As of today, my trial subscription to XM Radio ended. When I got it a few months ago, I thought I would barely use it. But after a while, I found it quite refreshing to be able to arbitrarily pick between different genre's of music or news or even sports. And the best part was, that it was significantly easier than pulling out my MP3 player and messing with all the cables. Apparently the XM sales people have been calling for weeks, but I decided not to renew. Not that the thought never crossed my mind. Lately I've been trying to trim my commute so I've been spending a little less time in the car. Had my daily driving been as bad as some of the routes of yesteryear, then I think for sure I would have paid out that $10 (or possibly $13) per month rate. Convenience has a price tag!

For now, I will either have to get a new 3.5 aux cable (the old one is way too long!) or burn some MP3's to CD and pop it in the CD player. Either way, I will miss Lady Gaga being overplayed on XM 20 on 20. Bummer, I know.

Posted in: Music, Random,

I saw the new Star Trek movie over a week ago, but I was too busy to post a review (or rant).

The movie by itself was an entertaining movie. It opened with a really well-done amazing epic scene and from there it flowed smoothly and didn't have too many dull points or lags in the story. I think as a science fiction movie, it was definitely above average, and in that you had semi-decent actors with countless cheesy lines, massive special effects, plot that almost kinda makes sense and of course a perfect setting for sequels. Perfect for a summer action flick.

Now, as a "Trekkie", who has watched every show and movie since the mid-80's, I was greatly disappointed. Anyone who has watched as much as I have is completely knowledgeable that none of the history really makes sense. Each show and movie was made in such different times that none of the time lines really make any sense and there are countless inconsistencies about how the "future" is supposed to play out. So in all fairness anyone trying to make such a movie would run in to these problems. So I ask: "Why bother?" Can we please stop with the prequels?

The story itself from the "Star Trek" universe essentially is a "fork" from the original story. So basically employing the most over used technique: time travel, a new "time line" was created, thus allowing the writers to do what ever they wanted. For 2 basic reasons: 1. bring in a new generation of fans and 2. make it more sexy. Or maybe they want sexy new fans? Hmmm, I don't know but in any event, I think this is the perfect formula for failure.

So what happens in the movie? I don't want to spoil it, but I will spoil one thing: my impression of the main characters.

• Sulu - had no real role, a Japanese character played by a Chinese actor? ("Harold" nonetheless)
• Checkov - what a terribly annoying fake accent and goofy acting as well, also did I mention the bad accent?
• Uhura - the slight romantic subplot was quite disconcerting
• Scotty - quite entertaining and great comic relief, but I don't see how he could end up to be our loveable "Mr. Scott"
• McCoy - well done and really fit nicely

Which brings us to our final two: Kirk and Spock. I personally think Spock was the most annoying role. There was a bit too much emphasis on him and the acting was so flat and his wannabe Vulcan Voice was very vexing to my ears. And our man Kirk. I must admit he was the only redeeming aspect. He was totally refreshing and still completely believable. I liked his dynamic with probably everyone except Spock. Overall mixed casting for the whole crew, but I guess acceptable.

Anyways, I think I was a bit more satisfied with my older Star Trek, warps and all (laugh its a joke). I don't have very positive view of seeing "Star Trek Action Figures" or "Star Trek Happy Meals" at McDonald's. If this is the resurrection of the Star Trek franchise, I think I might just check out here. When the obvious sequels come out, I don't think I will care to watch them. ... Unless maybe, just maybe, if someone forces me into a theater and pays for my ticket.

Posted in: Movies, Television, Rants,

Last weekend I was the best man for my youngest brother's wedding. Just like my other brother's wedding last January, I really didn't know how things would play out. I'm trying to think of something cheeky to write about the event, but it would appear that I spent all my wit during the best man toast and all my gusto on the dance floor. Of course I did nothing to upstage my brother, who by the way, happened to use my formula for his token of thanks. No bother, what is an older brother for, if you can't steal some of his ideas. But in all honesty, it was a pretty fun event (I forgive him for picking a live band). The finishing touches were interesting: the tuxedos, stretch limo, horse drawn carriage and cheesy videography, but I'm sure some unnamed people might have thought it was a bit over the top. Oh well, who am I to judge someone on how they spend half a year's income on a half a day's event.

