nicholtl

Jay is probably right. I got a new iPod for xmas too (black 60GB video), and I tried switching between the earbuds that came with my old 2nd generation iPod, and the new ones that came with the 60GB video. The crackling was apparent in the old earbuds, but not the new ones. Which, supposedly, Apple claims are made of better materials and the most superior earbud offering of theirs to date. I use the rock EQ too. Just make sure you're ripping your CD's at 192kbps at the very least, if not 320kbps. Remember, iPod's are for convenience and taking your music with you on the go. Don't expect the same soul-satisfying experience from the poor little thing as you'd get from Your Main System.

Neo, when we gonna go grab that brewskie?

Some interesting reponses, peeps. Sorry about that, Amy! And Steve - absolutely. Come to LA and I'll be happy to show you my system. And don't worry, although I live in an apartment, the apartment to my right is the building's storage room, nobody lives below me, the sound doesn't travel through the ceiling, the man who lives to my left is deaf, and across the hall are a couple of college girls who I've become good friends with (read: they're cool).

Yeah, the fact that half the main cast is Chinese was cause for a big uproar within the Asian American community. I'm not sure why these decisions were made, either. The performances were all stellar, although there are equally as many gifted Japanese actresses as well. Weird...

Muse's album, "Absolution."

That's a pretty big and blatant generalization there, Bill. It's not that people don't like realism, it's that viewers these days are more savvy and in-tune with stories that entrall, character arcs that make sense, and moments that ring true. A quick example that comes to mind is when, in "War of the Worlds," Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning return home to find Cruise's wife and son (how the hell did he survive it all alone anyway?? His immature personality throughout suggested NO ability to go at it solo) throw the front door open and lock desperate, emotional, reunited gazes. The family runs through the deserted, yet pristinely untouched neighborhood, amidst a soaring crecendo, a swirling bouquet of fire-orange leaves in the caress of autumn breeze, and embrace under the triple f-stop (aperture) overexposed sunlight... Is that realism? If so, might as well have doves flying above and the LA Philharmonic string section sitting and playing stage-right. Just for good measure.

Thanks for your views, bigroi. I appreciate your opinion and feedback. However, I'm sorry to see that you relate homosexuaity to bestiality. I only hope that someday, perhaps after meeting someone who is gay, or some experience close to you (family or friend) that you go through, that you would put aside such bias and allow your mind to open a bit. To learn a bit. We only grow when we let ourselves be rid of the confines bound only by preconceived notions and prejudice.

Clearly a limited release...

Why, thank you.

Awesome movie. Lots of gore. Lots of grit. Lots of sickly, grotesque, vomit-inducing humor. Just the way I like it. I like the intertwining stories, although personally, I felt Mickey Rourke's portion was, far and away, the stealer. I wouldn't have minded if the entire film centered around his character, in fact. And by the way, for all your Tarantino lovers out there (myself included), don't get too carried away telling people he's a director in this. He only directed the very short (3-4 minutes, I believe) scene with Josh Hartnett at the film's opening.

Seems I share the same sentiments on this one as everyone else. Peter Jackson definitely needs to learn to make shorter films. 3 hours and 15 minutes this film was. It was about 1 hour and 15 minutes too long, by my calculations. For what he had to work with, and considering he stayed relatively faithful to the original work, we must commend him. It was quite amazing to have such feeling and texture conveyed in scenes where nothing but smiles and movements are exchanged between Naomi Watts and Kong. And he's computer generated to boot! But therein also lies one of the film's greatest downfalls. The dinosaur scene. That was quite possibly the worst CGI I've ever seen. EVER. During the stampede, was it just me, or did everyone literally look like they were running on a treadmill in front of a green-screen? The superimposed images were so fake, it was - no joke - laughable. And the big Brontosaurus pile-up? What was that about? It went on for 5 minutes (which was 5 minutes too long by my calculations), had no justification or ramification, no purpose, and nothing in that scene was accomplished. I wasn't even entertained. It was pointless and, for lack of a better film critic word, stupid. To add insult to injury, most of the acting was terrible. Adrien Brody needs to stick to period-pieces. He has no place in action movies. Not with that nose of his (sorry, had to throw that in there). And Jack Black? Peter Jackson, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! Jack Black has no place in any movie unless it has to do with alcohol, being fat, and schticky humor. And finally, to the thread started, Jeff Matthews, I could not agree with your point #1 more. Is that about as racist as it gets, or what? Hell, for all Peter Jackson cares, why didn't he just replace the natives with orcs from his LOTR trilogy? Personally, I know I would barely be able to tell the difference. I can't believe I was dragged into seeing this movie twice. What a waste of my life. I want my 6 hours and 30 minutes back!

