What's playing, these days:
1. High Violets: To Where You Are (album) - discovered today @
3hive.
2. Garbage: Bleed Like Me (album) - iTunes.
3. Elnea: "MJOLNIR's Child" (track) - posted weeks ago at HBO, downloaded today; love the lyrics and her voice.
4. Brian Hempel: "Dragonfly" (track) - Seventh Column Contest.
5. Lemon Demon: "Telekinesis" / "Word Disassociation" (tracks) - from the cats that brought us "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny".
6. Jimi Hendrix: "All Along the Watchtower" (track) - from my CD collection.
7. Weird Al Yankovich: "Dare to be Stupid" (track) - iTunes, for some reason, it felt important to download this week.
8. The Cardigans: "My Favorite Game" (track) - iTunes, this makes driving fun.
9. Trocadero: "Blood Gulch Blues" (track) - from the cats who perform the Red vs. Blue theme, I got this one from the Halouvre.
10. Martin O'Donnell: "Mombassa Suite" (track) - from my CD collection.
11. Randy Edelman: "Pickett's Charge" (track) - from my CD collection.
12. Sarah McLachlan: "Time" (track) - from my CD collection.
13. Holst: "The Planets, Op. 32 - 1. Mars, The Bringer of War" (track) - from my CD collection.
14. Martin O'Donnell: "Earth City" (track) - from my CD collection.
15. Martin O'Donnell: "Truth and Reconciliation Suite" (track) - from my CD collection.
16. The Von Bondies: "C'mon, C'mon" (track) - iTunes
Friday, June 30, 2006
Superman Returned
I made my regular pilgrimage to Alamo Drafthouse, on Tuesday, to catch my weekly Screen 8 Fare (everything I've gone to see on Tuesday evening has been on Screen 8, I've grown attached to it, I think I'm just going to start asking for a ticket to whatever's in Screen 8). Fortunately, this week, the showing turned out to be Bryan Singer's Superman Returns. I'm hardly what could pass for a Superman fan. Rather, I prefer the Dark Knight, quite a bit more. Superman has always seemed too easy, too simple, too predictable, too self righteous.
However, there's something captivating about Superman. If there weren't, the character would've fallen by the wayside. Perhaps fading into obscurity, like Captain America. Or folly, like Aquaman. Instead, the virtue that makes him so basic, the integrity that makes him so noble and the strength that makes him so admirable have been mainstays of heroic fantasy for almost seventy years.
Somehow all of Superman's traits were ignored, in the 1980's, in favor of box office receipts. The plots of the third and fourth movies were so clunky and dated, they were meaningless by the time revenue began to return on them.
Fortunately, there has been a trend for the better, lately, in heroic cinema. Batman has been repaired and Spiderman has proven more insightful than many Oscar nominees. XMen appeared to be following the trend, but, well, Brett Ratner. I can't say more than that.
That being said, Singer has helmed Superman Returns with a careful devotion, which has been the center of a great deal of optimism and criticism. Given the overall simplicity of any Superman story, it doesn't seem fair to rebuke efforts toward a creative, timeless and fantastical attempt. I'm at a loss, therefore, to understand some of the harsh words used to describe this flick. My feedback is more basic, I think. Very simply, I felt:
1. Kevin Spacey was an excellent choice for the Lex Luthor role. He has the capacity and ability to play a villain of this caliber with little more than printed word. I genuinely hoped that he'd be afforded the screen time to consume himself with the role, to demonstrate that obscenely off-kilter nature so consistent with his most profound characters. Alas, it was not to be. While he was afforded memorable moments as one of the most entertaining villains of all time, those moments were cut far too short. One can only hope that a follow up is in the works, where Spacey's reins aren't held quite so tight.
2. The final 10-15 minutes were nearly interminable. It is only fair to mention that I had to excuse myself to the men's room before I died. However, the movie didn't seem to want to wrap itself up, once all was returned to right.
On the whole, the movie worked quite well. Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are more than capable of adopting their mantles, here. Each of them nearly channelling their predecessors. Kate Bosworth fit Lois Lane far better than Margo Kidder ever could have. She was less a stubborn damsel in distress and more a capable foil to Superman's righteous persona. Most importantly, James Marsden (again, with precious little screen time) engaged a new element to the story that took the film beyond what any other had done. He has interfered with the romantic dynamic between Lois and Superman in such a way that Superman cannot interfere. It would contrary to his personality and detrimental to the character as a whole. Simply because one cannot help but like Marsden's character.
I hope the same attention to detail will accompany any followups. Most importantly, I hope the studios respect Singer's efforts to make this film more than just a summer blockbuster and take every step necessary to avoid replacing him with the likes of Brett Ratner. Ever again.
SQL> Select HeroFlicks From tbl_Movies Where Stars = 5;
However, there's something captivating about Superman. If there weren't, the character would've fallen by the wayside. Perhaps fading into obscurity, like Captain America. Or folly, like Aquaman. Instead, the virtue that makes him so basic, the integrity that makes him so noble and the strength that makes him so admirable have been mainstays of heroic fantasy for almost seventy years.
Somehow all of Superman's traits were ignored, in the 1980's, in favor of box office receipts. The plots of the third and fourth movies were so clunky and dated, they were meaningless by the time revenue began to return on them.
Fortunately, there has been a trend for the better, lately, in heroic cinema. Batman has been repaired and Spiderman has proven more insightful than many Oscar nominees. XMen appeared to be following the trend, but, well, Brett Ratner. I can't say more than that.
