I am writing this to see if anyone out there among my friends, colleagues, or random blog-readers may be able to assist me in locating two items at regular price. I don't want to go to e-bay and bankrupt myself buying this stuff at auction -- I've seen those prices, I'm not interested. I'd much rather wait.
Here are the two items:
I am looking for a Nintendo Wii (This might be possible -- I know people who've gotten lucky).
I'm also looking for a PS/3 60GB (model PS398000) -- it's got to be the 60GB. I don't want the 20gb.
On either one, if it came in a bundle with games and stuff, that would be okay. I know that's how most places are selling them, requiring a purchase of 3 to 5 games and/or an extra controller. That's cool.
I will pay you up to full retail price plus tax. I will pay for shipping to me. I will also pay a finder's fee of $20 for a Wii and $100 for a PS/3. This offer is good for 30 days from today.
I figure someone out there must have a friend who works at a mass-market or mom-and-pop electronics retailer. I almost got lucky at walmart.com yesterday, 'cause they had the Wii in a bundle with 8 games. I clicked add-to-cart, and then clicked proceed. Sadly, I got the "there are no longer any of these items to add to your cart" Damn and damn again. If I'd have started just a little less time and clicked a little bit faster.
If, on the off chance I get lucky, I will let everyone know here so you don't keep looking in vain.
Thanks,
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Hating SCO and their nasty, evil ways
I have not had much to say in public, but I've had lots to say in private as my friends know. Anyway, thanks to Jose, I have this link wherein SCO was officially and legally flamed yesterday by the judge and told to stuff it where the Sun don't shine. The dance is pretty much over, and if you own stock in SCO, take heart because you can still use the certificates as toilet paper. The company is about to be worthless much like its CEO.
To quote the judge, "The court finds that SCO failed to comply with the court's previous discovery-related Orders and Rule 26(e), that SCO acted wilfully, that SCO's conduct has resulted in prejudice to IBM, and that this result, the inability of SCO to use the evidence at issue to prove its claims, should come as no surprise to SCO ....The court, therefore, affirms and adopts the Magistrate Judge's June 28, 2006 Order in its entirety." (emphasis mine; for grand effect, just read the bold stuff)
Read on, my friends, and rejoice in the news. Again, go to this link on Groklaw.
To quote the judge, "The court finds that SCO failed to comply with the court's previous discovery-related Orders and Rule 26(e), that SCO acted wilfully, that SCO's conduct has resulted in prejudice to IBM, and that this result, the inability of SCO to use the evidence at issue to prove its claims, should come as no surprise to SCO ....The court, therefore, affirms and adopts the Magistrate Judge's June 28, 2006 Order in its entirety." (emphasis mine; for grand effect, just read the bold stuff)
Read on, my friends, and rejoice in the news. Again, go to this link on Groklaw.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Serendipity
Here's an e-mail I sent today, with the name removed to protect the innocent.
Hey :)
So I got your holiday card today. And it's really funny on two levels. First, it's the type of lowbrow humour I enjoy. You know I like to make fun of the Hellidays, and this year was no exception. Every year I go shopping for two different cards* — both funny. It took me two weeks this year to find the appropriate off-centre cards. Amazingly, one of the cards I picked was the same one you sent me. I'm not sure if you'll get selection "A" or selection "B" this year, but it would be quite ironic if you got the same card you sent me. Mine are going out tomorrow. They were ready today, but I didn't have to time run them through the postage machine before the mailman came.
So, anyway, the card was a gas. I hope you like mine.
— E
* Okay, three. Card selection "C" is for the older folks who might not like a perverted card with a dirty joke written inside the cover.
Hey :)
So I got your holiday card today. And it's really funny on two levels. First, it's the type of lowbrow humour I enjoy. You know I like to make fun of the Hellidays, and this year was no exception. Every year I go shopping for two different cards* — both funny. It took me two weeks this year to find the appropriate off-centre cards. Amazingly, one of the cards I picked was the same one you sent me. I'm not sure if you'll get selection "A" or selection "B" this year, but it would be quite ironic if you got the same card you sent me. Mine are going out tomorrow. They were ready today, but I didn't have to time run them through the postage machine before the mailman came.
So, anyway, the card was a gas. I hope you like mine.
— E
* Okay, three. Card selection "C" is for the older folks who might not like a perverted card with a dirty joke written inside the cover.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Blowing Blood Out Your Nose
The subject says it all. I woke up sneezing blood. That prompted me to fax the doctor at 6am "Call me when you come in!" I now have antibiotics for my sinus infection coupled with bronchitis. I also have a side order of laryngitis, but that's just a bonus ailment: contract two, get a third free.
It's all Gaby's fault, you know. She was sick and she hugged and kissed all of in Vegas back on 13th. Now her, her husband, both of their kids, their work colleagues, and me all have some malady. Needless to say we're thrilled. Poor Andy went to the hospital Monday and I wasn't far behind.
I started as a sore throat followed by what appeared to be a cold. No such luck, let me tell you. It was an irritating but mild head cold. Then Saturday it morphed. Started coughing that night, and I thought to myself, this feels like my annual case of November Bronchitis. I get it almost every November like clockwork -- since 1983. Couldn't sleep more than 5 or 10 minutes at a pop, so I began flu treatments, hoping it was the flu. Hah! No such luck. Sleep came for 15 to 20 minutes a time followed by 30 to 40 minutes of hacking. Sunday night was much, much worse. All day Sunday I had a headache which grew worse and worse. That night was horrible, with the coughing and headaches. Woke up with the mother of all headaches -- and even my migraine medicines didn't work (three different kinds).
I tried to get out of bed, but my muscles didn't want to cooperate. I felt like there was a 5000 pound anvil on my head. I was in some serious pain. I've had migraines, but this was some new hellish form of one. I know it's some form because I had all the sensitivity and nausea that comes with it. Worse, my brain didn't want to function* but after quite some time I finally managed to move, take more drugs, get downstairs and go to my car. I knew I was supposed to be driving to the urgent care clinic, or the emergency room. I ended up at work, proving how added my brains were.
