I Didnt Do It

Shortly after I left Korea earlier this year, a naval incident occured that sunk a South Korea warship. I had nothing to do with it! Lives were lost on the Cheonan as it was ripped in half by an explosion and sent to the sea floor. Initial analysis suspects that it was torpedoed. South Korea suspects that North Korea perpetrated the deed with a mini sub. North Korea denies the transgression.

Tensions between the two were tense before but was starting to ease a smidge. Now, thats all shot to hell. The South has begun blaring radio programs at the North via some large speakers along the border. They are fortifying their maritime borders with ships and mines. The North has cut off all communications and will act upon any percieved threats.

The two halves of the ships have been salvaged for investigation. Large cranes were used to haul the hulks out of the water. The stern came up first and the bow followed a few days later. Throughout South Korea, television broadcasters, postponed airing music and variety shows during the incident. Schedules are slowly going back to normal

Minigun

You remember The Terminator 2 or even the Predator movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, or Sonny Landham hefting one of these bad boys. The whining sound of the barrels spinning up only hints at the dragonfire that is to be let loose from six revolving metal tubes. Its quite an impressive sight and makes for great cinematic effect. Up to 6000 rounds per minutes can be spewed from one of the larger mounted versions.


Disassembled, there are quite a number of pieces aside from the 6 barrels and motor. Its more humble beginnings came from the Gatling gun. Though it still had the multiple barrel design, it utilized a hand crank to rotate the barrels into place. Rounds were gravity fed from the top. Around 200 rounds per minute was the top end of the original design. Add modern materials and engineering and the original is far out paced

Phantom vibrations

Do you ever have your cell phone on vibrate and think that its going off when it isnt? I get it on occassion. I can be somewhere doing something when I feel a vibrating sensation on my hip. I check my phone and theres no calls. I dont know why Im fooled by it because in most cases, the phone is set to ring for incoming calls. That never seems to enter my mind when I reach for it after feeling the sensation.

Its like that phantom sensation that people have reported feeling in their amputated limb. They'll complain about an itch on their finger or toe. But the appendage in question was lost some time back for some reason.

It may happen once in a day but rarely happens any more frequent than that.

On The Job-Transamerica Pyramid

From the base of the building, its very hard to distinguish it from any other building in the area. Although, some die hard fans of the city will still be able to point out what this is from this closeup view.

Even as we crane our heads towards the sky, a repeating pattern appears amongst the windows the line the 4 sides of the structure. As we look upwards, most buildings begin to taper off as they progress ever higher.

Once you are far enough away, you can see the pyramid shape that gives it its name. The top is flanked by two "winglets" which accomodate the elevator system. This is one of the tallest buildings in the city at 850 ft and is an icon of the city's skyline.

American Shows I like to Watch-Lost Series Finale

I guess I shouldnt be surprised that I still have alot of questions regarding many topics that they brought up on the show over the last 6 years. Science fiction requires that you suspend disbelief to follow the story. However, so many questions arise that they are always in the back of my mind. Many may not care but they are a thorn in my side.

The ending was serene and peaceful enough if unfulfilling. Im just glad it over now so I can turn my time and attention to something else.

*Spoiler Alert-Do not read if you dont want to know what happened*

Highlight the area between here
In the end, many characters are reunited in the afterlife. Jack is also there and is met by his father who gives him the news and comforts him as well. The last we see of Jack is of him lying in the forest looking up to the sky as he is bleeding to death. A smile appears on his face as he sees an airplane fly overhead carrying the surviving friends, Lupedis(sp?), Kate, Richard, Miles, James, and Claire, he has come to know during his time on the island. If it werent for the nagging questions, I would have been satisfied for the ending. However, this still leaves it open for a possible movie to narrate what happens between that moment and their deaths.

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30 years of Pac Man

I remember, not too long ago, when Pac Man hit the arcades. It made a big impace as quarters were lined up along the banner as people lined up to try their hand at it. Guides to gameplay strategy outlined the simple paths and tips you can take to complete the endlessly looping maze. Most will remember the kitchy song "Pac Man Fever". Licensing saw the biggest boom as tshirts and toys were put on the market. An animated version hit the Saturday morning airwaves with himself and Ms Pac Man. Speaking of which, she is one of the off shoots of the popular game and character. Many variations on the game have arisen over the years to try to recapture the allure of the original. There was much anticipation as the home version debuted for the Atari 2600. Its hardware limitations showed even for the most simplest of graphics and sounds in this game. The obnoxious sounds Pac Man made while playing the console did not make for an enjoyable experience. The biggest news has been Google redesigning their banner into a playable version of the game using their name as part of the maze. By post time, they would have pulled it from their homepage but it can still be accessed through their archive.

