As you may have already read elsewhere, the Star Trek universe is a little quieter these days. Majel Barrett Roddenberry, also known as Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi, and the voice of the Enterprise's computer, passed away at the age of 76. I'm sure there's a heckuva Trek reunion going on in the great beyond.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
RIP, Majel Barrett Roddenberry
As you may have already read elsewhere, the Star Trek universe is a little quieter these days. Majel Barrett Roddenberry, also known as Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi, and the voice of the Enterprise's computer, passed away at the age of 76. I'm sure there's a heckuva Trek reunion going on in the great beyond.
Hook Your Digital Camera and iPod Up to This Bad Boy.
ThinkGeek.com is offering this, quite possibly the pinnacle of awesomeness. I give you the Darth Vader USB Hub. How badly do you want this? Now, if only we can get one shaped like my man Boba Fett...
Monday, December 22, 2008
Doctor Who Christmas Special 2008 - Trek Through Time Part 1 - Parody
My geek worlds have totally collided.
Wanna move to the Shire?
Okay, folks, let's get cracking. I've been felled by a wicked stomach virus and therefore have a lot of geek blogging to catch up with. First off, let me just share this little slice o'Heaven with you. Oh Tolkien fanatics I call my brethren, wanna move to The Shire? For reals? It's off to Oregon we go, my friends: http://www.bendshire.com/.
Now, does this Shire come equipped with an Aragorn to call my own? Or, failing that, do I at least get my own Ringwraith? I could really go for a Ringwraith. And I want one that comes with both a cool horse AND the dragon thingy. Thanks.
Mae Govannen! ("Well met!" in Elvish. What?)
Now, does this Shire come equipped with an Aragorn to call my own? Or, failing that, do I at least get my own Ringwraith? I could really go for a Ringwraith. And I want one that comes with both a cool horse AND the dragon thingy. Thanks.
Mae Govannen! ("Well met!" in Elvish. What?)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
New Battlestar Webisodes!
Hey all, check it out, the new Battlestar Galactica webisodes are premiering today on Scifi.com!
http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/webisodes/
I'll give my impressions as soon as I've had a chance to watch myself.
http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/webisodes/
I'll give my impressions as soon as I've had a chance to watch myself.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Weekly Heroes Rant...
Okay, I don't even have the energy for it today. Really.
The whole thing is so circuitous that now all of the characters are turning back into their old selves. So you could have wiped out half of the episodes we've had to endure this season, and the bad ones from last season. Arrgh...
What makes me the most upset is the way they are just finding no direction with Hiro. This episode would have been great for him. He gets to be a hero, and it seems like things are finally going to go somewhere interesting, and then they screw it up! Why?
I'm just glad that The Sarah Connor Chronicles is good. That's been a geeky ray of light for me on Monday nights.
The whole thing is so circuitous that now all of the characters are turning back into their old selves. So you could have wiped out half of the episodes we've had to endure this season, and the bad ones from last season. Arrgh...
What makes me the most upset is the way they are just finding no direction with Hiro. This episode would have been great for him. He gets to be a hero, and it seems like things are finally going to go somewhere interesting, and then they screw it up! Why?
I'm just glad that The Sarah Connor Chronicles is good. That's been a geeky ray of light for me on Monday nights.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Fringe: The Observer Medley
Okay Fringe geeks, it looks like someone has found the "Observer" for us in each episode, and put it all in one handy-dandy video for us.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Rest In Peace, Uncle Forry
Basil Gogos' Karloff Frankenstein cover - this and much of Gogos' work was featured on the cover of Famous Monsters of Filmland.
For any of my fellow classic horror fans out there, Forrest J. Ackerman, who brought us Famous Monsters of Filmland and a new level of love and appreciation for classic and modern horror, died at the age of 92. Brother D over at Mail Order Zombie has some links, and I believe a brief podcast dedicated to him (I haven't downloaded this week's iTunes yet). You can also check out the LA Times obit here.
I'm sure right now, he's having a drink in the Great Beyond with Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and Elsa Lanchester. Rest in Peace, Uncle Forry.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Heroes... and the Sun...
Okay, here's today's factoid: "The longest duration for a total solar eclipse is 7.5 minutes. "
This comes from www.space.com under Cool Eclipse Facts.
What does this have to do with anything you ask?
Well, the last two episodes of Heroes have surrounded the total eclipse of the sun, and its effects on the powers of our Heroes. And in the span of episodes that go on for two hours, what happens to each character can NOT have fit into the 7.5 minutes. NOT!
...spoiler alert...
Mohinder's trip just to go find Maya, not even including the conversations and ass kicking scenes probably would have taken longer than 7 minutes!
Claire - injury, ambulance, trip to hospital, stabilization, infection, then death... longer than 7 minutes.
Okay, they are using a little creative license, I'll give them that. Fine. But come on, did they really think none of the geeks who watch this show would notice?
...end spoilers...
Anyway, I will have to admit that I am liking the direction they are taking Hiro again, he's funnier, and I always like his adorable nature. They seem to be heading back in the right direction with some of the characters. But the overall story still seems to be going nowhere. The eclipse episodes still seem to have no real reason behind them other than as some kind of funky plot device. Oh, and the Daphne/Parkman relationship is so absurd I don't know what to say. Suddenly... Love. Ack...
Anyway, I will keep watching... like it or not.
This comes from www.space.com under Cool Eclipse Facts.
What does this have to do with anything you ask?
Well, the last two episodes of Heroes have surrounded the total eclipse of the sun, and its effects on the powers of our Heroes. And in the span of episodes that go on for two hours, what happens to each character can NOT have fit into the 7.5 minutes. NOT!
...spoiler alert...
Mohinder's trip just to go find Maya, not even including the conversations and ass kicking scenes probably would have taken longer than 7 minutes!
Claire - injury, ambulance, trip to hospital, stabilization, infection, then death... longer than 7 minutes.
Okay, they are using a little creative license, I'll give them that. Fine. But come on, did they really think none of the geeks who watch this show would notice?
...end spoilers...
Anyway, I will have to admit that I am liking the direction they are taking Hiro again, he's funnier, and I always like his adorable nature. They seem to be heading back in the right direction with some of the characters. But the overall story still seems to be going nowhere. The eclipse episodes still seem to have no real reason behind them other than as some kind of funky plot device. Oh, and the Daphne/Parkman relationship is so absurd I don't know what to say. Suddenly... Love. Ack...
Anyway, I will keep watching... like it or not.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Gift Guides?
So who has seen a lot of gadget gift guides around?
Here's some faves:
http://reviews.cnet.com/must-have-gadgets/
http://teamsugar.com/find/fabsugar/gift+guides
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gift-central/homepage/ref=cm_gift_gno_gg_occ_ag
Here's some faves:
http://reviews.cnet.com/must-have-gadgets/
http://teamsugar.com/find/fabsugar/gift+guides
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gift-central/homepage/ref=cm_gift_gno_gg_occ_ag
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Finally Decided...
So, we finally decided to go with the Blackberry Storm on Verizon.
I'll let you know how it is once I get it, because it was totally sold out the first day it came out. Friday last week.
We placed our orders on Saturday, and are guaranteed to get it by the 15th. Here's hoping.
I'll let you know how it is once I get it, because it was totally sold out the first day it came out. Friday last week.
We placed our orders on Saturday, and are guaranteed to get it by the 15th. Here's hoping.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Weekly Rant
Okay, so I love DVR, and I love love love my Tivo (which I have not yet gotten rid of since the dawn of my Time Warner Cable DVR because it's so much better), but both of the machines cut off the end of Heroes last night. (DVR also forgot to record Sarah Connor/Terminator, arrgh, iTunes here I come.)
Anyway, the episode of Heroes was a little more action packed this week, but it did shine a rather amusing light on what a bunch of idiots these characters are sometimes. Running around like badasses with their powers, and then when they lose them being a bunch of just-asses. The whole thing with Parkman when he was turning his head, and the guy at the door in Daphne's house kept asking why was actually pretty hilarious.
The whole bit with Hiro, I have to admit was kind of cute this time around, and the joke about the comic store being where great minds gathered made me chuckle.
But, I still don't know why I needed an eclipse cliffhanger. Where is this going?
Actually, that's the question I find myself asking every week?
Where is this going?
Where is this going?
When will Mohinder get killed off already?
Where is this going?
I mean even the little spat between the Petrelli brothers didn't go anywhere!!!
Please... find some direction.
Is Sylar a bad guy again? Was Elle just testing him? Arrgh?
Anyway, the episode of Heroes was a little more action packed this week, but it did shine a rather amusing light on what a bunch of idiots these characters are sometimes. Running around like badasses with their powers, and then when they lose them being a bunch of just-asses. The whole thing with Parkman when he was turning his head, and the guy at the door in Daphne's house kept asking why was actually pretty hilarious.
The whole bit with Hiro, I have to admit was kind of cute this time around, and the joke about the comic store being where great minds gathered made me chuckle.
