RITA's XLVIII: Some Fun Now

[Gilda Dent]

I can't wait for a Korean to correct you in this misplaced assumption.

I'm pretty sure Koreans have a sense of humour.

Or maybe that's another misplaced assumption, who knows?

As others have pointed out, that southeast Asians eat dog isn't a misplaced assumption. I know for certain it's eaten in the Philippines and Thailand, and you usually pay a premium for it, at least in those countries. It would probably be easier to list the SE Asian countries where it isn't commonly eaten.

What I find interesting is that many Americans seem to think this is something objectionable about which Asians should feel some shame. It makes about as much sense to me as the objections raised in California a few years back to eating horse, such that there was a referendum banning it that made it on the ballot and was considered a mildly important issue.

I've only seen one Monk ep with Natalie so far, but I like 'er.

I prefer Natalie to Sharona. My opinion trumps Jesse's and makes this ok.

I like Natalie better, but that may be in part because I liked her in her two previous sitcoms. She was the only good thing in Boston Common and Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place.

I used to watch waaaaaay too much TV.

[Matt Algren]

What I find interesting is that many Americans seem to think this is something objectionable about which Asians should feel some shame.I don't find it objectionable, but I do wonder whether different breeds taste different.

[Ed Cunard]

I don't find it objectionable, but I do wonder whether different breeds taste different.

I think there's a specific breed they raise to eat.

[jessecuster3]

As others have pointed out, that southeast Asians eat dog isn't a misplaced assumption. I know for certain it's eaten in the Philippines and Thailand, and you usually pay a premium for it, at least in those countries. It would probably be easier to list the SE Asian countries where it isn't commonly eaten.

What I find interesting is that many Americans seem to think this is something objectionable about which Asians should feel some shame. It makes about as much sense to me as the objections raised in California a few years back to eating horse, such that there was a referendum banning it that made it on the ballot and was considered a mildly important issue.


The Koreans I have spoken to, got visibly angry that people thought they are putting Spot on the kitchen table and eating it and that in reality its eaten by very few at specific places.

[Jared_Humpherys]

The Koreans I have spoken to, got visibly angry that people thought they are putting Spot on the kitchen table and eating it and that in reality its eaten by very few at specific places.

My father claimed to have had dog while on a mission trip in the Philippines. They called it "Aso Adobe" or somesuch, according to him.

[beetheb]

The Koreans I have spoken to, got visibly angry that people thought they are putting Spot on the kitchen table and eating it and that in reality its eaten by very few at specific places.Right, but I think what Gilda's saying is whats the difference between "Spot" the Dog being on the dinner table and "Bessie" the Cow?

They're both domesticated, edible land-mammals. So why is Spot revolting and Bessie Scrum-diddly-umptious?

[Athena Bast]

Right, but I think what Gilda's saying is whats the difference between "Spot" the Dog being on the dinner table and "Bessie" the Cow?

They're both domesticated, edible land-mammals. So why is Spot revolting and Bessie Scrum-diddly-umptious?

Spot's your family. Bessie's your neighbour. I'm a-guessin.

[Matt Algren]

When's the last time someone named a dog Spot?

[Slam_Bradley]

I need to drink.

Heavily.

Really really heavily.

[Dreadstar]

Spot's your family. Bessie's your neighbour. I'm a-guessin.

Reverse that if you're Hindi, I'm guessing.

[Dreadstar]

I need to drink.

Heavily.

Really really heavily.

Well, in order to get a buzz from those foo-foo drinks you drink, yeah, I'm thinking you'd HAVE to.

[Matt Algren]

I need to drink.

Heavily.

Really really heavily.
Wasn't today your sister's adoption thing?

[beetheb]

Spot's your family. Bessie's your neighbour. I'm a-guessin.Well, if we're attaching sentimentality to it, I don't want to eat my family or my neighbor.

Really. I don't.

[beetheb]

Reverse that if you're Hindi, I'm guessing.Exactamundo.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I need to drink.

Heavily.

Really really heavily.

More family stuff?

[Slam_Bradley]

Wasn't today your sister's adoption thing?

No, that was Wednesday.

Today was fight with wife, realize that I missed the chance with the woman of my dreams and reacquaint myself with how hellish my job is day.

[Matt Algren]

No, that was Wednesday.

Today was fight with wife, realize that I missed the chance with the woman of my dreams and reacquaint myself with how hellish my job is day.
Sorry to hear that. Go drink heavily.




, said the teetotaler.

[Athena Bast]

I want to sterilize my kitchen area with the cleansing power of fire.

[Gilda Dent]

So, I finally got around to watching Paprika.

Very good movie. After having seen it once, I'm not sure I understand the plot, but this isn't a movie that is about the plot, or which really requires an understanding of exactly what happens to "get" it.

First, it's visually striking. The animation is wonderful, in the realistic sequences, the movie dream sequences, and the parade sequences.

The credit sequence, with Paprika skipping through Tokyo, appearing in ads and bill boards and so forth is a nice visual reference to Perfect Blue, which uses a similar technique for its climactic sequence (the villain is chasing the protagonist through Tokyo streets; we see the villain running like mad, but the reflection in the mirror like buildings skipping as if carefree).

It's in the dream sequences that we find the core of the movie. It's basically Japanese cyberpunk, which has a somewhat different flavor than the Western version. In Japanese culture, there's a thin line separating the real world, the world of dreams, and the world the dead inhabit. Pulse, and a lot of Japanese horror movies to a lesser extent, was about this thin wall between the living and the dead coming apart, letting the two worlds spill over into each other, which is why, I think, it didn't quite work for American audiences; most Americans don't have that culturally embedded sense of having the dead right next to them all the time.

Paprika taps into the Japanese sense of the collective unconscious. This is shown most prominently in the form of the parade dream, which has animated cultural and religious symbols come to such prominence that they overwhelm the individual's identity.

There is also a commentary on gender here. Dr. Shiba/Paprika is the one character best able to navigate in the dreamworld and remain in control. Most of the male characters are quickly corrupted by it, or in the case of the detective, controlled by it instead of being in control.

I think it's probably possible to go through and eventually decipher exactly what's happening and where (real world or dream world) it's happening, but I don't think that understanding that is going to improve one's understanding of what the movie is about.

It's not quite as good as Perfect Blue, which deals with some of the same issues of the relationship between dreams and reality, the collective unconscious, and maintaining and individual identity in the face of a culture that seems at time eager to absorb you into a culturally assigned identity.

[thespianphryne]

Reverse that if you're Hindi, I'm guessing.

If you were Hindu, you wouldn't be eating either of those. And if you were really into Hinduism, you'd be totally vegetarian. Eating flesh counts for big time negative points.


-Das

[Gilda Dent]

Right, but I think what Gilda's saying is whats the difference between "Spot" the Dog being on the dinner table and "Bessie" the Cow?

They're both domesticated, edible land-mammals. So why is Spot revolting and Bessie Scrum-diddly-umptious?

Exactly. Because dogs aren't bred for food in the West, there's an assumption that eating dog is the same as eating the family pet, or at least that's where the jokes tend to go pretty quickly, and I'd guess that that is what the Korean people Jesse encountered find objectionable.

By the way, "adobo" is a method of preparing meat, and can be done with just about any kind of meat. I usually use cubed skinless chicken breast, but pretty much any meat that can be cooked can be made into adobo.

[Dreadstar]

If you were Hindu, you wouldn't be eating either of those. And if you were really into Hinduism, you'd be totally vegetarian. Eating flesh counts for big time negative points.

Not the point, but a good point nonetheless.

To a Hindi, BESSIE'S the family member.

[Ray R.]

I like Natalie better, but that may be in part because I liked her in her two previous sitcoms. She was the only good thing in Boston Common and Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place.

I used to watch waaaaaay too much TV.

No love for Ryan Reynolds?

[Ray R.]

Today was fight with wife, realize that I missed the chance with the woman of my dreams and reacquaint myself with how hellish my job is day.

I call that special day "Tuesday." ;)

Seriously, I'm always around via cell if you need a sympathetic ear.

[Ray R.]

So, I finally got around to watching Paprika.

Very good movie. After having seen it once, I'm not sure I understand the plot, but this isn't a movie that is about the plot, or which really requires an understanding of exactly what happens to "get" it.

First, it's visually striking. The animation is wonderful, in the realistic sequences, the movie dream sequences, and the parade sequences.

The credit sequence, with Paprika skipping through Tokyo, appearing in ads and bill boards and so forth is a nice visual reference to Perfect Blue, which uses a similar technique for its climactic sequence (the villain is chasing the protagonist through Tokyo streets; we see the villain running like mad, but the reflection in the mirror like buildings skipping as if carefree).

It's in the dream sequences that we find the core of the movie. It's basically Japanese cyberpunk, which has a somewhat different flavor than the Western version. In Japanese culture, there's a thin line separating the real world, the world of dreams, and the world the dead inhabit. Pulse, and a lot of Japanese horror movies to a lesser extent, was about this thin wall between the living and the dead coming apart, letting the two worlds spill over into each other, which is why, I think, it didn't quite work for American audiences; most Americans don't have that culturally embedded sense of having the dead right next to them all the time.

Paprika taps into the Japanese sense of the collective unconscious. This is shown most prominently in the form of the parade dream, which has animated cultural and religious symbols come to such prominence that they overwhelm the individual's identity.