That being said, Singer has helmed Superman Returns with a careful devotion, which has been the center of a great deal of optimism and criticism. Given the overall simplicity of any Superman story, it doesn't seem fair to rebuke efforts toward a creative, timeless and fantastical attempt. I'm at a loss, therefore, to understand some of the harsh words used to describe this flick. My feedback is more basic, I think. Very simply, I felt:
1. Kevin Spacey was an excellent choice for the Lex Luthor role. He has the capacity and ability to play a villain of this caliber with little more than printed word. I genuinely hoped that he'd be afforded the screen time to consume himself with the role, to demonstrate that obscenely off-kilter nature so consistent with his most profound characters. Alas, it was not to be. While he was afforded memorable moments as one of the most entertaining villains of all time, those moments were cut far too short. One can only hope that a follow up is in the works, where Spacey's reins aren't held quite so tight.
2. The final 10-15 minutes were nearly interminable. It is only fair to mention that I had to excuse myself to the men's room before I died. However, the movie didn't seem to want to wrap itself up, once all was returned to right.
On the whole, the movie worked quite well. Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are more than capable of adopting their mantles, here. Each of them nearly channelling their predecessors. Kate Bosworth fit Lois Lane far better than Margo Kidder ever could have. She was less a stubborn damsel in distress and more a capable foil to Superman's righteous persona. Most importantly, James Marsden (again, with precious little screen time) engaged a new element to the story that took the film beyond what any other had done. He has interfered with the romantic dynamic between Lois and Superman in such a way that Superman cannot interfere. It would contrary to his personality and detrimental to the character as a whole. Simply because one cannot help but like Marsden's character.
I hope the same attention to detail will accompany any followups. Most importantly, I hope the studios respect Singer's efforts to make this film more than just a summer blockbuster and take every step necessary to avoid replacing him with the likes of Brett Ratner. Ever again.
SQL> Select HeroFlicks From tbl_Movies Where Stars = 5;
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Nachos Grande Libre Pain
Mild stomach pain, that's why I've avoided movie theater nachos all my life. Ugh.
I went to Alamo Drafthouse to see Nacho Libre and ordered the matinee special nachos and beer. The nachos sucked and the beer was only "ok".
Unfortunately, the same can be said for the movie. The first thirty minutes were pretty entertaining, lots of good gags. Surprisingly few of them were potty humor, which really pleased me. Everything went downhill after that, though. The rest of the flick lost all the early spark and charm and just sorta droned on and on and on until the credits started to roll.
I thought the crazy Super Luchadore Hero stuff from the 50's that ran before the movie was funnier. Of course, that was Heckler Vision at its finest, I mean, he was subduing criminals in a long sequined cape in poorly dubbed English.
Oh well, I got it out of my system.
Sorta leaves me with nothing to go see over there tonight. I guess that was stupid of me. Oh well. I'll find something to do tonight.
SQL> Select Fiber From FruitsAndVegetables Where IAteCheapCheese = True;
I went to Alamo Drafthouse to see Nacho Libre and ordered the matinee special nachos and beer. The nachos sucked and the beer was only "ok".
Unfortunately, the same can be said for the movie. The first thirty minutes were pretty entertaining, lots of good gags. Surprisingly few of them were potty humor, which really pleased me. Everything went downhill after that, though. The rest of the flick lost all the early spark and charm and just sorta droned on and on and on until the credits started to roll.
I thought the crazy Super Luchadore Hero stuff from the 50's that ran before the movie was funnier. Of course, that was Heckler Vision at its finest, I mean, he was subduing criminals in a long sequined cape in poorly dubbed English.
Oh well, I got it out of my system.
Sorta leaves me with nothing to go see over there tonight. I guess that was stupid of me. Oh well. I'll find something to do tonight.
SQL> Select Fiber From FruitsAndVegetables Where IAteCheapCheese = True;
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Pulpular Media
Cars
Cars was great. I'm not sure what the bad reviews were about. Perhaps the lousy critics are trying to be the first to find a flaw in Pixar's methods. Personally, I think they need to get bent.
Cars wasn't nearly as meaningful as prior Pixar films. Nor was it as endearing. But it was a perfect escape, with a great story, beautiful imagery and a lot of fun. All of the references to their past were excellent, the humor bright and decidedly adult in many places and each over the top moment perfect.
I can't think of a reason not to purchase a copy on DVD.
Take that, critics who admired filth like "War of the Worlds".
Yesterday I pointed out Penny and Aggie, a great little webcomic. I've spent some more time on Keenspot in the last twenty-four hours and decided that Two Lumps and Count Your Sheep are great too.
'Lumps reminds me entirely too much of the goings on at my mother's house. Right down to the fact that, for years, I referred to two of her cats as Lump and Loaf (inspired by Ren and Stimpy). The collective personalities of mom's cats more than remind me of Eben and Snooch. Eben reminds me of a number of mom's cats. Snooch, on the other hand, can pretty much be pinned upon two... the original Loaf and the Clueless Wonder. Either of which has perpetrated many similar horrors upon the household. When you find the time, go check it out.
Count Your Sheep is a charming look on life that reminds me, in some ways, of Calvin and Hobbes. I really enjoy its simplicity, honestly and artwork.
Cars was great. I'm not sure what the bad reviews were about. Perhaps the lousy critics are trying to be the first to find a flaw in Pixar's methods. Personally, I think they need to get bent.
