No Country for Old Men (Film):
Here is a movie that could appeal to two different audience for two very different reasons, however due to its limited release, and the way the movie is, will never get the acclaim it deserves.
The film follows the exploits of Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a Joe six pack, who one day while out hunting stumbles across a drug deal gone wrong. Things get complicated when he revisits the scene to help a dying survivor. After this he is on the run from a killer obviously hired by a drug king pin and some members of the other party involved in the deal. The film also has two other main protagonists, the killer AntonChigurh (Javier Bardem), who I will get to, in great detail later, and Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) a sheriff who is trying to get to Llewelyn to protect him from the hell he is bringing down on himself. The film shows that there is no country for old men, the world changes and several protagonists that are unable to keep up with the new way things are done.
The acting in this is superb, with Javier Bardems killer stealing the show. Here I have to give credit to the Cohens for creating the scariest killer since Hannibal Lecter. I think his performance in this will be remembered as just as intense, dangerous and unnerving, albeit for different reasons. In one scene Anton chats with a gas station attendant, this scene has such a strong sense of anticipation about it, it might just be the best scene all year. However the castisn't limited to just the three main characters, Woody Harrelson effortlessly pulls off another killer working for and against Anton, while Kelly Macdonald is perfect as the attentive and worried wife of Llewelyn.
A movie with an uncompromising message to tell is rare these days, that it is told so intriguingly is a testament to the Cohen's skill and the actors craft.
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, February 01, 2008
Case Designate Cloverfield
Reviews:
Cloverfield (Film):
I just yesterday went and saw Cloverfield. if you ha vent heard of this movie, well, that was kind of the point. The first trailer, seen here, didn't even have the name of the movie with it, the only information it gave was the release date. None of the promotion really told you what it was about. It was obvious New York was being attacked, by a large, or possible several large things. Leading up to the release there was a lot of viral marketing, including an Alternate Reality Game, focusing on theTagruato corporation, and its big selling drink, Slusho . All of this is fun and rewarding for those who got into it (or are jumping on after the movie, like me), however it doesn't help me talk about the movie itself.
Cloverfield is a monster survival movie. At its core it is that simple, what makes it different, is what makes it so engaging. The whole movie is shown from the P.O.V of a handy cam. It starts off with a going away party for Rob. He is going to become vice president of a company in Japan (In theARG we learn it is Tagruato, in particular Slusho ). The party, and indeed the city is crashed by a monster. What follows is a more realistic (although still a little too convenient at places) tale of what ordinary people would do in that situation. Rob, his brother Jason, Jason's girlfriend, Robs best friend (And the camera operator)Hud and a fellow part guest named Marlena all try and escape the destruction caused by the monster. As they are fleeing Rob gets a call from his 'girlfriend' Beth, who is injured but still alive. He decides to go and save her. Not too much else can be said about the plot, as to do so would be to spoil it. However the characters are fleshed out pretty well, mostly during the short party sequence. Robs relationship with Beth, his friendship withHud and his relationship with his brother and his girlfriend is all presented well, however it never feels forced.
Comparing this against any other monster movie is difficult. The film is supposed to be the recordings made by Hud of the event, and the audience is treated as such. There is no explanation for what the monster is or where it came from (Again theARG does give more clues). It is a refreshing change in presentation, particularly because, like the Blair Witch Project, the movie never breaks from its reality. It never switches to a third person view to show them running away from the monster, the movie does give some good shots of the monster, however it is presented naturally through the story, first through a glimpse between buildings, then more is seen whenHud video tapes a news report.
The movie however is not perfect. I think the biggest problem it has, is an almost unavoidable one. The line it walks between showing a realistic response to the terror, and the balance between being an engaging movie is difficult to maintain. Some parts come off as a little too convenient, or a little too cliche, these are kept to a minimum however, and for the most part it treats its material with a respect that it has never really gotten before. There are some slasher films, or action movies (In particular war movies) that try and convey it as realistic as possible, however never before has the monster genre had such an authentic experience. You are with them running through subway tunnels, ducking down in streets as the monster rampages over head, and most importantly you close enough to them to care when things go wrong. The acting is as expected, there isn't a huge range of acting needed to run around scared, however each of the characters is individual, you would not confuse them, nor are they ever lost in the crowd when compared to characters from other monster movies. There really isn't the melt down, can't go on scene. There is one scene like it, however it is kept in perspective.
I think the thing I like most about this movie is how much it has captivated my attention. Not only did I completely give myself over to the experience while in the movie, reading and discussing the back story and possible events around it, is just as exciting. Learning about theARG , possible theories as to what the monster is, where it came from all add to the movie, maybe not to the film itself, but to the movie as a cultural vehicle.
If you have seen the movie and would like to learn more about the ARG and the Cloverfield mythos, you should try this site (Which gives a run down of most of the stuff), or this one (For EVERYTHING Cloverfield).
Cloverfield (Film):
I just yesterday went and saw Cloverfield. if you ha vent heard of this movie, well, that was kind of the point. The first trailer, seen here, didn't even have the name of the movie with it, the only information it gave was the release date. None of the promotion really told you what it was about. It was obvious New York was being attacked, by a large, or possible several large things. Leading up to the release there was a lot of viral marketing, including an Alternate Reality Game, focusing on theTagruato corporation, and its big selling drink, Slusho . All of this is fun and rewarding for those who got into it (or are jumping on after the movie, like me), however it doesn't help me talk about the movie itself.
Cloverfield is a monster survival movie. At its core it is that simple, what makes it different, is what makes it so engaging. The whole movie is shown from the P.O.V of a handy cam. It starts off with a going away party for Rob. He is going to become vice president of a company in Japan (In theARG we learn it is Tagruato, in particular Slusho ). The party, and indeed the city is crashed by a monster. What follows is a more realistic (although still a little too convenient at places) tale of what ordinary people would do in that situation. Rob, his brother Jason, Jason's girlfriend, Robs best friend (And the camera operator)Hud and a fellow part guest named Marlena all try and escape the destruction caused by the monster. As they are fleeing Rob gets a call from his 'girlfriend' Beth, who is injured but still alive. He decides to go and save her. Not too much else can be said about the plot, as to do so would be to spoil it. However the characters are fleshed out pretty well, mostly during the short party sequence. Robs relationship with Beth, his friendship withHud and his relationship with his brother and his girlfriend is all presented well, however it never feels forced.
Comparing this against any other monster movie is difficult. The film is supposed to be the recordings made by Hud of the event, and the audience is treated as such. There is no explanation for what the monster is or where it came from (Again theARG does give more clues). It is a refreshing change in presentation, particularly because, like the Blair Witch Project, the movie never breaks from its reality. It never switches to a third person view to show them running away from the monster, the movie does give some good shots of the monster, however it is presented naturally through the story, first through a glimpse between buildings, then more is seen whenHud video tapes a news report.
The movie however is not perfect. I think the biggest problem it has, is an almost unavoidable one. The line it walks between showing a realistic response to the terror, and the balance between being an engaging movie is difficult to maintain. Some parts come off as a little too convenient, or a little too cliche, these are kept to a minimum however, and for the most part it treats its material with a respect that it has never really gotten before. There are some slasher films, or action movies (In particular war movies) that try and convey it as realistic as possible, however never before has the monster genre had such an authentic experience. You are with them running through subway tunnels, ducking down in streets as the monster rampages over head, and most importantly you close enough to them to care when things go wrong. The acting is as expected, there isn't a huge range of acting needed to run around scared, however each of the characters is individual, you would not confuse them, nor are they ever lost in the crowd when compared to characters from other monster movies. There really isn't the melt down, can't go on scene. There is one scene like it, however it is kept in perspective.
