Who needs a Cashier?

Pick Taco Bell or KFC, place your order, swipe your card, and viola after a few minutes a tray appears on the counter with your order.

It's like Star Trek where they would say "Chicken Soup" and it would magically appear.

New kiosks are appearng that replace the cashier. Check it out.

Hallsdale-Powell Utility District

I try to keep my blog lite. Funny and trivially informative. I try to steer clear of religion, politics, and social issues. They are boring for the most part anyway. I am not saying they are not important or relevant because they are important and relevant to us all. The discussion of such issues is what I generally find boring and there are plenty of better forums for those issues than my blog.

However today whilst paying the bills, I noticed something that has me incensed and I must speak to it if for no other reason than to vent my anger and rant. First let me say that I have never not paid a bill owed by me. I have never incurred a late fee of any kind. (no not even at Blockbuster!) Nor have I ever bounced a check, or reported any fraudulent information on my taxes. I always pay off my loans ahead of schedule. Not that I am without sin, I seem to be signing my checks with a pen that somehow managed to migrate from the desk at my office to my desk at home. And if I fall to hard times and get laid off from my current job, I may indeed begin to bounce checks left and right and perhaps fall behind on payments, but for now I remain ever diligent toward my responsibilities and obligations.

Do I say all this to boast? To brag? To insinuate that I am somehow better than those who open new credit card accounts to pay off old ones? Not at all, I simply build the case that I am a responsible and contributing member of society and that I pay what I owe when I owe it.

It is because of this that I find myself vilified by the company in charge of supplying fresh, crisp, sparkling clean H2O to my place of residence. I was preparing to pay them this month's accord, a sum of thirty-four American dollars and twenty-six cents. An average water bill by any account and finding no fault in their service am happy to pay it. It was then I noticed something I had not realized they added this year. This year they redesigned their bill as companies oft do in an effort to make it more readable for their CUSTOMERS.

I saw the usual late fee penalty listed there for your convenience. While this alone is a bit stand-offish and causes my nose to crinkle I can understand having a system that encourages prompt payment. (apparently this was not enough incentive do read on). Currently were my check to reach their coffers on April 2, rather than the due date of April 1, I would be assessed a penalty of three American dollars and forty-three cents. Bringing my total bill to thirty seven dollars and sixty-nine cents. A sum I plan not to pay as my check should arrive on time if any faith can be placed in the United States Postal Service.

Then I noticed a new item that I had missed on the previous two bills. An item listed as the DISCONNECT DATE. Yes, if the earth rotates six times and I have failed to send them any form of acceptable payment Hallsdale-Powell Utility District will promptly and without further notice, shut off my water! No showers, no flushing toilets, no baths for my children, much less their Koolaide. No candle lit bubble baths for hiding from aforementioned offspring while reading David Baldacci's Split Second and listening to Antonio Vivaldi!

These callous Mafia wannabees have the audacity to assess a service charge of forty bucks (yes I said bucks) on the day they chose to cut you off from the life giving agua. A fee that must be paid in addition to the bill in question that allegedly hasn't been paid. And don't forget the almighty late fee that would surely be applied to a delinquent account. Extortionists!

I am certainly not naive enough not to know there are plenty of people "out there" that when facing the decision to buy crack, methane, another month of Everquest, a Bud Light, or pay the water bill, they often chose from the former list. These people have the right to chose their fates and in these cases I cannot fault the Utility for being harsh.

What infuriates me however, is that Hallsdale-Powell would just simply place me on equal footing with them. (Didn't I say earlier in the post that I wasn't saying I was better than those who can't seem to pay on time? I lied). I pay my bills every month on time and in full! I deserve some respect as a paying customer. The only way they can get by with running their company like a Nazi concentration camp (yes it really happened President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, you moron) is that I have no choice in whom I get my water from. Short of digging a well in my back yard, they are the only supplier of liquid life to my house. My only hope is that the city will annex my neighborhood and I can pay KUB for my drinking water and not have to give another penny to the tyrants. There is no disconnect date on KUB's water bill.

What happens if I go off for a two week or like my boss, a month's vacation. The day I leave the bill arrives and is buried in a stack of papers and bills which I try to attend to promptly on my return but due to circumstances beyond my control, gasp and horror, I miss the disconnect date by an hour and four minutes! What if there's a death in the family? What if I, the chief accountant and payer of all things labeled bill (who came up with that term btw?), die? What if there's a wedding? My lord and heaven forbid what if the unthinkable happens and the bill is....LOST in the MAIL?!?!?!?!