Cars wasn't nearly as meaningful as prior Pixar films. Nor was it as endearing. But it was a perfect escape, with a great story, beautiful imagery and a lot of fun. All of the references to their past were excellent, the humor bright and decidedly adult in many places and each over the top moment perfect.
I can't think of a reason not to purchase a copy on DVD.
Take that, critics who admired filth like "War of the Worlds".
Yesterday I pointed out Penny and Aggie, a great little webcomic. I've spent some more time on Keenspot in the last twenty-four hours and decided that Two Lumps and Count Your Sheep are great too.
'Lumps reminds me entirely too much of the goings on at my mother's house. Right down to the fact that, for years, I referred to two of her cats as Lump and Loaf (inspired by Ren and Stimpy). The collective personalities of mom's cats more than remind me of Eben and Snooch. Eben reminds me of a number of mom's cats. Snooch, on the other hand, can pretty much be pinned upon two... the original Loaf and the Clueless Wonder. Either of which has perpetrated many similar horrors upon the household. When you find the time, go check it out.
Count Your Sheep is a charming look on life that reminds me, in some ways, of Calvin and Hobbes. I really enjoy its simplicity, honestly and artwork.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Demographics
As a 30 year old male, I'm more than likely quite outside the intended demographic of this webcomic. All the same, I think it's charming, well written and well drawn. So, there, market analyst man.
I have no clue if the creators intend it to be a biting indictment of teenage rivalries, social development or the geek inheriting the earth. It's not my place to interpret their purpose. However, from my own little perspective, it's quite the send up and somewhat reassuring that my people are gaining some prominence and respect.
Spend some time visiting Penny and Aggie, when you get a chance. It's great stuff. Kudos, once again, to Scott Kurtz of PVPOnline for helping me find great stuff!
SQL> Select Title From WebComics Where Value = 'Unmeasured';
I have no clue if the creators intend it to be a biting indictment of teenage rivalries, social development or the geek inheriting the earth. It's not my place to interpret their purpose. However, from my own little perspective, it's quite the send up and somewhat reassuring that my people are gaining some prominence and respect.
Spend some time visiting Penny and Aggie, when you get a chance. It's great stuff. Kudos, once again, to Scott Kurtz of PVPOnline for helping me find great stuff!
SQL> Select Title From WebComics Where Value = 'Unmeasured';
Friday, June 09, 2006
... movies ...
Yeah. Again.
Really.
I just watched "Napoleon Dynamite" again. I have it on DVD. You see that part, Spielberg, Lucas and every other big name special effects director in Hollywood? I won't buy YOUR movies, but I'll buy "Napoleon Dynamite". There isn't one special effect in this flick. Even the time machine.
But I'll buy it.
Go find something worthy of my time.
SQL> Select * From Movies Where Charm = 'Simplicity';
Really.
I just watched "Napoleon Dynamite" again. I have it on DVD. You see that part, Spielberg, Lucas and every other big name special effects director in Hollywood? I won't buy YOUR movies, but I'll buy "Napoleon Dynamite". There isn't one special effect in this flick. Even the time machine.
But I'll buy it.
Go find something worthy of my time.
SQL> Select * From Movies Where Charm = 'Simplicity';
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
X-Men III The Last Bland
*meh*
Elements of this film were great, but the key pieces necessary to deliver an excellent story were glossed over from nearly start to finish.
They should've let Bryan Singer finish Superman and then pay him whatever he wanted to return to X-Men. There were some great elements throughout, but not enough to hold everything together nearly as well as the first two films. It was basically a series of "moments" strung together by a parade of fanboy favorites.
Avoiding spoilers, I'll say that it lacked conviction.
Elements of this film were great, but the key pieces necessary to deliver an excellent story were glossed over from nearly start to finish.
They should've let Bryan Singer finish Superman and then pay him whatever he wanted to return to X-Men. There were some great elements throughout, but not enough to hold everything together nearly as well as the first two films. It was basically a series of "moments" strung together by a parade of fanboy favorites.
Avoiding spoilers, I'll say that it lacked conviction.
Monday, May 22, 2006
"I didn't not cheat in no way"
Or, something. Usually, Bungie's mailbag is fun to read. The fact that they took the time to answer so many questions about the Halo 3 trailer was pretty cool.
This, on the other hand is just painful to read. Not only are these people stupid... they seem to want someone else (Bungie) to be aware of the degree of their density.
For the record: I was a beta tester for XBox Live. I've been a member of the Live community for nearly four years, now. The community standards are pretty freakin' apparent. To make claims along the lines of "I didn't know I could be banned for..." are outlandish to say the least.
These turkeys with multiple accounts couldn't make their intent more apparent. On the forums I help moderate we simply ban people who create multiple accounts without justification or explanation. XBL should adopt a similar policy. Why someone needs more than one gamertag is beyond me.
I've had the same 'tag since October, 2002. I've taken my XBox to numerous LAN parties and friends' homes to show off XBL. In every instance I've used my four year old 'tag. I have never needed another one. The only reason for a second 'tag, in my humble opinion, is a backup when you're trying to sneak around the system.
SQL> Delete From GamerTags Where Cheater = True;
This, on the other hand is just painful to read. Not only are these people stupid... they seem to want someone else (Bungie) to be aware of the degree of their density.
For the record: I was a beta tester for XBox Live. I've been a member of the Live community for nearly four years, now. The community standards are pretty freakin' apparent. To make claims along the lines of "I didn't know I could be banned for..." are outlandish to say the least.