But, I still don't know why I needed an eclipse cliffhanger. Where is this going?
Actually, that's the question I find myself asking every week?
Where is this going?
Where is this going?
When will Mohinder get killed off already?
Where is this going?
I mean even the little spat between the Petrelli brothers didn't go anywhere!!!
Please... find some direction.
Is Sylar a bad guy again? Was Elle just testing him? Arrgh?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Trek Indie Film...
Check this out, someone made an indie Star Trek film. Not sanctioned by the owners of the franchise, but I guess they're cool as long as they don't make money. It's free to watch.http://www.startrekofgodsandmen.net/main/
Who's Watching Sanctuary?
Sanctuary seems to be chugging along, as far as I see. I will admit that the first couple of episodes left me somewhat sleepy and underwhelmed, but I think the show is starting to grow into its mythology. I particularly like that a character I found really interesting, John Druitt, appears to be popping up as a recurring character - there's a lot of potential for what this guy can do, so it's good to see that the writers are thinking on that track.
Without providing too many spoilers, Sanctuary is about 'abnormals' and the scientists who find them and bring them to the Sanctuary - mermaids, Celtic witches, a Yeti - it's basically a global search for the creatures we used to learn about on In Search Of (look it up, kiddies), to keep them safe and study them in a humane environment. Yes, on many fronts it is "freak of the week, but the show is finding its voice and moving into larger storylines within the weekly episodes. Give it a shot if you haven't yet; it's on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on Sci-Fi Channel.
Without providing too many spoilers, Sanctuary is about 'abnormals' and the scientists who find them and bring them to the Sanctuary - mermaids, Celtic witches, a Yeti - it's basically a global search for the creatures we used to learn about on In Search Of (look it up, kiddies), to keep them safe and study them in a humane environment. Yes, on many fronts it is "freak of the week, but the show is finding its voice and moving into larger storylines within the weekly episodes. Give it a shot if you haven't yet; it's on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on Sci-Fi Channel.
Lost season 5 Poster clues!
The TV Addict has some interesting questions about this new poster. So far all I have to say is Yay! Desmond is on the poster. I was a little afraid his story was over after reuniting with Penny, and I like Desmond.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tivo & Dominos... Holy Crap
Okay, so this is extreme laziness, but really cool. You can now order pizza through your Tivo. All you need is a username and password on the Dominos website (which I have), and of course a network connected Tivo unit (which mine is).
Oh boy, oh boy, I can't wait to try this. Domino's pizza isn't even good enough for this kind of excitement, but hey, I think that the tech is pretty cool.
http://www.tivo.com/abouttivo/pressroom/pressreleases/2008/pr2008-11-17.html
Oh boy, oh boy, I can't wait to try this. Domino's pizza isn't even good enough for this kind of excitement, but hey, I think that the tech is pretty cool.
http://www.tivo.com/abouttivo/pressroom/pressreleases/2008/pr2008-11-17.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fringe...
Is anyone watching Fringe?
I am still enjoying it, it's not a show yet that I would be devastated, and writing in to Fox about if they cancelled, but it's a fun hour of entertainment on Tuesdays. There's a lack of good Tuesday television.
Anyway, the character development on the show is getting better every week, they're developing a really nice storyline between the doctor and his son. I don't think that they're taking the storyline of the FBI agent far enough away from the pilot. There's been some throwaway references to her past, and so on, but I think they're going to need to give us more.
It definitely has potential, so if you're not watching, I suggest you get online and start. It's worth a shot, and it takes a couple episodes to get into, but after that I think you'll enjoy. The subtle jokes at the expense of one character named Astrid are almost enough to keep me watching.
I am still enjoying it, it's not a show yet that I would be devastated, and writing in to Fox about if they cancelled, but it's a fun hour of entertainment on Tuesdays. There's a lack of good Tuesday television.
Anyway, the character development on the show is getting better every week, they're developing a really nice storyline between the doctor and his son. I don't think that they're taking the storyline of the FBI agent far enough away from the pilot. There's been some throwaway references to her past, and so on, but I think they're going to need to give us more.
It definitely has potential, so if you're not watching, I suggest you get online and start. It's worth a shot, and it takes a couple episodes to get into, but after that I think you'll enjoy. The subtle jokes at the expense of one character named Astrid are almost enough to keep me watching.
Heroes... slight improvement...
Okay, I'm still not happy with the overall messiness of this season of Heroes, but last night's episode was a tad better than the last few. It actually felt like it was going somewhere.
I'm not sure how I feel yet about the psychopath love story between Sylar and Elle, that feels a little weird to me. But they're both off their nuts, so that could work. It could also go very bad, if they actually take Sylar back to where he should be. Evil.
This week's biggest plus, none of Claire's flame throwing mama. Woo hoo!
I'm glad the writers got the hint that we need more whimsy from Hiro, but I'm not sure that making him think he's age 10 was the way to go. I did enjoy the little bit of comic relief in the bowling alley though.
I still have no idea where things are going, but they at least have taken groupings of characters and pitted them against each other in a couple factions now. Whew, it was about time. Anyway, fingers crossed that they stay on track, and this whole "catalyst" storyline doesn't get annoying.
I'm not sure how I feel yet about the psychopath love story between Sylar and Elle, that feels a little weird to me. But they're both off their nuts, so that could work. It could also go very bad, if they actually take Sylar back to where he should be. Evil.
This week's biggest plus, none of Claire's flame throwing mama. Woo hoo!
I'm glad the writers got the hint that we need more whimsy from Hiro, but I'm not sure that making him think he's age 10 was the way to go. I did enjoy the little bit of comic relief in the bowling alley though.
I still have no idea where things are going, but they at least have taken groupings of characters and pitted them against each other in a couple factions now. Whew, it was about time. Anyway, fingers crossed that they stay on track, and this whole "catalyst" storyline doesn't get annoying.
Monday, November 17, 2008
I am... less angry.
I saw the latest Star Trek trailer online at I Watch Stuff and find myself somewhat mollified. The first minute chafes me a bit, but then we get some interesting Spock action, and Simon Pegg's mere presence on the screen makes me smile 'cuz I'm a big nerd like that. We shall see...
Oh, and feedback from the Hubs? "DAMMIT! What happened to March?" Because now, apparently, the movie is opening in May.
I Watch Stuff also has a pic of the new Enterprise, and I'm okay with it. Thank you, JJ, for not pulling a crazy redesign.
In further Trek-related geekdom, Simon Pegg is back with Nick Frost! They're working on a movie called "Paul" where they play two British slackers (surprise!) who visit ComicCon, go on a road trip to Area 51, and find a small alien named Paul, who they help find the way home for. Pegg and Frost wrote the screenplay, the director of Superbad is at the helm, and the exec producer is Edgar Wright, who directed both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Epic win?
Oh, and feedback from the Hubs? "DAMMIT! What happened to March?" Because now, apparently, the movie is opening in May.
I Watch Stuff also has a pic of the new Enterprise, and I'm okay with it. Thank you, JJ, for not pulling a crazy redesign.
In further Trek-related geekdom, Simon Pegg is back with Nick Frost! They're working on a movie called "Paul" where they play two British slackers (surprise!) who visit ComicCon, go on a road trip to Area 51, and find a small alien named Paul, who they help find the way home for. Pegg and Frost wrote the screenplay, the director of Superbad is at the helm, and the exec producer is Edgar Wright, who directed both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Epic win?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pixar's Up Trailer #2 in HD
New Pixar Movie, though if you don't know the plot, it sounds a little heartbreaking.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Routines.
I am like an infant in that I need routines. And since I was just a victim of the economy a little over a week ago, my routines have been shot to Hades. Crap.
Mail Order Zombie, my fave podcast, is as much a victim as I am. Not to mention the 9,000 other podcasts I listen to. I will be remedying that shortly.
My Bloglines? Totally victimized. I logged in today, saw over 300 entries, and shut the entire Internet off, choosing to cower under my afghan rather than confront the angry little highlighted numbers.
Man. Even nerdgirls need routine.
Mail Order Zombie, my fave podcast, is as much a victim as I am. Not to mention the 9,000 other podcasts I listen to. I will be remedying that shortly.
My Bloglines? Totally victimized. I logged in today, saw over 300 entries, and shut the entire Internet off, choosing to cower under my afghan rather than confront the angry little highlighted numbers.
Man. Even nerdgirls need routine.
Print your own fabric?
Check this site out, I'm so excited to try it that I'm going to work up a little design this weekend. Something tells me it will consist of robots or spaceships.
You upload an image/design, and you can have your own custom fabric printed. It's pricey at $18 a yard, but could be totally worth it, and I can have all the geektastic fabric I can handle.
http://spoonflower.com/welcome
I can't wait!
You upload an image/design, and you can have your own custom fabric printed. It's pricey at $18 a yard, but could be totally worth it, and I can have all the geektastic fabric I can handle.
http://spoonflower.com/welcome
I can't wait!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Heroes Rewinding Again
Yeah, I know you've all been waiting for my rant about Heroes this week. So here goes.
