LOST moved to 10pm

So the execs at ABC are tired of being in 3rd place to CBS Criminal Minds and FOX American Idol...what to do?  They have started to play the game that eventually kills a show.  They have started to play "musical time slots".   They have moved it from 9 PM on Wednesdays to 10 PM.  While I DVR some shows and watch them later, LOST has always been a water cooler show for me.  I guess Thursday mornings will be rough for me this Spring ;-)

 

http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/05/abc-bumps-lost-to-10-pm/

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It's a...

...Boy!!! 

 

In case you didn't  hear it.  Our 5th child (due date, April 12th, 2007) will be our 5th boy.  But you could have guessed that, right? ;-)

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Wachowski Brothers will write and direct "Speed Racer"

I grew up watching the cartoon everday after school...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30572

"After years of idling, the big-screen, live-action version of "Speed Racer" is ready to zoom, this time with Larry and Andy Wachowski behind the wheel.

The Wachowski brothers are writing and will direct the movie, which will be produced by Joel Silver. The movie will be the duo's first directorial outing since completing the Silver-produced "Matrix" series in 2003. They are reuniting with several of the creative behind-the-scenes talent from the "Matrix" films, including executive producer Grant Hill and visual effects supervisor John Gaeta, who won an Oscar for his work on "The Matrix."

Based on the classic 1960s series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida that later was retooled for North American audiences, the big-screen "Speed" will follow the adventures of the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory in his thundering gadget-laden vehicle, Mach 5. The movie will feature other characters from the show, including Speed's family and his mysterious archrival, Racer X.

Silver has been trying to get the film version off the ground since the early 1990s; in 2004, Vince Vaughn even pitched a take that cast him as Racer X. When Silver worked on "V for Vendetta" with the Wachowskis, he approached them about tackling the project. The duo were reluctant to do it unless they could figure out a way to bring something new to the table.

"They are approaching these racing scenes in a way you've never seen before," said Silver, adding that the brothers are designing the movie's look as they write. Silver also said that unlike the more adult-oriented material of the Wachowskis' past -- "Vendetta," the "Matrix" movies and "Bound" were all rated R -- "Speed" will be family-friendly.

"They wanted to do something that could appeal to everybody," Silver said.

The plan is for the Wachowskis to shoot in summer 2007 for a summer 2008 release.

Courtenay Valenti is overseeing for the studio.

"Speed" will be a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures production."

Terri Irwin lashes out at South Park

Steve Irwin's widow Terri Irwin is reportedly "devastated" by an episode of controversial TV cartoon South Park that pokes fun at the late Crocodile Hunter. Terri, 42, is said to be worried that Irwin's children Bindi, eight, and Bob, two, will see the show, which portrays the late star with a stingray sticking out of his chest less than two months after he died. Friday night, Australian TV channel SBS said it is planning to air the episode in Australia next year or in 2008. It has already been shown in the US. A friend of Irwin's widow says, "Terri is devastated Steve is being mocked in such a cruel way. Her worry is that Bindi and Bob will see it and break down. Steve had as big a sense of humor as anyone, but this goes too far too soon." British TV naturalist Mark Amey, 44, who worked alongside Irwin, backed the sentiments, saying, "My message to people is don't watch the show. It's distasteful s**t. Let's hope none of Steve's fans who keep poisonous animals happen to find the addresses of those behind the show and leave them a nice surprise." Irwin was killed by a stingray barb off the coast of Queensland, Australia on September 4 while filming a segment for his daughter's new TV show.

 

http://www.imdb.com/news/wenn/2006-10-30/celeb/5

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Burrito Brothers Tampa

I recently got to attend a Microsoft TechNet event in Tampa, Florida. It was just the excuse I was looking for to go visit the first franchise of the world famous Burrito Brother Taco Co. which has been a Gainesville, Florida/University of Florida tradition since 1976. I work as an IT Admin in Gainesville. The franchise store opened earlier this year and has been a "planned proven success".

This store is known as the "Carrollwood" Burrito Brothers. They now plan to expand the franchise.

My co-worker, Victor, and I arrived at the Tampa store at about 12:30 (a few pics of the outside 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Unlike the Gainesville store it wasn't completely crowded (Yay! The Guac light was on!). There were, however, about 5 or 6 tables of people and a steady influx of people coming in and going out for takeout.

This first thing I noticed was the nice interior of the store. They also had lots of bling for sale. I bought a huge 64 oz. insulated mug with the BBTC logo on it while I was there. I'm currently using it for my water mug at work. With the mug you are supposed to get refills at the store for $1. I wonder if Janet will let me get refills for $1 at the Gainesville store.

