Okay, I admit I'll wallow in a bit of low-brow movie viewing every so often. For various reasons I'll watch 8 Million Ways to Die, The Terminator, or a Dirty Harry movie. And now it looks like I'm about to get roped into seeing Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
While traversing the internet, the trailer for the movie sprang up. Immediately I was put off, seeing that it is a James Franco vehicle. His performances that I've witnessed thus far leave much to be desired. Then Brian Cox popped up, and a tiny ray of hope appeared for the movie's chances. He didn't do much in the trailer but show there were some good actors hanging around the set.
What struck me towards the end of the trailer was the great job done on the apes. Caesar, the "main" chimp, showed a remarkable ability to convey intelligence and malevolence. Figuring there had to be an actor behind all that CGI, my research found that Caesar is played by Andy Serkis of Gollum fame, from the Lord of the Rings. In all honesty, Serkis was much better than Franco in the trailer. Between Serkis, Cox, and John Lithgow, playing Franco's father in the movie, there should be something salvageable (I hope).
My guess at this point is it will be a so-so movie that will do well at the summer box office.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Incredible Friends, an owl and a cat!
This is an incredible video of an owl and a cat playing together
http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/video-detail?vid=25272362&cid=24037722
I only believe it after seeing it.
http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/video-detail?vid=25272362&cid=24037722
I only believe it after seeing it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean 4
I have to admit I am not a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. More for kids than adults, there is generally little to keep the mind occupied. If it weren't for Depp's fine handling of his Jack Sparrow character, I'd probably have seen very little of the series at all. Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, let's face it, are hardly up there with the great actors of our time. Dare I say they are playing more on their looks than talent. Once again I give credit to Depp, who fought to downplay his looks in the franchise, and give his character some 'character' (sorry about that :D).
As for the special effects in the movies, there is some entertainment value there, but little to keep my attention for very long.
So now I must admit to wanting to see the new installment, Pirates of the Caribbean 4. How can this be? Well now, I have to admit to a guilty conscience here. Penelope Cruz has always struck me as very sexy. Much more than Knightly or Zeta-Jones, but still a back seat to Jolie. Cruz's career has been choppy in my opinion, but she still holds my attention for the same reason that I condemn Knightly and Bloom. I look forward to seeing Depp and her play off each other, and the quips that surely will put a grin on my face.
As for the special effects in the movies, there is some entertainment value there, but little to keep my attention for very long.
So now I must admit to wanting to see the new installment, Pirates of the Caribbean 4. How can this be? Well now, I have to admit to a guilty conscience here. Penelope Cruz has always struck me as very sexy. Much more than Knightly or Zeta-Jones, but still a back seat to Jolie. Cruz's career has been choppy in my opinion, but she still holds my attention for the same reason that I condemn Knightly and Bloom. I look forward to seeing Depp and her play off each other, and the quips that surely will put a grin on my face.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Windows 7 is ridiculous
Windows 7, Microsoft, or Microsoft updates, or perhaps all of them, are ridiculous. Having my new PC for less than two weeks, I don't know how many times the machine has been updated. It seems like every few hours. I have to remember to shut off the internet connection before shutting down. That would take care of it. Don't get me wrong, I know the machine is in constant need of updates, given Microsoft's record for bugs and love of pushing out software in Beta mode, or worse.
Today, I forgot to shut off the internet connection before powering down, so it left me hanging, telling me not to touch it until it downloaded whatever latest tweaks Microsoft decided to put in. Then when I powered back up, it kept me waiting, telling me the updates were being installed. That initiated another restart, which initiated another install of the updates. Foolish me I thought I was through it all. But no, once Windows 7 desktop appeared a message popped up and told me to restart the machine -- AGAIN! So after one start and two restarts I was finally in. You can bet I miss Windows XP. It gets to the point sometimes where I miss DOS. There at least I had some control. Windows 7 hides everything so that your helpless or spend too much time searching for the things you really need. At this point I'm not sure if I will go back to XP or go to Linux.
I'll keep you posted.
P.S. Can people really be buying mobile phones with a Windows operating system?
Today, I forgot to shut off the internet connection before powering down, so it left me hanging, telling me not to touch it until it downloaded whatever latest tweaks Microsoft decided to put in. Then when I powered back up, it kept me waiting, telling me the updates were being installed. That initiated another restart, which initiated another install of the updates. Foolish me I thought I was through it all. But no, once Windows 7 desktop appeared a message popped up and told me to restart the machine -- AGAIN! So after one start and two restarts I was finally in. You can bet I miss Windows XP. It gets to the point sometimes where I miss DOS. There at least I had some control. Windows 7 hides everything so that your helpless or spend too much time searching for the things you really need. At this point I'm not sure if I will go back to XP or go to Linux.