I called the Doctor's office but he was out of town Monday so I let it lie (big mistake) and went through another night of hell. And that brings us to the opening paragraph of this blog entry. I do not feel well. I've had less than 6 hours sleep in 3 days, and not any consecutive sleep hours.
Hopefully these drugs kick in soon.
* shut up -- I heard that comment
It's all Gaby's fault, you know. She was sick and she hugged and kissed all of in Vegas back on 13th. Now her, her husband, both of their kids, their work colleagues, and me all have some malady. Needless to say we're thrilled. Poor Andy went to the hospital Monday and I wasn't far behind.
I started as a sore throat followed by what appeared to be a cold. No such luck, let me tell you. It was an irritating but mild head cold. Then Saturday it morphed. Started coughing that night, and I thought to myself, this feels like my annual case of November Bronchitis. I get it almost every November like clockwork -- since 1983. Couldn't sleep more than 5 or 10 minutes at a pop, so I began flu treatments, hoping it was the flu. Hah! No such luck. Sleep came for 15 to 20 minutes a time followed by 30 to 40 minutes of hacking. Sunday night was much, much worse. All day Sunday I had a headache which grew worse and worse. That night was horrible, with the coughing and headaches. Woke up with the mother of all headaches -- and even my migraine medicines didn't work (three different kinds).
I tried to get out of bed, but my muscles didn't want to cooperate. I felt like there was a 5000 pound anvil on my head. I was in some serious pain. I've had migraines, but this was some new hellish form of one. I know it's some form because I had all the sensitivity and nausea that comes with it. Worse, my brain didn't want to function* but after quite some time I finally managed to move, take more drugs, get downstairs and go to my car. I knew I was supposed to be driving to the urgent care clinic, or the emergency room. I ended up at work, proving how added my brains were.
I called the Doctor's office but he was out of town Monday so I let it lie (big mistake) and went through another night of hell. And that brings us to the opening paragraph of this blog entry. I do not feel well. I've had less than 6 hours sleep in 3 days, and not any consecutive sleep hours.
Hopefully these drugs kick in soon.
* shut up -- I heard that comment
Monday, November 27, 2006
Beatles: only on iPod via iTunes?
The whole article is here, but I am going excerpt from it.
Yes, the long rumoured move is about nigh! The Beatles come to your iPod. And that may prompt me to buy another iPod. I had one, you know, and then I sold it on eBay. Well, you've all seen the cool black U2 iPod. Can you imagine the funky Yellow Submarine coloured iPod with some Beatles logos on it? Yes, I'm sitting a pool of drool.
NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Click on the iTunes music store and punch in "Beatles" under artist search. More than 50 albums will pop up, including Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Play the Beatles, but none are the real deal. But that may be about to change. While details remain to be worked out, Fortune has learned that iTunes is close to a deal to bring the Beatles catalog online. Apple Computer is said to be angling to become the exclusive online music store for the Beatles for a limited window of time. Other music stores, have courted the Beatles over the years to no avail, but it appears Apple is close to getting first dibs on the band's hits.
Yes, the long rumoured move is about nigh! The Beatles come to your iPod. And that may prompt me to buy another iPod. I had one, you know, and then I sold it on eBay. Well, you've all seen the cool black U2 iPod. Can you imagine the funky Yellow Submarine coloured iPod with some Beatles logos on it? Yes, I'm sitting a pool of drool.
NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Click on the iTunes music store and punch in "Beatles" under artist search. More than 50 albums will pop up, including Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Play the Beatles, but none are the real deal. But that may be about to change. While details remain to be worked out, Fortune has learned that iTunes is close to a deal to bring the Beatles catalog online. Apple Computer is said to be angling to become the exclusive online music store for the Beatles for a limited window of time. Other music stores, have courted the Beatles over the years to no avail, but it appears Apple is close to getting first dibs on the band's hits.
If the deal goes through, it will mark a Nixon-Brezhnev-worthy truce - with the band's record label, Britain's EMI Group, serving as a peacemaker - between Apple Computer's Steve Jobs and Neil Aspinall, the one-time Beatles road manager who is now guardian of the band's business interests under Apple Corps.
At a recent industry conference, David Munns, head of EMI North America, said the Beatles would be available online "soon." The parties were hoping to make a splashy announcement to coincide with the Nov. 21 release of "Love," a mashup of Beatles songs that serves as a soundtrack to a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil production. That didn't happen.
According to a music industry executive apprised of the talks, the parties were discussing how lengthy a window of exclusivity iTunes might get and how many tens of millions of dollars Jobs - who is said to be personally involved in the discussions - will commit to an advance for the band and marketing costs.
Also being discussed is whether the band would be willing to take two steps at the same time and endorse the iPod by allowing its music to be used in a commercial. Another scenario making the rounds is the prospect of the Beatles following U2's example with a branded iPod. "If the Beatles were in an iPod ad, that would be humongous," this executive said.
The deal could well fall apart for any number of reasons, including the long-running legal feud between Apple Corps and Apple Computer over both their names and the similarities between the Granny Smith that appears on the label's LPs and the half-eaten apple that is Jobs' corporate logo. "The Beatles' position is that they don't sing jingles to peddle sneakers, beer, pantyhose, or anything else," a lawyer for the band told the Associated Press at the time. Notice he didn't say iPods.
This is enormous news. It'll kill that damn Zune right out of the door. Happily the Zune is getting pretty bad reviews from all facets of the press because it's bulky, counter-intuitive, and worse -- what do they expect from the twits at Microsoft, after all they produced Windows. If you own Apple stock, I wouldn't sell it just now. I think you'll see a huge jump.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Bond, James Bond (Daniel Craig in Casino Royale)
(No spoilers)
Let me first start by saying I read all of Fleming's Bond books some years ago, and was dismayed at what Bond had become. This is not to say I didn't think Brosnan wasn't a great Bond, he was. However, the Bond they wrote for him did not have the true spirit of Fleming's Bond. Doctor No had it closest -- a good adaptation coupled with the incomparable Sean Connery. Everyone agrees Connery wins the Bond sweepstakes and that won't change with this new Bond.
