Sunday, November 30, 2008
Bruce Lee is beyond cool...
This is one of the coolest commercials I have seen in a long time. Using CGI to have Bruce Lee playing ping pong with nunchuks? Brilliant.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Need to Procrastinate? Check this out...
I discovered this link courtesy of Entertainment Weekly. I managed to waste about 15 minutes of my time and I am sure I will revisit it in the future. The premise is simple. Get the red ball into the red square. The machines you can make are anything but simple. Enjoy.
Fantastic contraption
Fantastic contraption
Friday, November 21, 2008
What the?!?
The facts are these:
Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone have been cancelled by ABC.
Sometimes I wonder how is watching what out there. Like who are the millions of people watching shows like CSI: Miami or NCIS or Two and Half Men (lately the kid is about the size of Jon Cryer so the title seems like it could use some updating). Who are the millions of people buying Nickelback albums? I don't know anyone who likes Nickelback. Or what about Jay Leno? I only know one person who actually likes The Tonight Show.
It is frustrating to figure out what survives in the entertainment world and what doesn't. It is great to see a complex and dynamic show like LOST find a foothold in the consciousness of the general populace. But often quality shows fail to appeal to the masses. A great comedy like Arrested Development didn't register a blip.
I felt that Eli Stone has really gained some ground in its storytelling. I thought each episode gained strength and I actually enjoyed the story and wanted to watch these characters. Some would say that the show might be blasphemous, but the show tries to tackle some big themes of faith and God, something that you don't really see network shows do.
Pushing Daisies is all whimsy and cuteness, but again, I found it completely entertaining. The character Olive is one of the funniest personalities in TV. Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Olive Snook, is absolutely brilliant and you can't help but have a crush on this sparkling lady. The show had also found its stride, focusing more on the characters rather than the cases. The production values and the sets are top notch. The writing is clever. The guest appearances have been solid. But no more. Bye bye.
Thanks a lot ABC. Thanks for disappointing a fan. When I read about the news yesterday I was a little mad. I know it is TV, but there are so many bad shows out there that are still on the air, which makes these cancellations seem so unfair.
Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone have been cancelled by ABC.
Sometimes I wonder how is watching what out there. Like who are the millions of people watching shows like CSI: Miami or NCIS or Two and Half Men (lately the kid is about the size of Jon Cryer so the title seems like it could use some updating). Who are the millions of people buying Nickelback albums? I don't know anyone who likes Nickelback. Or what about Jay Leno? I only know one person who actually likes The Tonight Show.
It is frustrating to figure out what survives in the entertainment world and what doesn't. It is great to see a complex and dynamic show like LOST find a foothold in the consciousness of the general populace. But often quality shows fail to appeal to the masses. A great comedy like Arrested Development didn't register a blip.
I felt that Eli Stone has really gained some ground in its storytelling. I thought each episode gained strength and I actually enjoyed the story and wanted to watch these characters. Some would say that the show might be blasphemous, but the show tries to tackle some big themes of faith and God, something that you don't really see network shows do.
Pushing Daisies is all whimsy and cuteness, but again, I found it completely entertaining. The character Olive is one of the funniest personalities in TV. Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Olive Snook, is absolutely brilliant and you can't help but have a crush on this sparkling lady. The show had also found its stride, focusing more on the characters rather than the cases. The production values and the sets are top notch. The writing is clever. The guest appearances have been solid. But no more. Bye bye.
Thanks a lot ABC. Thanks for disappointing a fan. When I read about the news yesterday I was a little mad. I know it is TV, but there are so many bad shows out there that are still on the air, which makes these cancellations seem so unfair.
Friday, November 14, 2008
007
So I managed to score free tickets to the new Bond movie on Thursday night (thanks Kavie). I enjoyed most of Casino Royale except for the laughable penultimate poker scene (I have a straight, hey I have a flush, hey I have a full house, wait I have a four of a kind, wait I have a straight flush!)
Casino Royale did employ vicious fighting scenes and had one of the coolest Bonds around in Daniel Craig. The guy was intense, rough, but managed to pull off a sophisticated edge quite flawlessly. The infusion of a character driven Bond rather than a silly special effects Bond was a welcome reprieve for Bond fans. "Die Another Day" was just a ridiculous jumble of special effects that made me feel sad. When Pierce Brosnan went wind-surfing over the cliff or when he outdrove the laser I started to feel wistful about the good old days.