The next thing I noticed was the menu. In addition to the regular fare you would get at the Gainesville store they have added Quesadillas and Salads. They also have chorizo (mexican sausage). This can be had on a Quesadilla, on a burrito with chicken or added to queso dip. They also have kids meals (Los Pequenos). In addition to sodas and tea they sell Jarritos (mexican soda), beer and beer-ritas (beer margaritas). An odd thing I also noticed is that they only have Primo Burritos not regular ones.

With all these choices, what did I order? A Primo Beef Burrito and an order of guac and chips. I figured the true test would be to order my usual. The burrito was good but the meat was somehow not right. Either the seasoning was not mixed in all the way or the ground beef was not the same as the Gainesville store. The red sauce was exactly the same...great stuff. The Guac...wow! The guac was the same..but...it was HUGE. The guac was in an 8oz. container and it came with what they said was 2 bags of chips but it seemed like more. It only cost 50 cents more than in Gainesville. As I understand it it is only 2 oz. more guac than in Gainesville. It seemed like double the amount. I could barely finish it all. But hey...you know that I did!

All in all, I was quite impressed with the store. I look forward to taking a trip down there, with the family; letting the boys get some kids meals and I would try something different on the menu.

If you live in Tampa or are traveling there, I highly recommend it. If you are ever in Gainesville, though, check out the original.

Daybreak

Only two more episodes of LOST until February 2007...you heard that
right...stop living in denial. The good news is when LOST comes back,
it will be all new episodes until Summer.

So what will ABC air during the break? Repeats? Heavens no. That is
a promise the creators made to their fans.

Its a new show called Daybreak that is a cross between Groundhog Day
and cop show. It stars Taye Diggs and it comes from Rob Bowman
(X-Files).

It airs Novemeber 15th, on ABC.

http://abc.go.com/primetime/schedule/2006-07/daybreak.html

Jericho and Heroes, full seasons ordered

My two new favorite shows of the Fall season have had episodes for the rest of the year ordered. 

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30378

 

Heroes in an amazing show.  It's a fast-paced, comic book, set in our reality.   NBC puts up the previous week's episode each week....

 

http://www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/?show=heroes

 

You can also check out Graphic Novels of the show, to get you up to speed...

 

http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/novels/

 

Jericho, while it moves a little slower, has a lot of merit, too.  CBS has all the episodes online...

 

http://www.cbs.com/innertube/ 

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"Rhodey" is cast for Iron Man movie

Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes will be played by Terrence Howard.

Any comments on this or the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark?

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The star of Iron Man is...

Gotta say I have mixed feelings about the choice - kdh.

 

"LOS ANGELES (AP) - Robert Downey Jr. will star as the latest Marvel Comics superhero to hit the big screen. Downey will play the title character in "Iron Man," a film directed by Jon Favreau. Filming is scheduled to begin in February, with the movie due in theaters in May 2008. It will be the first feature film produced independently by Marvel Entertainment.

"(Downey's) versatility sets him apart and makes him an ideal fit to play such a complex character as Iron Man," said Kevin Feige, president of production for Marvel Studios.

"Iron Man" is the story of billionaire industrialist and inventor Tony Stark, who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, he builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes, vowing to protect the world as a superhero.

Downey most recently starred in Richard Linklater's adaptation of Philip K. Dick's "A Scanner Darkly," and can be seen in "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," currently in theaters.

"Iron Man" will be distributed by Paramount Pictures."

ref

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Jungle Cruise the next Disney Franchise

Hey as long as they have decent writing and good actors.  Personally I'm holding out for the "Space Mountain" franchise :)

 

"Disney's Feature film division has now set it sails on a cruise, a "Jungle Cruise" to be precise. With the recent success of Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest starring Johnny Depp, Disney is pushing for the next big franchise to be based on a theme park ride.

In talks to write the screenplay are Al Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville). There is no word on plot details or actors but one might imagine the story will derail a bit from the linear theme park ride and trek further into the jungle than ever before.

Jungle Cruise was one of the original attractions at Disneyland and was also one of the opening day attractions at Walt Disney World. Even though the attraction is consider "dated" by some, it still proves to be one  Disney's most popular theme park attractions across the globe".

 

ref

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Steve Irwin Memorial

Video: Bindi Irwin

Bindi Irwin says her dad was her hero

Bindi Irwin has paid tribute to her father at his memorial service today at Australia Zoo.