However, that being said, I was very surprised to find that Daniel Craig is a very believable Bond. I was one of the detractors and this performance has quelled any objections I may have to his title as Mr. Bond. Royale made an effort to keep near the book (changing Baccarat for Poker to make it more timely, I suppose -- no other reason can be found).
There are very few absurdities in this film unlike the recent predecessors. Yes, there is the standard Bond fare but no invisible cars, jumping from the edge the Hoover Dam, and other absurd moments. If you watch Bond you have to expect some stretch, but not to the absurd.
There is a scene in the Miami Airport. It was not filmed in Miami as anyone in Miami will attest, not to mention the random license plates which weren't from Florida. Reasonable copies of our Police cars and uniforms though. I believe the airport was a Chezch airport or possibly a remote UK airport. I tried to figure it out based on signage and aircraft but had little luck.
Anyway, the Bond beauty was hot. Yay. Bond was well acted and well written. You believed in him. And even though you know how Bond ends up being Bond it's nice to see the story. And it's much harder to present a good film when the audience knows the ending in advance as we all do. (I won't spoil it in case you're clueless here.)
The sole recognizable face is Judi Dench as "M" -- which also provides the one odd time-continuity gaffe. She was "M" at the start and end so how did the "M"s in the middle happen? I think she's a fantastic "M" but they needed someone else for this one film. I really thought so.
There aren't many fancy gadgets but there are some damn fine cars. I won't bore you with the details but the cars were almost as sexy as the women.
I liked the psychological aspect of this film and that's a great thing because it's more towards the original spy thriller. I also liked the fact that at 2-1/2 hours this film moves along quickly until it's ending. Only the film isn't really ending, but rather lulling you into a false sense of complacency for the real ending. And the real ending is fantastic.
Welcome, Mr. Craig. You're a welcome Bond. Another one like this and you'll pass Brosnan and be right there under Connery. You're already past Moore, Lazenby, and Dalton.
Let me first start by saying I read all of Fleming's Bond books some years ago, and was dismayed at what Bond had become. This is not to say I didn't think Brosnan wasn't a great Bond, he was. However, the Bond they wrote for him did not have the true spirit of Fleming's Bond. Doctor No had it closest -- a good adaptation coupled with the incomparable Sean Connery. Everyone agrees Connery wins the Bond sweepstakes and that won't change with this new Bond.
However, that being said, I was very surprised to find that Daniel Craig is a very believable Bond. I was one of the detractors and this performance has quelled any objections I may have to his title as Mr. Bond. Royale made an effort to keep near the book (changing Baccarat for Poker to make it more timely, I suppose -- no other reason can be found).
There are very few absurdities in this film unlike the recent predecessors. Yes, there is the standard Bond fare but no invisible cars, jumping from the edge the Hoover Dam, and other absurd moments. If you watch Bond you have to expect some stretch, but not to the absurd.
There is a scene in the Miami Airport. It was not filmed in Miami as anyone in Miami will attest, not to mention the random license plates which weren't from Florida. Reasonable copies of our Police cars and uniforms though. I believe the airport was a Chezch airport or possibly a remote UK airport. I tried to figure it out based on signage and aircraft but had little luck.
Anyway, the Bond beauty was hot. Yay. Bond was well acted and well written. You believed in him. And even though you know how Bond ends up being Bond it's nice to see the story. And it's much harder to present a good film when the audience knows the ending in advance as we all do. (I won't spoil it in case you're clueless here.)
The sole recognizable face is Judi Dench as "M" -- which also provides the one odd time-continuity gaffe. She was "M" at the start and end so how did the "M"s in the middle happen? I think she's a fantastic "M" but they needed someone else for this one film. I really thought so.
There aren't many fancy gadgets but there are some damn fine cars. I won't bore you with the details but the cars were almost as sexy as the women.
I liked the psychological aspect of this film and that's a great thing because it's more towards the original spy thriller. I also liked the fact that at 2-1/2 hours this film moves along quickly until it's ending. Only the film isn't really ending, but rather lulling you into a false sense of complacency for the real ending. And the real ending is fantastic.
Welcome, Mr. Craig. You're a welcome Bond. Another one like this and you'll pass Brosnan and be right there under Connery. You're already past Moore, Lazenby, and Dalton.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Nick Twisp (and his Younger Brother)
This is a double-review of both "Young and Revolting" the (apparently) last Nick Twisp book and "Revoltingly Young" the story of Nick's younger brother. CD Payne has an interesting style, and if you're reading this review, I can only assume you've read the original "Youth in Revolt" which is an utter classic.
Nick Twisp begins life as an over-sexed nympho-like 14 year-old. He's older in Y&R but that doesn't mean he's mature. That's a good thing. Because what keeps this book enjoyable is the fact that Nick will always and forever be a fourteen year old. His outlook on life doesn't change drastically, and if it did we probably wouldn't like him nearly as much. Nick's a terribly misguided youth and that's his charm. His adventures are still vastly amusing, but nowhere near as madcap as his first adventure. Quite frankly, I miss François and Carlotta who appear briefly only. Payne gives it his best, but the ending is not that satisfying. It's more like an afterthought.
That leads us on to RY which is entertaining as hell. It's closer to the first book than any of the subsequent novels and my constant chuckles had my neighbours on the plane giving me suspicious looks out of the corners of their eyes. It's a rehash of previous books in one way -- you won't be surprised at anything you read because you've seen it all before but sometimes an old comfortable pair of shoes is just what's needed. My biggest complaint about this book is that when Nick makes a cameo -- and his brief appearance can only be called that -- as a 30 year old adult, quite frankly he's not likeable. It would have been better if he hadn't been included. My other complaint is that ending feels terribly rushed and deux-ex-machina, which even the author hints at in a smug, self-satisfied way. Clearly Payne didn't know how to end his novel, so he threw and ending together. The charm of writing journal style means you don't have to contrive an ending.
Nick Twisp begins life as an over-sexed nympho-like 14 year-old. He's older in Y&R but that doesn't mean he's mature. That's a good thing. Because what keeps this book enjoyable is the fact that Nick will always and forever be a fourteen year old. His outlook on life doesn't change drastically, and if it did we probably wouldn't like him nearly as much. Nick's a terribly misguided youth and that's his charm. His adventures are still vastly amusing, but nowhere near as madcap as his first adventure. Quite frankly, I miss François and Carlotta who appear briefly only. Payne gives it his best, but the ending is not that satisfying. It's more like an afterthought.
