What if in 2000, during the whole presidential election crisis, Bill Clinton acted before the Supreme Court did and issued an order declaring Al Gore the winner in Florida and the election? Everyone would scream bloody murder. (Well, they did anyway, but that's not the point.) The point being is that's happened on a smaller scale in Berkeley.
I keep track of the old university once in a while and this caught my eye. The student government, ASUC, has always been a ridiculous organization, pissing away money every chance they get and holding long meetings to discuss pretty much nothing. Yet every spring, it manages attract 100 or so people to run for office, spouting off grand ideas to improve student life. After 4 years, I hadn't seen much except tons of flyers in the trash. This year, the dominant party of the last few years, Student Action, swept the executive offices but its party leader and the candidates were charged with obstruction of justice and perjury and stripped of their wins by the Judicial Council.
In his haste to settle the matter, the outgoing president, a member of Student Action, issued an executive order declaring the Student Action candidates the winners of their respective offices and that they assume their positions immediately.
Of course the entire thing smells fishy. It's probably illegal and it most likely will get worse before it gets better.
Side note: you didn't have time to hang out with us, but still I'll wish you a happy b-day Ak.
6/30/2006
6/26/2006
Hey ya. Travel plans this summer haven't gone my way. Korea + the Philippines required too much of a commitment. And the planning for New York and Baltimore wasn't quite there. So I've got to settle for smaller trips in the area. So if you're in Vegas the first week of August, Reno the last week of August, or L.A. the first week of October, lemme know since that's where I'll be.
Work experienced a few layoffs last week (6-10 out of 600 plus a couple of retirements ain't bad) but don't worry, my job wasn't affected. I'm still able to surf the Internet 8 hours a day and get paid for it. The overall health of the company is actually pretty good, but there's a bunch of people not doing much and real measurable work to do isn't coming in for another few months.
Went go-karting for the first time in years. But let's put it this way, I'll stick with regular cars for the time being. Thanks Di for the time out.
Fiona Apple this Friday and it's my grandpa's 80th birthday this weekend. Happy Birthday!
Finally, does this really count as TV? Maury Povich interviews a waitress who is terrified of pickles. Pickles!
Work experienced a few layoffs last week (6-10 out of 600 plus a couple of retirements ain't bad) but don't worry, my job wasn't affected. I'm still able to surf the Internet 8 hours a day and get paid for it. The overall health of the company is actually pretty good, but there's a bunch of people not doing much and real measurable work to do isn't coming in for another few months.
Went go-karting for the first time in years. But let's put it this way, I'll stick with regular cars for the time being. Thanks Di for the time out.
Fiona Apple this Friday and it's my grandpa's 80th birthday this weekend. Happy Birthday!
Finally, does this really count as TV? Maury Povich interviews a waitress who is terrified of pickles. Pickles!
6/21/2006
One thing not reflected in these pictures is the location of the thermostat. Even the Facilities Department doesn't have a clue. They pointed me to one was down the hall, but it was busted. My solution? I lowered the thermostat on all the ones I could find. Now everything seems to be the right temperature. As for my co-workers: yeah, right.
My office is nothing impressive. Look...desk, computer, corkboard, chair, and tons of papers.
The Simpsons are there. So is Stewie. No window to stare out though. Gotta go around the corner for that.
My office is nothing impressive. Look...desk, computer, corkboard, chair, and tons of papers.
The Simpsons are there. So is Stewie. No window to stare out though. Gotta go around the corner for that.
6/19/2006
Taylor Hicks and Snoop Dogg sang "Gin and Juice" together in Alabama. PLEASE! Make it stop!
Happy belated Father's Day to everyone. My 3-year-old cousin was so excited about this day that she ran up to her mom and wished her a happy Father's day even though Dad was right next to her.
Nestle is buying Jenny Craig. Watch out for that next diet fad: chocolate diets.
Happy belated Father's Day to everyone. My 3-year-old cousin was so excited about this day that she ran up to her mom and wished her a happy Father's day even though Dad was right next to her.
Nestle is buying Jenny Craig. Watch out for that next diet fad: chocolate diets.
6/12/2006
As Alex likes to point out, I am a registered Republican in a district where Dems outnumber Reps 2-1. But judging by the reaction of poll workers last week on Election Day, you'd think I was the only one. The lady asked my name to look up and when she pointed to the word REP to the person giving out the ballot, she whispered to her, "I guess I can't say that anymore today."
The boss of one of my co-workers proudly proclaimed he was able to delete columns on an Excel spreadsheet. Baby steps...
My parents are back from Vietnam with t-shirts galore. My dad actually went back to work last Friday. There, he found out the company asked for 3 volunteers to move to Fremont to work there (they're in San Jose now). Well, they got two volunteers. So management had to choose the other one and it was my dad since he was out-of-town and wasn't able to decline.
The boss of one of my co-workers proudly proclaimed he was able to delete columns on an Excel spreadsheet. Baby steps...
My parents are back from Vietnam with t-shirts galore. My dad actually went back to work last Friday. There, he found out the company asked for 3 volunteers to move to Fremont to work there (they're in San Jose now). Well, they got two volunteers. So management had to choose the other one and it was my dad since he was out-of-town and wasn't able to decline.
6/04/2006
This Tuesday is Election Day so those registered to vote should go out and do so. The ballot for this primary election doesn't look all too interesting but it sets the stage for the big November battles that'll be played out.
