Stupid Sunday

EMBED-World's Most Powerful Nerf Gun

The title says it all. Preferably videos, but stills will work just as well.

Apropos for my love of Nerf guns, to say the least.

Personal Saturday

I've been trying to avoid the whole talking about me and my life, but I think that just takes away from who I am and my history of writing.

As such, I present Personal Saturday. Think of it as almost a personal song about today, or even a week in review (but not always).

Either way, I hope you enjoy and keep coming back.

Eleven days comes so fast,

I feel like I'm writing it off, my ass.

Nearing the halfway mark,

The writing isn't quite as stark.

iPad came out earlier this week,

I dunno if it's what I seek.

I keep checking on netbooks galore,

But don't blame me, I'm a tech whore.

Dyl's game of hoops today

was tough one, you could say.

Triple teams and fouls that hack

we lost but 'cause we lacked.

My night will end the day

as company comes, Wii will play

Just Dance is the game we chose

Don't worry, we won't take off clothes.

The ice in my rum is nearing its end

So now I give this to you to send.

Thanks for reading, revisit on the morrow;

I only ask your attention to borrow.

Shazam!

Friday Funny: Pee Wee's iPad

If you haven't seen it yet, the iPad was released earlier this week.

Since it topped the news this week (aside from Obama's State of the Union), I figured let's finish with something funny.

Humour, Technology and something from the 1980's brings you this video.

I did like Pee Wee's show growing up, but I've heard too many sick jokes (and thanks to Jeff H. in the Woodlands for nightmares about what lies in Chairy's mouth).

Shazam!

eBooks: Right or Wrong, Part I

As civilization progresses, so does the tools that man uses.

See history for the evolution of tools, transportation, apparel, and communication.

For all this, the humble book hasn't really changed much in the last few millennia, aside from printing techniques and being bound. Of late, digital readers have begun to take off.

I going to assume that you know what a digital reader is (if you don't read here), so we'll move forward from there. Digital texts aren't anything new, nor is reading via PC or laptop (currently my method of reading digital texts). eReaders are fancy simple purposed devices that make the task of reading said etexts/ebooks that much easier. eReaders typically have an LCD screen (better on battery life, offers ease of reading comparable to actual paper) and buttons to navigate, but this is rapidly changing to offer greater versatility.

In what could be consider it's first real year, the Kindle sold over 1.1 million units (party due to Oprah's magic touch). This same trend leads up to a predicted 12 million units in 2011. This should be compared to the rising trends of laptops finally exceeding desktop sales in 2008. Portability or versatility, take your pick; either way, people want their digital media ready to rock and roll quickly.

So now that the stage is set, will the Kindle and Sony Reader become a hot commodity among readers and college students alike? Will the iPad fill that niche between singular purposed luxury devices and watered down laptops?

Go ahead; post that comment.

FOLLOW UP (29 Jan 2010): Doing a bit of roving around on the net, I came across this article from the CES show a while back. Basically this ol' boy is stoked about his Barnes & Noble Nook, but goes through and lists some really functional e-Readers as well, many of which aren't mentioned here (as of yet...). Worth a quick read for sho!

Shazam!

eBooks: Right or Wrong (Preface)

As the iPad was announced today, I can't help but going on and beginning this series.

A voracious reader friend of mine and I have been discussing the prospects of eBooks, eReaders (whatever generic name you'd prefer) and the advent of downloadable books versus the tried and true bound book.

Off the cuff, I can't see the iPad changing the world in the manner that the iPhone did/does.

But Apple wouldn't get into this business unless they see the opportunities (read: Cash Cow).

So, to kick this off, I just wanted to get those juices flowing en tus cabezas and just let you know that for the next few days, we'll be exploring the prospects of this, and perhaps even include a debate.

Until next time, keep reading...via Internet...via eInk...via newspaper...

Shazam!

Guilty Pleasure: Fanboy-ism

Preface: I am a fanboy. I am such for a great many things. Jim Lee, Michael Crichton, John Williams, The Empire Strikes Back, finger picking, a long deep kiss, and big leather couches are never wrong. Period.

A dear friend of mine recently posted about how George Lucas ruined the Star Wars franchise. That in of itself was just a bit too easy to attack. So, I decided instead to go ahead and point out that fault in his argument: He can't take of his fanboy glasses.

I'd love to say that everyone (I deep down believe this, but I'm just infected with that damn virus Policalus Correctus) had a favorite something something growing up. Elmo. Thundercats. G.I. Joe. My Little Pony. (Hell, anything Hasbro made in the 1980's for our generation) Telatubbies. Barney. Mork & Mindy. Gilligan's Island. The list is never ending.

