Quick Tech News For 02/28/06

As you can tell, life is busy, but I wanted to pass on two quick bits of tech news.

I’m not sure when Microsoft is rolling out this, but the “Origami” is tablet-style PC with wi-fi, bluetooth and everything else you could want. Check out the video. Sure, at first I thought it was like an oversized PDA, but the size of the screen makes it more usable as a movie viewer, it’ll have more memory than a PDA or iPod (presumably), and the size isn’t too overwhelming, as evidenced later in the video by the way it fits inside the nice carrying case. If something like this caught on, it could really change how we watch movies, play games and use out computers.

We’ll also see some new announcements from Apple today. No one knows what, but the article makes some good guesses.

Go Go Power Rangers!

This weekend was far busier than expected, with most of my time split between homework and CBR, and with both of those getting busier, the daily blogging is in some jeopardy as well. I did however find one cool link: The Power Rangers Recruitment Video.

Sure, sure, by now you’re laughing at a grown man liking Power Rangers, but I’ve found I enjoy watching the shows for the same reasons I watch dumb action movies: it’s just plain fun. Sure, you’ll want to bash your head in with a brick after hearing some of the dialogue, and the characters often end up being very flat, but there’s something I just love about good guys kicking ass. It’s an acquired taste, yeah, but it’s sort of fun to shut off my brain (which of course, assumes it is ever on) and just watch some cool martial arts and big robots kicking butt.

This video is part of the Power Rangers SPD series, which is set in a future where there is a Power Rangers academy similar to that of the FBI or CIA. So sit back and enjoy a fun little video about how YOU can become a Power Ranger. Yes, that’s a talking dog narrating the whole thing…

Your Nerd Bling For 02/24/06

Well folks, not a lot of news today, but there is some fun stuff. As for the “Nerd Bling” term, that’s something I coined and basically means “anything that would only excite a nerd.” Today we have a couple examples of that and our cotinuous coverage of random news.

• Here’s the picture that launched a thousand nerd orgasms: the first picture of Spider-Man from his new film. Sure, the mood is interesting and we know the film will be as excellent as the first two, but the big news is the black costume. Why does that matter so much to comic fans? In the comic books, Spider-Man got a black costume, which turned out to be an alien creature that bonded with Peter Parker, till Peter realized it was an evil entity. Peter got rid of it and it somehow bonded with rival reporter Eddie Brock, who hated Peter Parker and Spider-Man, for various reasons. Brock became Venom, Spider-Man’s polar opposite, and one of the most popular Marvel characters ever. Now I hope they ditch the alien mumbo jumbo for this film and still have Peter discard the uniform, and have Eddie get it, to show a guy with Spider-Man’s abilities but no moral compass. They could easily explain that the costume is some high tech suit and somehow explain how Brock gets powers similar to Spider-Man without alien life stuff, which would uncercut the “realism” of the films. Topher Grace’s role is unknown in the new film and this picture adds credence to speculation that he’d be playing Eddie Brock.
• Battlestar Galactica, one of the best shows on television, is getting its own comic book this May. I interviewed the writer, Greg Pak, and I’m excited about the series.
• Every so often on The Daily Show, Jon Stewart jokingly asks why people let themselves be interviewed by the show, when the show really makes fun of all their subjects. Turns out not everyone is well-informed, as this Illinois Governor didn’t realize the joke was on him. I’m not sure how someone in politics doesn’t know Jon Stewart’s whole schtick, especially after the notorious way he showed Tucker Carlson who’s boss, on CNN’s now defunct Crossfire.
• Some skaters have real ugly uniforms, eh? I wonder how much it hurts their scores on some level.
• People commit a lot of stupid crimes. But stealing pizzas may take the proverbial cake.
• Subliminal messages are now coming from… KFC? Yup, this is their way of combatting the TiVO revolution.

Pointless News For 2/23/06

Yes, there’s a lot of “real” news going on out there, but since I don’t really want to take the time to comment on it, because that’d piss off people, and because I don’t honestly have the time, you’re stuck with the normal news you’ve come to expect from Arune.Com. Tomorrow I’ll run some kind of essay/special post. It’s looking like Friday is the optimum day to do that kind of thing. If you have any suggestions regarding topics you’d like me to write about, just e-mail me and let me know. I won’t tackle anything really political, but smaller social issues and personal epiphanies are fair game. Also, I should direct you to CBR’s coverage of X-Men 3: The Final Stand, which includes interviews conducted with the actors, director, etc, when a CBR co-worker of mine went to Vancouver to cover the film. He wrote up some great reports, so check it out! My reports on Superman Returns should be online in a few months, but let me warn you, there are close to (20) pieces we’ll run, because the interviews were very long and in-depth. I’ll try to post some kind of additional commentary here, perhaps just general overviews that wouldn’t fit into what I need to put up on CBR.

