman: Birthright, originally a twelve-issue, limited-series comic book published by DC Comics in 2003 and 2004, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu. (Source: Wikipedia.)
However, I think that this is best experienced in the collected version in hardcover or softcover.
Like a DVD set, a collected set in a graphic novel usually includes extras, such as author or artist commentary and extra concept art.
And this doesn't disappoint with a collection of all the cover art as well as the original plot outlines by Mark Waid that discuss his thoughts on the Superman mythology in all its various forms as well as his take as represented in Birthright.
If you're a Superman fan, this is a great book to add to your collection.
includes some aspects from Lois and Clark and from Smallville.One difference is that rather than the "S" insignia representing the house of El, it represents Krypton as a whole being the flag of Krypton.
This change delves into our own (Earth's) tribal differences (Navajo, Scottish kilts, etc.) and rather than Superman wearing the S to represent his family he is using it to represent an entire people and really portrays him as "The Last Son of Krypton."
Superman: Birthright, originally a twelve-issue, limited-series comic book published by DC Comics in 2003 and 2004, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu. (Source: Wikipedia.)
However, I think that this is best experienced in the collected version in hardcover or softcover.
Like a DVD set, a collected set in a graphic novel usually includes extras, such as author or artist commentary and extra concept art.
And this doesn't disappoint with a collection of all the cover art as well as the original plot outlines by Mark Waid that discuss his thoughts on the Superman mythology in all its various forms as well as his take as represented in Birthright.
If you're a Superman fan, this is a great book to add to your collection.
Thursday
Telemegaphone Dale
This begs the question, if you call a mountain top and and no one is around to hear it, did you really make a sound?
Touted as a telephonic art installation this megaphone will be installed on a hilltop in Dale, Norway. Anyone can use the loudspeakers by dialing a special phone number.
I hope for the sake of the residents of Dale that they can't hear it because I don't think they'll have the ability to hang up when a telemarketer calls during dinner time. (I'm sure they will be pretty quick to add the number to every do not call list in the world.)
Touted as a telephonic art installation this megaphone will be installed on a hilltop in Dale, Norway. Anyone can use the loudspeakers by dialing a special phone number.
I hope for the sake of the residents of Dale that they can't hear it because I don't think they'll have the ability to hang up when a telemarketer calls during dinner time. (I'm sure they will be pretty quick to add the number to every do not call list in the world.)
Monday
Mamma Mia
Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go-
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-
Oh sorry, wrong song.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
First, I just want to say that Pierce Brosnan singing is just wrong on so many levels. I will admit he got a little better, but his first song was just really wrong.
I don't know who thought he would be good in a musical. I think they were just trying to find some middle aged guy who would appeal to the middle aged women who are the biggest demographic for this.
Yes, I will admit I did go see it in the theatre. But I want to quickly add that it was with my wife. I have to give in every once in awhile in hopes that she'll see the more action-packed movies with me. (Doesn't work too often, but I can keep hoping.)
As chick flicks go it did have some pretty funny moments. And I must say that Merryl Streep looks pretty good at 59. (Amanda Seyfried isn't half bad either :)
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-
Oh sorry, wrong song.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
First, I just want to say that Pierce Brosnan singing is just wrong on so many levels. I will admit he got a little better, but his first song was just really wrong.
I don't know who thought he would be good in a musical. I think they were just trying to find some middle aged guy who would appeal to the middle aged women who are the biggest demographic for this.
Yes, I will admit I did go see it in the theatre. But I want to quickly add that it was with my wife. I have to give in every once in awhile in hopes that she'll see the more action-packed movies with me. (Doesn't work too often, but I can keep hoping.)
As chick flicks go it did have some pretty funny moments. And I must say that Merryl Streep looks pretty good at 59. (Amanda Seyfried isn't half bad either :)
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight definitely lives up to the hype. I won't write too much about it because I don't want to give too much away if you're one of the few who still haven't seen it.
I think all the talk of it being too violent for kids is a bit overrated, but then again I don't have kids, so what do I know. I did however see this with a friend and his nine-year-old who seemed to fair pretty well through it.
It continues to break records reaching for and possibly surpassing the infamous $600M mark held by Titanic.
Though a really great movie, most of the hype and record-breaking is being attributed to Heath Ledgers' passing, so whether all this attention can sustain a future movie is up in the air.
It's pretty certain that the Joker won't appear in any movies for a very long time as Heath Ledger's portrayal and subsequent demise pretty much ruin the chances of any other actor successfully pulling it off.
I think all the talk of it being too violent for kids is a bit overrated, but then again I don't have kids, so what do I know. I did however see this with a friend and his nine-year-old who seemed to fair pretty well through it.
It continues to break records reaching for and possibly surpassing the infamous $600M mark held by Titanic.
Though a really great movie, most of the hype and record-breaking is being attributed to Heath Ledgers' passing, so whether all this attention can sustain a future movie is up in the air.
It's pretty certain that the Joker won't appear in any movies for a very long time as Heath Ledger's portrayal and subsequent demise pretty much ruin the chances of any other actor successfully pulling it off.
Batman Beats the Bad Guys and Beats the Records
Though not sure the record-breaking weekend can all be attributed to Batman; I think he had some unlikely help from his arch-nemesis, The Joker, or rather the late Heath Ledger.
With an opening weekend bringing in $155.3M, Batman definitely tore up Spider-man 3's web, and predictions are that the numbers aren't going to slow anytime soon.
With an opening weekend bringing in $155.3M, Batman definitely tore up Spider-man 3's web, and predictions are that the numbers aren't going to slow anytime soon.
The Fairy tale that is Hellboy 2
I haven't seen Pan's Labyrinth, but from the previews for it I immediately recognized Guillermo Del Toro's work in Hellboy 2.
Very much a fairy tale story with fantastical creatures, good fighting evil, and even a bit of beauty and the beast thrown in.
Of course there is still the usual big guns, fist fights and witty comments that are Hellboy.
And not to ruin the ending, but of course good triumphs over evil and they all (or most) go off in to the sunset to live happily-ever-after (so you're lead to believe).
Very much a fairy tale story with fantastical creatures, good fighting evil, and even a bit of beauty and the beast thrown in.
Of course there is still the usual big guns, fist fights and witty comments that are Hellboy.
And not to ruin the ending, but of course good triumphs over evil and they all (or most) go off in to the sunset to live happily-ever-after (so you're lead to believe).
Friday
Terminator Salvation trailer
Another fantastic movie for next year. Don't think Arnie will be back for this one though.
Watchemen trailer
Holy freakin-fantastic.
The movie is an adaptation of the graphic novel. "Set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union." (Source: Wikipedia.)
The movie will be out next year. Check out the official site for more info.
Can't wait to go see The Dark Knight and now can't wait even more to see this trailer up on the big screen.
The movie is an adaptation of the graphic novel. "Set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union." (Source: Wikipedia.)
The movie will be out next year. Check out the official site for more info.
Can't wait to go see The Dark Knight and now can't wait even more to see this trailer up on the big screen.
Antartcitc Ice Shelf Melting on a Hot Summer's Day
The Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic is hanging by a thread. First predictions were that it only had 30 years left, but now researcher David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) says, "it is going more quickly than we had guessed."
Not sure, but can't we just hook up a big snow making machine and refreeze the cracks???
Not sure, but can't we just hook up a big snow making machine and refreeze the cracks???
Monday
Dramatic Shots of Wildfires in Southern California
This is a pretty dramatic shot with the smoke and fire retardant mingling in the sky.
It's hard to imagine that this is a result of such devastation.
Wednesday
Tuesday
Is Google Making Us Stupid?
Sure we no longer have to fill our brains with a dearth of useful trivia, but when has a mind full of useless facts helped anyone other than on Jeopardy.
We now have Sudoku to keep our minds active now that encyclopedias aren't around for us read and memorize cover to cover.
So, no, I don't believe as Carr and others would have us believe that those who acquire search engine skills will cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful.
Is Google Making Us Stupid? found in The Atlantic, written by Nicholas Carr
We now have Sudoku to keep our minds active now that encyclopedias aren't around for us read and memorize cover to cover.
