Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Just An Update

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On April 21, 2010

In General Cogitation

I have been doing a lot of movie reviews lately so this time I thought I would post some actual current events; though I’m fairly confident there are not many people who visit and read my blog – perhaps I need to find something more interesting to post more often.

At any rate, work is really busy; so busy in fact that I had a migraine Tuesday after work from the amount of effort spent working though a major piece of functionality. Now that spring has arrived, yard work is now in full swing. Beth and I have many plans for the outside of the house; it seems the landscaping exposure I had as a  youth is paying off. It’s amazing what pieces of minutia stick around in your head from so long ago.

We have a standing water issue in the backyard so we picked up a weeping willow for a great price from Lowe’s. Weeping willows need moist soil to grow so it should do well in the backyard … and potentially assist in solving our standing water issue.

I re-activated my Steam account hoping to find some cool, free, games – my boss told me that Steam is a great place to pick up free or cheap games. I had no idea that is what Steam has evolved into; I remember back when I use to play Half-Life 2 and had to create a Steam account – I thought it was just for additional security. As part of activating my Steam account I think I might dig up the ole Half-Life disks and reminisce one day. I am still dedicated to killing Arthas though in World of Warcraft; sometimes you just need something different to disrupt the monotony.

Cheers.

Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland (3D)

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On April 3, 2010

In Movies, Reviews

[rating:4]

I think a summary of the plot of this movie is moot. If you are not aware of the story of Alice in Wonderland then you have been living under a rock for 30 years. This movie was directed by Tim Burton so that alone should give you an idea of the mood this movie will have but also the attention to detail and caliber of acting the movie will contain.

I will admit I wasn’t sure right away if I wanted to see this film but a good friend of mine saw it before me and recommended we see it and see it in 3D. I’m glad I took his advice though I don’t know if I would go so far as to spend the extra $4 per ticket for 3D. Yes, the 3D was neat but I don’t think it added a lot to the film. I think the film would be just as unique and just as entertaining in regular 2D.

Johnny Depp was his usual odd and gifted self playing the Mad Hatter but I think the actor I enjoyed the most was Helena Botham Carter as the Red Queen. She was very entertaining. I don’t mean to undermine Depp’s acting in this film by that statement though, he still put on an excellent performance. All the actors, I felt, lived up to the standard one would expect from Tim Burton.

It is also my opinion to be cautious if you bring children to see this movie. It is dark and the Jabberwocky is pretty sinister not to mention the graphic method as to which Alice slays the Jabberwocky might be a bit much for younger children. However, the interaction between the Cheshire Cat and the March Hare is  pretty humorous and might be appealing to a some young audiences.

If you have the time I would recommend this film though I would save your money if you have a choice between 2D and 3D unless you are a big fan of the 3D effect. I hope you enjoy the film.

Movie Review: Avatar (3D)

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On March 28, 2010

In Movies, Reviews

[rating:5]

Avatar takes place in the future, on a planet several light years away called Pandora. A multi-billion dollar company is excavating rare materials from the planet to take back to Earth to process and return a rather ludicrous profit. The natives are resisting, and with just cause. A paralyzed marine (Sam Worthington) is sent to the planet to resume control of his recently deceased brother’s avatar. These avatar’s are modeled after the local natives, the mission for these scientists and marines is to study and negotiate with the natives to the benefit of the corporation. As with all plans of mice and men, something goes awry. The details of that I will leave for you to discover on your own.

I saw this movie in 3D; I haven’t seen a movie in 3D since Captain Eo at Epcot Center and to be honest, I wasn’t really on the 3D bandwagon when we were preparing to see this movie. I was hoping to catch a regular digital 2D version of the film. Apparently the 3D was the most popular medium for viewing the film because all of the theaters in the area had already removed the 2D version, much to my chagrin.

I really enjoyed this movie. I think it certainly lives up to all the hype and expectations. A lot of people were saying that the movie has kind of a hippie anti-big business undertone but I disagree. I think its there if you are looking for it, but if you just watch the movie for its intended entertainment purposes I don’t think you are going to walk out hating big business because of some subliminal subtext. The digital artwork is phenomenal and the storyline keeps you intrigued for the entire 2 hour 42 minute runtime.