These turkeys with multiple accounts couldn't make their intent more apparent. On the forums I help moderate we simply ban people who create multiple accounts without justification or explanation. XBL should adopt a similar policy. Why someone needs more than one gamertag is beyond me.
I've had the same 'tag since October, 2002. I've taken my XBox to numerous LAN parties and friends' homes to show off XBL. In every instance I've used my four year old 'tag. I have never needed another one. The only reason for a second 'tag, in my humble opinion, is a backup when you're trying to sneak around the system.
SQL> Delete From GamerTags Where Cheater = True;
What do Slumbering Lungfish Eat?
So, this is pretty cool to see. From what I gather, this will be Lore's first visit to Comic Con. Guy's gonna go out of his mind, with all the stuff he sees there (maybe I can recruit him for my anti-Lucasfilm propaganda campaign in the LucasArts pavillion! Perhaps I should actually put some organizational effort behind that!). I dropped him an email, behaving all the pathetic, bootlicking fanboy that I am, looking for a chance to at least shake his hand. Maybe I should get off my ass and get his book so I can at least look legitimate and ask for an autograph ;-).
Hopefully he'll have the time to drop by our regular pre-dinner-gathering-spot to say "Hello!" and shake my quivering, sweaty hand!
In other news, this year's schedule isn't out yet. Dagnabbit. I must know when /if Richard Taylor will be presenting anything regarding the Halo movie!
IT decided that my workstation needed to be relocated, on Friday. Things were still a mess, today. My power-user profile wasn't configured properly and I spent 2.5 hours, this morning, crippled as a result. Although that was corrected, I still can't configure my AS400 ODBC connectivity. They've promised to go ahead and move my PC, afterall, but seem to be taking their time doing so. Murphy's Law, in this instance, dictates that all the efforts I currently need to complete, require that I retrieve data from the AS400. Yay.
SQL> Select NewWorkstations From Building Where PreviousOwner <> 'FILTHY SLOB';
Hopefully he'll have the time to drop by our regular pre-dinner-gathering-spot to say "Hello!" and shake my quivering, sweaty hand!
In other news, this year's schedule isn't out yet. Dagnabbit. I must know when /if Richard Taylor will be presenting anything regarding the Halo movie!
IT decided that my workstation needed to be relocated, on Friday. Things were still a mess, today. My power-user profile wasn't configured properly and I spent 2.5 hours, this morning, crippled as a result. Although that was corrected, I still can't configure my AS400 ODBC connectivity. They've promised to go ahead and move my PC, afterall, but seem to be taking their time doing so. Murphy's Law, in this instance, dictates that all the efforts I currently need to complete, require that I retrieve data from the AS400. Yay.
SQL> Select NewWorkstations From Building Where PreviousOwner <> 'FILTHY SLOB';
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Delta Blog
I made a few changes to the 'blog, tonight. I've done nothing major, but, I did make a few changes to my links section. I removed my 'blogging teammates, mostly because one hasn't posted in over six months and the other really only created his blog as a means to tell us of his time in Iraq. I also removed the "Links that are bigger than me" because, well, the sites I had posted there don't mean much to me, right now. Just, personal differences with some of them. I changed the link section names, not that anyone would notice that.
I added a silly description a few days ago and might change that. I don't know if I like it. I also added the MyGeoSpots banner, which I found through a link through a link at thirty one flavors. Or something. I'm going to keep an eye on it for a while, I have no idea if there's any traffic here and I don't like their banner much. If things don't really blossom on that map, I'm going to take it down.
There's a lot going on at HBO, these days. Some great speculation (some very intriguing content produced by Steven Loftus today, I love his work), thoughts, interpretations and concepts.
I got my "One One Se7en" / HBO / E3'06 tshirt today. It's pretty slick, good tshirt with an outrageously sized representation of One One Se7en's helmet, which I think is great. Can't wait to wear this one at 'Con.
We had a decent enough time at the field, yesterday, despite the low turnout. Nothing terribly exciting or annoying happened.
Things went well at the office, today. Got some solid changes to a report format set up and I started working on something new, using the same data from that report. Hoping to wrap it up tomorrow.
I'm starting to do more and more work on our UNIX server, although I'm still not taking full advantage of its capabilities. Or mine, for that matter. I need to remind myself to contact the guys in charge of the box to find out when we'll get DB2 facilities available for SAS queries. I'm really looking forward to CRONing some of the queries I need to run in our C/O system.
And that reminds me that I still need to order my "Children of the CRON" Tshirt from Jinx.
SQL> Select TShirts From tblGeekClothing Where SloganType = 'Really Bad Pun';
I added a silly description a few days ago and might change that. I don't know if I like it. I also added the MyGeoSpots banner, which I found through a link through a link at thirty one flavors. Or something. I'm going to keep an eye on it for a while, I have no idea if there's any traffic here and I don't like their banner much. If things don't really blossom on that map, I'm going to take it down.
There's a lot going on at HBO, these days. Some great speculation (some very intriguing content produced by Steven Loftus today, I love his work), thoughts, interpretations and concepts.
I got my "One One Se7en" / HBO / E3'06 tshirt today. It's pretty slick, good tshirt with an outrageously sized representation of One One Se7en's helmet, which I think is great. Can't wait to wear this one at 'Con.
We had a decent enough time at the field, yesterday, despite the low turnout. Nothing terribly exciting or annoying happened.
