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11月28日 Jason's Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireHey all...sorry for the blog delay. As you probably know...Xbox 360 launched last week. I've been busy with a combination of launch activities and playing the heck out of my new xbox.
But, now...for the long awaited (I like to think so, anyway) review to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
I went to see Harry Potter at the 9:20 PM show the day it came out. I was watching it at a little po-dunk theatre in Oak Harbor, WA. I bought my ticket in advance and showed up at 9:00. I had to wait in a line outside the theatre (38 degrees) until they opened the doors, which wasn't until 9:30. WTF?
Anyway, show started at 9:45. Enough moaning about the theatre.
I should start by saying that I have never thought the Harry Potter movies are that great. I love love love the books and I don't think the movies do them justice. The Chris Columbus movies were rather childish, but that may have been appropriate. The Alfonso Cauron version brought a little bit of scaryness in, which was good, but didn't really bring to the forefront James' relationship with Lupin, Sirius, and Wormtail. There was so much emotion in that movie that wasn't explored as much as it should have been.
That being said, Goblet of Fire is definitely the best HP movie so far. This book, to me, is all about the return of Voldomort. Everything else is fluff. Good fluff, but fluff. The Quidditch World cup went by in a flash...which is fine cause it wasn't really important. I did not like the Death Eaters scene in the beginning. It was rushed and I found it lame that Harry was knocked unconsious and left there until everyone cleared out...except, of course, Ron and Hermione who must have a homing device on him cause they were there almost instantly after he woke up. If Harry were knocked out amist Death Eaters...they would have killed him or kidnapped him right there.
The Tasks were very well done...particularly the dragon. Obviously, there were some creative liberties taken...but it worked. It was very suspenseful and exciting. Plus...I want to hire the dude that animated that dragon...time to do some research.
Michael Gambon sucks as Dumbledore. I was one of the few people saying it after prisoner of Azkaban. Dumbledore has always been calm and cool...it is one of the reasons his scene with the potion in book 6 is so scary. Gambon plays him like he's about ready to keel over or loose his temper any second. I mean...he pushes Harry against the wall in the trophy room. Dumbledore would never do that. Lame.
Ralph Fiennes is FREAKIN' AWESOME as Voldomort. FREAKIN' AWESOME! Crazy...scary...murderous. He rocks. I am anxious to see him in Order of the Phoenix in the Ministry of Magic.
That's about it. That's my opinion. I can't wait for book 7. I want it right now.
11月21日 Thanks PoeAlright...there are few things I hate more than people who make crazy ANNONYMOUS statements. If you have something to say...especially something as harsh as Poe's comment...leave your freakin' info. At least an e-mail if not a site we can post at in return.
For my friends: In response to my post "House of Crazy Whiners" (although I think he/she meant it for "Don't Stoop to their Level") an annonymous gentleman(woman) left this comment, "We're better than them? Really? Watch this video of us napalming civilians and then decide.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10907.htm." Watch the video if you want...it's harsh. Poe...this is footage from the Vietnam war. If you want to argue about the Vietnam war, we can do it in another post. Stick to the subject. Obviously, you don't think we're better than the terrorists? So, I ask you the same thing I would ask any hippie coward that loves to hate America. Get out...we don't want you here. I'm not kidding, either. This isn't some partisan statement that you hear from Shawn Hannity. This is comming from a born and raised American citizen who loves America and loves everything this country stands for. If you want to take a comment from me opposing torture and slam my webpage with your propoganda stolen from the 60's, then you can take your ass to Canada.
American's used Napalm in Fallujah? Please.
If you want to logically argue in support or opposition to my point that torture is bad and how I appreciate Senator McCain's efforts to stop it, feel free. Otherwise, buzz off.
We are better than the terrorists...which is exactly why I posted the article. America is better...and if you disagree, find another country that you think is.
Different War, Different Time, Different Players. Grow up or go back to your hemp fields. 11月18日 House of Crazy WhinersAlso known as the House of Representatives.
Okay, I'm not going to debate whether or not we should withdraw the troops (we shouldn't). That's not what this entry is about (although we shouldn't).