I think the thing I like most about this movie is how much it has captivated my attention. Not only did I completely give myself over to the experience while in the movie, reading and discussing the back story and possible events around it, is just as exciting. Learning about theARG , possible theories as to what the monster is, where it came from all add to the movie, maybe not to the film itself, but to the movie as a cultural vehicle.
If you have seen the movie and would like to learn more about the ARG and the Cloverfield mythos, you should try this site (Which gives a run down of most of the stuff), or this one (For EVERYTHING Cloverfield).
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
And It's Good to Have You With Us, Even If It's Just For a Day
Random Updates:
I got to see David Beckham bend in a penalty kick. That like seeing Ali or Jordan do thier thing. People talk about going to see a real soccer match in England as something you have to do once, Ill do it, but I think this will be so much more memorable. I still dont like or dislike soccer (watching it), but that was really something special. Here it is, for those who werent there (sucked in).Damn game companies. Coming out between now and christmas are:
Rock Band - Like Guitar Hero, but set up for a band. A guitar, a drum kit and a mic. Guitar Hero was great, this looks exponentially better. The only problem being that I have to find two (or three) other people who are willing to be in a room with me. A difficult problem.
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men - I was initially sceptical of this game, I'd heard it has a great story but still wasn't impressed. However I recently bought Hitman: Blood Money (Made by the same people). This game is so much fun, so well made, that I now have complete faith in the developer.
Assassins Creed - This was a much hyped title. I bought it the other day, havnt had a chance to play it yet, but I am excited. I know that some people might not like it, but I am sure I will.
Mass Effect - Another game I had heard of, but wasn't all that excited for. Then I heard more of it, saw more movies and so on. Now i'm excited for it.
Who knew that vegan was pronounced vee-jan?
Caught in the Web:
Drunken Slash is awesome. His band mates staring in awe of his drunkeness is even better.List of things that I hope dont come to Australia:
Columbian Devils Breath - The only thing in Columbia more scary than the Cali Cartel were, the Columbians Devils Breath. Its bad stuff. Kind of like the ultimate date rape drug.
Japanese Hornets - These hornets are two inches long. Think about a nest of these damn things, its insane. Their sting can kill humans, even if they aren't allergic. Just a few of them can destroy a whole european bees nest quite easily. Fortunately the asian bee has developed a defense, they surround the hornet with hundreds of bees, heat up the bee ball and cook the hornet alive. If that isnt evidence of evolution then what is.
I am now addicted to these sites. They are PostSecret and OneSentence. PostSecret involves people sending in homemade postcards with secrets written on them, if they are all true, they provide a fascinating view into other peoples lives. OneSentence is quite similar, it has people submitting stories in one sentence. I guess its no different to watching big brother, but then again, Im dont care about the things these people do. I just like seeing what some people are too scared to say in person.
Reviews:
Halo 3: To really review a game such as this you have to break it down into its parts, review each, then decide how good the sum of those parts are. So to begin, the parts
Single Player, Multi-Player and Extras.
Single Player:
The Good:
- Level Design: Gone are the repitious nature of the first game (excluding a trip to a ring, where, as assumed, it is quite similar to the first ring). The levels each feel different, the jungle shows signs of a prolonged campaign against the Covenant, lots of small battlements litter the land scape in between larger bases, while the mission set inside a flood infested ship shows how virus like they are, with floodling spores and organic doors throughout the ship. There is one part of a mission, where you are tasked with taking out three anti-air ships, here the sections are quite similar, however it does end with a fight against a scarab, so it redeems itself.
Speaking of, at one point you are against two scarabs and have a small ship to gly around, I landed on the the first, pushed the ship off the edge, destroyed the scarabs power core, jumped off and managed to get into the ship and sly away as it was exploding. It made for one intense experience and rewatching it was just as fun. - A.I: Both the allied and enemy A.I. is much improved, and considering it wasnt exactly bad in the first two thats saying something. As before the grunts will attack, untill you fight back, in which case they turn and run. The brutes use their items (Bubble Shield, etc) well, although they do seem to act independantly when in a group, which can result in Bubble Shields overlapping.
- Scope: Everything seems, grander, in this encounter. The set pieces are bigger and with more players, the levels are not always larger but seem more real. You feel like you are fighting a war, not rushing from one set of corridors to another. Being able to take on a Scarab (or two) is also amazing.
- The Weapons: As with Halo 2, some new weapons are added, some are kept some are changed. Overall however the newly added weapons don't add much to the gameplay. The sword was introduced in Halo 2, and the Gravity Hammer, while immensly satisfying to use, feels very similar in terms of tactical use. The brutes weapons mauler is fun to use, although its limited ammo and slow rate of fire mean that as soon as you can replace it you will.
- The Enemies: Through out the game you fight the Covenant and the Flood. Fair enough, but the Covenant have lost the elites, as they are now your allies, so as far as the Covenant are concerned you fight Grunts, Brutes and Jackals. You also fight the Hunters and Drones, but so rarely as to barely warrant a mention. Fighting the three main enemies does get repetitive. Mixing it up with another level, between Brutes and Grunts would have been good. Perhaps a larger kind of jackal, as they are relegated primarily to snipers.
- Its all good. There might not be enough maps for some, but the maps they have are SO solid. I play primarily team objective, which changes between Zanzibar, High Ground and Valhalla, primarily, and honestly these three are all I need. Being on a good team, using lots of communication and teamwork, makes a big difference but its fun either way. Although I have spent a lot of time playing it online, as I said, 95% of it has been on the one mode, so my analysis isn't as in depth, its good.
- Skulls: These are hidden, well hidden, throughout the levels. Once you collect them they change the game a little, making it more challenging / interesting to play. You can turn them on and off. I am currently going through collecting them, then I will play with them on and see how good it is.
- The Forge: I havent used it but its basically allows you to edit the multiplayer levels on the fly, as you are playing them.
- Saved Films: This i have used. Wipe out an entire team, no one else saw it? Doesnt matter, go to the save films and relive the glory over and over and over. So much fun to watch it and see just how much is happening at all times, in both multi and single player.
Hits of the Week:
1. Sams Town (Abbey Road Remix) - The Killers
2. Lonely Soul - Unkle
Babe of the Day:
Jennifer Ellison
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I don't have time for this, I have a rabbit to buy.
12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Fourth: Save / Invest your money.
Good or bad, money is needed nowdays. To live and take care of yourself and others you do need money. For most people it takes so long to get money, through work and what not, why would you not want to keep it, or use it to make more of it.
I am not going to outline a specific saving strategy, because they can be found ALL over the internet. Instead I am just going to say remember to save your money, learn to invest and take care with spending it.
One thing that seperated this concert was the lack of an encore. Not that he didn't deserve one (Ive never been to a concert people wanted to walk away from), but it was refreshing to see him come out and do his set, without the five minutes of an empty stage, but no house lights, waiting for the encore.
The other thing to say is that in the end, I am glad I went by myself. Going with someone who didn't like the music would have hampered the feel of the concert, and going with someone who would have wanted to sit would have made it in to a completely different concert. In the end, getting in their, moshing out and ruining my ears for the next two days was so better becasue I was by myself, not worse.
Having said that I am anxious about Linkin Park, I am going by myself again, but I'm sitting. Hmmm, maybe I could trade, or sneak down.
Linkin Park was this weekend. Man I update so regularly. It was crazy. To summarise, if you dont want to read the more extensive review, better concert, but because I was in a seat not as fun as Manson.