I guess my only regret was I didn't drink enough. For the few people who may have witnessed me taking a shot of nasty liquor with a dead worm in it - no regrets, even if I had a taste of rotting wood in my mouth for a few hours. I'm no party pooper.

There were plenty of happy faces that night. And okay, I can admit it, maybe mine was among that crowd.

Posted in: Life,

I have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as job security. Given the current economic situation, I am pretty sure I am not alone. If I were evaluating a position for employment, it would be the last criteria I would use to assess the quality of the job. Someone once told me that job security causes one to neglect his or her own personal development. Somehow, subconsciously, I have always believed that. I think its rather naive to think that an individual education halts when he gets a college diploma or higher degree. Even worse is the notion that all that learning is sufficient to guarantee someone a prosperous career for the rest of their life.

Some people do beleive that there is great potential to "learn on the job", however I question the value of that learning. Corporations generally expect their employees to revel only in what they have to offer - whether it is obsolete technology or antiquated business models. And, for the right paycheck, most will do just that. However what happens when one realizes that years of dedication to a dieing product or diminishing market shows no future promise? Does dedication mean anything at all?

It seems logical that seniority and experience in a company hold some value. If one has done the same thing for so long don't they become an expert? Maybe, but consider the alternate view: If that person is such an expert he or she may be doomed to always work on the exact same thing, because they have made themselves "irreplaceable" and their very career depends on that product to always exist. Is that secure? Or just as plausible: what if someone of 3 years is just as competent as someone of 10? How much time does it take to realize there is only so much potential in one subject? Something about all your eggs ...

Once upon a time, young professionals could join a company and dedicate their entire lives to the career that ensued. They would be mostly content and retire happy. However somewhere in the past few decades greed and corporate malfeasance has completely eroded the value of the employee: the basic building block of any company. And even sadder is that people, as employees, have taken so long to recognize this. Neglecting to learn new skills or focus on personal development, they may find themselves no better off than the same companies who laid them off. The exact companies struggling to survive in the current economic crisis.

There is one thing I have come to realize over the past few years, and that is the fallacy of expecting someone else to guarantee your career. While not all companies are failures, they are all subject to the same trends and changes that are ultimately unpredictable. It is each and everyone's own responsibility to ensure their own success whatever that may require. All the years of your professional life should be for preparing for what comes next, not what has been. Investing in yourself may be the best decision you will never come to regret.

Posted in: Life, Rants,

U2 announced their tour schedule about 3 weeks ago. The tour started in Europe but only had 4 confirmed dates for the US in September. There were also some unconfirmed locations later, but there was no Michigan location in any of the cities listed. I was a little upset at first (I still am), but then I looked at the proposed stage layout. The concept is basically that there is a full 360 degree view of the band on stage, which basically means there will be many more great floor spots to get a closer experience (in 2005, I was on the floor close to the stage). I guess I could beleive that not every venue could accommodate such a setup, but it does not make it any less disappointing.

Yesterday, the band announced 5 additional cities, as well as 2nd shows for Chicago, Boston and New York (in 2005, a 2nd show was added for Detroit as well). Most of these tickets go on sale this coming Monday (April 6th) morning. I don't think I should hold out for a Detroit date, and if I really want to see them again I need to pick a city. I have friends and/or family in almost every major spot, time to call up some people.

In other news, I did get my copy of the CD. I hate to admit that I keep clicking "Next" on majority of the tracks. I wanted to encourage fans to download a copy (Amazon had it for $4) but I forgot. Anyways, regardless of their somewhat flat album, the one thing I know first-hand is that U2 is highly entertaining on stage and sound absolutely great live. I guess that's worth the price of admission.

Posted in: Music, Travel,