What was this episode? A platform for one funny Jiffy Pop joke, and some extra Robert Forster time. Oh, and to bring back Eric Roberts.
Yep, pretty much a treading water for no good reason episode.
What's that you say? "Stacey, you're being too harsh." "Stacey, stop trashing the flashback episode, I like to know the past."
Nope, not gonna happen.
Look, some of it was interesting, I liked to see the dynamic between the Petrelli family a little more in depth. I also thought they did do a nice job tying everything together neatly, the train bit was a nice touch. For once the show didn't leave a lot of holes.
But, for the most part, this episode didn't move anything forward. How lovely to see that Sylar, and Claire's real mom could have had very different lives. How nice to see what might have been if Linderman didn't suddenly find a little bit of a heart (or not, because he may have just been trying to screw with Papa Petrelli).
But all of these things happened in the past, and don't point us toward any direction that the show is going to take. We have these multiple future histories that are being pushed in our faces most weeks, and I don't know about you, but I really just want to know where those are going.
The fact that Sylar and Elle met previously did nothing for me. I know I sound like a jerk right now, but please. I know heads are already rolling over at the production company, hopefully the next round of people will right this ship, and give us what we want. Which is resolution, our favorites using/keeping their powers, and less of Claire's lame flame throwing mother...
Take a look at what The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Fringe are doing. Good, and improving writing!
Okay, done...
What was this episode? A platform for one funny Jiffy Pop joke, and some extra Robert Forster time. Oh, and to bring back Eric Roberts.
Yep, pretty much a treading water for no good reason episode.
What's that you say? "Stacey, you're being too harsh." "Stacey, stop trashing the flashback episode, I like to know the past."
Nope, not gonna happen.
Look, some of it was interesting, I liked to see the dynamic between the Petrelli family a little more in depth. I also thought they did do a nice job tying everything together neatly, the train bit was a nice touch. For once the show didn't leave a lot of holes.
But, for the most part, this episode didn't move anything forward. How lovely to see that Sylar, and Claire's real mom could have had very different lives. How nice to see what might have been if Linderman didn't suddenly find a little bit of a heart (or not, because he may have just been trying to screw with Papa Petrelli).
But all of these things happened in the past, and don't point us toward any direction that the show is going to take. We have these multiple future histories that are being pushed in our faces most weeks, and I don't know about you, but I really just want to know where those are going.
The fact that Sylar and Elle met previously did nothing for me. I know I sound like a jerk right now, but please. I know heads are already rolling over at the production company, hopefully the next round of people will right this ship, and give us what we want. Which is resolution, our favorites using/keeping their powers, and less of Claire's lame flame throwing mother...
Take a look at what The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Fringe are doing. Good, and improving writing!
Okay, done...
Say WHAT?
From IWatchStuff:
Spielberg Remaking 'Oldboy'--with WILL SMITH
Steven Spielberg (Duel) is in talks to remake the Korean film Oldboy with Will Smith (co-rapper, Summertime) in the lead. Not a joke:
Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-park's "Oldboy." DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and the new pic will be distributed by Universal.
In the 2003 Korean original, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he's released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.
Spielberg had been looking for an opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the development process.
It's official, kiddies - Spielberg has lost his mind. What happened to actually casting a movie, rather than saying, "Hey, let's remake this good movie, but put a bunch of 'bankable' names in it and see where it goes?"
Jeez.
Spielberg Remaking 'Oldboy'--with WILL SMITH
Steven Spielberg (Duel) is in talks to remake the Korean film Oldboy with Will Smith (co-rapper, Summertime) in the lead. Not a joke:
Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-park's "Oldboy." DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and the new pic will be distributed by Universal.
In the 2003 Korean original, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he's released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.
Spielberg had been looking for an opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the development process.
It's official, kiddies - Spielberg has lost his mind. What happened to actually casting a movie, rather than saying, "Hey, let's remake this good movie, but put a bunch of 'bankable' names in it and see where it goes?"
Jeez.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wireless Network Nightmare
So, this temporary housing we're living in has a wireless network set up for us to use free of charge. Great! but I don't have a wireless card. I went to Best Buy and picked one out, and yes I checked to see if the box said it was compatible with windows Vista. After a call to customer service I found out it was only compatible with 32 bit Vista, not the 64 bit version I have, and their company (Dynex) does not make any product that is.
A quick Google search seems to suggest that there are very few wireless network adapters that are compatible, and so I call HP who sold me this version of Vista thinking the card that was an option when I ordered my computer must be a good one. The first salesperson assures me that they can't sell me the card separate from the computer, but any Linksys product will work. I don't trust him for a second, and a customer review on Amazon confirms my suspicion. Foolishly, I call back HP to ask the model number of the one they sell, and a second salesperson tells me very condescendingly that I can't trust customer reviews, and they are all compatible.
Another trip to Best Buy, where I ask not one, but two salespeople who both assure me that I will just need to download a driver.
After a wild goose chase in the Linksys website I talk to a customer service rep on live chat (very nice and helpful) who says there is no driver, but there is one product they make that will work. Naturally it's twice as expensive as the one I originally bought, but worth it because I now have internet again, and feel like a whole person once more.
If anyone needs a wireless USB network adapter that's compatible with 64 bit Vista. Linksys WUSB600N is it.
A quick Google search seems to suggest that there are very few wireless network adapters that are compatible, and so I call HP who sold me this version of Vista thinking the card that was an option when I ordered my computer must be a good one. The first salesperson assures me that they can't sell me the card separate from the computer, but any Linksys product will work. I don't trust him for a second, and a customer review on Amazon confirms my suspicion. Foolishly, I call back HP to ask the model number of the one they sell, and a second salesperson tells me very condescendingly that I can't trust customer reviews, and they are all compatible.
Another trip to Best Buy, where I ask not one, but two salespeople who both assure me that I will just need to download a driver.
After a wild goose chase in the Linksys website I talk to a customer service rep on live chat (very nice and helpful) who says there is no driver, but there is one product they make that will work. Naturally it's twice as expensive as the one I originally bought, but worth it because I now have internet again, and feel like a whole person once more.
If anyone needs a wireless USB network adapter that's compatible with 64 bit Vista. Linksys WUSB600N is it.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The MyVu
So, I saw a poster for these odd little personal media viewers in the subway station, and curious person that I am, texted the website to myself.
http://www.myvu.com
Here's a review from Cnet.com:
I just don't think I'll be running out to drop $200+ dollars on one of these until it's 2nd or 3rd generation.
http://www.myvu.com
Here's a review from Cnet.com:
I just don't think I'll be running out to drop $200+ dollars on one of these until it's 2nd or 3rd generation.
Heroes... Why?
Okay, I know they do one every season. It's their little, check-out-so-and-so's backstory episode that the producers, writers and so on think we're so interested in.
You know what! I have no desire to watch another Heroe's backstory flashback episode. Yes, I said it. I keep seeing the previews for Monday, and it's getting me more and more riled up.
I want clarity on the things that are happening now. I don't want to have to worry about the 10 different apocalyptic future scenarios we've got going on, plus whatever happened in the past.
I realize that I'm just venting frustration here, especially given that I have to wait extra time for this flashback episode. But I really find the whole thing unnecessary. I really hope that they've got a clear direction on this series mapped out, or it's going to go nowhere. My Mom, who enjoyed the first two seasons has actually given up on this season already. She said she can't deal with another year of going nowhere.
Do you hear me producers of Heroes? Sort this thing out. I want to keep this interesting show in my viewing lineup.
You know what! I have no desire to watch another Heroe's backstory flashback episode. Yes, I said it. I keep seeing the previews for Monday, and it's getting me more and more riled up.
I want clarity on the things that are happening now. I don't want to have to worry about the 10 different apocalyptic future scenarios we've got going on, plus whatever happened in the past.
I realize that I'm just venting frustration here, especially given that I have to wait extra time for this flashback episode. But I really find the whole thing unnecessary. I really hope that they've got a clear direction on this series mapped out, or it's going to go nowhere. My Mom, who enjoyed the first two seasons has actually given up on this season already. She said she can't deal with another year of going nowhere.
Do you hear me producers of Heroes? Sort this thing out. I want to keep this interesting show in my viewing lineup.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Overuse!!!
Hello people, I'm as obsessed now with all of the cool map applications, and flash elements about the election as anyone, but wow.
Personal fave of the day: http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html
Zooming in on the counties is super fun! Yes, I said "super fun" and if you have a problem with that... well... (nevermind).
Could the tv networks have gone any more nuts last night with overuse of graphic gadgetry? I couldn't even watch the HD broadcast of Fox News. I settled on the slightly more subdued CNN. If you were watching on a non-widescreen broadcast, you missed the absurd number of extra elements along the sides of the image. Fox had every piece of text glistening with visual effects, and a slew of constantly changing graphics that I never knew what to look at.