We all have our guilty pleasures. Some are more guilty than others, some are more pleasurable, but they all have that guilty tinge to them. Being a fanboy (or fangirl Damn you PC Nazis!) isn't an evil or much less a bad thing. But by being one, it throws a wrench in your logic. Period.

Take Star Wars. Now, let's look at the original film, "A New Hope". Some would argue a great film. Was it? I offer "But I wanted to go to the Toshi Station for some power converters." This movie was quite campy. The acting was...okay. Brilliantly pulled off special effects, a masterpiece of a soundtrack and a story worthy of operatic proportions. Nonetheless, fans will not doubt the film's quality as a masterpiece (myself included).

Bring forth "The Prequels". A damned word if there ever were one, Lucas wanted to fully tell the tale of Skywalker's fall to the dark side. I don't know if he should have ventured there. Personally, I think that he got a sign (read: $) from a higher power (read: fanboys with $). Lucas's rationale? The technology is finally available for me to make the film I want to make (I paraphrase, but you get the gist).

The Prequels weren't Lucas's best work, not by any means. As expressed by a great many people in the fine realm that is the Internet, Lucas would have been better served to let others do some of the work. I can't say that the prequels were better than than the originals, because they weren't. But the storylines, however weak, form the basis of the Star Wars canon. Love it or hate it, it simply is.

I truly dislike Jar Jar. Jake Lloyd was just okay, but don't fault the little kid. Qui-Gon's death, albiet a necessary one, wasn't fully fleshed out and justly served. I could pont out a few other niggles, but I'm quickly losing steam (See here for clarification)

In short, fanboys may not always see the lack of logic beyond their love for nostalgia. It's so easy to defend your stance and not consider the alternate view: your hero worship is directed at a campy [fill in the blank]. And your response should be "So what?" We all have them, so just go with it.

For all the crap that the prequels get, here Guilty Pleasure Favor-8 List of Good Things to come out of "The Prequels".

1. Duel of the Fates - Almost as good as Imperial March. Almost...

2. Pod Racing - Yes, it was really cool.

3. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan, and Darth Maul getting it on.

4. Amidala in the battle worn whites - Almost as hot as a metal bikini.

5. Jango Fett - Boba and Slave I are finally sources.

6. Mace Windu - The lightsaber that says "BAD MOTHERF_CKER", sans the underscore.

7. Across the Stars - Grows on you, a really stirring song.

8. Obi-Wan's Growth as a Jedi - This should be the focus of the prequels, nothing else.

As I finished this list, I realize how much I like Obi-Wan's character. I actually read the book prior to watching Revenge of the Sith. In doing so, I learned more about his character than I ever would have by simply watching the movies. Obi-Wan was one the Jedi's greatest representative. A skilled warrior, tactician, and friend, Obi-Wan represented the Jedi's absolute pinnacle without the formality that Yoda or Ki-Adi Mundi presented.

Damn...maybe I just messed up my whole point by mentioning the book.

Oh well, cue Duel of the Fates...

Football Movie You Probably Missed, Part II

Since the Super Bowl for this year is finally set, I figured it was time to bring forth this lil' review.

Blood Equity is a movie about the NFL, specifically the problems that the former and retired NFL players face with the health benefits. At least that was my take on it. Here's an excerpt:

The purpose of this film is to educate and seek solutions for improving life for many of these men after playing in one of the world's most violent games...Collectively, these former NFL Champions attest to the poor treatment that many NFL players receive from the Player's Union once they retire. Along with increasing public awareness, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Gridiron Greats Foundation. Founded by Jerry Kramer and other Hall of Famers, the Gridiron Greats Foundation was established to assist retired players in need.

As I watched the film, I found myself enthralled by the stories, not only of prior greatness, but of the seemingly harsh treatment that these gridiron warriors faced after their professional careers ended.

As a Texas boy, I watched Darryl Johnston run and block for the Dallas Cowboys during the Jimmie Johnson era. The Moose was no slouch and Emmitt Smith had best thank Moose when he is enshrined. But for all that, the career-ending injury was only the beginning of his problems with the NFL.

Of most interest is the comments that a few viewers placed on the forum, ranging from sympathetic to down-right nasty. The movie isn't without its faults (namely the attack against a man who would pass away soon after filming was completed, but this is somewhat addressed at the end of the film). Understanding that existing bias, it's worth of a watch by any NFL fan.

I won't spoil anything for you here. There are a variety of ways to check out the movie, but I was fortunate enough to queue it up on my Hulu account. Set up an account and check it out here.

Warm Running Down Your Leg...