Another concert that I went to by myself. Doesn't worry me in the least. Got to the city about an hour before the doors opened with a mission, pizza, good pizza. Unfortunately it was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre which is in China town. Quickly abandoning the pizza idea, i looked for something. Settled on Oporto. Got inside and headed straight for merchandise. Didnt wait in line, kind of just snuck in the side, I know im a horrible person, got a shirt then headed for a beer. Got the beer, looked at the shirt, not the one I wanted. Damn Karma. Gupled down the beer, went back and lined up again. Got in and heard Chris Cornell, all right but not great. Turns out he has done quite a few songs that I know. Interlude, then it was time for the main show. Starts off with a white sheet covering the stage, three clashes of music coincide with the lights coming up from back stage, throwing a sillouette over the sheet, the first two were just of the stage (It was set up as two levels, drums and DJ up top, guitar and singers on the main), the third one you could see the band as well. A very cool way to start what would be a very cool concert.
They went through pretty much their entire collection of hits, from Hybrid Theory to Minutes to Midnight. Not just the stadium rocking hits, but some quiter pieces as well. I stood the entire concert (screw the people behind me). Just a huge amount of energy, and a great concert.
A great bit from Conan - An alarm goes off in the studio while taping.
Commandment the Fourth: Save / Invest your money.
Good or bad, money is needed nowdays. To live and take care of yourself and others you do need money. For most people it takes so long to get money, through work and what not, why would you not want to keep it, or use it to make more of it.
I am not going to outline a specific saving strategy, because they can be found ALL over the internet. Instead I am just going to say remember to save your money, learn to invest and take care with spending it.
Random Updates:
Went to the Marilyn Manson concert on the weekend. It was crazy. I arrived and saw a line but thought it wouldn't be that bad, so I went and got dinner and a coffee. Then I decided to join the line. It snaked past the Horden Pavillion, out to the street and up to the stadium. It was crazy long. But walking along it did give me a chance to see how everyone was dressed. It was a mix of people. All in black of course. Some going the whole way, huge leather boots, Mohawks, make up, all of it. Others were just wearing tour shirts and jeans. It was very cool seeing everyone getting in to it (this may be due to the fact that the majority of girls were wearing either lingerie, or short skirts/shorts with fishnets). Finally got in, bought a shirt, realised that a beer gut and a mesh shirt should never, EVER go together, then went in. Since I was by myself I decided that sitting down was out, I was going to get right in it. I managed to get about four deep to the left of the stage, right under the speaker. Waited for about an hour before he came on, but it was worth it. The concert was mind blowing, and being so close made it so much better. Especially for songs that people really got into "The Fight Song", "Dope Show", and of course, the finale "The Beatiful People". I went in thinking it would be a great show, and it was, despite the smallish stage, there was a lot happening and the majority of songs had there own set and or props.One thing that seperated this concert was the lack of an encore. Not that he didn't deserve one (Ive never been to a concert people wanted to walk away from), but it was refreshing to see him come out and do his set, without the five minutes of an empty stage, but no house lights, waiting for the encore.
The other thing to say is that in the end, I am glad I went by myself. Going with someone who didn't like the music would have hampered the feel of the concert, and going with someone who would have wanted to sit would have made it in to a completely different concert. In the end, getting in their, moshing out and ruining my ears for the next two days was so better becasue I was by myself, not worse.
Having said that I am anxious about Linkin Park, I am going by myself again, but I'm sitting. Hmmm, maybe I could trade, or sneak down.
Linkin Park was this weekend. Man I update so regularly. It was crazy. To summarise, if you dont want to read the more extensive review, better concert, but because I was in a seat not as fun as Manson.
Another concert that I went to by myself. Doesn't worry me in the least. Got to the city about an hour before the doors opened with a mission, pizza, good pizza. Unfortunately it was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre which is in China town. Quickly abandoning the pizza idea, i looked for something. Settled on Oporto. Got inside and headed straight for merchandise. Didnt wait in line, kind of just snuck in the side, I know im a horrible person, got a shirt then headed for a beer. Got the beer, looked at the shirt, not the one I wanted. Damn Karma. Gupled down the beer, went back and lined up again. Got in and heard Chris Cornell, all right but not great. Turns out he has done quite a few songs that I know. Interlude, then it was time for the main show. Starts off with a white sheet covering the stage, three clashes of music coincide with the lights coming up from back stage, throwing a sillouette over the sheet, the first two were just of the stage (It was set up as two levels, drums and DJ up top, guitar and singers on the main), the third one you could see the band as well. A very cool way to start what would be a very cool concert.
They went through pretty much their entire collection of hits, from Hybrid Theory to Minutes to Midnight. Not just the stadium rocking hits, but some quiter pieces as well. I stood the entire concert (screw the people behind me). Just a huge amount of energy, and a great concert.
Caught in the Web:
Who doesnt love a good large scale robbery story, here are ten of the best.
http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/15-11/ff_cannonballrun?currentPage=3
A great bit from Conan - An alarm goes off in the studio while taping.
There are some sites that I suggest. Mostly I stumble on these through Digg or Shoutwire, but they do provide good content, on almost a daily basis. They are:
Double Viking - A very male centric humor site, although this wouldnt stop everyone from enjoying it. Cool & funny lists & videos. Not specifically funny lists, but usually worth a read.
Cracked - Similar in the amount of funny lists and videos, although its target audience is much larger. Updated more regularly and generally better than Double Viking, much more focused on humor.
Snopes - Urban legends website. Not only will it keep you interested for months, but the forums are also full of crazy rumors and thoerys.
Right Thoughts ... Not Right Wing -
WallStreetFighter - Another blog that is updated regularly with interesting or funny articles, videos and photos.
Penny Arcade - Possibly the greatest web comic ever, also the articles are always entertaining and informative, and the podcasts are hilarious.
Digg - A social networking site, have talked about it before, users submit stories they find interesting, if they are good, they get dugg to the top. This collects stories from a lot of websites, including some of the sites listed above.
Friday, September 21, 2007
You just frigided your way out of a biscuit.
I found a list of 100 things to blog on. Not all of them are great but I will do some of them, starting now.
What I Spend Money On
Well I suppose the best way to break this down is to have recurring costs and non recurring costs, I will also include how I savce my money, just to show that I am somewhat responsible. For recurring costs:
Looking at it like this I do know where I could cut some expenses. In a year I will be down to one phone, I am on a contract I wont renew for my second). I suppose If i was to take on a loan for a house I would cut down on hotels, dining comics and games. I wouldnt eliminate these completely, but I would reduce the amount of money spent on them. As it stands I feel i put away enough each month (44% of my after tax income) to justify having fun with the money leftover.
12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Second:
Never allow yourself to be overweight. This is a polarising commandment, although only because people have taken a "if everyone else is, why can't I be?" approach to looking after themselves. Do not think of this as, I should go on a diet. Instead think I should live a healthier life, It must be a long term change for it to work. It is no more difficult to live a healthy life, however changing the way you think, changing from one lifestyle to the other could be difficult. This does not mean you have to spend all your free time at the gym. You just have to realise that some foods are once a week foods, and more importantly everyone should exercise, if not everyday, every second day. On that point there can be no discussion, you must exercise.
This commandment is not done to punish people, but to ensure that they live longer healthier lives. Do you want to spend your 'golden years' in and out of hospital because you have one of the dozens of problems associated with being overweight? I didn't think so.
Some easy ways to live a healthier life:
Big's a Cat
Big likes Fish
Thats a poem I made years ago. Its not really a poem, more like a bad exercise in logic. That might have been what it was intended to be originally. I can't remember. Big is from the Sonic games.
Another long weekend coming up. I don't have any plans yet. Im sure i will find something to fill the time *cough*HALO F'IN 3 *cough*. Yeah, I dont know, I might just hang out at home all weekend ;). Its not that I have been caught up in the hype for Halo 3 (which in my opinion has been lacking Down Under, compared to Halo 2). I ruh-heally want to see how it all ends.