On top of that, every time they went to one of their people to show another chart, things were swirling around in the background and foreground. It was headache inducing.
I miss Tim Russert and his whiteboard. It was though, nice to see his son on the NBC broadcast last night.
Regardless, I enjoyed watching history unfold for me on television, and will remember this election forever. Congratulations to Mr. Obama.
Personal fave of the day: http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html
Zooming in on the counties is super fun! Yes, I said "super fun" and if you have a problem with that... well... (nevermind).
Could the tv networks have gone any more nuts last night with overuse of graphic gadgetry? I couldn't even watch the HD broadcast of Fox News. I settled on the slightly more subdued CNN. If you were watching on a non-widescreen broadcast, you missed the absurd number of extra elements along the sides of the image. Fox had every piece of text glistening with visual effects, and a slew of constantly changing graphics that I never knew what to look at.
On top of that, every time they went to one of their people to show another chart, things were swirling around in the background and foreground. It was headache inducing.
I miss Tim Russert and his whiteboard. It was though, nice to see his son on the NBC broadcast last night.
Regardless, I enjoyed watching history unfold for me on television, and will remember this election forever. Congratulations to Mr. Obama.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Nugget of information...
Did you all know that YouTube is now the number two search engine on the web? Isn't that crazy?
For those of you who want the stats:
http://www.comscore.com/press/release.asp?press=2476
Frankly, with the amount of time we all spend on YouTube searching and sharing, it doesn't surprise me at all. I love the fact that hours upon hours of content are uploaded every minute, even though most of it is total crap.
For those of you who want the stats:
http://www.comscore.com/press/release.asp?press=2476
Frankly, with the amount of time we all spend on YouTube searching and sharing, it doesn't surprise me at all. I love the fact that hours upon hours of content are uploaded every minute, even though most of it is total crap.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Today is a sad, sad day.
From MSNBC:
Say what? Tennant leaving ‘Doctor Who’
Scottish actor has played time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005
LONDON - Britain's best-known time traveler is ending his journey. The BBC has announced that Scottish actor David Tennant will leave long-running science fiction series "Doctor Who" in just over a year.
Tennant has played the show's time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005. He will appear in a Christmas special and four hour-long episodes to be aired in 2009 and early 2010. But he said Wednesday that when the series returns for a full season in 2010, "it won't be with me."
"This show has been so special to me," Tennant said. "I don't want to outstay my welcome."
"Doctor Who" was first broadcast in 1963 and is one of the BBC's longest-running and most popular programs. Tennant is the 10th actor to play the title character, who has the power to regenerate in a new body.
Classically trained Tennant, 37, is currently starring in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Say what? Tennant leaving ‘Doctor Who’
Scottish actor has played time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005
LONDON - Britain's best-known time traveler is ending his journey. The BBC has announced that Scottish actor David Tennant will leave long-running science fiction series "Doctor Who" in just over a year.
Tennant has played the show's time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005. He will appear in a Christmas special and four hour-long episodes to be aired in 2009 and early 2010. But he said Wednesday that when the series returns for a full season in 2010, "it won't be with me."
"This show has been so special to me," Tennant said. "I don't want to outstay my welcome."
"Doctor Who" was first broadcast in 1963 and is one of the BBC's longest-running and most popular programs. Tennant is the 10th actor to play the title character, who has the power to regenerate in a new body.
Classically trained Tennant, 37, is currently starring in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Well, this sucks, doesn't it? More editorializing after I compose myself. I do believe I've entered an existential crisis.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I continue to be troubled by new Star Trek.
Yes, it's another emo post from me about the new Star Trek movie issues I have, but as the self-professed resident Trekkie in the Geek Sisterhood, I'm allowed.
I see that Zach Quinto, who I must clarify is still totally badass as Sylar in Heroes (despite the MANY issues I have with Heroes this season - but that's Stacey's Geek Beat), and Chris Pine have 'updated' the iconic Kirk-Spock shot from Classic Trek. Awesome, right? Not so much. It would appear that there is a lot of Botox available at Starfleet. Witness:
I've got problems, folks. I have doubts... so many doubts. You look at the photo and pronounce me a lunatic, right? What does a little airbrushing or smooth-skin have to do with the quality of the movie? Lots, my geeky friends. Lots.
I'm concerned that this movie is about being pretty first and being a good movie second. And by pretty I mean not only the cast but the special effects. If J.J. Abrams throws enough "ooh, pretty shiny" at us, will we notice the lack of a plot? Lack of character development? Let's face it, this movie is aimed at a new generation of fans, not the ones who grew up with TOS like we did. You can catch reruns of original Trek now on G4 or, if you're lucky, a Sci-Fi Channel marathon. I had it nightly on Channel 9, when the cool, space-age medical scanners McCoy used on the Enterprise were actually salt and pepper shakers.
This is an audience that's been steadily raised on a diet of video games - I think many of us agree that the Clone Wars travesty stands as testament to what happens when you bring video game technology onto the big screen (don't get me started on the rage).
J.J. Abrams hasn't disappointed me so far - I'm a big fan of Lost, am cheering for Fringe, and enjoyed Cloverfield. I love scouring teh InterWebs for his hidden clues. I'm just praying that he doesn't look at my beloved Star Trek and see an opportunity to make the big screen his personal video game console, and gloss up everything just for show, as with the picture above. I like wrinkles and grit on my actors and in my script.
Star Trek was created to address themes - it's a character-driven show that happens to take place in outer space. We learned about interracial relations, the power of choice, the importance of taking care of the planet, and even addressed the danger of becoming too reliant on technology through the shows - let's remember that, please?
I see that Zach Quinto, who I must clarify is still totally badass as Sylar in Heroes (despite the MANY issues I have with Heroes this season - but that's Stacey's Geek Beat), and Chris Pine have 'updated' the iconic Kirk-Spock shot from Classic Trek. Awesome, right? Not so much. It would appear that there is a lot of Botox available at Starfleet. Witness:
I've got problems, folks. I have doubts... so many doubts. You look at the photo and pronounce me a lunatic, right? What does a little airbrushing or smooth-skin have to do with the quality of the movie? Lots, my geeky friends. Lots.
I'm concerned that this movie is about being pretty first and being a good movie second. And by pretty I mean not only the cast but the special effects. If J.J. Abrams throws enough "ooh, pretty shiny" at us, will we notice the lack of a plot? Lack of character development? Let's face it, this movie is aimed at a new generation of fans, not the ones who grew up with TOS like we did. You can catch reruns of original Trek now on G4 or, if you're lucky, a Sci-Fi Channel marathon. I had it nightly on Channel 9, when the cool, space-age medical scanners McCoy used on the Enterprise were actually salt and pepper shakers.
This is an audience that's been steadily raised on a diet of video games - I think many of us agree that the Clone Wars travesty stands as testament to what happens when you bring video game technology onto the big screen (don't get me started on the rage).
J.J. Abrams hasn't disappointed me so far - I'm a big fan of Lost, am cheering for Fringe, and enjoyed Cloverfield. I love scouring teh InterWebs for his hidden clues. I'm just praying that he doesn't look at my beloved Star Trek and see an opportunity to make the big screen his personal video game console, and gloss up everything just for show, as with the picture above. I like wrinkles and grit on my actors and in my script.
Star Trek was created to address themes - it's a character-driven show that happens to take place in outer space. We learned about interracial relations, the power of choice, the importance of taking care of the planet, and even addressed the danger of becoming too reliant on technology through the shows - let's remember that, please?
Heroes!! Telepathy...
Okay people, come on.
I'm okay with the rampant idiocy of some of our Heroes lately, but this week went a step too far for me.
...SPOILER ALERT...
Here's my problem, if Parkman can make the fear guy think that he just killed him and Daphne (I'm almost disappointed that he didn't, but that's another complaint), then how the hell does Parkman not overhear Daphne down the hall with Papa Petrelli telling him that she's got him believing that she's on his side? This deserves a great big, WTF?
I know he's playing the big lovable goof sometimes, but come on. He was a cop at one point. He's not supposed to be a total idiot. Or do I have this wrong?
I was impressed with the hints at carnage last night. Parkman's dad, ouch. I was hoping to see more. Oh well.
Oh, and who's with me. How lame is Claire's biological mother? I'm so sick of the "look how badass I am because I can make fire" bit. It's not that menacing really. Or am I wrong again?
All I can say is, I hope they start really tying some of this stuff together. And kill off some of these extraneous characters. Of course, I don't think a "flashback" episode is going to do it. That's what we're getting next week from the looks of the preview.
I'm okay with the rampant idiocy of some of our Heroes lately, but this week went a step too far for me.
...SPOILER ALERT...
Here's my problem, if Parkman can make the fear guy think that he just killed him and Daphne (I'm almost disappointed that he didn't, but that's another complaint), then how the hell does Parkman not overhear Daphne down the hall with Papa Petrelli telling him that she's got him believing that she's on his side? This deserves a great big, WTF?