Well they have a little fine print to address that as well. And I quote: "Failure to receive a bill will not release customer from payment obligation." Aren't these compassionate and charming people? If once in my entire and impeccable business affairs with this company, I am overly tardy in my remittance will they kindly pick up the phone as to inquire as to the state of my affairs? NO. Will they perhaps send a small note as to remind me that my account has fallen past due and that I should take corrective action so as to not experience any disruption in my service? Not a chance. I will simply wake up, have my morning constitution, not noticing it has failed to submerge to the sewers below, turn on the shower and watch in wonder as it belches out a cold last breath. At that moment I will scratch my head in puzzlement, and then realization will slowly creep over me at the same rate the stench from my toilet crawls up my nose.

"If bill is not paid on or before due date, your service is subject to disconnection without further notice."

Book I'm Reading

She had that essential trait of a polished killer: she possessed no conscience.

-Split Second

Movie Friday

V is for Vantastic. My friend and I chose V for Vendetta for our Friday afternoon distraction. Starring Natalie Portman and some guy that wears a fawkes mask the entire film.

The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name – V for Vendetta first appeared in Warrior, an independent monthly comic magazine published in 1981, quickly capturing a cult following.

Vendetta is set slightly in the future, where modern day London is still very recognizable.

It was a strong film, filled with figurative "V" symbolism (Sesame Street would be proud). Even though "V" is a terrorist, he is railing against an oppressive government that seeks to stamp out the fears of its people by controlling them. It uses the fear of counter culture (ala the Wachowskis bros.), disease like bird flu and bio terror, and of course everyone's favorite WAR.

Natalie Portman has come along way since Star Wars, she does an excellent job portraying a confused and scared girl trying to decide if she should side with the terrorist/hero "V" or run away from it all.

As for "V" he has a couple of dazzling fight scenes with big flashing knives, but the best part of his character is his high brow intellectual dialogue and taste in music. His opening scene is a soliloquy where he nearly uses every word in the dictionary that begins with the letter V. (Grover would be very proud). V is on a very personal mission to wreak vengeance on those who imprisoned and tortured him, and in doing so, created a monster

Although I rolled my eyes at the social issues the film tried to cram down my throat and at the premise that people would follow the inane dictates of a government like sheep, the story and characters were compelling enough to keep my interest. You should rush directly to the theater, pass Ultraviolet, and go see the letter "V"! Check it out.

DVD Tuesday

What's Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) been up to since Lord of the Rings? Well ridding a horse through the desert in Hildalgo, and now smashing up and shooting bad guys like Chuck Norris in A History of Violence.

Viggo plays mild mannered Tom Stall. A friendly restaurant owner in a small town. Some bad guys roll into town and into Tom's coffee shop. When they threaten violence on his patrons, Tom takes them out. The story gets national attention and before long organized crime comes to the small own looking for Tom. Is it mistaken identity or is Tom's past coming back to haunt him?

Viggo of course makes a great hero, but I was surprised by the casting of the bad guys, Ed Harris plays a mob strong man with an over the top scar on his face. The ultimate bad guy is played by the soft spoken William Hurt. Hurting for parts these days Bill? (pun intended).

Despite miscast bad guys and a fairly predictable ending, the story is strong and keeps you guessing. I enjoyed watching Viggo in a new role and I hope he will continue to be successful. Check out A History of Violence!

Ghost Recon

No movie for me today. I picked up a new XBOX 360 game: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. So I played that. If you saw the new CBS show, The Unit, that is what Ghost Recon is like. The Unit is a good show by the way.

Look Out Google!

There is a new kid on the block. Windows released their new search engine for testing today.

It has a new interface and you can do some customization of the start page if you like.

Will it change the way we search the web?

You tell me, check it out.

Windows Live

DVD Tuesday

Welcome to the SUCK. Being in the army may suck, but Jarhead doesn't. Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Foxx give stellar performances.

But this isn't your typical war flick with lots of killing and explosions. It's more about the life of a grunt during Operation Desert Sheild.

You'll love it. Scouts honor. Check it out!

Movie Friday

Ultraviolet. "Park it right here! Don't make me say it again!" - Violet. She learns the rules of parenting rather quickly as she takes a child under her protection. The child carries a virus that has the potential to wipe out the human race in this near future film.

Like Aeon Flux, two factions are fighting for ultimate control of the planet and Ultraviolet and her ultra-violent arsenal of weapons stands in the way of both sides.

