Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen

To start with, I did enjoy the The Revenge of the Fallen as a movie. I wouldn't say it's the best movie ever, I wouldn't even say it's the best movie I've seen this week on youtube. But as a night out, why not.

But let me argue that Michael Bay should stop messing around with my childhood. I mean, the proof is in the pudding:

• He actually managed to make the Transformer equivalent of Jar Jar Binks. Guys... There's a very good reason why Star Wars fans hate Jar Jar so much... BECAUSE HE IS FREAKIN' LAME. And so are the two bitches they call the Twins. I was actually rooting for whomever these Tonka Toys were fighting to rip them apart. Sadly, they made it to the end of the movie unscathed...
• By the way, how did these guys manage to beat up on Devastator for so long?
• WTF happened with Megan Fox's lips? Megan, there was nothing wrong with your lips to begin with. Why do you pain us so?
• But Megan, thanks for that beautifully gratuitous shot in the beginning of the movie.
• Girls, small word of advice. DO NOT inject fat into your lips. Big Fat Lips are NOT attractive. They make you look like you have a glass window permanently stuck to your face.
• Michael Bay seems to interpret the previous movie's criticism of not giving the Transformers themselves enough screen time, as "Let's give the audience MORE robots." And so he carted out a bunch of anonymous Transformers, who get destroyed pretty much within five minutes after introducing them. Movie 1 did have this problem already with the original Bonecrusher, who Optimus decapitates almost immediately. Now they're doing it pretty much all through the movie.
• Probably Megatron didn't do a lot of exercise during his stay on the ocean floor. Optimus was a freakin' Stone Cold Steve Austin '96-'98 now, handling Megatron, Starscream and Grindor at once. Optimus FINISHED OFF Grindor by ripping his head to pieces for chrissakes. Compare this to Movie 1, where Megatron dominated Optimus completely, right up until Shia put that Rubik's Cube thing in Megs' chest. It's probably best that Megatron does some extensive work out at the gym before coming back in the third movie.
• Optimus is a bit out of character... headshots? Neck snaps? Fatalities? Man, that would have never happened in the comics. That stuff is for Arnold Swarzenegger, not the leader of the Autobots.
• WHERE'S Anthony Anderson!? Dammit, we need him back!
• I'm not getting into that car Megan, Shia and that Leo guy were driving in while fleeing from the Pretender girl: the bloody airbags don't work! They ran the car into a lamppost, and nothing happened. It took a fall from about a 100 meters up, through the roof of a factory for the airbags to eject. Eh... that's not safe.

I will get this on Blu-ray obviously; but I wouldn't go for the Special XE Edition with ketchup and mustard.

Death of an Icon

...and it's not Michael Jackson I'm talking about, although it does have something to do with him.

The first news I heard was when I casually passed by CNN, and saw the breaking news header. Still at that point it read stuff like "cardiac arrest" and "in a coma". Entertainment sites, Twitter, had at that point already reported Jackson's death. Now normally I take news from gossip sites not as seriously as straight news, but this had me worried. Basically a very big number of sources knew something CNN didn't (or maybe didn't want to confirm yet).

Once the L.A. Times got on the globe, CNN had to follow along. By that time they were already too late. They were late to the party, and everybody already left.

CNN... poor poor CNN. Either you didn't want to act on rumours, and ended up missing the boat; or you didn't have your reporters in the right place, at the right time. Either way... CNN as the leading channel for news? I don't think that's the case anymore.

Dating Due Diligence

You really have to be careful nowadays in dating. With all these extended families, divorces, remarriages, children out of wedlock, it is entirely possible for you to make a pass at a cousin... if you're really unlucky you might end up with someone who's actually your great-aunt or -uncle.

So what can you do? If there's a good reason to talk to your parents and your grand parents about the extended family, this is it.

THAT'S HOW YOU PAY OFF A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

MICHAEL FREAKIN' SCHUMACHER IS THE STIG!!

Well... not exactly. But this is the definitive example of a shocker, truly a great payoff to a question that nobody really thought could be pulled off. WWE should be calling the BBC for tips how to do such a thing again, because they've been failing to do so for quite a while now...

Good Parenting

I'm quite sure that when you're a teen, or even a pre-teen, family gatherings with ooooold people (you know, people over thirty) are about as appealing as getting your hand stuck in a beehive. As a parent of such kids you have to be aware of that.

One way of keeping the kids under control is to give them a protable DVD player or a Nintendo DS. However if they keep staring/playing with these things during the gathering itself, aren't they losing out on a great opportunity to train a modicum of respect?

It's difficult though. On the one hand I don't want my kids to be disrespectful and rude; on the other hand I don't want them to act up if there's a viable means to keep them at ease.

Falling into place

Strangely enough, even the absolute worst that can happen, has a way of panning out. When faced with such a situation you can take immediate and decisive action, or you can just let it go in whichever direction it feels like going.

And then, whether you helped it or not, it lands into place.

Even now you have a choice. Do you act like it was your plan all along? Or have you let everything go to the fates?

