I noticed this article on technologies presented in the movies that we wished was real. Interesting that the #1 thing on the list was a light saber from Star Wars. There was never a time when I wished I had one of those. I'd just take a phaser from Star Trek. Then again, I think the military already has that.
I don't want something that hurts humanity. We already have enough of that. I think that's a big problem with mankind. We're always looking for new ways to hurt each other. We're such a war like race. Well, the powers that be like to whip us unto a frenzy to kill each other.
One technology I didn't notice on the list was The Matrix. Maybe not in the sense of the movie where we don't know it. Plugging in when you want to and living the kind of life you'd like to live would be tempting. The Matrix could give you what you wanted.
You could feel it. You could taste it. You would be there when you were plugged in. Star Trek has The Holodeck, which is nice. However, The Matrix seems like it would feel even more real. Then again, it wouldn't be real, would it? What would be the point? We wouldn't be dealing with the world's problems, would we?
Time travel would be a good one. The Delorean from Back To The Future, the telephone booth from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures. I like the way Christopher Reeve did it in Somewhere In Time. He used his mind. Then again, that wasn't technology. Anyway, time travel would be nice.
Really, the thing that I like the most is the transporter from Star Trek. Teleporting from one place to another would be a game changing technology. For that matter, so would a starship like The Enterprise. We don't have that as far as I know. But, I like the idea of teleportation.
You could go anywhere you wanted in the world in an instant and still be home by bedtime. You could visit one of the seven wonders of the world, shop at the best stores, check out any big event or just visit family and friends. We'd never be too far away from the people we care about. Teleportation would be the thing I'd want the most.
More on this story: http://wallstcheatsheet.com/entertainment/10-fictional-technologies-portrayed-in-movies-that-we-wish-were-real.html/?a=viewall
Thursday, May 21, 2015
That Poor iPhone Got Tossed Aside By Him
With the release of Apple's latest and greatest iPhone, the hype machine is in full swing. It's the newest "must have" gadget. A while back, a commercial debuted to sell the iPhone 6.
A man is reading a newspaper ad, and it says how you can trade in your old phone for a new phone. He's reading that part out loud, and Siri hears him say it. Of course, now she knows her days are numbered.
The commercial is supposed be about getting the new phone, but I can't help but feel sorry for the old phone. I feel bad for her. She's recalling all the things they did together, the trips they made. She's programmed to play music for him.
In the end, none of those times mattered. He's at the door to the store, ready to get rid of her. She's trying to say something, so he shuts her off. Her days with him are over. Who knows where she'll end up now.
That's the life of a smart phone. You're only useful until the next one comes out. The new one can do a couple things better than you could. In this day and age, people must have all the latest advancements in technology.
I know, its just a phone, but they made her seem so real in the commercial. She's relating to him in a way that's more than just a computer to a human. She knows and cares about him, and he just wants to toss her out for something better.
Well, the joke's on him. The new one won't be the same. This one could actually think. It was obviously more special than most smart phones. Enjoy, your new phone, jerk. One day you'll realize you miss her, but it will be too late.
I realize I'm putting too much thought into this commercial, but oh well. If I had a phone that related to me like that, I wouldn't get rid of it. I would take good care of her. This is how you know you've been single too long, a relationship with a computer sounds good. It didn't work out so well for Joaquin Phoenix in the movie Her.
A man is reading a newspaper ad, and it says how you can trade in your old phone for a new phone. He's reading that part out loud, and Siri hears him say it. Of course, now she knows her days are numbered.
The commercial is supposed be about getting the new phone, but I can't help but feel sorry for the old phone. I feel bad for her. She's recalling all the things they did together, the trips they made. She's programmed to play music for him.
In the end, none of those times mattered. He's at the door to the store, ready to get rid of her. She's trying to say something, so he shuts her off. Her days with him are over. Who knows where she'll end up now.
That's the life of a smart phone. You're only useful until the next one comes out. The new one can do a couple things better than you could. In this day and age, people must have all the latest advancements in technology.
I know, its just a phone, but they made her seem so real in the commercial. She's relating to him in a way that's more than just a computer to a human. She knows and cares about him, and he just wants to toss her out for something better.
Well, the joke's on him. The new one won't be the same. This one could actually think. It was obviously more special than most smart phones. Enjoy, your new phone, jerk. One day you'll realize you miss her, but it will be too late.