Things went well at the office, today. Got some solid changes to a report format set up and I started working on something new, using the same data from that report. Hoping to wrap it up tomorrow.
I'm starting to do more and more work on our UNIX server, although I'm still not taking full advantage of its capabilities. Or mine, for that matter. I need to remind myself to contact the guys in charge of the box to find out when we'll get DB2 facilities available for SAS queries. I'm really looking forward to CRONing some of the queries I need to run in our C/O system.
And that reminds me that I still need to order my "Children of the CRON" Tshirt from Jinx.
SQL> Select TShirts From tblGeekClothing Where SloganType = 'Really Bad Pun';
Monday, May 15, 2006
If you got questions...
...Ninja got answers!
It is important that you remember that. This ninja, he is very helpful.
OMG! This maniac has a PODCAST too! Go find it in iTunes and grab it! What a nut!
AHAHAHAH This one, is my favorite:
Quicktime Format
WMV Format
"Give him something black... Giving a ninja something black is like giving crazy to Angelina Jolie. It's like giving guns to Master Chief. It's like giving Dolly Parton boobs. We've already got plenty."
[awesome]
SQL> Select PajamaAssassin From tbl_StabbyGuys Where WeaponOfChoice = 'Shuriken';
It is important that you remember that. This ninja, he is very helpful.
OMG! This maniac has a PODCAST too! Go find it in iTunes and grab it! What a nut!
AHAHAHAH This one, is my favorite:
Quicktime Format
WMV Format
"Give him something black... Giving a ninja something black is like giving crazy to Angelina Jolie. It's like giving guns to Master Chief. It's like giving Dolly Parton boobs. We've already got plenty."
[awesome]
SQL> Select PajamaAssassin From tbl_StabbyGuys Where WeaponOfChoice = 'Shuriken';
Thursday, May 11, 2006
What's an Opus and I'm a Geek
My management team was in town this week for some "off site meetings". Basically, that means the meetings bring people from numerous sites to a single site for a series of discussions. In this case "off site" was "on site" for me. But, I digress.
Shortly after lunch, today, my current Ober Manager (manager's boss) stopped by my desk to see how things have been going, how my tools are working for me, etc. Basically just an attempt to see how my morale is, how satisfied I am with my job/work and the applications I utilize on a daily basis to get things done. The company buzzword (right now) for this is "wellness check". I hate company buzzwords. I try not to use them. Someone else used a stupid buzzword, later in the day: "actionable feedback". I think that just means "this is feedback I can use to improve myself". But, we can't just say that, now can we? Nope. Not in today's world of corporate doublespeak. But, again, I've digressed.
Anyway, when the Ober Manager sat down, I was listening to my iPod as I worked my way through a series of queries to support a report I've been trying to stabilize for several months. As is the custom, he inquired about my iPod:
"What are you listening to?"
"Oh, I've just got it on shuffle, right now."
"Huh?"
"Shuffle, it's just randomly playing songs."
"Oh, I don't have one of those things, so I don't know the lingo."
It's not that hard, I guess, but, hey, he's not a geek, technodick or whatever you want to say. I suppose one could say he's not young and hip, but I don't think that's fair, either. I simply think he doesn't grok the gadgets that make geeks excited. That's fine with me.
It was the next part of the conversation that kinda wrinkled my shirt:
"So what song is it playing, right now?"
"The Neptune Opus of Holst's 'The Planets'."
"The Planets? What the hell? What are you listening to?"
"It's a symphony, classical music, 'The Planets'."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
I know I'm a geek, I freely acknowledge it. I have the tshirt. I've acknowledged that. I love being me and I've taken a long time coming to grips with who I am. But, man, don't bash on me because I like classical music, too. Everyone should be familiar with many of the great symphonies, orchestras, operas, etc. of the world. This is a dying artform, stifled more and more, everyday, by digitally fabricated noise.
May the best musician win. Seriously.
SQL> Select '*.mp3' From tbl_Symphonies Where Composer = 'Tchaikovsky';
Shortly after lunch, today, my current Ober Manager (manager's boss) stopped by my desk to see how things have been going, how my tools are working for me, etc. Basically just an attempt to see how my morale is, how satisfied I am with my job/work and the applications I utilize on a daily basis to get things done. The company buzzword (right now) for this is "wellness check". I hate company buzzwords. I try not to use them. Someone else used a stupid buzzword, later in the day: "actionable feedback". I think that just means "this is feedback I can use to improve myself". But, we can't just say that, now can we? Nope. Not in today's world of corporate doublespeak. But, again, I've digressed.
Anyway, when the Ober Manager sat down, I was listening to my iPod as I worked my way through a series of queries to support a report I've been trying to stabilize for several months. As is the custom, he inquired about my iPod:
"What are you listening to?"
"Oh, I've just got it on shuffle, right now."
"Huh?"
"Shuffle, it's just randomly playing songs."
"Oh, I don't have one of those things, so I don't know the lingo."
It's not that hard, I guess, but, hey, he's not a geek, technodick or whatever you want to say. I suppose one could say he's not young and hip, but I don't think that's fair, either. I simply think he doesn't grok the gadgets that make geeks excited. That's fine with me.
It was the next part of the conversation that kinda wrinkled my shirt:
"So what song is it playing, right now?"
"The Neptune Opus of Holst's 'The Planets'."
"The Planets? What the hell? What are you listening to?"
