Wouldn't this be one way for Carter to have his cake and let the fans eat too? Picture the following scenario:
Duchovny does his stint for first half of season. Sexual tension goes through the roof near the midpoint, put just as it looks like Scully and Mulder are going to violate several fraternization guidelines, he gets abducted (whether this is capital-A Abducted or merely a terrestrial variety, perhaps by the New Conspiracy, doesn't matter.)
Patrick gets brought in. He plays straight laced, inside man to play off against Scully, who by this time has seen so much weirdness that like it or lump it, she's got to take on the flaky "It could be paranormal" role that was filled by Mulder. This new relationship gets established over the second half, while searching for Mulder. Several episodes follow the flavour of Dogget uttering a variation on "I thought you were a scientist, Scully. How can you propose such a ludicrous idea?"
Season closer involves tracking down Mulder, probably in some high-risk situation. Carries on to next season via cliffhanger, which involves, of course, saving everyone's ass. Possibility of the New Coonspiracy dealt a nasty blow. Mulder decides he's done (or had) enough, and, what with the new possibility of a relationship with everyone's favorite bottled redhead in the works, retires from the FBI to write highly profitable paranormal literature or something, and (important) to finally let himself grow as a person. Show continues with Scully and Dogget.
This scenario or a similar one allows several things. 1) Carter to finally resolve the tension between Scully and Mulder without ending the show or making it the new focus. (Carter has always said that if they got together, what would they write about? The duo hunt down mutants, then shop for a new Volvo?;P) 2) Duchovny can be written out of the show without removing the character completely... instead, he becomes a presence via telephone, or off-screen encounters referenced by Scully. 3) It allows Duchovny a way back "in" on either an episodic or renewed permanent basis, either on "X-Files" or "The Lone Gunmen" spinoff. That's good flexibility, particularly for ssomeone who's film career has been hit or miss.
Just some caffiene-induced musings. Not that this wouldn't suck as much as any other possibility, but it seems in keeping with what I know of the show's politics. Let me know what you think.
The microtubules argument of Penrose has been multiply rebuffed since it was first proposed, at least based on what I've heard. I'll try and dig up the synopsis from my copy of Beyond Humanity and post it.
You owe the Zombie Oracle a slice of Broca's brain. ARrrRRRgh pick-uhled braaaaainsARrrrGHhh.
It has been speculated that quantum computing effects may occur in the brain. However, as I understand it, the current conventional wisdom is that such effects are minimal at best, and do not impact on the overall result of brain function. The reasoning behind this is that in a given cell, the gross chemical reactions that govern how a neuron will react are extremely predictable phenomena, keeping it out of the purvue of quantum effects.
Some of the research I've seen in regards to the quantum effect applied to reasoning appears to be directed to sensory phenomena, i.e. the idea that two people observing the same phenomena (say, watching a tree get hit by lightning) do not register the event in the same way because (1) the photons from such an event are governed by quantum effects and (2) the neural matrix formed in a particular brain tends to be a dynamical one, that is to say, governed by chaos theory as opposed to quantum mechanics.
A somewhat dogmatic but interesting discussion of quantum thinking theories can be found in a book called Beyond Humanity (subtitled something and the evolution of cyberminds. Just in case you're interested.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled zombie-fest....AARRrrghh arrrgggh BRaaIIIIns!!! (And to think I made my first first post with such silliness!;P)
And within the ranks of X-files actors themselves, the late Robert Clothier (best known in earlier years as Relic from "The Beachcombers") played two entirely different roles. One was a disgruntled farmer complaining about stuff being injected into beef cows, the other was an old navy hand recalling some relevant history for Scully.
Also, though it was less of a jump, I seem to recall that the actor who played Agent Spender also played the young CSM in the episode where the Smoking Gunmen relate their research into his life. You know, the one where CSM is shown to be a frustrated detective-story writer?
I don't doubt that if Bruce Campbell, eternal mascot of the Brotherhood of Eternal Bachelors that he is, makes it on to the show, they'll convieniently forget the previous appearance as per standard procedure.
Didn't Negroponte mention something about this in the book, The Media Lab? I definitely recall his mentioning something about wireless data capacities.
Mind you, I'm not sure if this takes into account such clever schemes as spread-spectrum (bless you, Hedy Lamarr, wherever you are).