Entering the Crocoseum to rapturous applause and a standing ovation from the 5000 strong crowd, Bindi appeared confident and composed.

She said her father was her hero.

"He was always there for me when I needed him," Bindi said.

"He listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all he was fun," she said.

"He was working to save the world so that everyone would love wildlife like he did," she said.

She said she knew he had an important job in saving and protecting wildlife.

"He took me and my brother and my mum with him all the time".

"We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together," she said.

Bindi said she would miss her father "every single day".

"When I see a crocodile I will always think of him," she said.

She said her father made the zoo so everyone could come and learn and love animals.

"Daddy made this place his whole life, now it's our turn to help daddy," she said.

Steve's wife Terri quietly cried throughout Bindi's speech.

Steve's father Bob spoke on behalf of the Irwin family, and thanked all of the public for their support since the Crocodile Hunter's death.

He urged the crowd not to grieve for Steve, as he was at peace now.

"Instead grieve for the animals," he said.

"The animals have lost the best friend they have ever had, and so have I."

ref

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A Public G'Day for Steve-O

Steve Irwin's widow last night (13.09.06) confirmed a public memorial service will be held at his Australia Zoo next Wednesday (20.09.06).

The 44-year-old 'Crocodile Hunter' died tragically last week, when a stingray's poisoned barb pierced his heart.

Grieving wife Terri, 42 - who has two children, Bindi, eight and Bob, two, from her marriage to Steve - said: "I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers."

Terri, Bindi and Steve's father Bob will address the service, to be held in the 5,500 seat auditorium - known as the Crocoseum - within the 60 acre wildlife park where Steve was buried during a private funeral on Saturday ( 09.09.06).

The memorial service will be broadcast live in Asia and the US and shown on giant screens across Australia.

Meanwhile, the last picture taken of Steve before his death has been revealed.

The snap was taken just two days before the stingray killed him while he was filming a documentary at Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Steve is seen smiling and holding his thumb up with an arm around friend - marine biologist Chris Jones - on his boat Croc 1.
 

Ref

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Stingrays are being killed after Irwin's Death

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian authorities have urged fans of Steve Irwin not to attack stingrays after several rays were found dead since the TV naturalist was killed in a rare fatal attack by one of the normally placid animals.

Irwin, whose "Crocodile Hunter" documentaries were watched by more than 200 million people, was killed eight days ago when the serrated barb from a stingray's tail pierced his heart.

Queensland state officials said up to 10 of the animals have since been found dead in coastal waters.

Two were found dead with their tails hacked off Tuesday at Deception Bay, north of the Queensland capital Brisbane.

Up to six rays had also been found dead recently further north at Hervey Bay said Wayne Sumpton, a senior biologist in Queensland's Fisheries Department.

"We do not know if these incidents are motivated by Steve Irwin's death. At the moment that is just speculation," he said.

More

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Terminator TV Series?

The Sarah Connor Chronicles...

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/24411

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MGM wants to make The Hobbit with Jackson?

That's apparently something Jackson wasn't aware of...

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/24456

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Private campfire service held for Irwin

A private funeral service has been held at Australia Zoo for 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin, who was killed in a stingray attack, while filming a documentary last week.
According to the television star's father, Bob Irwin, close family and friends gathered at Australia Zoo, which was run by Steve Irwin, to share stories about his many adventures around a campfire.

"Because Steve loved the bush so much and yarning around the campfire, the service was held just like he would have wanted, with everyone telling their favourite stories about him," Bob Irwin said.
  

"It was like he would have wanted and it now puts some family closure to his life," he said.  It has been reported that there will also be a public service for Irwin, most likely in a football stadium to accommodate a large number of fans.

Irwin's manager, John Stainton, said: "Steve would not have wanted us to have everyone around crying and saying how sad it was. We want everyone to come along and enjoy what his life was about."

 

http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0911/irwins.html
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Irwin to be buried at his Zoo

Hey I think it great that he will be buried there.  It's where his life, and heart, was AND it will keep people coming to the Zoo - kdh.

 

Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin's funeral has taken place in Queensland, Australia, according to local media reports. The low-key private ceremony attended by family and friends went ahead in Caloundra. Irwin will be buried at Australia Zoo, owned by his family. A source tells Australia's Sunday Mail newspaper, "The service was a service for family and good friends, people who were close to Steve in recent years. The council gave the family permission to bury Steve at the zoo and we think they're going to erect a monument there so visitors can continue to pay their respects." Internationally acclaimed conservationist Irwin died last Monday after being stung in the chest by a stingray while diving on the Great Barrier Reef. The news of his tragic death shocked the world and sparked a huge outpouring of grief, particularly in his homeland Australia. The country's Prime Minister John Howard had offered a state funeral for Irwin, but his father Bob Irwin insisted his son would have wanted a simple farewell.