There is also a commentary on gender here. Dr. Shiba/Paprika is the one character best able to navigate in the dreamworld and remain in control. Most of the male characters are quickly corrupted by it, or in the case of the detective, controlled by it instead of being in control.

I think it's probably possible to go through and eventually decipher exactly what's happening and where (real world or dream world) it's happening, but I don't think that understanding that is going to improve one's understanding of what the movie is about.

It's not quite as good as Perfect Blue, which deals with some of the same issues of the relationship between dreams and reality, the collective unconscious, and maintaining and individual identity in the face of a culture that seems at time eager to absorb you into a culturally assigned identity.


Great review, Gilda. I give it an A- :D

I thought it was just me who kind of gave up on the plot and focused more on the imagery and animation.

[Ed Cunard]

I call that special day "Tuesday." ;)

Seriously, I'm always around via cell if you need a sympathetic ear.

And Matt has the sympathetic rectum, if you need to fashion a Frankenstein's Monster of sympathy.

[Gilda Dent]

No love for Ryan Reynolds?

From what I've seen, he seems to be a one note actor and that one note isn't very interesting. I liked the other guy, the insecure nerdy one whose name I can't remember and am not going to look up quite a bit better.

[Gilda Dent]

Great review, Gilda. I give it an A- :D

I thought it was just me who kind of gave up on the plot and focused more on the imagery and animation.

I only have one major objection. Brown opaque tights with a lime green suit?

Please.

[Chris Nowlin]

When's the last time someone named a dog Spot?

One the dogs my dad walks is named Spot

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

No, that was Wednesday.

Today was fight with wife, realize that I missed the chance with the woman of my dreams and reacquaint myself with how hellish my job is day.

On a sort-of related note, I had a discussion with a friend of mine recently when he mentioned a mutual acquaintance of ours had disclosed that he had had a massive crush on my wife before and when she and I were dating and that this guy considered my wife "the woman of his dreams."

Which just goes to show you that no matter how hot she is, there's some guy who is tired of taking her shit~

NO! Just kidding.

But seriously, my wife and I went through a rocky stretch earlier in the year. We attended couples counseling (in which it was determined that everything, really, was my fault. Kidding again. Sort of.) and it helped. We're still having our problems with communication, but I think we're getting better at it. And, I would say that our relationship is now as strong as it's ever been.

So, I would recommend the counseling thing.

[Paradox]

Gilda Dent says it's just lunch:

As others have pointed out, that southeast Asians eat dog isn't a misplaced assumption. I know for certain it's eaten in the Philippines and Thailand, and you usually pay a premium for it, at least in those countries. It would probably be easier to list the SE Asian countries where it isn't commonly eaten.

What I find interesting is that many Americans seem to think this is something objectionable about which Asians should feel some shame. It makes about as much sense to me as the objections raised in California a few years back to eating horse, such that there was a referendum banning it that made it on the ballot and was considered a mildly important issue.

Americans are stupid. Film at 11.

I like Natalie better, but that may be in part because I liked her in her two previous sitcoms. She was the only good thing in Boston Common and Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place.

Haven't seen her on Monk yet, but, yeah, I've had a thing for cute li'l Traylor Howard from both those shows.

[Paradox]

Ray R. sees pre-hunk:

No love for Ryan Reynolds?

Ryan didn't break into the "hottie charts" until he buffed up for Blade: Trinity. He was just a skinny smart-ass dork before that.

[Paradox]

Matt Algren lets me show my incongruity:

When's the last time someone named a dog Spot?

I named a cat "Spot". He was a tabby with stripes. I love doing that. :D

Also named a friend's black cat "Snowball".

[Matt Algren]

And Matt has the sympathetic rectum, if you need to fashion a Frankenstein's Monster of sympathy.
Oh yeah, it's weeping right now.

Darn alli (http://angryaussie.wordpress.com/2007/06/20/miracle-diet-pill-with-teeny-tiny-side-effect/).
I named a cat "Spot". He was a tabby with stripes. I love doing that. :DSo did I when I was a kid, though our cat actually had a big spot on her back. We also had a cat named Sweetie Kitty.

Very imaginative, us Algrens.

[Ray R.]

On a sort-of related note, I had a discussion with a friend of mine recently when he mentioned a mutual acquaintance of ours had disclosed that he had had a massive crush on my wife before and when she and I were dating and that this guy considered my wife "the woman of his dreams."

Which just goes to show you that no matter how hot she is, there's some guy who is tired of taking her shit~

NO! Just kidding.

But seriously, my wife and I went through a rocky stretch earlier in the year. We attended couples counseling (in which it was determined that everything, really, was my fault. Kidding again. Sort of.) and it helped. We're still having our problems with communication, but I think we're getting better at it. And, I would say that our relationship is now as strong as it's ever been.

So, I would recommend the counseling thing.

Hmmm.......here's comes Ray, the wet blanket.

I always thought you were blissfully engaged with the missus, Scott. Perhaps because you don't come in here and push the cheese and whine like I do. Glad to hear you're doing better. If you're working on the communication, then there's always a pretty good chance for rapprochement or at least a middle ground.

I can't speak for Slam, but sometimes the talk therapy well goes dry, along with whatever inkling of trust might still be around. I know I sound like Johnny Exaggeration, but I attended couples counseling, and my wife decided to: (1) dump the therapist because he refused to take her side in condemning me, (2) not pay him for the same reason, (3) see therapy as feel-good psychobabble intended to undermine the family structure. In other words, it only works if both participants want it to. Which then leads me to trust. I think once the underlying level of trust gets liquidated, then the relationship probably can't be salvaged, and then you need to start planning for your short-term and long-term future. Whether it be infidelity, financial mismanagement, emotional and physical alienation, outside factors, an abortion, etc., I personally found out you can't kick-start something that's dead, and after awhile you really don't want to. I stayed in my marriage an extra two years for my children. I thought -- if I'm here, the kids will benefit from me, and vice-versa.

Nowadays, I'm glad to give them a different perspective, a different experience, from the miserable fishbowl they would have had if I had stayed. And I feel healthier, I feel mentally more secure and less anxious and depressed, and all I need to do is give my kids unconditional love. It sucks a lot not to see them at Christmas (and other holidays), and to be treated like Dr. Mengele on a consistent basis, but I'll still take it over the alternative.

Depending on circumstances, put me in the pro-break-up category if there's marginal long-term benefit for all parties.

As for the mutual acquaintance, he should keep his fucking mouth shut about other people's wives. Crush all you want, but keep it to yourself. That's just really terrible form.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hmmm.......here's comes Ray, the wet blanket.

I always thought you were blissfully engaged with the missus, Scott. Perhaps because you don't come in here and push the cheese and whine like I do. Glad to hear you're doing better. If you're working on the communication, then there's always a pretty good chance for rapprochement or at least a middle ground.

I can't speak for Slam, but sometimes the talk therapy well goes dry, along with whatever inkling of trust might still be around. I know I sound like Johnny Exaggeration, but I attended couples counseling, and my wife decided to: (1) dump the therapist because he refused to take her side in condemning me, (2) not pay him for the same reason, (3) see therapy as feel-good psychobabble intended to undermine the family structure. In other words, it only works if both participants want it to. Which then leads me to trust. I think once the underlying level of trust gets liquidated, then the relationship probably can't be salvaged, and then you need to start planning for your short-term and long-term future. Whether it be infidelity, financial mismanagement, emotional and physical alienation, outside factors, an abortion, etc., I personally found out you can't kick-start something that's dead, and after awhile you really don't want to. I stayed in my marriage an extra two years for my children. I thought -- if I'm here, the kids will benefit from me, and vice-versa. Now, I'm glad to give them a different perspective, a different experience, from the miserable fishbowl they would have had if I had stayed. And I feel healthier, I feel mentally more secure and less anxious and depressed, and all I need to do is give my kids unconditional love. It sucks a lot not to see them at Christmas (and other holidays), and to be treated like Dr. Mengele on a consistent basis, but I'll still take it over the alternative.

Depending on circumstances, put me in the pro-break-up category if there's marginal long-term benefit for all parties.

Well, Mr. Johnny Exaggeration the Wet Blanket, Merry Christmas to you, too.

Kidding.

Oh, I hear you, brother. Counseling is about as useful as thumbs on a fish if the marriage is already over but for the signing of papers and the paying of huge sums to the lawyers. No idea if Slam is in that category, but I will say that counseling will certainly reveal that to be the case, if there's some question beforehand.

In my case, I've certainly been guilty of taking my wife for granted and for not communicating well/enough. I figure in a 10-year relationship (including dating/engagement and marriage), a little rain is going to fall. But, happy to say that it looks like the squall is behind us.

As for the mutual acquaintance, he should keep his fucking mouth shut about other people's wives. Crush all you want, but keep it to yourself. That's just really terrible form.

Oh, definitely. But if you knew this guy, you'd understand. Nice guy, but has definite self-perception problems. Had I not been around, he still wouldn't have had a chance in hell with my wife. If he wants to live with the illusion that he could have, so be it.

[Ray R.]

Oh, definitely. But if you knew this guy, you'd understand. Nice guy, but has definite self-perception problems. Had I not been around, he still wouldn't have had a chance in hell with my wife. If he wants to live with the illusion that he could have, so be it.