I'll keep you posted.
P.S. Can people really be buying mobile phones with a Windows operating system?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Anyone catch the new Virgin Mobile commercials?
Caught two new Vigin Mobile commercials and thought they were good.
The storyline is that Vigin Mobile needs a new celebrity couple for
mobile phone users to follow to boost sales.
The second commercial was the one I liked the best. You see a manager
draft two of the office workers to act as a celebrity couple. With
the right spin and clothes she figures they can pawn their office
workers off as a couple that the public will follow on Facebook,
Twitter, or wherever. At the end, the manager is showing off a
dress and suit to the two office workers to explain what she has in
mind. The manager turns to the mannequin with the dress and shows
how the shoulder strap easily breaks so that it will expose a breast
(think Janet Jackson). Then she turns to the other mannequin and the
crotch of the pants explodes. The manager quickly says "we're still
working on it".
It gave me a laugh.
The storyline is that Vigin Mobile needs a new celebrity couple for
mobile phone users to follow to boost sales.
The second commercial was the one I liked the best. You see a manager
draft two of the office workers to act as a celebrity couple. With
the right spin and clothes she figures they can pawn their office
workers off as a couple that the public will follow on Facebook,
Twitter, or wherever. At the end, the manager is showing off a
dress and suit to the two office workers to explain what she has in
mind. The manager turns to the mannequin with the dress and shows
how the shoulder strap easily breaks so that it will expose a breast
(think Janet Jackson). Then she turns to the other mannequin and the
crotch of the pants explodes. The manager quickly says "we're still
working on it".
It gave me a laugh.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
How the States got their Shapes
How great is the History Channel!
While other people are watching reality TV on MTV and elsewhere,
I'm enjoying a very different reality shown on the History Channel.
The program I watching is "How the States got their Shapes". This
is exactlty the type of program I enjoy. With a mixture of
famous, and not so famous, characters from the past and citizens today
effected by the curious decisions of state boundries, it delves into
the logical, political, and strange reasons for the lines that divide
up our country.
The program covers United States history topics as well known as the
California Gold Rush and the Mason-Dixon line to little known items such
as the Republic of Franklin that in the late 1700s applied to the Continental Congress for acceptance into the Union. The facts span
centuries, from the lines laid down by kings to the still on going disputes of boundries between various states such as Georgia and Tennessee. The creators also included some details of the personalities
of those involved, making sure this would not be a dry list of factoids,
but a fascinating look at how geography, commerce, crime, and egos all
played a part in defining state boundaries.
I can't recommend this program enough. Catch "How the States got their
Shapes" on the History Channel if you can, hopefully dragging the kids
off Facebook to join you.
While other people are watching reality TV on MTV and elsewhere,
I'm enjoying a very different reality shown on the History Channel.
The program I watching is "How the States got their Shapes". This
is exactlty the type of program I enjoy. With a mixture of
famous, and not so famous, characters from the past and citizens today
effected by the curious decisions of state boundries, it delves into
the logical, political, and strange reasons for the lines that divide
up our country.
The program covers United States history topics as well known as the
California Gold Rush and the Mason-Dixon line to little known items such
as the Republic of Franklin that in the late 1700s applied to the Continental Congress for acceptance into the Union. The facts span
centuries, from the lines laid down by kings to the still on going disputes of boundries between various states such as Georgia and Tennessee. The creators also included some details of the personalities
of those involved, making sure this would not be a dry list of factoids,
but a fascinating look at how geography, commerce, crime, and egos all
played a part in defining state boundaries.
I can't recommend this program enough. Catch "How the States got their
Shapes" on the History Channel if you can, hopefully dragging the kids
off Facebook to join you.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Review: Mobilize, Strategies for success from the frontlines of the App revolution
Rana June Sobhany, co-founder of Medialets, the largest in-application analytics and advertising platform for the iPhone, puts forth thoughts
on marketing mobile APPs in this transformed world. Focus is on Apple's
IPhone and its applications, which is understandable in such a new marketplace.
The beginning reviews the past few years and the growth of
Apple's App Store. Mentioned are the number of new App hits and their
creators. There isn't much to learn here since most hits blossomed
in a small fish pond. Developers needed to do little but create an
product that didn't break on the IPhone.