With a dizzying body count that increases exponentially and mind boggling computer graphics, the movie is a series of unimaginative fight scenes with pauses of introspection by Violet as she tries to sort out what her life is and means. I agree with the opening statement she makes. "Mine is a world you may not understand." I barely understood the film. Is a hot chick, Milla Jovoich, and lots of butt kicking worth the $5.50? Maybe, but I should have seen 16 Blocks.

MUST HAVE!

How cool is this? Inflatable Screen Pro 28165. The viewing screen size is 28' wide by 16.5' high (16:9 widescreen format) . The Inflatable frame places the screen 5 feet high off the ground.This is the optimum size for an Outdoor Theater Setup. This summer I will have a Lord of the Rings Trilogy Marathon...In my backyard! You can find these godzilla sized screens on ebay for 5-12 grand. Won't the neighbors love me!

DVD Tuesday

I did not see these two films at the theater. (Shame on me) I heard the story of John Cash was good, but I haven't heard much about the John Cusack Movie. (Notice how the J.C. and J.C. theme is going there) Maybe I can check them out on Pay Per View.

Think Pink

Ryan has been begging me to take him to see the Pink Panther. So I took him today. I am a huge fan of the original Peter Sellers films and I don't think anyone could replace him. Steve Martin comes close though.

He does a decent job but it doesn't come off as naturally as it did for Sellers. The new film has its moments and Ryan cracked up several times. (ok I did too).

Clive Owen makes a cameo as secret agent 006. I don't know what that was all about.

One thing missing from the new movie was Kato, Inspector Clouseau's martial arts-crazy manservant. They try to include a similar relationship in the new movie with Jean Reno as Martin's partner, but they fail at recreating the chemistry that the original Sellers and Kato had.

Overall it was a fun flick, check it out when it come out on DVD.

DVR Friday

No movie today, I decided it would be more fun to lie on the couch and DIE from the flu.

Weakly my hand reached out to the floor for the silver remote where it was resting, waiting to be crushed underfoot by a six year old or an almost three year old who had knocked it off the end table in the first place.

Teasingly my finger tips brushed the rubberized buttons as I tried desperately to use my Jedi Powers to will the controller into my hand. I gave up and lay there moaning. With great effort I sat up and shuffled over to the remote.

I pulled up the menu to my DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and selected the next episode of Battlestar Galactica season 2.0 (They don't just call it season two, cause 2.0 turns geeks like me on). The episode, "Black Market", starts out showing a tense scene between Lee Adama a.k.a. Apollo and the current leader of the fleet's black market, who happens to be... black. Coincidence?

It's actor Bill Duke, who I haven't seen since he played Sergeant 'Mac' Eliot in Predator. He looks exactly the same. Talks the same too. Then the scene fades to black and the words "48 Hours Earlier" pop up. This is a neat dramatic effect shows and movies use to show you what took place leading up to this tense scene we just saw. It's a great effect, if you only do it ONCE per season. They had just done the same thing two episodes ago. Come on writers if you use a theatrical effect like that, don't over use it! And yes more than once a season is over use. It makes me roll my eyes and say, "boring," "been there done that," and makes the effect trite. IMHO (In my humble opinion).

Anyways, I forgive them, the episode rocked. Check it out.

Now Why Didn't I Think of That?

For you single ladies out there....Well and you skinny male nerds too. Here's a handy night table to keep by the bed. Just swipe the alarm clock on to the floor and start wailing on your assailant or potential date raper (that goes for you skinny nerds too).

Kidz are Always in Season!

Happy President's Day

Don't draw any caricatures of my U.S. Presidents or I will burn down a 7-eleven! I mean it!

Movie Friday

I didn't make it to the movies this Friday. But my son did. He went with a friend to see Yours, Mine, Ours. So I decided to let him review it.

Dad: So did you like the movie?
Son: Yes.

Dad: Was it funny?
Son: Very funny!

Dad: Would I like it?
Son: No.

Dad: Why not?
Son: Nobody gets blown up or killed.

Dad: Oh. So was it basically a rip off of Cheaper by the Dozen?
Son: No! It was a remake of the 1968 movie of the same name starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Cheaper by the Dozen is a remake of the 1950 movie of the same name starring Clifton Webb and Jeanne Crain. As far as I know, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is not a remake.