The Democrats were hurt when neither Rob Reiner nor Warren Beatty would run for governor to challenge the star power of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Instead, Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly are vying for the nomination. If you look at the issues, these two have more in common than they do different. That's why after some background ads on themselves, they went directly to attack ads on each other's backgrounds (Angelides and his real estate background or Westly with his ties to business and Schwarzenegger) instead of criticizing the other on their stances on the issues. I can't vote in this race, but I'm leaning toward Westly, a former Silicon Valley exec at eBay who would be able to grow California and its economy. However, a vote for either will certainly embrace the values of the Democratic Party in its fight against Arnold, which will be tough.
The state only has two ballot propositions this time which is weird since that's an awfully low number. The first is a library bond which should be allowed to pass. The second is preschool education for all 4-year-olds. It's a nice idea, but its execution is bad. It taxes the rich, which is a very volatile source of revenue, especially in this state. Preschool programs already exist for most of the lower-income families this proposal is designed to reach. And it requires these pre-school teachers to get a Bachelor's degree, which is absurd and a waste of resources when regular schools are running out of qualified teachers.
Turning local toward the San Jose mayor's race...if the winner receives 50%+1 of the vote, he or she would be elected mayor. However, with 5 prominent front-runners and 5 others running, this race is more likely headed to a runoff with the top two facing off in November. The city has been rocked by scandal, back-room deals and some financial mismanagement in recent years, which is why all candidates are calling for open government and accountability. A vote for Cindy Chavez would be a vote of confidence for the Ron Gonzales' administration, which by all accounts has not been a stellar one. A smaller percentage of San Joseans approve of the job Gonzales is doing than Americans do of George W. Bush. With Chavez' fingerprints all over the council's actions in the last few years and her insistence to continue with these policies, this really can't continue. Chuck Reed has a lot of good ideas and is considering himself to be the only honest, open, and ethical candidate who will not be influenced by anyone. That's well-intentioned but on the issues, he's usually the one who goes against the council and if you can't work with the council, then nothing can get done. Michael Mulcahy certainly looks the part of a politician and he is an outsider, but a complete outsider would not be advisable. His previous experience in the city is limited and the Mercury News notes his lack of reaching out to different parts of the community. As a result, either of the Davids would be a wise choice to run in the runoff in November with me leaning toward Pandori due to his experience during the good (at least comparatively) years on the council and his clear plan to rebuild San Jose from within through a revitalization of the parks and fiscal responsibility. It doesn't hurt that he went to Cal. Cortese is currently a councilman who would be able to work with this council while calling for open practices in the city and focusing on neighborhoods.
The Democrats were hurt when neither Rob Reiner nor Warren Beatty would run for governor to challenge the star power of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Instead, Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly are vying for the nomination. If you look at the issues, these two have more in common than they do different. That's why after some background ads on themselves, they went directly to attack ads on each other's backgrounds (Angelides and his real estate background or Westly with his ties to business and Schwarzenegger) instead of criticizing the other on their stances on the issues. I can't vote in this race, but I'm leaning toward Westly, a former Silicon Valley exec at eBay who would be able to grow California and its economy. However, a vote for either will certainly embrace the values of the Democratic Party in its fight against Arnold, which will be tough.
The state only has two ballot propositions this time which is weird since that's an awfully low number. The first is a library bond which should be allowed to pass. The second is preschool education for all 4-year-olds. It's a nice idea, but its execution is bad. It taxes the rich, which is a very volatile source of revenue, especially in this state. Preschool programs already exist for most of the lower-income families this proposal is designed to reach. And it requires these pre-school teachers to get a Bachelor's degree, which is absurd and a waste of resources when regular schools are running out of qualified teachers.
Turning local toward the San Jose mayor's race...if the winner receives 50%+1 of the vote, he or she would be elected mayor. However, with 5 prominent front-runners and 5 others running, this race is more likely headed to a runoff with the top two facing off in November. The city has been rocked by scandal, back-room deals and some financial mismanagement in recent years, which is why all candidates are calling for open government and accountability. A vote for Cindy Chavez would be a vote of confidence for the Ron Gonzales' administration, which by all accounts has not been a stellar one. A smaller percentage of San Joseans approve of the job Gonzales is doing than Americans do of George W. Bush. With Chavez' fingerprints all over the council's actions in the last few years and her insistence to continue with these policies, this really can't continue. Chuck Reed has a lot of good ideas and is considering himself to be the only honest, open, and ethical candidate who will not be influenced by anyone. That's well-intentioned but on the issues, he's usually the one who goes against the council and if you can't work with the council, then nothing can get done. Michael Mulcahy certainly looks the part of a politician and he is an outsider, but a complete outsider would not be advisable. His previous experience in the city is limited and the Mercury News notes his lack of reaching out to different parts of the community. As a result, either of the Davids would be a wise choice to run in the runoff in November with me leaning toward Pandori due to his experience during the good (at least comparatively) years on the council and his clear plan to rebuild San Jose from within through a revitalization of the parks and fiscal responsibility. It doesn't hurt that he went to Cal. Cortese is currently a councilman who would be able to work with this council while calling for open practices in the city and focusing on neighborhoods.
6/03/2006
I'm not sure what category this story would go under...it's just too odd.