Well, your wife is MILF-tastic, no doubt. But appreciating a Van Gogh and thinking you could paint it better are two different things.

The fact is, you're still around, so any comments along the line of a "What If?" comic deserve a slap to the side of the head, particularly if they're making their way through your mutual network of friends.

[jessecuster3]

Is everyone invited to the pity party?


Seriously, good luck to you Slam, at least the worst is over Ray, and keep on keeping on DocH.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Well, your wife is MILF-tastic, no doubt. But appreciating a Van Gogh and thinking you could paint it better are two different things.

The fact is, you're still around, so any comments along the line of a "What If?" comic deserve a slap to the side of the head, particularly if they're making their way through your mutual network of friends.

Eh, I don't let that guy worry me. First of all, he's not exactly competition, nor has he ever been. Second, he never had the balls to say anything to my face then or now, so why waste my energy on him?

But thanks, I think she's mighty fine myself. How she ended up with a baboon like me, I'll never know. But I'm not complaining.

[Ray R.]

Is everyone invited to the pity party?


Seriously, good luck to you Slam, at least the worst is over Ray, and keep on keeping on DocH.

Who's asking for pity? I really don't want yours or anybody else's.

It's about sharing experiences and helping each other through tough times. It's what FRIENDS do. Even fake Internet friends who probably lie in traffic for me before a lot of my so-called "real-life" friends would.

Thanks for the comment, but walk a mile in another man's shoes before you call it a pity party.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Is everyone invited to the pity party?

Jesse, it's shit like this that makes me just scratch my head. I'm pretty certain that you don't mean any offense by this whatsoever. I'm also pretty sure that if you thought about it, you'd realize that this was probably not the best thing in the world for you to post. Number one, trouble in your marriage is not really something to joke about, but even if it is, it's generally not wise to joke about other people's marital problems. Two, with your recent history with Ray, I have no idea why you'd want to put that stick into that particular beehive, but that's your deal. Three, I wasn't pitying anyone, least of all myself. I was just putting it out there that I had been in similar circumstances and maybe my experience might help Slam out. Maybe not. But I was at least trying to make a constructive comment.

Honestly, I think you're a good guy and you don't mean any harm but, c'mon. Sometimes, it's OK not to post.

[Winslow]

Eh, I don't let that guy worry me. First of all, he's not exactly competition, nor has he ever been. Second, he never had the balls to say anything to my face then or now, so why waste my energy on him?

But thanks, I think she's mighty fine myself. How she ended up with a baboon like me, I'll never know. But I'm not complaining.

I've never really fully understood the kind of obsession that your mutual friend has.

My crushes tend to come and go with the wind.

*revelation*

I guess I'm a slut.

[Ed Cunard]

But thanks, I think she's mighty fine myself. How she ended up with a baboon like me, I'll never know. But I'm not complaining.

She fell in love with you when she realized how tender you were, what with the way you lovingly carried her up the side of that building and all.

[Ray R.]

*revelation*

I guess I'm a slut.

That got a good and hearty laugh, Winslow. Good man.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I've never really fully understood the kind of obsession that your mutual friend has.

My crushes tend to come and go with the wind.

*revelation*

I guess I'm a slut.

Nah, I don't get it either. Hell, I was at my law school reunion a couple years ago when my buddy Andy showed up. Andy dated Julie in law school. 10 years ago. And he was all hurt and bent when she showed up with her husband, with whom she has two children. I mean, geez, let it go, man.

[Winslow]

She fell in love with you when she realized how tender you were, what with the way you lovingly carried her up the side of that building and all.

Meh . . Doc did that with me in Vegas once . . .


whoops

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

She fell in love with you when she realized how tender you were, what with the way you lovingly carried her up the side of that building and all.

Well, I do know how to make her scream.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Meh . . Doc did that with me in Vegas once . . .


whoops

Hello? "Stays in Vegas" Remember???

Damnit.

[Ed Cunard]

Well, I do know how to make her scream.

She hasn't learned not to look at you yet? I mean, yeah, she's pretty, but clearly dumber than a box of rocks that could qualify for the Special Olympics.

[Ray R.]

Meh . . Doc did that with me in Vegas once . . .


whoops

Doc gave me the courtesy of a roofie, knowing as he did about my fear of heights.

[Winslow]

That got a good and hearty laugh, Winslow. Good man.

Your welcome bud.

I do develop crushes easily, but they tend to disappear just as quickly.

I mean, how out of touch with reality do you have to be to obsess over a crush . .

Nah, I don't get it either. Hell, I was at my law school reunion a couple years ago when my buddy Andy showed up. Andy dated Julie in law school. 10 years ago. And he was all hurt and bent when she showed up with her husband, with whom she has two children. I mean, geez, let it go, man.

That's weird.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

She hasn't learned not to look at you yet? I mean, yeah, she's pretty, but clearly dumber than a box of rocks that could qualify for the Special Olympics.

I like to think of it as she has a healthy imagination.

[Matt Algren]

She fell in love with you when she realized how tender you were, what with the way you lovingly carried her up the side of that building and all.
He also has the reddest asscheeks.

And Winslow, I'd call you more of a hussy than a slut.

[Ray R.]

She hasn't learned not to look at you yet? I mean, yeah, she's pretty, but clearly dumber than a box of rocks that could qualify for the Special Olympics.

Doc is like one of those Magic Pictures. The missus has learned to unfocus the eyes when she looks in his particular direction. All peripheral.

[Winslow]

Well, I do know how to make her scream.

Your wife's a screamer?

Great. Now I have a crush on your wife too.

[Matt Algren]

Your wife's a screamer?

Great. Now I have a crush on your wife too.
Hey Winslow! Look over there!



(You're welcome, Doc.)

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hey Winslow! Look over there!



(You're welcome, Doc.)

While I appreciate the fact that you're there for me, Matt, now Winslow has a crush on the guys in Rumbles. And that can't be good.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Doc is like one of those Magic Pictures. The missus has learned to unfocus the eyes when she looks in his particular direction. All peripheral.

Either that, or it explains why she drinks so much red wine.

[Ed Cunard]

While I appreciate the fact that you're there for me, Matt, now Winslow has a crush on the guys in Rumbles. And that can't be good.

"Tell me Thor can beat Gladiator! Say it! Say it!"

I crush like a motherfucker. Sometimes hard.

[Winslow]

He also has the reddest asscheeks.

And Winslow, I'd call you more of a hussy than a slut.

Great. The gay guy calls me a hussy. Is this what it's like to be at the bottom the the internet gene pool?

Hey Winslow! Look over there!

oooooh . . .shiny!

While I appreciate the fact that you're there for me, Matt, now Winslow has a crush on the guys in Rumbles. And that can't be good.

Well, they're rough and ready.

[Ed Cunard]

Great. The gay guy calls me a hussy. Is this what it's like to be at the bottom the the internet gene pool?


Better to be at the bottom of the internet gene pool than to be the bottom of the internet gene pool.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

All right, I'm out. Off for home to grill some steaks and have a couple pops. Have a good one.

[Matt Algren]

"Tell me Thor can beat Gladiator! Say it! Say it!"

I crush like a motherfucker. Sometimes hard.
BABY BEGS NOW! (http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp12272007.shtml)
Great. The gay guy calls me a hussy. Is this what it's like to be at the bottom the the internet gene pool?Be careful how you're throwing around the B word like that. It totally changes the meaning of the sentence when you're talking about the gays.

edit: Ed's was better. And the universe achieved balance.

I have to say, I'm a little disappointed that no one followed up on my white courtesy phone joke opening this morning.

[Winslow]

Later Doc.

Better to be at the bottom of the internet gene pool than to be the bottom of the internet gene pool.

Heh . . . . I need to be more careful with that 'b' word.

BABY BEGS NOW! (http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp12272007.shtml)
Be careful how you're throwing around the B word like that. It totally changes the meaning of the sentence when you're talking about the gays.

edit: Ed's was better. And the universe achieved balance.

I have to say, I'm a little disappointed that no one followed up on my white courtesy phone joke opening this morning.

Missed that one . . . I was watching Naruto.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I always thought you were blissfully engaged with the missus, Scott. Perhaps because you don't come in here and push the cheese and whine like I do.
You just love spilling your guts on here, don't you? DON'T YOU, "Ray"?

I went through a whole lotta deep crap recently still am to a certain extent, and just kept it to myself. I was a bit tempted to share here, but just talked myself out of it.

So yeah, not mentioning anything personal doesn't necessarily = happy or stress-free.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I have maybe 30 minutes left at work. It's finally gotten quiet...after 5 hours of mayhem.

[Winslow]

You just love spilling your guts on here, don't you? DON'T YOU, "Ray"?

I went through a whole lotta deep crap recently still am to a certain extent, and just kept it to myself. I was a bit tempted to share here, but just talked myself out of it.

So yeah, not mentioning anything personal doesn't necessarily = happy or stress-free.

I'll DO ANYTHING for another chance baby . . . .

(sorry to hear that . . . :( )

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'll DO ANYTHING for another chance baby . . .
Haven't I suffered enough?!

[Winslow]

Haven't I suffered enough?!

