September 25, 2005

Two Pearls from the Orient

When the average person thinks about Japanese movies, they often think Godzilla (original title: Gojira). You might know that the horror movie The Ring (2002) is based on a 1998 Japanese film called Ringu, or that 1960's The Magnificent Seven was directly adapted from 1954's Shichinin no samurai (cowboys instead of samurai).

I recently had the opportunity to see two incredible films, neither of which involved creatures stomping Tokyo.

Onmyoji. Set in 18th century Japan, the main character is perhaps the greatest of the Onmyoji. Fortuneteller and astronomer, wizard and priest, these adepts were the guardians and monitors of the interface between the material and spiritual worlds. Beyond the swords and sorcery, this is an epic story of love, loyalty, friendship and the triumph of good over evil (although it's a very near thing). The movie is beautiful to look at, and the world it creates is alien to the western mind, yet the underlying rationale for everyone's actions are understandable in human terms. You'll have to pay attention, because the story has layers of meaning and several themes that weave in and out of the forefront of the tale. It's in Japanese with English subtitles, and if you don't mind that then I'd say that Onmyoji is a must see.

A while back, I saw a news item where opthamologists in India were petitioning the government to ban a certain horror movie. Apparently, donated organs are rare in India because the belief in reincarnation is widespread, and relatives wouldn't dream of sending their loved ones onto the next life minus parts. Especially acute is the shortage of corneas. The movie that the medical community wanted banned may have been this next one.

Jian Gui (literally: Seeing Ghosts, but released internationally as The Eye), was made by (I think) a Hong Kong filmmaker. This movie is one of those genuinely creepy films that scares you without grossing you out. In this one, a woman named Mun receives a cornea transplant which allows her to see. This turns out to be a mixed blessing, because she loses important parts of her life since she is now sighted, yet must relearn everything about the world around her - a world she only knows by touch. Again, because of the oriental slant on life (no pun intended), actions and situations are already vaguely strange, and the atmosphere and situations that come about build upon that unease to really amp up the chills. Mun begins to realize that some things she sees are invisible to others, and she's not sure if she's hallucinating or seeing ghosts that walk among us. Eventually, she comes to believe that she must discover the truth behind the donor of her corneas, and the visions become more disturbing as time goes by. The ending is just, wow.

So there you have it. One spiritual trip through feudal Japan, and one helluva chilling ride through east spooksville. You won't go wrong with either of these.

Posted by: Ted at 01:14 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 24, 2005

City folks have to find an upstairs window

I've dreamed of doing this. I'm sure we all have.

Thanks to Dustbury for making my day.

Posted by: Ted at 08:51 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Why cable was invented

Posted by: Ted at 10:23 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 23, 2005

Hey, look who's in town! KILL HIM!!!!

I was watching the Weather Channel coverage of Hurricane Rita, and they've got a reporter located in Sulphur, Louisiana. He was saying that the eye would pass right over or just to the west of them, and another reporter mentioned that the guy was "four for four" this season.

Four hurricanes, four assignments, four times he's been right near where the eye comes ashore.

If Jeff Morrow ever visits your town, get the hell out.

Posted by: Ted at 10:02 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

I'm not an economist

And thank goodness I'm not! Otherwise, folks would be bugging me to explain the goofy gas prices around here.

This morning, my wife called me on her way to work to let me know that a certain gas station in our area was priced at $2.54 a gallon. Across the street is another station that we occasionally use, priced at $2.59. Anticipating a rise in prices, I gassed up the truck at the cheaper place.

This afternoon my wife noticed that the first place had raised prices by a penny, to $2.55 a gallon. Meanwhile, all the way across the street, the other place jumped prices by twenty cents.

I haven't a clue. Maybe their distributor is sticking it to them and they're just passing along the price increase. I can believe that because their prices are insanely volatile compared to most brands in the area, and they're not always more expensive than everywhere else. But if they're trying to take advantage, they're the dumbest businessmen on the planet, because people remember stuff like that, and I'll bet that even when prices stabilize again their business will be down.

We tend to have cheap gas in this area compared to most. What's a gallon going for in your burg?

Posted by: Ted at 08:03 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Teefs

Had a minor dental emergency a couple of days ago that required a trip to see the dentist. I'm pleased to announce (as if anyone cares) that *my* dentist is back from maternity leave and I'm very very happy about that.

So anyways, things went good yesterday and I have a quick followup scheduled for this morning, after which I'll go in to work late and probably stay busy there until this evening (end of the fiscal year coming up fast, don't'cha know). I'll see y'all tomorrow, most likely.

If you see a guy with only half his face working, and a big string of bloody drool hanging off his chin, say hi. It ain't me, but he's probably having a bad day and could use a kind word.

