Don't Panic

Went today to see the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

OK. Despite the reviews I've read, it didn't suck as totally entirely completely as I'd imagined. Now, don't get me wrong. It definitely sucked. It sucked in the way that good movies don't. But it was watchable. There were several moments where, had I been asked, I would have claimed to be entertained. But in many respects, the movie was like a weak cup of lukewarm tea.

Indeed, you had to have read the books to get the jokes. Ironically though, having read the book (or listened the radio plays), the jokes failed miserably to live up. They were cut short, or simply failed. Yet, it seems to me that all the components were in place for a really hooping good movie. The acting is good. The effects are well placed, and not overdone. The story itself is respectful of the books and radio plays, without being totally bound by them.

If there was one flaw, I'd have to say (as others undoubtedly have) it's the writing. It is shitty. They removed the elegance of language that was the joke, and replaced it with a one liner that does not nearly stimulate enough neurons to overcome the traditional buttered popcorn and soda stimulants.

Now, I understand that the English language is a little much for the average north American to appreciate. But this is a geek movie for geeks. Oodles of credit were provided to Mr. Adams throughout the movie, but they didn't credit his profound grasp of language and wit.

Speaking of giving credit, some bits were done rather well. The Vogon fleet and destruction of Earth were wonderful. The Vogons themselves were terrific. The whale... well... it is as it should have been. The planet Magrathea, superb.

If only it were written in the way that movies aren't. Perhaps a ripping hot cup of tea wrapped in a towel would help.

Retirement

Was bored. Made this. It does not count the way Dad does (in working non-exam days only), but it's the best I could do without really dragging out a coding manual.

Enjoy Dad. hehe.

Vietnamese Food

Tam and I went for lunch today at New Mee Fung, a Vietnamese restaurant on Booth St. Ottawa. As it was our first attempt at Vitenamese food, I've nothing to compare it with... but in general it was good... certainly not spicy as many of our companions (some who did not attempt) thought. I had a beef (well done) soup and bbq chicken. Tammy had rice paper wraps of chicken, beef, mint, sprouts and basil. We both thought the texture of the rice paper wrapping was very condom like (kinda flexible and suprisingly strong despite it's apparent thin and transparent form)... again, we can only presume this is normal. Unfortunately, we could only comment on that interesting fact afterwards, as we were in polite company at the time.

I found the beef noodle soup very good, but very large (it was a full meal in itself). The bbq chicken brochettes were excellent. If I were to return, I think I'd only choose one though. Oddly, and for the first time in memory, I could not finish my plate.

An interesting food adventure.

Tammy in Montreal - Zelda lives

Tammy decided to take an impromptu trip to Montreal to see her sister. She'll be back in the morning. Nova and I are therefore having a guys evening. I'd intended to work more on my toolbar project, but I can't seem to get in the mood. Funny that. There's nothing on TV. I've got some interesting downloads to watch though, perhaps I'll do that... or play around with some flash games for a bit.

I downloaded Zelda Classic, a reproduction of the old "Legend of Zelda" game where I learned what "Nintendo thumb" was. Fun stuff, but it seems to screw up my monitor after awhile.

Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life - 2005

Please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life - 2005, participant: Tammy Jardine.

Google Maps

If you have not tried it yet, Google Maps is just awesome. Not particularly because of the mapping feature (lots of people do that), but because of the new integration with high-resolution satellite images.

I get a nice view of my block with it, the nearby dog park, even the hotel I once stayed in in San Diego. What I really miss from California is the beach though.