Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Darwin Awards 2005

Yes, it's that magical time of the year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us. Here then, are the glorious winners:

1. When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California, would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked..... And now, the honorable mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat-cutting machine and, after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, he man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer...$15. (If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?)

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinderblock through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinderblock and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinderblock bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.

8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 5 a.m., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

******A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER*****

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges, saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.

In the interest of bettering human kind please share these with your friends and family ... unless of course one of these 10 individuals by chance is a distant relative or long lost friend. In that case be glad they are distant and hope they remain lost


Don't know what the Darwin awards are? Check out this link. And visit the official site for the darwin awards.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Funny Pics

Cos I'm too tired and brain dead to think of any good posts, here some pictures of animals. Some funny, some cute, some just wierd. Enjoy!

Monday, November 28, 2005

The Weekly Release (11/28 - 12/3)

Monday
Dr. Mario / Puzzle League (GBA)
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (DS)
PoPoLoCrois (PSP)

Tuesday
Burnout Legends (DS)
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (XBOX, GCN, PS2)

DVD
March of the Penguins
Mr and Mrs. Smith
Beavis and Butthead: The Mike Judge COllection
50th anniversary of a bunch of Muppet movies

Theater
Aeon Flux

Source: Evilavatar



Slow week. Nothing much to mention, I might get the Mr and Mrs. Smith DVD but not in a real rush there. Quite a few folks have mentioned that March of the Penguins is a good film but... can't generate much enthusiam for it.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Movie Release - RENT


Oh RENT fans are in for SUCH a treat. If you're a fan of RENT, or musicals, or live theater, you've gonna love RENT. It stay true to the stage version and there are no surprises but this is so well done. I was a little apprehensive about the ending being too cheesy but they dealt with it very well. (RENT fans will know what I'm talking about).

I've seen RENT 3 times on stage and it occurrs to me that each different cast beings with it a different emphasis on the characters. Because this is an ensemble performance no one person really gets top billing and its up to the cast members to make their characters shine through. For the Movie version, Anthony Rapp who plays Mark Cohen and Wilson Jermaine Heredia who plays Angel are in my opinion the stars of this cast. They are the glue that holds everyone together. Oh and remember the Cow jumps over the moon monologue by Maureen? Just seening Idina Menzel's version is worth the price of the ticket.

I give this movie a 8.5/10 if you're the kind who enjoys musicals/stage. The downsides are that some parts are slow when compared to the stage version. But that aside I LOVED it.

Thursday, November 24, 2005

My Thanksgiving


This is my actual Thanksgiving Dinner today. For the mian course I'm having Roast Duck, Cheesy mashed potatos, Chicken & Mazzarella Ravioli and Garlic French Loaf. For greens I have Edamame and Desert is Grapes and Pistachio Ice-cream.

This is also my first meal of the day. I slept at 8am this morning and didn't get up till about 4pm. What was I doing you ask? Look down 2 posts! I was playing Warcraft :)

I was invited to Thanksgiving by a friend last weekend. Here are some pics. My Contribution was Roasted Duck on Mushroom Risotto. It was a fun night.
My Contribution to the DinnerBrian, Janice and their son BJ

Happy Turkey Day 2005

Here's a collage of turkey dinners. Enjoy!

WOW Obsessed

After 3-4 weeks of constant cash and cloth farming, I have finally acheived Exalted with the Elves. This means that my character is finally eligible to ride a Cat. Here's the one that I picked.

For all you non World of Warcraft fans, just trust me when I say its a HUGE HUGE time sink.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

'Smallville' Spawns Aquaman Show


News Post: Based on the ratings success of the recent "Aqua" episode on the WB's "Smallville," the network has given the show's producers the go-ahead to create and executive-produce a new show based on the DC hero, Aquaman, according to SciFi Wire.

Al Gough and Miles Millar have been signed to make the untitled show that will revolve around Arthur Curry, Aquaman's civilian identity. Variety reports that the network has already begun casting for the pilot, although Alan Ritchson, who played the character on "Smallville," will not return to the role.

