tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37160982030590388172024-03-07T01:35:35.476-06:00Really Random ReviewsLetting the world know what we thinkUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-62318855773253765882009-09-07T21:36:00.000-05:002009-09-07T21:36:26.652-05:00Trivial Pursuit: America Plays<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I have finally seen the end of civilization as we know it. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No, it's not a financial collapse or secret government conspiracy, it's "Trivial Pursuit: America Plays."</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We have finally managed to find everything that is wrong with our culture and our education and distill it into a half hour of shame. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Let's dissect the show a bit. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The people on the show are clueless</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">We have a number of dumb asses, picked from the LA talent pool of stand-ins get up and attempt to answer disgustingly hard questions like "name 3 of the original thirteen colonies" (answer "Philadelphia") or "name a major superpower of the east" (answer "Asia"). </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>Yes the questions are that easy</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I think most of us admire long lasting quiz shows like Jeopardy, but this show makes a mockery of that heritage. Even when the questions are about history or economics, they writers of the show usually manage to slip in a pop culture reference. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>"America" is playing at home?</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">An interesting twist to the show is the addition of about 20 people that ask their own questions of the in studio dunces…I mean contestants via video. If the final round is lost, the 20 "at home" contestants get the money. The show plays up the fact that they are from all over the US, but it appears to me that they just set up a camera in a shopping mall and asked random people to read cue cards. I wouldn't be surprised if the people asking the questions were in the audience. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>Peter Brady must want to jump across the podium and smack these poor clueless bastards.</i> </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Host Christopher Knight (aka Peter Brady) is not bad as the host. I think if I had to pick the best part of this train wreak it would be him. I'm guessing that they shackle his feet to the podium. To his credit, he doesn't even blink at the contestants when they say the stupidest answers. I want to play poker with this guy. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So in summary, skip this show. I don't believe I'm saying this but go watch "Millionaire" or something a little more stimulating. Better yet, pull out a history book and do some reading. TV really is rotting our brains.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><b>Addendum: why the hell was I watching this?</b></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><b>I was watching this because I came across it on a otherwise dull Labor Day. I wanted to know what I was missing on TV during the week day. Now I know I'm not really missing anything at all. The things I put myself through for this blog.</b></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-31427417434511414432009-09-01T05:42:00.000-05:002009-09-01T05:42:24.649-05:00Really Random Predictions: iPod TouchJust read an interesting article by Jordon Golson entitled <a href="http://gigaom.com/2009/08/31/is-the-ipod-touch-a-bigger-game-changer-than-the-iphone/#comment-971024">"Is the iPod Touch a Bigger Game Changer than the iPhone"</a> on the wonderful GigaOm website.<br />
<br />
I posted my predictions for what next weeks purported release of the new iPod Touch SHOULD be. Just thought I would past my comments here since it seemed to be (somewhat) well constructed.<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think.<br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica Neue; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I think that the killer hardware updates for the iPod Touch should be a camera and a GPS. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica Neue; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica Neue; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If Apple could do a test deal with Verizon to market the Touch with MIFI like capabilities for even $60 a month, I think that millions would flock from the iPhone to the Touch. This would allow Apple to move away from AT&T (which would make the FCC happy) while still honoring their existing contract. This would provide a rich testing ground for the rumored tablet. It would also be a win for those Apps in the store that are more "IPhone only" to be used on the touch (such as the newly released TOM TOM GPS app).</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica Neue; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica Neue; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Let's face it, we deal more with emails and twitter now then phone calls. We need an internet communicator, not a phone. I'm perfectly happy to carry my slim phone in my pocket while I use my Touch for everything else.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-442736000218859242009-08-31T19:38:00.001-05:002009-08-31T22:11:29.170-05:00Carvelli's Italian Buffet<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>My wife selected WI Dells as a location for our family getaway. I will be blogging about various locals and things we do along the way.</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As our vacation was winding down, we were really just looking to eat and run. As we toured downtown Wisconsin Dells, we really weren't finding much that looked good. Then we stumbled upon Carvelli's Italian Buffet.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Situated at the end of the "touristy area" of Broadway, Carvelli's looked inviting. The staff welcomed us in and explained the menu. The food is served buffet style, but is actually served by someone working behind the buffet, which I love. It's such a "first world problem," but I hate it when I pay good money to have to get my own food at a restaurant. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCoyQLD9BYIJ4ewW9R7a1BbwFqeSHoQBx3W3jBOaG-A8FOBrOTDM2CfBA3wQ8WY5VQ9-0ALb4hQZ98aeaTOjxtMSodubPAEUa-rBFv9loMA40KgftC8eGB6Vs2MrwVao2v-4XZprc1N01/s1600-h/0830091122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCoyQLD9BYIJ4ewW9R7a1BbwFqeSHoQBx3W3jBOaG-A8FOBrOTDM2CfBA3wQ8WY5VQ9-0ALb4hQZ98aeaTOjxtMSodubPAEUa-rBFv9loMA40KgftC8eGB6Vs2MrwVao2v-4XZprc1N01/s200/0830091122.jpg" /></a></div>Carvelli's has a wide assortment of Italian/American food. They take the novel approach of providing giant trays that are about the size of standard cafeteria trays. This provides a lot of room, without the hassle of the dishes. I especially loved the tortalini and vodka sauce. They also have a lot of pizzas and other pastas. Plus....canoli's for dessert (note: not part of the buffet). </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I have often commented that there is a zone somewhere down the Midwest where good Italian food just doesn't exist. The good news is that by visiting the Dells, I was able to cross the outer limit of the zone and find delectable Italian food once again. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If you just want to sample some really good Italian food, take a trip down to Carvelli's. Where you can have a lot of food for a very low price. </div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-47687510262116098322009-08-30T07:43:00.000-05:002009-08-30T07:43:03.682-05:00Pirates Cove Mini Golf and Family Fun Center<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My wife selected WI Dells as a location for our family getaway. I will be blogging about various locals and things we do along the way.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">After hanging out in any resort, you eventually have to get out and explore your surroundings. Unfortunately, we picked a really cold and windy way in Wisconsin Dells. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This played to our favor while visiting Pirates Cove Mini Golf and Family Fun Center. I especially was excited to play some mini golf. It had been many years since I put mini putter to ball. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8U3sVcfJZ-MKe2oR4Kc3eVuZIqkyqFtVZXB8UXx3Id0uWKs3UsdtUamN9SGbdEb-NwbtMbmiI-QIvHv6t1NAoOqLnvnjw56lGaYCekLekR6cEb598tMY31Qexi3P40TLMayv8qYlapdn/s1600-h/Pirates+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8U3sVcfJZ-MKe2oR4Kc3eVuZIqkyqFtVZXB8UXx3Id0uWKs3UsdtUamN9SGbdEb-NwbtMbmiI-QIvHv6t1NAoOqLnvnjw56lGaYCekLekR6cEb598tMY31Qexi3P40TLMayv8qYlapdn/s200/Pirates+Cove.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If you have been to any other Pirates Cove Mini Golf (there is one in Rapid City, SD) you will be surprised to know that Wisconsin Dells has the LARGEST Pirates Cove! It is indeed large. There are five different 18 hole courses ranging from very easy to extremely difficult. The beautiful landscaping and elegant (though a bit too blue) waterfalls keep you visually captivated between putts. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Since we had a four year old with us, I thought we should tackle the easy course. My daughter had never been mini golfing before and it took her a few holes to get it down, but she finally started to understand. The courses was indeed easy, but the last third of the course did a good job introducing us to some of the traditional challenges of a mini golf course. The obstacles were always natural (rocks, water, and holes) vs. the generic windmill that I have seen at way too many mini golf courses. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The best thing about this particular Pirates Cove was that after 18 holes of mini golf, you could visit the attached Family Fun Center. There wasn't a whole lot of things to do at the Fun Center, but those that were there were great for kids. The best by far was the "jumping pillow" that is like a jumper on steroids. Ever get tired of only letting your kids jump in boring jumpers? Now you can jump alongside them (see the <a href="http://www.jumpingpillowsusa.com/movie.html">movie</a> from the Jumping Pillows website). </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">You could spend an entire day at Pirates Cove. It is truly fun for the whole family. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-80377384794704377192009-08-29T10:30:00.000-05:002009-08-29T10:31:32.334-05:00Buffalo Phils: Better Food In My Garbage Disposal<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i>My wife selected WI Dells as a location for our family getaway. I will be blogging about various locals and things we do along the way.</i></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Since the buffet wasn't open in at night (see my earlier post), We decided to stick close to the lodge for supper. We drove right down the way and encountered the mammoth "Buffalo Phils". </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">I wasn't really in the mood for burgers and fries, especially after eating at the wonderful Cheese Factory, but it was close and we were hungry.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">A lesson to the wise, don't let your stomach do the thinking. We should have figured out that this wasn't the best place in town due to the lack of cars in the parking lot around 5:00 PM. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The interior was very "country" which I don't particularly care for. When you throw in the unbearable Country music, it was a total buzzkill. The other big mistake was sitting out on the patio. My water soon tasted like cigarette smoke from the three "5 pack a dayers" that were chain smoking the whole time. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Now let's talk about the food. Or maybe I should use the phrase "pseudo" food. I'm just guessing here, but they must follow the Applebees's "nuke" methodology. Everything from the burger to the fries had NO TASTE. I could have sucked on ice cubes and got more taste (made especially true due to the cigarette smoke). </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Since this was a BBQ joint, I thought that maybe the sauce would save me. That turned out not to be the case. The three sauces at our table were equally terrible. I really want to know what is in their sauces. My biggest guess is a TON of pickle juice from the bottom of a Vlassic pickle jar that has been shoved into corner and forgotten for two years. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The service was OK, but I really hate to have a waitperson come by every two minutes (probably due to the lack of people in the restaurant) and ask if "everything is OK". The nacho were the only saving grace for the whole meal. They were delicious. Even that was ruined however when our main course was presented to us FOUR MINUTES after our appitiser. It was almost like they wanted us out of there right away. The good news is that I really didn't want to waste my time there. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Buffalo Phils is located close to Interstate 90 so make sure to avoid it the next time you are passing through the Dells. There are a lot better places to experience than this.</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-19712866640308926182009-08-29T10:01:00.000-05:002009-08-29T10:01:31.117-05:00The Cheese Factory Restaurant: A REAL taste of Wisconsin.<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>My wife selected WI Dells as a location for our family getaway. I will be blogging about various locals and things we do along the way.</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As we entered town, I started to notice a few things. There seemed to be a plethora of places to eat. What I found odd was that there seemed to be "chain" type restaurants or local eateries with a cultural bent (e.g., Italian). </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I kept driving because I wanted to taste food FROM Wisconsin, not to get away from it. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuoU2VHOpM3Z3oMzrZv1XjWi5x5uuZtUqZ-dMkxivBuK7iHDRnxFFeeYBeINjagM3tob0d8GU-6ua3iseejBoOMBgrQinvCy17XgJyMVTMUL12tPdRvZLYsOH8o4pW1ouZZvr4M6-igpL/s1600-h/3865051243_6b82afa920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuoU2VHOpM3Z3oMzrZv1XjWi5x5uuZtUqZ-dMkxivBuK7iHDRnxFFeeYBeINjagM3tob0d8GU-6ua3iseejBoOMBgrQinvCy17XgJyMVTMUL12tPdRvZLYsOH8o4pW1ouZZvr4M6-igpL/s320/3865051243_6b82afa920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My search was soon rewarded by finding what I think is a gem in the somewhat battered crown of Wisconsin Dells: The Cheese Factory.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">From the lovely outside to the historic inside, The Cheese Factory was all I had hoped for in a local Wisconsin eatery. The biggest bonus for me was the SODA FOUNTAIN. I think the last time I was in a shop with a soda fountain was when I was 7 years old. The selection of flavors were a bit limited (I used to love Lime Coke), but it was certainly worth having a real Vanilla Coke again. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The friendly staff were more than willing to chat and give us a rundown of the menu. The food is very traditional Wisconsin...heavy on the cheese and meats. All of the items seemed homemade which is become more of a rarity in todays American fast food culture. My wife had the portabella mushroom sandwich which was marinated to perfection. I had the cheese and tomato sandwich which was HUGE. I also couldn't pass up the beer cheese soup which only seems to be made correctly by people of Wisconsin genetic background. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I know that I haven't explored the Dells completely yet, but this place was a winner right off the bat. I might have to run back and get that beer cheese soup recipe from their cookbook...</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-13113010275609194452009-08-29T09:34:00.001-05:002009-08-29T09:34:33.792-05:00Wisconsin Dells Adventure: Great Wolf Lodge<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>My wife selected WI Dells as a location for our family getaway. I will be blogging about various locals and things we do along the way.</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Great Wolf Lodge</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">According to their website, the Great Wolf Lodge seems to be the most "child friendly" lodge. It boasts a giant indoor water park (that actually seems to be three distinct water parks) as well as an outdoor component. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I can definitely say that this is a place that tries really hard to cater to children. From the kid friendly staff, to the art center, to the 8 PM story time, the lodge manages to distract kids and allow them to do more than just swim. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The standard rooms are average and nothing to write home about. For some reason, I have an inherent bias of hotel rooms that don't have a flat panel TV (but that's just me). For considerably more money, you can get a specialty family suite that boasts its own built in log cabin sleeping area for the kids. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">There are a variety of places to eat in the resort, however I find the lack of a "fine dining" restaurant a bit distressing. I have to remind myself that this is the midwest and pizza and all you can eat buffets are king. The "Camp Critter" breakfast buffet is awesome and not too expensive. The biggest drawback in my eyes is that after lunch, "Camp Critter" turns into a "Pizza Hut" for the dinner crowd. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The cost is a bit high for a comparable non-midwestern local, but with the right combination of discounts and coupons, Great Wolf Lodge is affordable and VERY kid friendly. </div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-72586267075193038752009-08-22T07:16:00.000-05:002009-08-22T07:16:18.140-05:00Audible Takes A "Snail Mail" Approach<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Nice Marketing Trick</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Something unique was put into my mailbox the other day. I'm not talking about my email box, but my mail box. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It seems that Audible.com has come up with a unique idea. Apparently, they weren't having very good luck with the email response setting up their new email mailing list. So someone in their marketing department decided to send all current Audible customers a PHYSICAL LETTER asking them to sign up for the mailing list. They even gave us an Audible credit (good for one download) for signing up. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">A lot of people would see this as an intrusion. I actually felt it was more personal and got my attention a lot faster than an email that in all likelihood would have ended up in my spam folder. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Audible has really been at the forefront of advertising by supporting podcasts and vidcasts. Now they have taken a more traditional "snail mail" approach and still made it seem fresh. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">That marketing guy at Audible needs a raise. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Now if they could just work on the integration of iTunes Audible books with their Audible website. It would really be the perfect service. I just want to be able to use my subscription credits with the iTunes store. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Well, I had to complain about something.......