Dad: Oh. Thanks for clearing that up. What was your favorite part?
Son: <Insert long story about some fat kid>

Dad: So do you recommend seeing it?
Son: Check it out at your local dollar theater!

Would You Like Ice With Those Fries?

Whats dirtier than Wayne Gretzky's wife? Click here.

DVD Tuesday

Have you saw it? I heard SAW was a great horror flick.
I'm not sure how the sequel stacks up. I used to be a big
horror flick fan ever since Halloween. But in my mid-life I have cooled on the scream-jerk-and wet your pants flicks. I think the last one I "saw" was House of Wax.

Movie Friday

Was it a predictable plot? Yes. With a predictable "everyone lives happily ever after" ending? Yes. Was it Harrison Ford kicking butt even though he's old enough to be your grandfather? Yes. Did I like the film? Heck yeah!

I Love Harrison. Good ole Han Solo, good ole Indiana Jones. He has not lost his charm or his everyday man's hero appeal. The film sets just the right amount of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out how Computer security specialist Jack Stanfield (HARRISON FORD) is going to get out of the next jam and save his family that is being held hostage by a pompous British wanker.

Two thumbs up, check it out!

Survivor Panama

Catch Tennessee girl Melinda Hyder on Survivor12. She lives in Sevierville, TN which is just up the road from Knoxville.

Hyder graduated with honors in music and math from Elizabethton High School. She then attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City on a full vocal scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. While in college, she performed with the music groups 10BucsWorth, Chorale and Women's Ensemble.

After college, Hyder entertained at Six Flags over Georgia for two years. She then toured Europe while performing on a cruise ship. She also spent six years performing at Dollywood (often times with Dolly Parton). In addition, she has worked as a real estate agent, private vocal coach, dance instructor, pageant coach and model.

Go Melinda! We are pullin for ya!

DVD Tuesday

Don't be DOOMED! I love action and high body counts as much as the next guy, but this one really stunk. I was a huge fan of the game DOOM, but the movie left much to be desired. I hate to say it, but since it's February, I have to recommend you pick up...*Gasp* a chick flick! Just Like Heaven is a great Valentine's gift for your girl. And it at least has one dead body. So check it out!

Your Own Fantasy Island

Can't afford your own Island?

Then MAKE one!

It looks like an island, it feels like an island, it has the beautiful vegetation of a tropical island but it just happens to be made of spiraling pop bottles. See it here.

DVD Thursday?

I didn't forget DVD Tuesday, I was just too busy to post!

The Legend of Zorro does something that sequels rarely do. It lives up to its expectations!

This was a fun follow up to The Mask of Zorro. If your a Zorro, Zeta, or Antonio fan, add this one to your collection.

Quote

"Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.”

Pay Back

A 503kg bull named Pajarito - "Little Birdy" - flew into the stands during a Mexico City bullfight, injuring several spectators before it was killed.

Television images showed the bull jumping from the ring into the stands, landing on spectators who tried to scatter as the animal roared through the aisles.

Talk about having to grab the bull by the horns!

Like...Totally Tubular Dood!

Jim took Ryan and I and Ryan's cousin and his dad to Tony's Tube World today! It was a blast snow tubing in 55 degree weather. For 20 bucks you get an hour and a half on the slopes.














They have a conveyor belt on the left side that lets you ride back to the top. It's a life saver.
An hour and a half drive from Knoxville, its located in Maggie Valley North Carolina. It's worth the trip.

Movie Friday

An odd little film with two main actors and two supporting actors. The film is right up Pierce Brosnan's alley, but I can't decide if Greg Kinnear was the best pick for his role. Although in the film Brosnan's character remarks that they are exact opposites. So in a sense perhaps Greg was the right choice.

The Matator is about an assassin that meets a regular businessman in Mexico and a tenuous friendship develops. Jullian Noble, (Pierce Brosnan) finally confides in Danny (Kinnear) that he is an assassin. Danny doesn't believe him at first but Jullian finally convinces him.

Months later we find that Jullian is losing his nerve and becoming washed up. His boss decides to kill him and Jullian runs to suburbia seeking Danny his only friend in the world for help. The two incongruous men, Jullian a sex maniac, and Danny, a settled down family guy (although he and his wife think its cool that they know an assassin), become life long friends.

It was an interesting film and even though Pierce is scraggly looking rather than the suave gentleman he usually plays, he is still charming as a killer and I enjoyed seeing what he would do after leaving the Bond franchise. Cheers!

2006 Movie Preview

Check out the movies coming out this year, here.