So, no, I don't believe as Carr and others would have us believe that those who acquire search engine skills will cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful.
Is Google Making Us Stupid? found in The Atlantic, written by Nicholas Carr
Thursday
Firefox 3 available Tuesday, June 17
The official date has been announced.
Next Tuesday Firefox is launching version 3 and hoping to break a world record with the most downloads in a day.
So, mark your calendars and download Firefox 3 on Tuesday.
Next Tuesday Firefox is launching version 3 and hoping to break a world record with the most downloads in a day.
So, mark your calendars and download Firefox 3 on Tuesday.
Monday
Takes a licking and keeps on ticking
Bulova Watches may want to adopt this saying for their watches after one was found in Gibraltar Harbor.
Teddy Beacon lost it in the Harbor in 1941 while serving on the HMS Repulse.
It was found recently when the Harbor was dredged and returned to him... and it's still ticking after being wet for all those years.
Teddy Beacon lost it in the Harbor in 1941 while serving on the HMS Repulse.
It was found recently when the Harbor was dredged and returned to him... and it's still ticking after being wet for all those years.
Friday
We are the aliens
There was a post on Gizmodo.com yesterday about a press conference today that will show supposed video evidence of an extraterrestrial.
However, a story on CBC.ca today talks about 'uncontacted' tribes in the Amazon.
It's hard to believe that there are still isolated people in this world who still hunt and live off the land for their entire existence.
They depend entirely on the few people in their tribe for survival and their entire world is no bigger than a few miles circumference around their village.
Their existence is threatened by illegal logging. To them, we are the extraterrestrials. Could you imagine a logging bulldozer plowing through the trees into their village.
A construction worker in hard hat and sunglasses would appear to them as an alien with big head and saucer eyes would to us.
However, a story on CBC.ca today talks about 'uncontacted' tribes in the Amazon.
It's hard to believe that there are still isolated people in this world who still hunt and live off the land for their entire existence.
They depend entirely on the few people in their tribe for survival and their entire world is no bigger than a few miles circumference around their village.
Their existence is threatened by illegal logging. To them, we are the extraterrestrials. Could you imagine a logging bulldozer plowing through the trees into their village.
A construction worker in hard hat and sunglasses would appear to them as an alien with big head and saucer eyes would to us.
Thursday
Firefox 3: On your mark... get set... wait for it...
Much anticipated and going for a world record download day, "with more than 14,000 improvements, Firefox 3 is faster, safer and smarter than before."
Though the date has not been set yet it will be sometime next month, so watch for it and get set to go.
Not yet using Firefox, download version 2 now and upgrade to 3 on download day.
Though the date has not been set yet it will be sometime next month, so watch for it and get set to go.
Not yet using Firefox, download version 2 now and upgrade to 3 on download day.
Tuesday
Is Shia LaBeouf the next Indy?
Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull is a good popcorn flick, but as Indy movies go I was expecting more.
There were a lot of "old man" cliches in reference to Indy and now that the secrets out that his real name is Henry Jones, Jr., there's no stopping the mentions of it.
In the past movies no one knew his real name was "Junior" and now everyone refers to him as Henry Jones, Jr.
Not to reveal anything, but the whole losing his hat and finding it again hasn't grown old. In the final scene the hat blows around and lands at Mutt's (Shia LaBeouf's) feet and he picks it up. He decides to try it on and at the last moment Indy (aka Henry Jones, Jr.) grabs it.
Is this foreshadowing things to come? George Lucas has stated that he's not actively searching for a new artifact to be the object of Indy's next adventure. With Harrison Ford getting up there in years perhaps Shia will be Indy, Jr. when the next artifact is found to be the basis of a new adventure.
As an aside, and a bit of a history lesson, there is such a thing as crystal skulls. There are 12 known to be in existence - one in each of Paris and London museums, one at the Smithsonian, and nine others in private hands.
There were a lot of "old man" cliches in reference to Indy and now that the secrets out that his real name is Henry Jones, Jr., there's no stopping the mentions of it.
In the past movies no one knew his real name was "Junior" and now everyone refers to him as Henry Jones, Jr.
Not to reveal anything, but the whole losing his hat and finding it again hasn't grown old. In the final scene the hat blows around and lands at Mutt's (Shia LaBeouf's) feet and he picks it up. He decides to try it on and at the last moment Indy (aka Henry Jones, Jr.) grabs it.
Is this foreshadowing things to come? George Lucas has stated that he's not actively searching for a new artifact to be the object of Indy's next adventure. With Harrison Ford getting up there in years perhaps Shia will be Indy, Jr. when the next artifact is found to be the basis of a new adventure.
As an aside, and a bit of a history lesson, there is such a thing as crystal skulls. There are 12 known to be in existence - one in each of Paris and London museums, one at the Smithsonian, and nine others in private hands.
Monday
Cold Fusion a Reality!?!
If you've watched The Saint with Val Kilmer you'll be familiar with cold fusion and it's role in thwarting the Russian Mafia boss, Ivan Tretiak, and his plans to profit from an oil crisis.
Thought to be like the plague, the study of cold fusion has been relegated to the closet in main scientific channels; however, it has recently been taken out of the closet to air out recently with perhaps promising results.
If this isn't a hoax, this discovery of cold fusion could revolutionize the world's energy production; it's the holy grail of energy production as said by Gizmodo in their post.
Thought to be like the plague, the study of cold fusion has been relegated to the closet in main scientific channels; however, it has recently been taken out of the closet to air out recently with perhaps promising results.
If this isn't a hoax, this discovery of cold fusion could revolutionize the world's energy production; it's the holy grail of energy production as said by Gizmodo in their post.
Thursday
Prince Caspian: Chronicles of Narnia
If you like swords, and magic and the like this is a great movie.
The fight between Peter and King Miraz is great with lots of cool moves.
Though it seems a bit fantastical at times it does have a classic story line to follow keeping in line with the original chronicles.
The end seems a bit sad, but provides a bit of foreshadowing of what to expect in the next chapter, so to say.
The fight between Peter and King Miraz is great with lots of cool moves.
Though it seems a bit fantastical at times it does have a classic story line to follow keeping in line with the original chronicles.
The end seems a bit sad, but provides a bit of foreshadowing of what to expect in the next chapter, so to say.
On My Way for $25!!
I just received an e-mail from Air Canada promoting their new On My Way service. They're calling it "The new name for peace of mind."
This service offers, for a fee, stuff like:
Sure I realize that air lines are getting hit pretty hard by the high cost of gas, but I think they could be a bit more open in their marketing.
Do they really think we're that stupid that we can't see through this?!?
This service offers, for a fee, stuff like:
- Access to specialized agents who are available around the clock to address your needs
- Priority rebooking on the first flight out (with Air Canada or another airline)
- The option of a complimentary rental car, train ticket or bus ticket
- Food vouchers and a hotel room if needed
Sure I realize that air lines are getting hit pretty hard by the high cost of gas, but I think they could be a bit more open in their marketing.
Do they really think we're that stupid that we can't see through this?!?
Wednesday
Nine Inch Nails free advance release
Free Music!
You can download Nine Inch Nails latest album, The Slip, for free. They're releasing it free online now in advance of the release of the CD and vinyl in July.
You can download Nine Inch Nails latest album, The Slip, for free. They're releasing it free online now in advance of the release of the CD and vinyl in July.
Monday
The Dark Knight - new trailer
Not to leave out the other big comic producer, DC comics is also hoping for a summer blockbuster with Batman: The Dark Knight.
If not for a memorial, Heath Ledger definitely could be up for an award as one of the greatest villains as The Joker.
Although he hasn't made an appearance in the trailers yet, it appears that Two Face (aka Harvey Dent) will also be appearing this summer.
Neither villains to be confused with Jack Nicholson's rendition as The Joker or Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face in previous Batman movies.
If not for a memorial, Heath Ledger definitely could be up for an award as one of the greatest villains as The Joker.
Although he hasn't made an appearance in the trailers yet, it appears that Two Face (aka Harvey Dent) will also be appearing this summer.