That leads us on to RY which is entertaining as hell. It's closer to the first book than any of the subsequent novels and my constant chuckles had my neighbours on the plane giving me suspicious looks out of the corners of their eyes. It's a rehash of previous books in one way -- you won't be surprised at anything you read because you've seen it all before but sometimes an old comfortable pair of shoes is just what's needed. My biggest complaint about this book is that when Nick makes a cameo -- and his brief appearance can only be called that -- as a 30 year old adult, quite frankly he's not likeable. It would have been better if he hadn't been included. My other complaint is that ending feels terribly rushed and deux-ex-machina, which even the author hints at in a smug, self-satisfied way. Clearly Payne didn't know how to end his novel, so he threw and ending together. The charm of writing journal style means you don't have to contrive an ending.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Who in Concert (Pretenders open)
The Who in Concert (Sunrise, Florida), 11-20-2006 BankAtlantic Center. With Set List.
Before we get to the who, a brief word about Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders. What a fucking awesome opening act. They need their own show. Talk about the currently reigning queen of rock, she's right here. You can see she's been around awhile because she knows how to rock and she did a great job. I was happy to see it was nearly 2/3rds full when they started at 735pm and went for about 45 minutes.
I've always been a casual fan of The Who, but I was excited at the chance to finally see them live. I was expecting a concert much like the rapidly-aging Rolling Stones would put on. The Who out-rocks the Stones. I must admit this -- and I like the Stones more than the Who. They took the stage at 850pm and rocked until just shy of 11pm. And when I say rocked, I mean rocked. This band doesn't take it easy and the crowd appreciated it -- despite the paper's lukewarm review today. I enjoyed the music, the cool background visuals, everything. I can say I am more a Who fan now than before the show.
The Who had more feeling in their performance and it showed. They didn't coast through most of the numbers and gave it a good show. Plus, we got a bit of the "South Florida" connection because a number of the songs were written locally in WPB as we were told by Pete -- Roger was largely silent when it came to audience banter.
Their new mini-opera was pretty damned good, too. Nobody stood, but it's a new group of songs and this crowd wanted to sing Teenage Wasteland (Baba O'Reily) at the top of their collective lungs. It was a widely age diverse crowd, too. I liked that.
So we've got Pete's relative (Simon) and a Ringo Starr relative in the band. It's the celebrity back-up band. On keyboards we had Brian Kehew who is the band's keyboard technician because the regular player's wife is very ill and had flown to London a few days before. And let me tell you, they were good. Really good. This was a very tight performance in every good way possible.
Set List (hopefully accurate)
I Can't Explain,
The Seeker,
Substitute,
Fragments,
Who Are You,
Behind Blue Eyes,
Real Good Looking Boy,
Sound Round,
Pick Up The Peace,
Endless Wire,
We Got A Hit,
They Made My Dreams Come True,
Mirror Door,
Baba O'Riley,
Eminence Front,
Man In A Purple Dress (w/o band),
Mike Post Theme,
You Better You Bet,
My Generation,
Cry If You Want,
Won't Get Fooled Again
encore begins
Pinball Wizard,
Amazing Journey,
Sparks,
See Me Feel Me,
Tea And Theatre
added 25 Nov 2006:
Before we get to the who, a brief word about Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders. What a fucking awesome opening act. They need their own show. Talk about the currently reigning queen of rock, she's right here. You can see she's been around awhile because she knows how to rock and she did a great job. I was happy to see it was nearly 2/3rds full when they started at 735pm and went for about 45 minutes.
I've always been a casual fan of The Who, but I was excited at the chance to finally see them live. I was expecting a concert much like the rapidly-aging Rolling Stones would put on. The Who out-rocks the Stones. I must admit this -- and I like the Stones more than the Who. They took the stage at 850pm and rocked until just shy of 11pm. And when I say rocked, I mean rocked. This band doesn't take it easy and the crowd appreciated it -- despite the paper's lukewarm review today. I enjoyed the music, the cool background visuals, everything. I can say I am more a Who fan now than before the show.
The Who had more feeling in their performance and it showed. They didn't coast through most of the numbers and gave it a good show. Plus, we got a bit of the "South Florida" connection because a number of the songs were written locally in WPB as we were told by Pete -- Roger was largely silent when it came to audience banter.
Their new mini-opera was pretty damned good, too. Nobody stood, but it's a new group of songs and this crowd wanted to sing Teenage Wasteland (Baba O'Reily) at the top of their collective lungs. It was a widely age diverse crowd, too. I liked that.
So we've got Pete's relative (Simon) and a Ringo Starr relative in the band. It's the celebrity back-up band. On keyboards we had Brian Kehew who is the band's keyboard technician because the regular player's wife is very ill and had flown to London a few days before. And let me tell you, they were good. Really good. This was a very tight performance in every good way possible.
Set List (hopefully accurate)
I Can't Explain,
The Seeker,
Substitute,
Fragments,
Who Are You,
Behind Blue Eyes,
Real Good Looking Boy,
Sound Round,
Pick Up The Peace,
Endless Wire,
We Got A Hit,
They Made My Dreams Come True,
Mirror Door,
Baba O'Riley,
Eminence Front,
Man In A Purple Dress (w/o band),
Mike Post Theme,
You Better You Bet,
My Generation,
Cry If You Want,
Won't Get Fooled Again
encore begins
Pinball Wizard,
Amazing Journey,
Sparks,
See Me Feel Me,
Tea And Theatre
added 25 Nov 2006:
The Who roadie joins band
From World Entertainment News Network / November 25, 2006 9:15 AM EST
A roadie for rock legends THE WHO has been asked to join the band after he impressed them with his keyboard skills. Band member JOHN BUNDRICK had to pull out of their US tour when his wife became ill, and American roadie BRIAN KEHEW was immediately asked to step in. The Who's manager, ROBERT ROSENBERG, says, "Roadies sometimes stand in for the musicians during the soundcheck. When the band heard Brian they were really impressed."
