The Funny Face of Technology

Now, a few days into my first ever blogging experience and I find that I am intrigued. I like the journal aspect of it, but I have to admit I am also suckered in by the newsletter quality.

I know that my spelling and my grammar can sometimes be atrocious, and for that I apologize.

Spent most of today shoveling the five inches of wet, heavy snow we had. Spent the afternoon playing a little Xbox, and ended the evening with a few games of cribbage with Jenn (Jenn won 2 out 3). We made dinner, a very scrumptious meatloaf, rice, and peas. Now just sitting in bed typing out a few stray thoughts as we watch Funny Face on TV.

I often think about all the technology in the world today - cell phones, laptops, palm pilots, blackberries, the internet, DVD burners, ps2, Xbox, HDTV, etc - what is so amazing to me is just how recent most of these items are. Just 15 years ago none of this stuff was really around. I will watch a movie from the early 90's and it's quaint when the hero is running from trouble or trying desperately to reach a pay phone (no one had cell phones then). I am no luddite, in fact I tend to fall on the opposite end of the spectrum, but there is something I find disturbing about many of these advances... false promises. I am not sure if that is the best way to describe it but I think it comes close.

Cutting edge technology is no longer the domain of geeks, nerds, scientist and specialists; it has become so intertwined with American culture, so mixed up with our identities, so omnipresent in advertising, it has become hard to know exactly where we stand. For me at least, technology used to hold the promise for a better tomorrow, a sort of hope for the future. That promise now seems comprimised, sold out, commoditized. Advances for advancement's sake, no sense of direction anymore. Technology in everything, everywhere, whether or not it is needed. I mean do I really need another DVD player? I have 5 right now. It seems you can't buy a toaster that doesn't come with a new DVD player. Don't get me wrong - it's great that they can put a DVD player in a toaster - but really I just want toast...

Well, Funny Face is nearly over so I should sign off before this turns into some sort of crazy manifesto.

Word.

Movie Review - King Kong

Movie Review: Peter Jackson's King Kong is, quite simply, a masterpiece. I went into this movie not really wanting to see it. I remember watching the original as well as the remake with my mom as a child. I liked both previous versions, and with the overabundance of remakes that Hollywood is churning out I was highly dubious.

It started somewhat slowly, but with great attention to detail. Within 10 minutes I dropped my usual aversion to 'period piece' movies and was hooked.

Naomi Watts' performance is wonderful. Rarely do you see acting of this caliber in a monster movie.

Oddly enough Kong (Andy Serkis, the same gentleman that played Golem in the Lord of the Rings series) takes second in the acting category. The special effects are amazing. What's amazing about them isn't how they are used for big grandiose effects but rather the use of special effects for subtle facial features which in the end communicates almost as much as dialogue.

Both Jack Black and Adrien Brody do an admirable job but I think their performances pale in comparison to those of Naomi and Kong.

Overall, I give this movie 5 stars on a scale where 12 triangles and 2 squares is highest and where 3 circles and a trapezoid are lowest. It really is a must see movie. Oh yeah, don't wait for the DVD, this one will be better at the theater!

New CD Review - Sinead O'Connor

New CD review: I just received Sinead O'Connor's reggae albumn for Christmas. I heard a few clips during a positive review on NPR so I thought I would give it a try. This is my first Sinead album and I would not really consider myself a fan of her previous works, but I am a long time fan of reggae. So upon listening to this CD with a critical ear I was pleasantly surprised. She manages to imbue her own unique vocal style into an album full of reggae classics. The end result is a unique yet familiar sound. Sinead's voice manages to tie together Celtic and reggae sensibilities, leaving the listener with the impression that these styles belong together. Her whisperingly soft vocals on Curly Locks has stuck with me for several days now. Overall I give this CD a 15 on a scale of 2-40 with 12 being the highest and 27 being the lowest... Seriously, this CD is worth the money. Solid from beginning to end.

Haiku

The cutest thing ever, a haiku written by my pregnant wife:

Oh, bulging tummy,
I fill you with caramels.
They make you so glad.

: )

Blogish

Not sure where to start so I am just going to type...

I think the most depressing time every year is between Christmas and New Year's Eve. All the fun and frantic frivolity of the Christmas season has passed and there is that awkward week back at work where it is hard to motivate knowing that you have another extended weekend just ahead of you. Well... at least that seems true this year.

I find that my mind is wandering these days. My wife, Jenn, and I are going to have a baby and that is very exciting but also very nervous making. There are so many things I need to think about and get ready before baby arrives. I feel overwhelmed and baby is not even here yet. Not sure how I will deal when the day comes but I am really looking forward to the adventure.

Must get back onto the exercise wagon. Have run 3 times since the marathon this summer. My eating habits have slid back to less than admirable and my energy level is rock bottom. I just need to get myself back into the 3 mile runs 5 times a week. If broomball is canceled tonight I am going to make myself go for a run.