I know he's playing the big lovable goof sometimes, but come on. He was a cop at one point. He's not supposed to be a total idiot. Or do I have this wrong?
I was impressed with the hints at carnage last night. Parkman's dad, ouch. I was hoping to see more. Oh well.
Oh, and who's with me. How lame is Claire's biological mother? I'm so sick of the "look how badass I am because I can make fire" bit. It's not that menacing really. Or am I wrong again?
All I can say is, I hope they start really tying some of this stuff together. And kill off some of these extraneous characters. Of course, I don't think a "flashback" episode is going to do it. That's what we're getting next week from the looks of the preview.
You have got to see this...
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/10/amazing_star_wa.php
Check out this link, it's Star Wars and Star Trek origami made out of dollar bills!
Check out this link, it's Star Wars and Star Trek origami made out of dollar bills!
Album Covers Redone in Legos.
C'mon. It's Lego. How cool is that? I would have loved to have seen someone take a shot at the Rio cover, though.
http://www.thetoyzone.com/20-album-covers-recreated-in-lego/
http://www.thetoyzone.com/20-album-covers-recreated-in-lego/
Friday, October 24, 2008
Another BSG Reference
The deleted scenes from last night's episode of "The Office" had another "Battlestar Galactica" reference.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
If you're squeamish, don't click to enlarge...
Frankly, how could I not post this? It's the arthroscopic photography of my knee surgery, frame by frame. I'm so amazed and pleased that my doctor let me take this home, and now I get to share. Don't click to enlarge it if this sort of thing grosses you out.
I think it's fun, and to think that this was just five days ago, and this is the inside of my knee. How insane? And how much geekier can you get?
Finally!! Fringe!!
Okay, so I found the end of this past week's episode of Fringe a tad anti-climactic, but something happened that made me happy. Yes folks, finally an episode where Doctor Bishop didn't conveniently have the person in trouble as a former patient in a wacky theoretical science experiment.
Don't get me wrong, it's been really interesting, but I was waiting for there to be an episode where the doc didn't already have an edge. It was totally worth it too, because you really can't beat an exploding papaya. And apparently, the papaya is the friendliest of fruits.
Good episode, it will definitely keep me watching.
Now to catch up on my Terminator viewing. But, Pushing Daisies first methinks.
Don't get me wrong, it's been really interesting, but I was waiting for there to be an episode where the doc didn't already have an edge. It was totally worth it too, because you really can't beat an exploding papaya. And apparently, the papaya is the friendliest of fruits.
Good episode, it will definitely keep me watching.
Now to catch up on my Terminator viewing. But, Pushing Daisies first methinks.
Let's Talk Heroes!
I've just caught up with this past Monday's episode, so if you haven't watched yet, go 'way. There may be spoilers ahead.
I can't believe I'm about to write this, but I really, REALLY want Sylar to kick Peter Petrelli's ass. The Emo Boy bit was cute in the first season, but by now I'm really tired of Bad Peter. Although what happened at the end of the episode may take a little of the wind out of his sails. We shall see.
I'm also surprised at what a Sylar fan I've become. Granted, even as a villain, he was just so cool that it was hard to dislike him, but I've gone with the good-guy rewrite so fully, and that's something I don't normally get on board with so quickly (unless it's wrestling, and then it's expected, dammit) because it tends to be a copout. But I like the way this is going. And I'm glad that Mama Petrelli appears to be back next episode, because I love her. If my children finally manifest their superpowers one day, I hope I'm as ruthless on their behalf as she is.
I can't believe I'm about to write this, but I really, REALLY want Sylar to kick Peter Petrelli's ass. The Emo Boy bit was cute in the first season, but by now I'm really tired of Bad Peter. Although what happened at the end of the episode may take a little of the wind out of his sails. We shall see.
I'm also surprised at what a Sylar fan I've become. Granted, even as a villain, he was just so cool that it was hard to dislike him, but I've gone with the good-guy rewrite so fully, and that's something I don't normally get on board with so quickly (unless it's wrestling, and then it's expected, dammit) because it tends to be a copout. But I like the way this is going. And I'm glad that Mama Petrelli appears to be back next episode, because I love her. If my children finally manifest their superpowers one day, I hope I'm as ruthless on their behalf as she is.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Shock and Distress!!
For some reason, Blogger is no longer accepting mobile posts via text message from my current phone carrier! This is no good. I think the deal may officially be sealed. I'm going to have to change carriers.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wii-tastic!
So, where am I blogging from today? My couch.
Big deal, you say?
Well I'm not on my laptop, I'm using the Wii Internet Channel. It's pretty cool!
Browsing is a little slow, and writing with no keyboard is exhausting, but this is going to be great in a pinch. You know for a late night Facebook fix when husbands are busy with the laptop...and there is no desire to leave the couch.
It's a bummer flash doesn't work because I'd love to use it to catch up on some online video.
Big deal, you say?
Well I'm not on my laptop, I'm using the Wii Internet Channel. It's pretty cool!
Browsing is a little slow, and writing with no keyboard is exhausting, but this is going to be great in a pinch. You know for a late night Facebook fix when husbands are busy with the laptop...and there is no desire to leave the couch.
It's a bummer flash doesn't work because I'd love to use it to catch up on some online video.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Seriously, is this Madame Tussaud's?
The new cover of Entertainment Weekly just hit the Internet today, featuring Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine in their roles as Spock and Kirk in the J.J. Abrams take on Star Trek. Piera swears it's just the photographer and that I shouldn't be angry, and perhaps she's right - they did give us an awful cover of the Twilight cast a few weeks ago (Christ, he's a vampire, he hasn't been attacked by a powder puff!). But I'm concerned. Trek has been near and dear to me for years, and the thought of this movie sucking ass is disconcerting, to say the least.I don't want this movie to stink. I want to believe that J.J. Abrams is a good man and will treat it with respect. I want to believe that Zachary Quinto will rock as Spock and that Simon Pegg will do Scotty comic justice. I try to ignore the detractors, and forget about Enterprise and Voyager (sorry, folks, couldn't stand either of them). But then I see a magazine cover like this and it brings my fears to the surface. Please, just don't be bad. PLEASE.
Anyone else wondering if Majel Barrett Roddenberry's going to show up in this one somehow? I kind of hope she does.
And on a side note, who's been loving the new path we see Sylar taking on Heroes? The softer side of Sylar, making breakfast and wearing an apron is awesome. Oh, and that whole threat of nuclear meltdown if anything happens to his kid speaks to me as a parent, too. And I think everyone can corroborate that one.
Monday, October 13, 2008
True Blood??
Has anyone else started watching "True Blood" on HBO? It's on Sunday nights, at the same time as "Dexter" on Showtime, but it replays at 11:30, so anyone with a DVR can rest easy.
I have to say, this show is no "Buffy" so please don't look for it to be a replacement to that classic. I am really starting to like it though. It's got an interesting take on the Vampire saga, and I feel like there may be a little bit of a Werewolf storyline brewing.
The characters are developing quite a bit by this point, I was a little worried at the outset that they'd be somewhat one-dimensional, but showly it's getting it's hooks into me. I really don't want to say too much for those of you who may watch it, but check it out, and stick through the first few episodes, it is getting better and better.
I have to say, this show is no "Buffy" so please don't look for it to be a replacement to that classic. I am really starting to like it though. It's got an interesting take on the Vampire saga, and I feel like there may be a little bit of a Werewolf storyline brewing.
The characters are developing quite a bit by this point, I was a little worried at the outset that they'd be somewhat one-dimensional, but showly it's getting it's hooks into me. I really don't want to say too much for those of you who may watch it, but check it out, and stick through the first few episodes, it is getting better and better.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Movies...
I have not yet watched The Office, so I will do so immediately and get back to you.
I have, however, completed the semi-annual re-alphabetizing of the DVDs. You know, that fun little time of the season when you hunt down all the DVDs that have migrated to your bedroom, your children's room, and under the couch? And then reintegrate them into your master collection? Please tell me it's not just me.
Regardless, I rediscovered some gems I have to queue up. Once I get through my DVR list. Sometime in 2010. Enjoy:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - it's been at least a year since I last watched. Let me grab my umbrella.
Vampire Hunter D - next to Akira, one of the best anime movies of my second childhood.
Evolution - David Duchovny, before his 'rehab' issues. And Stacey... it's got Orlando Jones...
Ninth Gate, Sleepy Hollow and Sweeney Todd - they've got Johnny Depp. And that's reason enough.
Let's talk Sanctuary - has anyone else watched yet? My friend Chuck has been following the show on ITV, but I've only seen the first episode that aired on SciFi Channel. So far, I like it; I want to see how the characters develop, particularly the Big Baddie who I swear I've seen before but, according to IMDB, I haven't. It could be very cool or it could tank - but I'm willing to run with it for a little bit and see where they go with this. I'mpraying that this is one of the few series that Sci Fi decides to get behind, ala Battlestar Galatica, rather than some of the painful crap they put up on the air (although you will never hear me diss Savage Planet - freaking Space Bears, people!) like the atrocious Flash Gordon. Which I will be angry about until my dying day. I won't even link it, it irritates me so much.