The Rumblers mean NOTHING to me . . . you're my soul mate (for at least the next 15 minutes)

[Matt Algren]

Good news on the Digital Rights Management front (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071227-3down-1-to-go-warner-music-group-drops-drm.html). Warner is apparently going DRM free starting very soon. That just leaves Sony.
Warner Music has bent beneath the force of the anti-DRM winds sweeping the globe. The label will now offer its complete catalog, DRM-free, through Amazon's new MP3 store.

The announcement means that EMI, Universal, and Warner now offer their catalogues in DRM-free digital formats, making Sony BMG (of rootkit fame) the lone holdout among the majors. Amazon now claims to offer for than 2.9 million songs in MP3 format from over 33,000 unique labels.

The move comes just before Amazon plans to give away one billion tracks, a promotion that will begin with the Super Bowl in January, and Warner was no doubt interested in jumping on board the promo train before it left the station.

Will Sony BMG, which has apparently never met a form of copy protection that it doesn't like, follow suit? The "Mene, mene..." is already on the wall, and it looks likely that Sony BMG will go DRM-free, too, by the end of 2008. The entire movement to free music from DRM's shackles has had stunning success in 2007 after years in which such widespead moves to MP3 looked impossible. Could movies be next?

[Winslow]

Good news on the Digital Rights Management front (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071227-3down-1-to-go-warner-music-group-drops-drm.html). Warner is apparently going DRM free starting very soon. That just leaves Sony.

Like Belshazzar, I need the writing on the wall interpreted.

[Michael P]

Well, I'm back.

[Matt Algren]

Like Belshazzar, I need the writing on the wall interpreted.
They're removing the program that tells you what kind of . . .

Until Spike gets here, this wikipedia article can explain better than I can.

In 2002, Bertelsmann (comprising (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management#Audio_CDs) BMG, Arista, and RCA) was the first corporation to use DRM on audio CDs. This was initially done on promotional CDs, but all CDs from these companies would eventually include at least some DRM.

It should be noted that discs with DRM installed are not legitimately standards compliant Compact Discs (CDs) but rather CD-ROM media, therefore they all lack the CD logotype found on discs which follow the standard (known as Red Book).

However, these CDs could not be played on all CD players. Many consumers could also no longer play CDs they had purchased on their computers. PCs running Microsoft Windows would sometimes even crash when attempting to play the CDs.

In 2005, Sony BMG introduced new DRM technology which installed DRM software on user's computers, without clearly notifying the user or requiring their confirmation. Among other things, the installed software included a rootkit, which created a severe security vulnerability others could exploit. When the nature of the DRM involved was made public much later, Sony initially minimized the significance of the vulnerabilities its software had created, but was eventually compelled to recall millions of CDs, and released several attempts to patch the surreptitiously included software to at least remove the rootkit. Several class action lawsuits were filed, which were ultimately settled by agreements to provide affected consumers with a cash payout or album downloads free of DRM.

Sony's DRM software actually had only a limited ability to prevent copying, as it affected only playback on Windows computers, not on other equipment. Even on the Windows platform, users regularly bypassed the restrictions. And, while the Sony DRM technology created fundamental vulnerabilities in customers' computers, parts of it could be trivially bypassed by holding down the "shift" key while inserting the CD, or by disabling the autorun feature. In addition, audio tracks could simply be played and re-recorded, thus completely bypassing all of the DRM (this is known as the analog hole). Sony's first two attempts at releasing a patch which would remove the DRM software from users' computers failed.

In January 2007, EMI stopped publishing audio CDs with DRM, stating that "the costs of DRM do not measure up to the results." EMI was the last publisher to do so, and audio CDs containing DRM are no longer released by any major publishers.
Well, I'm back.
*Tag*

And I'm off.

[Winslow]

Well, I'm back.

welcome back . . where'd you go?

well, I gotta run soon . . .chicken catchatori tonight . . yum, yum . . .

[Chris Nowlin]

It annoys me that there's no way to train from here to SF.

You have to bus at least part of the way. And a 4 hour bus ride is annoying in a way that a train isn't.

However, the bus/train option is $45 as opposed to the plane option of $400.

[Michael P]

welcome back . . where'd you go?

Texas, for the holidays.

well, I gotta run soon . . .chicken catchatori tonight . . yum, yum . . .

I have to go get comics.

[Winslow]

It annoys me that there's no way to train from here to SF.

You have to bus at least part of the way. And a 4 hour bus ride is annoying in a way that a train isn't.

However, the bus/train option is $45 as opposed to the plane option of $400.

Sounds like a no-brainer.

[Chris Nowlin]

Sounds like a no-brainer.

For me, it would be.

I'd fly.

Busses suck.

[Winslow]

For me, it would be.

I'd fly.

Busses suck.

You kids and your lack of fiscal sense . . . . Saving $355 for a four hour bus trip is almost $90 / hour. I can put up with a lot of crap for $90 / hour . . .

Dinner's calling . . later on.

[Spike-X]

Like Belshazzar, I need the writing on the wall interpreted.
DRM is stuff they add to CDs, DVDs, MP3s, etc, to supposedly make it harder to make unauthorised copies of their stuff. Anyone with half a brain can easily get around DRM, however, so all it really does is make it harder to get fair use out of the stuff you pay for, ie ripping CDs to transfer them to an iPod* or other portable device, transferring your MP3s to multiple devices you own, make legitimate copies of CDs & DVDs so you don't damage the originals from frequent use, or risk getting them stolen (f'rinstance, a lot of people make copies of their CDs to keep in their cars, rather than take the originals with them).





* at the time Jet's Are You Gonna Be My Girl was being used in iPod ads worldwide, there was no iTunes store in Australia, and the song was only available on a copy-protected (ie, supposedly rip-proof) CD. Therefore, there was no way for an Australian consumer to actually legally listen to that song on their iPod.

[Chris Nowlin]

I realise now I had a weird dream.

I dreamed there was a thread started by Jeffrey about Zero Punctuation (those hilarous video game video reviews) which referenced the Mother Teresa/eating babies joke and that I meant to post in it to say I loved those videos. But I'm fairly certain there was no such thread and that it was all a dream.

What kind of dream is that??

[Spike-X]

A fucking weird one?

[Spike-X]

I had a dream the other night that Reilly was in the kitchen with his grandma and she was smoking and he was coughing from the smoke and I gave him this Four Yorkshiremen-style lecture about "You think you've got it bad? In my day, t'air was full of fire and razorblades!"

Weird.

[Cayman]

DRM is stuff they add to CDs, DVDs, MP3s, etc, to supposedly make it harder to make unauthorised copies of their stuff. Anyone with half a brain can easily get around DRM, however, so all it really does is make it harder to get fair use out of the stuff you pay for, ie ripping CDs to transfer them to an iPod* or other portable device, transferring your MP3s to multiple devices you own, make legitimate copies of CDs & DVDs so you don't damage the originals from frequent use, or risk getting them stolen (f'rinstance, a lot of people make copies of their CDs to keep in their cars, rather than take the originals with them).





* at the time Jet's Are You Gonna Be My Girl was being used in iPod ads worldwide, there was no iTunes store in Australia, and the song was only available on a copy-protected (ie, supposedly rip-proof) CD. Therefore, there was no way for an Australian consumer to actually legally listen to that song on their iPod.

I remember all those videos showing Australians walking around with a scruffy rock star strapped to both of their sides, the rockers constantly singing the Jet song straight into their ear canals. Those were crazy times.

[Puma]

Tricksterpup, this one's for you.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/ismahbruthaf128419055112740000.jpg

[Ronald Bryan]

I remember all those videos showing Australians walking around with a scruffy rock star strapped to both of their sides, the rockers constantly singing the Jet song straight into their ear canals. Those were crazy times.
I remember laughter.

[howyadoin]

Evenin', fuckers. It's good to be back in Vancouver.

[Athena Bast]

Evenin', fuckers. It's good to be back in Vancouver.

Safely ensconced and away from this fucking screwed up weather?

[howyadoin]

Safely ensconced and away from this fucking screwed up weather?Pretty much. Did Halifax get more snow today? There was less snow in Toronto when I stopped over there.

[Athena Bast]

Pretty much. Did Halifax get more snow today? There was less snow in Toronto when I stopped over there.

Not that I'm aware of but it's been windy and there's a crispness of frozen rain and ice pellets all over the place. Snow I don't mind but I hate ice.

[morna]

hey Howy! welcome back

[Athena Bast]

Awww.. Dita Von Teese's real name is Heather R. Sweet. How cute.

[howyadoin]

hey Howy! welcome backIt's good to be back. I'm still unpacking my Christmas loot.

[tricksterpup]

For me, it would be.

I'd fly.

Cape or No Cape?

[tricksterpup]

It's good to be back. I'm still unpacking my Christmas loot.

Any Booze?

[Spike-X]

Any Booze left?

Fixed it for ya.

[howyadoin]

Any Booze?A quart of Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

[morna]

Cape or No Cape?

NO Capes!!

[howyadoin]

NO Capes!!You seem to be rather vehement about that issue.

[morna]

remember poor strato girl?

[tricksterpup]

NO Capes!!

True, Chris would probably use Fairy Wings.

[tricksterpup]

A quart of Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

Lucky SOB.. have a drink on me.

[howyadoin]

remember poor strato girl?Nope. Should I?