I realize I'm putting too much thought into this commercial, but oh well. If I had a phone that related to me like that, I wouldn't get rid of it. I would take good care of her. This is how you know you've been single too long, a relationship with a computer sounds good. It didn't work out so well for Joaquin Phoenix in the movie Her.
In n Out Burger Doesn't Need To Be Like McDonald's
I was just looking at an article that talked about how In n Out Burger doesn't want to be McDonald's. Of course, this article spoke about it from a businesses standpoint. McDonald's is a global chain, and In n Out isn't quite as big.
I recall the buzz in my area when In n Out came to town. Everybody was talking about how much better they were than all of the other fast food burger joints. None of them compare to it. Personally, my burger of choice when I'm in the mood is Nations. They keep it simple.
And, the same can be said about In n Out. That's the difference. You see, in addition to generally using cheaper ingredients, places like McDonald's, Jack In The Box and Burger King actually try to be all things to everybody and have gone beyond burgers. And their food is lousy and unhealthy.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that In n Out Burger is some bastion of healthy food. They are not. But, they do have better quality food. You go there and you have a few choices in burgers with either fries or onion rings. And, you have your drink. They keep it simple.
The people are lined up out the door there to eat there. They have people outside taking orders by hand at the drive through to make sure they can get you out quicker. The inside is generally packed. This is because people enjoy the food that much. It all makes a difference. And, from what I've heard, their employees draw a better wage than employees at the other places.
A good burger, an old school feel and a clean atmosphere makes In n Out the place to go for a fast food burger. I can't blame them for not wanting to be McDonald's. I wouldn't want to be anything like them either.
Interesting article about In n Out Burger: http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-10-02/in-n-out-doesn-t-want-to-be-mcdonald-s?cmpid=yhoo
I recall the buzz in my area when In n Out came to town. Everybody was talking about how much better they were than all of the other fast food burger joints. None of them compare to it. Personally, my burger of choice when I'm in the mood is Nations. They keep it simple.
And, the same can be said about In n Out. That's the difference. You see, in addition to generally using cheaper ingredients, places like McDonald's, Jack In The Box and Burger King actually try to be all things to everybody and have gone beyond burgers. And their food is lousy and unhealthy.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that In n Out Burger is some bastion of healthy food. They are not. But, they do have better quality food. You go there and you have a few choices in burgers with either fries or onion rings. And, you have your drink. They keep it simple.
The people are lined up out the door there to eat there. They have people outside taking orders by hand at the drive through to make sure they can get you out quicker. The inside is generally packed. This is because people enjoy the food that much. It all makes a difference. And, from what I've heard, their employees draw a better wage than employees at the other places.
A good burger, an old school feel and a clean atmosphere makes In n Out the place to go for a fast food burger. I can't blame them for not wanting to be McDonald's. I wouldn't want to be anything like them either.
Interesting article about In n Out Burger: http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-10-02/in-n-out-doesn-t-want-to-be-mcdonald-s?cmpid=yhoo
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Ten Songs That Inspire Me
We listen to music for several reasons. Music is there for us no matter what mood we may be in. There's a song for every mood, and some of us know them pretty well. Here are ten songs that I find inspiring to me for one reason or another.
I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty: This one is pretty straight forward. He's made a decision. He's taking a stand on this, and he will not be deterred. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in.
Upon The Door by Neal Morse: This is from his concept album Sola Scriptura about Martin Luther taking a stand against the church. He could have died for it, but he felt everybody needed to know. Sometimes what you say may not be popular, but if it's what you feel in your heart, you must say it.
Don't Wait For Heroes by Dennis DeYoung: This is about not giving up and believing in yourself. Dennis sings "Winners are losers who got up and gave it just one more try." This is so true. We learn from our losses and mistakes, and they can help us be more successful.
Can I Tell You by Kansas: The first song they ever recorded. It's a simple song, but true. If you want to live in freedom, you have to be ready to fight to hold onto it. It's not always about fighting in a war sense. It can be about standing up against things that are wrong.
I'm Still Standing by Elton John: This is a good one for when you are down. Maybe something didn't work out right, but you are still here. You never know what opportunities are awaiting you just around the corner.
For The Love Of You by The Isley Brothers: This song is so beautiful it makes me want to cry just thinking about it. It makes me think about what's missing in my life and how I want to meet that special person one day.