Posted by: Ted at 07:47 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 21, 2005

Lost

Liz got into this show when it started reruns last season, and has been telling me how good it is. She bought the first season on DVD when it came out, and we've been watching an episode as time allows. It's keeping my attention, and reminds me a little bit of David Lynch's Twin Peaks, without the random weirdness. I've learned to pay attention to the details, because everything happens for a reason, and as you watch you'll flash back on previous episodes with an "ah ha!" moment.

If you haven't seen the show, the premise is that some sixty people survive an airline wreck and wind up on a seemingly deserted island. Their flight was way off course when they crashed, so the search and rescue are looking for them in the wrong place. There are a dozen or so main characters, and each episode tells one of their stories along with their continuing tale of survival. Of course there are no 'normal' background stories here, presumably the rest of the survivors are the ho-hum people, not to mention that they make the perfect pool of victims if someone needs to be killed off.

There's plenty of mystery and oddness going on, and a sweet touch of horror. Ultimately though, it's about the people. I hope they can keep up the quality, because so far I'm enjoying it.

Posted by: Ted at 05:14 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

1 and here I thought it was just another version of survivor.

Posted by: michele at September 21, 2005 10:29 AM (db7I/)

2 What I love about the show is how it blows away your preconcieved ideas about the main characters and their character. They seen pretty stereotypical on the island, but then you find out how they got there and it's like "Oh, oh wow". Especially the crazy dude with all the knives.

Posted by: Oorgo at September 21, 2005 11:43 AM (lM0qs)

3 I'll have to check it out. I like some Lynch weirdness and I, too, assumed this was like Survivor or something. I like your banner; but your site is always cool.

Posted by: dogette at September 21, 2005 02:47 PM (2bayr)

4 Thanks dogette.

If you can, start at the beginning. This is one of those shows that really needs the setup to be fully appreciated.

Posted by: Ted at September 21, 2005 06:00 PM (+OVgL)

5 I saw the season opener last night. Riveting. I got lost once. had to spend the night in the woods. Sucked bigtime. But if I was stranded for an extended period of time with a group of people that large, survival would be easy: stalk the slow and the stupid.

Posted by: shank at September 22, 2005 10:47 PM (jfEhX)

6 Christina and I just recently found the joy of watching a series on DVD. We had watched shows we were already fond of on DVD, but not ones we hadn't seen before. From what I'm hearing I think "Lost" might be right up my alley, I think I'm going to wait to see how well they resolve season two, if it is still getting good word of mouth, we'll pick 'em up on DVD. In short - Ted, you get to be our guinea pig! ;-)

Posted by: BLUE at September 23, 2005 02:04 PM (4Xncc)

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September 20, 2005

New Banner

What'cha think?

Posted by: Ted at 06:37 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

1 very nice.

Yours?

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at September 20, 2005 06:59 PM (ics4u)

2 Now come on Stephen... Those can't possibly be Ted's legs...

Posted by: Tim at September 20, 2005 08:11 PM (bw/kd)

3 You realize, of course, that you've set yourself an impossibly-high standard there.

Posted by: CGHill at September 20, 2005 08:42 PM (tEfsQ)

4 I like.

If you could somehow add this into a Werner Von Braun image it would be even better.

Posted by: The Maximum Leader at September 20, 2005 09:21 PM (zHoql)

5 I like.

Posted by: JohnL at September 21, 2005 02:51 PM (YVul2)

6 Legs and a haystack. What's not to love?

Posted by: Tuning Spork at September 21, 2005 08:02 PM (gGUnj)

7 so, your a leg man?

BTW, you're dating yourself w/the cyd charisse reference.

Posted by: michele at September 22, 2005 09:17 AM (0cwiO)

8 No, actually I'm a butt man, but I can appreciate a good pair either north or south from there.

Dating myself? I'm timeless. Besides, I love old movies, so who's to say I don't know her from late night TV?

Posted by: Ted at September 22, 2005 10:58 AM (blNMI)

9 Your birthday girl kicks the crap out of this one Ted. But then, that's just the me talking.

Posted by: shank at September 22, 2005 10:49 PM (jfEhX)

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Work Conversation*

Supervisor: What happened at the meeting?

Me: Bullshit.

Supervisor: No, really, I need more than that. Didn't you take notes?

Me (handing over a page and a half of meeting notes): Read for yourself.

Supervisor (reading carefully): What bullshit.

Me: Echo Echo.

*I made this up. Think of it as a composite of the last 100 meetings I've been to.

Posted by: Ted at 06:18 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 19, 2005

New New Math

Specifically, a new way to do Trig.

Mathematics students have cause to celebrate. A University of New South Wales academic, Dr Norman Wildberger, has rewritten the arcane rules of trigonometry and eliminated sines, cosines and tangents from the trigonometric toolkit.

His book explaining the method is called Divine Proportions: Rational Trigonometry to Universal Geometry (not available at Amazon, yet).

Dr Wildberger has replaced traditional ideas of angles and distance with new concepts called "spread" and "quadrance".