Also catch My Name is Earl on its new night, Thursday night, 9:00pm est.

DVD Tuesday

Even though this was another film with Jodie huddling in the dark hiding from the bad people, I still liked the movie. It has a few interesting twists that keep you wondering who the bad guy is and why things are happening to her.

And while the ending is predictable, it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense.

Check it out!

It's that time of year

Well we placed our orders. We love Samoas and Thin Mints. Check out the complete line of Girl Scout cookies here.
Order yours today!

Movie Friday

For my first movie of 2006, I chose Underworld: Evolution. I really enjoyed the first movie, Underworld. Kate Beckinsale (she's hot!) reprises her role as Selene the Death Dealer in this sequel along with her hybrid half-werewolf and half-vampire boyfriend Michael.

The film picks up right where the first one left off. Evolution seeks to expand the unfolding story from the first movie and continues to fill us in on the origins of the vampires and werewolves. As in the first movie, there is plenty of slavering Lycans and biting bat folk, mixed in with nearly as many gun battles as Joan Rivers has had plastic surgeries.

For my part, I think I liked the first movie better. It was a refreshing tale and new perspective on the vampire/wolfman genre. The characters were interesting and the story compelling. The sequal doesn't give us much in the way of anything new save that the master vampire has wicked wings and can fly. I'll probably pick up the DVD to complete the story.

Uh Oh, It's Magic!

Jim took Ryan to see David Copperfield! He had a magical night and as hard as we tried we couldn't get Copperfield to make Ryan disappear.

Quote

O God who has set us in a world of soaring beauty, and profound mystery we look back and recognize, in ourselves, the dawning of a conviction that life is not simply a random series of opportunities and disappointments.

We look back and acknowledge that our life has been a gift, a gift to be lived out fully between the twin poles of freedom and responsibility.

And now we step forward, free in the knowledge of how little is really essential. Responsible in the conviction of how much is desperately needed.

Thank you for your grace which is the flame of love, leaping up in our hearts, and setting our lives afire.

Beam Me Up!

They're back! Sort of.... The show that propelled me into Geekdom was The Original Star Trek. A group of brave souls have been working for the past ten years to pick up where the original show left off. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Checkov, and Sulu continue their five year mission with Star Trek New Voyages!

This internet show has the blessing of many of the original show's producers, writers, and actors. Some of the original actors are considering reprising their roles. The first episode is available for download on their site.

May Star Trek Live Long and Prosper!

Only in America

Only in America can you profit from the horrible disasters inflicted on others.
You can now take a BUS TOUR ($35 for adults, $28 for kids) to see the devastation Hurricane Katrina left in the city of New Orleans!

But don't worry Grey Line Tours is gonna donate a whopping three bucks per ticket to relief organizations like American Wetlands, (save those crocs!), and the Jazz Foundation (save our Jazz!)

Don't forget your camera folks, or your sensibilities.

DVD Tuesday

This is a great Nicholas Cage Movie! It really makes you think about the choices we make in life, the things that happen to us, and setting our priorities.

If you like Nick, this is a must have. The ending is surprising as well. Check it out!

Let it snow!

Quote

"Moles and trolls, moles and trolls, work, work, work, work, work. We never see the light of day!"

-Chris Knight, Real Genius

24 Starts this Sunday! Woot!

Don't forget to catch the new season of 24! The four hour premire is this Sunday and Monday!

Hey, Bill. How's the World Been Treating Ya?

"Like a baby treats a diaper."

In a fit of depression, I forgot about DVD Tuesday!!

Pick up the Transporter 2! If you don't have T1,
get that as well. Jason Statham is no James Bond
but I'll give him a close second!

I might get layed off from TVA!

Yipppi, I am so excited that I wrote this poem....

So last night as I was lying in bed, my mind roared and raced--
my heart, too.
I had this ball of tension spinning around inside me, as I wondered what's around the next bend for me.
Maybe nothing, and that's ok.
But.
If it's something...
It's electricity swimming through my layers of skin and nerves and muscle,
skidding along my bones.
I feel it.
There is nothing whispered about it, nothing soft or shy.
It is loud and fierce.
I will own it.

One More Second

Hey did you hear we have one extra second this year? Holy Crap! What am I going to do with that extra time?

I'm working on a list of possibilities:

• Give my sister a wet willie
• Blink
• Hate my job one second more
• Lose eight ounces in the bathroom of my choice

What will you do with your extra time?