You always here about unsung heros, and you're reading about another one right now. My entire life, I have been fighting a one man war against seasonal foods (Christmas Cake, Hot Cross Buns etc). Their numbers are many, but my appetite is large. Unfortunately it is rather a bleak period, Christmas still seems so far away. I suppose I will have to demand a thanksgiving lunch so I can get some turkey.
http://www.shoutwire.com/viewstory/104019/Secret_Societies
When I fired this up on my xbox, I wasnt sure if it would still play as well as I remembered. After all there have been a lot of changes in gaming since then. Could a simple side on action game compete with interactive worlds like Oblivion? The answer is obvisouly no, but it doesn't try to. POPC simply tries to deliver an hours (Just the 1 hour) worth of challenge and fun, and on that it delivers big time.
This is a game that is easy to pick up and play. None of the puzzles, or enemies present enough of a challenge to cause someone to stop playing, but they are not so easy that you will run through it perfetly the first time.
King of Kings Recommendation: Get it if you want a quick gaming fix.
Kanye West - Graduation:
The first listen through of this, to be honest, was below expectations. This was because I was expecting something similar to his second album, with more stand out hits, thinking "Gold Digger" & "Touch the Sky" stuff that really blows you away with the beat. This cd does have some standout songs, "Stronger" obviously being the one that really stands out. After listening to it several times, I realise its excellence. The difference in the songs is strong enough to make each one stand out. Kanye uses his guests to his advantage, I love Coldplay (I own all thier CD's as in the actual CD's) but its still wierd to hear Chris Martin on a rap song (Having not heard Jay Z's Kingdom Come). Personal favourites include "Good Morning", "Everything I am", "Stronger", "Homecoming" and "Barry Bonds". Thats not saying the others are bad, thats just the ones I like the most.
The one thing that this CD really highlights is Kanye's lyrical skills. He's not quite Jay Z, and sure isn't Nas, but he is good and he is growing, especially with this CD.
King of Kings Recommendation: This is a CD that I would suggest for those who like music, not just those who like rap. It really is one of those CD's that could convert people to liking rap.
Top 5 Hits of the Week:
1. Ayo Technology - 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland
2. Homecoming - Kanye West & Chris Martin
3. Heart Shaped Glasses - Marilyn Manson
4. Will 2k - Will Smith
5. Although I dropped $100'000 - Paul Frees
Babe of the day:
Dita Von Teese - I realise I didnt post a picture last week. Correcting that now.
What I Spend Money On
Well I suppose the best way to break this down is to have recurring costs and non recurring costs, I will also include how I savce my money, just to show that I am somewhat responsible. For recurring costs:
- Two mobile phones.
- Board
- Health Insurance
- Income Protection Insurance
- Comics (I get certain titles each month so there is a set recursive cost). For non recursive costs:
- Food (Lunches at work)
- Transport (Train to & from gym)
- Dining Out
- Clothes
- Games
- DVDs
- Food (Coffee etc)
- Comics (Whenever I go to the shop I end up picking up a few extra things if I want to or not).
- Hotels (About once a month with Alana, we share the cost)
- Transport (fuel whenever i use the car)
- Emergency Fund (this only gets a little each month, but it will build over time)
- ING Savings account
- Shares
Looking at it like this I do know where I could cut some expenses. In a year I will be down to one phone, I am on a contract I wont renew for my second). I suppose If i was to take on a loan for a house I would cut down on hotels, dining comics and games. I wouldnt eliminate these completely, but I would reduce the amount of money spent on them. As it stands I feel i put away enough each month (44% of my after tax income) to justify having fun with the money leftover.
12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Second:
Never allow yourself to be overweight. This is a polarising commandment, although only because people have taken a "if everyone else is, why can't I be?" approach to looking after themselves. Do not think of this as, I should go on a diet. Instead think I should live a healthier life, It must be a long term change for it to work. It is no more difficult to live a healthy life, however changing the way you think, changing from one lifestyle to the other could be difficult. This does not mean you have to spend all your free time at the gym. You just have to realise that some foods are once a week foods, and more importantly everyone should exercise, if not everyday, every second day. On that point there can be no discussion, you must exercise.
This commandment is not done to punish people, but to ensure that they live longer healthier lives. Do you want to spend your 'golden years' in and out of hospital because you have one of the dozens of problems associated with being overweight? I didn't think so.
Some easy ways to live a healthier life:
- Replace soda with water, or natural low sugar juice.
- Reward yourself with something other than food. Go and visit a friend, go for a walk, go to the zoo.
- Go for a 30 minute walk an hour after getting home. Get home, relax, have a cup of tea, what ever. Then go for a walk, use it as thinking time, go with a friend, learn something via podcasts.
Random Updates:
Cats like FishBig's a Cat
Big likes Fish
Thats a poem I made years ago. Its not really a poem, more like a bad exercise in logic. That might have been what it was intended to be originally. I can't remember. Big is from the Sonic games.
Another long weekend coming up. I don't have any plans yet. Im sure i will find something to fill the time *cough*HALO F'IN 3 *cough*. Yeah, I dont know, I might just hang out at home all weekend ;). Its not that I have been caught up in the hype for Halo 3 (which in my opinion has been lacking Down Under, compared to Halo 2). I ruh-heally want to see how it all ends.
You always here about unsung heros, and you're reading about another one right now. My entire life, I have been fighting a one man war against seasonal foods (Christmas Cake, Hot Cross Buns etc). Their numbers are many, but my appetite is large. Unfortunately it is rather a bleak period, Christmas still seems so far away. I suppose I will have to demand a thanksgiving lunch so I can get some turkey.
Caught in the Web:
http://www.shoutwire.com/viewstory/104019/Secret_Societies
Reviews:
Prince of Persia Classic (X Box Live Arcade):
I remember playing Prince of Persia all those years ago. I remember vividly not being able to get past the third level, because that was where the 'splicer' traps appeared, and I could never master them.When I fired this up on my xbox, I wasnt sure if it would still play as well as I remembered. After all there have been a lot of changes in gaming since then. Could a simple side on action game compete with interactive worlds like Oblivion? The answer is obvisouly no, but it doesn't try to. POPC simply tries to deliver an hours (Just the 1 hour) worth of challenge and fun, and on that it delivers big time.
This is a game that is easy to pick up and play. None of the puzzles, or enemies present enough of a challenge to cause someone to stop playing, but they are not so easy that you will run through it perfetly the first time.
King of Kings Recommendation: Get it if you want a quick gaming fix.
Kanye West - Graduation:
The first listen through of this, to be honest, was below expectations. This was because I was expecting something similar to his second album, with more stand out hits, thinking "Gold Digger" & "Touch the Sky" stuff that really blows you away with the beat. This cd does have some standout songs, "Stronger" obviously being the one that really stands out. After listening to it several times, I realise its excellence. The difference in the songs is strong enough to make each one stand out. Kanye uses his guests to his advantage, I love Coldplay (I own all thier CD's as in the actual CD's) but its still wierd to hear Chris Martin on a rap song (Having not heard Jay Z's Kingdom Come). Personal favourites include "Good Morning", "Everything I am", "Stronger", "Homecoming" and "Barry Bonds". Thats not saying the others are bad, thats just the ones I like the most.
The one thing that this CD really highlights is Kanye's lyrical skills. He's not quite Jay Z, and sure isn't Nas, but he is good and he is growing, especially with this CD.
King of Kings Recommendation: This is a CD that I would suggest for those who like music, not just those who like rap. It really is one of those CD's that could convert people to liking rap.
Top 5 Hits of the Week:
1. Ayo Technology - 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland
2. Homecoming - Kanye West & Chris Martin
3. Heart Shaped Glasses - Marilyn Manson
4. Will 2k - Will Smith
5. Although I dropped $100'000 - Paul Frees
Babe of the day:
Dita Von Teese - I realise I didnt post a picture last week. Correcting that now.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I Am Being Lapped By People In The Game Of Life
Its been a while. I have lost enthusiasm for creating these long drawn out things. I dunno. I'll keep it up, maybe smaller posts (I've said that before).