A woman who fell in love with a snake has married the reptile at a traditional Hindu wedding celebrated by 2,000 guests in India's Orissa state, reports said. Bimbala Das wore a silk saree for the ceremony Wednesday at Atala village near the Orissa state capital Bhubaneswar. Priests chanted mantras to seal the union, but the snake failed to come out of a nearby ant hill where it lives, the Press Trust of India (PTI) said on Friday. A brass replica snake stood in for the hesitant groom. "Though snakes cannot speak nor understand, we communicate in a peculiar way," Das, 30, told the agency. "Whenever I put milk near the ant hill where the cobra lives, it always comes out to drink. "I always get to see it every time I go near the ant hill. It has never harmed me," she added. Villagers welcomed the wedding in the belief it would bring good fortune and laid on a feast for the big day. Snakes and particularly the King Cobra are venerated in India as religious symbols worn by Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Das, from a lower caste, converted to the animal-loving vegetarian Vaishnav sect whose local elders gave her permission to marry the cobra, the world's largest venomous snake that can grow up to five metres. "I am happy," said her mother Dyuti Bhoi, who has two other daughters and two sons to marry off. "Bimbala was ill," Bhoi told local OTV channel. "We had no money to treat her. Then she started offering milk to the snake ... she was cured. That made her fall in love." Das has moved into a hut built close to the ant hill since the wedding. Earlier this year, a tribal girl was married off to a dog on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
Link
A woman who fell in love with a snake has married the reptile at a traditional Hindu wedding celebrated by 2,000 guests in India's Orissa state, reports said. Bimbala Das wore a silk saree for the ceremony Wednesday at Atala village near the Orissa state capital Bhubaneswar. Priests chanted mantras to seal the union, but the snake failed to come out of a nearby ant hill where it lives, the Press Trust of India (PTI) said on Friday. A brass replica snake stood in for the hesitant groom. "Though snakes cannot speak nor understand, we communicate in a peculiar way," Das, 30, told the agency. "Whenever I put milk near the ant hill where the cobra lives, it always comes out to drink. "I always get to see it every time I go near the ant hill. It has never harmed me," she added. Villagers welcomed the wedding in the belief it would bring good fortune and laid on a feast for the big day. Snakes and particularly the King Cobra are venerated in India as religious symbols worn by Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Das, from a lower caste, converted to the animal-loving vegetarian Vaishnav sect whose local elders gave her permission to marry the cobra, the world's largest venomous snake that can grow up to five metres. "I am happy," said her mother Dyuti Bhoi, who has two other daughters and two sons to marry off. "Bimbala was ill," Bhoi told local OTV channel. "We had no money to treat her. Then she started offering milk to the snake ... she was cured. That made her fall in love." Das has moved into a hut built close to the ant hill since the wedding. Earlier this year, a tribal girl was married off to a dog on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
Link
5/31/2006
Thanks to everybody for coming out to the two BBQ's. I've finished off the last of the hamburgers and the salads, but the hot dogs will stay in the freezer and the watermelon uncut. As for the wraps, I just don't know.
I was driving behind a car yesterday that was for sale. Ford Escort for $1500. Everything in excellent condition the sign read. Too bad the brake lights don't work. Almost hit it.
This week, my computer was fixed. Just about nobody wanted to fix the hinges on my laptop, and if they did, it would cost in excess of $200. So I found this shop just across the expressway that said they'd do it for $100 flat (no hourly fees). So the guy couldn't get to it til the end of the day. No problem I said, I'll just get it at the end of my workday. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00. I'm getting restless. Finally, it's done and I get a call at 8:30 saying it's done. By this time, I'm at home. When I went to pick it up, he explains: "yeah, I've got repairs in here that take 45 minutes and I'm charging them $150. Yours took 4 hours and I'll still charge you a $100. "
Sucker.
Spoiler for X-Men 3 if you haven't watched it yet. I think I've figured out how the filmmakers redeemed themselves for making such a bad movie. Magneto moving the chess piece and someone identifying himself as Professor Xavier could only mean that the filmmakers were saying "yeah, we screwed up, so when number 4 rolls out, forget this 3rd one ever happened."
Looking for that special late summer trip? The Cal Alumni Association is offering a trip to North Korea the week before Labor Day! Don't everyone jump at the chance all at once.
I was driving behind a car yesterday that was for sale. Ford Escort for $1500. Everything in excellent condition the sign read. Too bad the brake lights don't work. Almost hit it.
This week, my computer was fixed. Just about nobody wanted to fix the hinges on my laptop, and if they did, it would cost in excess of $200. So I found this shop just across the expressway that said they'd do it for $100 flat (no hourly fees). So the guy couldn't get to it til the end of the day. No problem I said, I'll just get it at the end of my workday. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00. I'm getting restless. Finally, it's done and I get a call at 8:30 saying it's done. By this time, I'm at home. When I went to pick it up, he explains: "yeah, I've got repairs in here that take 45 minutes and I'm charging them $150. Yours took 4 hours and I'll still charge you a $100. "
Sucker.
Spoiler for X-Men 3 if you haven't watched it yet. I think I've figured out how the filmmakers redeemed themselves for making such a bad movie. Magneto moving the chess piece and someone identifying himself as Professor Xavier could only mean that the filmmakers were saying "yeah, we screwed up, so when number 4 rolls out, forget this 3rd one ever happened."
Looking for that special late summer trip? The Cal Alumni Association is offering a trip to North Korea the week before Labor Day! Don't everyone jump at the chance all at once.
5/26/2006
5/23/2006
Happy birthday to this blog. It turns 4. Time for its annual review. Learned anything? (Nope.) Laughed at anything? (Nope.) Embarrassed you know the guy who writes this? (Most definitely.)