I have a great affinity towards James Bond movies, because these are the movies that my dad and I watched together growing up. He was the one that got me into the series and he started me off with the Connery films. Sean Connery was the Bond that I grew up with. As a kid, not knowing much better, I also enjoyed the Roger Moore movies as well. Now I realize that he was a little too cheesy. I thought audiences were a bit too harsh towards Timothy Dalton and the only positive from the Pierce Dalton era was the creation of one of my favourite video games ever, "GoldenEye" for the Nintendo 64.
So I welcomed the reboot of the Bond franchise with the introduction of Daniel Craig. However, after the promising start of Casino Royale, I wondered about the choice of the director for Quantum of Solace. Mark Forester has done some decent movies (Finding Neverland, Kite Runner, Monster's Ball) but I thought he was a strange choice for an action blockbuster. But I think these major studios are looking for quality directors to oversee these blockbuster franchises (see Christopher Nolan and Batman) in the hopes of appealing to a wide range of people. Action plus character driven pieces are the bread winners these days and Hollywood simply likes to mimic this trend because it seems to work.
Too bad it doesn't work for Quantum of Solace. My major beef with this movie are the terrible edits of the action. It looks like someone was trying to emulate the Bourne series, but to a worse effect. So many of the set pieces were elaborate and gorgeous looking, but the money was wasted because you could rarely tell what was going on. The edits were so quick that you got no sense of danger for Bond. Scenes would be a blur which meant all the realism that was added back into the series was negated to bring about an over fizzle to the proceedings. I liked how Bond was angry and clearly disturbed by the events of Casino Royale. I liked Daniel Craig again as Bond. I liked the interaction of Bond with M (the brilliant Judi Dench). I liked the continuity of the characters, bringing back two characters from the first movie. But when the movie ended and I exited and I was not sure if I liked the movie.
I am still thinking about it this movie. Maybe the grim tone and lack of humour in comparison to Casino Royale works against this movie. I have a feeling that I will look forward to the third movie due to the implications of the end events of this movie. Let's hope they find a director better suited to making decisions when concerned with action scenes.
If you want some yuks, go see Role Models. I have always been rooting for Paul Rudd, who has been terrific in so many movies. See "Clueless" or "40 Year Old Virgin". This movie that he wrote, has him playing a perfect role for his acting style. This R-rated comedy tries to be too crass at times, but there are some nice moments and a lot of laugh out loud spots. Not for everyone, but a decent comedy from the Apatow crew.
Casino Royale did employ vicious fighting scenes and had one of the coolest Bonds around in Daniel Craig. The guy was intense, rough, but managed to pull off a sophisticated edge quite flawlessly. The infusion of a character driven Bond rather than a silly special effects Bond was a welcome reprieve for Bond fans. "Die Another Day" was just a ridiculous jumble of special effects that made me feel sad. When Pierce Brosnan went wind-surfing over the cliff or when he outdrove the laser I started to feel wistful about the good old days.
I have a great affinity towards James Bond movies, because these are the movies that my dad and I watched together growing up. He was the one that got me into the series and he started me off with the Connery films. Sean Connery was the Bond that I grew up with. As a kid, not knowing much better, I also enjoyed the Roger Moore movies as well. Now I realize that he was a little too cheesy. I thought audiences were a bit too harsh towards Timothy Dalton and the only positive from the Pierce Dalton era was the creation of one of my favourite video games ever, "GoldenEye" for the Nintendo 64.
So I welcomed the reboot of the Bond franchise with the introduction of Daniel Craig. However, after the promising start of Casino Royale, I wondered about the choice of the director for Quantum of Solace. Mark Forester has done some decent movies (Finding Neverland, Kite Runner, Monster's Ball) but I thought he was a strange choice for an action blockbuster. But I think these major studios are looking for quality directors to oversee these blockbuster franchises (see Christopher Nolan and Batman) in the hopes of appealing to a wide range of people. Action plus character driven pieces are the bread winners these days and Hollywood simply likes to mimic this trend because it seems to work.