</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-46141930746426110482009-08-17T20:42:00.001-05:002009-08-17T20:44:26.199-05:00Got Me A Blu-ray from WALMART?<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Ok, ok, I gave in. I got a Blu-ray player.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">For those of you that know me personally, you will realized that I have been ranting about how Blu Ray is "crap' and that downloads are the way of the future. While I still think that is true, I went out and got the damn thing. Let's examine my motivation.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>$98</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I happened to be watching a recent episode of the wonderful "HD Nation" on the 'Net (play the segment for the full review) and watched a review of the new $99 Magnavox Blu Ray player. What startled me the most was that they LIKED it. I didn't think I would see a good review of a sub $200 player until at least the holidays. I have to admit that planted the seed in my mind. Thanks Robert and Patrick.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px; "><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fQIQ0jo9ZdY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fQIQ0jo9ZdY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>Netflix</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I have a Netflix account that I LOVE. I have watched more movies and have spent less money for them. I already took advantage of their streaming service, so i thought I would go for the trifecta of the Blu Ray service as well. WARNING: you will be charged a few dollars more a month for the Blu-ray service. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>HD TV without true HD.</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It's big, it's black, and it's sitting in my movie room. I have a high def TV that is capable of 1080p input and all I feed it is 420p DVD's. Something surely must be done. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>The Magnavox Blu-ray NB530MGX</i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This cheap bucket of low cost Walmart parts was worth it. True, it didn't come with a way to connect the player to the internet (something that is needed for most modern Blu-rays), but I was more interested in its ability of up-converting my existing DVD's. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Magnavox is indeed basic, but if you really just want a to get your feet wet with Blu-ray, you certainly can't beat the cost. I purchased "Iron Man" to test it out. I can safely say that by the first half hour of viewing the movie, my eyes were tired of the excessive brightness. This isn't a bad thing, I guess it just might be something that I will have to get used to. The picture is indeed stellar and while not the best picture I've seen from a Blu-ray, more than does the job for now. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My goal is to not purchase a ton on Blu-ray movies. I really am going to rely on Netflix for the bulk of my movie watching. I just really don't want to amass another collection of useless discs that will get piled in a closet somewhere.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">One exception to this rule is the BBC's "Planet Earth" which I will review as soon as I have finished watching it. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If you are a dedicated videophile, this probably isn't the player for you. I think many of the Samsung models are fantastic for around $250. If you are also a gamer, the PS3 is probably your best bet. If you are just curious about the world of high def video, than the Magnavox is a good start. For the price, it can't be beat. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-5451195872895101642009-08-16T15:55:00.001-05:002009-08-16T16:21:28.958-05:00Be All You Can Be: In Theaters<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Dear local movie theater chain:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I just thought I would take this time to give you some feedback regarding the ads you are running in front of your "feature presentations". </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I decided to take my daughter to your giant, mega, ultra, orgazmo palace to see the newest 3D movie. I was happy to see your theater was packed for the feature. Hundreds of kids were waiting there all in their 3D glasses ready to be amazed by words flying out of the screen.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Usually, I'm a fan of your ads that are run before the movies. I like to see local ads that give me an idea of a relator that I might use or a place to take my daughter for dinner after the movie. Even the really annoying guy that introduces us to new corporately owned bands and mega blockbusters really doesn't bother me.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The ads that were running for this particular movie didn't work for me. I question how smart it is to run ads for the US Military in a kids movie. I can see the sense of it in an action movie or a R rated movie, but a G rated movie? I know you probably have to show these ads contractually a certain number of times a month, but it just doesn't work in a kids movie. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I'm not trying to sound like a crazy pacifist here. I would be proud if my daugther grew up and served in the military. I'm just suggesting that we let our kids be kids for a little while. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The tone of the ads were a little misleading as well. I know this is beyond your control, but I don't think that targeting kids by showing them how war is fought with drones from far away ("so they stay safe") is dealing with the reality of the military? Also, comparing a career in the armed forces to a video game is about as unreal as you can get. What ever happened to the tradition of the classic US Marine Ads? Teenagers are not stupid. They would respond to an ad about the tradition of service as well the educational and personal benefits of a career in the military. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Sorry for the rant, but I would ask you to consider your audience the next time you run an ad in your theater. The ads would reach their intended targets and the advertisers would be happier. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Of course we would still be stuck with that corporate movie guy. Oh well....