Regarding the 3D aspect of it, I would agree that watching this movie in 3D was a unique experience,  however, 3D is just a gimmick. It’s an excuse for the theaters to charge you an extra $2-3 per ticket. Honestly, when this movie comes out on Blu-ray, watching it on an HDTV via HDMI is going to be more spectacular then watching it in 3D.

(P.S. Avatar is coming out on Blu-ray April 22nd).

Movie Review: The Invention of Lying

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On March 21, 2010

In Movies, Reviews

The Invention of Lying takes place in an alternate reality where the concept of truth and lie do not exist; nor does deceit or fiction. Everyone says anything that is immediately on their mind. There is a man (Ricky Gervais) who, one day, tells the first lie. The consequences of his lies take him down many awkward and humorous paths in search of meaning and love.

I watched this movie on a whim. The concept was intriguing, it seemed pretty low budget, not too many big names and I was pleasantly surprised. It was witty and clever. I wasn’t expecting the film to be Oscar worthy drama because the premise just alluded to entertainment and that’s exactly what I got out of it. I’ve actually seen the movie twice now and I enjoyed it just as much the second time through. I do think that this movie won’t be for everyone but if you are looking for some mild entertainment with a few cameos from Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Edward Norton I would say to give this movie a shot. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Back from Vegas

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On March 16, 2010

In General Cogitation

I have returned from my trip to Vegas; it was my first time in Vegas but I wasn’t there to gamble, I was there for a friends wedding. I can sum up my impression of Vegas in one word: expensive. We spent a whole $1 gambling but money spent on food also makes things quite expensive in Vegas. I believe that is why people gamble in Vegas, to attempt to replenish the money they spent to eat.

At any rate, like I said, I wasn’t there to gamble, I was there to attend a wedding. This may sound odd but I had never met these friends face-to-face but I have known them and I have known their voices for over 2 years. They are friends we have made from playing World of Warcraft. It was well worth the time and money to fly out there and finally put a face to the voice. It was actually extremely comforting to learn that we all get along very well even when we are not playing the game. We all got along as if we had known each other before the game even existed.

The ceremony was fantastic, Tiff looked extraordinary in her wedding dress. This union between Rich and Tiff was a long time in the making; in my opinion they were already married, this was just the formality. I had so much fun that I really hated to see the weekend end. Again, congratulations to Rich and Tiff to a match made in heaven; may your love never fade and may you both have a long and fulfilling life together. Thank you very much for giving me the honor to attend your wedding.

I definitely think that a real life guild gathering will have to be organized sometime in the future.

Biggs On: Turning 30

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On March 1, 2010

In Biggs On

It is now March and by the end of this month I will be 30 years old; an age that some might denote as the first major milestone as an aging adult. I am certain, without a doubt, that I will get the question (or some derivation of this question) “How does it feel to be (turning) 30?” I could quote some cliche but I feel like cliches are often used to mask one’s true feelings, therefore I’m not going to respond with “You’re only as old as you feel” or “30 is the new 20” because its not representative of my true cogitation on the matter.

Honestly I don’t understand the hype many place on turning 30. The way I perceive it, God willing I haven’t even reached half my lifespan. What is it that I should be depressed about after having been alive for 30 years? There are infants, children and teenagers whose lives are tragically cut short; often by circumstances that are beyond their control. After 30 years I have completed high school, completed college (with 2 degrees), secured a job, and I am married. Granted I don’t have any children yet, but personally that isn’t a pre-30 requirement. Children could lead me down a tangent that is better reserved for its own topic (however, children are in the game plan … assuming it coincides with His plan).Honestly even having completed college or getting married isn’t necessarily a pre-30 requirement for everyone. I’m not here to diminish those who may have chosen different goals and acolytes in their first 30 years.

The way I see it your birthday isn’t something you should ever dread whether you are turning 30, 40, 80, or 100. It’s a celebration of life. You have survived. You have succeeded. You have seen the origin of things; might have even seen the demise of things. So embrace your birthday; embrace your age. Don’t think about how old you are getting; think about how long you have survived. You know what I’m going to do on March 26th, the day I turn 30 years old? I am probably going to get plowed! Why? It isn’t because I loathe getting older, it’s because I’m excited to celebrate turning 30.

And that’s what I think about that; take it how you want it.

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