Movie Review-Up In The Air

I got around to seeing Up In The Air with George Clooney and I found it to be a surprsingly pleasent movie.

Clooney stars as a corporate hatchetman who likes to do his business in person. This cause his character, Ryan Bingham, to fly back and forth across the US all the while accruing mileage for his frequent flyer program. He enjoys his job and the lifestyle he has become accustomed to where he is not anchored down to anything. His ultimate goal is to achieve 10,000,000 miles and be only one of seven people to ever do it. He also has a side gig as a motivational speaker. His personal and professional gets a major upheaval as new employee joins his company. Natalie Keener(Anna Kendrick) is a fresh from college new hire who has new ideas to revolutionize Bingham's industry. At this moment, Bingham meets a woman with whom he feels an attraction to and they commiserate over their travel stories as she travels frequently for her job. Anna Kendrick's character steals the film as she shadows Bingham to get a feel for what the job is actually like. Her assumptions on life and her job are given a 180 as she begins to see how life does not always live up to your expectations. Bingham has to deal with the upstart and her new ideas as he goes against everything he's learned and taught to chase after this new lady in his life. By the end of the movie, he encounters success in one aspect and failure in another aspect of his life. He continues with his life despite his failures.

Clooney's acting is charming. Kendrick is a bit over the top at times but still manages to carry herself well. I am teetering between bargain matinee and full price for this one. However, I would have to give a full price as there werent enough bad things to bring this movie down.

Where to go next?

Im thinking about going somewhere domestic later this year and was wondering where I should go. Last year I decided on Philadelphia. This year some places in the running are Chicago, someplace in Texas, or possibly Portland or Denver. With the oil spill, I have to write off the gulf coast once again. The previous time I thought about going somewhere like New Orleans, Katrina hit and those plans were put off to the back burner. I pretty much know when Im going to go, not so much the where. Alot of that will depend on what United or Southwest has on sale. I check on their websites every Tuesday to see what they have to entice me. Depending on what they offer, I will look up these places and see if anything jumps out at me. One of the biggest factors will be the food. I want to try the local specialities of the area, like the cheesesteaks in Philly. Im not big into museums but places of historical merit can be soemthing I would be willing to look into, like Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell in Philly. I enjoy the big modern cities that have some personality to them.

Chicago has deep dish pizza. Texas has barbecue. Denver has steaks. Portland, I dont know what they offer maybe seafood? I like pizza but I usually prefer the thinner crusts. Meat and fire, good! Meat good! I think Chicago has alot to experience and I will serously look into it. There are alot of places in Texas, I will have to try and nail down one area.

Korean Shows I Like To Watch-Cast changes

This information is several days old but I thought Id post it anyway


There are going to be some changes in the cast of some Korean shows that I like to watch on KBS World, Invincible Youth and 1 Night 2 Days.

The idol girls of Invincible Youth, known as Girl 7 or G7, are going to be reduced by almost half and replaced by new members. Hyuna of 4Minute and Yuri and Sunny of Girls Generation will be leaving after their next taping on May 19, the girls circled in red above. Reasons given are due to possible scheduling conflicts as the girls' groups will be touring and promoting kpop throughout Asia. Rumours abound that Hara, sixth from the left, may be leaving as well because her group is going to be promoting in Japan. this has not been confirmed. Previously, when there were problems with scheduling and the talent not being able to make filming obligations, guests from existing groups were brought in to fill in. I dont see why they cant continue to do that again. It seems like the show has been steadily rising in the ratings and should be given a chance to continue as is at least until they hit they one year mark.

Over the months that the show has aired, G7 has gelled into quite an ensemble. The friendships they have developed onscreen seems very real. They also look like they enjoy themselves during the filming of each episode. Hyuna's forthrightness has endeared herself to me. Speaking what's on her mind makes her stand out even though she is the youngest of the group. Yuri is fun to watch as she rebufs Kim Taewoo's advances and projects an image of self confidence. Sunny has been proven to be the most capable worker. She has shattered peoples expectations of what is an idol. She has also been a joy to watch and her acts of cuteness never fail to win me over.I will miss the original cast members and hope that they will come back to make appearances on occassion. We can all hope the new members can carry on what has already been established.