"It's a symphony, classical music, 'The Planets'."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
I know I'm a geek, I freely acknowledge it. I have the tshirt. I've acknowledged that. I love being me and I've taken a long time coming to grips with who I am. But, man, don't bash on me because I like classical music, too. Everyone should be familiar with many of the great symphonies, orchestras, operas, etc. of the world. This is a dying artform, stifled more and more, everyday, by digitally fabricated noise.
May the best musician win. Seriously.
SQL> Select '*.mp3' From tbl_Symphonies Where Composer = 'Tchaikovsky';
What happens to me in May...
...It's pretty simple, actually. I start thirsting for Comic Con. I buy my airline ticket... complete my registration... start pounding the Comic Con Website on a regular basis, hoping to find that the year's schedule has been released. I start organizing all of my geektacular stuff (BTW, if you're a Halo geek, look at me shill-whore - Thanks MB! - my front page post on HBO).
This week really gets things going for me, because of E3. Ramp that up a certain insane factor thanks to the Halo 3 announcement on Tuesday and I'm just out of control.
Things got started when :rose: sent me a link to a Microsoft Press Conference summary written by Lore Fitzgerald Sjoberg. This cat used to write for The Brunching Shuttlecocks, which has been defunct for several years now. I miss their work immensely, particularly The Self Made Critic. After tearing through the link :rose: forwarded, I saw Lore's name and thought "Damn, that sounded like Lore [mouthfulofcrazynorwegianletters] from Brunching Shuttlecocks... I wonder if it's the same dude..." I did some research and lo and behold, it sure as hell was! Right on! But wait, what's this... he has a blog, too! Sweet! You can find a link to The Slumbering Lungfish in my "Bloggish Links" in the nav panel to the right. Cool, huh?
But that's not all! Look what else you get, folks! Well, "geek folks", probably the only types who bother with this insane rant space I've created on the web.
I finally remembered, tonight, that I need to rip Ultraman is Airwolf, for my iPod listening enjoyment and our Comic Con Geektacular Media Frenzy. I wasn't very surprised to discover that iTunes didn't recognize any of Ernie's track info... so... I cranked up his site to get the track listing information for iTunes and then did some more poking around. Come to find out, he's got a blog too (why was I surprised, stupid me). His updates to Synapses appear to be somewhat infrequent. But, there's some cool kit, there, wherein he links a couple TV spots he did for GameTap TV.
If you're familiar with Ernie, I think you'll get a kick out of seeing him in a dark arcade reading some of his poetry slam. He made mention that the spots might air, sometime, on [adult swim]... here's wishing him the best of luck! I look forward to seeing the man spout his stuff on one of my favorite program sessions!
More geek to come as Con gets closer!
SQL> Select InsaneMedia From tblGreatSatirists Where Coolness = 9.9*10^23;
This week really gets things going for me, because of E3. Ramp that up a certain insane factor thanks to the Halo 3 announcement on Tuesday and I'm just out of control.
Things got started when :rose: sent me a link to a Microsoft Press Conference summary written by Lore Fitzgerald Sjoberg. This cat used to write for The Brunching Shuttlecocks, which has been defunct for several years now. I miss their work immensely, particularly The Self Made Critic. After tearing through the link :rose: forwarded, I saw Lore's name and thought "Damn, that sounded like Lore [mouthfulofcrazynorwegianletters] from Brunching Shuttlecocks... I wonder if it's the same dude..." I did some research and lo and behold, it sure as hell was! Right on! But wait, what's this... he has a blog, too! Sweet! You can find a link to The Slumbering Lungfish in my "Bloggish Links" in the nav panel to the right. Cool, huh?
But that's not all! Look what else you get, folks! Well, "geek folks", probably the only types who bother with this insane rant space I've created on the web.
I finally remembered, tonight, that I need to rip Ultraman is Airwolf, for my iPod listening enjoyment and our Comic Con Geektacular Media Frenzy. I wasn't very surprised to discover that iTunes didn't recognize any of Ernie's track info... so... I cranked up his site to get the track listing information for iTunes and then did some more poking around. Come to find out, he's got a blog too (why was I surprised, stupid me). His updates to Synapses appear to be somewhat infrequent. But, there's some cool kit, there, wherein he links a couple TV spots he did for GameTap TV.
If you're familiar with Ernie, I think you'll get a kick out of seeing him in a dark arcade reading some of his poetry slam. He made mention that the spots might air, sometime, on [adult swim]... here's wishing him the best of luck! I look forward to seeing the man spout his stuff on one of my favorite program sessions!
More geek to come as Con gets closer!
SQL> Select InsaneMedia From tblGreatSatirists Where Coolness = 9.9*10^23;
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Other Halo News
This is too cool for words. To say nothing of the fact that, of course, I'm going to Comic Con. I hope I don't get skunked, like I did last year!
Check me out!
I got me a few minutes of fame on HBO, today, thanks to the big news out of E3, yesterday! Another forum poster (Rachda) inspired an interesting thought and I wrote something up on it. Yay me!
If you're a Halo geek (not just a player) check it out here
If you're a Halo geek (not just a player) check it out here
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Halo 3
Bungie 'fesses up.
Not a surprise, really. But, for those of us who enjoy this storyline, it's refreshing news.
The content in the news item has been enabled and is interesting (the FAQ is the best part, typical Bungie context).
It'd be great if the title releases on 1/1/7, but I won't get my hopes up. Odds are 11/7 will be the release date. Oh well.
Not a surprise, really. But, for those of us who enjoy this storyline, it's refreshing news.