You travel through a variety of different locations, each with their own look, feel and challenges. These include Athens, a desert, a maze within a mountain and even the underworld.
As an added bonus, after you finish the game you open up some 'Making of' documentaries. These are interesting and worth watching, they include concept art, levels that were deleted and preliminary character models. Much like a bonus disc of a dvd. Very cool.
The Gameplay: The game is a hack and slash fighter. You fight through all the evil forces of greek mythology the Hydra, Medusa's, Minotaur's, Cyclops' and all manner of other baddies. It is a violent game, in that you will tear people in half, jam swords down throats and generally do all that is expected of a representative of Ares. There are a few puzzles that are not only challenging, but really engaging, and for the most part they make sense within the story. I played through on medium difficulty and at no point did I think that it was so hard I was not going to be able to finish, and if there is some part that seems impossible, after a few retries the game will ask if you want to change the difficulty and make it easier.
King of Kings Rating: *****
Ultimate Spiderman (PS2):
The Game: Make no mistake, this game perfectly captures the look, feel, humor, characters and all other aspects of Ultimate Spiderman the comic. You play as both Peter Parker and Venom, and despite having some features in common they do feel quite different. Venom feels like someone who is built solely for attacking and hurting people while Spiderman moves much faster and cannot regenerate health.
The New York in the game is incredibly detailed for its size. Not only does it include all the things that are unique to the real New York, like the TKTS stand in Time Square, it also includes different things from the New York in the Marvel universe. These include the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building, as well as signs for Kraven the Hunter.
The other reference to the Marvel Universe include the other characters you will encounter, ones like Trask, Nick Fury and Silver Sable are all part of the story so it makes sense. But its cooler to see Wolverine show up in a bar and Johnny Storm show up for a race.
The story is good, but a little short. It includes a lot of characters, both good and bad and flows well between both Venom and Spiderman. I personally would have liked to have seen more characters, maybe working with you at some point. The Ultimates could show up to fight against Venom, or when Venom & Spiderman are going at it, the Hulk could rampage through for a while.
The Gameplay: The game is the comic, and when you're playing you ARE Spiderman. The speed, the jumping distance and height and the actions of Spidey's movement while doing all this look and feel natural. When it comes to web slinging the game shows just how Spiderman would move. The ease at which he spins from one web to the other, as well as the different ways he moves around, web swinging between the larger buildings in Manhattan and the web zipping along the rooftops of the buildings along Queens.
The game plays out in a number of ways, for the majority of the game you chase down the villain and then fight them. There are side quests that include races, and fight tours across the city. The chases can get repetitive and are often frustrating, if you fall to far behind you lose. Several times I almost threw the controller it was so annoying.
There is also a marked difference in the gameplay when playing as Venom. Here you chase and fight as well, however the fighting is more intense because as Venom you are able to regenerate health. The chases are also more frustrating because you cannot move vertically as easily as Spiderman can.
In the end it is a really fun game for the most part, however the frustrating bits bring the score down a little. The story is also a little short which brings the score down as well.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2
Top 4 Hits of the Week:
1. Stronger - Kanye West
2. Brick House 2003 - Rob Zombie
3. New Workout Plan - Kanye West
4. If I Can't - 50 Cent
My Top Tips:
This is a weird character. Once you use it, it reverses all text after it. I cant really use it here, since it reverses the entire post, sorry.Random Updates:
Birthday Drinks - The plan was for a whole night of drinking and it delivered. We hit the Orient Hotel on George St on the edge of China Town. Stayed there for a while, then decided to go to the casino. Had to get a six pack on the way, which didnt end well for all, as I was way to over the top with a toast and chipped a friends toast. Casino went well, playing roulette, as always and ended up winning about 600. This kept us in drinks for a while, although everyone was buying so I cant take all the credit. We spent a few hours at the Lagoon Bar at the Casino then as the sun had come up we decided it was time for breakfast, so we headed to George St got Maccas and then went for one final beer at the... bar next to Woolworths Metro. Caught in the Web:
I can't decide if this is the greatest party dinner ever or really, really creepy. Imagine a pinata, that looked like a person, and 'bled' when it was opened. Im not sure how I should feel, although I know if I sat down somewhere and someone wheeled one out for dinner, I wouldnt even use utensils, I'd get into the spirit of the thing and dig in head first. I'd be like a tiger plowing into a giraffe (That joke is funnier if you're me).
Reviews:
God of War:
The Game: First of all, I am a fan of mythology so this was going to go over well with me. The game is heavily involved in mythology. You play the role of Kratos, a warrior who is in the service to Ares the God of War. I won't give away the story, as it alone is reason enough to play the game, or at least watch someone play through the whole game.You travel through a variety of different locations, each with their own look, feel and challenges. These include Athens, a desert, a maze within a mountain and even the underworld.
As an added bonus, after you finish the game you open up some 'Making of' documentaries. These are interesting and worth watching, they include concept art, levels that were deleted and preliminary character models. Much like a bonus disc of a dvd. Very cool.
The Gameplay: The game is a hack and slash fighter. You fight through all the evil forces of greek mythology the Hydra, Medusa's, Minotaur's, Cyclops' and all manner of other baddies. It is a violent game, in that you will tear people in half, jam swords down throats and generally do all that is expected of a representative of Ares. There are a few puzzles that are not only challenging, but really engaging, and for the most part they make sense within the story. I played through on medium difficulty and at no point did I think that it was so hard I was not going to be able to finish, and if there is some part that seems impossible, after a few retries the game will ask if you want to change the difficulty and make it easier.
King of Kings Rating: *****
Ultimate Spiderman (PS2):
The Game: Make no mistake, this game perfectly captures the look, feel, humor, characters and all other aspects of Ultimate Spiderman the comic. You play as both Peter Parker and Venom, and despite having some features in common they do feel quite different. Venom feels like someone who is built solely for attacking and hurting people while Spiderman moves much faster and cannot regenerate health.
The New York in the game is incredibly detailed for its size. Not only does it include all the things that are unique to the real New York, like the TKTS stand in Time Square, it also includes different things from the New York in the Marvel universe. These include the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building, as well as signs for Kraven the Hunter.
The other reference to the Marvel Universe include the other characters you will encounter, ones like Trask, Nick Fury and Silver Sable are all part of the story so it makes sense. But its cooler to see Wolverine show up in a bar and Johnny Storm show up for a race.
The story is good, but a little short. It includes a lot of characters, both good and bad and flows well between both Venom and Spiderman. I personally would have liked to have seen more characters, maybe working with you at some point. The Ultimates could show up to fight against Venom, or when Venom & Spiderman are going at it, the Hulk could rampage through for a while.
The Gameplay: The game is the comic, and when you're playing you ARE Spiderman. The speed, the jumping distance and height and the actions of Spidey's movement while doing all this look and feel natural. When it comes to web slinging the game shows just how Spiderman would move. The ease at which he spins from one web to the other, as well as the different ways he moves around, web swinging between the larger buildings in Manhattan and the web zipping along the rooftops of the buildings along Queens.
The game plays out in a number of ways, for the majority of the game you chase down the villain and then fight them. There are side quests that include races, and fight tours across the city. The chases can get repetitive and are often frustrating, if you fall to far behind you lose. Several times I almost threw the controller it was so annoying.
There is also a marked difference in the gameplay when playing as Venom. Here you chase and fight as well, however the fighting is more intense because as Venom you are able to regenerate health. The chases are also more frustrating because you cannot move vertically as easily as Spiderman can.