Google Zeitgeist

Google News - Top Searches in 2005
1. Janet Jackson
2. Hurricane Katrina
3. tsunami
4. xbox 360
5. Brad Pitt
6. Michael Jackson
7. American Idol
8. Britney Spears
9. Angelina Jolie
10. Harry Potter

I love Google!

New Year's Resolutions

I only have one; Be more intense.

If you need help with yours, check out the Top Ten New Year's Resoultions here.

When I ask people what happened to their last years resolutions, I usually find they come up with more excuses than a New Orleans Levee contractor.

Happy New Year!

It's just not New Year's Eve with out Dick.


*SMOOCH*

Where NOT to spend Christmas Vacation

Farris Hassan, a 16-year-old from Florida, realized that traveling to Iraq by himself was not the safest thing he could have done with his Christmas vacation.

And he didn't even tell his parents.

Using money his parents had given him at one point, he bought a $900 plane ticket and took off from school a week before Christmas vacation started, skipping classes and leaving the country on December 11.

His goal: Baghdad.

Read the article here.

Sheesh, I get all nervous when I go to Mexico for vacation.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas was magical,
I hope everyone had a Merry one.

Twas the night before Christmas...

...and all through the house, two goblins were destroying it.

Movie Friday

Fun with Dick and Jane!

Losing your job is not funny. It’s scary. I have never lost a job, but my current position is tenuous. So I could relate to what happens to Dick and Jane. At first things are looking up for Dick at work. He gets a promotion to Vice President of his company. But in almost the same breath, the company goes bankrupt.

Dick and Jane try to find honest work, but so are 6,000 others that lost their job at Dick’s company. So they have to lower themselves and try to settle for more meager positions. After a few mishaps they again find themselves with no job and no money. Dick hits rock bottom when he tries to find work with some migrant workers and mistakenly gets deported.

Up to this point, I had not really laughed all that much. The comedy had been weakly delivered. But once Dick and Jane start actually robbing people and stealing stuff, then the comedy kicked in. At least they turned it up a notch.

There are a lot better films in the theater right now though. I’d spend that hard earned money you made being a Walmart greeter on King Kong and Narnia. Wait for Dick and Jane to come out on DVD.

Good Times!

I love Calvin!

Top Ten Christmas Flicks

1. A Christmas Story (1983)
2. The Bishop's Wife (1947)
3. Miracle on 34th Street
4. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
6. Jingle All the Way (1996)
7. Scrooged (1988)
8. Elf (2003)
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
10. Trapped in Paradise (1994)

DVD Tuesday

• Serenity
• Battlestar Gallactica (New Series)
• The Brothers Grimm (Didn't see it)
  

Scared of Santa

See more pics here.

Quote

"Defeat is only temporary!"
-Carl Denham

Movie Friday

Stunning special effects and incredible scenery are King in this re-make of a classic, KING KONG. I would try and compare it to the 1976 version starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange but I honestly can't remember much about it.

I do remember that the Jeff and Jessica film was set in more modern times, with Kong climbing the World Trade Center. Peter Jackson's film is more of a period piece being set in the 1930's. I think he pulled that off quite well. It is amazing to see what Times Square might have looked like then.

The film starts out in New York during the depression, where work is hard to find. We follow the life of two people in the entertainment business who have something in common. They are both on the outs. Ann Darrow, played by Naomi Watts is an actress who has just lost her job and her theater is closed. Carl Denham a movie maker, played by Jack Black, is on the verge of having his film cancelled. His leading lady has turned the part down and the producers are hanging him out to dry. That's when he has a chance meeting with Ann Darrow.

He whisks her off to film on an exotic location. A secret island that no one knows about. Carl had come across a map showing the location of the island and he will let nothing stop him from making his movie there. In fact it is about an hour until we get to see the Island and its "Jurrasic Park" inhabitants. This is where "part two" of the film takes place. Ann has fallen in love with the screen play writer, Jack Driscoll played by Adrian Brody, on the voyage to the Island. We also get to meet the crew of the ship and find that it is full of heroes, including the captain and first mate. Interestingly Carl Denham slowly becomes a villin as members of his film crew are killed on the island and Carl says, "They died doing what they believed in! This film! And I will make sure it is completed and the proceeds go to their family!"

After his camera and film is destroyed in a little tussle with the big ape, he realizes he is ruined unless he can convince the captain to help capture Kong and take him back as a prize. I was a bit sad that after they do capture Kong, there are no scenes showing the boat ride back to New York.