The content in the news item has been enabled and is interesting (the FAQ is the best part, typical Bungie context).
It'd be great if the title releases on 1/1/7, but I won't get my hopes up. Odds are 11/7 will be the release date. Oh well.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Common Courtesy
1. Are you in the car? Are you driving? Are you the only one on the road? I know many of you fools believe that you are, that your mommies told you you're very special, but you are not the only person on the road. Are you on the cell phone? Well, hang up, dammit. There's other people trying to drive too!
2. Are you at the grocery store? Are you the person being served at the deli? You know, where someone has to ask you about what you're interested in? If so, HANG UP THE PHONE! You're being rude. The people behind the counter cannot help you and you're holding up the line, jerk!
3. Are you at the grocery store? Are you at the self serve express check out? Are you still on the goddamned phone? HANG UP! First off all, it's an express check out line. Second, it's self server. Nothing about talking on the phone while trying to ring up your own products is FAST, which is the point of the express check out. HANG UP THE PHONE, because, YOU'RE HOLDING UP THE LINE. If you want to talk on the phone, go stand in one of the regular lines, you jerk!
SQL> Select CellPlans Where GroceryStoreService = False;
2. Are you at the grocery store? Are you the person being served at the deli? You know, where someone has to ask you about what you're interested in? If so, HANG UP THE PHONE! You're being rude. The people behind the counter cannot help you and you're holding up the line, jerk!
3. Are you at the grocery store? Are you at the self serve express check out? Are you still on the goddamned phone? HANG UP! First off all, it's an express check out line. Second, it's self server. Nothing about talking on the phone while trying to ring up your own products is FAST, which is the point of the express check out. HANG UP THE PHONE, because, YOU'RE HOLDING UP THE LINE. If you want to talk on the phone, go stand in one of the regular lines, you jerk!
SQL> Select CellPlans Where GroceryStoreService = False;
Thursday, May 04, 2006
What A Backstabbing Cockbite(tm RvB)
I hate you, George Lucas.
I hate your marketing divions, George Lucas.
I hate your lies, George Lucas.
I hate the way you've released The Trilogy on DVD, George Lucas.
I hate what you did to Han Solo, George Lucas.
I hate 'Jedi Rocks', George Lucas.
I hate the freakin' prequels, George Lucas.
I hate Jar Jar Binks, George Lucas.
I hate the fall of the Jedi, George Lucas.
But more than anything I hate your backstabbing, cockbite ass, George Lucas.
I've got it better than many, including the greatest of Lucas's insulters (Scott Kurtz, may your opinions on The Dark One light our way forever!). I refrained from buying those filthy DVDs, a couple years ago, because of the content. I'm still not keen on purchasing DVDs that contain this... filth. This filthy vile, affront to The Trilogy.
But. I'll have the OE's.
But they're a bonus feature. HOW ON FREAKING EARTH IS THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF A FILM A "bonus feature"?! The original version IS THE FEATURE!
ARGH
I hate your marketing divions, George Lucas.
I hate your lies, George Lucas.
I hate the way you've released The Trilogy on DVD, George Lucas.
I hate what you did to Han Solo, George Lucas.
I hate 'Jedi Rocks', George Lucas.
I hate the freakin' prequels, George Lucas.
I hate Jar Jar Binks, George Lucas.
I hate the fall of the Jedi, George Lucas.
But more than anything I hate your backstabbing, cockbite ass, George Lucas.
I've got it better than many, including the greatest of Lucas's insulters (Scott Kurtz, may your opinions on The Dark One light our way forever!). I refrained from buying those filthy DVDs, a couple years ago, because of the content. I'm still not keen on purchasing DVDs that contain this... filth. This filthy vile, affront to The Trilogy.
But. I'll have the OE's.
But they're a bonus feature. HOW ON FREAKING EARTH IS THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF A FILM A "bonus feature"?! The original version IS THE FEATURE!
ARGH
Thursday, April 27, 2006
HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY
Stimpy Stylee, complete with stupid tear filled goo goo eyes face: [joy]
My Halo 2: Volume 2 CD arrived, yesterday, with only a pittance of thanks to the Unreliable Parcel Service. These people have a better scam going than insurance companies. They never bothered to update the tracking info online, schmucks.
Regardless, CD in hand, I jaunted to my PC and immediately ripped it and downloaded it to my trusty iPod (the database/reporting freak in me wants to run some ratios on the volume of Halo related music [26+17+12+3+57, including an incomplete supplement from Marty O'Donnell and numerous fan tracks I've not yet cleaned up] to overall volume on iPod) and set the iPod aside to charge. I then fired up the CD in my stereo, full blast (screw the tool who lives behind me, with no taste in music or video games, BTW).
Listening to music in the main living area inspires me to clean. And clean I did. For at least two full cycles of the CD. I dusted off every single thing in and around my entertainment center, reorganized my DVDs (not a monumental task, given the DB freak level in me... I've a DB set up to resort and organize them for me a number of ways).
The Volume 1 CD was great:
I love Peril. 99% of the time I start that CD up, I start with Peril. Something about the way it feels bears forth more of the game than I can really describe. Not to mention, it's different and the pizzacato play is absolutely counter to everything done in the hip hop tracks.
In Amber Clad really capitalizes on the inclusion of Steve Vai on the efforts for this score and works within its own context beautifully. There's something powerful and direct about that track, it just invokes Miranda Keyes's personality (yes, I'm that geek).