-TBHiX-
The planets are aligned, the die is cast...
on
Hemos Gets Hitched
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· Score: 1
Did anyone notice that Caesar, over at Ars Technica, also got hitched this weekend? Big nuptual spike for the geeks. Some thoughts on this:
1. Hemos == Caesar??? If so, what is he trying to hide with this double life? Perhaps he may be lying in wait, plotting for a day when he can control all technology news everywhere! Obviously this means he is a hitherto unsuspected player in the worldwide Amish conspiracy. Shame on you Hemos/Caesar! We're on to you!
2. The great triad. OK, assuming the previous isn't true (yeah, right!), there is an old belief that events of similarity tend to come in threes. So, who was the geek news stringer to complete the hat-trick? Did Tom Pabst perhaps run off with that attractive young web designer he's been seeing? Perhaps one of the compatriots over at geek.compull a coup by wooing Stevie Case over to the light side? Where, my friends, where?!?
3. Elitism rampant on/.? Hundreds of wedding pics. Each over 100 MB. No thumbnails. Obviously hemos wants to share his wedding bliss ONLY with those worthy, i.e. those with enough bandwidth to not only siew the images quickly, but quickly enough to sort the good pictures from the blurry, jostly stuff. I wonder why.... perhaps a target list of people willing to run WorldDomination@home for his masters in the black suits and buggies? (Sorry, have I covered this topic?)
Well, that's all I can think of write now. I'm sure more will come to me when the medication wears off.
-TBHiX- Matrix-style trenchcoats for sale: use the phrase "DODGE THIS!" in your order and get a 5% discount off most coats! (Hey, who says you have to be a big corporation to be commercial?;) )
...and probably about the godzillionth to do so at this point, but wot de 'ell.
Now for the important question: which of the bridesmaids caught the bouquet, and is, she, um, looking? Not for me, mind you. I, um, have this cousin, really nice guy. Yeah, that's the ticket...;)
-TBHiX- Godzillion (n):The number of times a certain Japanese metropolis has been crushed, nuked, blown up, ransacked, etc., in any and all media. Akira counts twice.
Too bad I'm out of mod points to bring this back up...
It appears those responsible for the "Offtopic" label are unfamiliar with the play/movie Charly and Algernon, or Flowers for Algernon (I can't recall which was which.) For the record, An intellectually delayed young man (Charly) and a lab mouse (Algernon) are made supergeniuses of their respective species by a revolutionary new treatment. Charly has to come to terms with the changes this has wrought in his existence, and, later, with the threat that the experiement will have tragic side-effects. Very well done and quite thought-provoking.
The party line is that Intel is an OS agnostic. If supporting Linux/BSD with Open Source will help sell more hardware, then that is what they will do.
I'm suprised to hear that. One would think that Intel's affinity for industrial secrecy and occasional propensity to market manipulation would have extended to matters outside their normal bailiwick. At the very least, the historical relationship between Intel, IBM, and M$ sets some sort of precedent. OTOH, it is a historical relationship...
Isn't that listed as one of the signs of the Second Coming? If we see Micro$oft releasing a bug-fix only, free upgrade of Windows, run for the hills and pray to whatever gods or device drivers you worship!;)
So, who wants to go in on buying the hardware (and possibly the launch costs) to start the.space TLD? At least there's a tacit agreement that governments can't lay jurisdiction.
Then, we start hosting DeCSS and anyone else offending the whoreporate mentality...
-TBHiX- Error code COMMENT_TAKEN_SERIOUSLY -- The user failed to view comment with the sense_of_humour library linked. Recompile and try again.
I have to say that I haven't been a big follower of Ms. Love's career. I know the broad strokes (Kobain's widow, Hole, sometime actress, etc.), but beyond that, I pretty much registered her as another instance of the phenomena of pretty, angry, but essentially empty-headed grrrl rocker-types.
Then I read this article, which, had it been a Slashdot comment, would have been quickly moderated up to 5:Insightful/Interesting/Informative, and beyond.
Not only is it clearly reasoned, it offers perspective that only one on the "inside" of the industry can get. It touches on many pertinent aspects of the situation without obviously glossing over important details. And it has a truly delicious air of righteous rage, focused on clear and (apparently) deserving targets. In short, Ms. Love has demonstated intelligence and real assertiveness (as opposed to the vacuous, unfocused rebellion of many), and good humour in addition to her more obvious gifts.