The last part of the film simply starts on stage in New York at the premiere of KING KONG, the Eighth Wonder of the World. And of course that's where all ape breaks lose.

King Kong does its job. It entertains you for three hours. You know Peter, he can't make a short film. Breath taking scenes and visuals. Long action packed sequences, and one campy scene with Kong and Naomi on the ice in central park *rolls eyes.*

Don't monkey around and go see it on the BIG SCREEN!

Need a last minute Christmas gift?

LAS VEGAS - Looking for off-the-wall Christmas gift ideas? The Clark County coroner's office can help. Tucked away in the office is a gift shop with items that walk a fine line between humor and morbidity. There's a coffee mug with the inscription "Playing for Keeps," a $10 fake jawbone that holds business cards and a T-shirt that reads "Coroner ... Cashed Out in Las Vegas."

"That's about as risque as we go," Assistant Coroner John Fudenberg told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We certainly don't want to make a mockery of death."

"The Jaw" cardholder has proven its best seller so far. The shop's "Coroner's Collection" also offers a faux Nevada license plate, patches, pens and other knickknacks.

"We're always looking for slogans or phrases that have a little bit of a dual meaning, because I think that is part of the hook," Coroner Mark Murphy said. Fudenberg says television shows such as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" have increased demand in such items.

Too Many DVDs?

Do you collect DVDs? Do you loan them to friends and family? I know people that have to have every season of their favorite show, every blockbuster movie, and every comedy that comes out on DVD. That's hundreds of DVDs piling up.

I mostly collect the big action, sci-fi, and fantasy films. I like to track my collection with Movie Organizer. It's a free program and its quick and easy to use. It will use your internet connection to automatically search and load all the details about the movie, like actors, run time, and genre.

And my favorite feature....You can mark a movie as loaned. You can give it the name of the person that borrowed your movie and the date they borrowed it! Very handy for slacker relatives.

Check it out at movieorganizer.com
Good Times!

Survivor

Congrats to Danni, winner of Survivor: Guatemala. I was pulling for Stephenie but she made too many enemies to pull it off.

I feel like Danni didn't deserve the win. I think the jury just voted for her as revenge for getting out witted by Steph.

Good news, Jeff Probst is coming back for several more suvivor seasons. The next one will be in Panama.

Movie Friday

Having read the books as a child, this week's movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was a thrill to watch. Just as with Lord of the Rings, I enjoyed seeing a set of favorite books come to life on the big screen.

The movie remains very true to the books I thought. Four very proper English children are sent to country side at the height of WWII. They are staying at the museum-like house of a professor, (a professor of what is never mentioned). The children quickly become bored and set out for a game of hide and seek. The youngest girl, Lucy, discovers a magical wardrobe that becomes a gateway to a land full of talking animals and fairy tale creatures such as fauns, satyrs, and a white witch-queen.

The children learn that they are part of a prophecy that states they will lead a final battle of the goodly creatures against the evil queen and her minions. I thought the talking beavers were a bit over the top, but thankfully not as annoying as Jar-Jar from Star Wars Episode I.

Tilda Swinton makes an excellent white witch, and Liam Neeson lends his voice for the gentle and wise Aslan the Lion.

I highly recommend stepping through the wardrobe and visiting Narnia.

The Forbes Fictional Fifteen-Forbes.com

Hot Chocolate Rocks!

Research led by Cornell University's Chang Yong Lee found that hot cocoa, on a per-serving basis, has four to five times more antioxidants than black tea, two to three times more than green tea, and almost two times more than red wine.

"A cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants," Lee said.

On What Day Will You Buy the Farm?

Need to know what day you will die on? Need to plan in advance and get your affairs in order? Then visit -

THE DEATH METER

BTW, I will no longer be blogging after March 11, 2050.

Here's a Tip

How much should you give as a Christmas bonus to the people that serve you during year? Here are some suggestions:

Tipping experts say, and tip recipients implied, that cash is the best way to say happy holidays. "Tipping is not a time to try and be original," said Hilka Klinkenberg, founder of Etiquette International.

Other tipping tips include...

• If you frequent a restaurant daily, it's a good idea to tip your regular waiter. An extra $5 in a card is a kind gesture at your regular lunch spot, while at the Four Seasons you could shell out $40-$50, plus similar amounts to the maitre and captain.
  
• You don't have to give as much to the new hairdresser, doorman, etc. because you haven't forged a relationship with them yet.
  