Let's recap - Space Bears, yea. New Flash Gordon, nay. Fear me, Sci Fi Channel.
I have, however, completed the semi-annual re-alphabetizing of the DVDs. You know, that fun little time of the season when you hunt down all the DVDs that have migrated to your bedroom, your children's room, and under the couch? And then reintegrate them into your master collection? Please tell me it's not just me.
Regardless, I rediscovered some gems I have to queue up. Once I get through my DVR list. Sometime in 2010. Enjoy:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - it's been at least a year since I last watched. Let me grab my umbrella.
Vampire Hunter D - next to Akira, one of the best anime movies of my second childhood.
Evolution - David Duchovny, before his 'rehab' issues. And Stacey... it's got Orlando Jones...
Ninth Gate, Sleepy Hollow and Sweeney Todd - they've got Johnny Depp. And that's reason enough.
Let's talk Sanctuary - has anyone else watched yet? My friend Chuck has been following the show on ITV, but I've only seen the first episode that aired on SciFi Channel. So far, I like it; I want to see how the characters develop, particularly the Big Baddie who I swear I've seen before but, according to IMDB, I haven't. It could be very cool or it could tank - but I'm willing to run with it for a little bit and see where they go with this. I'mpraying that this is one of the few series that Sci Fi decides to get behind, ala Battlestar Galatica, rather than some of the painful crap they put up on the air (although you will never hear me diss Savage Planet - freaking Space Bears, people!) like the atrocious Flash Gordon. Which I will be angry about until my dying day. I won't even link it, it irritates me so much.
Let's recap - Space Bears, yea. New Flash Gordon, nay. Fear me, Sci Fi Channel.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fraking Hilarious...
Yes, I did just use the term Frak. But it's okay here, because it's a geek related blog, about a hilarious bit on The Office last night. The whole thing is an effort to piss Dwight off about one of his favorite shows (and mine) Battlestar Galactica. I almost fell out of my chair when Jim said the name Dumbledore Calrissian. Even if you don't watch either show, this is hilarious. It's full of fun sci-fi references that are all wrong.
If you missed this week's episode, check it out here: http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/episodes/?vid=741021
If you missed this week's episode, check it out here: http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/episodes/?vid=741021
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Blackberry Storm...
Okay, should I ride it out for another month and get the Blackberry Storm? Or should I just get a Curve, and wait for the next-gen version?
Check out the features: http://www.geeksugar.com/2322604
That's right, I'm obsessed with my phone problem.
Check out the features: http://www.geeksugar.com/2322604
That's right, I'm obsessed with my phone problem.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Harry Potter vs. Star Wars
I don't know who gets credit for coming up with this, but I love it. Thanks to my sister for sending it to me.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Second Life Help
Okay folks, I have questions. I'm starting a Master's program in January, and I need to create a profile on Second Life as part of my studies. (How freaking cool is that, by the way?)
The problem? I have never used this in my life. I have heard about it, but actually created an account tonight and was lucky I managed to get my poor avatar fully clothed. HELP! I'd like to have some working knowledge of this once I start classes in January!
The problem? I have never used this in my life. I have heard about it, but actually created an account tonight and was lucky I managed to get my poor avatar fully clothed. HELP! I'd like to have some working knowledge of this once I start classes in January!
It's a Paradox!
Just jumping in here to second Stacey - first of all, if you're not watching Sarah Connor Chronicles, what the hell are you waiting for? And yes, Brian Austin Green is badass. That is a sentence I never thought I would witness myself writing, but there it is.
Okay - from all the sci fi geekery I've ingested over my ::cough cough:: years on this Earth, I have learned one thing - you cannot meet yourself in two separate universes! We saw this happen to a ridiculously over the top but enjoyable TimeCop (piss off, you know you liked it, too) and Doctor Who cannot emphasize this point enough. Star Trek has skipped around this for decades. We have long established the rules of engagement when you encounter yourself in another timeline - YOU DON'T.
So Heroes and their flagrant fraternizing is kind of ripping my brain in half. Ouch. It hurts. Stop it. And will someone PLEASE tell Milo Ventimiglia that he doesn't have to pretend to be Sylvester Stallone anymore? Rocky Balboa has long been out of the theatres and is enjoying life on cable and DVD; he can cut the mouth thing now. Jeez.
Okay - from all the sci fi geekery I've ingested over my ::cough cough:: years on this Earth, I have learned one thing - you cannot meet yourself in two separate universes! We saw this happen to a ridiculously over the top but enjoyable TimeCop (piss off, you know you liked it, too) and Doctor Who cannot emphasize this point enough. Star Trek has skipped around this for decades. We have long established the rules of engagement when you encounter yourself in another timeline - YOU DON'T.
So Heroes and their flagrant fraternizing is kind of ripping my brain in half. Ouch. It hurts. Stop it. And will someone PLEASE tell Milo Ventimiglia that he doesn't have to pretend to be Sylvester Stallone anymore? Rocky Balboa has long been out of the theatres and is enjoying life on cable and DVD; he can cut the mouth thing now. Jeez.
Time Travel on TV
Okay so last night on TV we had some serious time travel paradox stuff happening. I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm a little concerned about the space-time continuum.
(SEMI SPOILERS AHEAD)
Can anyone tell me what exactly is going on on Heroes? I mean, Peter Petrelli has met himself now. Future-Peter has traveled through time with Present-Day-Peter. What the hell? It's bad enough that this could be tearing a hole in the universe, but don't mind that when everyone in the future that was good, now appears to be evil. Everyone in the past that was evil, or stupid, seems to be well adjusted with babies. Mohinder is still a freak, and alive I might add... aaaaaaah!!!
Okay, and then there's The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which incidentally, if you don't watch, and you like the Terminator movies (except the 3rd, which the show seems to ignore as well), you should watch. How's that for a run-on sentence?
Now, if you can change the future from the past, then I'm totally confused on this one. Why does everyone, and everything still remain the same. Are there multiple futures, and we're just not seeing one? Is the future that newly minted badass Brian Austin Green (yeah, I said it) flashing back to actually the Past-Future?
Really, I'm more and less confused than I'm letting on here, but I wanted to seed this post with these nuggets and hopefully spur some conversation... ha ha ha.
(SEMI SPOILERS AHEAD)
Can anyone tell me what exactly is going on on Heroes? I mean, Peter Petrelli has met himself now. Future-Peter has traveled through time with Present-Day-Peter. What the hell? It's bad enough that this could be tearing a hole in the universe, but don't mind that when everyone in the future that was good, now appears to be evil. Everyone in the past that was evil, or stupid, seems to be well adjusted with babies. Mohinder is still a freak, and alive I might add... aaaaaaah!!!
Okay, and then there's The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which incidentally, if you don't watch, and you like the Terminator movies (except the 3rd, which the show seems to ignore as well), you should watch. How's that for a run-on sentence?
Now, if you can change the future from the past, then I'm totally confused on this one. Why does everyone, and everything still remain the same. Are there multiple futures, and we're just not seeing one? Is the future that newly minted badass Brian Austin Green (yeah, I said it) flashing back to actually the Past-Future?
Really, I'm more and less confused than I'm letting on here, but I wanted to seed this post with these nuggets and hopefully spur some conversation... ha ha ha.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Podcasts!
Who listens to them? Come on, I know I'm not the only freak on iTunes with 600 hours of podcasts loaded.
Yes, my 'other' obsession, knitting is what introduced me to the world of the podcast, but I have grown. Oh, how I have grown. While I do still have a ridiculous amount of fibery podcasts loaded on my iPod, the space has become more and more devoted to other talk shows for my little ears.
Two faves are my buds over at Mail Order Zombie and the HorrorEtc Podcast. If you like horror and are not listening to these, WHY? Derek and Bren over at MOZ give fans of the undead everything they're looking for in 90 minutes a week - the Zombie Beat, where we get the lowdown on zombie sightings all over the Web; movie reviews of movies almost exclusively available on DVD and nowhere else; book talk, and a lot of laughs. There is intelligent conversation about zombie movies; no "Dude, it was SOOOOO GOOOORRRRRY!" here. We've had incredible discussions about the zombie apocalypse and we've debated whether or not Friday the 13th's Jason is a zombie (for the record, I say no).
The HorrorEtc guys are simply amazing. They break down movie genres, auteurs (I myself have been accused of being an M. Night Shyamalan apologist in the past, so I can appreciate and empathize with them) and movie franchises (their Friday the 13th megacast is gold). They sit and deconstruct, drop some humor, and really provide intelligent discussion on their topics.