In the end it is a really fun game for the most part, however the frustrating bits bring the score down a little. The story is also a little short which brings the score down as well.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2
Top 4 Hits of the Week:
1. Stronger - Kanye West
2. Brick House 2003 - Rob Zombie
3. New Workout Plan - Kanye West
4. If I Can't - 50 Cent
Monday, August 20, 2007
Finish the Fight
Im going to some concerts soon, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park and the Killers (provided I get tickets). I am super pumped for all of them, I love seeing bands live and think that they will all put on one hell of a show. Now for the two I already have tickets to I am going alone, which I didn't think twice about, its not everyone's taste in music and i really want to see it so I bought just the one ticket. Alana came along and said it was sad that I was going by myself, I hadn't even though of it until she mentioned it. Alana is coming with me to the Killers, she felt sorry for me. In hindsight I probably could have found someone to go with, but i decided against it.
That was a mistake, I should be more proactive, especially in friendships. Hopefully I can make this long term change, I have already taken the first step. The problem, as far as I can tell comes primarily from my ego, which stops me from asking for help, or for appearing weak before anyone else, which is why I didnt go out and ask anyone, because I see it as a weakness. It is ridiculus to think that having friends makes you weak, or that a simple thing like asking them to go to a concert will make me seem weak. I think i could also sense the futility in it, I was sure everyone would say no so i didnt bother asking.
Lots of things to think about, meditate on and work out. Thats why I have this blog, its cheaper than therapy.
I have defied Gods and Demons.
I am your Shield. I am your Sword.
I know you, your past. Your Future.
This, is the way the world ends.
I also got a surprise from Lana. It was awesome. I knew i was going away for the weekend, and I knew there were spa treatments (Massage, Facial etc) involved. I was shcoked when we started heading out west and the Navman said 89k's left, Penrith was only 40, we were going twice past Penrith, where the hell were we going?
Turns out we were going to Lilianfels, which is heaven. Lilianfels is a 5 star Hotel and Spa Resort in the Blue Mountains. It is owned by the Orient Express group, who also own our favorite Sydney hotel, the Observatory. It is much more relaxed than the Observatory, you walk into a giant lounge room, with (I assume since it was foggy) great views. We had dinner at the restaurant there, Dahleys, and it was excellent, filling but not heavy at all. Sunday was where it all happened though. We got up early, played some snooker, in a billiard room that looks like it should be filled with cigar smoking old men deciding who they make president, went for a swim, in the indoor pool, had brunch at the restaurant, then we went to the spa. We both had a volcano rock massage, which was fantastic. Whole body exfoliated, wrapped with a mineral mask, then wash it off and get the all over warm stone massage. After that we had tea in the lounge then went down for a facial.
Good god it was relaxing. If you have never had a day of luxury, I strongly suggest it. It is the perfect way to relax. I cannot speak highly enough of it or of Lana who got it for me.
This story is just creepy and really, really, really stupid. A guy lived in a flat with over 200 spiders, snakes and lizards. Guess what happend. He was found covered in web, filled with spiders and partially eaten by the larger spiders, lizards and snakes.
http://www.last100.com/2007/08/13/live-concert-recordings-on-usb-sticks/
This article is hard to describe but really really good. It shows the world map, representative of different statistics. The map showing HIV affected people is as you would expect, dominated by Africa. The toy exporter is almost entirely china. Really good, really interesting, although the data is from 2001, and a lot has happened since then.
For a band that has as much difference between songs as Thirtsy Merc, they put on a concert that rocked pretty hard the whole way through. They started it off with a bang, with the hit Summertime. This song sounds completely different live, and it was a solid riff to open things up. They continued with a fair mix of their first and second CD, playing my personal favourites, "She's my brother" (Played a little faster, making it even better), "I Wish somebody would Build a Bridge" and the encore being "Emancipate Myself", which provided possibly the only time all night that the lead forgot his line, and even then It was messing up one owrd, which then sent him off.
The small crowd was good, but felt a little flat to start with, although you could tell that there were hardcore fans in the crowd and they made themselves heard. By the end everyone seemed to be much more into it. They stayed after the show and signed autographs for the fans.
King of Kings Rating: ****1/2
That was a mistake, I should be more proactive, especially in friendships. Hopefully I can make this long term change, I have already taken the first step. The problem, as far as I can tell comes primarily from my ego, which stops me from asking for help, or for appearing weak before anyone else, which is why I didnt go out and ask anyone, because I see it as a weakness. It is ridiculus to think that having friends makes you weak, or that a simple thing like asking them to go to a concert will make me seem weak. I think i could also sense the futility in it, I was sure everyone would say no so i didnt bother asking.
Lots of things to think about, meditate on and work out. Thats why I have this blog, its cheaper than therapy.
I have defied Gods and Demons.
I am your Shield. I am your Sword.
I know you, your past. Your Future.
This, is the way the world ends.
Random Updates:
It was my birthday this week. I got diving lessons. Im excited for these, I never would have thought of it, but Im really excited for it. Im going to get my license then start finding shipwrecks and stuff. Plus Bond could scuba, so its just one more thing to help me become Bond.I also got a surprise from Lana. It was awesome. I knew i was going away for the weekend, and I knew there were spa treatments (Massage, Facial etc) involved. I was shcoked when we started heading out west and the Navman said 89k's left, Penrith was only 40, we were going twice past Penrith, where the hell were we going?
Turns out we were going to Lilianfels, which is heaven. Lilianfels is a 5 star Hotel and Spa Resort in the Blue Mountains. It is owned by the Orient Express group, who also own our favorite Sydney hotel, the Observatory. It is much more relaxed than the Observatory, you walk into a giant lounge room, with (I assume since it was foggy) great views. We had dinner at the restaurant there, Dahleys, and it was excellent, filling but not heavy at all. Sunday was where it all happened though. We got up early, played some snooker, in a billiard room that looks like it should be filled with cigar smoking old men deciding who they make president, went for a swim, in the indoor pool, had brunch at the restaurant, then we went to the spa. We both had a volcano rock massage, which was fantastic. Whole body exfoliated, wrapped with a mineral mask, then wash it off and get the all over warm stone massage. After that we had tea in the lounge then went down for a facial.
Good god it was relaxing. If you have never had a day of luxury, I strongly suggest it. It is the perfect way to relax. I cannot speak highly enough of it or of Lana who got it for me.
Caught in the Web:
Its a long read, but I laughed throughout the entire thing so I definately think its worth it. Its a guide of what to do and what not to do on a first date, including examples.This story is just creepy and really, really, really stupid. A guy lived in a flat with over 200 spiders, snakes and lizards. Guess what happend. He was found covered in web, filled with spiders and partially eaten by the larger spiders, lizards and snakes.
http://www.last100.com/2007/08/13/live-concert-recordings-on-usb-sticks/
This article is hard to describe but really really good. It shows the world map, representative of different statistics. The map showing HIV affected people is as you would expect, dominated by Africa. The toy exporter is almost entirely china. Really good, really interesting, although the data is from 2001, and a lot has happened since then.
Reviews:
Thirsty Merc (Live at Sharkies):For a band that has as much difference between songs as Thirtsy Merc, they put on a concert that rocked pretty hard the whole way through. They started it off with a bang, with the hit Summertime. This song sounds completely different live, and it was a solid riff to open things up. They continued with a fair mix of their first and second CD, playing my personal favourites, "She's my brother" (Played a little faster, making it even better), "I Wish somebody would Build a Bridge" and the encore being "Emancipate Myself", which provided possibly the only time all night that the lead forgot his line, and even then It was messing up one owrd, which then sent him off.
The small crowd was good, but felt a little flat to start with, although you could tell that there were hardcore fans in the crowd and they made themselves heard. By the end everyone seemed to be much more into it. They stayed after the show and signed autographs for the fans.