The other news involves Kim C of 1 Night 2 days. He too will be leaving the show very shortly to concentrate on his music. His quiet demeanor forces him to the background of the other bigger personalties on the show. His contributions to the show are smaller but no less significant than the others. I actually half expected him to be forced out when Kim Jong Min was announced to rejoin the show, changing the dynamics from an even 6 members to an odd 7 members. Kim C's comments about show cancelations during the incident with the naval ship may have put an unwanted spotlight on himself. They will not be replacing him. With Jong Min still trying to fit back into the show, we will have to wait and see how things fare from here on out.

Credit to 1n2dfansubs and allkpop

Movie Review-Alice in Wonderland

An odd pairing: Tim Burton and Disney. But that is Burton's bread and butter. It has been many decades since my last perusal of this Lewis Carroll tale. I dont recall if I enjoyed the story but Im sure I found the movie to be a snooze fest.
The story tells of a girls fall into a weird and whacky world unfamiliar to her Victorian sensibilities. She emerges from this world a more confident and self-assured person not restrained to the social norms for women of the time.

The pacing of the movie is very slow and I found myself not caring for what happens to her. Even though, if you have read the stories, we know she comes through it unharmed. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter is just another run of the mill flamboyant character that we are used to seeing from him. The bad guy, well bad girl, is the Red Queen played by Helena Bonham Carter who's head is enhanced by computer graphics to be as huge as the rest of her body. I actually found the White Queen, Carter's antithesis, to be a scarier image though no enhancements were made to her form. She was played by Anne Hathaway. The movie plods as Alice is realized as the White Queen's champion to destroy the Jaberwocky, the Red Queen's enforcer.

If you must see it, wait for the DVD. Otherwise, dont bother

Japan-Remembering the first time

It was back in 2001 that I made my first trip to Japan. It was always the first place I wanted to visit when I started to travel. Like many, I was drawn in by the anime, toys, and electronics. I was also interested in their feudal past and the age of the samurai. I went with a number of friends. Only one of whom who had been their before. He was our guide during the first week while we visited the Sapporo Snow Festival. After arriving back in Tokyo, he sent us on our merry way as he soon depart for home.

I dont remember too much about that first visit but a few things still remain in the noggin. The tall buildings and neon were a dizzying sight. Not to mention the large display screens in selected areas. The throngs of people at all hours of day were a source of motivational energy. The utter convenience of vending machines and convenience stores that were never more than half a block away. The speed and timeliness of the mass transit system never had us waiting for long before the train to arrive. All of which are still true to this very day.

We arrived at Narita airport and promptly boarded a shuttle bus after exchanging our currency. It was dark as the sun was already beginning to set by the time we touched down. Traffic was slow and it seemed like we went through numerous toll gates before hitting the metropolis. We stayed at the Shinagawa Prince for a single night. The next few days saw us flying to Hokkaido and back via Haneda. Upon our return, we shifted locations to the Tokyo Prince which is located at the base of Tokyo Tower. Curious as it may be, we never visited the tower even though it was withing easy walking distance of the hotel. To this day, I still have not ventured to it.

Over the next few days we began to make our way around and visit many sites. I recall taking the subway to Akihabara. The station was located at Showa dori, one block away from the main street, Chuo dori. We walked up and down Showa for a few minutes while we got our bearings. Consulting the guide book got us back on the right path. The stores were filled will all manner of toys and models. Only a small percentage of which was available in the states and, at the time, much more expensive as well.

When we got to Shibuya, thats when I knew we were in Tokyo. The massive numbers of people that all moved in unison when the traffic lights change. Three large video billboards captivating the virgin eyes of the first time visitor. The glow of the neon signs running up and down the buildings announcing not only the stores present but providing illumination to the street below.

Walking through Takeshita dori in Harajuku made me realize how much of a retail culture Tokyo was. The smallest little shop that could be squeezed into the smallest little was utilized to sell whatever wares they had. The outreageous fashions of the younger set that defied imagination.

Shinjuku revealed to me the wonders of the japanese department store. Along with the usual things I had expected, they had these amazing basement levels with wonderous sights, smells, and tastes. This was the deli and food level. Everything you saw was arranged and presented as if it was made in an expensive gourmet restaurant. Some of the items they carried were in the class of gourmet but many others were of reasonable price.

I still cherish that first visit which has had a lasting impact on me. Since then, I have been back every year, except for 2008. However, there was one year that I went twice so that keeps up my average. I return from a shorter stay a few weeks ago and plans are forming for next year. It seems like I will accept any excuse to go back to my Tokyo

On The Job-Sea Cliff

There are a few neighborhoods within the city limits that house enclaves of high-priced luxury homes. One mentioned previously was Pacific Heights. Today, we visit the Sea Cliff area. Some of these homes have been the abodes of ambassadors and celebrities.