 

http://www.imdb.com/news/wenn/2006-09-11/celeb/2
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Steve Irwin Tribute

G'day Mate!

Peter Jackson Loves Remakes?

His next film, Dam Busters, is a remake of a 1954 British film about a WWII era air-raid on a Dam.  An interesting trivia bit is that the final aerial assault on the dam inspired the Death Star attack in Star Wars (1977).

 

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200609020845/1e86eb97

 

When is he ever going to get around to making The Hobbit?

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Irwin pulled the Stingray barb out himself

Irwin's producer describes what was caught on tape...

 

"It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest)," Stainton said after watching the footage.

"He pulled it out and the next minute he's gone. The cameraman had to shut down," he said.

"It's a very hard thing to watch because you're actually witnessing somebody die ... it's terrible."

More.

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Crocodile Hunter killed by a Stingray

A sad freak accident.  Sure I expected him to be killed by Croc or a Snake but a Stingray?  This man was a hero to my boys :(

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html

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New X-Men Series on NBC?

Or is it more like M. Night's Unbreakable? 

 

Heroes a new series premieres 9/25 @ 9 PM on NBC.

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24369

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Walt Disney World One Step Closer to Fingerprint Scanning

"Walt Disney World, which bills itself as one of the happiest and most magical places anywhere, also may be one of the most closely watched and secure. And control over park entrances is getting even tighter: the nation's most popular tourist attraction now is beginning to scan visitor fingerprint information.
For years, Disney has recorded onto tickets the geometry and shape of visitors’ fingers to prevent ticket fraud or resale, as an alternative to time-consuming photo identification checks.
By the end of September, all of the geometry readers at Disney’s four Orlando theme parks, which attract tens of millions of visitors each year, will be replaced with machines that scan fingerprint information, according to industry experts familiar with the technology."

For more deets...

BlackBerrys on a Plane

"No it's not the sequel to the latest Samuel L. Jackson, thriller/comedy. It's what is going to happen to passengers flying on Irish aircraft carrier Ryanair's flights starting next year. All passengers flying one of Ryanair's Boeing 737 jets from Edinburgh to Dublin and Shannon airports will be able to use their BlackBerry and any other mobile device while the plane is in the air. Ryanair hopes to have their full fleet of 200 aircraft equipped with this feature by 2008".

 

http://www.blackberrycool.com/2006/08/31/002223/

Ongoing debate: Real Snakes in the Theater in AZ

"The 'Snakes on a Plane' in a theater debate rages on in Phoenix. The slithery debate has all of Phoenix buzzing as police and snake experts differ on exactly what happened and how a baby diamondback rattlesnake made its way into a theater complex where the film 'Snakes on a Plane' was being shown.

Snakes on a Plane in a Theater DebateThis much is agreed on. There were not two snakes in the theater as originally reported on Phoenix television. There was one snake in the theater and another in the parking lot of the AMC complex at Tatum and the 101 Freeway in North Phoenix.

*** The National Ledger talked to several Phoenix police officers on Tuesday and the consensus from the department is that one snake was captured by an off-duty female officer in the hallway of the theater complex.She was working on security detail and on site when the incident occured.The baby rattler was literally scooped up with a broom and dustpan and placed in a Tupperware container, Officer Stacie Derge told TNL. The officer on the scene then called the Arizona Herpetological Association and they took the baby rattler.Officers believe that the snake may have entered the complex on its own, perhaps from a construction site nearby.

*** That theory was scoffed at by snake experts. The consensus from those that handle snakes for a living is that the snake was likely placed in the building, perhaps being brought into the cinema in a container placed in a backpack or purse.The theory is that no baby snake could make it across traffic from the construction site and into a building where all of the doors are closed unless people are entering the building. Handlers called it a reckless and dangerous stunt, and if the snake was brought in by a moviegoer they would be correct.