This film was a gigantic disappointment for me. With the way it was initially marketed - a perilous, treacherous journey Penguins had to embark on - to the way it was marketed afterwards - a children's film the whole family will love - there was nothing in this film that we really didn't know before. Alright, I'll admit. So I didn't know they stood in the cold for as long as they did. Big whoop. Because honestly, did they really have to show us in REAL TIME? I almost wanted to make trips to the bathroom I was so bored watching the penguins stand, waddle, and yap around in the miserable cold for half-an-hour. And on the note of how cute they are, and their adorable little penguin yaps and squeaks... Take it from me, they go from warm-n-fuzzy cute to I-wanna-rip-its-head-off-and-boil-it-in-acid really, really, REALLY quickly. You might surprise yourself. Yes, the images and scenery is gorgeous, but again, after 5 minutes of staring at ice-capped mountains and crystalline glaciers, you really just want the damn scene to go on. For all you audiophiles out there, there is nothing in this film that will showcase your system. A good action movie would be a better showcase of sights and sounds. Save this flick for a rental, if even that.

An entertaining escapist movie, with some trademark Michael Bay action scenes, stylized camera work, and eye-popping color palette. The story was pretty neat, and acting believable (to an extent), but in all honesty, not nearly one of Michael Bay's best. Compared to "The Rock," "Armageddon," or "Pearl Harbor" (which wasn't that great either), it falls flat on its face. Many cite the downfall of this movie from the fact that Jerry Bruckheimer was not producing.

This was a GREAT movie. Far better than I expected. For one, Willis uncharacteristically plays a man who is weathered, tired, and not invincible. A far cry from his gritty, macho roles from such filmically complex and diverse movies as Diehard 1, Diehard 2, and Diehard 3. For another, the film pulled no punches. It was gruesome, raw, and utterly dark. I loved how sinister the theme and images were. No cheesy comedic moments, no cracks of levity, no forced one-liners. Good, hard action, wonderful acting, and amazing film-noir style cinematography from the acclaimed French director Florent Emilio Sir.

This was a fun, fresh, albeit mindless, comedy. My favorite scene was "you're gay because..." It was also funny to see the hair-remover lady laughing as she was ripping off Steve Carrell's chest-hair, as it was actually the real thing, and they only could do one "take" (obviously), and she could not control herself!

Depeche Mode's "Playing The Angel" - synth pop/rock CD. Chevelle's "This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In" - hardrock/metal CD. Kent's "Isola" and "Hagnesta Hill" - melodic, experimental pop/rock CD's from a Swedish band that, after not making it with their English albums in America, returned to Sweden and continued producing albums sung in Swedish.

It kicks butt. Totally rad. Not like their Exciter crap, but more like Music For The Masses or Songs of Faith and Devotion. Good old dark, brooding, synth-pop/rock.

I think the better question is how many fists can your lover/spouse/significant other stuff into their mouths?

What are you smoking??

Leave it to Bill to write a sensible, civilized, well-informed post. My answer? Are the RF7's worth it? HELL FUDGING YES, THEY'RE WORTH IT!!!