The Last Spartan is also an inspiring track. Has been since the day it was used for the E3 teaser as early as 2003, I believe, I'll have to do some fact checking on that. Again, we received a piece that perfectly invokes the Master Chief's personality.
Heavy Price Paid is a sad and lonely piece. Also one of my favorites, it invokes a funeral dirge. Unfortunately, I'm not sure for whom.
Earth City rapidly became my second favorite track on the Volume 1 CD. Again, used to great extent in pre-release material, it comprised nearly all of the game play demo shown at E3 in 2004. It's a wonderful track for an FPS game and does great things for moving gameplay and feeling the spirit of the story, overall.
Several of the other tracks are quite memorable as well, however, these represent those that I prefer the most. Unfortunately, a significant portion of Halo 2 has been missing from my collection. Specificaly, some of the sweeping stories and arcs that form portions of the Arbiter's story. I assume this was because the Volume 1 CD was released prior to the game and Bungie didn't want this surprise revealed. Halo's Devils, Monsters track would have definitely spoiled that story's surprise, had the soundtrack been released prior to the game. Listeners with a keen ear for leit motif would've presumed that the sound of Devils, Monsters wasn't allusion for the Covenant, rather, something different.
Enter the suites on Volume 2, that have been absent for 18 months. Only Bungie and/or Marty O'Donnell can specifically explain the delays. Though, as they say, timing is everything (*coughE3isaroundthecornercough*). Is this release designed to put Halo back at the forefront of our gaming queues?
Hint to Bungie: Wasn't necessary for some of us, even if we don't play on Live all the time. I spent no less than 6 hours, last week, playing Halo and Halo 2 campaigns (for the kiddies with no responsibilities, I work 40 hours per week, minimum).
Either way, only time will tell as we approach and get through E3 (friends of mine from NC Soft are going, I have to figure out how to talk them into hitting Bungie's pavillion to score me some intel).
But, I digrees. My intent was to discuss Halo 2: Volume 2.
Which, apparently, I'll do some other time. Right now I'm up to my Halo in insanity...
My Halo 2: Volume 2 CD arrived, yesterday, with only a pittance of thanks to the Unreliable Parcel Service. These people have a better scam going than insurance companies. They never bothered to update the tracking info online, schmucks.
Regardless, CD in hand, I jaunted to my PC and immediately ripped it and downloaded it to my trusty iPod (the database/reporting freak in me wants to run some ratios on the volume of Halo related music [26+17+12+3+57, including an incomplete supplement from Marty O'Donnell and numerous fan tracks I've not yet cleaned up] to overall volume on iPod) and set the iPod aside to charge. I then fired up the CD in my stereo, full blast (screw the tool who lives behind me, with no taste in music or video games, BTW).
Listening to music in the main living area inspires me to clean. And clean I did. For at least two full cycles of the CD. I dusted off every single thing in and around my entertainment center, reorganized my DVDs (not a monumental task, given the DB freak level in me... I've a DB set up to resort and organize them for me a number of ways).
The Volume 1 CD was great:
I love Peril. 99% of the time I start that CD up, I start with Peril. Something about the way it feels bears forth more of the game than I can really describe. Not to mention, it's different and the pizzacato play is absolutely counter to everything done in the hip hop tracks.
In Amber Clad really capitalizes on the inclusion of Steve Vai on the efforts for this score and works within its own context beautifully. There's something powerful and direct about that track, it just invokes Miranda Keyes's personality (yes, I'm that geek).
The Last Spartan is also an inspiring track. Has been since the day it was used for the E3 teaser as early as 2003, I believe, I'll have to do some fact checking on that. Again, we received a piece that perfectly invokes the Master Chief's personality.
Heavy Price Paid is a sad and lonely piece. Also one of my favorites, it invokes a funeral dirge. Unfortunately, I'm not sure for whom.
Earth City rapidly became my second favorite track on the Volume 1 CD. Again, used to great extent in pre-release material, it comprised nearly all of the game play demo shown at E3 in 2004. It's a wonderful track for an FPS game and does great things for moving gameplay and feeling the spirit of the story, overall.
Several of the other tracks are quite memorable as well, however, these represent those that I prefer the most. Unfortunately, a significant portion of Halo 2 has been missing from my collection. Specificaly, some of the sweeping stories and arcs that form portions of the Arbiter's story. I assume this was because the Volume 1 CD was released prior to the game and Bungie didn't want this surprise revealed. Halo's Devils, Monsters track would have definitely spoiled that story's surprise, had the soundtrack been released prior to the game. Listeners with a keen ear for leit motif would've presumed that the sound of Devils, Monsters wasn't allusion for the Covenant, rather, something different.
Enter the suites on Volume 2, that have been absent for 18 months. Only Bungie and/or Marty O'Donnell can specifically explain the delays. Though, as they say, timing is everything (*coughE3isaroundthecornercough*). Is this release designed to put Halo back at the forefront of our gaming queues?
Hint to Bungie: Wasn't necessary for some of us, even if we don't play on Live all the time. I spent no less than 6 hours, last week, playing Halo and Halo 2 campaigns (for the kiddies with no responsibilities, I work 40 hours per week, minimum).
Either way, only time will tell as we approach and get through E3 (friends of mine from NC Soft are going, I have to figure out how to talk them into hitting Bungie's pavillion to score me some intel).
But, I digrees. My intent was to discuss Halo 2: Volume 2.
Which, apparently, I'll do some other time. Right now I'm up to my Halo in insanity...
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