I was just sitting here listening (on CSPAN) to the House Democrats and Republicans hollaring at each other.
So, yesterday, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) comes out to say that we need to bring the troops home. This was HUGE news. Murtha is a Veteran (Marine Colonel) and a 3 decade member of Congress. He has every right to come out and say what he said. He's getting so much coverage because he IS a Veteran and he's considered a Moderate Democrat. Of course, most Republicans said he's wrong. That's really all I have heard them say. I have not heard they slander Rep. Murtha. I have not heard them "dishonor" him. In fact, I have heard the opposite. "I have utmost respect for Rep. Murtha...but he's wrong."
I kinda thought it was cool that the Republicans essentially said, "Enough...let's vote. Put you opinion on record." So, tonight they are voting on whether or not to remove troops from Iraq. Of course, this is non-binding as it's the President's Constitutional right to say where troops go.
Where I am irked, is when I hear the Dems hooting and hollaring about how disrespectfully Rep. Murtha is being treated. Nancy Pelosi chewed the Republicans out in her speak for their awful treatment the gave to Rep. Murtha and the "political stunt" they are pulling.
Of course this vote is a stunt. But, it's a good one. Republicans are making all Congressmen take sides...offically and on the record. They are not disrespecting Rep. Murtha...they are disagreeing with him. They are disagreeing with him in a much friendlier way than politicians normally do. I think they've been very gracious.
The Dems are just circling the waggons and making it sound like their beloved war veteran is being ripped apart. Get over it. His opinion is respected as much as he is. Saying we don't agree isn't disrespect. 11月15日 Don't stoop to their level.Thanks to LEB (link in the Blogs list) for posting this article.
My Man John McCain has an editorial in the upcoming issue of Newsweek. In the article, he addresses his views on the torture of prisoners of war. Whether these prisoners are part of a nation protected by Geneva Conventions or not...this is not the point. I think his point is summed up beautifully in this paragraph:
"I don't mourn the loss of any terrorist's life. Nor do I care if in the course of serving their ignoble cause they suffer great harm. They have pledged their lives to the intentional destruction of innocent lives, and they have earned their terrible punishment in this life and the next. What I do mourn is what we lose when by official policy or official neglect we allow, confuse or encourage our soldiers to forget that best sense of ourselves, that which is our greatest strength—that we are different and better than our enemies, that we fight for an idea, not a tribe, not a land, not a king, not a twisted interpretation of an ancient religion, but for an idea that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights." Remember when we were young and we were told, "Don't stoop to their level."? It's the same thing. We're better than them. I don't want to stoop to their level. Jorane in SeattleFor those of you who remember a previous video and posting about Jorane, she is coming to Seattle. She will be playing the Triple Door downtown at 7:30 on November 30. If anyone is interested, call the Triple Door at 206.838.4333. Tickets are only $13 in advance...$15 at the door.
This is a video for her song called Pour ton sourire. She's singning in French...don't hold that against her.
 11月14日 Mariners all-time win leader considering other clubsAlright...there is no freakin' reason why the Mariners should not re-sign Jamie Moyer. Some signings are "economic" and some are sentimental. Moyer is the winningest Mariners pitcher ever. The Moyer Foundation is based in Seattle. He donates mucho denero to Fred Hutch...and the fans LOVE HIM. If they let him go, we should all be pissed.
PS: Is winningest a word? Concert Review - Jason MrazI was first introduced to Jason Mraz (like almost all music) through my wife. Actually, she kinda filled me in on who he was before we saw him opening for Dave one year at the Gorge. Instantly impressed. Particularly with his live performance.
Anyway, went to see him, in his very own concert, last night at the Paramount. Other than the fact that I didn't get to bed until 1:00 AM (when I had to work the next day) it was a great evening.
Tristan Prettyman (who happens to be his GF) was one of the opening acts. She was alright. She was cute, which made it better, but I wasn't really impressed.
There was a second opener, as well. He's got stuff on the radio, but for the life of me, I can't remember who he was. Obviously, didn't leave a mark.
