Last Movie?

December 11, 2005

We went last evening and saw what will be the last movie I'll see in theaters for a long time. The problem isn't the movie - the latest Harry Potter movie is pretty good - it is the lousy experience of theaters today. Somewhere along the line the teenie-bopper behind us was never taught manners. Simple little things like not yelling throughout the movie. Mind you I'm not saying one shouldn't scream or laugh, rather that editorializing on the movie throughout in a loud voice is not conducive for the rest of the audience having a good time.

Throughout the movie I found myself wondering at the parent that would raise such a child. Imagine my surprise to see, after the movie, that one of her parents was sitting next to her. Thanks, I think I'll continue to wait for the DVD to come out. Sure I have to pop my own popcorn but it's healthier anyway.

Friday!!!

December 10, 2005

It's finally Friday. The end of the National Finals Rodeo is this weekend. Not having taken time off this week the weekend will be full of working on projects including doing some testing of the new Drupal beta.

Calling in sick

December 8, 2005

KGW TV has a report (video) about the abuse of sick leave in government employment. The report found that several employees had between 35 and 60 sick days a year. The report selected only employees who called in 1-2 days at a time and still managed to rack up major amounts of time. It is frustrating to see people take advantage of a system designed give people a necessary benefit in a way that will make employers less likely to provide such benefits in the future.

OK, but Sirens of TI?

December 8, 2005

The National Finals Rodeo is going on this week in Las Vegas. WIth the side events, christmas sales etc. the town is pretty well packed. Witness the big names who appear to present the national anthem. Reba McEntire, Clay Walker and Sirens of TI. What? Even the opening acts are big, Ricochet, LeAnn Rimes, Randy Travis and Charlie Daniels are amongst the names. But Sirens doing the national anthem tonight? I don't know how much MGM/Mirage paid for the privilege, but let's hope that at the end of the evening it was worth it.

On the verge of winter

December 7, 2005

Less than a month from the start of winter the southwest has turned colder. The thermometer at the ranch this morning dipped into the teens. Of course it could be colder, like it was in Denver.

NBC brings Law & Order to iTunes

December 6, 2005

NBC Universal announced today that the company will distribute 11 television shows through the iTunes music store. The shows include classic television shows Dragnet and Knight Rider and newer titles including Law & Order and The Tonight Show.

As with the Disney titles in the store, each title will be priced at $1.99 per show.

In just over a month since introduction Apple reports more than 3 million videos have been purchased through the music store. It could be very interesting to look back on this time in a few decades. As prime-time television became an American mainstay family time decreased significantly. With the increasing ease of watching one's favorite shows on ever longer commute there just might be some extra time on a cold winter's eve. Who knows we might all even be forced to learn a musical instrument to pass the time.

Read more about NBC brings Law & Order to iTunes

Finally

December 6, 2005

Hard to believe but finals are here once more. As so often is the case the fall finals there are many students who haven't quite prepared properly. Somewhere along the line the message that certain preparation must be done 48-hours in advance means it will turn into IT's crisis 30-minutes before the exam starts. Hopefully these same folk will determine to start preparing for the bar exam a little further in advance.

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