Too bad it doesn't work for Quantum of Solace. My major beef with this movie are the terrible edits of the action. It looks like someone was trying to emulate the Bourne series, but to a worse effect. So many of the set pieces were elaborate and gorgeous looking, but the money was wasted because you could rarely tell what was going on. The edits were so quick that you got no sense of danger for Bond. Scenes would be a blur which meant all the realism that was added back into the series was negated to bring about an over fizzle to the proceedings. I liked how Bond was angry and clearly disturbed by the events of Casino Royale. I liked Daniel Craig again as Bond. I liked the interaction of Bond with M (the brilliant Judi Dench). I liked the continuity of the characters, bringing back two characters from the first movie. But when the movie ended and I exited and I was not sure if I liked the movie.
I am still thinking about it this movie. Maybe the grim tone and lack of humour in comparison to Casino Royale works against this movie. I have a feeling that I will look forward to the third movie due to the implications of the end events of this movie. Let's hope they find a director better suited to making decisions when concerned with action scenes.
If you want some yuks, go see Role Models. I have always been rooting for Paul Rudd, who has been terrific in so many movies. See "Clueless" or "40 Year Old Virgin". This movie that he wrote, has him playing a perfect role for his acting style. This R-rated comedy tries to be too crass at times, but there are some nice moments and a lot of laugh out loud spots. Not for everyone, but a decent comedy from the Apatow crew.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
We are all Canucks. But I am a loser.
Oh yeah. I went to the Canucks game on Sunday night. The Canucks lost. No exaggeration, but I think over the last five years I have only seen the Canucks win once or twice live. I think I have been to about 10-15 games.
Just thought I would share that with you. I want to keep track of my losing record.
Just thought I would share that with you. I want to keep track of my losing record.
From Obama to Optimus
I am not the most political person around. At times I am a bit passive and more than skeptical of the entire political arena. I vote, but sometimes feel like our voices are not really heard. As a teacher, I see how our education system is underfunded and neglected. I see money thrown around but not invested in our youth which would be a long term solution to what ails our society.
So I couldn't help to feel a little bit... ashamed? guilty? after watching Obama in his acceptance speech. This man commands the stage and his words are so inspiring that I couldn't help but say to myself, "Am I doing enough in society?"
I think I am, but really that kind of goes hand in hand with the job that I do. After listening to Obama I thought maybe I could do more.
It was truly a historic night yesterday. To think as a Canadian I was riveted last night by the US election speaks volumes of the interest in Barack. And I found the cynic in me melting away as Obama's message provided me with some hope and inspiration that maybe the majority of our society can make better decisions and take care of each other.
I then realized that I see instances of our youth that prove to me that there is hope for all involved. Interacting with teenagers at school, I am continually impressed at the maturity and courage that they have at a young age. I know that when provided with the right opportunities that a lot of teenagers make the right choice. I see small events every day that tells me that many kids get it. Our school works as a community and I see many students contributing to that community and taking ownership of what goes in the community. And then I think of this new wave of politically active youth and where this could lead us.
It is hard for me to understand why America was so attached to JFK. Watching Obama and recognizing how strong an orator he is, I realize how one person can motivate a nation.
Last thoughts:
A great read from the New York Times tells about the well run Obama campaign. To think that 20 months ago Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic representative, shows how quickly Obama-mania stormed through the States.
Speaking of students, I am starting to feel old. I have been teaching since 2001 and in the last couple of weeks I have bumped into so many former students. It is great to hear what they are doing... working for EA, Masters in Engineering, Biophysics, English Lit etc.
Hearing how far they are into their university/careers, gets me real depressed. I also sense that they generally seem excited to see me. Now abusive words or curses are thrown my way. No rocks or hard metallic objects are hurled my way. Instead, greeted by smiles and recognition I start to think that maybe I had a small impact on their lives. Hey teachers, yes we can.
I also hate how I can't remember names on the spot. I never forget a face, but it is stressful not to remember a student's name.
Let's name drop... mostly FVCers from the past.
Justin DeVries, Nikki Ames, Ashley, Laura (bumped to all of them at Sigur Ros concert), Graham Slot, Soo Hyun, Richard Kishimoto, Ashley Reiter, Brittany Tymos, and on Tuesday night after ice hockey out at UBC, Adam Herman.
I have lived in Vancouver all this time and have never bumped into any students until now. Then in just one month, it was so crazy to see all these students out and around UBC. Weird.