Sigh. I may be in love.;) At the very least, she's going on my contender's list of Sexiest Women Ever (not being sexist, I have one for men too, but this one's a little dearer to my heart).
If I read that she writes her own MIDI drivers, I'm doomed.;)
-TBHiX- The opinions expressed above are only those of the writer. The fact that they represent Universal Truth should not dissuade you from expressing different ones.
This thought is precipitated on certain assumptions. If you disagree with the assumptions, then obviously my conclusion makes no sense. If, on the other hand, you at least allow for the benefit of the doubt, then the rest, I think, follows naturally.
Assumption 1: The book was quite good. With or without the backing of unnamed religious types, it makes for a very good read.
Assumption 2: Reading, particularly of well-written and thought provoking pieces, is a good thing.
Assumption 3: The general trend of modern society is for mass-marketed, cross-merchandised, low-thought entertainment, often appealing to baser motives. This is a bad thing.
Corrolary to 3: the success of things like "The Matrix" is not a counterexample; it can be argued that a lot of people liked it because of the cool digital action scenes, not because of the musings on the nature and malleability of reality or some other similar theme. Refer also to "Crash". (People who liked it for the theme of "experience unites, intense experience unites intensely: vs. "whoah, they're having freeky-azz sex!")
Assumption 4: Things that counteract this trend are beneficial and should be applauded, even if the thing itself is generally without benefit.
Now, on this foundation, consider: B.E. was/is set up to be a commercial success on all of the standard Hollywood criteria: a big-budget summer bonanza to make people saw "Whoah, cool!", often people who believe that to be the sole determinant of good and bad entertainment. As part of standard marketing, the sory in book form will be released and sold in popular venues. The cattle^X^X^X^X^Xdiscerning consumer will, likely, be persuaded to purchase said novel. Having read said novel, there is a definite non-zero chance that they might awaken to the true qualities of the story. Which in turn may lead to an investigation into other writings of a thought-provoking sort. This effect may be enhanced if the individual enters online chat rooms and forums to rant^X^X^X^Xdiscuss the novel, and get guided by those further along the road of mental development. (Of course, thy might just alienate said mentors in their initial posts, but c'est la vie.)
Thus, Battlefield Earth provides the benefit of using true culture-jamming strategy, wielding the problem itself as a means to its own solution. If intentional, a very subtle and ingenious thing indeed.
Should I win, I'll be in touch. Otherwise, I hope the collective masses appreciate and enjoy my little act of cognition.
-TBHiX- All typos, transcription errors, misformattings, etc. are obviously an attempt by the universe to undermine my superior intelligence. Why, no, I'm not paranoid or egotistical. Why do you ask?
No implication intended, or should be taken. For the record, my meatspace name is identical to one of the members of the Circle Jerks; doesn't mean I'm planning to start a punk band anytime soon. And when name choices are limited to monosyllabic semi-onomapatoics (sp?), there's only so many ways one can go.
FWIW, Ogg-my-alter-ego has a long track record, dating back to his first appearance as the psychic caveman reporter in a board game based on tabloids. Just in case you found that funny.
You know, I don't really follow the gaming world, but when the whole "Stevie Case in Playboy" broughahah was kicking around here a couple of weeks back, I mostly thought, "Weird. for a game that promises to be one of the hottest new releases this year (italics represent my assumption), this is an unusually cheesy publicity stunt for the company." After all, with the talent supposedly hired in Ion Storm, it's not like they need to push product that hard, right?
Now we see the fruits of their collective talents.
Ogg feel stupid. Ogg go now, throw rock at cave painting, try not get hit by flint chips. (<-- original FPS)
Explain why, so that I can avoid giving this impression in future. I really meant the opinion; I can't believe that anyone could think that defend such actions in such a manner and expect to get away with it. I do not troll, not intentionally at least.
That makes sense when limited to one single incident. However, consider the broader implication. An ISP stays in business by (as the name suggests) providing internet services. If in a given instance, they can be coerced by such tactics into removing the account they find so offensive, then the message sent is "blackmail us and we'll cave." Soon enough, said ISP cannot host any semi-controversial account, and this endangers its market position in the long run, particularly if there are ISPs willing to endure the short-term annoyances in order to pick up the business.