Neither villains to be confused with Jack Nicholson's rendition as The Joker or Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face in previous Batman movies.
Iron Man's blockbuster performance brings on announcement of more to come
Iron Man's opening weekend grossed over $100 million prompting Marvel to announce that Iron Man 2 will be out in April 30, 2010 along with more Marvel heroes, including:
- Thor on June 4, 2010;
- Captain America the following year, May 6, 2011; and
- The Avengers on July 2011.
Friday
New Trailer for The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man is here in all his metal, gadget glory...
and the big green, raging monster is soon to join him.
Check out the new trailer.
and the big green, raging monster is soon to join him.
Check out the new trailer.
Monday
Behind the scenes of Iron Man
A recent article in USA Today includes some behind-the-scene shots on the set of Iron Man.
Apparently Jeff Bridges is quite the creative guy and doesn't leave home without his Widelux panoramic camera documenting his life and his work, including photos from the set of his most recent role as Obadiah Stane in Iron Man.
Apparently Jeff Bridges is quite the creative guy and doesn't leave home without his Widelux panoramic camera documenting his life and his work, including photos from the set of his most recent role as Obadiah Stane in Iron Man.
Tuesday
Fetch boy, Fetch
So much for getting exercise if you have a dog. This is a riot though.
The dogs going to have a heart attack.
It seems to have endless energy like the Energizer Bunny.
The dogs going to have a heart attack.
It seems to have endless energy like the Energizer Bunny.
Monday
Sunday
Monday
The Grid: The Future is Here
- 10,000 times faster than a typical broadband connection
- Capable of downloading entire feature films in seconds
- Able to transmit holographic images
- Allow instant online games with hundreds of thousands of players
- High-definition video telephony for the price of a local call
CERN, the particle physics center based in Geneva that created the web, has built The Grid, capable of the above and probably more.
Though it will be awhile (possibly a long while) before you would ever see this in your home, just imagine the possibilities.
"It has already been used to help design new drugs against malaria by analyzing 140m compounds, an undertaking that would have taken 420 years on a standard internet-linked PC."
Cool stuff.
Thursday
How cool are these? I want one
... or two or all of them. If they were bigger they would make great garden ornaments.
This is Gyro (19 inches tall).
When Gyro properly understands his assignment he is a wide-eyed and indefatigable worker. One time, though, Gyro wasn't listening closely enough and the next thing you know every lug nut from every vehicle in the Yankee Stadium parking lot had been removed and melted down.
Check them all out at Guy Robot.
Wednesday
10,000 B.C.
Great movie as far as special effects, but I think the story tries too much.
Rather than trying to portray itself as a movie of human history I think it should have picked a title such as "Spear tooth" or something else relevant to the movie.
I'm not sure where in Africa De'lays Rastafarian tribe would have actually lived.
I think the suspension of disbelief is easily achieved for most of the story; you can even stretch the imagination to think that ya maybe woolly mammoths did help to build the pyramids, but I think the final scene went too far.
Not to give away the ending, but throughout the story the most mystical it got was prophecy, but to then have the magic of old mother go across the mountains, through the rainforest and across the desert is a bit much.
Check out where and when this movie is playing in London at Entertainment London.
Rather than trying to portray itself as a movie of human history I think it should have picked a title such as "Spear tooth" or something else relevant to the movie.
I'm not sure where in Africa De'lays Rastafarian tribe would have actually lived.
I think the suspension of disbelief is easily achieved for most of the story; you can even stretch the imagination to think that ya maybe woolly mammoths did help to build the pyramids, but I think the final scene went too far.
Not to give away the ending, but throughout the story the most mystical it got was prophecy, but to then have the magic of old mother go across the mountains, through the rainforest and across the desert is a bit much.
Check out where and when this movie is playing in London at Entertainment London.
Tuesday
Traffic shockwaves are cause of traffic jams
I'm sure everyone has experienced this:
You're travelling along at a nice pace on the highway when all of the sudden everything grinds to a halt. You get a couple miles down the road and everything is moving again, but there was no apparent cause of the slow down; no accident; no busy on/off ramp; no construction; nothing that would have caused it.
The theory of "traffic shockwaves" has actually been demonstrated on a test track in Japan.
And it's all attributed to human error. As one researcher comments: "If they had set up an experiment with robots driving in a perfect circle, flow breakdown would not have occurred."
You're travelling along at a nice pace on the highway when all of the sudden everything grinds to a halt. You get a couple miles down the road and everything is moving again, but there was no apparent cause of the slow down; no accident; no busy on/off ramp; no construction; nothing that would have caused it.
The theory of "traffic shockwaves" has actually been demonstrated on a test track in Japan.
And it's all attributed to human error. As one researcher comments: "If they had set up an experiment with robots driving in a perfect circle, flow breakdown would not have occurred."
Friday
New Iron Man trailer
Computer: "Sir, the upgrade is complete" (talking about the new armor)
Tony Stark: "Tell you what. Put a little hot rod red in there."
'nough said.
Can't wait for this movie.
Tony Stark: "Tell you what. Put a little hot rod red in there."
'nough said.
Can't wait for this movie.
Monday
Rich Dad financial education
Have you heard of Robery Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad?
It's a great book and Robert has many great ideas on improving the financial education kids receive in school and also changing your own ideas on escaping the rat race.
For a RISK FREE offer to hear from some of the very best "Rich Dad" advisors Canada has to offer, check out Fast Track to Cashflow and find:
?It's a great book and Robert has many great ideas on improving the financial education kids receive in school and also changing your own ideas on escaping the rat race.
For a RISK FREE offer to hear from some of the very best "Rich Dad" advisors Canada has to offer, check out Fast Track to Cashflow and find:
- Little-Known Investment Strategies
- Business Tips from the Pro’s
- Key Real Estate Investment Concepts
- Sales, Marketing and Personal Productivity Ideas
Thursday
So... we're safe from the next asteroid impact...
????
This is the news coverage from the Pentagon on the defunct spy satellite and the U.S. attempt to control it's reentry and ensure burn up.
Looks impressive, but the general doesn't instill much confidence in his speech.
This is the news coverage from the Pentagon on the defunct spy satellite and the U.S. attempt to control it's reentry and ensure burn up.
Looks impressive, but the general doesn't instill much confidence in his speech.
Tuesday
Math mimicking art mimicking math
OK, so my nerd is showing, but this is cool stuff.
You don't normally find math and art mingling together, but the pieces in these exhibits are all generated by math modeling and formulas.
They generate some pretty neat stuff.
You don't normally find math and art mingling together, but the pieces in these exhibits are all generated by math modeling and formulas.
They generate some pretty neat stuff.
The white line above forms a single loop, dividing the page into two regions. Looked at from afar, the image forms a Celtic knot.-Robert Bosch
Friday
A Bunny Valentine
I live downtown, but there are still a few trees in the neighbourhood. Enough that a few of our neighbours include the four-legged variety, including skunks and rabbits amongst the obligatory squirrels.
So, I am used to seeing tracks in the snow around our yard, but yesterday, on Valentine's Day no less, I looked out into the snow and saw this amazing site. (Click image to enlarge.)
Bunny footprints leave heart in the snow.
So, I am used to seeing tracks in the snow around our yard, but yesterday, on Valentine's Day no less, I looked out into the snow and saw this amazing site. (Click image to enlarge.)
Bunny footprints leave heart in the snow.Monday
Don't forget to profreed your work
Someone forwarded me this YouTube video, How NOT to use PowerPoint, and after checking it out I found this one on the importance of proofreading.
It really drives home the point.
It really drives home the point.
Long live beuracracy
I think this speaks for itself and there's no need to comment further on the stupidity of the US patent office.
I mean, really, this company must think they won the jackpot by actually getting a patent on a technology already in frequent use by all mobile phone manufacturers.
If this case goes through and the patent doesn't get rescinded then we might as well just shoot ourselves now.
I mean, really, this company must think they won the jackpot by actually getting a patent on a technology already in frequent use by all mobile phone manufacturers.
If this case goes through and the patent doesn't get rescinded then we might as well just shoot ourselves now.