But, the Mraz section was excellent. Very upbeat, very exciting. He interacts with the audience much more then any other performer I have seen. Typically, the performer will occationally, prior to a song, say something like, "This is off our new album." Jason was talking all the time. Telling stories, cracking jokes at the expense of his band members. Very funny at times.
My favorite Mraz song is "The Dream Life of Rand McNally." He didn't play that one.
 But, that's okay. He played a bunch of other good ones. At a funny part of the concert, he calls Tristan Prettyman back out on stage to sing a song together. But, just as she gets on, he says something about having to go to the bathroom and then he runs off stage leaving her there by herself. She talked for a while about how much she likes Seattle until he came back joking about how the nearest bathroom was three flights down.
Anyway...great concert. Highly recommend going to see him if you're in to his music.
A couple general questions I have, though...What the heck is with the wrist warmers??? Are we going back to the 80's? My wife says they are making a big comeback. Why? What the heck is the point? I hate stupid trends like that.
Also...do you ever notice at a concert, how the audience FREAKS OUT any time someone sings anything eluding to smoking pot or getting high? Seriously...take Dave Matthews as an example. In his song "When the World Ends" he has a line that goes, "When the world ends, we'll be burnin' one." When he sings this line, audience FREAKS with cheers and screams. The dude who performed before Mraz (the one I can't remember) had a line about "getting high." Same thing. Screams and cheers. It's like they're saying "YEAH!!! GETTING HIGH ROCKS!!!" I'm not trying to be all high and mighty...but is that really something to cheer about? Get over yourselves, hippies. 11月11日 Lost thoughtsSo, the "Episode everyone would be talking about" was alright. I think, even more exciting than the episode itself, were the questions it left as well as the preview for next week (thank God we don't have to wait again.)
If you haven't watched it yet...stop reading. As you know, I post like everyone's seen it, so there are spoilers.
Poor Shannon...follows in her step brother's footsteps and is sent to that big tanning salon in the sky. I can't say I'm heartbroken. I never really liked Shannon. She was okay to look at (except that her face was, in Jenster's words, "a little too sweet valley high"), but she was constantly annoying. Always whining and never contributing. And, this thing with Sayid...didn't really do anything for me. I just wasn't feeling the connection.
BUT...I am super excited to see what Sayid does now. That closing shot of him made it look like he was about ready to eat Anna-Lucia for breakfast. Like...literally...fork and knife. That is one mad Iraqi.
Next weeks episode should be hot. It will be about the Tail End survivors and whatever the heck happened to them. It sounds like they have met the wrath of the Other's much more severly than Season 1's crew did.
Interesting thing I noted...on ABC's Lost characters site neither Rose or Bernard are pictured. I didn't think much of this...they're minor characters. However...Libby (previously known on this site as "The Blond Chick") is pictured with, like, a three page biography. This tells me one of two things: 1) Something will happen to Rose and/or Bernard. 2) Libby is going to have a bigger part. But, why can't Rose and Bernard have a bigger part? I like them.
Also...a little "Did you notice". If you go back to the Michael and Sawyer floating on the raft episode (I think it was the 2nd of the season), take a closer look at the shark. As Sawyer is floating to the other raft, they take to an underwater shot of the shark swimming by. Pause and slow-mo...on the sharks bottom side...just before his tail fin...is the Dharma Inititive Logo. No kidding...go check it out. You can probably find it somewhere on the internet.
Lastly...anyone figure out what Walt said, yet? Let me know if you have. 11月9日 A Real submission to our Jobs e-mail accountHi Whats Up Ummmmm Ok Im Only 14 And Well Im Trying To Go In Game Making.I Do Somtimes Program And Hack Games For Fun But Im Not Gonna Do That For Halo Or Any1 Of Your Games I Dont Even Have A Xbox Only A Ps2 System But My Friend Does And When Ever I Go Over There i Play It All The Time.No I Dont Know C++ But I Dont No Graphic Modding Ether Only Script But I Have Only Done Stuff Like That To The Thps Series *uhm hang on Thank You Neversoft For Making Such A Easy Game To Hack* Anyway You Get The Idea I Was Hoping To Join The Team Of 1 Of The Gaming companys 1 Day But That Might Take Some Time Anyway If You Can Send Any Inormation To Me On How To Join I Will Be Happy If You Even Respond Thank You For Your Time And Respond Any time No Hurry Or Rush Take It Easy You All. Yet another reason not to move to King CountySo, election day is over and almost everything I voted for or against came out in my favor. Ah, the joys of being a moderate...we win more. :-)
Smoking Ban passes! Yay! This was the initiative that I was most interested in. Personally, I don't care if smoking is legal as many people argue. There is no reason that I should be forced to smoke it because someone else chooses to. Telling me to go somewhere else infringes on my rights to enjoy some of my favorite places. Smoke in your car.