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Cirque Du Soliel: Love (Beatles)
Saturday night I finally saw the latest in the Cirque Du Soliel oeuvre, Love. First, let me state that it was wonderful through and through and I highly recommend into to anyone as entertainment. However, this should not be the first Cirque you ever see. I'll explain why below.
The music was outstanding, but that's because it's the Beatles. You have to realize that this means there is no live band, so you don't get that as part of your experience. Instead, it's the Beatles singing, via CD I assume. That's not a bad thing at all, but it's not how you should see your first Cirque. Part of that joy is the entire experience.
Love also has people speaking in English as well as the now ubiquitous "Cirque Language". It loses a bit of charm and mystery that way. Nothing wrong with that, but certainly you need to experience that for your first Cirque. On the plus side, there's no mystery to this story of four lads and their music. Various songs are represented in acrobatic ways.
There's a lot less acrobatic stuff and a lot more theatrical stuff. Also decidedly non-Cirque. Again, seeing the songs brought to life is really cool but this is not something one should see as the first Cirque show. Again, everything that goes on is miraculous. We saw the show from row two, right up against the stage (this is in-the-round) and had a great view.
This Cirque borrows a page from Blue Man and has a bit of audience participation. It's a pretty neat effect. And of course the acting is superb, and everything is very well presented. This is a fantastic show and all your Cirque groupies need to see this show.
Many of your favourite Beatles songs are represented, but a fair amount of popular hits aren't -- so be prepared to not hear a song you love. You have to realize they can't include everything -- but the way they randomly sample songs together to make the introductory pieces insures you will hear at least a clip of your favourite Beatles song.
This show rocks. Playing now at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ka is a better Cirque show by all measures except the music -- and I saw Ka (again) this trip as well. But that being said, I still think I like this better.
All you need is Love.
The music was outstanding, but that's because it's the Beatles. You have to realize that this means there is no live band, so you don't get that as part of your experience. Instead, it's the Beatles singing, via CD I assume. That's not a bad thing at all, but it's not how you should see your first Cirque. Part of that joy is the entire experience.
Love also has people speaking in English as well as the now ubiquitous "Cirque Language". It loses a bit of charm and mystery that way. Nothing wrong with that, but certainly you need to experience that for your first Cirque. On the plus side, there's no mystery to this story of four lads and their music. Various songs are represented in acrobatic ways.
There's a lot less acrobatic stuff and a lot more theatrical stuff. Also decidedly non-Cirque. Again, seeing the songs brought to life is really cool but this is not something one should see as the first Cirque show. Again, everything that goes on is miraculous. We saw the show from row two, right up against the stage (this is in-the-round) and had a great view.
This Cirque borrows a page from Blue Man and has a bit of audience participation. It's a pretty neat effect. And of course the acting is superb, and everything is very well presented. This is a fantastic show and all your Cirque groupies need to see this show.
Many of your favourite Beatles songs are represented, but a fair amount of popular hits aren't -- so be prepared to not hear a song you love. You have to realize they can't include everything -- but the way they randomly sample songs together to make the introductory pieces insures you will hear at least a clip of your favourite Beatles song.
This show rocks. Playing now at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ka is a better Cirque show by all measures except the music -- and I saw Ka (again) this trip as well. But that being said, I still think I like this better.
All you need is Love.
Dave Barry
I flew to Las Vegas this past Monday for a pair of conventions (yawn) and also to see the new Cirque show Love (more later). I was standing in line to board and I thought to myself "the back of this guy's head looks awfully familiar." He turned briefly to hand his boarding card to the gate agent, and it was Dave Barry. After I cleared through, I caught up and said "hi" -- he didn't remember me right away, but he did after a few moments. I then left him alone, because I don't want to be a pest. Imagine my surprise when I find out my seatmate is, of all people, Dave.
We chat* a bit prior to take off and we both find the woman behind us insanely irritating because she and her seatmate are doing the crossword puzzle from the inflight magazine. Only they're doing it at a volume that is more conducive to watching a sporting event. We roll eyes at each other and he finally says something along the lines of "If you strangle her, I won't see anything." A tempting offer, but I decide against it and show him my Bose Quiet Comfort headphones -- but even they can't drown her out totally.
He's working on a new book -- I ask him what it's about, and he tells me*. I had a few other questions but mostly he wrote and I read. Neither of us ate the plane food. We both ate the hot nuts. We both had beverages. And that is the generic description.
I fired off an e-mail to Rob because I thought it was cool I should run into his dad on a plane. Slim odds. And I'm looking forward to the new book.
* The nature of our discussions shall not concern you except as noted :)
We chat* a bit prior to take off and we both find the woman behind us insanely irritating because she and her seatmate are doing the crossword puzzle from the inflight magazine. Only they're doing it at a volume that is more conducive to watching a sporting event. We roll eyes at each other and he finally says something along the lines of "If you strangle her, I won't see anything." A tempting offer, but I decide against it and show him my Bose Quiet Comfort headphones -- but even they can't drown her out totally.
He's working on a new book -- I ask him what it's about, and he tells me*. I had a few other questions but mostly he wrote and I read. Neither of us ate the plane food. We both ate the hot nuts. We both had beverages. And that is the generic description.
I fired off an e-mail to Rob because I thought it was cool I should run into his dad on a plane. Slim odds. And I'm looking forward to the new book.
* The nature of our discussions shall not concern you except as noted :)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Blog Stats through today (from inception)
I ran some statistics on the 93,000+ hits this blog has had. Most, as you know, are related to the topics of Led Zeppelin and Crazy Frog -- people come in to those pages and leave from them without ever seeing the rest of the blog. The remaining pages have a steady viewer-ship -- the blog received about 60 hits per day from "regulars" most of whom I assume I don't know.
Here's a table with the breakdown. I can explain Brazil because that's my Orkut contingent. The hockey posts here explain quite a number of entries. I guess the terrorist posts explain another batch, but who can explain "Reunion Island" -- I didn't even know they had the Internet!
There you have it.