Gerry McGovern
I've mentioned Gerry McGovern in a couple posts before, but just wanted to reiterate what great ideas he has for web design.
His philosophy is to focus on the client (not the organizational structure) when designing a website. And he's a big proponent of continuous web improvement, not a total site redesign every couple of years.
Sign up for his free weekly e-mail from his website, www.gerrymcgovern.com.
His philosophy is to focus on the client (not the organizational structure) when designing a website. And he's a big proponent of continuous web improvement, not a total site redesign every couple of years.
Sign up for his free weekly e-mail from his website, www.gerrymcgovern.com.
Want to know what movies are playing in London, Ontario
Here's a list of sites that you can go to next time you want to catch a movie:
Thursday
Friday
Thursday
Mary er... Merry Christmas
Just wanted to do a quick post at this festive time of year and wish a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
And if you're name is Brian Christmas, as he says, he has Merry er... Mary Christmas all year long. (Brian married Mary earlier this year.)
And if you're name is Brian Christmas, as he says, he has Merry er... Mary Christmas all year long. (Brian married Mary earlier this year.)
The Most Memorable Web Videos of 2007
We are now a world of consumer generated media.
Instead of turning to CNN to see a biased, edited version of the world, we now turn to the Web with the likes of YouTube, Wikipedia and even FaceBook to find out what's going on in our community...
... our community that now encompasses the entire world.
The video on this page is a synopsis of the most memorable Web videos of 2007.
Instead of turning to CNN to see a biased, edited version of the world, we now turn to the Web with the likes of YouTube, Wikipedia and even FaceBook to find out what's going on in our community...
... our community that now encompasses the entire world.
The video on this page is a synopsis of the most memorable Web videos of 2007.
Monday
Friday
And who says birds don't make good pets...
This guys parrot has learned how to mimic his cellphone ringtones and tortures the guy by making him think his phone is ringing when actually it's the parrot.
One hand fixes the other
I think M.C. Escher's stuff is really cool and trying to figure out some of his three-dimensional impossibilities are rather mind bending.
This is a neat take on his drawing hands.
This is a neat take on his drawing hands.
Wednesday
More family friendly than any wardrobe malfunction
One time at band camp... oh, wait sorry.
This is probably way cooler than any band camp story, though admittedly just as geeky.
This is probably way cooler than any band camp story, though admittedly just as geeky.
Friday
There are no borders in space!
One would think that the space race is over, but no, even with the International Space Station, the space race is still going strong.
You'd think that when the human race moves into space we could ignore all the lines we've drawn in the sand, literally and figuratively.
However the Asian space race is going strong with multiple missions to the moon, even though America and USSR have been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
And India is apparently going as well.
With all the disease and poverty in the world, and even in Asia's back yard, you'd think that they could collaborate on this mission to the moon and spend the savings on improving the lives of their people in rural areas.
You'd think that when the human race moves into space we could ignore all the lines we've drawn in the sand, literally and figuratively.
However the Asian space race is going strong with multiple missions to the moon, even though America and USSR have been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
And India is apparently going as well.
With all the disease and poverty in the world, and even in Asia's back yard, you'd think that they could collaborate on this mission to the moon and spend the savings on improving the lives of their people in rural areas.
Guiness is cool
Here's a cool new commercial from Guinness in the same vein as the Honda commercial.
Good things come to those who wait.
Good things come to those who wait.
Tuesday
Real Life Superheroes
"Real Life Superheroes are a group of people that have risen above normalcy and societal constraints in order to serve the public good while maintaining a unique personality and look."
I think they're brave just for going out in public in their "costumes."
How inspiring though to know that there are people out there taking action: patrolling the streets, picking up litter, cleaning graffiti and aiding residents in however they need.
Here's a definition of a RLSH from the welcome post on the Superheroes Anonymous website:
I think they're brave just for going out in public in their "costumes."
How inspiring though to know that there are people out there taking action: patrolling the streets, picking up litter, cleaning graffiti and aiding residents in however they need.
Here's a definition of a RLSH from the welcome post on the Superheroes Anonymous website:
- A Real Life Superhero challenges the very meaning of “real life” and provides hope, inspiration and uncertainty to a world that has become too complacent with normalcy and mediocrity. A Real Life Superhero is someone who loves the world to such a degree that they are not content observing but feel compelled to act. And so in that way, they differ from just a “good person” and earn themselves the title “hero.”
- Street Hero wears a black mask, a black bustier and black knee-high boots. She was a former prostitute who now attempts to protect women who work the streets. She is trained in martial arts.
"I do it on my own," she said. "Mostly after dark. Around the city." - The Super fixes faucets and does electrical work for people in need.
"I said to myself, if we have to wait around for the city or the mayor to fix everything wrong or dangerous in this city, it'll never get done," said the Super, who wore a red cape, a yellow shirt and a white mask.
Jason Clements has just poked you.
OK, maybe it doesn't have the same affect in a blog as it does on Facebook.
Not being a die hard Facebook user I've never really got the significance of poking someone. To me it was a useless thing with no real purpose.
However, after reading Dave McClure's blog entry on the subject it makes a bit more sense. I'm starting to see that there can be more background read into a specific poke to interpret it. Though to me the sexual connotation is still a bit strong for me to start using it too much.
I think it would make an interesting topic for a social or philosophical paper or discussion to study more.
Not being a die hard Facebook user I've never really got the significance of poking someone. To me it was a useless thing with no real purpose.
However, after reading Dave McClure's blog entry on the subject it makes a bit more sense. I'm starting to see that there can be more background read into a specific poke to interpret it. Though to me the sexual connotation is still a bit strong for me to start using it too much.
I think it would make an interesting topic for a social or philosophical paper or discussion to study more.
The Red Sox may just win the World Series (again)
Not being a big sports fan I wouldn't normally mention the World Series in any of my posts.
However, being a bit of a pop culture and TV fan, the fact that Boston won for their league and will now play Colorado for the World Series is a big thing, especially in the World of 'Lost.'
Jack, a lead character in the series (along with his father) would say "when the Red Sox win the World Series" to mean something was very unlikely to happen, along the lines of "when pigs fly" or "when hell freezes over."
And now Boston could win for a second time in four years after their win in 2004.
Not sure the win will shatter the storyline though. I think one of The Others, maybe Ben or Tom, mentioned to Jack that the Red Sox had won the World Series while he's been stranded on the island (though not sure if they were joking or serious).
Can't wait for the season to start up again in the new year.
However, being a bit of a pop culture and TV fan, the fact that Boston won for their league and will now play Colorado for the World Series is a big thing, especially in the World of 'Lost.'
Jack, a lead character in the series (along with his father) would say "when the Red Sox win the World Series" to mean something was very unlikely to happen, along the lines of "when pigs fly" or "when hell freezes over."
And now Boston could win for a second time in four years after their win in 2004.
Not sure the win will shatter the storyline though. I think one of The Others, maybe Ben or Tom, mentioned to Jack that the Red Sox had won the World Series while he's been stranded on the island (though not sure if they were joking or serious).
Can't wait for the season to start up again in the new year.
Monday
Is it Christmas?
The proliferation of Christmas cards and decorations on the store shelves for the majority of the year puts the date in question sometimes.
So, if you ever find yourself unable to keep track of the days and think it might be Christmas, just check out this site and get the answer.
And if you start feeling rejected by seeing 'No' too many times, just watch this countdown to no when you might see a 'Yes.'
So, if you ever find yourself unable to keep track of the days and think it might be Christmas, just check out this site and get the answer.
And if you start feeling rejected by seeing 'No' too many times, just watch this countdown to no when you might see a 'Yes.'
Friday
Guess I measure up
According to the findings of the 2007 web design survey completed by A List Apart, I'm pretty typical when it comes to web professionals.
White: check
Male: check
30 something: check
Bachelor degree: check
Blog: check
Close to 33,000 web professionals answered the survey's 37 questions and around 70 per cent of the respondents fit the above bill of a white, 30 something male with a bachelor degree.
White: check
Male: check
30 something: check
Bachelor degree: check
Blog: check
Close to 33,000 web professionals answered the survey's 37 questions and around 70 per cent of the respondents fit the above bill of a white, 30 something male with a bachelor degree.