*** The National Ledger also spoke with AMC on Tuesday and they told us that they recognize the release of the film Snakes on a Plane has generated a lot of attention. The spokesperson called the situation an "isolated incident that occurred this weekend at a Phoenix theatre was taken care of immediately and none of our guests were harmed. We hope our guests will continue to respect their fellow moviegoers by not engaging in any disruptive activities during the film and, as always, AMC takes steps that are both proactive and cautionary to ensure the safety and security of our guests and associates." *** The incident has dominated local news now for nearly 24 hours as stories seem to continually change and reports vary. But the general consensus of those interviewed the AMC Desert Ridge 18 theatre was that the whole incident was a little scary and very creepy."

Reference

Star Trek: Special Editions?

Nooooo!!! First Lucas and Spielberg screwed things up, now somone is monkeying with the original Star Trek series...

"Star Trek is the latest sci-fi classic to get the CGI 'special edition' treatment. According to rumors picked up by TrekMovie.com, CBS and Paramount have been secretly working on a new version of Star Trek: The Original Series for HDTV. The shows will feature the original episodes with brand new state-of-the-art CGI visual effects, including a a redone title sequence (with re-recorded music). The effects are likely to be limited to the space scenes and not effect the live action scenes, so Edith Keeler will not shoot first. The HDTV Star Trek series will begin broadcasting this fall just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Star Trek."

http://slashdot.org/articles/06/08/29/1230213.shtml

NBC's Emmy skit insensitive? Give me a break!

So the blogs are all in a hub-bub because NBC ran a skit last night featuring Conan O'Brien where he is inserted in several popular TV shows...24, The Office, LOST. You get the idea? Not unlike what Billy Crystal does at the Oscars.

Check out the skit for yourself...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qwCOUgjECtI

So why the outcry? Because, the skit starts off with Conan on a plane to L.A. and the plane goes down and he winds up on the Island from LOST. It turns out that Yesterday at 6 AM there was a firey plane crash in Kentucky in which 49 people where killed. Apparently the runway was too short for take-off.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060828/NEWS0103/608280330

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/08/27/emmy-parodies-planecrash-hours-after-kentucky-accident/

Now I have to ask...what on Earth does this crash, a crash on take-off with 50 people on board have to do with LOST or Conan's skit? The answer, nothing. Plane crashes happen. More people die in car crashes...should we never show movies or shows or skits with car crashes in them?

Are we so PC as a society we can't see unrelated comedy for what it is? I admit the crash was tragic, but the skit was about a TV show...AND they never actually show the plane crash in the skit. People really need to chill out when it comes to "art imitating life" and vice versa.

Give me a break!

Update - Real, Hoax or Cover-up? - Snakes in a Theater

First there was the story I sent out a couple days ago from a local Arizona TV station...

http://www.local6.com/news/9717727/detail.html

Then there were some news stories this AM that said it was just a hoax...

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0822talker-ON.html

Now there are those questioning wheter it was truly a hoax...or a cover-up?

http://defamer.com/hollywood/snakes-on-a-plane/snakesinatheatergate-hoax-or-coverup-196159.php

Developing...

Mark Burnett stirs the Melting Pot

Let's face it Survivor hasn't been very exiciting since the first season.  There have been a couple of contestants to root for Rupert (the "pirate" on Pearl Island and member of the All-Star Survivor and winner for $1 Million for fan favorite) for example but nothing as ground-breaking as the first-season.  One thing I can say is that Mark Burnett (reality-show guru that he is) is constantly changing things in order to 'up the ante'.  Check out the press release for this upcoming season...

 

CBS ANNOUNCES 20 NEW CASTAWAYS FOR "SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS"

Twenty New Castaways Set To Compete When The 13th Installment Of The Hit Television Series Premieres on Thursday, Sept. 14

Ethnically Diverse Cast To Initially Be Organized Into Four Tribes Divided Along Ethnic Lines

CBS today announced the 20 new castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS when the 13th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Sept. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS will feature the series' most ethnically diverse cast to date. The castaways will initially be organized into four tribes divided along ethnic lines (African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic and White) before merging in a later episode.

In addition, throughout the series, at least one castaway each episode will be banished to a separate island (Exile Island) miles away from camp. While being separated from the tribe is not desirable, the castaways will learn that there is a hidden Immunity Idol somewhere on Exile Island. If found, this Immunity Idol could save an individual from being voted out at a future Tribal Council.

If you ask me they should mix up even more.  Next time divide team up along religious lines:  a team of Muslims, a team of Catholics, a team of Jews, a team of Hindus and a team of Bible Thumpin' fundies (I'll volunteer ;).  Then, instead of reward and immunity challanges the goal will to be take Island in the name of their God(s) or convert the rest of the teams to their religion.  Last team standing wins :)

for more deets...