</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-49774587401597316922009-08-02T19:49:00.001-05:002009-08-02T19:58:17.894-05:00G-Force<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilblQSiA_feRzmcxBeLoEvCtE5sQ3e_JPhc5h7kVPRqCO7j1YESRp-cUMNvq9eKFbpxNNbCzJnVxDnwM8Mh-aBbo0F7CGLsiLmvbFFRutFczBG5yfhhPVm1pa7J0SnbS4RGr1XUo0o6X8/s1600-h/G-Force-Movie-Poster-11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilblQSiA_feRzmcxBeLoEvCtE5sQ3e_JPhc5h7kVPRqCO7j1YESRp-cUMNvq9eKFbpxNNbCzJnVxDnwM8Mh-aBbo0F7CGLsiLmvbFFRutFczBG5yfhhPVm1pa7J0SnbS4RGr1XUo0o6X8/s320/G-Force-Movie-Poster-11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365535471871905154" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;font-family:Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:#9e9b91;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">G-Force is really a movie that could stand on its own, even without the gigantic colossus of Disney's branding engine behind it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">The movie's rather implausible premise is typical James Bond fodder. Interestingly enough, the supposed main villain reminds me of Apple Inc.'s Steve Jobs. Could this have been in in joke for Disney's biggest shareholder (or more realistically, my mind over thinking things again)?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Fortunately the plot is overshadowed by the animation. The live action and animation were seamless. I really think that a few years ago, this sort of live/animation mix would have seemed groundbreaking. Now it just seems "natural".</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Another strength of the movie is the voice talent. The various rodent based animals are voiced by an eclectic mix of actors. Nicholas Cage, Sam Rockwell, John Favreau, Penelope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, and Tracy Morgan all lend their voices to the animated characters. They do such a good job that I had no clue who any of the voices were until the end credits.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">On its own, this movie is a rental fodder or for those of us that are tired of "Potter Mania" and want an alternative to entertain the kids.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">But wait....you have to see it in 3D.....or so they tell me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">What is up with 3D nowadays? Every time a kids movie comes out, it has to be in "oh so glorious" 3D. My daughter spent more time playing with her glasses then watching the movie. I have seem four 3D movies in a row and every time I believe that the movie didn't need this 3D gimmick. It just detracts from the movie.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">So, my suggestion is to go out and see it in the standard non-3D format. There would be a lot less distractions and a lot more fun.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span>Since Disney's a wank about sharing their trailers on the web, here's a </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMZ4XvlPX_E" style="color: #619593; text-decoration: underline;"><span><span style="color:#181818;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">link to the official trailer</span></span></span></a><span>.</span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-45305917654000649402009-05-06T05:35:00.002-05:002009-05-06T05:35:59.332-05:00What's this?Is it possible that I might be posting to RRR. <br />
<br />
Take heart all 1 person still reading this blog.....a new revamp is coming soon....................ish.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-55054882427421489632008-08-06T05:25:00.002-05:002008-08-06T05:27:20.709-05:00Oh NBC, You Have Failed Me Once Again<div style="font-size:97%;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This is my usual disclaimer that this review was cross posted to both my blogs on <a href="http://www.stremeofmeme.blogspot.com/">Streme of Meme</a> as well as <a href="http://www.reallyrandomreviews.com/">Really Random Reviews</a>. Yes, I'm that cheap when it comes to blog entries.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">Oh NBC, you have failed me.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">I know it's day "-2" of the Olympics, but your first soccer broadcast of the match between Germany and Brazil is about as useful as a slide show.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">Late Monday night, I had a notification from my TiVo that I had magically been granted access to the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel. This would give me access to "whistle to whistle" action of every soccer match of the Olympics.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">Being the devoted soccer geek that I am, I got up this morning at 4:00 AM to watch the coverage. I was greeted with a jerky, pixelated mess that was pretty much useless. Even the audio wasn't coming through. After about twenty minutes of hope that the problem would be fixed, I just grabbed my laptop and started reading RSS feeds.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">Shame on NBC for promising to deliver something and then failing miserably. A lot of people might point out that this is the first televised event, but they had FOUR YEARS to work on this. I have never been satisfied with NBC's Olympic coverage. They paid almost a billion dollars for the rites to the Olympics, and they have never managed to get their coverage quite right.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">General Electric (which owns NBC) is very much the Six Sigma poster child. You would think that the core focus of the televised event would be to manage down the defects in the actual broadcast to at least a five sigma level. (For those of you that know what I'm talking about, please reward yourself with a latte and a lobotomy today).</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">I'll be looking forward to the day when NBC's dominance of the Olympics is over. It's time for some fresh blood.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-60141365348073869482008-08-01T19:47:00.001-05:002008-08-01T19:47:15.427-05:00Really Random Thoughts 004<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div id="tmip-1-271111"><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KT63X4Z2Ks8&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KT63X4Z2Ks8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div><script language="javascript" src="http://inplay.tubemogul.com/ipembed?v=1&site=1&uid=271111&vid=KT63X4Z2Ks8&key=KT63X4Z2Ks8" type="text/javascript">
</script></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-90246858054849221852008-07-26T18:46:00.000-05:002008-07-26T18:50:35.635-05:00X-Files: I Figured The Truth Out 30 Minutes Into The Movie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I had a lot reseverations about the new X-files movie. <div><br />