They Don't Care About Us by Michael Jackson: It doesn't matter what color or race we are to the powers that be. They use racism to divide us all while they sit in their ivory towers and laugh at us. Like Michael says, "They don't really care about us." I think he's right.
Never Be The Same by Echolyn: It's about the death of a loved one but I like the line, "In each man, there lies as start that has no end, a means to be more, a light that shines it's own special way." Deep down we're all the same, but each of us has a uniqueness to us that makes us special.
All You Can Save by The Flower Kings: From their epic one hour song, The Garden Of Dreams. This lyric really sums it up, "All we can save is the love that we made." That's so true. All your money won't matter at all in the end.
That's My Job by Conway Twitty: This song will always be special to me and will make me think of my dad and how much he meant to me. Conway sings, "Every person carves his spot and fills the hole with life, and I pray someday I might light as bright as he." My dad was an amazing man.
I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty: This one is pretty straight forward. He's made a decision. He's taking a stand on this, and he will not be deterred. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in.
Upon The Door by Neal Morse: This is from his concept album Sola Scriptura about Martin Luther taking a stand against the church. He could have died for it, but he felt everybody needed to know. Sometimes what you say may not be popular, but if it's what you feel in your heart, you must say it.
Don't Wait For Heroes by Dennis DeYoung: This is about not giving up and believing in yourself. Dennis sings "Winners are losers who got up and gave it just one more try." This is so true. We learn from our losses and mistakes, and they can help us be more successful.
Can I Tell You by Kansas: The first song they ever recorded. It's a simple song, but true. If you want to live in freedom, you have to be ready to fight to hold onto it. It's not always about fighting in a war sense. It can be about standing up against things that are wrong.
I'm Still Standing by Elton John: This is a good one for when you are down. Maybe something didn't work out right, but you are still here. You never know what opportunities are awaiting you just around the corner.
For The Love Of You by The Isley Brothers: This song is so beautiful it makes me want to cry just thinking about it. It makes me think about what's missing in my life and how I want to meet that special person one day.
They Don't Care About Us by Michael Jackson: It doesn't matter what color or race we are to the powers that be. They use racism to divide us all while they sit in their ivory towers and laugh at us. Like Michael says, "They don't really care about us." I think he's right.
Never Be The Same by Echolyn: It's about the death of a loved one but I like the line, "In each man, there lies as start that has no end, a means to be more, a light that shines it's own special way." Deep down we're all the same, but each of us has a uniqueness to us that makes us special.
All You Can Save by The Flower Kings: From their epic one hour song, The Garden Of Dreams. This lyric really sums it up, "All we can save is the love that we made." That's so true. All your money won't matter at all in the end.
That's My Job by Conway Twitty: This song will always be special to me and will make me think of my dad and how much he meant to me. Conway sings, "Every person carves his spot and fills the hole with life, and I pray someday I might light as bright as he." My dad was an amazing man.
Branded Was A Dark But Interesting Movie
A couple of years ago, this movie called Branded came out. It was filmed in Russia. It was a movie that looked at the way people are being manipulated by advertisement. The cast is made up largely of unknown actors, and the movie is done on a small budget.
The lead character (Ed Stoppard) is in the advertisement game and working for an American, played by Jeffery Tambor. He's been taken under his wing and rises to the top. But he violates his boss's one rule. Don't sleep with his niece (Leelee Sobieski).
He gets involved in a reality show that goes very wrong, and he goes out to the country to make sense of it all. There, he starts having visions and is compelled to understand what is really going on. It leads to a gruesome scene where he makes an animal sacrifice to gain the wisdom he seeks.
When he comes back to the city, things have changed. The mass marketing has come to life with a sort of energy that compels people to consume. What has happened is an adviser, played by veteran actor Max Von Sydow, is advising the fast food chains to market the idea that fat is the new thin.
Also, in a weird sort of way, the corporate advertising energies are at war with each other to be number one. This concept was conveyed in the trailers for this movie, and it enticed me to check it out. We are sometimes compelled to buy things we don't even want or need simply because of the commercials.
It's a unique look at the world of advertisement that flew under the radar. Not a great movie. Things could have been done better. However, I like the concept they were going for. I sometimes think there are forces at work through the big and small screens that aren't good for us, and this movie did a pretty good job of conveying that.
The trailer for the movie: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HInOg12jMiY
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