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24270

 

 

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle News

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24228

MySpace Profile - Sold Out to the Man

Yeah, so I sold out and got a myspace account...big whoop!

SprintNextel 8702/7130e

I honestly don't thinkthe Sprint 8702 that was reported by other blogs as being unveiled at WES is going to happen. I talked to several people including the Sprint rep at WES and their best guess was 3Q of this year (or later). I do think the Cingular 7130c will be announced at WES (see my earlier blog entry) and the Sprint rep did confirm that the Sprint 7130e will most likely come out later this month. This makes the May 28th release date mentioned on other blogs a good bet.

The U.S Supreme Court and BlackBerrys?

I talked to 3 people tonight at a WES reception who provide IT support to the U.S. Supreme Court. When I asked them which Justices used which devices, all they could tell me was "various". For security reasons they couldn't even tell me what carrier they used. Again the answer was various. The most I could get out of them was some used BlackBerrys some used other devices and that they all used whatever carrier was best coverage for where they lived.

WES reception

Wow, I have to say that RIM knows how to take care of its customers, the goverment reception was pretty good the WES-Wide reception has carved roast beef, mahi-mahi and a full bar, woo-hoo.

Cingular 7130c

I talked with a RIM rep who had a Cingular 7130c on him. When I mentioned it he waved his hand and said in a Jedi-like tone, "you did not see this device". He would not confirm or deny a launch-date. Developing...

Blogging from WES

This week I will be blogging Live from the Wireless Enterprise Symposium in Orlando, FL.

Come back for for updates May 15-18.

IMDb Listing for Star Trek XI

The "full cast and crew" IMDb.com listing for Star Trek XI shows not only J.J. Abrams as Director and Producer but shows Damon Lindelof (listed as a producer) and Alex Kurtzman (listed as producer and writer). Damon Lindelof has been a writer and producer for LOST and Crossing Jordan. Kurtzman has been a writer for Alias, Hercules (with Kevin Sorbo), M:I:3 and the upcoming MichaelBay/Transformers (live action) movie that has had so much buzz lately.

It also lists Roberto Orci (Alias writer/producer, M:I:3 writer) as a writer and producer and Bryan Burk (Alias and LOST producer) as a producer.

For a movie not due out until 2008 my hopes are high. I'm guessing we'll be treated to another cameo of Greg Grunberg?

My M:I:3 Review (No Spoilers)

I have to say that M:I:3 was a real fun popcorn flick. Sure, Cruise's antics have been annoying lately but this is one fun movie.

As good or better than MI (less of a mess, plotwise). Worlds better than the self-indulgent M:I-2 (I am so over John Woo and his overdone slow-mo acrobatic violence...it was neat the first time I saw it in Hard-Boiled, 4-5 pictures later...yawn).

M:I:3 is good because of a few key reasons...

#1 (here it comes again) J.J. Abrams. The man knows what he is doing. The first couple seasons of Alias was top-drawer stuff. LOST has been phenomenal so far. M:I:3 is like Alias at its best (maybe better because of budget). The point here is that Abrams knows how to make a butt-kicking secret agency movie. Story has it that someone close to Cruise sent him the first two seasons of Alias on DVD, he loved it and asked to meet with Abrams and the rest is history.

#2 Mission Impossible working in teams (like they did on the old TV show)? One thing the last two movies, especially 2, lacked enough of was agents working in teams to pull off jobs. Again, this is something that Abrams knows how to do.

#3 Those darn masks and other gadgets. While 1 and 2 had those cool (and sometimes annoying) masks and other cool gadgets they never really explained how things worked. 3 goes out of its way to show you this and doesn't overuse them. There are some really cool remote control machine-guns that Ving Rhames character uses.

#4 For J.J. Abrams fans look for a cameo of Greg Grunberg (Agent Weiss from Alias) who has known Abrams since Kindergarten. Apparently he has appeared in everything that Abrams has made.

What doesn't work...

#1Sure the whole plot revolves around Ethan Hunt (Cruise) being engaged and his fiancee being in danger of because of his job, however, her reactions to everything including the end of the movie are so unbelievable that it didn't completely work for me.

#2 The gratuitous shots of Tommy boy running in close-up (I know its his trade-mark but c'mon).

Other than that this is a really fun film.