I finally figured out the name of the game show I was thinking about a couple of years ago. On "I'm Telling", siblings would have to answer questions about each other. The team with the most correct answers would go to earn prizes based upon what they think the other would choose. Matching 10 would let them get all 20 prizes.
Look away if you didn't watch the 24 finale. Out of all the things that were so implausible this season, could someone explain how the Chinese could have kidnapped Jack Bauer, beat him up, brought him to a ship and was far clear from the port in less than 10 minutes? It couldn't be helicopter, right? The agents securing the place should've heard it.
Supposedly, I'm having a BBQ this Saturday, so if you're reading this and I know who you are and you're gonna be in the area, lemme know if you wanna come and what you're bringing.
I finally figured out the name of the game show I was thinking about a couple of years ago. On "I'm Telling", siblings would have to answer questions about each other. The team with the most correct answers would go to earn prizes based upon what they think the other would choose. Matching 10 would let them get all 20 prizes.
Look away if you didn't watch the 24 finale. Out of all the things that were so implausible this season, could someone explain how the Chinese could have kidnapped Jack Bauer, beat him up, brought him to a ship and was far clear from the port in less than 10 minutes? It couldn't be helicopter, right? The agents securing the place should've heard it.
Supposedly, I'm having a BBQ this Saturday, so if you're reading this and I know who you are and you're gonna be in the area, lemme know if you wanna come and what you're bringing.
5/17/2006
The Sharks were just eliminated from the playoffs. Great season, disappointing end. Now I get to pull this fact out like I do every year the Sharks are eliminated. No team that has defeated the Sharks in the playoffs has gone on to win the Stanley Cup that year. So well-done Oilers, but you'll most likely lose in one of the next two rounds.
5/16/2006
At my annual review, my boss said he was glad he didn't hire a dweeb. Umm, that's good, right?
The Sharks are getting desperate now. They've lost 3 in a row and now they try to break the streak in Edmonton in Game 6. There will be a lot of second-guessing as to how the Sharks let this series slip away if they lose. Chief among them: sticking with Toskala in net. Putting him in tonite is the correct move even after giving up 12 goals in 2 games, but they should've given Nabokov more game time down the stretch to be ready to step in. As it stands, he is simply not in game shape to just step in and win the next two games. Otherwise, the team needs to stay focused and play a full 60 minutes. Within the last two losses, there were flashes of their former glory, but they were few and far between.
Did you know you can watch 10 episodes of Head of the Class on AOL's In2TV? What a treat.
The Sharks are getting desperate now. They've lost 3 in a row and now they try to break the streak in Edmonton in Game 6. There will be a lot of second-guessing as to how the Sharks let this series slip away if they lose. Chief among them: sticking with Toskala in net. Putting him in tonite is the correct move even after giving up 12 goals in 2 games, but they should've given Nabokov more game time down the stretch to be ready to step in. As it stands, he is simply not in game shape to just step in and win the next two games. Otherwise, the team needs to stay focused and play a full 60 minutes. Within the last two losses, there were flashes of their former glory, but they were few and far between.
Did you know you can watch 10 episodes of Head of the Class on AOL's In2TV? What a treat.
5/13/2006
I watched M:i:III the other day and was disappointed. It certainly looked great but the story was ill-conceived. Not enough Philip Seymour Hoffman. More masks. But the worst part was its striking similarity to Alias, one of my favorite shows (about to have its series finale in a couple of weeks). It's no coincidence that both were helmed by J.J. Abrams. The L.A. Times chronicled some of the instances in a recent article.
The "Let's Skip the Intros and Just Cut to the Mayhem" Moment
"Alias": The first scenes of the pilot find spy Sydney Bristow (Garner) bloodied and bound to a chair in a dark, ominous room, where she is menaced by a mysterious villain. How she got into this pickle is related in flashbacks later in the episode.
"M:i:III": The first scene of the film finds spy Ethan Hunt (Cruise) bloodied and bound to a chair in a dark, ominous room, where he is menaced by a mysterious villain. How he got into this pickle is related in flashbacks later in the film.
The "Spies Like Excellent Health Benefits" Moment
"Alias": Sydney's fiancé is a doctor who has no idea she is a spy.
"M:i:III": Ethan's fiancée is a nurse who has no idea he is a spy.
The "Spies Have Boring Cover Stories" Moment
"Alias": Sydney tells her friends she works for a bank.
"M:i:III": Ethan tells friends he works for the traffic department.
The "Spies Should Get Caller ID" Moment
"Alias" : Sydney gets a call at home from "Joey's Pizza," which is spy agency code for "Your Country Needs You to Get to Work."
"M:i:III": Ethan gets a call at home from "Ready Travel Resort Services," which is spy agency code for "Your Country Needs You to Get to Work."
The "OK, What Is My Mission and No, I Don't Want a Big Gulp" Moment
"Alias": Sydney first meets her operations handler Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan) at a convenience store, where they both pretend to shop for Twinkies while discussing the mission. Sydney declines Michael's offer for a Slushee.
"M:i:III": Ethan meets his operations manager, John Musgrave (Billy Crudup), at a convenience store, where they both pretend to hunt for Twinkies while discussing the mission. Ethan advises Musgrave to get the "900-ounce Slurpee.
"The "Hit Me With Your Best Adrenalin Shot" Moment
"Alias": Sydney rescues a barely conscious Vaughn from bad guys, reviving him with an Adrenalin shot to the heart.
