I am one pampered Dad...

Fathers Day came a day early this year when "The Girls" presented me with one of these on Saturday afternoon (so I could jam for a few hours as we knew Sunday would be busy). That's a 5 string Fretless, and about the best value in one on the planet. It's great!

I've got a wonderful wife and kids!

Star Trek..... Spoilers Abound!

First off, let me say I enjoyed it greatly as entertainment in itself. A fun. never boring ride filled with young actors that I already liked, or do like now. JJ Abrams succeeded in making what was a chuckle on TOS (The Original Series) into genuine laughs for this show. I am extremely happy to see the franchise re-vitalized. If George Lucas wants to know where he went wrong with episodes I-III, he need look no further than this movie. The actors are allowed to use their own dynamic intensity to homage (and slightly parody) the cast from TOS.

Some folks have been complaining Kirk (Chris Pine) gets beat up on too much and some have surmised that it’s JJ’s method of giving Shatner the finger for being an ass about this production. Shatner gave the impression that it couldn’t be done without him (more on that later). Chirs Pine did an admirable job as the wee Kirk, and in the last scenes he added what was kind of missing earlier in the movie (the swagger and over-intonation of voice).

Zachary Quinto did a perfect job as Spock per my Mrs, I agree, but he was even more anal than Nimoy in TOS. It meshed in contrast to his outburst (more anal = bigger loss of control). It will be interesting to see if he’ll tone it down for the next one.

Uhura, I really didn’t know who Zoe Saldana was, she did a decent job in re-imagining the character (re-imagined more so than any other character) certainly not the same body type as Nichell Nichols (you could never call her a stick). In TOS, Uhura did always seem to have a bit of a wink when it came to Spock’s behavior (even about his pseudo relationship with nurse Chapel), but I’m thinking that this plot development has to do with the alternate time line (again, more later).

McCoy (Karl Urban): Damn perfect, only had one time where his lines seemed forced (the “Dammit I’m a Doctor” line to boot, but how can anyone ever say that as well as DeForest Kelly).

Scotty (Simon Pegg): A Doctor Who refugee, who did an excellent job, he and Bones where the two who left me wanting more (means they did their job the best). Tho’ his wrinkly faced dwarf buddy should not have made into the last scenes.

Checkov (Anton Yelchin): Perfect voice, hysterical shipwide announcement, looks like a Irish kid doing a Russian accent.

Old Spock: Nimoy the most relaxed in the ears since “The Voyage Home”.

Sarak (Ben Cross): Continuity error, Sarak’s hair was still black in TOS, he was made gray so Old Spock could say the “I am not our Father” line at the end.

Plot: They spend a lot of time explaining “how different” their now alternate time line is/will be, but things get awful close to the continuity of the existing Star Trek universe barring the destruction of Vulcan.

I don’t think Kirks dad is ever mentioned in TOS or the movies, so we have to take for granted that in TOS timeline Kirk’s dad was Starfleet, and alive for his graduation and that has now changed in this timeline.

They did keep with the description/continuitiy of Kirks “passing” the Kobayashi Maru outlined in “Wrath of Kahn”, (which you might think would have changed given the “alternate” timeline was already in place).

Spock’s abandonment of Kirk on (Hoth): What are the chances, he’d be dropped on the same planet Old Spock was on? First snow beast (bear-like) was believable, but the “monster” was improbable. Any creature with a large fleshy (colorful) mouth, that exposes it when attacking, is going to live in a warm climate, I mean… it’s mouth was open for MINUTES in the freezing cold chasing Kirk, no breath, but bouncing with anticipation of eating him… just NO logic whatsoever in that creature, and then it runs from a burning branch? It’s the one time I was embarrassed to be watching this movie.

Romulan miners: Does the Romulan mining guild wear tatoo’s, or did JJ want to more clearly differentiate the Romulan’s from the Vulcans.

The Romulan 25 year wait: Biggest hole in the script… The mining vessel comes through the black hole, destroys Kirk Senior in a Starfleet vessel, and sits and waits there for 25 years for Spock and no one ever comes to retaliate?!!! C’mon!!!!! Not to mention they barely age (honestly, the only difference I could see was stubble). I know they live longer, but give them some gray eyebrows or something.

Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood): Almost ruins the plot by suggesting to the miners that Romulus is alive and well in this time. Should someone have suggested that the miners prepare Romulus by providing the red matter for the situation in the future…They waited 25 years, what’s another 104? …. Well…..we wouldn’t have a movie then would we…..

The bug they put in Pikes mouth, looks wayyyy too much like (and works just like) the bug Khan used in “Wrath of Kahn”….what…no other truth tech from the future than bugs in an orafice? Does it really explain Pike needing a wheelchair? If his spine was damaged, why was he able to grab that phaser, or shake Kirk’s hand at the end? Tho’ it does set up his convalescence ala “The Cage” from TOS “Second” Pilot, so again, this “alternate” timeline seems to make TOS’s timeline possible.

The original pitch: As I understand, this concept was supposed to start as Kirk and Spock reminiscing about their early days (flashback movie). This would have been problematic, since Kirk died in “Generations” that meeting would have had to take place before the events of that movie which would have been a flashback movie inside a flashback movie…. Though if they fully embraced the alternate timeline, they could say the events of “Generations” never happened and Kirk could be alive… Though I don’t think they want to go there. There was also some talk of a holographic Kirk recording.

There seems to be enough cushion in the plot that if this tanked they could still rescue TOS continuity with another movie, or a pilot for a new series, but it doesn't look like they'll have to.

...

More local Weirdness

Today, the Stevenson was backed up. I had to get off and ride through the old hood down Archer Ave. I found this at Archer & Damen (a bus stop I spent much time at in my youth):








I especially like the bloody teeth.





just in case you'd like to see it from the reverse angle...

I am alive....

Really still on Hiatus... Alas, I have a couple of items I wanted to share:



Here's that pre-wrapped bacon BNL is always singing about that doesn't exist...well now it does!

I've had this pic on my phone for MONTHS, just got around to processing it now.








This place has been in my area for years. They recently added some paper signage that for some reason cracks me up every time I pass by, I thought I'd share:













Knowing that a true Scotsman is commando underneath their kilt, it's a bit like renting underwear don't ya think?

....

Early Hiatus

I know it's been a while... way to much stuff to even summarize, including stuff from the holidays that I didn't include in Christmas Rush. I hope all who are invited to the Cabin Fever Cure" can make it.

For the most part for the last few years, I've been giving up blogging and message boards for Lent,
this year will be another year that I do so.
Effectively, I've barely been on since December anyways, so starting a few weeks early shouldn't make any difference, so I'm going to hit the road now.

I'm not sure that this is still worth doing other than to vent now and then and give updates to my family who are out of town. Most of the hits on this blog are from my exploits with Musicians Friend and Pheasant Park Resort. I could keep my family updated via email as well for the number of hits I get from them.

In addition I really need the time to trim down. I'm down 10 lbs, and the Mrs. is that and another 20 lbs ahead of me (she looks wonderful). I've got my appetite finally under control via no more in-between meal meals, and no food at work at all. Even though I'm working nights, I've changed to eating on a day schedule, this seems to be the most effective method I've tried, The first week or so was tough at work, but I'm used to it now, just water and one cup of coffee before I come home. This and other home projects are what need my attention most now. So it may be a while after Lent when I come back.... If I even do come back.

Time will tell.

Christmas Rush 2008

Actually, it wasn't so much of a rush this year. We got to spend time with lots of family and friends; some planned, some spur of the moment. 

All was enjoyable.

The girls had modest requests, mostly books, Wii games, and in Daughter #2's case; an electronic drum set (Santa was merciful and brought a First Act set with headphones). 