</div><div>Realize that as the parent of a picky three year old, I'm actually prevented from seeing many movies until they reach DVD.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So I decided that my loyalty this summer would be to Chris Carter who kept me entertained for more than a decade with "The X-files." </div><div><br />
</div><div>I finally found an excuse to go the movies by taking a day off for my birthday and ran right out.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhSIpQwbV08Cq_SnSxAQXOOk4bGK-CMKr1EKL8s_JfYuBJ9CFh3VAblESf60txKVyqI-BpKgiOAnvOeajGuNA8rQXOR8nNibfN5XvdnduJBkMCbzkGJsqgY-Njl3zG8vXG2M4U3E4N6NQ/s1600-h/x-files-2-teaser-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDUlIVCwIsy9eNmBhwJYSJWsnFTz63Tz5LZDlHVZJEQ9ko0EjAmgC1rxxvlbVtDWBC_g-lmDx5dHwhnyhvKoSl_Z14uWO8CZaYz1cE2DP7-EBi-LzDHBZ8X1iduPFfvvUOzpQ4l5RrzGe/s320-r/x-files-2-teaser-poster.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" /></a>I had really tried to keep off of many of the internet sites that might have given spoilers to the movie. I was shocked that a lot of the rumor sites had nothing on the movie. Most of the plot details were kept pretty close to the vest. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Things I did know going into it.</div><div>1. The movie would not be a "mythology" movie. It would be more like one of the stand alone episodes.</div><div>2. It took place in a lot of snow.</div><div>3. It co-starred Billy Connolly last known to me as <span>Howard Hessman's replacement on "</span>Head of the Class."</div><div><br />
</div><div>As loyal readers to my reviews know, I never give spoilers. So I'll do my usual vague job reviewing the movie.</div><div><br />
</div><div>A lot of the plot centers around an abduction that "no longer so special agents" Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are called in to investigate. With the aid of an apparent psychic with a dark past (Connelly) our heros proceed to uncover a "shocking" truth about the abductor's motives. This truth seems something that author Thomas Harris would have thought about and rejected from "Silence of the Lambs". In fact, this movie almost tried to be a bad parody of "Lambs". </div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The movie tried to put Scully and Mulder's relationship under the microscope but it just left me feeling confused. I didn't get any clear indication of anything until the end (which felt contrived and -- gasp -- badly acted). To add insult to injury, stay after the credits and really get confused by something that happens in a rowboat.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Speaking of the credits, I think that they were visually the most stunning portion of the movie. I loved them!!!! If the movie would have been composed of the end title shots the movie would have rated high for me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The return of one of the series regulars about 3/4 through the movie was the high point for me. (ok, had to throw an "almost spoiler" in there somewhere. </div><div><br />
</div></div><div>Maybe it's the decade since the show was last on the air, but a lot of the "shock and awe" that kept me glued to the TV has fizzled in the wake of such shows as "Lost", "Heros", and the newly resurgent (and soon once again dormant) "Doctor Who". The writers of this movie seem to have clung to a once original formula that has been copied so many times that it no longer feels "fresh".</div><div><br />
</div><div>I would have been happier of Fox would have commissioned one of these a year to be shown on TV. I think that I would have been more than happy with the movie if it had been shown on the small screen. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Despite this review, I think die hard fans will still like the movie. There was a lot of stuff (which you had to REALLY pay attention to) that set up future movies. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Maybe the next one will be better.</div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-39169995698937433952008-07-25T10:23:00.002-05:002008-07-25T10:30:14.081-05:00New BlogHey everyone.<br />
<br />
A little shameless plug for a new personal blog I'm setting up called <a href="http://www.streamofmeme.blogspot.com/">"Stream of Meme"</a>. <br />
<br />
I'm attempting to blog at least once a day for a year. I will have no clue what I'm blogging about until the minute to start to type. Expect a lot of random stuff from me.<br />
<br />
This blog attempt is part of a new series of personal goals that I have decided to undertake this year. <br />
<br />
I have no clue why I make resolutions on my birthday. I guess I just want to not fall into the "New Year's" camp.<br />
<br />
For this site I'll be posting my review of a new board game and a movie that I intend to see later today. I'm also working on imporoving the social network part of the site. Feel free to go in and play around.<br />
<br />
Be seeing you on SOM and RRR.<br />
<br />
JamieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-67898757695572889732008-07-22T06:53:00.000-05:002008-07-22T06:56:29.378-05:00Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C3nrH3BoWbzEELVCLXYtPMTLT5LIQcy_bpZTFugL_mf6z9us7yMe42o0oB3DB-ZyFLtVVEt0nk_kQIpAATDxzdMhH-VsDA0qhyphenhyphenkjNSzZd3QEP8E6KNfzeg3nCkCLWFdZVfUax3GAcjd4/s1600-h/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnCcH89gSEwcHNFZnHl5gEDVuByxRbOpqFDFH1eg1NAMbi3xniCMFLnlorGrFBjoyzEK4MUAx9vv6pRMDAC5bDmWNveTBkFAtjfqpu2clhI_TKkhPkgDgByNtKn7IhENccLEIN33bl-6q/s320-r/title.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" /></a>Born from the bitter ashes of the last writer's strike, <a href="http://drhorrible.com/">"Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog"</a> is another feather in Joss Whedon's already crowded head dress. <br />
<br />
Whedon (best known for TV's "Buffy" and Fox cancellation blunder alum "Firefly") decided to go it alone this time, creating a show without the direct financial aid of a major studio. <br />
<br />
The show was released to the internet in three roughly fifteen minute installments last week. I waited until all three were complete to write this review, sacrificing "freshness" for "completeness". I wanted to sit back and not get caught up in the moment. <br />
<br />
First of all, I have to admit that I am a HUGE Joss Whedon fan. He could spit into a cup (which I could then sell on eBay) and I would call it a masterpiece. Bodily excretions aside, I am going to try and take an objective and considered tone with this review.<br />