Illusion of progress

The funniest thing I've heard all year, is management by crisis. When all around you breaks down, and everybody panics, doing something is better than doing nothing or throwing your hands up in the air in despair.

However the wisest thing I've heard all year is this: while exhilarating, "management by crisis values velocity over completeness. It sacrifices creativity for the illusion of progress."

When this period ends, and normal operations resume, we're left to pick up the pieces and start over. Much like the end of any disaster movie, that part tends to be boring, not worth the price of admission. There's not a lot of profit to be gained during this time, but ironically this is the time when most progress is made.

How having a job in management helps in real life

I have the luxury of working in management and working with people in management. These are people who enjoyed the same education I did, attended the same schools I did, went to the same jobs I have. 

It takes a special kind of person to be in this kind of position. Not everyone can do it for sure. These are people that can be decisive, supporting, helpful and successful, all at the same time. These are traits that help in a professional context, and also traits that help in a personal context.

You'll notice this when you find yourself having lost your passport in a strange country, mere minutes before your plane leaves. If you're in management, you'll stay calm, define a set of actions, and start systematically to resolve the problem. If you're not, it highly depends on your personal demeanor. You could get emotional, you could get restless, you could be sad or angry or aggressive. At worst you are not thinking straight anymore. And the chances of getting back your passport are reduced to zero and nil.

I've seen this situation occur several times with friends and family, and the difference in behaviour between those who are managers against those who are not, is staggering. And without fail, the former group is always successful, while the latter... well... let's just say they had to stay behind an extra day.

HHG: NBA Finals 2009

According to my simulation Denver and Cleveland were supposed to face each other in the Finals this year. Shows how much a simulation actually knows. But anyways we now have the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic facing off for the 2009 NBA Finals. Here's what I think, hope, feel who's going to win.

The Head says: Los Angeles is the team with the better record, has the best player in the game (Kobe), obtained a better supporting cast (Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum), and has more experience in big game situations. Many players on the team have already seen action in last year's NBA Finals, and the Lakers would very well be a strong titlist, if they would win it. The scary thing is the Magic's superstar Dwight Howard. The man is a bloody freak under the board, even more so than Shaquille O'Neal was in his heyday. Orlando managed to parlay his strengths into two regular season victories over the Lakers. That might be the x-factor in this game. The Magic have already taken the scalps of the Cavaliers and the Celtics, and adding the Lakers' would not be a longshot. To do that Orlando needs its star player at the forefront, barring injury, foul trouble, or game bans. The rest of Orlando's roster, while solid, is unsung.

The Heart says: At this point I don't mind much either team losing. The Lakers are the team with the long history and from a fan's point of view I like them better than Orlando. There are good players on both sides of the ball (Rashard Lewis of the Magic in particular, deserves mention). If the Lakers would win it, that would be better for the rivalry with the Celtics, but then again having the Magic win their first, is a better story. Also if Dwight Howard would lift the trophy it would throw a spanner in the Kobe-LeBron debates, which is good for everyone.

The Gut says: The Magic have a very impressive game, and if they steal home court advantage early in the series, they will throw enough unrest in the Lakers' locker room to win it all. They already did that with the Cavs, and I feel they could do the same against the Lakers. However the Lakers have been here too many times before to let that happen. In fact, their tough schedule so far (series wins against Houston and Denver) may actually help them. Kobe's crew is battle-tested and ready for the challenge.

Lakers in seven.

HHG: Stanley Cup Finals 2009

Considering the result of my last HHG, maybe I should structure my predictions better. Then this final comes along. I thought I already handled this last year.

Anyway this year's Stanley Cup Final is between the Penguins of Pittsburgh and the Red Wings of Detroit. Just like last year.  

The Head says: I don't actually think a lot has changed in either team. Marian Hossa switched sides, and Pittsburgh added some veterans in Bill Guerin, Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko. Other than that, nothing of note has changed. Detroit is still the Central Division champion, and a top seed in the West. Pittsburgh struggled more, had a change of coach, but had a great run to reach the postseason and now the Finals. En route, I can't help but mention him, Sidney took the showdown against Alexander Ovechkin in his favour. 

Overall Detroit has been solid, while Pittsburgh had the more impressive performances. 

The Head says Detroit.

The Heart says: like last year, gotta go with my namesake. I still have no love for the Red Wings. They need to do a little more to accomplish that. Show me you're worthy of my sympathies. 

The Heart says Pittsburgh.

The Gut says: With little to no change in conditions opposed to last year, I'm inclined to feel the same as last year. Pittsburgh hasn't made such dramatic leaps and bounds, that it has scared the Red Wings. Detroit has not regressed. So, however it pains me to say it, Detroit wins it this year as well... gut feeling. 

It will be six games though.

HHG: Champions League Final 2009

Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona

The Heart says: Obviously Manchester United. Can't let go of your first love, can you...  I mean, Barca is a sympathetic team, but it's not like you cried when Koeman fired home one against Sampdoria, or when the Spaniards beat Arsenal. 