Thursday
More research in favour of open source and social media
Many companies do not to have open blogs or wikis where anyone can contribute for fear that malicious or negative feedback will prevail.
And you may think that allowing anonymous contributors would lead to posts of malicious or false information, but according to the study infrequent anonymous contributors to Wikipedia are as reliable as registered users who update constantly.
And if a company is focusing on quality and serving their customers then they shouldn't have to worry. Sure there may be the odd negative or false comment, but I believe there is an altruistic nature of society as a whole and if a person has a good experience with a product or service he or she is going to share that good experience with everyone.
And you may think that allowing anonymous contributors would lead to posts of malicious or false information, but according to the study infrequent anonymous contributors to Wikipedia are as reliable as registered users who update constantly.
And if a company is focusing on quality and serving their customers then they shouldn't have to worry. Sure there may be the odd negative or false comment, but I believe there is an altruistic nature of society as a whole and if a person has a good experience with a product or service he or she is going to share that good experience with everyone.
Tuesday
Onslaught and Amy follow Evolution
Dove has two new self esteem ads to follow the success of the viral ad, Evolution:
“Amy can name 12 things wrong with her appearance. He can’t name one.”
Friday
Do not try this at home
This is what the North American commercials look like when they're rehearsing.
"Das sicherste Ensemble der Welt" literally translates to "the most certain ensemble of the world."
sicher can also mean "safe" though. So, you'd think the commerical is a bloopers reel for the final synchronized ballet, but it's actually demonstrating how safe they are.
Well done I'd say.
Tuesday
Mathematical proof to the existence of multiple universes
Turns out The One may not be that far off after all.
In the movie, Jet Li's character travels to multiple universes killing off his alternate self.
The premise of the movie is that there's only so much power in the universe to go around for each person and it's shared with your alternate selves.
So, by killing off your alternate selves the energy becomes more focused among those remaining to the point of almost god-like strength and intelligence.
And now there's a mathematical proof that the universe splitting into parallel versions of itself can explain the probabilistic nature of quantum outcomes.
Of course you probably have to kill off a couple of your alternate selves to have the brain power to understand the proof.
In the movie, Jet Li's character travels to multiple universes killing off his alternate self.
The premise of the movie is that there's only so much power in the universe to go around for each person and it's shared with your alternate selves.
So, by killing off your alternate selves the energy becomes more focused among those remaining to the point of almost god-like strength and intelligence.
And now there's a mathematical proof that the universe splitting into parallel versions of itself can explain the probabilistic nature of quantum outcomes.
Of course you probably have to kill off a couple of your alternate selves to have the brain power to understand the proof.
My very own missile silo
I want me one of these. And what a bargain at only $1.5 million.
Imagine turning this into a recreation facility / resort.
Imagine turning this into a recreation facility / resort.
- You could have repelling and mountain climbing in the silos.
- Military and space themed guest rooms.
- Maybe even launch your own rocket into space and offer rides.
Monday
Spin class power
Supercomputers powered by bicycles. This is a cool idea. I'm sure lots of power can be generated from a busy fitness centre. Just hook up a few extra gears and straps to the equipment and voila, instant, free power for the fitness centre.
They could easily employ a rechargeable generator that charges during spin class.
They could easily employ a rechargeable generator that charges during spin class.
Friday
It changes you
In The Brave One, when Jodi Foster's character is asked how you get over a tragic event in your life, she says, you don't, it changes you.
A pretty good movie portraying how someone copes with fear and how one doesn't overcome the tragedy, but how it changes who they were into someone else.
There have been comparisons between this and Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon, and there are some similarities; how someone who presumably wouldn't have otherwise, become vigilantes out for justice seeking vengeance against those who've wronged them.
I haven't seen Kevin Bacon's version yet, but I think Jodi Foster will win out. Death Sentence,seems to be more about the violence, the action, the machismo and catering to a guy audience. The Brave One, although perhaps a predictable Hollywood story, gets you thinking how something like that would change you. It's more of a movie that you will remember and not forget the minute you walk out of the theatre.
A pretty good movie portraying how someone copes with fear and how one doesn't overcome the tragedy, but how it changes who they were into someone else.
There have been comparisons between this and Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon, and there are some similarities; how someone who presumably wouldn't have otherwise, become vigilantes out for justice seeking vengeance against those who've wronged them.
I haven't seen Kevin Bacon's version yet, but I think Jodi Foster will win out. Death Sentence,seems to be more about the violence, the action, the machismo and catering to a guy audience. The Brave One, although perhaps a predictable Hollywood story, gets you thinking how something like that would change you. It's more of a movie that you will remember and not forget the minute you walk out of the theatre.
MOTOROKR Transformer
How cool is that. A MOTOROKR E6 cellphone modded into a still-functioning Transformer.
I gotta have one of these.
I gotta have one of these.
Thursday
A challenge to graduates
The three lessons about growing up from Senator Barack Obama's commencement speech May 19 at Southern New Hampshire University:
1. The world doesn't evolve around you.
2. Challenge yourself. Take some risks in your life.
3. Persevere
Wednesday
Telecommute now becomes telepresence
Now you can be in two places at once.
A tech company in Waterloo has an employee living in Nova Scotia and yet his smiling faces still appears at the water cooler every work day.
A tech company in Waterloo has an employee living in Nova Scotia and yet his smiling faces still appears at the water cooler every work day.
Tuesday
Population clock
Want to see how fast the world population is really growing? Check out the population clock for the U.S. and the World.
As of today at 20:58 GMT, the world population is 6,616,179,912 (when I started this post). And just a few minutes later it's already jumped to 6,616,180,686.
The U.S. Census Bureau is predicting by July 1, 2008, the world population will be 6,679,532,264. That's over 70,000 in less than a year!
And I've stated before, the prediction is 9 billion by mid-century.
Do you really think that this planet can sustain such growth?
Check out the clock and you can watch it change as you watch.
As of today at 20:58 GMT, the world population is 6,616,179,912 (when I started this post). And just a few minutes later it's already jumped to 6,616,180,686.
The U.S. Census Bureau is predicting by July 1, 2008, the world population will be 6,679,532,264. That's over 70,000 in less than a year!
And I've stated before, the prediction is 9 billion by mid-century.
Do you really think that this planet can sustain such growth?
Check out the clock and you can watch it change as you watch.
Wouldn't open source be a better world?
Here's two stories of people having their own content swiped and then they get dinged when they try and swipe it back.
Scientist must pay to read his own paper
Viacom says user infringed his own copyright
Scientist must pay to read his own paper
Viacom says user infringed his own copyright
Thursday
Jet Li versus Jason Statham
War is definitely a guy movie complete with nice cars, car chases with said nice cars, beautiful women, some scantily clad or not clad at all, and awesome fight sequences including a couple sword fights.
The premise is FBI agents trying to take down two warring Japanese gangs and one FBI agents personal battle trying to capture an elusive assassin named Rogue.
Good movie, I just wasn't too fond of the ending, which I'm hoping isn't becoming a trademark ending for Jason Statham (possible spoiler if you follow this link).
The premise is FBI agents trying to take down two warring Japanese gangs and one FBI agents personal battle trying to capture an elusive assassin named Rogue.
Good movie, I just wasn't too fond of the ending, which I'm hoping isn't becoming a trademark ending for Jason Statham (possible spoiler if you follow this link).
Wednesday
Darth Vader Transforms to Death Star
The recent Transformers movie has brought out a lot of interest in Transformers with new toys, etc.
And now they've combined Star Wars and Transformers to create this Darth Vader that transforms into the Death Star. How cool is that?
Tuesday
Let evolution do the hard work and then we figure out what happened
I don't think when God created man he used this phrase.
And yet, scientists are playing god and figure in 3 to 10 years they'll have been successful. If you think letting evolution do the hard work and then figuring out what happened is success.
The goal is to create life from scratch. Don't you think that sounds like the plot for the next horror movie? Messing with something and not knowing exactly what you're going to end up with.
