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Road to Perdition

February 22, 2010 Movies Comments

Based on a graphic novel of the same name, Road to Perdition is loosely based on the Japanese manga series Lone Wolf and Cub. Sam Mendes having recently finished American Beauty, pursued a story that had minimal dialogue and conveyed emotion in the imagery. Prime examples of this are the introduction of Jude Law’s character and the violent yet tender final scene between Paul Newman and Tom Hanks. I should also point out the amazing cinematograpghy by Conrad L. Hall who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Why did it take me so long to watch this?

Fantastic Mr. Fox

February 21, 2010 Movies Comments

Before I go any further I should state that I  not a big Wes Anderson fan. His movies are quirky and entertaining but they are in no way deserving of the praise they have received. I often feel his movies only resonate with people from dysfunctional middle American nuclear families.

Regardless, Fantastic Mr. Fox is funny, clever and his best film to date. All the odd and strange quirks commonly associated with his storytelling seem a natural fit for an animated feature.

Note:
Maybe it’s me but Wes Anderson’s palette made me feel like I was watching a Thanksgiving special.

Unnata Aerial Yoga

February 20, 2010 General Comments

Having never done Yoga in my life I can say that Unnata Aerial Yoga was at first intimidating and challenging but truly rewarding. It made me realize I’m in great shape.

What is Unnata Aerial Yoga?
A new type of Yoga that combines traditional Yoga with the physical training of an aerial acrobat. Begun in January of 2006, Unnata Aerial Yoga classes use a low-hanging fabric trapeze to support the weight of the body. With the weight of the body supported, students learn how to achieve proper postural alignment through relaxation rather than effort, enhancing a relaxed and peaceful state of mind as well.

Unnata Aerial Yoga supports your traditional Yoga practice in numerous ways:

  • Challenging traditional Yoga postures such as inversions and deep backbends can be achieved without effort and without strain with the use of the Aerial Yoga prop.
  • Deep muscle releases achieved in the air allow students to explore much deeper stretches in their traditional Yoga postures on the floor.
  • Common Yoga-related injuries caused by overstretching the shoulders and compression in the lower back are addressed through exercises that strengthen shoulders without compromising flexibility, and by strengthening core abdominal muscles without compression of the spine.

For more information click here

Windows Phone Series 7

February 19, 2010 General Comments

flOw

February 18, 2010 Video Games Comments

A few days ago Sony decided to make flOw available for FREE on PSN. My initial reaction was to hate the control scheme but after a few minutes of getting acclimated I found it deceptively simple and beautiful.

What is flOw?
Created by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark. The game involves the player guiding an aquatic microorganism through various depths of the ocean to consume other organisms and to evolve their organism as the player advances.

Augmented-Reality Maps

February 17, 2010 General Comments

HALO Legends

February 16, 2010 Movies, Video Games Comments

A collection of seven short animated films set int he HALO universe

Origins
A great recap of the Halo Universe for noobs. Stylistically though the animation felt a bit weak and not at the level of quality I am accustomed to seeing from Studio 4°C

The Duel
I applaud the attempt at creating an original look and feel but it just doesn’t work. It looks awful. Skip it.

Homecoming
A look at the tragedies involving SPARTAN-II recruitment in 2517, and the SPARTANs coming to terms with their origins. Cool stuff.

Odd One Out
It is so Dragon Ball Z (which is a series that SUCKZ, don’t argue) it hurts. A total waste of time. Skip It.

Prototype
I’ve read some people comment that this episode “simply didn’t sit well with me.” To those people I reply, this isn’t a fucking burrito. Prototype is serious subject matter and the only tale that takes the viewpoint of a normal Marine. A definite standout.

The Babysitter
“The big reveal at the end fell flat, perhaps due to a certain Nintendo franchise making any quiet person in full body armor suspect.” That was a quote pulled directly from Mike Fahey’s review on Kotaku. Comments like this from gaming snobs annoy me. This short had nothing to do with the reveal. It’s about the animosity between ODST and Spartans. Not to mention the bonds formed between soldiers through sacrifice.

The Package
FUCKING SICK. This disc is worth renting just for this short alone.

After writing this I’ve realized I am one BIG NERD.

The Road

February 15, 2010 Movies Comments

Not having read the novel I can’t comment on the accuracy of this film adaption. But as a stand alone film The Road is bleak, tense and disturbing. If you aren’t white knuckling during the cannibal scene you need to seek out serious psychological help. This is a definite must see.

Bored to death by the prospect of doing the usual chocolates, flowers and fancy dinner. We decided to inject a little Halloween into the commercial holiday travesty known as Valentine’s Day. Our plan:

  1. Dress up in our best EMO outfits.
  2. Take in the Tim Burton Exhibit.
  3. Enjoy the best NYC Mille Crepe at Lady M.

Dirt Candy

February 13, 2010 Dating, General Comments

Named the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC” by both amNew York and L Magazine I couldn’t resist. Five tasty dishes later I was convinced that Dirt Candy was only for vegetarians or foodies looking for something different.

Dating Tip: In my opinion Dirt Candy is a great first date spot. Small, intimate and sure to spark a great conversation. Now if for some reason your date hates the spot you can both have a laugh over burgers at a late night diner.