• Brokeback Mountain continues to be a big deal, as two shirts from the film sold for $100,000.00. That’s a lot of money. I wonder if people will still be talking about this film in a year or two, or if like other “important” films, it’ll be quickly forgotten.
• Do you hate the character Ana-Lucia, from Lost? You know you’re not alone, but now it seems that The Toronto Star deemed it necessary to write an editorial about how much one of their writers hates her.
• In Britian, it seems that too much text messaging is hurting people’s thumbs. My solution? Use the phone to talk and not just send text messages. I know, I’m a genius.
• So, Kid Rock blocked someone trying to sell one of his sex tapes. Cool. I get that. You want your privacy respected. But why would you make a tape of you, another man, and multiple women all having sex together if you knew it might leak out?
• There an interesting article on the new Vanity Fair cover. It’s sparked debate due to the naked women on the cover and fully clothed man, which has some talking about gender perception and roles in society. It’s an interesting debate.

American Morning For 2/22/06

It’s that time of the week: Wednesday. The day when comic stores get new comic books and fanboys rush to the store, hoping to validate their lives with adventures of men in spandex. It’s also a good day for odd Arune.Com newsbytes. If you mised yesterday’s The Shield, I believe that FX may be showing reruns today, so don’t miss it: the ending is huge.

• There are a lot of unsung heroes in the war on terror, but Canada is proving to be the secret weapon in this battle.
• I’d love to take credit for being the winner, but I did not win the 365 million. That’d be nice. And I can see how it’d be a hassle, as everyone would come to me and assume I “owe” them something.
• Macs are being targeted by a new worm, but if you’re smart, and don’t open unsolicited files, you’ll be fine. And since you’re using a Mac, I’m sure you’re smart. But PC people aren’t dumb: they’re just not having as much fun.
• Jesus!. Apparently the Second Coming involves Jesus appearing in an X-Box. Who knew?
• People are protesting Daniel Craig as the new James Bond. I guess it’s not harming anyone, but really, who has time to organize a protest of a Bond movie? Isn’t there something more that one could do with their life?
• Even the Canadians are smart: they know that Battlestar Galactica may be the best show on television. I can think of other strong contenders, such as Veronica Mars and The Shield, but BSG is definitely a contender. Last week’s episode maturely and intelligently approached the abortion issue without being partisan or appearing as though the writers were on their soapboxes.
• If we didn’t already know, Fortune tells you why Toyota is king of the car market.

Shh! On 02/21/06

Wow. There’s really nothing to talk about today, so I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel. Remember, tune into The Shield tonight.

• James Doohan, the man we all knew as Scotty, will have his ashes let out in space. It’s a fitting tribute. It’s hard to imagine anyone caring about Star Trek anymore, but once upon a time it was the symbol of cultural revolution.
• If you ever miss 24, you can get a recap from Entertainment Weekly. Like with yesterday’s episode.
• James Bond always got the coolest cars. This year is no different. Now I want this car.
• Kiefer Sutherland may have the coolest voice in the world. And he can sell you on that too.

All That’s Fit To Blog For 02/20/06

It’s a new week and what does that mean? Another episode of 24 tonight! Then we have The Shield tomorrow, Battlestar Galactica on Friday and Desperate Housewives on Sunday. That’s a nice line up of television. And with those warm fuzzy feelings over television this week, I thought I’d begin things with a picture of warm, fuzzy (and furry) dogs.

• America isn’t a society where we will sue over anything. No, we’re good, honorable and sue McDonalds over ingredients in their fries. This case has some merit, but isn’t there a better way to deal with this?
• The Honda Ridgeline, Arune.Com vehicle of choice, has a new competitor from Dodge: the Rampage. I like it, though I prefer the Ridgeline.
• Canadian Paramedics demand equal treatment and I’m glad to see them stand up for such a worthy cause.
• Here’s a nice interview with Jean Smart, who plays the first lady on 24. I ever mention how much I love the show?
• Jon Stewart is the man. The Daily Show is hilarious. And the Oscars are looking good too.
• Looks like Sony’s PS3 will be delayed.

Weekend Edition Of Arune.Com For 02/18/06

It’s another slow news day, but since every day is a slow news day, isn’t this a normal news day? I’m going to write more short little articles each week, but expect these news updates to be the only guaranteed posts every M-F. Onward! You ever notice that when you wake up early, the worst part is those first ten minutes, but after that, you’re okay? I can get up at any time, as long as I can make it through those ten minutes when everything aches, pains and annoys far more than normal. Every sound is so much more acute and the ringing in my head takes a good twenty minutes to subside. Oh, and to those morons who like to drive while brushing their teeth and shaving: you’re morons. Get off the road.