The scientist even admits they can't control it, "We aren't smart enough to design things, we just let evolution do the hard work and then we figure out what happened." (Jack Szostak)
If you're not smart enough STOP messing with it!
Another scientist on the project, Mark Bedau said there are legitimate worries about creating life that could "run amok," but there are ways of addressing it, and it will be a very long time before that is a problem.
I'm glad he feels confident. His idea of "a very long time" is probably after he's dead so whatever monster he creates won't be a problem while he's alive.
He must not have kids as he's not worried about whoever is left to deal with the nightmare.
And yet, scientists are playing god and figure in 3 to 10 years they'll have been successful. If you think letting evolution do the hard work and then figuring out what happened is success.
The goal is to create life from scratch. Don't you think that sounds like the plot for the next horror movie? Messing with something and not knowing exactly what you're going to end up with.
The scientist even admits they can't control it, "We aren't smart enough to design things, we just let evolution do the hard work and then we figure out what happened." (Jack Szostak)
If you're not smart enough STOP messing with it!
Another scientist on the project, Mark Bedau said there are legitimate worries about creating life that could "run amok," but there are ways of addressing it, and it will be a very long time before that is a problem.
I'm glad he feels confident. His idea of "a very long time" is probably after he's dead so whatever monster he creates won't be a problem while he's alive.
He must not have kids as he's not worried about whoever is left to deal with the nightmare.
Monday
R2-Beer2
This is what R2-D2 would look like if George Lucas created Star Wars in his frat days at university.
Jason Bourne versus Bob Lee Swagger
Doesn't Bob Lee Swagger sound like a presidential assassin's name? Along the lines of Lee Harvey Oswald and John Wilkes Booth.
Any way, on to the review...
Both movies, with a well-trained government soldier, are action-packed, and each with it's own interchangeable action star: Mark Wahlberg in The Shooter and Matt Damon in the latest adaptation of Robert Ludlum's character in The Bourne Ultimatum.
Similarities include the plot of the secret government department that has "assets" (to use the terminology from The Bourne Ultimatum) performing assassinations that are questionable ethically all in the name of "the greater good of the country."
And when the said well-trained soldier questions the ethics or just happens to be placed in the wrong place at the wrong time, their government who they have well-served, turns on them and sends other assets to wipe out any misdeeds on the part of the government, i.e., shred all evidence, including the said well-trained soldier.
That's where the action comes in. And as far as fast-paced action goes, I'd say that Jason Bourne could beat Bob Lee Swagger. It would be a close fight, but definitely The Bourne Ultimatum is my choice to provide the most non-stop, action-packed sequences.
Though if it's explosions and high body counts that you want, The Shooter would be the movie for you.
Any way, on to the review...
Both movies, with a well-trained government soldier, are action-packed, and each with it's own interchangeable action star: Mark Wahlberg in The Shooter and Matt Damon in the latest adaptation of Robert Ludlum's character in The Bourne Ultimatum.
Similarities include the plot of the secret government department that has "assets" (to use the terminology from The Bourne Ultimatum) performing assassinations that are questionable ethically all in the name of "the greater good of the country."
And when the said well-trained soldier questions the ethics or just happens to be placed in the wrong place at the wrong time, their government who they have well-served, turns on them and sends other assets to wipe out any misdeeds on the part of the government, i.e., shred all evidence, including the said well-trained soldier.
That's where the action comes in. And as far as fast-paced action goes, I'd say that Jason Bourne could beat Bob Lee Swagger. It would be a close fight, but definitely The Bourne Ultimatum is my choice to provide the most non-stop, action-packed sequences.
Though if it's explosions and high body counts that you want, The Shooter would be the movie for you.
Thursday
Friday
M.C. Escher in his Lego days
Escher's paintings and line drawings are famous for their impossibility in the physical world breaking rules of gravity and logic.
However, a few people up to the challenge have recreated his masterpieces in Lego of all things.
Select image for more info on each creation.
However, a few people up to the challenge have recreated his masterpieces in Lego of all things.
Select image for more info on each creation.
Tuesday
Ding Fries Are Done
This is hilarious. If you've ever worked in a fast food restaurant you're familiar with the beep the machine makes when fries are ready.
And even if you've never worked behind the counter you've likely been in a fast food restaurant and heard the constant, annoying beeping when those behind the counter don't silence it right away.
Add this to your list of carols to sing at your next holiday gathering.
And even if you've never worked behind the counter you've likely been in a fast food restaurant and heard the constant, annoying beeping when those behind the counter don't silence it right away.
Add this to your list of carols to sing at your next holiday gathering.
Tuesday
Please refrain from procreating
Church of Euthanasia or Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, though these two philosophies may go to the extreme, they at least open the discussion.
The article talks about the exploding population of the World and the impact on the environment. Another suggested option was to limit couples to one child. I think this is still extreme and the experience of China's one child limit should be evidence that this isn't the way to go.
I think it is something that people should think about though. Religion aside, there are voluntary methods available today to control the number of children people have. (And I'm talking responsible methods before the heat of passion, not after.)
I know people my age who have had 4 or 5 kids. Why would anyone want 5 kids!?! That's got to be hard on a woman's body having that many kids, not to mention the parents sanity.
And I know parents love their kids dearly and wouldn't want to even think about the monetary cost of their kids, but I'd think that couple's should think about the environmental impact.
Our current world population is 6.5 billion and projected to raise to 9 billion by mid century. We're killing the planet now and need to cut back on pollution... what will 2.5 billion more people do?
Update (Aug. 3, 2007):
A bit timely that this article ran in the same week that an article about a couple just having their 17 kid. Can you believe that!?! And they want more. You know, maybe having a one-kid limit isn't a bad idea.
The article talks about the exploding population of the World and the impact on the environment. Another suggested option was to limit couples to one child. I think this is still extreme and the experience of China's one child limit should be evidence that this isn't the way to go.
I think it is something that people should think about though. Religion aside, there are voluntary methods available today to control the number of children people have. (And I'm talking responsible methods before the heat of passion, not after.)
I know people my age who have had 4 or 5 kids. Why would anyone want 5 kids!?! That's got to be hard on a woman's body having that many kids, not to mention the parents sanity.
And I know parents love their kids dearly and wouldn't want to even think about the monetary cost of their kids, but I'd think that couple's should think about the environmental impact.
Our current world population is 6.5 billion and projected to raise to 9 billion by mid century. We're killing the planet now and need to cut back on pollution... what will 2.5 billion more people do?
Update (Aug. 3, 2007):
A bit timely that this article ran in the same week that an article about a couple just having their 17 kid. Can you believe that!?! And they want more. You know, maybe having a one-kid limit isn't a bad idea.
Wednesday
Live Free or Die Hard
Great action-packed, guy movie. In typical Die Hard fashion there's lots of bad guys getting their butts kicked by John McLean (Bruce Willis), lots of gun fire and explosions.
And along the lines of Die Hard 3, this one branches out from the one building of the first Die Hard to encompass a large section of the United States. So, more car chases and even some helicopters and Air Force planes. Cool stuff.
Kind of a steady progression to larger locations starting with an office building, moving to an airport to a city to the Eastern U.S. So, I guess if there's a Die Hard 5 it will have Willis (or his character) travelling all over the U.S. And Die Hard 6... world domination.
The release revolved around what hackers call a "fire sale" where basically the intent is to shut down the country and take it back a few hundred years with no communications, no utilities, and crash the stock market... basically Armageddon with how dependent we are on technology now-a-days.
Of course I'm not spoiling the ending by saying he gets the bad guy in the end. That's a given.
And along the lines of Die Hard 3, this one branches out from the one building of the first Die Hard to encompass a large section of the United States. So, more car chases and even some helicopters and Air Force planes. Cool stuff.
Kind of a steady progression to larger locations starting with an office building, moving to an airport to a city to the Eastern U.S. So, I guess if there's a Die Hard 5 it will have Willis (or his character) travelling all over the U.S. And Die Hard 6... world domination.
The release revolved around what hackers call a "fire sale" where basically the intent is to shut down the country and take it back a few hundred years with no communications, no utilities, and crash the stock market... basically Armageddon with how dependent we are on technology now-a-days.