I'm thinking it's not just a guy thing.

In the last six months or so, I've seen and read many a comments about going No. 1 in the shower.

Take your pick: Too lazy, it's funny, forgot to go. Whatever the reason, it's obviously something that a lot of folks out there are going ahead and doing.

Am I guilty? Well, taking the fact that you are reading this hear, I'll allow you to arrive at your own conclusion.

Having said that, here are a few admissions posted on one of my favorite blogs, Post Secret.

The shower scene is probably my favorite, but again, it's just a snap shot of life. So do you...you know...go No. 1 in the shower?

I really don't want to know.

PS - This video really is hilarious. Just funny. Watch. Then laugh. Thanks to K.A.D. for being my muse.

Shazam!

Force a Symphony

As a special gift for my son's birthday, I surprised him with tickets to the San Antonio Symphony. For last night's events, we saw Michael Krajewski conducting to a series of John Williams's music.

I haven't been to a symphony before (at least not a profressional one); I've done a few college ones during my time at Sam Houston. I've seen Cats but that's about it. So last night was definitely a treat for us all.

The set list contained music from The Olympics, The Cowboys, Jaws, Harry Potter, and of course, Star Wars series.

Apparently, Krajewski has a sense of humor; and it shows. He was more than gracious and spoke to the audience, giving a bit of a story for most of the songs. More so, this humor was initially evidenced during "The Shark Theme". As those two notes built to a crescendo, a large paper fin appeared and moved along below the conductor, appearing to stalk a prey.

The night was a great night. I even saw a few of my students on a field trip with the school band (there's even a funny story there). For all the fun that we had enjoying an evening of fine music, there was one niggle that Renee and I discussed on the way home.

You can't underestimate the enthusiasm of a fanboy. As such, anything Star Wars brings them out of the woodwork. Applaud is great and so are standing ovations, but excessive hooting and hollering? I don't know. Maybe I am getting old. Renee did say it was "the Pops", but is that an excuse?

All in all, Dylan really enjoyed it.We are looking at going back for the Beatles show in March. We may really discovered something...

Shazam!

Race On: Pinewood Derby

It's that time of year again for Boy Scouts across the nation...Pinewood Derby.

For the uninitiated, it's an opportunity to build up a wooden race car and compete against your fellow scouts. Competitions can range from the oh so friendly to down right vindictive. As this is our second year participating, we've only read about those stories.

Last year, Dyl and I built up a Lamborghini Murcielago (it's basically a shaped wedge) and in doing so, we learned a lot.

This year, we've really taken the art of shaping the cars to a new level. Dyl wanted a classic car, so we went with the 1967 Shelby GT 500, a la Eleanor. Luke wanted a Batmobile, so that's what we built, slightly modified. We race on Sunday, so hopefully we do well. It was a lot of fun spending time with the boys doing this. Not too many headaches, and plenty of memories.

I'll follow up with results later.

Follow Up:So we had the races on Sunday and it was on the verge of chaos, but that's not unusual. The Scouts is a great outlet for the kids, in addition to being a superb channel for introducing kids to camping, nature, and self sufficiency (at least thinking about it).

There was a total of six heats: Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos I and II, and Me Too's. The Me Too's are sisters and younger siblings of scouts; think of it as a way to include other family members.

Looking at the cars, the best ones (not counting my sons) were the kits. While quite nice, they lacked that handcrafted imperfection that hints at a handiwork and builds pride and character. In fact, the fastest car there was a homegrown camouflage truck with weights on the bed (more on him later).

With the heats set, it comes down to racing a three-lane incline that flattens out in the second half, probably about twenty-five feet long or so. One of the most interesting facets of this race is the timing mechanism. While I suspected a high dollar multiple timing system with lap and such (typical of track meets and high end race events), this timer that I could make out consisted of a PC, monitor, connections to the track, and a VCR? Yes, that's right. Home brew software took a busted VCR and converted it into a multi lane timing system...accurate to the thousandth of a second. With blue/red/white indicator for place. If that ain't the Scout way...

Dyl's GT500 had a good and consistent showing. His car was a bit big and just not well enough on the low volume/high mass ration. He did improve over last year however, finishing second in his heat.

Lukers's Batmobile was one of the fastest cars at the event. His car's best time was about a 3.7 or so (the camo truck I mentioned earlier ran a 3.51). I was impressed with the little car and Lukers had a great time sitting, cheering and yelling.

Life can be great at times, and this Sunday race was no exception.

Shazam!

Not just Kris's fav book...

So I downloaded Airframe in ebook format to read at leisure on my PSP. The book is as good as I can remember it.