King of Kings Rating: ****1/2
Babe of the day:
Beyonce
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Earth Needs Me
I have been reading a few articles lately about sex. Now mind you I have NOT been looking for them, they have come up through Digg mainly, but they have been a good read, and raised a lot of internal discussions. The two different things include a really well written, well thought out piece about the way that porn has affected younger generations. To summarise the main points, as I see them, young men are now expecting more from their partners, as they try to live up to what they have seen in porn. Women are now expected to do more and more to compete with the videos that are easily available everywhere.
The next article is the stories of a clerk at a video store dealing with the customers in the porn section. There are some great stories and you will really think about the type of people that hire porn. Although most of the customers live up to the stereo type, it gives you something to think about.
I was going to say I am not here to judge these people but I am. A fatty who doesn't care they are fat will be a drain on the medical services of this country as well as on their families and anyone else they drag into their deep fried hell, and here we come to the heart of my anger. If someone is destroying their life with overeating and a lack of exercise, and they transfer these bad habits to their children that's when it becomes OK to condemn them. Its child abuse, maybe not intentional but no less evil.
If someone is actively trying to lose weight then they are doing the right thing, and these people escape my anger.
Turns out there are still some people with brains out there. A company in America has started to charge their unhealthy employees more for health insurance. Makes perfect sense and should be adopted NOW in Australia, all over. The amount of money that baby boomers are going to cost the health system is huge, add to that the fact that their for the most part fatties and it damn near doubles, they sure as shooting should be the ones paying for it. But knowing how its going to pan out, nothing will be done until its too late (think cityrail), at which time taxes will be raised to fund the now urgently needed hospitals and health insurance premiums will go up due to the strain of the fatties.
Its a viscous circle, the only way to stop this is for changes to be made. The only ones who can make the changes are the baby boomers, but its in their best interest not to.
On one hand desperate times call for desperate measures. If there is an untapped revenue stream that could earn the state billions of dollars each year, it seems ludicrous to pass it up. Alchohol and tobacco are both legalised and heavily taxed, so there is precedent of addictive drugs being used as a tax revenue. Also a gentleman in the article raises a good point, the first state to legalise marijuana will experience an economic boom, as people will travel from all over the country for it.
On the other hand it would be harder to keep some drugs illegal while legalising marijuana, but, as I said alcohol and tobacco are legal. It would set a precedent, dealers of other drugs could start doing the same thing. I think the public perception is that any drug that can kill you straight away, like heroin etc should be banned, while those that kill you slowly should be allowed (I know you can die from alcohol poisoning but..Every point I try and make is struck down by my own logic. I cannot see why this is not going to happen, however if there is a counter point I would love to hear it, not being sarcastic, I really would.
A list of the top 10 History Mysteries, almost rhymes. Includes Robin Hood, and the Voynich manuscript, which I had never heard of. Just reading it shows how much we still have to learn about the past. It doesn't go into great detail, but it sparked my interest and further research into some of these things.
On a smilar note, here is a list (with pictures) of 7 deserted areas, these include obvisouly chenobyl, but it also includes a US ghost towns, abandoned airfields and other places that have just been left behind. I like the siberian fortress the most. Just seems like it would have been something to see, when it was standing.
I laughed almost the whole way through. Thats all I want from a comedy. It wasn't epic, it wasn't the be all end all for the series. It was good.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2
Part of me sympathises with the author, however I also believe that it can be seen as a stumble in the right direction. Opening people to be more adventurous, or at the very least more accepting of their own and their partners desires can only be a positive thing in a relationship. Rather than resenting your partner for not doing something, or not being able to talk to them about it, which would bleed into other areas of your relationship, possibly as fuel for other arguments, surely it is better to have a, potentially awkward discussion, letting them know how you feel. I think that being more open about what you want can only be a good thing, I have said before about the importance of communication, however it must be a two way street. If you would like your partner to do something, look a certain way, you must be open to thier wants and needs.Now you have to offer—or flirtatiously suggest—the lesbian scene, the ejaculate-in-the-face scene. Being naked is not enough; you have to be buff, be tan with no tan lines, have the surgically hoisted breasts and the Brazilian bikini wax—just like porn stars.
The next article is the stories of a clerk at a video store dealing with the customers in the porn section. There are some great stories and you will really think about the type of people that hire porn. Although most of the customers live up to the stereo type, it gives you something to think about.
Just heard a great thing on Howard Stern, The Simpson's is popular for the same reason Stern is, both smart and dumb people watch it, and both get different things out of it.
All right Australia, well done. 54% of the adult population is obese. Not just overweight, f^@&ing obese. Think ahead, apart from the HUGE amount of diabetes that will plague this population, there is also the increased heart disease that will get them along with about a thousand other things that obesity will bring about. I want to see how these people justify it to themselves, I know that when they look around, the majority of people look like them but that doesn't make it a good thing, to paraphrase "just cus its there don't make it fair" (This comes from a Las Vegas monorail ride where two women were talking about potential child names, somehow they decided that "Just cus its white don't make it right", playing the race card in naming a baby. How do they expect to move ahead if they are so hung up on the past).I was going to say I am not here to judge these people but I am. A fatty who doesn't care they are fat will be a drain on the medical services of this country as well as on their families and anyone else they drag into their deep fried hell, and here we come to the heart of my anger. If someone is destroying their life with overeating and a lack of exercise, and they transfer these bad habits to their children that's when it becomes OK to condemn them. Its child abuse, maybe not intentional but no less evil.
If someone is actively trying to lose weight then they are doing the right thing, and these people escape my anger.
Turns out there are still some people with brains out there. A company in America has started to charge their unhealthy employees more for health insurance. Makes perfect sense and should be adopted NOW in Australia, all over. The amount of money that baby boomers are going to cost the health system is huge, add to that the fact that their for the most part fatties and it damn near doubles, they sure as shooting should be the ones paying for it. But knowing how its going to pan out, nothing will be done until its too late (think cityrail), at which time taxes will be raised to fund the now urgently needed hospitals and health insurance premiums will go up due to the strain of the fatties.
Its a viscous circle, the only way to stop this is for changes to be made. The only ones who can make the changes are the baby boomers, but its in their best interest not to.
They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I sent them you... my only sonThis article seems to be a no brainer, however I can understand that it is not as cut and dry as it may seem. California as a state is in trouble. It does not have enough money to fund its services etc. This is a problem. A group, cartel, if you will, of marijuana growers have offered to pay taxes from sales, in the amount of one BILLION dollars. Of course to pay these taxes marijuana would first have to be legalised.
On one hand desperate times call for desperate measures. If there is an untapped revenue stream that could earn the state billions of dollars each year, it seems ludicrous to pass it up. Alchohol and tobacco are both legalised and heavily taxed, so there is precedent of addictive drugs being used as a tax revenue. Also a gentleman in the article raises a good point, the first state to legalise marijuana will experience an economic boom, as people will travel from all over the country for it.
On the other hand it would be harder to keep some drugs illegal while legalising marijuana, but, as I said alcohol and tobacco are legal. It would set a precedent, dealers of other drugs could start doing the same thing. I think the public perception is that any drug that can kill you straight away, like heroin etc should be banned, while those that kill you slowly should be allowed (I know you can die from alcohol poisoning but..Every point I try and make is struck down by my own logic. I cannot see why this is not going to happen, however if there is a counter point I would love to hear it, not being sarcastic, I really would.
My Top Tips:
Watch Tom Green, its online and its free, what more could you want. Don't think of the 'Freddy Got Fingered' Tom Green. Its much more like a Late Night Show, but its very, very laid back.Random Updates:
I think I've ranted enough. As for me I have been super busy lately. Taking on extra work and upping my gym schedule to four times a week. I want a week off.
Dancing has started up again. Its so much fun, Im so glad we are going.
Caught in the Web:
If you're looking to waste some time, and who isnt. I strongly suggest this game. You guide a bouncy ball into the target, sounds easy and it is, but the ways it can be done is where the game gets really fun.A list of the top 10 History Mysteries, almost rhymes. Includes Robin Hood, and the Voynich manuscript, which I had never heard of. Just reading it shows how much we still have to learn about the past. It doesn't go into great detail, but it sparked my interest and further research into some of these things.