The Mrs and I had agreed to forgo any big gifts and get an Ozzie Plan (which we did) for each other.... but she cheated and snuck in something I wanted and didn't even know it....a Soundseat.  I must say the Soundseat is the most comfortable chair intended for music that I've ever sat in. After years of sitting on amp cabinets, folding chairs, the edges of beds, kitchen chairs, and bar stools (all of which give you neck aches and numb legs), it is refreshing to sit and play on something so comfortable. I usually stand and play when I'm playing stuff I know, but when learning stuff, I'm almost always sitting...and practicing is usually cut short by discomfort from sitting and playing... no longer with this seat. It has a full back, but you barely need it because the stool portion is so comfortable. In addition, it forces you into correct posture while playing, which helps the whole operation as well. She says she's getting even for the ipod interface I put in the Prius for our Anniversary, but even with that... she still went overboard (not that I'm complaining). 

I have to work New Years, and the Mrs. has to travel for work this weekend, so it's nice we had such a good Christmas week, because this week has virtually no holiday for either of us. 

I hope you all have a Happy and Safe New Year. 

Gobble Gobble

I'm not tired of this picture yet, so you'll all have to look at it for another year. I'm thankful for this picture ;) ...

I'm thankful for lots of things, but most of all my wonderful Wife and kids. I cannot imagine life without them. They have helped make me who I am and guided me down a path I didn't even know I was on.

I am thankful for family and friends that make any time we spend together special.

I'm thankful to be alive here and now in the life I have luckily entered into.

To you and yours: A very Happy Thanksgiving!

'

O.K.....enough....

For those of you who keep sending me stuff like this:






Just stop it.



In case you hadn't heard 63% of voters including 1 in 5 who
voted for McCain are optimistic about the future.
In this house that would be 2 of 5.
....well..... except for the at GRA/401K grab thing....that would be bad


-

Hmmmm......

Much talk about the economy and how bad it may or may not be. 

At this point; Most of those who have, continue to have, those who have not are waiting expectantly... I wasn't aware of quite how much, until we went out last night one to of our favorite places, Barraco's Pizza It was quite full of African Americans who seemed to think it was more like "Barack O's". I can see being proud of the win, and even the shouts of "It's our time now" but to make me have to listen to extended shout-outs of foul mouthed rap songs was a bit much. No one at the place was even attempting to have them quiet down (a group of about 25 guys). Other tables with African American's looked quite uncomfortable with what was going on as well. We walked out after 10 minutes. The waitresses were all hiding in the bar area, so we couldn't even find ours to let her know to cancel our order. We've NEVER had anything like that EVER happen there.

On a related note: I'm not sure how I feel about the Democrats wanting to Eliminate 401K tax breaks. A Fed sponsered retirement plan looks O.K. on paper but discussion have been going on that may expand the GRA plan of Teresa Ghilarducci  that is being bandied about. Even to the point of freezing and/or eliminating current 401K's until it can be determined if they are "better" than the GRA plan (if implemented and determined "better" you would be able to keep it). Her proposal said that current assests won't be touched, but it's not clear if they would be back-taxed as they're might not be anywhere to roll it into. Participation in the GRA plan would be mandatory starting with a $600 payment (via a tax credit) and 5% of salary deducton a year; half from the employee, half from the employer (to be administered by the Social Security Administration). Return would be gaurenteed at 3%. The only folks exempt from the plan would be compaines with existing pension plans determined (again) to be "better" than the GRA. 

Mind you, this may not replace Social Secuity, it may be in addition to it. 

*update* Sorry, I didn't finish. 

The problem I see with this plan is that every company that has a pension plan (like mine) will use the GRA to bail out of it so they don't have to maintain it anymore....even municipalities and the like... that would not be good.

Well, now THAT's over with...

Well, even though I didn't vote for him; BHO will be good for Illinois and for "The City". I was very anxious about the Grant park rally, but it went as smooth as a baby's behind. I was working last night, and Obama was there until 02:30 am to visit with most everyone who wanted to see him (those who paid  ). It's a feather in our cap for the Olympics, and .... I imagine the budget cuts and layoff's "The Mayor" has been insisting MUST happen, will be magically funded, because he knows some money is coming his way now. 

Get out there and vote!

Don't care who for (well, actually I do, but at this point I'm not converting anyone).

Just get out there and DO IT!

Don't forget to take your slip to Starbucks, Ben & Jerrys, or any of the other places who give discouints or freebies to those who have proof of voting.

Who Wins? Everyone!