• In Italy, sex crimes are less heinous when non-virgins are involved. There goes the theory that Europeans are somehow smarter than us Americans.
• U.S airlines are now worse at handling baggage than you might imagine. How hard is it to handle luggage properly?
• Are you watching the Olympics? Doubtful, since no one seems to much care this year.
• Canadians may adopt the idea of national I.D cards. Canada is one of the most progressive countries in the world, so I’m not surprised they’re moving forward like this. I can see a lot of problems with this idea, but I’m sure they’ll address those security issues.
• Please, don’t ever be a telemarketer: there are so many better jobs out there. And all you’d do is piss off people.

“The Unit,” AKA My New Reason To Watch CBS

I admit, I’m no fan of CBS’s television programming and want to rip my eyes out of their sockets when I see an episode of CSI. I can deal with the fact that they don’t operate by real CSI rules (forensics folk do not go out and kick ass in the way they do on television), but I find the shows mind numbingly boring and that’s the biggest sin of these shows: being boring. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to CBS’ new show The Unit, from Shield creator/Angel writer Shawn Ryan and starring 24’s Dennis Haysbert (pictured to the left). According to Zap2It, the show is about this:

The ads for the show have been quite engaging, as I’ve seen them during 60 Minutes (the only CBS show I watch every week), and the show premieres in March. With The Shield going on hiatus till next year’s final episodes (if rumors are to be believed), it leaves open Tuesday night for a new show and The Unit looks to fill that void quite nicely. This could turn out to be a crappy show, but it’s been some time since television promos excited me…I think the last time was Lost and we know how well that turned out. I have a good feeling about this show.

There’s Nothing Wrong With Being a Nerd

You ever listen to the sound of a hardcover book closing? Or ever take in the way different books smell? This may sound a bit crazy to some and if it does, you’re probably going to find this entry a bit odd, but bear with me and hear me out. We all have sounds, smells and sights that remind us of the happy times in our lives and those odd prized possessions that shouldn’t mean as much to me as they should. I’m not sure there’s any big revelation in what I’m about to write, but I wanted to just verbalize the odd way I find my emotions evoked by the smallest things.

I’ve recently begun reading John McCain’s excellent hardcover novel, Why Courage Matters, and there’s something eerily soothing about closing the book after a good read. It’s a different sound than just closing a book, which sounds nuts, but after reading a good book and closing it, it reminds me of the many summers when my brother and I would read books by the truckful. They were usually Hardy Boys novels, since I think all young boys probably love those kind of mystery/adventure tales, and some other sci-fi like ones about some kid named Tom…something. I can’t remember his name and it’ll bother me till I figure it out. We also read a lot of Classics Illustrated comic book versions of famous novels–we just loved to read. I credit my parents with showing me the joy of reading and writing, something I’ll forever be grateful for learning.

Anyway, books have always come to symbolize that unbridled joy of youth, the summer vacations where there was never enough to read and never too many times to watch Transformers, Adam West’s Batman and classic hero films featuring Zorro, The Lone Ranger, Captain America, and more. I love how these books symbolize those times, but there’s something that evokes an even stronger emotional response: comic books.

Sure, we all know I mean superheroes, and you’re probably thinking “but superheroes are for kids.” And to that I’d say, “How much did you enjoy Spider-Man 2 and Batman Begins? I inherited a lot of comic books from one of my older cousins and grew up reading classics, such as the work of artist Jack Kirby, the “classic” X-Men work and all the “Silver Age” DC Comics hokey superhero work. I remember getting a “Captain America” digest with reprints of his return to comics in the sixties and various other tales, with every image and word just capturing my imagination. I read it over and over and over. It was fun. I think that’s missing from comic books today. Everyone is so concerned with allegory, metaphor, hand wringing, “maturity” and “shock value,” so much so that we’ve lost sight of what makes superheroes so enduring: fun. Sure, I love a good introspective read, but there seems to be a concerted move to not make comics the simple pleasure they once were.

I don’t want to read another Batman story about Batman being a dick to Superman, because Batman has different methods (this seems to be “classic” storytelling now). I don’t want to read another story about Superman crying like a baby about not being an inspiration. I don’t want to read a story about Batgirl being sexually assaulted (it’s a “classic” too). I can see where these stories come from and respect those who try to craft good stories with these ideas. I can even see the appeal of these ideas. But the way they dominate comic books now, it just makes me sad: superheroes should be cool. I mean, Superman can do anything: let’s see him do anything! Batman is a badass (often confused by many as meaning “asshole”): so let’s see him kick ass and take names. If you ever watch the Justice League cartoon, you’ll see serious stories with kick ass action. That’s what I want from comics. That’s why I fell in love with superheroes. They’re so damn cool. There’s a time and place for serious superhero comics, but there needs to be a balance. For every Watchmen, there’s some “mature” comic that misses the point of being a fun story and gets gory for no reason. The reason that the aforementioned Alan Moore classic still sells is because it is a fun tale in it’s own right, even with all the darkness permeating the book. Moore remembers that superheroes are cool and while the book is about investigating a murder and conspiracy, it’s also about the sheer power and awesomeness of superpowers.