In many ways, this parallels the policy of many nations (paticularly the U.S.) that will not negotiate with kidnappers and terrorists. This may lead to short term tragedy, but prevents the doors from opening up on full-scale extortion by giving the impression that it can be successful. Sadly, as sometimes (often) happens in the business world, the capacity for such medium to long-term views is unable to extend past the next-quarter profits. I do not know if that is what motivates the ISP in this example, but I would not be suprised if it were so.
A list of things that network people know about, so that the crackers can use this as a baseline. Odin's left eyeball, is this a first post? I'm so honoured! -TBHiX-
Re:Ghost in the Shell, Akira, The Matrix
on
Essential Anime
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· Score: 1
I'd have to say that Matrix-as-anime is a pretty good appraisal. At the very least, it sits on the juxtaposition of three axes: anime, Hollywood blockbuster, and Hong-Kong wire-harness action/fantasy (Ghost with the White Hair, or without the wire, anything by John Woo).
BTW, not trying to be commercial here, but if any of you are *really* into the matrix, check out this site, run by some friends of mine:
The coats are top quality (I've handled one; lustresuede is nice stuff!) and if you want to order and use the phrase "DODGE THIS!", you can get a 5% discount on most items. (Some choices of material are already cut-rate, so check.) Trenchcoat Steve a great guy (too bad his nickname was like a duck call for morons after the Columbine thing), so expect flexibility and good humour.
After scrolling through the list, I noticed one or two didn't seem to be mentioned that I always enjoyed. Take my opinion for the 2 Acturan megapennies* its worth.
- Super Cultural Cat Girl Nuku-Nuku: crazy scientist and son on the run from crazy CEO-control freak mom. Crazy scientist accidentally runs over cat, upsetting son. Crazy scientist remedies situation by transplanting cat's brain into highly attractive mega-powerful female android body (intelligence boost included). Hilarity ensues for the four episodes that exist. Weird but fun, and with the king of dysfunctional family situations.
- Mad Bull: mindless fun part deux. Picture a slightly-better built Dennis Franz a la Detective Sipowitz, plus a lot of weaponry and minus a lot of personal concern for safety. Top scene involves him stuck on a roof with no gun, getting shot at. He freaks out and pulls down his pants where he has a basketful of grenades tied directly to his pubic hair.
- Aeon Flux: not Japanese, not even anime in the technical sense, but if you like some of the more surreal stuff, you'll like this a lot. Not for people who like continuity.
- Gunsmith Cats: the down side? Only a few episodes (one story arc) and an interminable opening credit sequence. The good side? It's based on a manga done by someone who knows their guns and cars like Linus knows kernal design.;) Since it's *about* guns and cars, that's a good thing.
In the briefly mentioned category, I'll throw my chapeau in for Ah! My Goddess, Dirty Pair, BGC (particularly the disturbing "The Man Who Bit His Toungue"), and, for technical excellence if nothing else, Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and Princess Mononoke, the big three of commercially successful anime.
BTW, does anyone remember "G-Force" (not Gall Force, unless I'm much mistaken.) Cheesy early stuff, but my first early introduction. I also remember one (only in French, sad for me) that had a trio of cat burglars who ran a cafe?
Later, -Keith-
*Arcturan Megapenny: third highest denomination in the universe. Used primarily to simplify purchases of galactic clusters. God was recently purchest at a charity bachelor auction for 3 A.Mp. Due to obscure Arcturan law, not valid currency when used by primates.
I'll grant Keanu this much: whatever his overall skills as an actor are, he's got one big hacker trait when it comes to *how* he approaches acting. Nobody had to force him to train for this movie's action, he pushed himself through months of rigourous exercise and martial arts to get up to the level you see here. (You think it's easy, even with wires, to pull 360 degree, up the wall, two axes of rotation somersaults immediately followed by multiple kicks AND firing your prop machine guns?) Similar, in his Shakespeare, he showed up not just knowing his lines, but everyone else's. You have to respect a work ethic like that, given that 40-hour hacking sessions aren't heard among our sort.;)
Anybody catch the author and title of that book he was hiding stuff in? I think it was "Simulation and Simulacra", and I'm convinced it has to be an in-joke of some existential philosopher.
And on a purely visceral note, best wearing of a vinyl top goes to Ms. Moss, at least judging from the movie poster and the few times she was standing still. Yow!;)
Slashdot Mirror
Wouldn't this be one way for Carter to have his cake and let the fans eat too? Picture the following scenario:
Duchovny does his stint for first half of season. Sexual tension goes through the roof near the midpoint, put just as it looks like Scully and Mulder are going to violate several fraternization guidelines, he gets abducted (whether this is capital-A Abducted or merely a terrestrial variety, perhaps by the New Conspiracy, doesn't matter.)