The next portion of the book was a bit trying, droning on and on about
how the developer needs to create a great product. Sure, there is no
reason not to mention this, but the idea is churned out over and over
with little information on how to create a good product on the platform.
Things pick up after that. As I said, the focus of the book is marketing
applications on the IPhone, so the focus is on getting the public aware of the developer's App. Perhaps target marketing sticks out the most in this early part of the book. Given the way our world as become so fragmented,
with so many outlets to get information, it seems more important than ever
to know who your customer is. Ms Sobhany does a good job of emphasizing this point. Trying to capture everyone is a mistake, if your application
will only be of interest of 5 percent of the public. Know who your target
audience is, where they get their information, where they hang out, what they like to do, etc.
Another good point, given the emerged social networking explosion, is how
the developer should place their App in front of Twitter and Facebook users. Also, a great point, is the importance of creating a community of
App users. They are the audience: a great source of critisizism and new
features list. They carry the message of the App to the rest of the world
with their posts on Foursquare.com, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
A good number of other topics are discussed: the importance of the App
launch, press releases, networking with other developers and writers
at events, conferences, blogs, twitter, etc., positioning the product,
monitoring sales and using metrics to make intelligent decisions on how
to increase sales.
The book could have been better without so many examples that did not
support the topic in that particular part of the book. Often Ms. Sobhany
seems to mention stories simply because the developer has a hit App, even
though they were hits do to some piece of luck or timing which could not
be replicated by the reader.
On the whole, the book is worth the read for any person thinking of
creating a product running on cell phones, IPads, and such. There is
enough here to help the reader to improve the launch of their
application.
on marketing mobile APPs in this transformed world. Focus is on Apple's
IPhone and its applications, which is understandable in such a new marketplace.
The beginning reviews the past few years and the growth of
Apple's App Store. Mentioned are the number of new App hits and their
creators. There isn't much to learn here since most hits blossomed
in a small fish pond. Developers needed to do little but create an
product that didn't break on the IPhone.
The next portion of the book was a bit trying, droning on and on about
how the developer needs to create a great product. Sure, there is no
reason not to mention this, but the idea is churned out over and over
with little information on how to create a good product on the platform.
Things pick up after that. As I said, the focus of the book is marketing
applications on the IPhone, so the focus is on getting the public aware of the developer's App. Perhaps target marketing sticks out the most in this early part of the book. Given the way our world as become so fragmented,
with so many outlets to get information, it seems more important than ever
to know who your customer is. Ms Sobhany does a good job of emphasizing this point. Trying to capture everyone is a mistake, if your application
will only be of interest of 5 percent of the public. Know who your target
audience is, where they get their information, where they hang out, what they like to do, etc.
Another good point, given the emerged social networking explosion, is how
the developer should place their App in front of Twitter and Facebook users. Also, a great point, is the importance of creating a community of
App users. They are the audience: a great source of critisizism and new
features list. They carry the message of the App to the rest of the world
with their posts on Foursquare.com, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
A good number of other topics are discussed: the importance of the App
launch, press releases, networking with other developers and writers
at events, conferences, blogs, twitter, etc., positioning the product,
monitoring sales and using metrics to make intelligent decisions on how
to increase sales.
The book could have been better without so many examples that did not
support the topic in that particular part of the book. Often Ms. Sobhany
seems to mention stories simply because the developer has a hit App, even
though they were hits do to some piece of luck or timing which could not
be replicated by the reader.
On the whole, the book is worth the read for any person thinking of
creating a product running on cell phones, IPads, and such. There is
enough here to help the reader to improve the launch of their
application.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
What you can do when you have too much money
This link to yahoo shows a garage door which is dressed up as some siding and windows, but electronincally opens up to allow for the car to come in. Very slick! The uglyness of garage doors has always baffled me. There were always better ways to dress them up. Garage doors dressed up as carriage house doors always had a nice look to them.
Then again you could always donate the money to the homeless ;D
Then again you could always donate the money to the homeless ;D
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Review: The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
Having been "around the block" more than a few times, I didn't expect the contents of Timothy Ferriss' book The 4-hour work week to make it possible for me, or anyone, to earn a living spending that little time per week on their business. But then, many books in this niche do much the same: tout exaggerated claims or impossible feats. So my approach was to simply glean what I could from the pages.