Of course I'm not spoiling the ending by saying he gets the bad guy in the end. That's a given.
Monday
Deja vu - physical or spiritual
I watched two movies recently that deal with a similar theme - if you knew something bad was going to happen before it happened, what would you do or could you do to stop it:
In one the movies precognition is spiritual or supernatural whereas the other the foresight is technical or physical, as in scientific and laws of physics.
Deja Vu was more of an action/drama whereas Premonition was more of a suspense/thriller. Both had twists at the end and if you rent the Premonition DVD, there's an alternate ending that may or may not provide more closure or just add more to the mystery and suspense.
Both were good movies, but I preferred Deja Vu to Premonition.
I won't say which is which, but when questioning whether fate or destiny exists, in one movie the actions to prevent the disaster were successful and in the other were the cause of it.
- Premonition with Sandra Bullock
- Deja vu with Denzel Washington
In one the movies precognition is spiritual or supernatural whereas the other the foresight is technical or physical, as in scientific and laws of physics.
Deja Vu was more of an action/drama whereas Premonition was more of a suspense/thriller. Both had twists at the end and if you rent the Premonition DVD, there's an alternate ending that may or may not provide more closure or just add more to the mystery and suspense.
Both were good movies, but I preferred Deja Vu to Premonition.
I won't say which is which, but when questioning whether fate or destiny exists, in one movie the actions to prevent the disaster were successful and in the other were the cause of it.
Thursday
The latest action figure: You
Last year Time magazine named you as person of the year. And now with all that fame you can order a custom action figure that looks, talks, and dresses just like you.
You can even order extra clothes to dress yourself as your alter-ego/secret identity. And various tools and weapons can also be ordered to complete the look.
All for the low, low cost of $425. Of course if you don't break the mold, you can order extra copies of you for $39.95.
Great idea for someone's 50th birthday, graduation, wedding, parting gift, what have ya.
I'll take one Super J please.
You can even order extra clothes to dress yourself as your alter-ego/secret identity. And various tools and weapons can also be ordered to complete the look.
All for the low, low cost of $425. Of course if you don't break the mold, you can order extra copies of you for $39.95.
Great idea for someone's 50th birthday, graduation, wedding, parting gift, what have ya.
I'll take one Super J please.
Tuesday
Transformers, more than meets the eye
Autobots, transform
The Transformers movie is an awesome array of guy-pleasing effects with military machines, explosions, fast cars, and yes, even women.
Though to a true Transformers fan there may not have been enough screen time for the stars of the show. It was half way through the movie before Optimus Prime showed up and Megatron didn't appear in full force until the end of the movie.
I was hoping though that they would play the old theme song from the cartoons, at least in the credits. Anyway... could story line and awesome effects with the robots and the transformations.
I'm not sure how the expect to cover up the whole thing though. A battle that destroys half the city would've had a lot of survivors to tell the tale.
The Transformers movie is an awesome array of guy-pleasing effects with military machines, explosions, fast cars, and yes, even women.
Though to a true Transformers fan there may not have been enough screen time for the stars of the show. It was half way through the movie before Optimus Prime showed up and Megatron didn't appear in full force until the end of the movie.
I was hoping though that they would play the old theme song from the cartoons, at least in the credits. Anyway... could story line and awesome effects with the robots and the transformations.
I'm not sure how the expect to cover up the whole thing though. A battle that destroys half the city would've had a lot of survivors to tell the tale.
Camp Cod driveby
When you take a drive along the road through Cape Cod you don't actually know that you're near the ocean. The roads are narrow with trees right up to the edge. We took a drive for a couple hours along what I would call the coastline, except for the fact that I never did see the coastline.
One thing I want to suggest, if you ever take a trip to New England, make sure you bring along a few bags to collect your garbage. There's a $10,000 dollar fine for littering on the highways, but it's next to impossible to find a garbage can.
Also, as I mentioned, the driving is a bit complex. If you're in a round-a-bout you have the right of way, but you have to cut in front of cars wanting to get on when you get off, and half the time the cars getting on just cut in front of you whether you have the right of way or not. It becomes a real acrobatic nightmare with cars criss-crossing everywhere.
Plimouth Plantation was somewhat exciting, though the $21 per person entry fee wasn't. Plimouth Plantation spelled differently so as not to confuse you with Plymouth the place, which is just down the road. Yep, that's not too confusing at all. And the Mayflower II is also there... at Plymouth... with a y.
Anyway Plimouth (with an i) is a recreation of the first English settlement and portrays how the first "pilgrims" co-existed (on shaky ground) with the Wampanoag native americans.
And one other tip. If you buy a bottle of beer from a brewery, make sure it's not going to tip over and spill and have your car end up smelling like a brewery. Finding a grocery store or a pharmacy isn't that easy and Lowe's doesn't sell the standard Febreeze spray bottle. (No officer, I haven't been drinking, but you're right I do smell alcohol. Hmmm... :|
One thing I want to suggest, if you ever take a trip to New England, make sure you bring along a few bags to collect your garbage. There's a $10,000 dollar fine for littering on the highways, but it's next to impossible to find a garbage can.
Also, as I mentioned, the driving is a bit complex. If you're in a round-a-bout you have the right of way, but you have to cut in front of cars wanting to get on when you get off, and half the time the cars getting on just cut in front of you whether you have the right of way or not. It becomes a real acrobatic nightmare with cars criss-crossing everywhere.
Plimouth Plantation was somewhat exciting, though the $21 per person entry fee wasn't. Plimouth Plantation spelled differently so as not to confuse you with Plymouth the place, which is just down the road. Yep, that's not too confusing at all. And the Mayflower II is also there... at Plymouth... with a y.
Anyway Plimouth (with an i) is a recreation of the first English settlement and portrays how the first "pilgrims" co-existed (on shaky ground) with the Wampanoag native americans.
And one other tip. If you buy a bottle of beer from a brewery, make sure it's not going to tip over and spill and have your car end up smelling like a brewery. Finding a grocery store or a pharmacy isn't that easy and Lowe's doesn't sell the standard Febreeze spray bottle. (No officer, I haven't been drinking, but you're right I do smell alcohol. Hmmm... :|
Monday
Live Free or Die
Drove through New Hampshire yesterday and today. Kind of ironic to me that Bruce Willis' movie Live Free or Die Hard is playing at the time I'm driving through the state that has that saying on their license plates.
From the way people were driving today I'd say some of them have a death wish. The seat belt law only applies to people under 18 and we saw a guy on a motorcycle with out a helmet so I guess that isn't a law either.
I think Boston driver's were worse though, and the roads and signs didn't help. There were multiple lanes converging down to one or two lanes instantly with no notice. There were round-a-bouts with intersecting streets and cars driving right across in front of you and multiple times we were cut off by cars driving across two lanes of highway and cars inching their way in with out so much as a signal.
Anyway... our sites of attraction were America's Stonehenge and Salem, Massachusetts.
America's Stonehenge is dated to be about 4000 years old, give or take a few hundred. Similar to Stonehenge in England, it marks many celestial occurrences, such as the Summer Solstice and the Equinox.
Salem was big into witches with multiple witch museums and stores. They apparently have a few hundred practicing witches. We took a trolley ride around to catch the highlights then walked around a bit but didn't go into any of the museums. Even though Harry Potter seemed to be the big promo going on at this time with the next movie opening Wednesday and the last book coming out next week.
We were glad to get off the highway after driving through Boston in rush hour and were grateful to receive a complimentary drink coupon once we actually made it to the hotel.
From the way people were driving today I'd say some of them have a death wish. The seat belt law only applies to people under 18 and we saw a guy on a motorcycle with out a helmet so I guess that isn't a law either.
I think Boston driver's were worse though, and the roads and signs didn't help. There were multiple lanes converging down to one or two lanes instantly with no notice. There were round-a-bouts with intersecting streets and cars driving right across in front of you and multiple times we were cut off by cars driving across two lanes of highway and cars inching their way in with out so much as a signal.
Anyway... our sites of attraction were America's Stonehenge and Salem, Massachusetts.