Not really, but methinks no matter who wins, things will be better off than they are now....eventually.

The thing I'm dreading is Tuesday night. No matter who wins, I'll probably have to go in early and stay late.

It is a really REALLY bad idea to have Obama's after thingy in Grant park... I can't stress enough what a bad choice it is to have it there....and for the Mayor to let him have it there...

Low on Halloween spirit this year. We have our outside stuff up, but  I'm just not jazzed this year....weird with it being on a weekend and all... oh well! Middle age setting in. 

Is it just me, or don't you care to see any movies out that are currently out? (we saw "Burn after Reading", but that was the only one since "The Dark Knight"). 

DST: Some bantering about that the current "evaluation" might be extended to 2020, though a California report seems to think it does not make any difference... though since the weather there is not indicative of most of the U.S., I don't know how much water it holds. Some other reports show marginal (4.5% max) savings, but most a.m. savings are offset by p.m. losses. I really hope we switch back ASAP, as we have several systems at work that we have a Y2K7 problem with, that we manually adjust to work around. Honestly, we just need to switch back before next spring. 

SooOOOooo, don't forget to "Fall Back" this Sunday Morning (I have to go in for a few hours to make our adjustments). 

The Mrs. had some Business travel this week, man I HATE when that happens. I just can't sleep right when she's away (not that I ever sleep right compared to most folks). 

Yoda is now just a dyslexic gremlin!

*Sigh* Just to start with... none of the over sized eyes have any feeling whatsoever.
Next; George Lucas tries to resurrect the wacky/crazy/funny Yoda from "The Empire Strikes Back" (though it doesn't come across with those dead eyes)....
These are just some of the hallmarks of the latest attempt to make likable the stars of Episodes I,II, & III ....which is not cutting it (IMO) in the new "The Clone Wars" CGI series on Cartoon Network.
This follows the CGI release from this summer, which even though it targeted the kiddies, was probably as good or better (character-wise) than any of the III digitally recorded "real" films. At least you could like some of them by the time it was over. While the TV show is made in the same style (and with the same software), it is not done to the level of the theatrical release both in background detail and especially around the eyes. In the CGI movie, the eyes had a 3-D look which gave some depth to the over sized eyes (anime' style). But in the series from the front most of the eyes look flat... or as Quint said in "Jaws": "Like a dolls eyes". None of them have any depth until they look away and you see them from the side. They actually did a better job in the traditionally animated "Clone Wars" from 2003. While the digital versions get their look and feel from the 2003 mini-series, the human-rendered version was much more engaging too look at, and compensated for the mediocre voice work than the current computer-rendered version does.
Which brings me to the title of this post. In the 2003 animated version, the "drawn" Yoda looked so cool that I could forgive the less-than-Frank Oz performance of voice actor Tom Cane... but the current CGI-fest with it's dolls eyes and lackluster voicing makes Yoda seem more like a dyslexic little gremlin instead of a powerful Jedi Master. He's doing some things and making decisions that seem very un-Yoda-like in the first few episodes. Even with episodes I, II, & III, I never even thought of poking fun at the Yoda character whatsoever....but this latest (useless and fruitless) "labor of love" from George Lucas has succeeded in finally burning me out on the franchise.

I'm thinking that he would have been better off filling in the gaps from Episodes IV, V, & VI....but then he'd have to pay royalties to the original cast (I be he regrets cutting those royalty % deals now).

Lost he is....hmm...heh...he hee HEE hee he heee (Yoda cackle).

Not to say I told you so....

O.K.....I was wrong about oil futures (I think with all the money they've made in the last two years, they can take the hit and still be profitable). Don't go out and buy a big SUV to celebrate just yet...

Did it just dawn on investors that the Bailout would take years to take effect or what?

WSJ says it all: Dow's Worst week comes to an end. 

3000 now seems very possible. 

Don't hold your breath.....

'Cause you're going to turn purple if you do......

Bailout blues? What's the hold up? Punishing the execs and making sure they don't profit from the bailout now....or down the road. This delay could tank McCain.