Patrick gets brought in. He plays straight laced, inside man to play off against Scully, who by this time has seen so much weirdness that like it or lump it, she's got to take on the flaky "It could be paranormal" role that was filled by Mulder. This new relationship gets established over the second half, while searching for Mulder. Several episodes follow the flavour of Dogget uttering a variation on "I thought you were a scientist, Scully. How can you propose such a ludicrous idea?"
Season closer involves tracking down Mulder, probably in some high-risk situation. Carries on to next season via cliffhanger, which involves, of course, saving everyone's ass. Possibility of the New Coonspiracy dealt a nasty blow. Mulder decides he's done (or had) enough, and, what with the new possibility of a relationship with everyone's favorite bottled redhead in the works, retires from the FBI to write highly profitable paranormal literature or something, and (important) to finally let himself grow as a person. Show continues with Scully and Dogget.
This scenario or a similar one allows several things. 1) Carter to finally resolve the tension between Scully and Mulder without ending the show or making it the new focus. (Carter has always said that if they got together, what would they write about? The duo hunt down mutants, then shop for a new Volvo? ;P) 2) Duchovny can be written out of the show without removing the character completely... instead, he becomes a presence via telephone, or off-screen encounters referenced by Scully. 3) It allows Duchovny a way back "in" on either an episodic or renewed permanent basis, either on "X-Files" or "The Lone Gunmen" spinoff. That's good flexibility, particularly for ssomeone who's film career has been hit or miss.
Just some caffiene-induced musings. Not that this wouldn't suck as much as any other possibility, but it seems in keeping with what I know of the show's politics. Let me know what you think.
-TBHiX-
The microtubules argument of Penrose has been multiply rebuffed since it was first proposed, at least based on what I've heard. I'll try and dig up the synopsis from my copy of Beyond Humanity and post it.
You owe the Zombie Oracle a slice of Broca's brain. ARrrRRRgh pick-uhled braaaaainsARrrrGHhh.
-TBHiX-
http://www.brains4zombies.com
It has been speculated that quantum computing effects may occur in the brain. However, as I understand it, the current conventional wisdom is that such effects are minimal at best, and do not impact on the overall result of brain function. The reasoning behind this is that in a given cell, the gross chemical reactions that govern how a neuron will react are extremely predictable phenomena, keeping it out of the purvue of quantum effects.
Some of the research I've seen in regards to the quantum effect applied to reasoning appears to be directed to sensory phenomena, i.e. the idea that two people observing the same phenomena (say, watching a tree get hit by lightning) do not register the event in the same way because (1) the photons from such an event are governed by quantum effects and (2) the neural matrix formed in a particular brain tends to be a dynamical one, that is to say, governed by chaos theory as opposed to quantum mechanics.
A somewhat dogmatic but interesting discussion of quantum thinking theories can be found in a book called Beyond Humanity (subtitled something and the evolution of cyberminds. Just in case you're interested.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled zombie-fest....AARRrrghh arrrgggh BRaaIIIIns!!! (And to think I made my first first post with such silliness! ;P)
-TBHiX-
http://www.brains4zombies.com
AARrrgh Arrrgh brains good! AArrrrgh Glial cells add flavour. Arrrgh.
-TBHiX-
And within the ranks of X-files actors themselves, the late Robert Clothier (best known in earlier years as Relic from "The Beachcombers") played two entirely different roles. One was a disgruntled farmer complaining about stuff being injected into beef cows, the other was an old navy hand recalling some relevant history for Scully.
Also, though it was less of a jump, I seem to recall that the actor who played Agent Spender also played the young CSM in the episode where the Smoking Gunmen relate their research into his life. You know, the one where CSM is shown to be a frustrated detective-story writer?
I don't doubt that if Bruce Campbell, eternal mascot of the Brotherhood of Eternal Bachelors that he is, makes it on to the show, they'll convieniently forget the previous appearance as per standard procedure.
-TBHiX-
Didn't Negroponte mention something about this in the book, The Media Lab? I definitely recall his mentioning something about wireless data capacities.