• Alcohol is not recommended. Just because you
  may enjoy the extra splash of cheer, it might not be right for someone else.
  
  CHILD CARE
  Babysitter 1 evening's pay + small gift
  from child
  Au pair 1 week's pay or a gift + small gift from child
  Nanny 1 week's to 1 month's pay + small gift from child
  Daycare providers $20-$70/each + small gift from child
  Child's teacher Gift (but check the school's policy to see if it's allowed)
  Coaches, tutors, music teachers, ballet instructors, etc: A small gift from the child
  
  HOME/CAR CARE
  Housekeeper 1 week's pay or more (depending on length of service)
  Trash collectors $15-$20 each
  Parking attendants $10-$35 each or up to half a
  month's parking bill for the group if they regularly provide extra service
  Gardener $20-$50. If the gardener's last job before spring is a fall clean up, it's best to tip in the fall
  
  APARTMENT SERVICE
  Doormen $25-$100 each (those who provide the most service for you should get more than those whom you barely see)
  Superintendent/custodian $50-$300 (tip more if
  there's no doorman and the service has been particularly attentive, but tip less if you tip throughout the year)
  Porters/handymen $10-$50 each
  Elevator operators $15-$40 each
  
  PERSONAL CARE
  Hairdresser Cost of 1 cut (or $20-$100) if you go frequently + small gift
  Manicurist Cost of 1 session (or $10-$50) + small gift
  Personal trainer $25 up to 1 week's pay (or cost
  of 1 session)
  Massage therapist $50-$100 or cost of 1 session
  
  PET CARE
  Dog groomer Small gift + 1/4 to 1/2 the cost of 1
  session
  Dog walker/regular dog sitter Cost of 1-2 week's pay (as with a
  nanny, a small gift is optional)
  
  DELIVERY SERVICES
  U.S. mail carrier Gifts under $20*
  UPS Company policy discourages drivers from accepting tips, but they can accept something of nominal value. Tipping guides offer $15 as a guideline, but the amount and choice of gift are up to you.
  
  FedEx Company policy does not permit cash tips, but a gift worth up to $25 is okay.
  Paper carrier $15-$25 for daily delivery ($5-$15 for
  weekend delivery)
  *Civil servants are not allowed to receive cash tips. But if you wish to recognize your mail carrier, the U.S. Postal Service asks that your gratuity not exceed $20 in cash value.
  

Is it fun to be you?

At the end of the day when you look in the mirror, do you smile and say, "Gee, It's fun to be me!" If not, what can you do to change that?

It is usually fun to be me, because I try really hard not to be a grown up. You know, to stay young at heart. But doing that sometimes makes me selfish and self centered as I try to surround myself with a barrier of personal comfort. If anything disrupts that personal comfort then it is no longer "fun to be me."

I try and full fill my "grown up" obligations, then I am ready to have fun. Be it hiking, camping, games, movies, etc. I don't want to be tied to schedules, goals that I can't achieve, and meetings I can't make. I want to be spontaneous and a free spirit.

But as I said before, doing that can sometimes run over other people and that is not fair. I need to be more focused on others rather than myself. And during this season of giving, I hope to reflect on that and perhaps be proactive in making sure that it is fun to be me but also it is fun to be AROUND me too.

LOL!

Movie Friday

I have only seen two or three of the animated Aeon Flux episodes on MTV. They were interesting and disturbing at the same time. And I never saw enough of the series to understand what the premise was. Fortunately none of those are a problem for the movie Aeon Flux.

I first saw Charlize Theron in the fun caper movie, The Italian Job. I fell in love with her acting and Mini Coopers. I did not see her in her Academy Award winning role she played in Monster. (shudder). In Aeon Flux she plays a highly trained assassin working with a group of rebels that are fighting against the system in which they live. The earth's population was wiped out by a virus and only a city full remain. They were saved by a brilliant scientist named Trevor Goodchild. But people are beginning to suspect there is nothing "good" about Trevor as people are mysteriously disappearing. Aeon is sent to kill him.

The movie is very fast paced and we are slowly given the complete storyline throughout the movie as the dialogue is interspersed with the action. The film is not too deep, and the plot twists are cliche and weak, but never the less, the visuals of the near-future city and set design was suburb. I really believed the world exsisted as presented. It was a fun film to watch and I feel I got my five-fiftys worth.

Catch it before its buried by a large hairy ape.

Calvin and the Snowmen

I love Calvin!