The producers want to make the new show as character-focused as "Smallville" is, with some superheroics mixed in. Like "Smallville," the show won't use the hero's name in the title nor will it ever be spoken during any of the episodes. However, the show will not be considered a "Smallville" spin-off in any way.

Millar said that he and Gough want to make "a grounded version of the Aquaman mythology," specifically focusing on Arthur Curry, who "knows what he wants to do with his life, which is protect the oceans."

Gough says the series will not be titled "Aquaman" and the character will not be "talking to fish or riding a seahorse."

Millar said he and Gough are hoping to create "a grounded version of the Aquaman mythology," focusing on Arthur Curry who "knows what he wants to do with his life, which is protect the oceans ... The stories will come from the environment: ocean polluters, evil oil companies ... There's a mystery surrounding the disappearance of (Curry's) mother and the Bermuda Triangle."

Curry will be able to breathe underwater and have superstrength. The character's adopted father will be an officer in the Coast Guard, and he'll have a mentor to train him.
Casting calls are currently out for this show. Click here to see the requirements for the casting call, interesting read.

I'm glad that we're getting an Aquaman show, a little apprehensive on the direction of the show though. Its fine if they don't want to make a smallville spinoff or concentrate on the "super powers" but please don't make it just another soul struggling gifted person in the normal world. That would just be too mundane.

I'm also glad that 'Alan Ritchson' won't be in the show. He was decent eye candy but man his acting sucked. Still I do hope the new Aquaman is easy on the eyes :p

Monday, November 21, 2005

The Weekly Release (11/21 - 11/28)

It's not just another week, the XBox 360 is finally upon us. Will it be all it's hyped up to be? Will you have to sell a kidney to get one on EBay?

Other than the 360 we have BF2: Special Forces hitting store shelves. It seems a little soon for an expansion pack for Battlefield 2. Peter Jackson's King Kong hits just about every platform and looks to be a pretty solid title with great cinematic feel. Not much on DVD, though the original King Kong looks mighty tempting.

The theater lineup for Thanksgiving is just pitiful, and the movie industry wonders why ticket sales are so bad this year.

Monday
American Chopper: Full Throttle (PS2)
Battlefield 2: Special Forces (PC)
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2 (PC)
College Hoops 2K6 (XBOX)
Combat Elite: WWII Paratroopers (XBOX, PS2)
Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 (DS)
Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World (GBA)
Peter Jackson's King Kong (PC, 360, XBOX, GCN, PS2, DS)
Real Time Conflict: Shogun Empires (DS)
Wild Life! (PC)
Zatch Bell! Electric Arena (GBA)

Tuesday
American Chopper: Full Throttle (GCN)
Ancient SuDoKu (PC)
Chrome SpecForce (PC)
Crime Life: Gang Wars (XBOX)
Elf Bowling 1 & 2 (GBA)
EyeToy: Kinetic (PS2)
Gothic II Gold (PC)
Guild Wars: Special Edition (PC)
Guild: Gold Edition, The (PC)
SBK: Snowboard Kids (DS)
Silent Storm: Gold Edition (PC)
SpellForce: Platinum Edition (PC)

DVD
War of the Worlds (2005)
King Kong (1933)
Aeon Flux: The Complete Animated Series
The Polar Express

Theater
Pride and Prejudice
Rent
The Ice Harvest

Source: Evil Avatar


Actually my opinion is that the theater lineup is fab this week. I'm really pumped to watch RENT and Pride and Prejudice. But I will admit that for the public in general these are not must watch movies.

The DVD lineup is sad. just... sad. And in the game department I was very happy and surprized to see Elf Bowling 1 & 2. WHAT!?! You've never heard of Elf Bowling??? OH MAN! This is one of the funnest games to play and its FREE!!! Go here to download it ASAP.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Why Asians should not do Boy Bands - Part 2


Just in case you didn't get enough the first time round here's another song by the duo.