Here's a table with the breakdown. I can explain Brazil because that's my Orkut contingent. The hockey posts here explain quite a number of entries. I guess the terrorist posts explain another batch, but who can explain "Reunion Island" -- I didn't even know they had the Internet!
| COUNTRY (11-12-06 @ 17:34 EST) | Visitors | %Total |
| United States | 26537 | 46.87% |
| Brazil | 9504 | 16.79% |
| Canada | 4833 | 8.54% |
| United Kingdom | 2450 | 4.33% |
| Malaysia | 1728 | 3.05% |
| India | 1012 | 1.79% |
| France | 902 | 1.59% |
| Mexico | 678 | 1.20% |
| Germany | 519 | 0.92% |
| Singapore | 475 | 0.84% |
| Argentina | 468 | 0.83% |
| Australia | 467 | 0.82% |
| Italy | 423 | 0.75% |
| United Arab Emirates | 362 | 0.64% |
| Philippines | 356 | 0.63% |
| Sweden | 322 | 0.57% |
| Spain | 266 | 0.47% |
| Iran, Islamic Republic of | 255 | 0.45% |
| Hong Kong | 202 | 0.36% |
| Belgium | 200 | 0.35% |
| Romania | 183 | 0.32% |
| Venezuela | 180 | 0.32% |
| Switzerland | 176 | 0.31% |
| Netherlands | 170 | 0.30% |
| Chile | 167 | 0.29% |
| Morocco | 163 | 0.29% |
| Portugal | 153 | 0.27% |
| Finland | 148 | 0.26% |
| Japan | 125 | 0.22% |
| Norway | 122 | 0.22% |
| Pakistan | 115 | 0.20% |
| Puerto Rico | 114 | 0.20% |
| Saudi Arabia | 114 | 0.20% |
| Egypt | 110 | 0.19% |
| Algeria | 101 | 0.18% |
| Hungary | 97 | 0.17% |
| Poland | 94 | 0.17% |
| Turkey | 90 | 0.16% |
| Denmark | 89 | 0.16% |
| Austria | 84 | 0.15% |
| Korea, Republic of | 77 | 0.14% |
| Israel | 73 | 0.13% |
| Ireland | 73 | 0.13% |
| Slovenia | 69 | 0.12% |
| Qatar | 68 | 0.12% |
| Indonesia | 68 | 0.12% |
| New Zealand | 65 | 0.11% |
| Kuwait | 57 | 0.10% |
| Jordan | 56 | 0.10% |
| Satellite Provider | 53 | 0.09% |
| Taiwan | 52 | 0.09% |
| Sri Lanka | 52 | 0.09% |
| Czech Republic | 49 | 0.09% |
| South Africa | 49 | 0.09% |
| Greece | 48 | 0.08% |
| China | 47 | 0.08% |
| Colombia | 43 | 0.08% |
| Slovakia | 42 | 0.07% |
| Latvia | 42 | 0.07% |
| Lithuania | 40 | 0.07% |
| Croatia | 36 | 0.06% |
| Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of | 34 | 0.06% |
| Jamaica | 33 | 0.06% |
| Bulgaria | 32 | 0.06% |
| Serbia and Montenegro | 30 | 0.05% |
| Thailand | 30 | 0.05% |
| Estonia | 29 | 0.05% |
| Bahrain | 28 | 0.05% |
| Peru | 28 | 0.05% |
| Vietnam | 27 | 0.05% |
| Uruguay | 26 | 0.05% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 24 | 0.04% |
| Oman | 24 | 0.04% |
| Dominican Republic | 22 | 0.04% |
| Malta | 22 | 0.04% |
| Russian Federation | 22 | 0.04% |
| Cyprus | 21 | 0.04% |
| Panama | 19 | 0.03% |
| Paraguay | 19 | 0.03% |
| Costa Rica | 19 | 0.03% |
| Tunisia | 16 | 0.03% |
| Luxembourg | 15 | 0.03% |
| Syrian Arab Republic | 15 | 0.03% |
| Iceland | 14 | 0.02% |
| Mauritius | 14 | 0.02% |
| Guatemala | 14 | 0.02% |
| Bahamas | 13 | 0.02% |
| Macao | 13 | 0.02% |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 13 | 0.02% |
| Palestinian Territory, Occupied | 13 | 0.02% |
| Honduras | 13 | 0.02% |
| Iraq | 12 | 0.02% |
| Ukraine | 11 | 0.02% |
| Cuba | 11 | 0.02% |
| Nigeria | 10 | 0.02% |
| Georgia | 10 | 0.02% |
| Monaco | 10 | 0.02% |
| El Salvador | 9 | 0.02% |
| Lebanon | 9 | 0.02% |
| Ghana | 9 | 0.02% |
| Ecuador | 9 | 0.02% |
| Barbados | 8 | 0.01% |
| Unknown | 8 | 0.01% |
| Europe | 7 | 0.01% |
| Bangladesh | 6 | 0.01% |
| Guam | 6 | 0.01% |
| Brunei Darussalam | 6 | 0.01% |
| Moldova, Republic of | 6 | 0.01% |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 5 | 0.01% |
| Albania | 5 | 0.01% |
| Yemen | 5 | 0.01% |
| Kenya | 5 | 0.01% |
| Cote D'Ivoire | 4 | 0.01% |
| Netherlands Antilles | 4 | 0.01% |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. | 4 | 0.01% |
| Cayman Islands | 4 | 0.01% |
| Cambodia | 4 | 0.01% |
| Sudan | 4 | 0.01% |
| Botswana | 3 | 0.01% |
| Fiji | 3 | 0.01% |
| Anonymous Proxy | 3 | 0.01% |
| Bermuda | 3 | 0.01% |
| Armenia | 3 | 0.01% |
| Aruba | 3 | 0.01% |
| Benin | 3 | 0.01% |
| Senegal | 3 | 0.01% |
| Belize | 3 | 0.01% |
| Suriname | 2 | 0.00% |
| Nicaragua | 2 | 0.00% |
| French Polynesia | 2 | 0.00% |
| Burkina Faso | 2 | 0.00% |
| Tanzania, United Republic of | 2 | 0.00% |
| Uzbekistan | 2 | 0.00% |
| Mali | 2 | 0.00% |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 0.00% |
| Virgin Islands, British | 2 | 0.00% |
| Bolivia | 2 | 0.00% |
| Angola | 2 | 0.00% |
| Zambia | 1 | 0.00% |
| Nepal | 1 | 0.00% |
| Saint Lucia | 1 | 0.00% |
| Kazakhstan | 1 | 0.00% |
| Guadeloupe | 1 | 0.00% |
| San Marino | 1 | 0.00% |
| Belarus | 1 | 0.00% |
| Liechtenstein | 1 | 0.00% |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 1 | 0.00% |
| Lao People's Democratic Republic | 1 | 0.00% |
| Azerbaijan | 1 | 0.00% |
| Mozambique | 1 | 0.00% |
| Maldives | 1 | 0.00% |
| Greenland | 1 | 0.00% |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1 | 0.00% |
| Tajikistan | 1 | 0.00% |
| Chad | 1 | 0.00% |
| Grenada | 1 | 0.00% |
| Reunion | 1 | 0.00% |
There you have it.