"M:i:III": Ethan rescues a barely conscious fellow agent, Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell), from bad guys, reviving her with an Adrenalin shot to the heart.
The "I Look More Needy if I'm on a Roof" Moment
"Alias": Sydney, not wanting to give her real mission away, summons her friend, reporter Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper), to a rooftop and asks for help, telling him, "You just have to trust me."
"M:i:III": Ethan, not wanting to give his real mission away, summons his fiancée to the rooftop, asks for help, begging her to "trust me."
The "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" Moment
"Alias": Bad guys plant an explosive device in Will's head.
"M:i:III:" Bad guys plant an explosive device in Ethan's head (and one in Lindsey's too).
The "Head Fu" Moment
"Alias": When the bound Sydney's torturer gets a little too close to her face, she head-butts him, manages to fight out of her restraints and knocks him unconscious.
"M:i:III": When the bound Ethan's adversary gets too close to him, he bites him, manages to fight out of his restraints and knocks him unconscious.
The "Spies Pay No Attention to Dress Codes" Moment
"Alias": Sydney attends a black-tie event in a foreign country in a form-fitting red dress.
"M:i:III": One of Ethan's accomplices, Zhen (Maggie Q), attends a black-tie event in a foreign country in a form-fitting red dress.
The "Slow Talking Techno-Nerds Need Not Apply" Moment
"Alias": Marshall (Kevin Weisman) is a fast-talking nerd who helps Sydney carry out assignments.
"M:i:III": Benji (Simon Pegg) is a fast-talking computer nerd who helps Ethan carry out assignments.
The "Let's Skip the Intros and Just Cut to the Mayhem" Moment
"Alias": The first scenes of the pilot find spy Sydney Bristow (Garner) bloodied and bound to a chair in a dark, ominous room, where she is menaced by a mysterious villain. How she got into this pickle is related in flashbacks later in the episode.
"M:i:III": The first scene of the film finds spy Ethan Hunt (Cruise) bloodied and bound to a chair in a dark, ominous room, where he is menaced by a mysterious villain. How he got into this pickle is related in flashbacks later in the film.
The "Spies Like Excellent Health Benefits" Moment
"Alias": Sydney's fiancé is a doctor who has no idea she is a spy.
"M:i:III": Ethan's fiancée is a nurse who has no idea he is a spy.
The "Spies Have Boring Cover Stories" Moment
"Alias": Sydney tells her friends she works for a bank.
"M:i:III": Ethan tells friends he works for the traffic department.
The "Spies Should Get Caller ID" Moment
"Alias" : Sydney gets a call at home from "Joey's Pizza," which is spy agency code for "Your Country Needs You to Get to Work."
"M:i:III": Ethan gets a call at home from "Ready Travel Resort Services," which is spy agency code for "Your Country Needs You to Get to Work."
The "OK, What Is My Mission and No, I Don't Want a Big Gulp" Moment
"Alias": Sydney first meets her operations handler Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan) at a convenience store, where they both pretend to shop for Twinkies while discussing the mission. Sydney declines Michael's offer for a Slushee.
"M:i:III": Ethan meets his operations manager, John Musgrave (Billy Crudup), at a convenience store, where they both pretend to hunt for Twinkies while discussing the mission. Ethan advises Musgrave to get the "900-ounce Slurpee.
"The "Hit Me With Your Best Adrenalin Shot" Moment
"Alias": Sydney rescues a barely conscious Vaughn from bad guys, reviving him with an Adrenalin shot to the heart.
"M:i:III": Ethan rescues a barely conscious fellow agent, Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell), from bad guys, reviving her with an Adrenalin shot to the heart.
The "I Look More Needy if I'm on a Roof" Moment
"Alias": Sydney, not wanting to give her real mission away, summons her friend, reporter Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper), to a rooftop and asks for help, telling him, "You just have to trust me."
"M:i:III": Ethan, not wanting to give his real mission away, summons his fiancée to the rooftop, asks for help, begging her to "trust me."
The "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" Moment
"Alias": Bad guys plant an explosive device in Will's head.
"M:i:III:" Bad guys plant an explosive device in Ethan's head (and one in Lindsey's too).
The "Head Fu" Moment
"Alias": When the bound Sydney's torturer gets a little too close to her face, she head-butts him, manages to fight out of her restraints and knocks him unconscious.
"M:i:III": When the bound Ethan's adversary gets too close to him, he bites him, manages to fight out of his restraints and knocks him unconscious.
The "Spies Pay No Attention to Dress Codes" Moment
"Alias": Sydney attends a black-tie event in a foreign country in a form-fitting red dress.
"M:i:III": One of Ethan's accomplices, Zhen (Maggie Q), attends a black-tie event in a foreign country in a form-fitting red dress.
The "Slow Talking Techno-Nerds Need Not Apply" Moment
"Alias": Marshall (Kevin Weisman) is a fast-talking nerd who helps Sydney carry out assignments.
"M:i:III": Benji (Simon Pegg) is a fast-talking computer nerd who helps Ethan carry out assignments.
5/09/2006
I was at Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals last night at the arena and quite honestly, it was pandemonium out there. Noise level getting to 113 decibels. Every person in the building transfixed at the black disc sliding across the white ice. The Oilers failing to score on a 5 on 3 powerplay where 2 of the 3 didn't have a stick. Joe Thornton scoring his first goal of this playoffs. And most importantly, the Sharks winning, earning a 2-0 series lead with 5 more games to play to knock out Edmonton.