These two podcasts have introduced me to movies I'd never have known about, and enticed me to revisit movies I'd forgotten about entirely. Check 'em out.
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History is another kickass podcast that I wish would come out more regularly. Usually about an hour, Carlin shoots straight from the lip about various periods in history. When he starts off by asking of Alexander the Great was as bad as Hitler, you know you're in for some good stuff. I just finished listening to the first half of the Punic Wars episode, now he's loaded the second half. Whoo hoo! If Mr. Scanlon had been this compelling in high school, I never would have had to start that chorus of "On Top of Spaghetti" to keep myself interested.
Many of you know that I have an unabashed affection for Kevin Smith, who happens to look like a shorter version of my very own Hubs. So no one should be surprised that SModcast, Kevin Smith's podcast with buddy Scott Mosier ("Snowball" in Clerks) is a standard on my iPod. It's laugh out loud wrong and hilarious and features special guest appearance by Kevin Smith mainstays like Jason Mewes (Jay) and Walt Flanagan (his dog is mentioned in several movies).
My buddy Chuck introduced me to iFanboy, a weekly podcast about comics. I used to be a fanatical comic book collector. Until comic prices shot sky-high and Marvel decided that I had to read 612 titles in order to keep up with the freaking X-Men. Every now and then, I miss the joy of hanging out in my local comic book store, but realize that I have NO idea what is going on in any universe, be it Marvel, DC, or my own. Enter iFanboy, which gives me a rundown of what's going on in comics each week, and if I want to know more, I can buy a book on my own. It's even gotten me to invest in a title or two...
Finally, rounding out my cavalcade of aural geekery, we've got Television Zombies, a weekly podcast covering pop culture and the TV shows that love them. They cover Doctor Who, Torchwood, Lost, Supernatural, Heroes, Fringe - are you starting to see why I dig it?
May your daily commute will be a little less rage-filled, my friends. Enjoy.
Yes, my 'other' obsession, knitting is what introduced me to the world of the podcast, but I have grown. Oh, how I have grown. While I do still have a ridiculous amount of fibery podcasts loaded on my iPod, the space has become more and more devoted to other talk shows for my little ears.
Two faves are my buds over at Mail Order Zombie and the HorrorEtc Podcast. If you like horror and are not listening to these, WHY? Derek and Bren over at MOZ give fans of the undead everything they're looking for in 90 minutes a week - the Zombie Beat, where we get the lowdown on zombie sightings all over the Web; movie reviews of movies almost exclusively available on DVD and nowhere else; book talk, and a lot of laughs. There is intelligent conversation about zombie movies; no "Dude, it was SOOOOO GOOOORRRRRY!" here. We've had incredible discussions about the zombie apocalypse and we've debated whether or not Friday the 13th's Jason is a zombie (for the record, I say no).
The HorrorEtc guys are simply amazing. They break down movie genres, auteurs (I myself have been accused of being an M. Night Shyamalan apologist in the past, so I can appreciate and empathize with them) and movie franchises (their Friday the 13th megacast is gold). They sit and deconstruct, drop some humor, and really provide intelligent discussion on their topics.
These two podcasts have introduced me to movies I'd never have known about, and enticed me to revisit movies I'd forgotten about entirely. Check 'em out.
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History is another kickass podcast that I wish would come out more regularly. Usually about an hour, Carlin shoots straight from the lip about various periods in history. When he starts off by asking of Alexander the Great was as bad as Hitler, you know you're in for some good stuff. I just finished listening to the first half of the Punic Wars episode, now he's loaded the second half. Whoo hoo! If Mr. Scanlon had been this compelling in high school, I never would have had to start that chorus of "On Top of Spaghetti" to keep myself interested.
Many of you know that I have an unabashed affection for Kevin Smith, who happens to look like a shorter version of my very own Hubs. So no one should be surprised that SModcast, Kevin Smith's podcast with buddy Scott Mosier ("Snowball" in Clerks) is a standard on my iPod. It's laugh out loud wrong and hilarious and features special guest appearance by Kevin Smith mainstays like Jason Mewes (Jay) and Walt Flanagan (his dog is mentioned in several movies).
My buddy Chuck introduced me to iFanboy, a weekly podcast about comics. I used to be a fanatical comic book collector. Until comic prices shot sky-high and Marvel decided that I had to read 612 titles in order to keep up with the freaking X-Men. Every now and then, I miss the joy of hanging out in my local comic book store, but realize that I have NO idea what is going on in any universe, be it Marvel, DC, or my own. Enter iFanboy, which gives me a rundown of what's going on in comics each week, and if I want to know more, I can buy a book on my own. It's even gotten me to invest in a title or two...
Finally, rounding out my cavalcade of aural geekery, we've got Television Zombies, a weekly podcast covering pop culture and the TV shows that love them. They cover Doctor Who, Torchwood, Lost, Supernatural, Heroes, Fringe - are you starting to see why I dig it?
May your daily commute will be a little less rage-filled, my friends. Enjoy.
Mobile Phone Woes...
Okay, for a so-called techie, I'm sadly, sadly, sadly behind the times with the upgrade of my cell phone. I need a new device, and there are so many options out there that I'm finding myself stumped.
Do I wait it out, and get the Blackberry answer to the iPhone, the Storm? Or do I wait a slightly shorter time and switch to Verizon pending the launch of the Blackberry Bold? What about this new T-Mobile Google G1 phone? Is it all it's claiming to be? What to do?
I do NOT want an iPhone. I know I'm in the minority, but I'm just not feeling it.
Many of these phones would mean a change in carrier for me. I've been with T-Mobile a long time now, and the thought of switching is also daunting, but I can get a better deal with a number of the carriers. So I thought that I'd put up a poll, it may help me decide.
Do I wait it out, and get the Blackberry answer to the iPhone, the Storm? Or do I wait a slightly shorter time and switch to Verizon pending the launch of the Blackberry Bold? What about this new T-Mobile Google G1 phone? Is it all it's claiming to be? What to do?
I do NOT want an iPhone. I know I'm in the minority, but I'm just not feeling it.
Many of these phones would mean a change in carrier for me. I've been with T-Mobile a long time now, and the thought of switching is also daunting, but I can get a better deal with a number of the carriers. So I thought that I'd put up a poll, it may help me decide.
An Open Letter to Harrison Ford
Harrison? Can we have a moment? Awesome, thanks. No, I don't want to wax your chest, don't worry. I read something today, something that upset me a little more than that questionable chili I ate a few weeks ago, and I need to bring this up with you immediately.
We've been together a long time, you and I. My friends all looked at me funny when they were hanging Scott Baio posters on the wall and I was frustrated with SuperTeen Magazine for their lack of Blade Runner pinups back in the '80s. I was on the end of many a questionable look when I declared my love for the devil-may-care Han Solo over the blonde farmboy from the stars, Luke Skywalker. But I was right in the end, wasn't I? Haven't I held the moniker of RoeSolo for well over a decade now? What I'm trying to get at here is, you know I come to you from a place of love and not snark. Which is huge for me.
So here it is, Harrison. I'm going to be straight with you. Do NOT make Indiana Jones 5. Just... don't. Leave my memory unsullied, can't you? Shia LeBeouf? Really? As the heir to your legacy? I say thee nay. Shia in Transformers? Entertaining. Shia about to pick up your fedora in the last movie? Hell to the no.
Must I appeal to Spielberg on this? Can't you just take what I'm saying at face value? Look at Lucas - he's a laughing stock to my generation. Sure, he's rolling naked in money and wearing a Jar-Jar Binks mask, but he's lost all credibility with the Gen Xers who worshipped him. For crying out loud, he was going to feature NSync in Attack of the Clones - can you trust his judgement any longer? Don't go there, Harrison. Please. Let Steven go down the path that leads to the Dark Side, but please, PLEASE - just don't.
Thank you for your time. Now I'm going to watch the director's cut of Blade Runner and remember the good times.
We've been together a long time, you and I. My friends all looked at me funny when they were hanging Scott Baio posters on the wall and I was frustrated with SuperTeen Magazine for their lack of Blade Runner pinups back in the '80s. I was on the end of many a questionable look when I declared my love for the devil-may-care Han Solo over the blonde farmboy from the stars, Luke Skywalker. But I was right in the end, wasn't I? Haven't I held the moniker of RoeSolo for well over a decade now? What I'm trying to get at here is, you know I come to you from a place of love and not snark. Which is huge for me.
So here it is, Harrison. I'm going to be straight with you. Do NOT make Indiana Jones 5. Just... don't. Leave my memory unsullied, can't you? Shia LeBeouf? Really? As the heir to your legacy? I say thee nay. Shia in Transformers? Entertaining. Shia about to pick up your fedora in the last movie? Hell to the no.