The interesting thing to note is how bad the Box Office was for it this weekend. Its too bad that Cruise has been such a wack-job as of late. The annoying TomKat/TomKitten stuff, the on-going Scientology agenda, the mean-spirtited comments he made about Brooke Shields all add up to one thing. Women, who were a huge portion of his audience would rather not go see Tommy boy as much as they had in the past. Cruise movies in the past were the safe date-movies. Action for the guys. Eye-candy for the women. What women don't take kindly to is having Cruise slam Shields for using anti-depression meds...or jumping up and down on Oprah's couch like he is the one who needs the meds. They want to see strong/sexy leading men not the cuckoo for cocoa puffs guy he has been as of late. Also, if you believe the rumors Katie Holmes is merely Tom's beard (a whole other can of worms) and baby factory (ala Michael Jackson).

For me M:I:3 was good because of J.J. Abrams and in spite of Tom Cruise's off-camera antics.

I give it, a 6 out of 7 (7 being the highest), "I would pay to see it at Gator Cinemas"!

See what Rotten Tomatoes says.
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Rating Scale of 1-7 in cheap-o-rama:

Would pay to see it at the Cineplex
Would pay to see it at Gator Cinemas
Would pay to rent at BlockBuster (with a coupon)
Would ask Billy Grainger to find bootleg for me
Would put DVD on reserve at the Library (and wait 2-6 months to get it)
Would wait until it hits TBS/TNT/Network TV
Would only watch if the cable went out and the only channel I could get over-the-air was a showing of this movie

LOST ARG begins?

The Hanso Foundation Web site has been completely changed...perhaps this is the beginning of the game that was promised to start Today? Note there is a place to sign-up for a newsletter.

Superman Returns Trailer Online

Kevin Spacey looks like the perfect Lex Luthor...maybe better than Gene Hackman was?

Lex: C'mon let me hear you say it, just once.

Lois: You're insane

Lex: No! [laughing] No..the other thing.

Lois: Superman will never let you...

Lex: NO!!!!

You be the judge. Check it out.

M:I:3 is Tom Cruise in Alias?

Love him or hate him, J.J. Abrams has had 3 hit TV shows (Felicity, Alias and LOST), is the director for M:I:3 and will next be helming the Stark Trek prequel movie (due out in 2008)...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,194063,00.html

Iron Man, Thor, Nick Fury and Captain America?

Marvel Studios announces several new projects in the works, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Nick Fury - S.H.I.E.L.D

Check it out!

LOST Interactive Game Coming May 3rd

ABC and LOST are starting an Interactive Game or ARG (Alternate Reality Game) to help promote the show...

April 24, 2006 -- "Lost" fans around the world will get a chance to start unlocking secrets about the mysterious island that has become an international obsession.
In what's being hailed as the largest interactive challenge based on a TV series, ABC and 19 other networks stretching across five continents are introducing "Lost Experience" — an Internet game that will feature a parallel story line that will give insight into the top-rated show.

The first clue will air on a May 3 episode, but network executives aren't saying how the game will launch or whether the critical clue will come during the broadcast or as part of a commercial break.

No further information for "Lost Experience" is being released, and network executives say future clues could pop up in any part of the world and on any medium. Fans from different countries will have to reach out to each other and trade information if they want to start sleuthing.

"The game reaches back into 'Lost' history and looks forward to future episodes," said Mike Benson, senior vice president of marketing for ABC Entertainment.
You don't need to be one of those hard-core fans who've memorized every episode, he said. "We wanted to make it so that if you watched 'Lost' from the beginning or if you've never watched the show before you can get into this."

The game is specifically designed in a manner that is not dependent on information from season one or season two.

In its rise to the top of the ratings chart, "Lost" has already pioneered unconventional approaches to marketing that play off the show's eerie tone, including a Web site for Oceanic Airlines, the fictitious company that operated the plane that crashed in the first episode.
"When we built the site for Oceanic Airlines, we wanted to do something that was different from all the other TV show sites," Benson said.

"What we discovered was that by creating additional content for this show, we could create a marketing tool that would have fans more invested in the program, and if it was cool they'd share with their friends."

While the Oceanic Airlines site added some realistic dimension to the show, "Lost Experience" is an entirely more ambitious effort.

"The show breaks so many rules, and we're really trying to do the same with our marketing and be organic," Benson said.

Walden Media Outlines the Narnia Movie Series

"Entertainment Weekly has an article outlining Walden Media’s plans for the future of the Chronicles of Narnia series of films. Here is the order given:

1. The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005)
2. Prince Caspian (2008?)
3. Voyage of the Dawn Treader
4. The Silver Chair
5. The Magician’s Nephew
6. The Horse and His Boy
7. The Last Battle

The article also says that, according to Cary Granat (CEO, Walden), Prince Caspian may be bumped from 2007 to Christmas 2008 due to daunting effects demands. The article adds that Walden plans to use Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair to create an interlocking trilogy that will be shot in order.
No official release dates have been announced for any of the upcoming films."