Lastly, I wanted to comment on this season's "Chuck" which has been geektastic. Last week's episode managed to make a nod to Missile Commander and Rush, but where I really went crazy is hearing "The Touch" by Stan Bush. What song is this you may ask? Why only one of the best movie songs of all time from The Transformers: The Movie. And I am not talking about that crappy Michael Bay movie (TERRIBLE!!!). I am talking about the animated movie that came out in the 80s starring the voices of Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy among others.
If you are a Transformers fan I cannot see how you can't get goosebumps watching this clip as Optimus rolls out with "The Touch" playing in the background. Quite possibly one of my favourite clips of all time. I could watch it over and over as Optimus single-handedly takes out seven Decepticons from the 25 s mark until meeting Megatron. Now Optimus Prime was a kick-ass leader that I would follow.
And how is that for a blog entry? From Obama to Optimus, I bet you never thought you would hear those two great leaders together in one sentence.
So I couldn't help to feel a little bit... ashamed? guilty? after watching Obama in his acceptance speech. This man commands the stage and his words are so inspiring that I couldn't help but say to myself, "Am I doing enough in society?"
I think I am, but really that kind of goes hand in hand with the job that I do. After listening to Obama I thought maybe I could do more.
It was truly a historic night yesterday. To think as a Canadian I was riveted last night by the US election speaks volumes of the interest in Barack. And I found the cynic in me melting away as Obama's message provided me with some hope and inspiration that maybe the majority of our society can make better decisions and take care of each other.
I then realized that I see instances of our youth that prove to me that there is hope for all involved. Interacting with teenagers at school, I am continually impressed at the maturity and courage that they have at a young age. I know that when provided with the right opportunities that a lot of teenagers make the right choice. I see small events every day that tells me that many kids get it. Our school works as a community and I see many students contributing to that community and taking ownership of what goes in the community. And then I think of this new wave of politically active youth and where this could lead us.
It is hard for me to understand why America was so attached to JFK. Watching Obama and recognizing how strong an orator he is, I realize how one person can motivate a nation.
Last thoughts:
A great read from the New York Times tells about the well run Obama campaign. To think that 20 months ago Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic representative, shows how quickly Obama-mania stormed through the States.
Speaking of students, I am starting to feel old. I have been teaching since 2001 and in the last couple of weeks I have bumped into so many former students. It is great to hear what they are doing... working for EA, Masters in Engineering, Biophysics, English Lit etc.
Hearing how far they are into their university/careers, gets me real depressed. I also sense that they generally seem excited to see me. Now abusive words or curses are thrown my way. No rocks or hard metallic objects are hurled my way. Instead, greeted by smiles and recognition I start to think that maybe I had a small impact on their lives. Hey teachers, yes we can.
I also hate how I can't remember names on the spot. I never forget a face, but it is stressful not to remember a student's name.
Let's name drop... mostly FVCers from the past.
Justin DeVries, Nikki Ames, Ashley, Laura (bumped to all of them at Sigur Ros concert), Graham Slot, Soo Hyun, Richard Kishimoto, Ashley Reiter, Brittany Tymos, and on Tuesday night after ice hockey out at UBC, Adam Herman.
I have lived in Vancouver all this time and have never bumped into any students until now. Then in just one month, it was so crazy to see all these students out and around UBC. Weird.
Lastly, I wanted to comment on this season's "Chuck" which has been geektastic. Last week's episode managed to make a nod to Missile Commander and Rush, but where I really went crazy is hearing "The Touch" by Stan Bush. What song is this you may ask? Why only one of the best movie songs of all time from The Transformers: The Movie. And I am not talking about that crappy Michael Bay movie (TERRIBLE!!!). I am talking about the animated movie that came out in the 80s starring the voices of Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy among others.
If you are a Transformers fan I cannot see how you can't get goosebumps watching this clip as Optimus rolls out with "The Touch" playing in the background. Quite possibly one of my favourite clips of all time. I could watch it over and over as Optimus single-handedly takes out seven Decepticons from the 25 s mark until meeting Megatron. Now Optimus Prime was a kick-ass leader that I would follow.
And how is that for a blog entry? From Obama to Optimus, I bet you never thought you would hear those two great leaders together in one sentence.
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