A masterpiece, from start to finish. And quite surprisingly, from "Chicago" director Rob Marshall - talk about a departure from the norm! The true skill of his directorial abilities can most chiefly be noted in the fact that with the extremely heavy-hitting cast of Asian talent (the film is loaded with the biggest stars and names of Japan and China), they all portrayed their roles so perfectly, deftly, full of nuance and subtext, that they allowed for Marshall's vision to come through, despite all the characters being equally unique and powerful on-screen. That the ensemble cast complimented each other, allowing the beautiful story to move with pace, drama, and timing, without each actor or actress clamoring for more screentime, or attempting to upstage the next. The biggest comment critics and viewers alike have, is that the film, while visually gorgeous, is "too slow." I think they have their heads up their glory holes and are truly the babbling idiots we've grown to know and, sometimes, love (Ebert and Roeper, anyone?). When I watched the film the 1st time, I was so taken and gripped by the story, I barely had a moment to stop and admire the cinematography. Only the 2nd and 3rd time around viewing this film did I allow myself the chance. Yes, I actually saw this film 3 times, each time taking with me a different friend or group of friends. And each time, I loved every second of the movie. But when you do stop to soak in the cinematography, you will be blown away. Just wait until the final scene, in the tearoom garden. You will literally find yourself staring into a live watercolor canvas. I understand that for many Western audiences, the unspoken silences, the subtelties, and the wisely underplayed nuances are what make the film feel slow. However, that is precisely the nature of Asian culture. It's not what is being said, but what isn't. To see the soul-wrenching pain lingering in her eyes, to feel the slaying of his heart, to taste the salty tears welling beneath her pupils... Such emotion and power cannot be accurately conveyed when you're rushing from cut to cut, scene to scene, simply for the sake of "moving the story along." And for those in the industry, shaking their heads and thinking, "keep the MTV-style editing, cause the music will carry it...," well, it might wet your appetite to know that the score was composed by John Williams and cello solos played by the brilliant Yo-yo Ma. The next step for Hollywood is to now produce Asian-themed movies that do not center around martial arts of the mysteries of the ancient Orient. Memoirs of a Geisha has my highest, fondest recommendations. You owe it to yourself to see this film.

Has anyone else seen this film yet? I absolutely loved it, and would love to discuss this film with anyone else who has viewed it. However, I realize due to the subject matter, it has enjoyed only severely limited release nation-wide. For those not "in the know," it's a gay romance-drama starring Heath Ledger (whom I feel deserves a Best Actor nod at the Acadamy Awards for his role), and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is helmed by Ang Lee, director of such films as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hulk, and Sense and Sensibility. The film powerfully and heart-breakingly captures the forbidden romance between 2 Texas ranch hands during the 1940's. After their initial summer together on Brokeback Mountain, the 2 boys go off on their own ways, eventually marrying, having children, and continuing on with their lives. However, they soon begin setting up what their wives think are "fishing trips," which are really just chances for them to run off and meet again at their favorite spot - the spot where they first met - and, as Gyllenhaal's character so crassly puts it, enjoy a few "high-altitude f__ks." What I feel is so particularly poignant about this film, and why its theme is so universal, is that a love that is forbidden or taboo, does not only extend to encompass that of the homosexual community. It wasn't so long ago that inter-racial marriages or romances were frowned upon (to put it lightly). Or if we're going to get really romantic about it, rival families or gangs (ala Romeo and Juliet, or West Side Story), or even blossoming love between young teenagers. The kind where parents think it's just a case of "young love" and that they'll grow out of it, whereas the love-struck couple are thinking of running off and eloping. Being that the cowboys are in their 20's when they first meet on Brokeback Mountain, it would mean they'd be in their 60's today. On this note, I think we all have a lot to learn from gay men of the Baby Boomer generation these days. They came from a time and place where who they were was absolutely, unequivocally unaccepted. For what they had to struggle through then, all the way until now, it must truly be a story we could all learn a thing or two from. They say the purpose of history is to educate ourselves so as not to be doomed to repeat it again. Yes, our society is making progress, but for the most part, homosexuality is still a mostly taboo subject. Why there is prejudice against people who have no control over their sexual orientation anymore than you or I choose how tall we end up being in life is anyone's guess. But in essence, this film is a love story. Get over your insecurities or squeamishness (if any) regarding the fact that it's 2 guys, and you'll be ready for one of the smartest, most touching, most beautiful romance films this year. Take your kids to see it too. Educate them.

Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength single malt scotch in a snifter. One ice cube.

Depeche Mode's latest LP, "Playing The Angel."

What is the point of this poll? Why is there no "NO" option?