Mind you, I'm not sure if this takes into account such clever schemes as spread-spectrum (bless you, Hedy Lamarr, wherever you are).
-TBHiX-
Did anyone notice that Caesar, over at Ars Technica, also got hitched this weekend? Big nuptual spike for the geeks. Some thoughts on this:
1. Hemos == Caesar??? If so, what is he trying to hide with this double life? Perhaps he may be lying in wait, plotting for a day when he can control all technology news everywhere! Obviously this means he is a hitherto unsuspected player in the worldwide Amish conspiracy. Shame on you Hemos/Caesar! We're on to you!
2. The great triad. OK, assuming the previous isn't true (yeah, right!), there is an old belief that events of similarity tend to come in threes. So, who was the geek news stringer to complete the hat-trick? Did Tom Pabst perhaps run off with that attractive young web designer he's been seeing? Perhaps one of the compatriots over at geek.compull a coup by wooing Stevie Case over to the light side? Where, my friends, where?!?
3. Elitism rampant on /.? Hundreds of wedding pics. Each over 100 MB. No thumbnails. Obviously hemos wants to share his wedding bliss ONLY with those worthy, i.e. those with enough bandwidth to not only siew the images quickly, but quickly enough to sort the good pictures from the blurry, jostly stuff. I wonder why.... perhaps a target list of people willing to run WorldDomination@home for his masters in the black suits and buggies? (Sorry, have I covered this topic?)
Well, that's all I can think of write now. I'm sure more will come to me when the medication wears off.
-TBHiX- ;) )
Matrix-style trenchcoats for sale: use the phrase "DODGE THIS!" in your order and get a 5% discount off most coats! (Hey, who says you have to be a big corporation to be commercial?
...and probably about the godzillionth to do so at this point, but wot de 'ell.
Now for the important question: which of the bridesmaids caught the bouquet, and is, she, um, looking? Not for me, mind you. I, um, have this cousin, really nice guy. Yeah, that's the ticket... ;)
-TBHiX-
Godzillion (n):The number of times a certain Japanese metropolis has been crushed, nuked, blown up, ransacked, etc., in any and all media. Akira counts twice.
Beleive it or not, there was also a stage play. A musical, if I recall correctly, though a passable one once you get passed the idea of it.
-TBHiX-
Too bad I'm out of mod points to bring this back up...
It appears those responsible for the "Offtopic" label are unfamiliar with the play/movie Charly and Algernon, or Flowers for Algernon (I can't recall which was which.) For the record, An intellectually delayed young man (Charly) and a lab mouse (Algernon) are made supergeniuses of their respective species by a revolutionary new treatment. Charly has to come to terms with the changes this has wrought in his existence, and, later, with the threat that the experiement will have tragic side-effects. Very well done and quite thought-provoking.
-TBHiX-
I'm suprised to hear that. One would think that Intel's affinity for industrial secrecy and occasional propensity to market manipulation would have extended to matters outside their normal bailiwick. At the very least, the historical relationship between Intel, IBM, and M$ sets some sort of precedent. OTOH, it is a historical relationship...
-TBHiX-
Isn't that listed as one of the signs of the Second Coming? If we see Micro$oft releasing a bug-fix only, free upgrade of Windows, run for the hills and pray to whatever gods or device drivers you worship! ;)
-TBHiX-
So, who wants to go in on buying the hardware (and possibly the launch costs) to start the .space TLD? At least there's a tacit agreement that governments can't lay jurisdiction.
Then, we start hosting DeCSS and anyone else offending the whoreporate mentality...
-TBHiX-
Error code COMMENT_TAKEN_SERIOUSLY -- The user failed to view comment with the sense_of_humour library linked. Recompile and try again.
I have to say that I haven't been a big follower of Ms. Love's career. I know the broad strokes (Kobain's widow, Hole, sometime actress, etc.), but beyond that, I pretty much registered her as another instance of the phenomena of pretty, angry, but essentially empty-headed grrrl rocker-types.
Then I read this article, which, had it been a Slashdot comment, would have been quickly moderated up to 5:Insightful/Interesting/Informative, and beyond.
Not only is it clearly reasoned, it offers perspective that only one on the "inside" of the industry can get. It touches on many pertinent aspects of the situation without obviously glossing over important details. And it has a truly delicious air of righteous rage, focused on clear and (apparently) deserving targets. In short, Ms. Love has demonstated intelligence and real assertiveness (as opposed to the vacuous, unfocused rebellion of many), and good humour in addition to her more obvious gifts.