Lucky SOB.. have a drink on me.I'm gonna crack it open on Monday afternoon, just for one drink. I'll tip it in your honour.

[Ronald Bryan]

On Christmas to better get in the mood for lunch at my sister's, me and my step-father were drinking Single Barrel Jack Daniel's on the rocks. At noon.

[howyadoin]

On Christmas to better get in the mood for lunch at my sister's, me and my step-father were drinking Single Barrel Jack Daniel's on the rocks. At noon.Debauchery!

[Valmore]

Nope. Should I?

She's quoting lines from Pixar's "The Incredibles."

Which is a very good film, by the way.

[Ronald Bryan]

Debauchery!
I know, how dare we put ice in it, right?

[morna]

didn't you see the Incredibles howy?

[howyadoin]

She's quoting lines from Pixar's "The Incredibles."Oh, right. For a second there I thought it might be a veiled reference to someone I slept with.

[Spike-X]

Oh, right. For a second there I thought it might be a veiled reference to someone I slept with.
You slept with a chick wearing a cape?






















Did she keep it on?

[morna]

no capes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68ndaZSKa8)! it's a classic

[howyadoin]

Hey morna, have you 'n' gary seen that Discovery Channel documentary, Planet Earth (http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/about/episode.html)?



EDIT: Never mind. Already answered.

[K'Nort]

I realise now I had a weird dream.

I dreamed there was a thread started by Jeffrey about Zero Punctuation (those hilarous video game video reviews) which referenced the Mother Teresa/eating babies joke and that I meant to post in it to say I loved those videos. But I'm fairly certain there was no such thread and that it was all a dream.

What kind of dream is that??

I had a dream the other night that Reilly was in the kitchen with his grandma and she was smoking and he was coughing from the smoke and I gave him this Four Yorkshiremen-style lecture about "You think you've got it bad? In my day, t'air was full of fire and razorblades!"

Weird.

I dreamt the other night that I was engaged to Brad Pitt. And, just as in real life, I wasn't at all attracted to him. And I didn't trust him one bit. Fidelity-wise. So I was trying to figure out a way to call it off with the least amount of the entire planet calling me insane.

[morna]

Hey morna, have you 'n' gary seen that Discovery Channel documentary, Planet Earth (http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/about/episode.html)?
no, I saw it in the video rental place today and almost went for it! looks way kool. I got Bender's (something something) instead though.
I dreamt the other night that I was engaged to Brad Pitt. And, just as in real life, I wasn't at all attracted to him. And I didn't trust him one bit. Fidelity-wise. So I was trying to figure out a way to call it off with the least amount of the entire planet calling me insane.

ya he does absolutely nothing for me either

[Ronald Bryan]

I dreamt the other night that I was engaged to Brad Pitt. And, just as in real life, I wasn't at all attracted to him. And I didn't trust him one bit. Fidelity-wise. So I was trying to figure out a way to call it off with the least amount of the entire planet calling me insane.
Are you saying you're not attracted to Gus at all?


Poor Gus.

[K'Nort]

Are you saying you're not attracted to Gus at all?


Poor Gus.

He's been in California so long, I don't really remember.

[K'Nort]

Hey morna, have you 'n' gary seen that Discovery Channel documentary, Planet Earth (http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/about/episode.html)?

We picked that up for the library. And we almost never buy DVDs. They can rarely be rationalized. I haven't seen it, but I remember the (lovely) packaging causing some complications.

[Michael P]

[Scene: An expensive restaurant.]

RENEE: I've never been to this restaurant before, Gerald. Thanks for bringing me.

GERALD: Oh, I've been coming here for years. You'll love it.

WAITER: Good evening, sir and madam. Are you ready to order?

GERALD: What's your special tonight?

WAITER: The special is filet mignon in our chef's signature mushroom wine sauce. The beef comes from the private cattle stock of the Prince of Saudi Arabia, bred over centuries for prime succulence, fed only the finest natural alfalfa hay and allowed to roam in a seventeen-acre pasture in the South of France. The entree is preceded, of course, by a plate of deep-fried dog shit.

RENEE: What?

GERALD: Sounds great! We'll take two!

RENEE: Gerald! I don't want to eat dog shit!

GERALD: Oh, don't worry, honey, that's just how they do things here.

RENEE: They serve their customers dog shit?

GERALD: Not always. Sometimes it's cat shit, horse shit, or bird shit. I even had a plate of guano from a flock of dyspeptic vampire bats once.

RENEE: You *eat* shit?

GERALD: Well, yeah. That's the only way you can get the chef's finest cuisine is to shovel down the shit they serve you first.

RENEE: But I don't want to eat shit, Gerald!

GERALD: What, you don't appreciate fine cuisine?

RENEE: Of course I do!

GERALD: Then why not eat the shit so you can get to the good stuff?

RENEE: Because it's shit! Why should I have to eat shit when they have perfectly good food in the kitchen?

GERALD: ... I don't understand the question.

RENEE: Why can't they just bring us out the filet mignon without bringing us the shit first?

GERALD: That's not how it works, Renee! If they don't make the shit and serve it to us first, they won't be able to serve us the filet mignon later!

RENEE: That doesn't make any sense!

GERALD: It makes perfect sense! The chef explained it to me the first time I came here: if he doesn't make and serve the shit first, then he won't have the proper ingredients to make the filet.

RENEE: Of course he will! Restaurants keep all their ingredients in a big walk-in freezer!

GERALD: Renee, Renee, Renee... They won't be the *proper* ingredients to make first-rate cuisine unless he serves us the shit *first*. It's the making of the shit appetizer that makes the entree good.

RENEE: That's insane!

GERALD: I don't see what your problem is, Renee! Why can't you just eat the shit they're so graciously providing you so everyone can get on with their dinner!

RENEE: Because I don't eat shit, Gerald!

GERALD: Well, then, Renee, you obviously don't understand how a fine dining experience is created. I can see bringing you here was a mistake.

RENEE: I'll say. Enjoy your shit, Gerald! [Renee storms away from the table. The hostess collects her coat from the coat closet.] What sort of a chef makes his customers eat shit before he serves them decent food?

HOST: Well, this is just his night job. By day, he's editor-in-chief at a comic book company.

[Matt Algren]

EDIT: It's totally coincidental that I posted this at the same time as Michael did his.




The new Spider-Man issue is AWESOME BAD! You have got to see this.

It's nice, because this time I'm not emotionally connected to the characters like I am with all the DC shitty stuff. This time there's no conflicting feelings.

Sucks for Spider-Man fans, though.

I wonder--What would happen if Mephisto teamed up with Superboy Prime?

[K'Nort]

I need to remember to go to the comic shop this weekend. I didn't go before I left town. That makes them nervous.

Not feeling particularly well. Like I'm over-caffeinated, but I haven't had any in hours. Trying to decide whether eating something basic like soup will help, or make things worse. The most annoying part is that I think this happened a couple weeks ago too.

[howyadoin]

We picked that up for the library. And we almost never buy DVDs. They can rarely be rationalized. I haven't seen it, but I remember the (lovely) packaging causing some complications.I can't recommend it enough. Just watching the first disk gave me ideas for about 20 new paintings.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I love Planet Earth-- I watch it on TV. Mind-blowing footage. Mesmerizing even.

[howyadoin]

I love Planet Earth-- I watch it on TV. Mind-blowing footage. Mesmerizing even.Oh yeah, definitely. Very addictive, and they'd make a great educational tool, as well.

[Dom]

Oh yeah, definitely. Very addictive, and they'd make a great educational tool, as well.

And the Blu-Ray version is mind blowingly amazing to look at.

[K'Nort]

Not on the same level of craft, probably, I just discovered that a coworker gave me Fido. The zombie movie. It's either Canadian or Australian. Has anyone seen it?

[howyadoin]

And the Blu-Ray version is mind blowingly amazing to look at.The stuff I've seen so far was on my parents' new 46-inch Sony Bravia.

All I kept thinking was, if only my folks smoked pot...

[Dom]

Not on the same level of craft, probably, I just discovered that a coworker gave me Fido. The zombie movie. It's either Canadian or Australian. Has anyone seen it?

It's Canadian, I think. Quite funny, and bloody. Like Shaun of the Dead, but less British sensibility and added Billy Connolly.

[K'Nort]

It's Canadian, I think. Quite funny, and bloody. Like Shaun of the Dead, but less British sensibility and added Billy Connolly.

That's a good sign. I am not a zombie fan, but I really enjoyed Shaun of the Dead. Bloody could be an issue.

[Spike-X]

The stuff I've seen so far was on my parents' new 46-inch Sony Bravia.

All I kept thinking was, if only my folks smoked pot...
...then they probably couldn't have afforded a Sony Bravia?

[Spike-X]

That's a good sign. I am not a zombie fan, but I really enjoyed Shaun of the Dead. Bloody could be an issue.
*psst* It's not real blood.

[K'Nort]

*psst* It's not real blood.

But it's real icky!

[Athena Bast]

Not on the same level of craft, probably, I just discovered that a coworker gave me Fido. The zombie movie. It's either Canadian or Australian. Has anyone seen it?

It's Canadian.

I just imdb'd it because I couldn't remember if Henry Czerny was in it or not (he is) but who the hell names their kid K'Sun Ray?