5/01/2006
On this Monday last year, I started my job. And look! They haven't fired me yet! Don't know why.
I had 2 missed calls on my cell and I didn't recognize the number. So I didn't bother returning the call. This person then called for a third time so I answered it. It was from a girl named Sheila and asked whether some job was filled. My words to her were, "No, I'm sorry, you've got the wrong number." Apparently, she only heard the "No, I'm sorry" part cuz she quickly gave me a f--- you and hung up. Yep, future workforce of America, folks.
My brother let me know that Steven Seagal will be performing at the Fillmore in June. Yes, the Steven Seagal. He's a musician too. Man, this guy can do everything. Quite possibly, the power of music is spreading. Just look at this review on Amazon...best piece of fiction I've read lately.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009SQ520/sr=8-2/qid=1146164508/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-9806166-2937460?%5Fencoding=UTF8
Dear Mr. Seagal,
Tuesday, February 12th, was a pretty average day for me. I woke up, brushed my teeth, had my morning glass of mayonnaise, put on my beret, tossed my scarf over my shoulder, heaved a heavy sigh and ventured out into the cold. The suspension on my electric scooter sagged deeply, not unlike my longing heart. While the vanity bumper sticker that Mother had bought me proclaimed "A smile a day keeps the doctor away", I was a very, very lonely 42 year old man. I was morbidly obese and quite frankly, I didn't have the most pleasant odour about me. I was lucky if even that kid with the club foot that everyone chased after school would wave to me when I passed.
Doing the rounds of my paper route, I rode by my local music store. I heard Something about Lollipops emanating from the speaker. I heard the low and shrill sound and it immediately began soothing my jangled nerves. Little did I know that this little piece of plastic, with the wondroous words and lyrics of Steven Seagal burned onto it for all of eternity with a laser, was soon to change my life.
I immediately got out of my scooter, ran into the store, took a few minutes to try to catch my breath. Finally I was able to gasp out to the clerk: "That Cd. That voice of the angels. I need to have it now". I bought several copies in case I became hungry on the way home. I rushed home, changed into my athletic gear and utility belt and immediately began doing pushups. It was like I was a man possesed. I didn't know it at the time, but this CD harnessed the work ethic, the martial arts prowess and, above all, the stunning handsomness and fashion sense of Steven Seagal into one small package. All that I had to do was press play and I was transformed into the essence of Casey Ryback, ex-navy seal, counter-terrorist expert and environmental mercenary.
To the sounds of Mr. Seagal I was able to shed my weight and began taking daily showers. I now entertain several women per week, sometimes even several per day. I am making over $5000 a week stuffing envelopes from home. My life has become full of many smiles a day, and I look forward to each day with more anticipation than the last. I owe it all to the inspiring and electrifying work being done each and every day by Steven Seagal.
Thank you, Steven Seagal.
Your friend in arms,
Kevin Keast, Toronto, Ontario
I had 2 missed calls on my cell and I didn't recognize the number. So I didn't bother returning the call. This person then called for a third time so I answered it. It was from a girl named Sheila and asked whether some job was filled. My words to her were, "No, I'm sorry, you've got the wrong number." Apparently, she only heard the "No, I'm sorry" part cuz she quickly gave me a f--- you and hung up. Yep, future workforce of America, folks.
My brother let me know that Steven Seagal will be performing at the Fillmore in June. Yes, the Steven Seagal. He's a musician too. Man, this guy can do everything. Quite possibly, the power of music is spreading. Just look at this review on Amazon...best piece of fiction I've read lately.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009SQ520/sr=8-2/qid=1146164508/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-9806166-2937460?%5Fencoding=UTF8
Dear Mr. Seagal,
Tuesday, February 12th, was a pretty average day for me. I woke up, brushed my teeth, had my morning glass of mayonnaise, put on my beret, tossed my scarf over my shoulder, heaved a heavy sigh and ventured out into the cold. The suspension on my electric scooter sagged deeply, not unlike my longing heart. While the vanity bumper sticker that Mother had bought me proclaimed "A smile a day keeps the doctor away", I was a very, very lonely 42 year old man. I was morbidly obese and quite frankly, I didn't have the most pleasant odour about me. I was lucky if even that kid with the club foot that everyone chased after school would wave to me when I passed.
Doing the rounds of my paper route, I rode by my local music store. I heard Something about Lollipops emanating from the speaker. I heard the low and shrill sound and it immediately began soothing my jangled nerves. Little did I know that this little piece of plastic, with the wondroous words and lyrics of Steven Seagal burned onto it for all of eternity with a laser, was soon to change my life.
I immediately got out of my scooter, ran into the store, took a few minutes to try to catch my breath. Finally I was able to gasp out to the clerk: "That Cd. That voice of the angels. I need to have it now". I bought several copies in case I became hungry on the way home. I rushed home, changed into my athletic gear and utility belt and immediately began doing pushups. It was like I was a man possesed. I didn't know it at the time, but this CD harnessed the work ethic, the martial arts prowess and, above all, the stunning handsomness and fashion sense of Steven Seagal into one small package. All that I had to do was press play and I was transformed into the essence of Casey Ryback, ex-navy seal, counter-terrorist expert and environmental mercenary.
To the sounds of Mr. Seagal I was able to shed my weight and began taking daily showers. I now entertain several women per week, sometimes even several per day. I am making over $5000 a week stuffing envelopes from home. My life has become full of many smiles a day, and I look forward to each day with more anticipation than the last. I owe it all to the inspiring and electrifying work being done each and every day by Steven Seagal.