So what are we talking about here? Wasn't I going to discuss another football movie? Change of schedule...don't sweat it.

I really like Crichton. Really. I just don't like how he ended his books the first half of his career.

SPOILER: Crichton, in my humble opinion, likes to build and build and build, then drop you off with the ending. At least he used. Take Andromeda Strain. Read the first couple of chapters. The build up, the gradual increase of suspense and detail to intricacies, is what makes Crichton so appealing to me: details. That cliff that Wile E. Coyote drops off chasing the Road Runner is what happens towards the end of Andromeda Strain. Before your panties get twisted, know this: I still like Crichton, just not his endings. END SPOILER.

I'm rereading this novel, just because. I've gotten into ebooks lately (any of my Facebook friends might realize this) and love the convenience of it. I don't have much free time during the day and my PSP allows for any time reading convenience.

As this is my fourth or fifth reading, I've come across a few similarities in this and a few of Crichton's other novels. It's almost formulaic how their are certain characters, roles, that are fleshed out exactly and fit to serve a specific role. Doesn't take away from the story, but read a few of his novels four or five times and let me know if you come across the same thing.

Down and dirty, this novel is good stuff. Set in the mid 1990's, it tracks the effects of a seemingly innocuous decision gone bad. Really bad. Crichton sets up the scene nicely and the story really flows. One interesting feature of this novel is the seeming lack of techie terms. It's there, but perhaps not as stark and overcoming as say Timeline or Disclosure. Mayge I'm such a tech nerd that I get it automatically. Whichever, it's a great read; driving pace and leave you guessing who is who and how the outcome will be reached.

Best of all? The Coyote won't be waiting for you at the bottom of the cliff.

Shazam!

Football Movie You Probably Missed, Part I

December 12, 2009. A few days before my birthday and I was about to receive an early birthday present: Road Trip back to what I would consider the antithesis of Halcyon Years of NCAA football. The U was coming on television that night.

While it detailed a buildup of the football program at Miami University (even talking about the logo), the heavier emphasis was the recruitment methods and the encouragement of showboating (Pay for Play and Luther Campbell are mentioned). As an adult, I really can't say that I'd condone that kind of play now, but back then, it was truly electric. Those boys could play...period. What truly adds to this documentary is that all the interviews are with former UM coaches and players, including Howard Schnellenberger, Jimmie Johnson, Santana Moss, Michael Irvin, Jeremy Shockey, and many more. These were the warriors that talked the talked and backed it up. I came into the game late but was still regaled with the stories of the swagger that players from "The U" had and that was that.

Obviously, if you were not a fan of the team then, something will be lost in the translation here. This movie was done by Billy Corben, of Cocaine Cowboys series fame (another really good documentary as well). He's a fan of the teams from late 1970's through the 1990's isn't ashamed to let this come through in the presentation. And of course, there is some detailing of a few of the crimes that the players were "accused" of, but this isn't harped upon.

Sadly, if you missed it, you are out of luck for a bit. The DVD is scheduled to come out sometime this year. Sure, you can bit it together on youTube, but that just ain't the same. There is a nice short interview with Corben here, that's about it for now. In any case, for those of you that are about my age and enjoyed the show that those boys in green put on, check it out.

Shazam!

Next time: NFL Player's Association

The Lost Symbol Uncovers...

I just got done reading Dan Brown's latest, The Lost Symbol.

If you've read the last two Robert Langond novels, then you're probably familiar with the themes. This one isn't a let down. I found only one element to be only slightly predictable, but this didn't take away from the story. Quite enjoyable, a fast read, and not so easy to put down.

But that's not quite the point of this post. After attending mass today and listening to the homily (the preacher's sermon), I found myself eerily caught in what seemed to be deja vu.

****SPOILER****

If you desire to read the book, consider stopping here. You can't blame me for anything if you delve past this point without having read the book. Nuff said 'bout that.

It's about knowledge, the "word" that is presented to us and drives us to learn more, to seek out a higher meaning. For whatever reason, having finished this book yesterday combined with the homily given today at mass, the stars lined up for me. Maybe like a the antagonist, at times I've felt like I was looking for something. I'm not gonna get all mushy and gushy on you; I just feel like I've been hit with this empowering feeling.

I'm sure many would call this sacrilegious, but in the end, isn't it about receiving His word? For His glory? The gist of the book revolves around being hit with this knowledge and being cognizant of it. Hmm, kinda like those boring mornings where that old dude goes on and on. Moving on...

I enjoyed the book. Much like his last one, I found it to be an easy read, moved quickly and had nice turns. Got a bit bogged down towards the end, but not a back and forth as say Angels and Demons (still my fave of the three). I'd recommend it, but you have to make that decision for yourself.