[Michael P]

By the way, today's Stan Lee's 85th birthday.

Happy birthday, Stan!

[Spike-X]

Excelsior!

[Spike-X]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/reset.png

[StoneGold]

I'm back from Arizona

[K'Nort]

They're doing a Mack Bolan comic.

My father always had a few of the paperbacks lying around. I'd think it's a little too Cold War to work now. Especially if they try to update it.

[Chris Nowlin]

By the way, today's Stan Lee's 85th birthday.

Happy birthday, Stan!

I learned this at dinner.




Is it Saturday in Australia yet?

[Spike-X]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/Dr_pepper_spray/cantbelieve.jpg

[howyadoin]

I'd think it's a little too Cold War to work now. Especially if they try to update it.Are you talking about the original war-against-the-Mafia books, or the ones where he become a stooge for the U.S. government?

'Cause if it's the former, all they need to do is play it like a Punisher comic, since Frank Castle was a pretty blatant Bolan ripoff.

[Spike-X]

Is it Saturday in Australia yet?

Yes, it is. 3pm and hot as fuck.

[Matt Algren]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

[howyadoin]

...then they probably couldn't have afforded a Sony Bravia?Naw, the TV was paid for with money my mom inherited.

[Chris Nowlin]

My car window doesn't seem to want to roll up.

And it's a particularly obnoxious time for this to happen

[kmeyers]

no capes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68ndaZSKa8)! it's a classic

That's nullified by Batman's use of his cape. Look over there! (flails cape) Hit me if you can!

Sure Superman doesn't need a cape, and it really wouldn't matterif his cape was sucked into a jet engine, he'd wreck the engine, and save the nose-diving plane.

P.S. I love The Incredibles.

[K'Nort]

Are you talking about the original war-against-the-Mafia books, or the ones where he become a stooge for the U.S. government?

'Cause if it's the former, all they need to do is play it like a Punisher comic, since Frank Castle was a pretty blatant Bolan ripoff.

I was mostly thinking the stooge angle. Those are the ones I remember most clearly.

[howyadoin]

I was mostly thinking the stooge angle. Those are the ones I remember most clearly.Yeah, that's about the time I stopped reading them. I read every one of the Mafia ones, though.

[howyadoin]

Man, I am seriously runnin' out of steam. Think I'll go read in bed.

Later, fuckers.

[Matt Algren]

Man, I am seriously runnin' out of steam. Think I'll go read in bed.

Later, fuckers.
Who are you and what have you done with howy?

[K'Nort]

Who are you and what have you done with howy?

Jet lag, probably. I'm conking out already too.

[Matt Algren]

Jet lag, probably. I'm conking out already too.
Me three. But I'm just lazy.

On an unrelated note...

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/rofl128420417966490000.jpg

[Nick Soapdish]

Just want to add to the chorus of approval for Planet Earth. I've bought the DVD set and given it twice as birthday presents.

I think that it's pretty well done.

[tricksterpup]

http://newmedia.funnyjunk.com/pictures/bucket.jpg

[Dom]

Yeah, that's about the time I stopped reading them. I read every one of the Mafia ones, though.

You're missing out, the last one I read was so funny, I nearly shit myself.

Mack Bolan has to stop a nefarious plot which involved hypnotizing honour students and setting them off to be triggered into going on murderous rampages with automatic weapons.

Bolan must stop this, not because children assaulting people with M16s is bad, but because this will lead to gun control.

That's right, the plot was not to kill, but to enforce gun restrictions, thereby making it easier for the nefarious plotters to take over the USA. No one else would have the guns to stop them.

The plot was so brilliant I'm surprised Steven Soderbergh hasn't made it into an unnecessarily long, complex movie.

[Gilda Dent]

Just want to add to the chorus of approval for Planet Earth. I've bought the DVD set and given it twice as birthday presents.

I think that it's pretty well done.

Agreed. We have the Blu-Ray version, which, as Howy said earlier, looks gorgeous on the Sony Bravia the family got for the holidays.

It's one of the few titles that doesn't look just a little bit "off" when you turn on the smooth motion feature.

[Paradox]

Winslow points out:

You kids and your lack of fiscal sense . . . . Saving $355 for a four hour bus trip is almost $90 / hour. I can put up with a lot of crap for $90 / hour . . .

That's why our lawyer friends here keep their jobs. :)

[Paradox]

Chris Nowlin has karmic debt:

My car window doesn't seem to want to roll up.

And it's a particularly obnoxious time for this to happen

It's because you won't get a real mouse for your laptop.

[Guapo Méndez]

My wife and I went to the movies to see National Treasure 2.

Dear God, what a cliche-ridden, intelligence insulting, crap-shovelling, bad plot rehashing piece of shit.

I feel stupider for watching it.

[Paradox]

So...pretty much the same as the first one, then?

[Guapo Méndez]

So...pretty much the same as the first one, then?

The first one you could park your brain in neutral and enjoy it.

This one rear-ended your brain, kneed you in the warbles and stole your wallet,
Plot-hole after plot-hole with so many impossibilities that made Mission Impossible II a fucking masterpiece.

And don't get me started on how Nicholas Cage's ears act better than him...

[Paradox]

Worse??? Good lord...

[Deathstroke]

My wife and I went to the movies to see National Treasure 2.

Dear God, what a cliche-ridden, intelligence insulting, crap-shovelling, bad plot rehashing piece of shit.

I feel stupider for watching it.

So Pay Per View rental for me when it comes out, eh?

So...pretty much the same as the first one, then?

Sure, piss all over the goofy fun of the first one for me.

The first one you could park your brain in neutral and enjoy it.

This one rear-ended your brain, kneed you in the warbles and stole your wallet,
Plot-hole after plot-hole with so many impossibilities that made Mission Impossible II a fucking masterpiece.

And don't get me started on how Nicholas Cage's ears act better than him...

Why didn't you just park your brain in neutral again?

[Winslow]

It's because you won't get a real mouse for your laptop.

I'm guessing out lawyer friends bill out at 2 to 3 X that amount. (at least they do here in the Northeast).

I get billed out at $180 an hour, hence my frustration at my puny "bonus" this year. Frickin' Scrooges.

[Winslow]

My wife and I went to the movies to see National Treasure 2.

Dear God, what a cliche-ridden, intelligence insulting, crap-shovelling, bad plot rehashing piece of shit.

I feel stupider for watching it.

My daughter liked it.

I think I'll limit her recommendations to comics, manga, and anime.

[Puma]

morning people.

[jessecuster3]

Howdy folks, had two very fun movie experiences last night.

We watched Shoot 'Em Up, which was an absolutely hilarious good time. I mean it never takes itself seriously, it knows exactly what it is going for and yet delivers even better. There are guns blazing from the word go and yet, you find yourself laughing out loud at people how people are getting shot. I would never say this was a great movie, but it was easily one of the most fun movie experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend it high enough, this is the true definition of big dumb action movies done right.


We also watched Stardust. I have never read Gaiman's original story, but am eager to read it now. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert DeNiro were hilarious, it was a pleasure seeing Claire Danes(besides Shopgirl, I cannot even remember where I saw her last), and there was that same Gaiman sense of wonder that covered the whole movie. Its fun and silly in an entirely different way than Shoot 'Em Up.

[Jared_Humpherys]

My wife and I went to the movies to see National Treasure 2.

Dear God, what a cliche-ridden, intelligence insulting, crap-shovelling, bad plot rehashing piece of shit.

I feel stupider for watching it.

Sarah and I watched it last night.

You are so very, very right. Damn, that was bad.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Howdy folks, had two very fun movie experiences last night.

We watched Shoot 'Em Up, which was an absolutely hilarious good time. I mean it never takes itself seriously, it knows exactly what it is going for and yet delivers even better. There are guns blazing from the word go and yet, you find yourself laughing out loud at people how people are getting shot. I would never say this was a great movie, but it was easily one of the most fun movie experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend it high enough, this is the true definition of big dumb action movies done right.


We also watched Stardust. I have never read Gaiman's original story, but am eager to read it now. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert DeNiro were hilarious, it was a pleasure seeing Claire Danes(besides Shopgirl, I cannot even remember where I saw her last), and there was that same Gaiman sense of wonder that covered the whole movie. Its fun and silly in an entirely different way than Shoot 'Em Up.

Is "Shoot Em Up" now on dvd as well? I've been meaning to watch it.

[jessecuster3]

Is "Shoot Em Up" now on dvd as well? I've been meaning to watch it.

I don't think so, nope 12/31 for its release. Its totally worth it.

[Slam_Bradley]

We also watched Stardust. I have never read Gaiman's original story, but am eager to read it now. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert DeNiro were hilarious, it was a pleasure seeing Claire Danes(besides Shopgirl, I cannot even remember where I saw her last), and there was that same Gaiman sense of wonder that covered the whole movie. Its fun and silly in an entirely different way than Shoot 'Em Up.


Be prepared for some fairly significant differences in the written Stardust. The Air Pirates were very minor in the story. Dunstan Thorn's role was much more significant and they cut one major character completely.

I liked the movie quite a bit. I felt the book (aside from Charles Vess' art) was one of my least favorite of Gaiman's works. Not that it was bad. He was writing a fairy tale and succeeded. It just isn't my cuppa.