Thank you, Steven Seagal.
Your friend in arms,
Kevin Keast, Toronto, Ontario
4/25/2006
Aww, look at Kelli expressing her approval in front of her grandparents.
In other news, I've completed my jury service for the year. Luckily, I didn't have to be on the jury...I don't think I would've been too comfortable with the subject matter.
And the Smashing Pumpkins are coming together again to make another album. Can't wait.
4/22/2006
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117941815?categoryid=10&cs=1&s=h&p=0
and
http://www.trektoday.com/news/210406_01.shtml
J.J. Abrams is becoming the next Gene Roddenberry.
Paramount is breathing life into its "Star Trek" franchise by setting "Mission: Impossible III" helmer J.J. Abrams to produce and direct the 11th "Trek" feature, aiming for a 2008 release.
Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk, Abrams' producing team from "Lost," also will produce the yet-to-be-titled feature.
Project, to be penned by Abrams and "MI3" scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto OrciRoberto Orci, will center on the early days of seminal "Trek" characters James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer space mission.
Deal reflects Par's bullishness on "MI3," which launches worldwide next weekend, and underlines the goal of Paramount chief Brad Grey and prexy Gail Berman to re-energize the pipeline via high-profile tentpoles while revitalizing the Par brand with top-tier talent such as Abrams.
"MI3" is the first pic to be released that's been greenlit by Grey.
"Star Trek" has been Hollywood's most durable performer other than James Bond, spawning 10 features that have grossed more than $1 billion and 726 TV episodes from six series.
Decision to relaunch "Star Trek" comes less than a year after UPN pulled the plug on "Star Trek: Enterprise""Star Trek: Enterprise" amid dismal ratings following a four-season run and four years after "Star Trek: Nemesis""Star Trek: Nemesis" turned in the worst performance of the 10 films with $43 million domestic.
Original series created by Roddenberry launched in 1966 on NBC and ended in 1969.
During the following decade, the original 78 episodes of "Trek" became staples in syndication and helped mobilize the fan base along with conventions, books and merchandise. Paramount released "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" in 1979 and saw domestic grosses hit $82 million. The next three films grossed a combined $263 million domestically, so Paramount started the second TV series, "The Next Generation," in 1987, with Rick Berman and Roddenberry co-exec producing.
Under Sherry Lansing's tenure, Rick Berman had been teamed several years ago with Jordan Kerner and Kerry McCluggage to develop an 11th feature set in the early days of Starfleet Academy.
and
http://www.trektoday.com/news/210406_01.shtml
J.J. Abrams is becoming the next Gene Roddenberry.
Paramount is breathing life into its "Star Trek" franchise by setting "Mission: Impossible III" helmer J.J. Abrams to produce and direct the 11th "Trek" feature, aiming for a 2008 release.
Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk, Abrams' producing team from "Lost," also will produce the yet-to-be-titled feature.
Project, to be penned by Abrams and "MI3" scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto OrciRoberto Orci, will center on the early days of seminal "Trek" characters James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer space mission.
Deal reflects Par's bullishness on "MI3," which launches worldwide next weekend, and underlines the goal of Paramount chief Brad Grey and prexy Gail Berman to re-energize the pipeline via high-profile tentpoles while revitalizing the Par brand with top-tier talent such as Abrams.
"MI3" is the first pic to be released that's been greenlit by Grey.
"Star Trek" has been Hollywood's most durable performer other than James Bond, spawning 10 features that have grossed more than $1 billion and 726 TV episodes from six series.
Decision to relaunch "Star Trek" comes less than a year after UPN pulled the plug on "Star Trek: Enterprise""Star Trek: Enterprise" amid dismal ratings following a four-season run and four years after "Star Trek: Nemesis""Star Trek: Nemesis" turned in the worst performance of the 10 films with $43 million domestic.
Original series created by Roddenberry launched in 1966 on NBC and ended in 1969.
During the following decade, the original 78 episodes of "Trek" became staples in syndication and helped mobilize the fan base along with conventions, books and merchandise. Paramount released "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" in 1979 and saw domestic grosses hit $82 million. The next three films grossed a combined $263 million domestically, so Paramount started the second TV series, "The Next Generation," in 1987, with Rick Berman and Roddenberry co-exec producing.
Under Sherry Lansing's tenure, Rick Berman had been teamed several years ago with Jordan Kerner and Kerry McCluggage to develop an 11th feature set in the early days of Starfleet Academy.
4/20/2006
The Sentinel is a solid action film woven from a familiar cloth. There's a lot of little things to quibble about throughout the entire film, from scenes seemingly edited in without any dialogue as to why they're in there to the plot holes and the uncharacteristic actions of all the people involved. But all in all, we're kept at attention with Douglas' craftiness and ability to keep getting the job done, Jack Bauer being Jack Bauer, and Eva Longoria just being on-screen. You know the most outrageous thing? Sledge Hammer is President! Who woulda thunk it?
As for other movies seen, Inside Man is also pretty good but it doesn't leave you with a good taste in your mouth. There's more to be told but it doesn't deliver, leaving us hanging.