The beginning of the book is more motivational than useful, giving a look at the author's history and snippets of successes and failures. His sense of humor was entertaining, and I liked that he gave out more bits of his defeats and missteps than trying to spout about how great and smart he is. What caught my interest was his tactics in the martial arts field. Mr. Ferriss claims to have won a tournament not by great martial arts skill, but by pushing his opponents out of the ring and forcing the judges to declare him the winner on technical grounds. He even admits to losing excessive weight to enable him to enter lower weight classes. This is not unknown in the sports world, but he went down two weight classes. This foreshadows business techniques described later in the book that may stretch the readers capability to follow his lead on such shaky ethical ground. But it is to his credit that me mentions it, for good or ill.
Before getting to the meat of the book, Mr. Ferriss takes the reader through a mental excercise course in which he lays out his philosophy. Many of the ideas are not new, but he does it in an entertaining way and includes a good number of motivational stories. Thinking smarter, make-work is ineffecient, scaling down to the bare essentials, having more is not necessarily living better are just a few of the ideas presented. This section of the book might ware on the patience of those who have read books along the same vein, and may be skipped with little loss to the reader.
The meat of the book covers running a small business that can scale up easily. Several examples are carried through over a number of the business areas that are discussed, from initial idea, test marketing, production, staffing, and stepping aside when necessary. One example in the book is an American who gets the idea to sell French made shirts when he is often asked where he got his shirts. He researchers the costs of having the shirts shipped over from France, test markets the concept to prove the ideas viability, and even offers a satisfaction guarantee of 200%. Here is a spot where I don't think Mr. Ferriss stresses the negative sides to some approaches. A 200% satisfaction guarantee could be very costly, especially for a small business.
A few internet posts I've read blasted the author, his book, and his aggressive personal style, but overall I think there is enough good in the book to justify Mr. Ferriss' efforts. Granted readers surely will not be able to run their businesses with only 4-hours of effort a week, but there are numerous ideas that can be explored and exploited with the right mind-set, and the compilations of books and web sites that offer virtual assistants, web hosting, web site analytics, credit card handling, etc. definitely provide the small business owner (or wannabe) the tools to help run a business effectively.
The 4-hour Workweek was more than a four hour read for me (I'm a slow reader), but worth the time. One suggestion is to be open minded and remember that not every technique is for every person or his/her business.
Copyright © 2011 Daniel Dunleavy
The beginning of the book is more motivational than useful, giving a look at the author's history and snippets of successes and failures. His sense of humor was entertaining, and I liked that he gave out more bits of his defeats and missteps than trying to spout about how great and smart he is. What caught my interest was his tactics in the martial arts field. Mr. Ferriss claims to have won a tournament not by great martial arts skill, but by pushing his opponents out of the ring and forcing the judges to declare him the winner on technical grounds. He even admits to losing excessive weight to enable him to enter lower weight classes. This is not unknown in the sports world, but he went down two weight classes. This foreshadows business techniques described later in the book that may stretch the readers capability to follow his lead on such shaky ethical ground. But it is to his credit that me mentions it, for good or ill.
Before getting to the meat of the book, Mr. Ferriss takes the reader through a mental excercise course in which he lays out his philosophy. Many of the ideas are not new, but he does it in an entertaining way and includes a good number of motivational stories. Thinking smarter, make-work is ineffecient, scaling down to the bare essentials, having more is not necessarily living better are just a few of the ideas presented. This section of the book might ware on the patience of those who have read books along the same vein, and may be skipped with little loss to the reader.
The meat of the book covers running a small business that can scale up easily. Several examples are carried through over a number of the business areas that are discussed, from initial idea, test marketing, production, staffing, and stepping aside when necessary. One example in the book is an American who gets the idea to sell French made shirts when he is often asked where he got his shirts. He researchers the costs of having the shirts shipped over from France, test markets the concept to prove the ideas viability, and even offers a satisfaction guarantee of 200%. Here is a spot where I don't think Mr. Ferriss stresses the negative sides to some approaches. A 200% satisfaction guarantee could be very costly, especially for a small business.
A few internet posts I've read blasted the author, his book, and his aggressive personal style, but overall I think there is enough good in the book to justify Mr. Ferriss' efforts. Granted readers surely will not be able to run their businesses with only 4-hours of effort a week, but there are numerous ideas that can be explored and exploited with the right mind-set, and the compilations of books and web sites that offer virtual assistants, web hosting, web site analytics, credit card handling, etc. definitely provide the small business owner (or wannabe) the tools to help run a business effectively.
The 4-hour Workweek was more than a four hour read for me (I'm a slow reader), but worth the time. One suggestion is to be open minded and remember that not every technique is for every person or his/her business.
Copyright © 2011 Daniel Dunleavy
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