[jessecuster3]

Be prepared for some fairly significant differences in the written Stardust. The Air Pirates were very minor in the story. Dunstan Thorn's role was much more significant and they cut one major character completely.

I liked the movie quite a bit. I felt the book (aside from Charles Vess' art) was one of my least favorite of Gaiman's works. Not that it was bad. He was writing a fairy tale and succeeded. It just isn't my cuppa.

Awesome, thanks for the info.

[Guapo Méndez]

So Pay Per View rental for me when it comes out, eh?


Oh, no. Wait for it to be shown free over the local channel.




Why didn't you just park your brain in neutral again?

I tried. Dear God, I tried, but I felt like Westley trying to evade the Six-Fingered Man's torture machine in Princess Bride.

My daughter liked it.

I think I'll limit her recommendations to comics, manga, and anime.

I couldn't get over the contradictions and the impossible leaps. I mean, hack Windsor Palace and get all the way towards the Queen's own office? And then do the same in the White House? And kidnap the President? Not even fucking James Bond could manage that trifecta. And Ben Gates and Riley Poole are not James Bonds.
My cliché list overloaded badly when the stone door contraption broke, but the balance platform collapsing made it fucking explode.
And the Ed Harris character? Cypher. Fill-in-the-blanks-later-oops, no time...heroic death for him? Yep, that's the ticket. And what a stupid death it was! The top of the goddamned pit was dry, he could have survived the deluge.

Why go with all the cock-and-bull story about Great grandpappy Gates being a traitor? HE'S A FUCKING TREASURE HUNTER! SHOW HIM THE GODDAMNED PAGE OF THE DIARY AND HE'LL FIND THE TREASURE FOR FUCKING FREE!

And all the fucking sneaking around to kinap the president? HE EARNED FOR THE US GOVERMENT SHIT-TONS OF GOLD (PRICELESS ARTIFACTS/GOODWILL WITH OTHER NATIONS FOR RETURNING PRICELESS ARTIFACTS TO THEM) THE LAST TIME HE FOUND A TREASURE. I'M SURE THE GODDAMNED PRESIDENT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM HIM.


Sarah and I watched it last night.

You are so very, very right. Damn, that was bad.


They should preface the movie with a warning.

"This shit is bad for your health".

[jessecuster3]

I am surprised how many of you paid money for something that you had to know in advance was terrible.



But I thought the first one was dreadful enough.

[Michael P]

I am surprised how many of you paid money for something that you had to know in advance was terrible.

My irony meter just exploded.

[Athena Bast]

Howdy folks, had two very fun movie experiences last night.

We watched Shoot 'Em Up, which was an absolutely hilarious good time. I mean it never takes itself seriously, it knows exactly what it is going for and yet delivers even better. There are guns blazing from the word go and yet, you find yourself laughing out loud at people how people are getting shot. I would never say this was a great movie, but it was easily one of the most fun movie experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend it high enough, this is the true definition of big dumb action movies done right.


It's been described as a live action "Elmer Fudd VS Bugs Bunny".

[Athena Bast]

Be prepared for some fairly significant differences in the written Stardust. The Air Pirates were very minor in the story. Dunstan Thorn's role was much more significant and they cut one major character completely.

I liked the movie quite a bit. I felt the book (aside from Charles Vess' art) was one of my least favorite of Gaiman's works. Not that it was bad. He was writing a fairy tale and succeeded. It just isn't my cuppa.

I've got the audio book with Gaiman reading it, I should listen to it someday.

[Athena Bast]

Whee... I loves waking up to a snow storm.

[jessecuster3]

My irony meter just exploded.

For example?


And remember I saw an advance screening of Transformers.

[Lance]

I AM FINALLY GETTING A NEW COMPUTER! TODAY!

No more Win98 for me!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41186000/jpg/_41186601_hooray-pa5.jpg

[Winslow]

I AM FINALLY GETTING A NEW COMPUTER! TODAY!

No more Win98 for me!

Whoa . . Windows 98?

[Winslow]

Well, a cab driver killer lives three blocks from my house.

Yay for me.

[Nick Soapdish]

My wife and I went to the movies to see National Treasure 2.

Dear God, what a cliche-ridden, intelligence insulting, crap-shovelling, bad plot rehashing piece of shit.

I feel stupider for watching it.

I've seen the trailers.

I watched and enjoyed the first, but I'm definitely avoiding the sequel. The Book of Secrets part makes me wonder if somehow it was originally a sequel for The Rock that they flipped around.


Why didn't you just park your brain in neutral again?

He did, remember? He got rear-ended. I'm guessing that the mugging was when he got out to look at the damage and yell at the other driver.

Howdy folks, had two very fun movie experiences last night.

We watched Shoot 'Em Up, which was an absolutely hilarious good time. I mean it never takes itself seriously, it knows exactly what it is going for and yet delivers even better. There are guns blazing from the word go and yet, you find yourself laughing out loud at people how people are getting shot. I would never say this was a great movie, but it was easily one of the most fun movie experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend it high enough, this is the true definition of big dumb action movies done right.


Nuts. I liked it, too.

I'm not clear on the rules, but does that mean that I'm automatically wrong too?

And yeah, the cartoony action was great. I don't think that I've ever seen a more ridiculous action movie. But they knew that going in and didn't try to pretend otherwise.

Unlike say Live Free or Die Hard which I just watched (borrowed a copy from a friend).


We also watched Stardust. I have never read Gaiman's original story, but am eager to read it now. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert DeNiro were hilarious, it was a pleasure seeing Claire Danes(besides Shopgirl, I cannot even remember where I saw her last), and there was that same Gaiman sense of wonder that covered the whole movie. Its fun and silly in an entirely different way than Shoot 'Em Up.

I've read the book. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I definitely want to see the movie now. I think it'll translate fairly well to the big screen although I've heard they've made a number of changes as Slam was saying.

[morna]

Mornin folkses!

[K'Nort]

My irony meter just exploded.

Except you know that's not how he meant it.

[howyadoin]

You're missing out, the last one I read was so funny, I nearly shit myself.

Mack Bolan has to stop a nefarious plot which involved hypnotizing honour students and setting them off to be triggered into going on murderous rampages with automatic weapons.

Bolan must stop this, not because children assaulting people with M16s is bad, but because this will lead to gun control.

That's right, the plot was not to kill, but to enforce gun restrictions, thereby making it easier for the nefarious plotters to take over the USA. No one else would have the guns to stop them.

The plot was so brilliant I'm surprised Steven Soderbergh hasn't made it into an unnecessarily long, complex movie.I dunno where to begin commenting.

Jet lag, probably. I'm conking out already too.I slept for more than 12 hours. The last 2 or 3, I'd wake up occasionally and then fall immediately back into REM sleep. I was almost dreaming again before I fell asleep.

[Chris Nowlin]

I wasn't overly impressed with Stardust, the movie. To me, it had a totally different feel than the comic. Admittedly, it's been a while since I read the comic, but to me the comic came off seriously. It was really going for a high sort of fantasy/romance. And it just struck me as beautiful. I have at times considered it my favourite Gaiman work (I kinda fluctuate on that one, though)

The movie went the romantic comedy route, more aping Princess Bride, except without nearly as much charm. And was enjoyably enough, but lacked the magic of the comic and really just felt like a poor man's Princess Bride.

[Forefinger]

Well, a cab driver killer lives three blocks from my house.

Yay for me.

Tell us more.

[howyadoin]

Check out my cousin's dog:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/2146460953_404bffe483_o.jpg

[Royal]

They're doing a Mack Bolan comic.

My father always had a few of the paperbacks lying around. I'd think it's a little too Cold War to work now. Especially if they try to update it.

Are you talking about the original war-against-the-Mafia books, or the ones where he become a stooge for the U.S. government?

'Cause if it's the former, all they need to do is play it like a Punisher comic, since Frank Castle was a pretty blatant Bolan ripoff.

Which is why I thought Pun would have worked as Caps. It be Stony Man all over again.

You're missing out, the last one I read was so funny, I nearly shit myself.

Mack Bolan has to stop a nefarious plot which involved hypnotizing honour students and setting them off to be triggered into going on murderous rampages with automatic weapons.

Bolan must stop this, not because children assaulting people with M16s is bad, but because this will lead to gun control.

That's right, the plot was not to kill, but to enforce gun restrictions, thereby making it easier for the nefarious plotters to take over the USA. No one else would have the guns to stop them.

The plot was so brilliant I'm surprised Steven Soderbergh hasn't made it into an unnecessarily long, complex movie.

I.....um......

*slumps and is speachless*

[Chris Nowlin]

This has been an annoying week. The latest in the series being that my car window won't roll up.

I want to be in Vegas already.

[Athena Bast]

Well, a cab driver killer lives three blocks from my house.

Yay for me.

Found out the ex-fiancee of a friend's brother (yeah yeah) was arrested for murder. She claims the child was possessed by demons.

[howyadoin]

This has been an annoying week. The latest in the series being that my car window won't roll up.Don't have any duct tape?

[Chris Nowlin]

Don't have any duct tape?

I guess that is the solution.

And buying a mouse for my laptop will deal with my clicker not working.




What does one do with an annoying younger brother?

[howyadoin]

What does one do with an annoying younger brother?How old is he?