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"Doctor Horrible" tells the story of a "not-so" supervillian (Neil Patrick Harris) who is attempting to get into the Evil League of Evil. He is constantly thwarted by his nemesis "Captain Hammer" (Nathan Fillion). When the good Doctor finally looks close to accomplishing his goal, he meets Penny (Felicia Day). I'll leave the rest of the plot up you to figure out.<br />
<br />
The show essentially follows Buffy's "Once More With Feeling" formula of a sing-a-long. Whedon once again creates the perfect geek musical with a combination of catchy tunes that I can't get out of my head. I found myself singing "With my freeze ray I will stop....the pain" in the shower this morning (there won't be a YouTube video of that).<br />
<br />
When I first heard that Joss had cast Neil Patrick Harris in the role of Doctor Horrible, I was pretty much against it. In the first 10 seconds of the show, my doubts were gone. His strong performance carried the show. As with a lot of Joss' characters, the combination of the writing and the performance made me instantly care about Doctor Horrible. It was pretty funny to see TV's original "blogger" (referring of course to that certain MD show that he used to be on) doing a lot more modern take on blogging. <br />
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If Harris' leading role was the strength of the show, then Felicia Day's "Penny" was the heart of the show. Her performance was the most complete of any of the big three. She brought an authenticity to her character that I have haven't seen in a long time. In a world populated by super heros and super villians, she seemed the most powerful of them all, just by being herself. <br />
<br />
Nathan Fillion was a bit over the top in the show. I guess if I hadn't seen him in a Whedon production before I would have loved his performance. Unfortunately, I have to say that out of the three, I was most disappointed in him. I know his role as "Captain Hammer" was to be a self-absorbed jerk, but I don't know if he had to go that far. He serves as the comic foil, delivering the dry humor with his usual spot on comic timing. <br />
<br />
While I'm inclined to put my seal of approval on anything Whedon, this new media experiment was not without its faults. the run time of the three parts is pretty much the length of one television episode. A lot of the flow of the show just didn't work for me (even after watching all three parts). There seemed like a lot of plot that was cut for the sake of brevity. I'm hoping that the release of the DVD will add any cut scenes back in. <br />
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This will be a unique media experiment. The show was only available for less than a week on the 'net, though it is still available on iTunes and it's well worth the $4.00 (think of it as a latte for the mind). The DVD release should be the next phase of the marketing campaign and will contain "extras" and a commentary track (or two).<br />
<br />
I believe that campaigns like this are going to be the future of entertainment. I'm just glad the Joss has thrown his metaphorical hat into the ring to try and shape that future. I can thinking of no one else I'd rather see defining this new chapter in entertainment history.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-214090232575365192008-07-15T21:50:00.003-05:002008-07-15T21:58:46.178-05:00Really Random Reminder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuwcfhE4l9a83M6eARcePiWhg4C6nEX8lAcVYa4HVZ2on5G_CeG4kvDRacnMk2cEOELeHJwuzx6FAZ3xk6gZi7lBNoek2si2JvUH1vqtasXrOqbT-W38FTaKlegJCrSSFbICxk8xAlb-q/s1600-h/big_square.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuwcfhE4l9a83M6eARcePiWhg4C6nEX8lAcVYa4HVZ2on5G_CeG4kvDRacnMk2cEOELeHJwuzx6FAZ3xk6gZi7lBNoek2si2JvUH1vqtasXrOqbT-W38FTaKlegJCrSSFbICxk8xAlb-q/s320/big_square.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223440825058159170" /></a><br />I rarely do this but I urge you to check out <a href="http://drhorrible.com/">Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog</a> from the dangerously diseased brain of Joss Whedon. If you loved Buffy, Angel, or Firefly this is the show for you.<br /><br />It will be pulled from the 'net on July 20th, so watch all three parts now. They are also available for purchase on iTunes.<br /><br />I'm going to post a full review as soon as part 3 is completed.<br /><br />Also, head on over to the <a href="http://doctorhorrible.net/">Official Fan Site</a> for all sorts of goodies.<br /><br />Update: as of 10 PM central time it's been very difficult to get on the official site. If you want to view, try the Fan Site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-60125020759640769102008-07-11T21:12:00.000-05:002008-07-11T21:13:39.119-05:00Really Random Thought #3 Where's My iPod Touch Update?<div id="tmip-1-253889"><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B2oysfibILI&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B2oysfibILI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://inplay.tubemogul.com/ipembed?v=1&site=1&uid=253889&vid=B2oysfibILI&key=B2oysfibILI"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-20929936819409241002008-07-11T05:36:00.000-05:002008-07-11T06:01:59.528-05:00TWIT LIVE iPhone Coverage Is Fantastic!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPK1_vg0SNUSyh1ftNbQmYFA1URQg7753lKlVqwX1O3E7fgNPeVbqKeC3PojRzg0MnXVj5IoFUwNmId1HBYPV1A5CYnfgb6w9-iPHDtd1_xMdeTPWRhAPGiVK-RoXsNhw2pQpVHFfyeS4/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8NWoUbOU-_DHpuje1Xnwwvji1m27ytnISoSWynwj9nW28nUSuZeahrRfpnzwuMKeHM0P3F9j1nm830Avo3h-dKsn6VeuPJdsCS5PEmAPbvhge-lM1IP91LrsEwjuERMc-hDmK7BkU2sf/s320-r/Picture+1.png" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" /></a>Leo Laporte is doing a 24 hour live "iPhone-a-thon" over at <a href="http://twitlive.tv/">TWIT Live</a>. <br />
<br />
So far it has been a fantastic trip into the future of live media on the net. He's using all the power of the web to create a "mobile command center" for iPhone news. <br />
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As the show began on Thursday afternoon, I had my doubts. Everything seemed to not be working. Leo was running through many hoops just to keep the show going, but he pulled it off. Once most of the kinks had been worked out, the web responded. As of 5:45 AM US Central Time on Friday, he has had over 200,000 people viewing him and has pretty much always maintained 2,000 -6,000 viewers at any one time. <br />
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Leo has an incredible Rolodex of tech people to draw from. The interviews have been fantastic, most notably with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (who spilled the beans that he "may or may not be married"). <br />
<br />