The Head says: This one's a little more difficult. Stars? Both teams have them in bunches. Leadership? Strong on both fronts. Tactics? It's the youth of Guardiola against the solid teachings of Sir Alex. It's about equal. Goal scoring? Again not too shabby on both fronts. Defending and goal keeping? I'm leaning to Man U, what with Vidic and Ferdinand and Van der Sar keeping their ends clean. Barcelona has been more spectacular throughout the season, but seems to be struggle when the going gets really tough.

The Gut says: Manchester United is poised to become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League trophy. I feel they will actually accomplish that. Otherwise what good does it do to have three Premiership teams in the final four, and not have one win it?

Something you want to tell me?

Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster DVD

Sold for EUR 6.66

Is this a sign?

(That I should get a twitter account, because blogging doesn't cut it here...)

Feelings. Women. Deal.

You can't tell people how to feel, outside of hypnosis. You cannot say to a girl who got mugged not to be scared. You cannot tell a lady who broke up her relationship not to feel heartbroken. And you certainly cannot tell a woman who has just found a long lost friend, not to feel emotional.

Mistaken identities

It looks like nowadays we are more keen to get our message out, regardless of the facts. If that means we put the wrong man on trial, show an innocent person on television, so be it. We already made normal, indistinctive men potential killers of the royal family, robbers of ATMs and thieves. 

Why is this? Are we getting more restless? Impatient? Are we so used to getting our way quickly and efficiently that we forget to do even rudimentary fact-checking? This is exactly why people go to college and university: you learn that everything you state is augmented by arguments and references. And those references cannot simply be Wikipedia, but good, thorough research.

If we don't do this, we are left at the mercy of the media. You could be mistaken for the next enemy of the state. Your face could suddenly appear on television because someone who looks like you did something quite embarrassing, like tossing chairs off an overpass or shooting up a school. And probably it will not stop there. Next time it is you.

You just know Twitter will be all over this

Once you hear news like this developing, the first five to ten minutes are exciting. Then you realize nobody can tell you more than you already know about what you see and hear already. Couple this to the fact that people are absolutely stunned, and you're better off going away and coming back to the news some hours later. 

But you just absolutely know that people with Twitter accounts will be all over this.

Does that work?

Hmm... does that really work? Mouth caps against swine flu? 

Damn, I was just getting adjusted to the state of the economy, and now they come up with yet another way to influence the way we dress on the street.

Now, if they also stop stuff like handshaking, hugging, kissing we can pretty much move all our interactions to Facebook anyway. Then the only virus we need to be afraid of, is Conflicker.

Degrees of separation

According to my latest information, I am just three degrees removed from: 

• the president of the United States
  
• Bill Gates
• HRH Prince van Oranje

...or at least three degrees removed from the caretaker whom these people told to make their entries in the various networking sites...

Deauthorization Blues

I'm one of those people who jumped at the opportunity to get all the deauthorization software I can get. I mean, if you have Spore and Sims 2 and Red Alert 3 that installation limit is a huge inconvenience if you keep buying new equipment for your rig. 

However, how am I going to deauthorize a game's installation if THE ENTIRE HARD DISK WHICH THE GAME IS ON, IS INACCESSIBLE BY THE OS?! Can't run it, if I can't even get Vista to run, do I?

So not only does EA demand 50 bucks for the bloody privilege of playing their title... a handful of times. You can't ever upgrade the computer, which according to EA shouldn't be necessary for most people... right... 

EA fallaciously gives people the opportunity to regain these privileges with a small tool, which assumes you actually have the chance to run it in the first place. This doesn't help if your computer craps out on you. Just about the only reason to legitimately reinstall a piece of software, and EA gives you a feather duster to open a bottle of wine.

STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.

Something impractical

I understand why major motor racing competitions want to have night races on their schedule. It makes for beautiful pictures, adds to the uniqueness of the circuit and the venue itself, and generally brings a lot of headlines to the front page.

But as the MotoGP race of Qatar has proven, these races are hideously impractical. First they take place late at night, so you can't really move up the race one or two hours. Also you can't really move the race up to the Monday, since people have to go to work. Fans will want their money back.

To a lesser extent the start of the Formula One race in Malaysia was moved up to late in the afternoon to accommodate television channels in Europe, who could then show the race live at a more convenient time. The weather forecast however showed rain, and predictably the race was halted not even midway through. Because of the late hour, it was not possible to move up the remainder of the race. 

I'm quite sure, especially with all the economic difficulties even the premier race teams are experiencing, that these race postponements completely negate all the regulations the competitions have made to make them economically and financially viable.

Adaptability

I've always taken great pride in being able to relate to a great number of people on an individual level. Not just relate actually... also adapt to someone's personality. It does make me very easy to approach, but also very hard to understand. See, you can't really know how my demeanor is going to turn out. Some basic mannerisms will be the same, but beyond that it's going to be a crapshoot. How I will act around a person, or a group, depends on the social context, the relationships, the hierarchy, the topic, the time of day, my mood, whether or not Ajax won last weekend... the list goes on and on.

So in a sense, adaptable behaviour is not the best desirable trait. Could be good for actors, profilers, mentalists and hustlers; but for someone in a seat of power or reponsibility it may not work out as well.