The one famous person that always comes to mind when I am in the area is Steve McQueen. He owned, what was considered, a modest home for the area.

Located in the northwest corner of the city, one can see views of the Golden Gate Bridge from certain vantage points as this area is southwest of the bridge

Not a whole lot of movies have been filmed in this quiet residential district. However, portions of a car chase scene was included in the Clint Eastwood movie The Dead Pool. This memorable automotive dash through the city had Dirty Harry Callahan trying to keep ahead of a remotely controlled car that was laden with a bomb.

Another view from here is the Marin headlands. Some homes erected along the cliffside have unobstructed view of ships entering/leaving the bay. A semi private beach is located nearby if you can find it.

On The Job-Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is the largest urban park in the city. It runs west to east and connects to Ocean Beach on the west and the Haight-Ashbury on the east. During the hippy drug fueled era of the 70's, this was a hangout for many and host to concerts for the musicians of that era. Some areas have been moderenized and renovated over the last few years. Below, the De Young museum was relocated to downtown while the building was rebuilt. Then everything moved back into the building with the brown rectangular spire

During that time, extra parking was added to ease the congestion when major exhibits were on display. Most recently, King Tut came through again. The original exhibit came through the city as well

A bandshell was renovated during the time this whole area was going through a facelift. Bench seats and dirt floors provided ample room for people sit and relax under the sun. When no one is scheduled to use the stage area, it affords those are withing distance, a pleasent place to have lunch

The California Academy of Sciences was completely redone to make it a greener, more efficient structure. Grass was laid upon the roof to make it a biomass that helped to keep the interior cooler. Many of the same exhibits were restored and new ones added when it was unveiled last year. The aquarium, planeterium, and other static displays joine newer features like the Rainforest terrarium. Gourmet dining options augment the usual burgers and fries that were offered before.

There are many man-made bodies of water and open spaces throughout the park for hiking/biking/strolling, boating(limited), and unwinding. Below is Stow Lake with Strawberry Hill situated in the middle of the water. One can rent various people-powered watercraft to tool around in. An oriental pavilion provides a place for peaceful contemplation

Transformers-Ejector

So, I was at a local Target store in the toy department looking at Transformers toys. I espied this character who was apparently in the last movie. This is Ejectory from Revenge of the Fallen. His alternate form is that of a toaster. Now, my questions is, "Did they really need to make this toy?" This was a very minor character and I dont even recall seeing it in the movie. But, who wants to play with a toaster?!?!? This reminds me of a scene from the movie Big with Tom Hanks. At one point in the movie, they are pitching a robot that transforms into a building. Hanks questions them as to what fun it is to play with a bulding? Thats my questioning too, what fun is it to play with a toaster?

Apple can bite the big one

As have been stated in many media outlets, Apple used to be the underdog company that people rooted for. They had these quirky little products that inspired fanatacism in their users. They used to snub their noses at huge companies like Microsoft in a David and Goliath manner.

Now fast foward to the present. Apple has gained alot of marketshare with their products like the Ipod and Iphone. Acceptance of their products has grown beyond the niche markets they used to cater too. Their Itunes online store is arguably the largest provider of media downloads. This has made them the Goliath, and as others have said, Big Brother.

Recent events have shed light on some draconian actions that have been either initiated by them or occured in their name. Most notable was the breaking into the home of the tech blogger, who revealed the prototype Iphone 4, by the tech police. Previously, people would have sided with Apple in their attempts to protect their products. But as the company has grown and more and more people have an Apple product, their protective attitudes have come to light as being paranoid.

I have never been a big fan of Apple products. I have to admit that they do put out good products with great interfaces that appeal to the mass consumers. But I will never be a fan of how they market hobbled products just so they can de-hobble certain features and basically resell the same product. Another aspect that irked me is the high price of their products. I will not be saddened if the company ceased to exist

Movie Review-Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 is finally out and I went to see it. Here's what I thought about it.

The first movie was a light-hearted fun telling of the origins of Iron Man. This time around, the movie has taken a darker tone in storyline and visually. Alot of the bigger action scenes in the movie occur during the night time hours. Behind Tony's carefree persona is a man who has to face his non-invincibility and failed expectations from his father. And, to pile things on top of that, the government wants possession of the suit for the defense of the the country. Another person is seeking revenge for what Starks father wrought upon his family. If that werent enough, his competitor, Justin Hammer, is seeking to usurp as many government contracts to bolster his own company. As you can see, there is alot going on in this movie and some may think too much and that it looses a bit of focus

It still keeps its funny bone well intact but it seems quite a bit muted than before. Stark gets alot of the best lines. The banter/arguments between Stark and Pepper provide some relief from the more serious moments. Rhodey pitches in with a few lines of his own. Gary Shandling, where has he been, plays a wonderful foil in the character of a Senator leading the attempts to procure the suit. Justin Hammers flamboyant protrayal adds a bit of levity.