Sigh. I may be in love. ;) At the very least, she's going on my contender's list of Sexiest Women Ever (not being sexist, I have one for men too, but this one's a little dearer to my heart).
If I read that she writes her own MIDI drivers, I'm doomed. ;)
-TBHiX-
The opinions expressed above are only those of the writer. The fact that they represent Universal Truth should not dissuade you from expressing different ones.
This thought is precipitated on certain assumptions. If you disagree with the assumptions, then obviously my conclusion makes no sense. If, on the other hand, you at least allow for the benefit of the doubt, then the rest, I think, follows naturally.
Corrolary to 3: the success of things like "The Matrix" is not a counterexample; it can be argued that a lot of people liked it because of the cool digital action scenes, not because of the musings on the nature and malleability of reality or some other similar theme. Refer also to "Crash". (People who liked it for the theme of "experience unites, intense experience unites intensely: vs. "whoah, they're having freeky-azz sex!")
Now, on this foundation, consider: B.E. was/is set up to be a commercial success on all of the standard Hollywood criteria: a big-budget summer bonanza to make people saw "Whoah, cool!", often people who believe that to be the sole determinant of good and bad entertainment. As part of standard marketing, the sory in book form will be released and sold in popular venues. The cattle^X^X^X^X^Xdiscerning consumer will, likely, be persuaded to purchase said novel. Having read said novel, there is a definite non-zero chance that they might awaken to the true qualities of the story. Which in turn may lead to an investigation into other writings of a thought-provoking sort. This effect may be enhanced if the individual enters online chat rooms and forums to rant^X^X^X^Xdiscuss the novel, and get guided by those further along the road of mental development. (Of course, thy might just alienate said mentors in their initial posts, but c'est la vie.)
Thus, Battlefield Earth provides the benefit of using true culture-jamming strategy, wielding the problem itself as a means to its own solution. If intentional, a very subtle and ingenious thing indeed.
Should I win, I'll be in touch. Otherwise, I hope the collective masses appreciate and enjoy my little act of cognition.
-TBHiX-
All typos, transcription errors, misformattings, etc. are obviously an attempt by the universe to undermine my superior intelligence. Why, no, I'm not paranoid or egotistical. Why do you ask?
No implication intended, or should be taken. For the record, my meatspace name is identical to one of the members of the Circle Jerks; doesn't mean I'm planning to start a punk band anytime soon. And when name choices are limited to monosyllabic semi-onomapatoics (sp?), there's only so many ways one can go.
FWIW, Ogg-my-alter-ego has a long track record, dating back to his first appearance as the psychic caveman reporter in a board game based on tabloids. Just in case you found that funny.
-TBHiX-
You know, I don't really follow the gaming world, but when the whole "Stevie Case in Playboy" broughahah was kicking around here a couple of weeks back, I mostly thought, "Weird. for a game that promises to be one of the hottest new releases this year (italics represent my assumption), this is an unusually cheesy publicity stunt for the company." After all, with the talent supposedly hired in Ion Storm, it's not like they need to push product that hard, right?
Now we see the fruits of their collective talents.
Ogg feel stupid. Ogg go now, throw rock at cave painting, try not get hit by flint chips. (<-- original FPS)
-TBHiX-
My previous comments were rated as "Troll"?
Explain why, so that I can avoid giving this impression in future. I really meant the opinion; I can't believe that anyone could think that defend such actions in such a manner and expect to get away with it. I do not troll, not intentionally at least.
Sorry for the OT direction of this sub-thread.
-TBHiX-
A clarification: it isn't blackmail. It is extortion -- the threat or use of illegal methods to obtain desired behavior.
I believe you are correct, sir. I stand corrected, in terminology if not in intent.
-TBHiX-
That makes sense when limited to one single incident. However, consider the broader implication. An ISP stays in business by (as the name suggests) providing internet services. If in a given instance, they can be coerced by such tactics into removing the account they find so offensive, then the message sent is "blackmail us and we'll cave." Soon enough, said ISP cannot host any semi-controversial account, and this endangers its market position in the long run, particularly if there are ISPs willing to endure the short-term annoyances in order to pick up the business.