Why Asians should not do Boy Bands


You have to watch this one. Just click on the picture.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Movie Review - Harry Potter 4

This is now hands down my favorite of the 4 Harry Potter movies. Mike Newell, the director is excellent! He didn't resort to dumb artistic temperament like Alfonso Cuarón did in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He grabs the most important aspects of the plot, throws in some lighter moments that flesh out the cast and supporting cast and tells an excellent story.

The supporting cast is top notch and the kids who were awkward in the 1st - 3rd movies are now coming into their own. I can honestly say that this time round they show vast improvements in their acting, too bad that the show is so fast paced; there just isn't all that much time for a newcomer to the series to connect with them. Then again you really should watch the previous 3 movies before watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I won't elaborate on the plot except to say that it’s an excellent interpretation of the book. A lot of content was left out but if you're like me and it’s been over 2 years since you last read book 4, it won't matter to you at all. The 3 trials of the tri-wizard tournament were excellent, mad-eye moody is now my favorite Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, and the confrontation between Potter and Voldemort is not to be missed! Brave the crowds and go watch this one. I give it a 9.5/10

PS. Also, Daniel Radcliffe has matured a lot in looks and physique. A few more years, a bit more muscle and he is going to be a very hot property. Robert Pattinson who plays Cedric Diggory has been shot from obscurity to potential stardom. He might have the goods to make it, only time will tell. I'm going to be keeping my eye on these 2, call it a hunch.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Hunk of the Week

And this week's hunk is Matthew McConaughey who has also been voted as People's magazine 2005 Sexiest Man Alive.
The 36-year-old Texan -- who claims he's proudest about the "alive" part -- has received People's annual honor and is featured on the cover of the magazine, on newsstands Friday, Nov. 18.

Movie News - Mutant Chronicles

Mutant Chronicle is a futuristic world where mega-companies control the solar system.This solar system is based in several millenia into the future. In a world run by mega corporations, mythical powers and evil Counterparts, there are endless possibilities for adventure.

Published 1993 by Target Games AB, The Techno-Fantasy Roleplaying Game was terminated only a few years later. Target Games has been renamed Paradox (www.paradoxplaza.com).

Mutant Chronicles is not only an RPG but there is also a game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System(SNES), three novels, two collectable card games (Doomtrooper and Dark Eden) and a movie project.
Well this game is now going to be made into a movie. The movie is set in the 23rd century, in which four giant corporations have pillaged the last of the planet's resources, causing a demonic, marauding army of underworld NecroMutants to wage war against humans for what remains. Jane will play a battle-weary Marine who leads a squad of soldiers against the alien hordes, the trade paper reported.

But here's the great news, Thomas Jane is going to star in the movie. I know The Punisher was not a great movie but I did enjoy it. And I also think that Thomas Jane has the potential to be a A list actor if he'd only pick better roles. Regardless its good to see another RPG game get made into a movie. Let's hope this one does not SUCK!

News - Black Friday

Black Friday - so named because it traditionally was the point when retailers started to earn a profit (went into the black) for the year - is now more of a social ritual than a make-or-break financial moment. (A company that waited until the second-to-last month of the year to make money would probably face an investor revolt.)
If you live in america you've probably heard about Black Friday. Its the Friday after thanksgiving and is the single BIGGEST shopping day of the year bar none. Many many people take leave on Black Friday and line up at 5am outside retail stores. I'll admit that for the majority of my 10 years in the States, I've mostly been oblivious to this date, mostly because I don't like crowds or shopping all that much. But I have tired Black Friday out and I did line up at 6am to bargin hunt for 2 years in a row. My best deal thus far was getting "The Simpsons Season 1 DVD" for only $12 from BestBuy.

Would I do it again? Doubtful. Unless I see a deal that I just can't pass up. But the main key to success is research research research and the internet makes it easy. Here are a few sites that might help you in your Black Friday bargin hunting.

BF2005
Gottadeal

And here's an interesting read from the NYTimes about why retailers hate thee sites.

Funnies - Manamana

I love the muppets. This is a classic clip from season 1. Click to picture to view it.