On a smilar note, here is a list (with pictures) of 7 deserted areas, these include obvisouly chenobyl, but it also includes a US ghost towns, abandoned airfields and other places that have just been left behind. I like the siberian fortress the most. Just seems like it would have been something to see, when it was standing.
Reviews:
The Simpsons Movie:I laughed almost the whole way through. Thats all I want from a comedy. It wasn't epic, it wasn't the be all end all for the series. It was good.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2
Babe of the day:
Erica Durance
Monday, July 16, 2007
I Got 99 Problems But...
Well, I am now a member of the facebook community. Will that affect the semi regular posting on here?
I doubt it.
This most recent weekend (I am so lazy with the updates) saw a trip with Alana to Bondi. We were celebrating the end of our first Salsa dancing course, with a big group dinner at the CopaCabana Bondi, which was great. Dinner is served continually, no menu so i guess if you didn't like the food it might not be so good. I did, which was great. It also has professional dancers performing throughout the night, lots of different styles, including capoeira (Brazilian Fight Dancing). It was all in all a great night.
Alana and I also stayed overnight in Bondi at the Swiss Grand Bondi, which was really nice. Alana booked it through wotif and got 50% off which means we got a suite. It was a really nice place, and included breakfast.
Then on sunday my cousins came down. I had forgotten how much fun hide and seek is. I also forgot that the purpose of the game, whether you're hiding or seeking, is to shoot Alana.
This was the first book I read through Daily Lit.
Addictive as crack. This is set in the future when the death rate has dropped to 0, thanks to the ability to 'backup' yourself, much like a computer. These backups can be restored into clones. In this future money has been eradicated and the currency of the time is 'whuffie' (respect). The story follows a person who is living in Disney World, taking care of the Haunted Mansion. I won't give the plot away but i will say once you start reading you wont stop, which is easy because its not that long. The story never drags, even though there are many sub stories and diversions to the central plot. Each of the main characters are fleshed out as much as needed and the relationship between them is constantly evolving in engaging ways.
The author does a fantastic job of portraying this possible future as realistically as possible, doctors do not have medical skills anymore, as they simply restore from back up as a perfect cure-all.
A fantastic light read, thats engaging and fun.
Divine Word: Read it, its free for crying out loud.
Transformers:
Oh hell yeah.
I was hyped for this movie, but more than a little hesitant.
All fears were blown away. This movie is fantastic. The plot is paper thin, but there is enough to hold it together for the two and a half hours. The action is balanced reasonably well, with character and plot developing scenes. The star of the movie is obviously Shia LaBeouf, who plays his part to perfection.
The transformers themselves are good, and have much more personality than i ever thought they would. Which helps make them more interesting as characters. The secondary set of characters are all quite good, the soldiers, the government (both the defence and sector 7) and the (Hot!) signal expert all fall into place quite nicely.
The pacing is excellent flowing between the action and characters. Its just a great movie.
Divine Word: Go see it.
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer:
Wow Marvel. First Spiderman 3 and now this. You've gotten lazy. F4:RotSS is a lazy, lazy sequel. It doesn't step away from the first enough to stand out, and what it borrows from the first it does so poorly, so the end result is a massive let down.
The problem is that nothing in the movie stands out. The infighting between the four is never really dramatic enough to make you think that the team will split up. The surfer is obviously a 'good' bad guy so you never side against him, galactus is never given a personality so its hard to side against him and Doom is sidelined for so long in the movie that when he makes a play, it is overshadowed by the larger threat.
Everything in this movie was done better in the first. I have trouble recommending this even for fans of the original (As I am) because it not only fails to live up to it (like Spiderman 3) it fails completely as a movie.
Divine Word: Don't Bother.
I doubt it.
My Top Tips:
If every time you log on to your computer you open the same things (i.e. iTunes, Internet, Bittorrent(Dont steal music), or whatever), this website shows how to create a shortcut that will open them all in one. It is programming but if you can create a txt document then you are qualified.Random Updates:
Busy has become my middle name. Admittedly its not 'real' busy, yknow with pressure to get things done, but Im never sitting around wishing I had something to do. The weekends seem to fill up and drift by all too quickly. Like last, last weekend, went in to Max Brennars for chocolate on sunday morning, sure some people go to church, but us gods prefer chcolate. It was SO good, the thick italian milk chocolate and the Suckao (Pron: Suck-ow) were so good, although im 99% sure i now have diabetes.This most recent weekend (I am so lazy with the updates) saw a trip with Alana to Bondi. We were celebrating the end of our first Salsa dancing course, with a big group dinner at the CopaCabana Bondi, which was great. Dinner is served continually, no menu so i guess if you didn't like the food it might not be so good. I did, which was great. It also has professional dancers performing throughout the night, lots of different styles, including capoeira (Brazilian Fight Dancing). It was all in all a great night.
Alana and I also stayed overnight in Bondi at the Swiss Grand Bondi, which was really nice. Alana booked it through wotif and got 50% off which means we got a suite. It was a really nice place, and included breakfast.
Then on sunday my cousins came down. I had forgotten how much fun hide and seek is. I also forgot that the purpose of the game, whether you're hiding or seeking, is to shoot Alana.
Caught in the Web:
A list of the best websites of the year, as voted by time magazine. Worth a look if you want to see what the next YouTube or MySpace might be.
Reviews:
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom:This was the first book I read through Daily Lit.
Addictive as crack. This is set in the future when the death rate has dropped to 0, thanks to the ability to 'backup' yourself, much like a computer. These backups can be restored into clones. In this future money has been eradicated and the currency of the time is 'whuffie' (respect). The story follows a person who is living in Disney World, taking care of the Haunted Mansion. I won't give the plot away but i will say once you start reading you wont stop, which is easy because its not that long. The story never drags, even though there are many sub stories and diversions to the central plot. Each of the main characters are fleshed out as much as needed and the relationship between them is constantly evolving in engaging ways.
The author does a fantastic job of portraying this possible future as realistically as possible, doctors do not have medical skills anymore, as they simply restore from back up as a perfect cure-all.
A fantastic light read, thats engaging and fun.
Divine Word: Read it, its free for crying out loud.
Transformers:
Oh hell yeah.
I was hyped for this movie, but more than a little hesitant.
All fears were blown away. This movie is fantastic. The plot is paper thin, but there is enough to hold it together for the two and a half hours. The action is balanced reasonably well, with character and plot developing scenes. The star of the movie is obviously Shia LaBeouf, who plays his part to perfection.
The transformers themselves are good, and have much more personality than i ever thought they would. Which helps make them more interesting as characters. The secondary set of characters are all quite good, the soldiers, the government (both the defence and sector 7) and the (Hot!) signal expert all fall into place quite nicely.
The pacing is excellent flowing between the action and characters. Its just a great movie.
Divine Word: Go see it.
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer:
Wow Marvel. First Spiderman 3 and now this. You've gotten lazy. F4:RotSS is a lazy, lazy sequel. It doesn't step away from the first enough to stand out, and what it borrows from the first it does so poorly, so the end result is a massive let down.
The problem is that nothing in the movie stands out. The infighting between the four is never really dramatic enough to make you think that the team will split up. The surfer is obviously a 'good' bad guy so you never side against him, galactus is never given a personality so its hard to side against him and Doom is sidelined for so long in the movie that when he makes a play, it is overshadowed by the larger threat.
Everything in this movie was done better in the first. I have trouble recommending this even for fans of the original (As I am) because it not only fails to live up to it (like Spiderman 3) it fails completely as a movie.
Divine Word: Don't Bother.
Babe of the day:
Jessica Alba:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)