Gas Tax repeal is rejected. To be honest...I wouldn't have been heartbroken if this had passed. I have always supported a gas tax simply because I believe in taxing the users: IE: you drive...you pay to fix the roads. What I hated, however, was the way the new Democratic governor and Legislature bent the citizens over to push it through. I almost voted for it out of spite and to send a message. But, in the end, I think fixing the roads is more important.
The Health Care Inititives: Both rejected. Good...this is the kind of thing we pay the legilature for. Make them fix it.
Performace Audits: Pass! Good.
Now...I titles this entry "Yet another reason not to move to King County."
I work in Redmond (King County) and live in Tacoma (Pierce County)...literally an hour to two hours away depending on traffic. People always ask me, "Why don't you and your wife just move up here instead of facing that commute every day?"
"Well," I reply, "other than the fact that my wife works in Tacoma...housing costs are rediculous in King County." Example...I would sell my 3 bedroom, approx. 1600 sq. ft. home in the South End District of Tacoma. I would probably get right aroung $200k. In order to buy my exact same house anywhere close to where I work...I should expect to pay at least $500k. I might be able to get a 2 bedroom condo up here for $200k, but why would I do that? They never really understand, I don't think. But...now, there is another reason. King County has reelected Ron Sims. Ron Sims...the King County Executive who oversaw the debacle that was the 2004 election. The King County Executive who refuses to fire Dean Logan, the head of the Election Commission. Ron Sims who wants to tear out a running train track to put in a trail. Ron Sims who...nevermind...I could go on forever. I'm just glad I don't live in King County. And I probably never will.
11月7日 Upcoming moviesSo, this holiday season may just get me to break from my annoyed boycot of the movie theatre (due not to crappy movies but to disrespectful patrons and obnoxious popcorn prices). There seems to be a lineup of titles that will have me on Fandango.
First, possibly most importantly, and definitely most predictably...Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on November 18th
Year 4 at Hogwarts. This is the first book where a (somewhat) major character dies. And, this is also the book (in one of the creepiest and most suspensful scenes of the 6 books sofar) where Voldomort returns. More than any other part of the movie, I want to see that scene. Ralph Fiennes plays Voldomort and is quoted as saying the scene is "very, very scary." Sweet!
Next, from Peter Jackson, the director of Lord of the Rings and Producer of the upcoming (2007) Halo movie, King Kong on December 14th.
This movie looks technically AWESOME! And Naomi Watts is in it. But, I am torn over if I should go. I saw the original when I was a kid (followed by the awful King Kong Lives) and it tramatized me. Not because of the big monkey...because I hated seeing him die. Sorry if I'm spoiling it for anyone, but the original is a classic. The end made me feel so sad that I can still feel it just from watching the preview and knowing what happens. But...Naomi Watts IS in it.
Possibly the funniest musical ever to grace the stage, the film version based on the stage version which was based on a film...The Producers, released on December 16th. If you don't know what the Producers is about, I'm not going to tell you...cause I think it's funnier to be surprized. All I can say is that when I saw the musical in Seattle...I almost pissed my pants laughing. Hopefully, the hilarity will transfer onto the film.
Just in from Netflix, Kingdom of Heaven. I'll tell you what I think after I watch it. I hear it's not that great, but...we'll see.
