June 23, 2005

preview of things to come

Had a close call yesterday. Nearly netted a cold.

You know when you go to sneeze and you have that 'almost sneeze' look on your face? Thats how I felt all day yesterday, but it came to nothing. Woke up this morning all fresh n breezy (ex PHS students will know that term). But I will not discount that this time last year, and the year before, and every year before I end up with my yearly cold. The clock is ticking, and somehow I always get it in the last few days of June. Time will tell.

A classic case of 'life too filled with life' and blogworthy stories recently, but no time to blog coz of pesky 'life'.

5 or so weeks back, I was invited to a presentation by UIP (United International Pictures). There were previews of upcoming movies by the company this year and we're in for a lot of action movies by years end. That day we saw Madagascar, and in short - YOU GOTTA SEE IT. The penguins are classic! It took 4 years to make the damn thing, so plenty of time to polish the comedy contained. Well done. A great movie, and school holidays a few weeks away - perfect timing.

UIP also showed a tonne of previews including War Of The Worlds (comes out today I think - I wanna see that one), the Wallace & Gromit flick is out soon, as will King Kong on December 14. Others to look out for are Doom, Land of the Dead, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Kicking and Screaming, The Weatherman, The Island, Red Eye, and Dubber will enjoy seeing Serenity.

June 21, 2005

Gaming squares off

Goodbye Nintendo. Nice Gamecube and all, but the firm arch rivals are set to play market wars like the big boys they are.

Sony and Microsoft announced their next generation gaming consoles in Mid May.


X-Box 360 looks like a woosh modem, obviously much bigger. It certainly is the better looking of the two. Lets hope like hell that their promise of surround sound delivers and the software doesnt bug out much. Official Blurb:
• Xbox 360™ is an integrated music, picture, games, and movie center.
• Use the camera to video chat or send video messages to friends across the globe via Xbox Live™.
• Stream recorded television, videos, movies, music, and photos from your Windows® XP Media Center PC straight to your Xbox 360. Enjoy all your digital entertainment on demand throughout your home with one integrated system.
• Play progressive-scan DVD movies right out of the box.
• Connect your portable music device to enjoy your favorite music while playing a game or chatting with friends online.
• Listen to FM and Internet radio.
• Receive game invites from friends while playing games, watching movies, or listening to music.
• Enjoy and share your digital photos with friends and family.
• Keep in touch with instant messaging via Windows Messenger and Xbox Live.
xbox360.com


Playstation 3 looks more like a small fridge, and a moustache for a console. Sony Computer Entertainment chief Ken Kutaragi likes taking potshots at the new X-Box, clearly because he believes the new PS3 is 'computer entertainment' rather than 'gaming'. It is backwards compatible with PS2 and PS1 games - a cool function microsoft would never support. Other tools in its spec sheet include Dolby 5.1, Ethernet/Wifi/Bluetooth, USB/Flash/MemoryStick i/o, (up to) 7 controllers, can play pretty much any CD except its competitions. ps3land.com

I want a BEAST that is dedicated to providing excellent graphics, sound and usability. I want it to look alien, have its own name and planet and not resemble a "computer" in any way. Whoever gives that to me, gets my cash.

June 13, 2005

June 2, 2005

Bits: June 2, 2005

Schappelle Corby ...gets advice from Martha Stewart, or Jeremy Corbett?

I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt about her knowledge on the whole thing. She broke a law, yes. Is it her fault for doing so? Only she knows this for sure. I've been reading discussion at Google:

Of course it is of concern, otherwise anybody could be found guilty of something that is entirely beyond their control. It is the cornerstone of any justice system.

So is it the same thing when causing a car crash by pushing the pedestrian crossing button, only to go back to your car and get your wallet?

Airfares to Bali: 13 nights from $1189 + $86 airline taxes (bali.co.nz)

How about that remix of Michael Jackson's "Can't Help It" from Tangoterje!??! Nice stuff (thanks Simon, have a safe trip)