These new concepts mean that trigonometric problems can be done with algebra," says Wildberger, an associate professor of mathematics at UNSW.

"Rational trigonometry replaces sines, cosines, tangents and a host of other trigonometric functions with elementary arithmetic."

This could revolutionize mathematics who knows where it could lead? Sometimes all that's needed is to look at something from a different vantage point to make exciting things happen.

Thanks to Transterrestrial Musings for the pointer.

Posted by: Ted at 08:22 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Only because I have to

According to the rules of our Blogger Bowl fantasy football league, we're supposed to "talk smack". Being the quiet and nonconfrontational sort, I'm hesitant to do so, but since I beat one of last season's powerhouses this week, and since I outscored him despite the fact that my QB earned negative points for me, and since my final player doesn't even get counted until tonight's games, I'll do my best.

Dear Nick,
You are my bitch.
On toast.

Ted

My, that was fun!

Posted by: Ted at 11:37 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Rocket Pictures

I'll put my launch report from last weekend's club launch up in the next couple of days, but Rich already has pictures up, including some very nice shots of rockets in flight. There are also one of me prepping the Barenaked Lady, and two very nice pics of it under thrust.

Posted by: Ted at 05:54 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Like a caption contest on steroids

Derek of Son of Cheese has a new bit o' whimsy for all to play, called OMGWTFLOLLOL. He's posted a blank comic, and you supply the words!

My idea was to leave the balloons blank, because the characters are all mimes. I'm sure you can do better.

Posted by: Ted at 05:38 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

In today's society we hear often about inclusion, so with that in mind, I'd like everyone to join me in song:

Kum-bah-yArrrr, me mateys! Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

Kum-bah-yArrrr, me mateys! Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

Kum-bah-yArrrr, me mateys! Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

Shiver me timbers, Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

Keel-haul the sinners, mates! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
Keel-haul the sinners, mates! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
Keel-haul the sinners, mates! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
Shiver me timbers, Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

There the beastie be! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
There the beastie be! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
There the beastie be! Kum-bah-yArrrr!
Shiver me timbers, Kum-bah-yArrrrr!

I'm sure a fine crew such as yourselves can add a verse to the tune, no?

Posted by: Ted at 04:23 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 18, 2005

Big Lizards

Dafydd ab Hugh (how the heck is that pronounced?) has started his own blog, Big Lizards.

I first saw him guest posting at Captain's Quarters, and recognized the name from several Star Trek novels and other SciFi works he's written. Good read whether you agree with him or not, because he's always interesting and thought provoking.

Posted by: Ted at 01:47 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Ear Candy

Podcasts I've recently listened to:

Ken & Squip Show - new!
Fred Garvin Male Prostitute and the Reverend Demize - funny stuff
Soccergirl Incorporated - something on her site freezes my PC, but I'm usually able to download at least one episode before crashing
Bleacher Guy Radio - sports, co-hosted by Off-Wing Opinion's Eric McErlain
Shire Network News - from the boys at Silent Running

Notice who's missing?

Blue's Simian Syndicate hasn't put anything new up for a while, but he's directly involved with the Katrina effort at work, so you can't fault him for having his priorities straight

Posted by: Ted at 07:35 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

September 17, 2005

Me love you long time, slave

Thanks to Chris Hall for the pointer, (Buckethead, this is right up your alley).

NRA probes Japanese sex android. I like how they try to make this evil machine sound cute and innocent by calling her it a "cyberminx".

This is scary as hell. I'm heading to the drugstore right now, because when the real invasion begins, and folks realize just how deadly sex with a robot will be, there will be a run on KY, rubbers, and cheap wine. I'm stocking up now.

Adjust your survival kit inventories accordingly.

Posted by: Ted at 10:15 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Fractions of a million served!

Hey, sometime last night Rocket Jones got its 250,000th visitor!!!

Kind of amazing, considering posts like the one above, eh?

Posted by: Ted at 10:03 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Mascot finds new home

When baseball's Montreal Expos left town last year to become the Washington Nationals, they left behind their long-time mascot, Youppi!

This season, hockey's Montreal Canadiens have adopted Youppi! as their official mascot.

Ray Lalonde, the Canadiens marketing manager, said Youppi! is the first mascot in professional sports to move from one league to another.

"We always wondered what Youppi! would look like in a Habs sweater."

Yeah, Ray. That makes one of us.

Posted by: Ted at 09:48 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

1 Why didn't we negotiate for Youppi!?

Posted by: Rob@L&R at September 19, 2005 07:01 AM (281T8)

2 I blame Angelos.

Posted by: Ted at September 19, 2005 09:06 AM (blNMI)

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September 16, 2005

Culinary Magic

Carnival of the Recipes, hosted this week by Trub, a beer brewer. Get some terrific ideas for this weekend.

Posted by: Ted at 11:59 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

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