Gas prices.... Oil futures on the rise again....all the mortagage speculators who dumped/crashed are now fighting to get into oil futures. This is bad news waiting to happen. They tanked the banks, insurance, real estate, and stock market.....now their gonna artificially inflate/then tank oil. 

Be afraid.....be very afraid. 

If someone asks me to put a political sign (any candidate) on my lawn, I might just give it back to them in a way they might not like.

Tighten up the belt buckle folks, we're in for a drought...in more ways than one. 

My bro-in-law says were in for the Dow plunging to 3000, I don't think it will get that bad, but it's about to get the worst it ever has been since after WWII. 

Prepare! Be vigilant! Another terrorist attack of moderate size could tank this nations economy in no time flat. Everyone is VERY distracted just now. Focus people, FOCUS. 

*taking a deep breath*....

More importantly....Never Forget

Oil companies Drilling....the Dept of Interior!

No really, Big Oil is on the up and up...no... REALLY!

September comes in like a Lion......

Google Chrome ROCKS! Not that I love HOW it works, but I do love how FAST it works.

Mazda 5: Getting an average combined mileage of 22-25 mpg. If this keeps up, the fuel cost for the Mazda will be around $1100 a year (with gas at $4 a gallon) less than the Windstar. Most excellent!

Prius: Getting average combined mileage of 40-43mpg. A bit dissapointed that after a "required" fuel system cleaning (20,000 miles) the mileage actually went DOWN. We were getting 43-47mpg before the cleaning. Toyota "claims" the computer has to learn the new fuel air mix after the cleaning and that it should be back to "normal" soon (it is recently on the upswing). Installed a hitch on the Prius for vacation and took the bikes with. Took down the mileage a bit, but still gas cost for the whole vacation was under $60, if we had taken the Windstar, it would have easily been triple that.

Musical Funk broken: By "The Very Best of Elvis Costello" songbook Sis-in-law got me.

Daughter #1: Swim dropped, replaced by dance, Golf, and maybe soccer later.

Daughter #2: Swim dropped, replaced by Cheerleading (a first in my family), bowling, and volleyball. Piano is still going strong. Now she also wants to play... the drums?!

Work: My dept Manager retired with a salaried employee incentive ($20K). "The City" once again was looking to outsource our department, but since that came back too expensive; they now want to reclassify us from "A" card electricians to "C" card electricians (an $8 pay cut). I think what will happen is, that everyone who is an "A" will remain an "A", but new hires will be "C" cards.

What "The City" doesn't realize though is if they did succeed in making us "C" cards, is that they would then have to give us several additional holidays and more importantly; sick days, something they do NOT have to provide "A" card electricians. The current contract gives "C" cards 15 sick days a year, which comes out to around $4000 is sick time they currently do not have to pay, it won't save them as much as they think to cut our pay. Currently since "A" cards have to take vacation or unpaid days for sick time, we have the lowest number of called in "sick" days of any city labor department because of that.... which would obviously change if they made us "C"' cards. Only 5 sick days a year can be banked, they have to be taken or they are payed out at years end ("The City" has to pay them no matter what). As far as I'm concerned, it's like having another 15 vacation days that you don't have to schedule. If you didn't use them, it would be like having a $6/hour paycut instead of $8/hour. Either way it sucks. I'm hoping our union (Local 134) will actually stand up for us in this matter instead of rolling over like every other time "The City" asks them to.

Musical Funk.....not talking about the style.....

Don't know what's hit me, just have no drive to pick up the Guitar(s) or Bass of late. I've been gung-ho for the last few years and only missed playing during vacations or uber-busy times.
I was playing regularly right up till my friend Mike passed. I was still playing that week, but since then (a month ago) I've only played twice. One of those weeks was vacation, but since I've been back, I have even less drive. The skin is still thick on my left hands fingertips, but my playing callouses are pretty much gone. Yes, things are busy with school back in session and new fall activities, but I need a kick in the pants.
Probably, if I'd put the amount of time in to exercising over the last few years instead of playing, I might actually be close to being in shape.
Maybe that should be my goal, can't play until you exercise....of course....I'd have to feel like playing for that. I need to invent a better carrot.

I know....excuses, excuses...