Must I appeal to Spielberg on this? Can't you just take what I'm saying at face value? Look at Lucas - he's a laughing stock to my generation. Sure, he's rolling naked in money and wearing a Jar-Jar Binks mask, but he's lost all credibility with the Gen Xers who worshipped him. For crying out loud, he was going to feature NSync in Attack of the Clones - can you trust his judgement any longer? Don't go there, Harrison. Please. Let Steven go down the path that leads to the Dark Side, but please, PLEASE - just don't.
Thank you for your time. Now I'm going to watch the director's cut of Blade Runner and remember the good times.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Gadgets!
I really haven't been doing much geeky reading or watched much TV lately, but I have been playing endlessly with the Flip camcorder I got at my baby shower. I use it even more than my regular camera since I can pull snapshots from the videos. It's been really great to share videos with my family who are too far away to see baby Charlie. The software is incredibly easy to use, I haven't looked at a manual once. The movie Mix feature lets you do fun (though somewhat cheesy) things with the videos you record. It's the perfect thing for anyone with a new baby. It fits in the diaper bag, and is so inexpensive I don't worry about taking it everywhere.
I've also just set up our new web cam, which my parents got so they can talk to Charlie (and me.) I've only used it once so far, but if anyone else has Skype I'm looking forward to trying it again.
I've also just set up our new web cam, which my parents got so they can talk to Charlie (and me.) I've only used it once so far, but if anyone else has Skype I'm looking forward to trying it again.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Geek-Down
Okay, so I'm going to sit here and stew in my jealousy for Stacey's Blu-Ray as I give you the Geek-Down - the rundown of all current things geek happening in my little universe.
While I do not have a Blu-Ray, we did get the special edition DVD with Iron Man head case. (As opposed to headcase, which would accurately describe Robert Downey Jr.'s last respite from Hollywood before Iron Man.) I haven't watched it yet - waiting for the weekend to enjoy that with the kiddos and Hubs - but I cannot wait. I loved it in the movies and am thrilled to have it in my hot little hands. The kids will not be keeping this one in their room - they're lucky I let them keep my Star Wars box set, and that's only because it's the remastered ass that Lucas re-released, where Greedo shoots first. I call shenanigans on you, George Lucas!
Okay - Fringe - have not watched yet, because Will and I had to catch up on two episodes of Supernatural and he demanded that we watch Chuck "live" the other night. Oh, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was on. Jeez, there's a lot of good TV these days. But anyway, no Fringe yet, so hang in there.
While I do not have a Blu-Ray, we did get the special edition DVD with Iron Man head case. (As opposed to headcase, which would accurately describe Robert Downey Jr.'s last respite from Hollywood before Iron Man.) I haven't watched it yet - waiting for the weekend to enjoy that with the kiddos and Hubs - but I cannot wait. I loved it in the movies and am thrilled to have it in my hot little hands. The kids will not be keeping this one in their room - they're lucky I let them keep my Star Wars box set, and that's only because it's the remastered ass that Lucas re-released, where Greedo shoots first. I call shenanigans on you, George Lucas!
Okay - Fringe - have not watched yet, because Will and I had to catch up on two episodes of Supernatural and he demanded that we watch Chuck "live" the other night. Oh, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was on. Jeez, there's a lot of good TV these days. But anyway, no Fringe yet, so hang in there.
- I think we need these Star Wars sweatshirts. I love the Boba Fett and Stormtrooper sweats in particular.
- Speaking of Fringe, Fox has ordered more. Whoo hoo!!
- More to come, but thanks to USA Today's blog, Pop Candy, for keeping me up to date on geeky fabulousness.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Iron Man
I'll let someone else cover off on the new Fringe episode last night, which was good. This show is steadilly improving from the Pilot, which was better than average but not mind blowing.
So last night, our happy little Amazon.com package arrived containing the Blu-Ray edition of Iron Man. Most of the time, I don't get all hopped up about the difference between regular and HD movies. I realize that with my background, and obsession with scenery, film, and so on, I should totally get hopped up about it. But, I don't, usually.
People, consider me hopped up.
Iron Man looked amazing. The detail and the effects looked so good, I felt like I was sitting in the rooms with them. I know that's totally cliche, but hey, I don't care. It was... Awesome!
Plus, I really loved the movie, and it holds up on the 3rd viewing. I think I'll be watching this one a lot.
One thing that really amazed me about the effects in this film is that the Iron Man suit actually has Robert Downey Jr.'s personality. It walks like him, it moves like him, it reacts like him. I would think that this is a combination of motion capture and some really talented animators. Kudos to the effects team.
If you haven't seen it, you should. It's a superhero funfest.
So last night, our happy little Amazon.com package arrived containing the Blu-Ray edition of Iron Man. Most of the time, I don't get all hopped up about the difference between regular and HD movies. I realize that with my background, and obsession with scenery, film, and so on, I should totally get hopped up about it. But, I don't, usually.
People, consider me hopped up.
Iron Man looked amazing. The detail and the effects looked so good, I felt like I was sitting in the rooms with them. I know that's totally cliche, but hey, I don't care. It was... Awesome!
Plus, I really loved the movie, and it holds up on the 3rd viewing. I think I'll be watching this one a lot.
One thing that really amazed me about the effects in this film is that the Iron Man suit actually has Robert Downey Jr.'s personality. It walks like him, it moves like him, it reacts like him. I would think that this is a combination of motion capture and some really talented animators. Kudos to the effects team.
If you haven't seen it, you should. It's a superhero funfest.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Fringe (FOX Tonight)
Just a reminder, new episode of Fringe tonight on FOX at 9PM (8 central). This is shaping up to be a decent X-Files replacement.
Check your local listings.
If you need to catch up, visit: http://fox.com/fringe/
Check your local listings.
If you need to catch up, visit: http://fox.com/fringe/
I Second That Brundle-Motion.
From the second that Mohinder started juicing, the Hubs and I turned to one another and said, "BrundleFly." That was just unmissable.
Not sure about any other references in particular, but I have been loving the way this season is taking off with a bang. I love Mama Petrelli, by the way. She's just freaking awesome.
Anyone else noticing that adoption seems to be a recurring theme here? Now Sylar is adopted, we know from last season that Claire is adopted - as an adoptee myself, I think that rocks. Now, when do my biological parents show up to tell me about my superpowers?
Okay, since Stacey has the Heroes beat covered, let me tackle Supernatural. I finally caught the season opener last night and it looks like we are off to another good season! Who's with me here - how freaking cool was the angel and the shadow of the wings unfolding? I need to know more. Are we approaching a war in Heaven of Milton-esque proportions? What part do the brothers have to play in this? And that most certainly was NOT Ruby last night - was she supposed to be? And am I the only one who kind of misses Bela?
Doctor Who. Torchwood. Where are you? I miss you!
I've also been geeking out with my childhood, thanks to SciFi's resurrecting Tales from the Darkside. I DVR'd a day-long marathon, much to my husband's chagrin, and have worked my way through most of them. This was one of my favorite shows as a 'tween, and even now, with its goofy 80s-vibe, I love it just as much as ever. I even caught Seth Green as a kid in one where he's got a monster in his closet - freaking awesome. Now, I just need some Tales from the Crypt.
Not sure about any other references in particular, but I have been loving the way this season is taking off with a bang. I love Mama Petrelli, by the way. She's just freaking awesome.
Anyone else noticing that adoption seems to be a recurring theme here? Now Sylar is adopted, we know from last season that Claire is adopted - as an adoptee myself, I think that rocks. Now, when do my biological parents show up to tell me about my superpowers?
Okay, since Stacey has the Heroes beat covered, let me tackle Supernatural. I finally caught the season opener last night and it looks like we are off to another good season! Who's with me here - how freaking cool was the angel and the shadow of the wings unfolding? I need to know more. Are we approaching a war in Heaven of Milton-esque proportions? What part do the brothers have to play in this? And that most certainly was NOT Ruby last night - was she supposed to be? And am I the only one who kind of misses Bela?
Doctor Who. Torchwood. Where are you? I miss you!
I've also been geeking out with my childhood, thanks to SciFi's resurrecting Tales from the Darkside. I DVR'd a day-long marathon, much to my husband's chagrin, and have worked my way through most of them. This was one of my favorite shows as a 'tween, and even now, with its goofy 80s-vibe, I love it just as much as ever. I even caught Seth Green as a kid in one where he's got a monster in his closet - freaking awesome. Now, I just need some Tales from the Crypt.
Inaugural Post...
So who watched Heroes last night, and is still excited about the fact that this season is not like last season. This season is starting off with a rush of carnage and plot twists. I just hope it can keep it up.
So here's the two movie references I've noticed so far, and I'm hoping that that this was intentional, and not just a rip-off.
So here's the two movie references I've noticed so far, and I'm hoping that that this was intentional, and not just a rip-off.
- Halloween - the Sylar/Claire scene in the house was definitely right out of Halloween, from the way she was holding the knife, down to the hiding out in the louvered closet.
- The Fly - it was impossible to miss the Mohinder scene when he was better/stronger/faster, and of course the skin problems in the mirror. Brundlefly anyone?
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