Classic One-on-One!

I was about to sleep a couple of nights ago when I decided to check up on messages sent through my yahoo messenger. Ever since I discovered facebook and google talk, I gave up on ym (as we all call it). It's a separate program that places extra strain on my rig even if it has a web-based version. Anyway, I checked my ym and it informed me that there's a new Mac version. At first I thought I'd pass since every time I try to update in the past, it always doesn't push through screwing up my ym and had to re-install with the last known stable version. Surprisingly this time, the update went ahead with no hitch. I noticed that the new Mac version is closely imitating that of its windows based brethren. And with the new feature, I saw the news making me extend my state of browsing zombie-ness.

We all know Michael Jordan was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A few highs this month with Derek Jeter's new Yankee record but taking a dive with Kanye West's infamous on-stage breakdown at the recent MTV VMA earning him a "jackass" tag from Obama himself!

In his acceptance speech, he managed to make a stir by mentioning the likes of Bryon Russell. Read the story Russell to Jordan: Game on by Marc J. Spears .

Though Bryon Russell accepted the speech in a positive tone. He's quite fired up and is ready to pound on Michael Jordan... if he'd have the chance on the court. It would be one interesting game that I believe should be done in a one-on-one street basketball fashion with all the trash talking on both sides amplified for all of us to enjoy!

Whose side are you on? I already made my choice 20 years ago!

3D, Marvel, Disney and my wife’s caldereta

Last weekend, I had an interesting mix of entertainment choices, which is somehow relevant to the times. One night, I finally watched “Punisher: War Zone” and the following day “UP” in 3D, the former from Marvel and the latter from Walt Disney/ Pixar. Relevant… since before the weekend, Walt Disney has acquired Marvel. Though the union has been greeted by mostly dissatisfied loyalist of Marvel, I believe good things would emanate from the merger.

Punisher: War Zone

I have a knack for Marvel movies and my favorite aside from Spiderman 2 is Daredevil (they say it flopped but I hope there’s a sequel in the works). And if video games have in-game mini games, in Marvel movies there such a game I call “spot when in the movie will Stan Lee makes his appearance.” Oddly though, I didn’t see Stan in this one… or I missed it? The second Punisher (actually it’s really not the second one based on IMDb.com) movie has been on my list for some time even though the movie did not stir that much fanfare in my part of the world. The movie is definitely war and it is more violent than the first Punisher movie that starred Thomas Jane. I should have not eaten my wife’s “caldereta” for dinner, as blown heads and blood was throughout the movie. To give credit to Ray Stevenson, the new Punisher, he was badass in the movie who can show emotion quite better than Thomas Jane, which in effect humanized the character.

Up (3D)

My wife insisted that we watch the new animated movie from Pixar, Up. I was really not planning to watch it in the big screen but she insisted that we go since it’s in 3D. Hmmm sarcastically I replied, we are going to watch a 3D animated movie in 3D? Used 3D twice in a sentence! Looks like it’s a rip off if you ask me. And one thing more, we’re going to use 3D glasses, which have to be wiped after another person used it… thank you very much! But luckily we have free tickets because of a Citibank card promo, which amounts to 130 pesos so we just add some more to cover for the 300 pesos a pop movie ticket. Cheaper than going to an Imax movie I believe is the consolation. So here we go I said to myself, my first 3D movie experience. Even in no 3D, Up is a delightful movie in the tradition of the way things are done by Pixar. But using 3D technology made it more enjoyable however I was distracted by my curiosity in taking off the 3D glasses at times just to check whether which parts of the movie is in 3D (blurred screen) or not and of course the unscheduled trip to the restroom midway through the movie.

I was impressed with the 3D movie technically and if all movies would be in 3D and if they lower the viewing fee, people might again watch movies in theaters more than in the confines of their homes. However, a technological threat is fast approaching to the dismay of film companies I guess but to the delight of home theater enthusiasts. 3D television, which has been with us since 1983 (prototype by Philips http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10001486-7.html?tag=mncol) is definitely coming and it’s only a matter of time when people again skip the big screen experience but would surely increase the sales of large LCD TV.

3D TV related links!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10345950-1.html

http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10001508-6.html?tag=mncol

http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10001506-12.html?tag=mncol

http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10001508-8.html?tag=mncol

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10345496-1.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10344653-1.html