But, most would come to see the special effects and the action scenes. Again, these are more muted and less prevalent than in the previous incarnation. It waits to deliver the big bang at the very end of the movie. The CG is done well but, at times, the odd motion of the characters reveals the true source. As I recall, there seemed to be only 3 major action packed moments. Also, stick around after the credits for a special trailer and keep your eyes out for cameoes and special references

For diehard fans, this would be a must see. However, I think this would be worth the bargain matinee but not necessarily full admission.

On The Job-Fisherman's Wharf

One of the iconic spots to visit in the city is Fisherman's Wharf. From this location, many a tourist have set upon the bay to visit Angel Island, Alcatraz, or take in the views from the water

Dungeness crab is the food of choice in this area and many a crustacean has been either eaten or sent home from here. Pots of boiling crab toil along with workers who crack open their shells to ease the work of getting to the meat.

Tshirt vendors and fast food/restaurant chains are also a staple of areas such as this. Need a digital camera? Want something to eat? Need a "My parents went to SF and all they got me was this sh***y tshirt" tshirt?

The fishing has not died out in this area. Many fisherman still make a living from the bounties of the ocean just outside the Golden Gate. Aside from crabs, salmon is a big source of income.

However, due to overfishing, environmental and economical concerns, many boat owners have taken the route of offerig tours of the bay

On The Job-Aquatic Park

Near Ghirardelli Square is a patch of green that sits on the shores of the bay. There is a circular pier that juts into the bay and serves as a breakwater as well. There are other locations of note that border this area that has served as the scene of many local events.


This is the terminus of the Hyde Street cable car line. Here, the cars are turned around for their return trip to Market Street. Along the way, they pass by Chinatown, the winding Lombard Street, and Nob Hill

Across the street from the turnaround is the Buena Vista. The beverage of choice is an Irish coffee, particularly nice on a foggy chill day. Notably, it is rumoured and debated that this blend of whiskey and coffee originated from this location.

To the northeast on the Hyde Street Pier is the Maritime Museum. Visitors can experience a link to the city's maritime past as it explores the grandeur of this once port town

In a bit of movie trivia, the movie What's Up Doc with Barbara Streisand and Ryan ONeal ended their chase scene through the city with a plunge off this pier in an attempt broadjump onto a ferry. All parties to the chase subsequently followed suit into the bay. To the east of the museum is one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, Fisherman's Wharf.

On The Job-Ghirardelli Square

Some may recognize the name from the chocolate products that they are known for.

This tourist location in the city used to manufacture chocolate at this site very many years. That operation has since closed down but the complex still affords many retail shops and restaurants for all the visitors who drop by

One of the many shops they are known for is their ice cream parlor. Their signature offering was the Earthquake. A humongous bowl of various ice creams and a just as substantial pile of toppings to satisfy your sweet tooth. Alone if you dare, but its meant to be shared.

In the middle of it all is a nice open courtyard that provides a sunny rest area on nice day like today.

North of the square is San Francisco Bay across from Aquatic Park. Angel Island and locations beyond peak through the stairway that meander their way around the surrounding structures.

Another bombing attempt in New York

So, this concerns me. My sister and mother will be travelling on holiday to NY in a few days. I thought they would just have to worry about the usual pickpockets and purse snatchers. This adds a whole new dimension of worry. If fortune is on our side, this will have been the work a some lunatic in an isolated incident. From what I have gathered from the news, the device malfunctioned and may not have worked as intended. There was a suspicious SUV that had a timer, some firecrackers and propane tanks rigged to go off while Time Square was laden with tourists. Smoke from the vehicle aroused attention and the plot sniffed out.

I feel like we are being left out here on the west coast. If this was linked to a terrorist group from the Middle East, they may have done it as a stand against the our freedoms and way of life. But are we not as decadent and free thinking, if not more so, than NY? After all, Hollywood is our backyard. We've had our financial meltdowns with the whole savings and loan scandals of a few years ago. The west is as big a symbol of America as NY. What, are they just too lazy to travel the distance?

In all seriousness, I dont mind if they leave us alone.