Walk the Line is as good as everybody says, but it's not good as the other recent award-winner involving a music legend, Ray. Derailed gets derailed due to its characters being so dumb. Fun with Dick and Jane can get fun at times, but most of the time it falls flat and its jokes on real-life events go nowhere. I don't understand the appeal of Brokeback Mountain. It's a fine story but nothing earth-shattering except for the fact that they were two gay cowboys. The Constant Gardener appeals the further Ralph Fiennes delves into the world of pharmaceuticals to find out what his murdered wife was following. I didn't know what to expect out of A History of Violence, but I was pleasantly surprised. Finally, Capote was a very interesting film and character study and Philip Seymour Hoffman really did deserve his Oscar.
As for other movies seen, Inside Man is also pretty good but it doesn't leave you with a good taste in your mouth. There's more to be told but it doesn't deliver, leaving us hanging.
Walk the Line is as good as everybody says, but it's not good as the other recent award-winner involving a music legend, Ray. Derailed gets derailed due to its characters being so dumb. Fun with Dick and Jane can get fun at times, but most of the time it falls flat and its jokes on real-life events go nowhere. I don't understand the appeal of Brokeback Mountain. It's a fine story but nothing earth-shattering except for the fact that they were two gay cowboys. The Constant Gardener appeals the further Ralph Fiennes delves into the world of pharmaceuticals to find out what his murdered wife was following. I didn't know what to expect out of A History of Violence, but I was pleasantly surprised. Finally, Capote was a very interesting film and character study and Philip Seymour Hoffman really did deserve his Oscar.
4/13/2006
Does it look like I need another job? Yeah, I don't think so. I'm happy where I am. Yet, random people come up to me with thoughts otherwise. I got an email from a company I interviewed at last year saying they had a couple of new openings they think I would be "very interested" in. It was a nice company and all but I don't think I could stand the drive to Foster City. And when one of your competitors is Google, there may be no hope.
Then I was at Fry's and this Indian guy comes up next to me looking at the same stuff. We make small talk and once I say I work in finance, he's busting out business cards and saying he owns a small business in need of some finance guys. It seemed like a struggling small business (something about health and wellness) so I quickly gave him my old cell number and was off.
You know where I should work...computer repair. Those people are making money hand over fist. You see, my laptop's broken. I can still use it and all, but the hinges holding up the LCD aren't doing their job anymore. So it's not really a laptop, it's more of a desktop you have to push against a wall. So I'm calling around and the prevailing estimate would seem to be $200. Geez, might as well break out the crazy glue.
Then I was at Fry's and this Indian guy comes up next to me looking at the same stuff. We make small talk and once I say I work in finance, he's busting out business cards and saying he owns a small business in need of some finance guys. It seemed like a struggling small business (something about health and wellness) so I quickly gave him my old cell number and was off.
You know where I should work...computer repair. Those people are making money hand over fist. You see, my laptop's broken. I can still use it and all, but the hinges holding up the LCD aren't doing their job anymore. So it's not really a laptop, it's more of a desktop you have to push against a wall. So I'm calling around and the prevailing estimate would seem to be $200. Geez, might as well break out the crazy glue.
4/01/2006
Hey, why isn't all milk ultra-pasteurized? I just drank some that was the case and I looked at the date and it said it would expire in June. June! That's like 3 months away! Unless that's 2005...in that case, excuse me while I throw up.
Spring up for daylight savings time. The clocks go forward by one hour. While pretty much everyone else will wake up an hour later, I will wake up at the same time since my body is just messed up like that.
Mitch Hedberg died a year ago this week and even to this day, I'm still quoting his jokes. What a guy he was.
It's opening night for baseball and the O's will battle the Devil Rays in the first series of the year on Monday. The O's have a mixed-up team this year with the front office fulfilling probably half of what they wanted to do while trying to deal with the Tejada blow-up. The potential is there but it needs to be perfect because the rest of the AL East is more talented than this team. The starting rotation is decent with Cabrera aiming to be the ace soon and Leo Mazzone, the heralded Braves pitching coach, at the helm. The one move I couldn't understand is the arrival of Ramon Hernandez. It left Javy Lopez with nothing to do. I didn't believe he could make the move to first and this spring proved it. The question of what to do with Javy and the glut of outfielders this team has will make it difficult for the O's to develop a rhythm. And don't get me started about the lack of relief pitching. A 4th place would sound right, but of course, as a fan, I'm hoping for a lot better than that.
Lemme just conclude by saying X at Magic Mountain is one great ride. Go ride it as long as you're not paying the obscene $60 to get in.
Spring up for daylight savings time. The clocks go forward by one hour. While pretty much everyone else will wake up an hour later, I will wake up at the same time since my body is just messed up like that.
Mitch Hedberg died a year ago this week and even to this day, I'm still quoting his jokes. What a guy he was.
It's opening night for baseball and the O's will battle the Devil Rays in the first series of the year on Monday. The O's have a mixed-up team this year with the front office fulfilling probably half of what they wanted to do while trying to deal with the Tejada blow-up. The potential is there but it needs to be perfect because the rest of the AL East is more talented than this team. The starting rotation is decent with Cabrera aiming to be the ace soon and Leo Mazzone, the heralded Braves pitching coach, at the helm. The one move I couldn't understand is the arrival of Ramon Hernandez. It left Javy Lopez with nothing to do. I didn't believe he could make the move to first and this spring proved it. The question of what to do with Javy and the glut of outfielders this team has will make it difficult for the O's to develop a rhythm. And don't get me started about the lack of relief pitching. A 4th place would sound right, but of course, as a fan, I'm hoping for a lot better than that.
Lemme just conclude by saying X at Magic Mountain is one great ride. Go ride it as long as you're not paying the obscene $60 to get in.
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