In many ways, this parallels the policy of many nations (paticularly the U.S.) that will not negotiate with kidnappers and terrorists. This may lead to short term tragedy, but prevents the doors from opening up on full-scale extortion by giving the impression that it can be successful. Sadly, as sometimes (often) happens in the business world, the capacity for such medium to long-term views is unable to extend past the next-quarter profits. I do not know if that is what motivates the ISP in this example, but I would not be suprised if it were so.Just my thoughts-in-progress,
-TBHiX-
never mind... maybe next time. ;) -TBHiX-
A list of things that network people know about, so that the crackers can use this as a baseline. Odin's left eyeball, is this a first post? I'm so honoured! -TBHiX-
I'd have to say that Matrix-as-anime is a pretty good appraisal. At the very least, it sits on the juxtaposition of three axes: anime, Hollywood blockbuster, and Hong-Kong wire-harness action/fantasy (Ghost with the White Hair, or without the wire, anything by John Woo).
BTW, not trying to be commercial here, but if any of you are *really* into the matrix, check out this site, run by some friends of mine:
TrenchCo Matrix-style coats
The coats are top quality (I've handled one; lustresuede is nice stuff!) and if you want to order and use the phrase "DODGE THIS!", you can get a 5% discount on most items. (Some choices of material are already cut-rate, so check.) Trenchcoat Steve a great guy (too bad his nickname was like a duck call for morons after the Columbine thing), so expect flexibility and good humour.
-Keith-
After scrolling through the list, I noticed one or two didn't seem to be mentioned that I always enjoyed. Take my opinion for the 2 Acturan megapennies* its worth.
;) Since it's *about* guns and cars, that's a good thing.
- Super Cultural Cat Girl Nuku-Nuku: crazy scientist and son on the run from crazy CEO-control freak mom. Crazy scientist accidentally runs over cat, upsetting son. Crazy scientist remedies situation by transplanting cat's brain into highly attractive mega-powerful female android body (intelligence boost included). Hilarity ensues for the four episodes that exist. Weird but fun, and with the king of dysfunctional family situations.
- Mad Bull: mindless fun part deux. Picture a slightly-better built Dennis Franz a la Detective Sipowitz, plus a lot of weaponry and minus a lot of personal concern for safety. Top scene involves him stuck on a roof with no gun, getting shot at. He freaks out and pulls down his pants where he has a basketful of grenades tied directly to his pubic hair.
- Aeon Flux: not Japanese, not even anime in the technical sense, but if you like some of the more surreal stuff, you'll like this a lot. Not for people who like continuity.
- Gunsmith Cats: the down side? Only a few episodes (one story arc) and an interminable opening credit sequence. The good side? It's based on a manga done by someone who knows their guns and cars like Linus knows kernal design.
In the briefly mentioned category, I'll throw my chapeau in for Ah! My Goddess, Dirty Pair, BGC (particularly the disturbing "The Man Who Bit His Toungue"), and, for technical excellence if nothing else, Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and Princess Mononoke, the big three of commercially successful anime.
BTW, does anyone remember "G-Force" (not Gall Force, unless I'm much mistaken.) Cheesy early stuff, but my first early introduction. I also remember one (only in French, sad for me) that had a trio of cat burglars who ran a cafe?
Later,
-Keith-
*Arcturan Megapenny: third highest denomination in the universe. Used primarily to simplify purchases of galactic clusters. God was recently purchest at a charity bachelor auction for 3 A.Mp. Due to obscure Arcturan law, not valid currency when used by primates.
I'll grant Keanu this much: whatever his overall skills as an actor are, he's got one big hacker trait when it comes to *how* he approaches acting. Nobody had to force him to train for this movie's action, he pushed himself through months of rigourous exercise and martial arts to get up to the level you see here. (You think it's easy, even with wires, to pull 360 degree, up the wall, two axes of rotation somersaults immediately followed by multiple kicks AND firing your prop machine guns?) Similar, in his Shakespeare, he showed up not just knowing his lines, but everyone else's. You have to respect a work ethic like that, given that 40-hour hacking sessions aren't heard among our sort. ;)
;)
Anybody catch the author and title of that book he was hiding stuff in? I think it was "Simulation and Simulacra", and I'm convinced it has to be an in-joke of some existential philosopher.
And on a purely visceral note, best wearing of a vinyl top goes to Ms. Moss, at least judging from the movie poster and the few times she was standing still. Yow!
-TBHiX-