The real star of the show seemed to be the incredible number of "average" people that Leo has talked to. From the people in line at Apple Stores all over the world, to scores of people with their new iPhones, Leo has talked to them all. The show feels like his nationally syndicated radio show, only better. Thanks to the power of the internet (and a ton of webcams) Leo can see and talk to viewers all over the world. This is a tremendously powerful tool that I believe will set the stage for the how we view live content on the web in the next 5 years.<br />
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I believe that years from now, we will all sit back and realize that this was the launch of the first great media event on the net. Who better to take us down this road that tech podcasting pioneer Leo Laporte? <br />
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If you are reading this before 3PM US Central Time on Friday July 11th, you can still view the live stream at the <a href="http://twitlive.tv/">TWIT LIVE</a> website.<br />
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Thanks Leo, for the tremendous coverage. Now go get some sleep.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-15218442674673844022008-07-03T05:37:00.002-05:002008-07-03T05:48:18.657-05:00Making my life easier with tubemogul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRLPnruSXvKRygKZGRDUO8kxjtoxjPAb-dHbsU_AlX6xNbBwsoflGrKau-z9FS36qtt0RMhpZ6cW8zE9fUMA8rERuIbKmK9HdlxfQDP6RnUtaJoJ8QRk1Ra2IYE6iVMUaJbELJHCupvtW/s1600-h/logo.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRLPnruSXvKRygKZGRDUO8kxjtoxjPAb-dHbsU_AlX6xNbBwsoflGrKau-z9FS36qtt0RMhpZ6cW8zE9fUMA8rERuIbKmK9HdlxfQDP6RnUtaJoJ8QRk1Ra2IYE6iVMUaJbELJHCupvtW/s320/logo.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218737736887906018" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.tubemogul.com/">Tubemogul</a> is a free service that allows you to upload your video one time and they will transcode and submit your video automatically. Thanks to Tubemogul, our videos can now be submitted and shared to 10 different video hosting sites such as YouTube, Yahoo Video, Revver, AOL, Veoh, Blip, and Viddler. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I found the interface easy to use. Signing up was a snap. Actually, the hardest part was trying to remember my login and password for all the websites. Tubemogul has even thought of that. They will save your login information so you don't have to scrounge around for that elusive password for a site you haven't used in a year. </div><div><br /></div><div>I uploaded "Really Random Thoughts #2" and within 10 minutes I was distributed out to almost all the video hosting services. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another great feature of Tubemogul is the analytics. With their dashboard, you can track all your video views and comments all in the same place. They even allow you to export the raw data so you can impress your friends with the hard evidence that your video of Uncle Johnny getting nailed in the crotch by a baseball bat has actually been watched over 200,000 times.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to get your videos out quickly and efficiently to everyone on the web, Tubemogul is the best way to do it. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-33135888761938479782008-06-29T20:03:00.002-05:002008-06-29T21:06:47.415-05:00Announcing Really Random Reviews FOR YOU!We are pleased to announce the launch of the BETA version of Really Random Reviews social.<div><br /></div><div>Now everyone in the Really Random Review audience can submit their reviews for practically any product or service. Just click the blue "RRR Social" widget located on the right hand column to access the site. </div><div><br /></div><div>All we ask right now is that you keep your reviews clean and informative. We are building a FAQ, but I wanted to release the BETA tonight to get everyone used to the format. </div><div><br /></div><div>As an added incentive, we are going to post the best reviews (assuming we get some reviews) each week here on the Really Random Reviews blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>A reminder that this is the BETA launch of the social network. We are still working to hone and improve the site. If you have any comments, please post them on the message boards on the Really Random Reviews Social Network under the "Really Random Reviews Suggestions".</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-86584188050587493462008-06-28T09:08:00.001-05:002008-06-28T09:28:34.240-05:00Under Construction<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf71qaho8azI6uhyDgKha2E8ogQcU4syIbTItqaw9JoHCfh6ghxfiL-3xqCuKshl6VkuDTTj4DJvFmnhdhkjcSryt46h7pHSjH1qS6YAP7-vVfKSYFZaYWFfQ0k4vIFTlmJakrU6_PEAw/s1600-h/Picture+3a.png" imageanchor="1" style="border: 0pt none ; background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIndfSIkcUwpu4po2RMjuVQ5UCiI_uO34mmoYt8cwbiKglyCUy_97_q8U1_5HErwOTFZ_OlTguRqEjvfX02OJh0GPb56lZHbPkXX3V11ya05PT3z3RUtczf5ESB1aQswCpHi3VEtCLpkeN/s320-r/Picture+3a.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /></a></div>
To borrow an old phrase from the 90's, we are under construction. In the next few days, you might see a random TEST post off and on. We are currently working on a number of things that require the odd test post.<br />
1. New commenting system.<br />
2. Social network integration.<br />
3. New graphics and blog design.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-39542120345687903272008-06-26T05:42:00.002-05:002008-06-26T05:49:06.064-05:00Some interesting changesHey everyone. <br /><br />Thought I would do something in text today. You probably need a break from my "talking head" anyway.<br /><br />I have a great review of the children's game "Zingo" in post production. Yep, it's going to be a video review. <br /><br />We are also happy to announce that we are opening up the "Really Random" review process to YOU!! Now anyone will be able to review whatever they want in our new social network. The network should be online by the end of July. We will make a more "feature rich" announcement as soon as we can. <br /><br />Until then, I hope that you keep enjoying our content. <br /><br />If you have any questions or comments, please email me at randomreviewer00@gmail.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716098203059038817.post-91461669846343911722008-06-25T05:51:00.002-05:002008-06-25T05:56:51.490-05:00Really Random Thought #2GO FOR IT!!!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQ_Ofo3KNXk&hl=en&rel=0&border=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQ_Ofo3KNXk&hl=en&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0