[Chris Nowlin]

How old is he?

I really wish my mouse would work.


He's 22.

And a Liefeld fan

[howyadoin]

I really wish my mouse would work.


He's 22.Theoretically old enough to know better, then.

[Chris Nowlin]

Theoretically old enough to know better, then.

Still to young to care, though

[howyadoin]

Still to young to care, thoughYou oughta shake your cane at him.

[Spike-X]

I AM FINALLY GETTING A NEW COMPUTER! TODAY!

No more Win98 for me!


Ah yes, I still remember that feeling. Post the details of your new toy when you have them.

[howyadoin]

Hey Spike, that new Ryan Adams CD is fuckin' great.

[Gilda Dent]

I'm guessing out lawyer friends bill out at 2 to 3 X that amount. (at least they do here in the Northeast).

I get billed out at $180 an hour, hence my frustration at my puny "bonus" this year. Frickin' Scrooges.

Wow. At three times that amount, that's an hourly rate that's more than I'll be making in a day.

I know this because the school paid me for the day I signed the employment papers, giving me a grand total of exactly one day's pay for the fall semester.

Heh. This one check will also constitute my entire yearly income. I'm thinking I'll probably be getting the entire $29 I paid in Federal income tax back.

[Spike-X]

Hey Spike, that new Ryan Adams CD is fuckin' great.
Yes. Yes, it is.

The live shows over the last couple of months have been amazing. PM me if you want me to hook you up.

[howyadoin]

I seem to have lost some of my tolerance for THC over the past couple weeks.

[Spike-X]

Really? Well, in that case... (http://aislian.org/tile.html)

[howyadoin]

Yes. Yes, it is.

The live shows over the last couple of months have been amazing. PM me if you want me to hook you up.What kinda stuff are they playin'? Is he doing any of the old Whiskeytown songs?

[howyadoin]

Do you suppose we can break 5,000 before the year is over?

[Spike-X]

No Whiskeytown.

It's mostly stuff from the Cardinals albums (I count Easy Tiger as a Cardinals album, even though the label released it jsut under Ryan's name), plus they've been busting out a few things from the earlier Ryan solo albums as well.

[howyadoin]

No Whiskeytown. I never understood what his issue is regarding Whiskeytown. It's not like they're something to be embarrassed by.

[Gilda Dent]

I've actually heard of Ryan Adams. I think I even have some of his songs on my iTunes.

[Spike-X]

I never understood what his issue is regarding Whiskeytown. It's not like they're something to be embarrassed by.
I dunno, I think he's just moved on.

Speaking of Whiskeytown, though, there's rumours of some kind of expanded edition reissue of Stranger's Almanac to be released next month.

[Spike-X]

I've actually heard of Ryan Adams. I think I even have some of his songs on my iTunes.
Which ones? Care to give them a listen and tell us what you think?

[howyadoin]

I've actually heard of Ryan Adams. I think I even have some of his songs on my iTunes.Well, you like Springsteen, so it's not surprising that you might like Ryan Adams, too.

Speaking of Whiskeytown, though, there's rumours of some kind of expanded edition reissue of Stranger's Almanac to be released next month.Nice. I've been thinkin' about getting a new copy of that one for awhile now.

[Jeff Brady]

Hello, fuckers.

Catching up...

[morna]

hey Jeff

I am getting SO frustrated with Itunes I can't even seem to import a cd into it

[morna]

is it because Itunes is for Macs? The programs don't seem to mesh very well

[howyadoin]

I am getting SO frustrated with Itunes I can't even seem to import a cd into itWhat exactly is happening when you try to import? Are you getting an error message?

is it because Itunes is for Macs? The programs don't seem to mesh very welliTunes isn't just for Macs; if it were you wouldn't even be able to install it.

[Spike-X]

I am getting SO frustrated with Itunes I can't even seem to import a cd into it

That's strange. All you have to do is pop the CD in and click one button.*

is it because Itunes is for Macs? The programs don't seem to mesh very well

iTunes always worked well enough on Windows for me.










* If you're feeling brave, you should have a look at the settings and play around with exactly how it imports songs off CD. I recommend ripping to high quality VBR (variable bit rate) MP3.

[morna]

it works fine to just rip 'em directly into itunes - where I'm having trouble is trying to import the tunes I already scanned in yesterday - before I noticed I have to have 'em in itunes to get them onto my little cutey nanopod.

I'd rather not have to re-rip them all, but i may have to.

[morna]

ok this is kinda working ... I transferred all the files to Itunes via explorer and instead of using the file/import thing I used the file/ add folder to library, which seems to work for putting whole albums in.. I guess the kids just deal with single songs most of the time. I still have to let it cug away and "convert" all the songs one by one and I'm not getting the artwork for the albums consistently


weird

[i_mmmchocolate]

What are you folks doing for New Years? Any plans?

[howyadoin]

ok this is kinda working ... I transferred all the files to Itunes via explorer and instead of using the file/import thing I used the file/ add folder to library, which seems to work for putting whole albums in.. I guess the kids just deal with single songs most of the time. I still have to let it cug away and "convert" all the songs one by one and I'm not getting the artwork for the albums consistently


weirdWhen you first start up iTunes, it should search your hard drive for audio files right from the start.

As for album artwork, it can only find the artwork if the name of the album is known, and if the album is in the iTunes store. I often download the album art from other sources and then drag and drop it into iTunes.

One thing I have noticed, though - on my Dad's new iMac, you can't get the album artwork unless you're logged into the iTunes store.

[howyadoin]

What are you folks doing for New Years? Any plans?Friends of mine are throwing a party. They're among the few people I know who live in a house and have a backyard, so they'll be barbecuing as well.

How 'bout you?

[Chris Nowlin]

What are you folks doing for New Years? Any plans?

Vegas.

Wanna come?

[morna]

We are doing our traditional Lobster and Prosecco thing at home - just the two of us. At midnight we yell off the back porch to (and with) all the world.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Friends of mine are throwing a party. They're among the few people I know who live in a house and have a backyard, so they'll be barbecuing as well.

How 'bout you?
The usual: Makin' a bunch of different hors d'oeuvres & watchin' the Twilight Zone marathon with a few.

Vegas.

Wanna come?
See above.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Sounds good, morna!

[Chris Nowlin]

I'm more fun than the Twilight Zone

[Paul McEnery]

I wasn't overly impressed with Stardust, the movie. To me, it had a totally different feel than the comic. Admittedly, it's been a while since I read the comic, but to me the comic came off seriously. It was really going for a high sort of fantasy/romance. And it just struck me as beautiful. I have at times considered it my favourite Gaiman work (I kinda fluctuate on that one, though)

The movie went the romantic comedy route, more aping Princess Bride, except without nearly as much charm. And was enjoyably enough, but lacked the magic of the comic and really just felt like a poor man's Princess Bride.

Agreed. I stopped to make the tea a lot. And De Niro looked like he prepped for the role by watching about half of the remake of La Cage Aux Folles.

But the behind the scenes featurette is satisfyingly painful, and there were many good parts to the movie.

Sadly, the best bits were between Michelle Pfeiffer's shoulders and feet and we weren't allowed to get a good look at them, but still.

[Paul McEnery]

I'm more fun than the Twilight Zone

I would rather hang out with you than have my head cut off by a helicopter blade, yes.

[morna]

Ya, thanks! It's my favorite. Super low key. My eccentric aunt was supposed to come this year which would've been different, but she bailed on us a couple of days ago - thankfully before we'd ordered the pricey little crustaceans!

[Jeff Brady]

Aww, come on! Holidays can be fun: good food, time off of work or major overtime pay, time with family & friends. You have to make the most out of it.

You have yet to list the good parts.

RIP Matt's beard
December 24th, 2007

::sniff::

You were married?

I also banned that dude for ignoring my fairly explicit warning regarding those threads.

-Brian

Now that's a nice gift!

Absolute Hush

Who did you piss off to get that one?

oo[s I shprin jd ir mce





sorry = can't type wiyh the lihghts off

Or when you're mot asber.

Hey Winslow,
Do either of your kids watch Avatar, The Last Airbender?


-Das

That's a pretty good show.

I thought that was Morts.

Morts is pervier than most people here.

And the Blu-Ray version is mind blowingly amazing to look at.

That's what I'm waiting for. Anyone have a couple thousand dollars they wanna give away?

What are you folks doing for New Years? Any plans?

Masturbating & crying myself to sleep; no different than any other night.

Okay, time to get groceries.

[howyadoin]

You have yet to list the good parts.Are you sayin' good food isn't good?

[morna]

Or when you're mot asber.

busted! heh heh

[jessecuster3]

We are going to a friend's house, board games plus wii. After last year, we all decided to lay low this year. We did the whole hotel with bands thing and spent the whole night waiting in line for drinks. As soon as you got one, you got right back in line, it was flipping terrible.




Howy, Spike and any others musically inclined, check out Marah. (http://www.myspace.com/marahusa)

[tricksterpup]

I'm more fun than the Twilight Zone
Sure you say that now but when you get into airplanes you turn into William Shatner.

[morna]

When you first start up iTunes, it should search your hard drive for audio files right from the start.

As for album artwork, it can only find the artwork if the name of the album is known, and if the album is in the iTunes st