Borat The Film
I'll start by saying when I saw the previews for this film, I thought it wouldn't be worth seeing. It looked to be insanely stupid. As it turns out it was insanely stupid. And that turns out to be its saving grace.
If this film took itself seriously, if it made any effort to be intelligent, it would fail as a racist, misogynistic, offensive pile of shit. But, the fact it's not trying to be pretentious makes it work. Yes, this film is bigoted and racist and offensive, there is absolutely no doubt to that. However that's what makes it funny because through the character Borat (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) you see people behave as they really are. And it shows how misogynistic many people really are. The frat boys in the film are suing saying the release they signed is invalid, but they don't come off as badly as the coup-de-grace which is the dinner party in the deep-south mansion.
The change in attitude when Borat brings his black lady-friend in goes beyond anything you could possibly imagine. It's uncomfortable yet funny at the same time. Sure, there are moments when the film drags, and there are moments when it misses its mark, but all-in-all the film-makers did a great job.
If this film took itself seriously, if it made any effort to be intelligent, it would fail as a racist, misogynistic, offensive pile of shit. But, the fact it's not trying to be pretentious makes it work. Yes, this film is bigoted and racist and offensive, there is absolutely no doubt to that. However that's what makes it funny because through the character Borat (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) you see people behave as they really are. And it shows how misogynistic many people really are. The frat boys in the film are suing saying the release they signed is invalid, but they don't come off as badly as the coup-de-grace which is the dinner party in the deep-south mansion.
The change in attitude when Borat brings his black lady-friend in goes beyond anything you could possibly imagine. It's uncomfortable yet funny at the same time. Sure, there are moments when the film drags, and there are moments when it misses its mark, but all-in-all the film-makers did a great job.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
I've Moved to Blogger Beta
I'm not sure how this will work, but I've decided to be proactive and beat the curve. Let's see how well it works. Expect a new look really soon. Your patience with my learning curve is appreciated!
It's really frustrating so far. I've got to tell you. I've added an HR tag between posts until I can get the template totally fixed.
Update: I also apologize to the Technorati users who visit. Due to some unknown bug, about 10 posts were made with the migration date (11-11-06) instead of their original date, so I'm trying to put them more or less back where they belong by changing the date to approximate where they belong. In addition, Technorati shows all 215 posts as new despite the fact most retained their original dates.
Again, apologies as this disaster was not intentional. Beta software certainly has issues.
It's really frustrating so far. I've got to tell you. I've added an HR tag between posts until I can get the template totally fixed.
Update: I also apologize to the Technorati users who visit. Due to some unknown bug, about 10 posts were made with the migration date (11-11-06) instead of their original date, so I'm trying to put them more or less back where they belong by changing the date to approximate where they belong. In addition, Technorati shows all 215 posts as new despite the fact most retained their original dates.
Again, apologies as this disaster was not intentional. Beta software certainly has issues.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Republicans Realize They Have Heads Stuck Up Their Asses
Today's Herald: "Republicans turned on one another Wednesday after losing control of power in Congress -- blaming an out-of-touch, self-promoting party leadership for abandoning ethics and conservative principles and turning off the country."
Veteran conservative strategist Richard A. Viguerie was especially caustic. "Every single member of the Republican leadership in the House should be replaced. They have failed the conservatives who put them in office, and they have failed the people of this country," Viguerie said. "This election was also a referendum on the so-called 'neoconservatives' -- the big-government Republicans who took us into a nation-building war while they busted the budget and enriched big business and its K Street lobbyists."
Another casualty has been Dennis Hastert, Mr. Foley's enabler. Yay. No loss there. You guys have alienated a lot of people and you were too stupid to see it. Maybe if you got your heads out of your collective asses you'd have seen this coming. America is tired of this. Family Values are great -- I'm all for them. But you're so busy killing these families with your war and bankrupting the half that's left in order to preserve your greedy self-interests, you've lost touch with all of America.
Veteran conservative strategist Richard A. Viguerie was especially caustic. "Every single member of the Republican leadership in the House should be replaced. They have failed the conservatives who put them in office, and they have failed the people of this country," Viguerie said. "This election was also a referendum on the so-called 'neoconservatives' -- the big-government Republicans who took us into a nation-building war while they busted the budget and enriched big business and its K Street lobbyists."
Another casualty has been Dennis Hastert, Mr. Foley's enabler. Yay. No loss there. You guys have alienated a lot of people and you were too stupid to see it. Maybe if you got your heads out of your collective asses you'd have seen this coming. America is tired of this. Family Values are great -- I'm all for them. But you're so busy killing these families with your war and bankrupting the half that's left in order to preserve your greedy self-interests, you've lost touch with all of America.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Ding Dong, The Wicked Witch Is Dead (Rumsfeld)
Bush Says Rumsfeld Is Stepping Down
By DAVID ESPO and LIZ SIDOTI (Associated Press Writers)
November 08, 2006 1:25 PM EST
So let's discuss this. First, let's discuss the last sentence. Bush is obviously in denial if he thinks Rumsfeld is a "superb leader" -- Rumsfeld was almost as bad as Ashcroft, a horribly divisive evil man. Good riddance. Although I admire Bush's loyalty to someone who served him so poorly. No, really. Loyalty is admirable.