Other than the series dragging out so long (18 more years unless they speed things up), this is very interesting news. I say interesting because this would neither use the Published Order or the Chronological Order.

There has always been a debate, in the Narniac (fans of the series) community, of whether the books should be read in Chronological Order or the Published Order.

The Chronological Order is:

The Magician’s Nephew (How Aslan created Narnia)
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy (Happens during the reign of the 4 Pevensies before the end of LWW)
Prince Caspian
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle

While the Chronological approach is not bad after one has read the entire series, it is awful if you have not already read it because certain elements, if they are revealed too early, ruin the suspense of the storyline. An example are key plot devices The Magician's Nephew uses that better explain things from LWW. If one has never read the whole series before seeing/reading the stories in Published Order leaves more room for suspense.

The Published order is:

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Prince Caspian
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician’s Nephew
The Last Battle

For more on the debate see the article, What Order Should I Read the Narnia Books in (And Does It Matter?).

J.J. Abrams to direct Kirk and Spock the Early Years?

First Alias, then LOST, currently M:I:3. Wunderkind J.J. Abrams has been a very talented and busy guy.

The blogs are all buzzing, Today, about his next project. The next picture in the Star Trek Franchise is a prequel that introduces us to a young Kirk and Spock...

Daily Variety said the action would center on the early days of "Star Trek" characters James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer-space mission.

For more info check out this article.

LOST creator puts hidden reference to show in M:I:3

According to an Australian interview with Mission Impossible III director J.J Abrams, he has hidden a hidden reference to LOST in the movie.

Abrams of course is also the creator of LOST and Alias.

To hear the interview bit click here. No spoilers.

Narnia DVD #1 for 2 weeks in a row

The DVD for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been Number 1 for two weeks in a row.

As you already know I thought the movie was a faithful adaptation of the book. Walden Media and Disney are working on the 2nd movie, Prince Caspian. I am hoping this turns into a 7 movie franchise, just like the Harry Potter books/movies.

Make sure you check it out if you haven't seen it yet. If you saw it and loved buy a copy.

Star Wars Weekends at Disney-MGM Studios

Disney-MGM Studios is once again having their Star Wars Weekends from May 9-June 11th.

We will be down in Orlando for the Florida Homeschool Convention the weekend of May 26-28th so we will probably go on one of those days.

T-Mobile now selling the BlackBerry 8700g

Both BBHub and RIMarkable are reporting that T-Mobile has officially started selling the BlackBerry 8700g. Up to this point Cingular had an exclusive with the 8700c.

What's so great about the 8700? Other than a much nicer form-factor it features a high-speed data connection (EDGE in the case of Cingular and T-Mo). Download speeds are at least 2x faster than regular GPRS BlackBerrys.

The question now is how much longer before a CDMA version (Verizon, Sprint, Alltel) will be available? My guess would be 4th quarter of this year.

Good Friday

The boys and I have been reading a really good book that we got from the Library called Peter's First Easter. It's both a picture book and a chapter book that gives a first-person account of what St. Peter was going through from The Last Supper to the Resurrection. Each chapter is fairly short and it's broken up in such a way that Tonight we will read about the Crucifixion, Tomorrow we will read about Jesus in the tomb and on Sunday we will read about the Resurrection and so on. The refreshing thing about it is that the book is neither dumbed down nor too hard for my boys to wrap their minds around. The first-person narrative really sucks one in and humanizes Peter. We have read this for a couple of years. I am seriously considering buying this from Amazon.com. I also see that there is another book written by the same people titled Mary's First Christmas.

Blogging from my BlackBerry

One reason I chose Blogspot for my weblog is the ability to post blogs from my BlackBerry. I plan to use this feature often. When I am out and about and see or hear something that I just have to share.

This entry was sent from my BlackBerry 7520 as a general test and example of what can be done.

Welcome to the Planet-X Blog!

This is my first blog, so forgive me if I break all the rules.

My goal is to share what's going on in my life and what is grabbing my attention at the moment. This will include, but not be limited to, my family, work, food, movies, music, BlackBerrys, etc.

If that's boring to you then don't come back. I will try to make things as interesting as possible, though, so check back from time to time.