That’s a whole other story. But comics have always represented the better part of us, the superhero inside us all and potential for a better world. I identified with them strongly, as a child, because they seemed to promise a better world. Superman showed a better way. The X-Men were the minority, like me, who had to combat discrimination every day. Batman was the way to deal with pain one felt but couldn’t express. All these characters appealed to me on a very basic level and by my teens, I was voraciously consuming comics, reading the ones I could in the comic stores (”The Comic Prince” and “All Star Cards & Comics” were closest) and bought the one or two I could afford. Comic books, for better or worse, were a sanctuary for me and superheroes made sense to me. I hated playing sports. I wasn’t one of the cool kids. But when it came to comic books, I was king.

There were always a few comic books I wanted, but couldn’t afford, like X-Factor #68, which capped off a three part story I was enjoying. I purchased the first two parts with birthday money and a family trip downtown to a comic book store I’d never been to previously, something that was an exciting experience for me. Getting the third part of that story always felt like the necessary step to completing the fun I had with my family that day: my dad had taken me around to other stores, but we never found the issue. I just got it two years ago, a good ten years since I purchased the original issues, but somehow it is really important to me. It’s one of those things that shouldn’t mean so much to me, but represents everything I loved about my childhood: comics, time with my family, trips…all that. There are a few comics like that, notably ones I received as gifts or one’s my dad would pick up on the way back from work, as well as toys, like my Transformer named “Beachcomber.” I remember that my brother and I really wanted to read Uncanny X-Men #268–it had art by Jim Lee, whose work we loved, and featured a Captain America/Wolverine team up, which as kids, seemed like the coolest thing ever. It still does seem pretty cool, actually, and I got the comic last year: well worth the wait. It’s another worldly thing I feel like I shouldn’t value so highly, but it just makes me so happy to remember all the times my brother & I read comics, played with action figures, etc. When I hear a book close, it reminds me of the lazy summers. When I find an old action figures, it reminds of how my parents always found a way to get me cool toys, no matter how limited their budget. These are things I never want to forget.

So for me, that’s what those boxes of old comic books represent. That’s what I think about when I lightly turn the yellowed pages or carefully smooth out a crease on the cover. When I smell the stale pages or look at a panel on a page, I’m brought back to my childhood. The good times. I can sit for hours and read old comics, hokey as they may be, because they’re part of the best times of my life. I love looking through old comics that my family bought for me: they always bought me the right comics. With all other kinds of gifts there may have been some question, as I always seemed to want an Optimus Prime toy every year, but with comics, the choices were right, even when I didn’t know I wanted the comic. I remember that one year my brother gave me a Secret Origins comic about Guy Gardner and the Sandman’s respective origins. I thought it was an odd choice, but I read it and BAM, I became completely engrossed in the tale. That one comic taught me a lot about writing and conveying emotion. So in one fell swoop, my brother gave me a great gift and made me a better writer. No matter how my memory may fade as I age, I’m sure that comic will find a way to bring that say back as clear as a morning sun, because it was just a special moment. I get the same feeling when I see a Hardy Boys book in a store or watch an old action movie I vaguely remembered from my childhood. Doesn’t matter if it’s crap or not: it makes me happy to remember good times.

I know it seems like there’s not much point to this, but I find it interesting when people dismiss comic book fans (or fans of any healthy nature) as obsesssing over stupid thing. The assumption of obsession aside, I can’t say I think there’s anything wrong with me being so attached to a comic book that makes me so happy or being able to find pleasure reading a simple book. It’s no different than loving old sports games or holding onto a ticket stub from a memorable day. We all find joy in so many different ways and I think it’d be a shame to deprive people of that joy (assuming they’re not hurting anyone). Next time you look at someone enjoying a video game, a comic book or heck, even role playing, just stop to think what kind of things you enjoy and how you’d look to the outsider looking in. We all hold onto different things, but I think we all do it for the same reason: we want to be reminded of the best times in our lives. And when you think about it that way, there’s nothing wrong with me reading the same Batman story every few months, now is there? So many of us would be so much happier if we all just embraced each other’s passions and realized we all want the same thing: to just be happy. Next time you’re in a supermarkey, pick up that Archie Double Digest and just go home, lay down on the floor and read it. You’ll feel great.