In either case, I feel like I'm a better person for it.

Shazam!

Nose to the Grindstone!

I got this blog going before I really knew exactly what and where I wanted to go with it. As such, it's been more so of a hobby and not something I've dedicated myself to consistently. And so here we are...

I've gotten some flack from my near professional writing buddy over at Sound and Fury along with some from my dearest brother.

"You need to focus on one topic"

"You need to write everday"

"You need to get your blog out there"

"You need to _insert your own reason_ "

Well, I guess I'm going to put this out there. For the next thirty days, I will post at least once a day. For the next thirty days, I'm going to do a blur of short writing. I've got in my mind what I'll do, and hopefully keep all five of you readers coming back for more. I've got a bit o' work to do...

Shazam!

Longhorns and Twitter Feeds

There remains about thirteen minutes left in the Texas-Bama BCS Championship game and I just happen to have my laptop going right beside me.

In case you just don't like sports, or hate college football, UT's Colt McCoy was injured during the fourth play of Texas's second drive. That singular play took out 2/3 of the Texas offense plan.

Not that it would have been a pushover, but I was rooting for Texas and looked forward to a well matched game. It ain't happening, not with a true frosh QB against one heck of a team. Defense can only do so much, but Texas isn't moving that ball on offense.

But I didn't want to talk so much about football. While it appears that Alabama is going to take this championship game, I found my self staring at the twitter feed that can be found on Google. For the most part, Texas fans people seemed disappointed that McCoy was injured and many fans (Texas and Alabama both) disappointed that 'Bama would win against a weakened team. Now trust me when I say this: a true competitor doesn't want to win in this regard. A win is a win, and no one will take away the trophy, but athletes want to beat you at the game, not by default (injury, rule infraction, basic bullshit call).

Perhaps most disconcerting from the feed were the comments that called out McCoy, questioning his manhood, heart, and desire. I don't claim to know McCoy, and I seriously doubt he is perfect, but in the end, shouldn't he be concerned about what happens after this game? I hope he has a long and successful career in the NFL. But, to risk permanent injury and lose that opportunity? For...

This is usually followed by "what?", but that's now quite so easy tonight. This is THE championship game, the one that he's been working on since he had a taste of it as a redshirt frosh at the 2005 BCS game. The pressures that play upon an individual, I can only imagine, are hugely enormous. Parents, professional career, collegiate career, and team mates all tugging at you at a pinnacle in your life.

So whatever happens in the game, I hope that no one is injured (at least any more). More so, I guess I'll really take a second thought when I feel tempted to criticize an amateur (namely college, high school and younger) athlete. I'm sure that some would suggest that I not "grow a pair when it comes to criticizing athletes", but I guess when I did that growing, my attitude and outlook grew along with that pair.

The Mighty Pencil: Jim Lee

Jim Lee helped me make it through middle school.

While many may not recognize the name, a great many do. Jim Lee is a comic book artist, writer and publisher. A major player in the comic biz for the last fifteen or more so years, back in the late 80's he was a rising star. I still have (and have passed them down to my oldest son) my original Punisher: War Journal collections which he penciled, along with the new X-Men series that he did with Chris Claremont. While not in pristine shape by any means, those worn pages helped me make it through a plethora of tedious and long days at my new school. I even made a few friends through comics (Darren preferred West Coast Avengers while I was a die hard Uncanny X-men kind of guy).

While we didn't have much money, my mother did allow me to splurge on comics twice a month. Ah the anticipation of filling up with gas at Lange's gas station and perusing the comic book display for the latest issues.

High school really allowed me to expand my collection and I really worked to piece together continuous issues (X-Cutioner's Song really kicked my ass!) but it was more than difficult.

I even remember my first Frank Miller comic: Batman: Year One. I bought it at the mall in Tyler while on Christmas vacation. I didn't realize the lasting impression it would leave with me. To this day, I still have it and discover the little nuggets that I often overlooked in the first and twenty-first reading of those books.

I don't buy to many actual comics today anymore. It seems that they have risen in price dramatically (Currently, that pristine copy of 300 that Kris has sitting on his shelf retails for about $25.00 US. I'll buy a few of whatever the boy wants when it's time, but for now, I'll be introducing him to digital copies. Kris is shaking is head; I know it's not the same, but it's an introduction and a chance to really read the comic. The intrinsic value lies in the shared time and the mystic of a mint copy (but still having read the book).

Call me a geek if you will, but you cannot doubt the hotness of Psylocke. For your viewing pleasure...