America's Stonehenge is dated to be about 4000 years old, give or take a few hundred. Similar to Stonehenge in England, it marks many celestial occurrences, such as the Summer Solstice and the Equinox.
Salem was big into witches with multiple witch museums and stores. They apparently have a few hundred practicing witches. We took a trolley ride around to catch the highlights then walked around a bit but didn't go into any of the museums. Even though Harry Potter seemed to be the big promo going on at this time with the next movie opening Wednesday and the last book coming out next week.
We were glad to get off the highway after driving through Boston in rush hour and were grateful to receive a complimentary drink coupon once we actually made it to the hotel.
Sunday
Day 2 in New England
Today we visited Shelburne Museum, Magic Hat Brewery, Champlain Chocolates and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. All are within, or close to, Burlington.
EM wanted to go to Shelburne Museum as they have a large quilt exhibit. It did have many other interesting places though.
There were a lot of historical buildings that were actually moved to the location, including a large paddle boat, a large circular barn, which was brought in pieces with a large helicopter, and even an old jail moved there in the 50s. It tool three days to move the jail along the highway in one piece at 3 to 7 mph. There was a print shop as well that was interesting with many old presses and finishing equipment.
Weather was a bit wet walking around outside in the rain at the museum with our umbrellas.
Magic Hat had unlimited free tastings. I picked up a long-sleeve T and a jug of Fat Angel.
Ben & Jerry's was packed so we skipped the tour and settled on a pint of ice cream... :)
The Vermont licence plates say "Green Mountain State," and it didn't disappoint. We drove about 3 hours through the mountains. Beautiful scenery literally driving through the clouds with the mountains covered in forest.
The last leg of the drive through New Hampshire we were able to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. It took us about an hour to drive 15 miles! I guess being the end of the Fourth of July week many people were returning home to Boston from cottages, etc., so a lot of traffic.
Spending tonight in Salem, New Hampshire; not to be confused with the famous (or infamous) Salem, Massachusets, which is on the agenda for tomorrow.
EM wanted to go to Shelburne Museum as they have a large quilt exhibit. It did have many other interesting places though.
There were a lot of historical buildings that were actually moved to the location, including a large paddle boat, a large circular barn, which was brought in pieces with a large helicopter, and even an old jail moved there in the 50s. It tool three days to move the jail along the highway in one piece at 3 to 7 mph. There was a print shop as well that was interesting with many old presses and finishing equipment.
Weather was a bit wet walking around outside in the rain at the museum with our umbrellas.
Magic Hat had unlimited free tastings. I picked up a long-sleeve T and a jug of Fat Angel.
Ben & Jerry's was packed so we skipped the tour and settled on a pint of ice cream... :)
The Vermont licence plates say "Green Mountain State," and it didn't disappoint. We drove about 3 hours through the mountains. Beautiful scenery literally driving through the clouds with the mountains covered in forest.
The last leg of the drive through New Hampshire we were able to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. It took us about an hour to drive 15 miles! I guess being the end of the Fourth of July week many people were returning home to Boston from cottages, etc., so a lot of traffic.
Spending tonight in Salem, New Hampshire; not to be confused with the famous (or infamous) Salem, Massachusets, which is on the agenda for tomorrow.
On the road again
We started our vacation today by driving 9 hours to
Crossing the border at
We drove across the islands of
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and the
Wednesday
Surprise in the [pizza] box
I heard on the radio this morning about a new pizza place in Winnipeg. To differentiate themselves from all the other pizza places they've added a surprise in the box; kind of like a toy in a cereal box.
The catch is, this ain't no pizza you want to serve to your 6 year old. You have to show photo ID proving that you're over 18. The surprise is photos under the pizza ranging from mild to hot.
I'll keep this blog clean and let you come up with the alliteration used for the name of the place. I'm sure a quick search on Google with the appropriate search terms will find the place for you.
The catch is, this ain't no pizza you want to serve to your 6 year old. You have to show photo ID proving that you're over 18. The surprise is photos under the pizza ranging from mild to hot.
I'll keep this blog clean and let you come up with the alliteration used for the name of the place. I'm sure a quick search on Google with the appropriate search terms will find the place for you.
Tuesday
Save our planet
Words of wisdom from Dr. Seuss:
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
- from The Lorax
Thursday
What sledgehammer?
If he'd been a bit more mature about it he might have gotten somewhere trying to convince them that he didn't spill any liquid on it.
But I really don't think they're going to believe him now when he says he accidentally hit the laptop with a sledge hammer (a few dozen times). Good luck with that.
Monday
Beam me into the movie room Scotty
With a couple actual Star trek props purchased from Paramount Pictures, including the captain's chair from Star Trek: Enterprise, Gary Sekulow has created his own home theatre to look like the bridge from Star Trek.
Ocean's 13
This is a good popcorn flick. True to the previous Ocean's movies, the group spends a fortune planning and setting up an elaborate con/heist with a huge payout at the end.
And the movie keeps you guessing as well, and in the end reveals that all was according to plan.
With a cast of big name actors - George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, Al Pacino, and the list goes on - it's hard to go wrong.
Not huge on special affects, elaborate stunts, car chases or gun fights, this movie still delivers enough glitz and glam and Vegas for the typical guy and still keeps the women engaged with the heart throbs like Clooney and Pitt.
And for the intellectual there's the planning and high-tech gadgets used to pull off the heist and trying to figure out how it was all done before the reveal at the end.
And the movie keeps you guessing as well, and in the end reveals that all was according to plan.
With a cast of big name actors - George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, Al Pacino, and the list goes on - it's hard to go wrong.
Not huge on special affects, elaborate stunts, car chases or gun fights, this movie still delivers enough glitz and glam and Vegas for the typical guy and still keeps the women engaged with the heart throbs like Clooney and Pitt.
And for the intellectual there's the planning and high-tech gadgets used to pull off the heist and trying to figure out how it was all done before the reveal at the end.
Tuesday
Rob from the poor, even if it means beating them to a pulp
A new law, Bill C-59, is being pushed through Parliament as a result of money-bags Hollywood... and at the expense of our health and safety.
Hollywood lobbyists have been pushing to have camcorders banned from theatres in Canada to limit illegal recording of movies (because they are having trouble paying the $20 million salaries that the hard up actors are asking).
"unauthorized camcording will not be tolerated in Canada even if it means diverting law enforcement resources from health and safety issues to movie theatres"
Police officers will be inspecting everyone's bag going into theatres looking for camcorders resulting in longer lines which will delay people getting into the theatre on time so they'll miss the previews for upcoming movies and thus not know there's another cool, expensive blockbuster coming out that they just have to see and will miss going to it and Hollywood will lose money.
Hollywood lobbyists have been pushing to have camcorders banned from theatres in Canada to limit illegal recording of movies (because they are having trouble paying the $20 million salaries that the hard up actors are asking).
"unauthorized camcording will not be tolerated in Canada even if it means diverting law enforcement resources from health and safety issues to movie theatres"
Police officers will be inspecting everyone's bag going into theatres looking for camcorders resulting in longer lines which will delay people getting into the theatre on time so they'll miss the previews for upcoming movies and thus not know there's another cool, expensive blockbuster coming out that they just have to see and will miss going to it and Hollywood will lose money.
Thursday
Eleanor forgoes speed for smart
Thalon Design, a concept car company has taken the body panels off of a Smart ForTwo and created new panels in the vein of the Shelby GT500, dubbed Eleanor, from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds.
Cool concept, though I think it really loses the sleek look of the Shelby and it definitely wouldn't make the jump that Nicholas Cage did on the bridge in the movie.
Cool concept, though I think it really loses the sleek look of the Shelby and it definitely wouldn't make the jump that Nicholas Cage did on the bridge in the movie.
Monday
Shell & Ferrari - Circuit
New TV spot for Shell Canada features a succession of Ferrari's through the ages (1967, 1972, 2003 and 2006) racing through various cities in the world.
Crank up the sound to hear the rev of the Ferrari's engine.
Check out the Marketing magazine post.
Crank up the sound to hear the rev of the Ferrari's engine.
Check out the Marketing magazine post.
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