Secondly, the article would have you believe Rumsfeld singlehandedly brought down the Republican party. Although that's ludicrous, he is a more than credible scapegoat. If his advice didn't suck so bad, we might not be in this quagmire.
Lastly, I'm not sure how much better the replacement will be. I hope Bush is smart enough (yeah, right, as if) to use this as an excuse to begin a planned, organized withdrawal from Iraq. Despite what people would have you believe, a quick, sudden withdrawal would cause more problems than it would solve. I think an organized departure over 12 months with a set timetable would work and it would certainly appease the rest of planet which hates us. I say this only because the United States has been wrong on this war -- generally appeasement is a horrible thing (World War II anyone?)
Let's hope the insanity ends now and doesn't have to wait for a new president. I doubt Bush can learn from this lesson, after all he's dumber than a cockroach, but one can always hope.
By DAVID ESPO and LIZ SIDOTI (Associated Press Writers)
November 08, 2006 1:25 PM EST
WASHINGTON - President Bush said Wednesday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down and former CIA Director Robert Gates will take over at the Pentagon and in prosecuting the war in Iraq.
Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon. The development occurred one day after midterm elections that cost Republicans control of the House, and possibly the Senate, as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic victory.
Bush described Rumsfeld as a "superb leader" in a time of change, but said his defense chief recognizes the value of "fresh perspective."So let's discuss this. First, let's discuss the last sentence. Bush is obviously in denial if he thinks Rumsfeld is a "superb leader" -- Rumsfeld was almost as bad as Ashcroft, a horribly divisive evil man. Good riddance. Although I admire Bush's loyalty to someone who served him so poorly. No, really. Loyalty is admirable.
Secondly, the article would have you believe Rumsfeld singlehandedly brought down the Republican party. Although that's ludicrous, he is a more than credible scapegoat. If his advice didn't suck so bad, we might not be in this quagmire.
Lastly, I'm not sure how much better the replacement will be. I hope Bush is smart enough (yeah, right, as if) to use this as an excuse to begin a planned, organized withdrawal from Iraq. Despite what people would have you believe, a quick, sudden withdrawal would cause more problems than it would solve. I think an organized departure over 12 months with a set timetable would work and it would certainly appease the rest of planet which hates us. I say this only because the United States has been wrong on this war -- generally appeasement is a horrible thing (World War II anyone?)
Let's hope the insanity ends now and doesn't have to wait for a new president. I doubt Bush can learn from this lesson, after all he's dumber than a cockroach, but one can always hope.
And what about the election
And, if it makes any difference, I was for the republican governorship candidate (Crist) this election. I don't often support Republicans but sometimes you have to go for the right candidate and not the right party. Don't ever let it be said, I'm so stubborn I won't vote for the other team.
And how is it that the Harris contest was so close. I had her to lose by at least 30% and she only lost by 20%. Does that mean over 40% of the people in this state are so stupid as to vote for this clinically insane shew of a creature. Her own party disowned her: that speaks volumes.
And how is it that the Harris contest was so close. I had her to lose by at least 30% and she only lost by 20%. Does that mean over 40% of the people in this state are so stupid as to vote for this clinically insane shew of a creature. Her own party disowned her: that speaks volumes.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Dear Abby and why the new one sucks
I have been reading Dear Abby since I was a kid. I don't know why, but I have. Same reason I read Action Line, too. Habit I guess. I just have to say the "new" Abby (her daughter) just isn't the same and isn't as good. I think I'm finally going to give up the column.
Her advice simply isn't as good on any number of topics, including the poor woman was complaining about being groped by an older man. That was in her column the past few days. She has more columns with readers challenging her advice than Dear Abby ever ran.
She's always yelling "child endangerment" and other terms like they're always the answer. Yes, sometimes they are. Many times she's being utterly frivolous. Just because you don't agree with someone's parenting skills doesn't mean they're bad or wrong. She's also fond of words like "abuse" -- again many times she's right but she's not always right.
I knew she was going to be bad news when, not long after she started, some guy wrote her asking for advice where to get help because he was having thoughts about paedophilia. Now, we all agree that's bad. Even the guy knew it was bad, quite clearly asked where he could get help. Now, an advice columnist's job is to send that person for help. The guy looking for help isn't likely to be a problem if he finds help. So what did she do? she calls the cops and turns him in. Having bad thoughts isn't a crime, or we'd all be in jail for something. She could have helped this guy and instead she crucifies him. That really wasn't the right or charitable thing to do. (Let me be clear if he had acted or indicated he was planning on acting on his thoughts, then she'd be right to turn him. All the media reports quite clearly stated this wasn't the case.)
I think she's in over her head. I miss her mother's advice. It was more often right than wrong unlike her daughter.
Tag: advice and Dear Abby
Her advice simply isn't as good on any number of topics, including the poor woman was complaining about being groped by an older man. That was in her column the past few days. She has more columns with readers challenging her advice than Dear Abby ever ran.
She's always yelling "child endangerment" and other terms like they're always the answer. Yes, sometimes they are. Many times she's being utterly frivolous. Just because you don't agree with someone's parenting skills doesn't mean they're bad or wrong. She's also fond of words like "abuse" -- again many times she's right but she's not always right.
I knew she was going to be bad news when, not long after she started, some guy wrote her asking for advice where to get help because he was having thoughts about paedophilia. Now, we all agree that's bad. Even the guy knew it was bad, quite clearly asked where he could get help. Now, an advice columnist's job is to send that person for help. The guy looking for help isn't likely to be a problem if he finds help. So what did she do? she calls the cops and turns him in. Having bad thoughts isn't a crime, or we'd all be in jail for something. She could have helped this guy and instead she crucifies him. That really wasn't the right or charitable thing to do. (Let me be clear if he had acted or indicated he was planning on acting on his thoughts, then she'd be right to turn him. All the media reports quite clearly stated this wasn't the case.)
I think she's in over her head. I miss her mother's advice. It was more often right than wrong unlike her daughter.
Tag: advice and Dear Abby
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