Torture BanLook, this is one of those things that makes me ashamed of the President. According to President Bush's administration in a government report submitted to the UN, "the brutal treatment of people held in U.S. military custody abroad is and should be legal." WTF? On top of this, President Bush has threatened to veto the 2006 Defense Budget measure, sponsored by my man, John McCain, if it includes the anti-torture amendment.
Look, I know we're at war. I know some horrible people want to kill us. I know we have to find ways of getting information on where and when the next attacks will be as well as where we can find Osama. But, you know what? We are Americans...that should make us better than them.
The Vietnamese used torture. North Korea used (and still does in their concentration camps) torture. The Japaneese used it in WWII. Why are we letting ourselves stoop to that level and why are so many people okay with it? How can a President, who we are constatly reminded is very Christian, support the bodily torture of another human being?
Now, I am not saying, Let's all hold hands and sing songs. I am not promoting a "Club Gitmo" style prison. I'm simply saying that torture should never be an option. Even Muslim prisoners are human beings, even if some members of the Republican Party refuse to admit that. We should treat them like any prisoner would be treated. Without bodily harm.
Does bodily harm mean you can't flush a Koran down the toilet...Nope.
Does bodily harm mean you can't hang naked lady pictures around a prisoners neck...Nope.
Does bodily harm mean a woman can't interogate a Muslim prisoner...Nope.
Bodily harm simply means we will not use pain to get information. Senator McCain cannot lift his arms higher than 90 degreed due to the torture he received. Is that our goal? Aren't we better than that?
11月1日 Austin Game Conference and the PMS ClanSo, I had the privilage of meeting some of the girls of the PMS Clan in Austin. Why do I say privilage? Simple...we need more chicks like this, man. There are not enough Girls in gaming. Playing games or making games. I have always figured, to get more girls to play games, you need more girls making games. These ladies say, not nessesarily true. They say we simply need to find a way to better market to women. It's practially an untouched demographic.
Anywho, Athena Twin (real name Amber) stopped by our booth with her team in tow. I chatted with her and Cella (real name Marcella) for about 20 minutes about the lack of women in the industry. "Why is this?" I ask..."Because companies don't care about marketing to women" they answer.
Could that be the key? Perhaps we don't need more "Games for Girls" like so many people think. Perhaps we just need to run some (less violent perhaps) adds during Desperate Housewives. Maybe that really is the first step. Increase interest which will increase awareness which should increase number of women in the industry.
PMS clan is a group of somewhere around 400 girls who play video games. They play in tournaments, online, whatever. And, they typically mop up the competition. I talked a little smack while they were playing our kiosk in Austin and I instantly regretted it when Athena Twin challenged me to a game. "Um...can't, I'm working" was my lame excuse for avoiding utter humiliation at the hands of a girl.
Anyway, check out their site...give them some support. I think it's great that their out there making it okay for girls to play video games.
Now, if only I could get my wife involved. Judge Samuel AlitoOkay, so here are my thoughts on Judge Samuel Alito.
My thoughts are: I don't know anything about him, yet. I know he is much more experienced, already making him a better nomination than Harriet Miers. I know that the GOP loves him and the Dems hate him. That's about it.
I know that he voted to uphold a statute that would require most women to notify their spouses before obtaining an abortion. Therefore, the Left hates him. (This is another topic all together...I strongly support notification of the father prior to abortion...that is, if abortion has to be legal). But he also struck down a law banning Partial Birth Abortion. All this tells me is that I don't know anything about him.
I discovered recently that a dude in my vanpool is closely related to a member of the Senate...a Democrat. We were chatting yesterday (as we carpooled in my van for two hours in horrendous traffic) about how everyone will vote. He hit it right on the nose..."Everyone already knows how they are going to vote. They will just act like they are trying to decide."
Obviously, most, maybe all, Democrats are going to vote NO to please their base. Same with the Republicans. Why are we acting otherwise? Why a long dragged out show? Just do it already.
The question should be, as it was with Roberts and Miers, is he qualified? Does he believe in the Constitution as it is written, or the Constitution as he thinks it should read?
I don't know the answers to these questions, yet...ask me again later.
Oh...but this "calling him Scalito is offensive" crap...get over it. I'm sick of hearing that whining.
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