I'm typically NOT thrilled with the Oscars -- the whole system around how the studios campaign for films leading up to the ceremony all too often results in undeserving winners.
It's commonly the good rather than the great; examples from previous years include Denzel Washington being awarded Best Actor for Training Day, and Shakespeare in Love taking Best Film (despite my minor fandom of Tom Stoppard).
However, I'm very pleased with the results for this year, especially with the flagship awards.
No Country for Old Men taking Best Film and Best Supporting Actor awards this year was very pleasing -- a very un-Cohen like movie (in terms of their typical quips and casting), and yet you can see how their personalities would have been strongly attracted to this story and script. A really non-Hollywood film as well, not necessarily spelling everything out for the audience.
Daniel Day Lewis taking the Best Actor award for There Will Be Blood was also very satisfying. While this film had really good acting and directing, DDL's portrayal of the lead character (Daniel Plainview) was truly great. I loved so many things about this performance, but what is etched into my brain are moments from the film where you see Plainview's reactions at the point where he thinks he's got another character's motivation figured out.
(As an aside, everytime I read a quote from Daniel Day Lewis, I am impressed by his observations and intelligence.)
Hopefully this is the start of a trend...
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Rugby Stocks
As mentioned previously, I was very unhappy with the Waratahs. Their attack looked good (I especially loved the offloading!), but then a mistake would kill the progress. The lineout was embarrassing, the scrum was hot and cold. But the defense... Les, what the heck happened?! 80% of the time it was fine, but then the Tahs would look completely lost and create very soft try scoring opportunities for the Chiefs... And then, the kicking game... Kurtley missing in point-scoring opportunities, and while the tactical kicking was a little better, Lachy kicking out on the full twice? On the flip side, I felt the Chiefs were just as unconvincing (if not more so).
Amazingly, it seems that the new rules are still confusing fullbacks across the comp two weeks in.
Also, for some reason, all the Aussie teams are looking a little weak when it comes to the breakdown. Which is a bit strange, because two or three years ago that's where we used to dominate. I suspect it is due to philosphical change than talent (i.e. maintaining discipline along the line, rather than sending more guys) but I haven't looked closely enough to tell.
Based on Week 2, Luke Burgess most definitely loses his bench spot on my Wallabies backline, and Josh Holmes claims that spot. Burgess was not the impact player he was last week, and while Holmes killed a try scoring opportunity with an errant low pass, he generally looks like a solid and athletic halfback. Kurtley Beale was one of the few Waratahs I was particularly happy with, and while he still needs to develop into his full potential, he staves off Berrick Barnes through his solid direction (Barnes comes off as a role player rather than a leader) and his freakish ability to create opportunities.
There's noone really grabbing me yet at Center, and I'd say Timana Tahu's stock went down a little bit, but noone went signifcantly went up. The most intriguing spot turns out to be fullback. Chris Latham continues to be the star performer, but he'll unfortunately be playing for Worcester at Tri-nations time. Julian Huxley's quickness and accurate kicking made his stock rise, and Drew Mitchell looked very dangerous filling in for the injured Cameron Shepherd. Meanwhile, the stock for my two incumbents (Schifcofske and Lachy Turner) both went down. An interesting competition developing at 15, unlike the Centers, which I'd be quite worried about if I was Robbie.
Final comment is with regard to the Reds. I think they have a real nice guy and solid performer at captain, but for the second week in a row this very talented roster looked clueless at many critical moments of the game (this time losing). With hard core veterans present on the roster to go with the young talent, if I'm Phil Mooney I'm taking a very hard look at the leadership group, if not the captain, and really working out how I can get better direction from those guys at game time.
Then again, gotta be careful what you wish for -- don't want the Reds peaking when then they play the Tahs :)
Amazingly, it seems that the new rules are still confusing fullbacks across the comp two weeks in.
Also, for some reason, all the Aussie teams are looking a little weak when it comes to the breakdown. Which is a bit strange, because two or three years ago that's where we used to dominate. I suspect it is due to philosphical change than talent (i.e. maintaining discipline along the line, rather than sending more guys) but I haven't looked closely enough to tell.
Based on Week 2, Luke Burgess most definitely loses his bench spot on my Wallabies backline, and Josh Holmes claims that spot. Burgess was not the impact player he was last week, and while Holmes killed a try scoring opportunity with an errant low pass, he generally looks like a solid and athletic halfback. Kurtley Beale was one of the few Waratahs I was particularly happy with, and while he still needs to develop into his full potential, he staves off Berrick Barnes through his solid direction (Barnes comes off as a role player rather than a leader) and his freakish ability to create opportunities.
There's noone really grabbing me yet at Center, and I'd say Timana Tahu's stock went down a little bit, but noone went signifcantly went up. The most intriguing spot turns out to be fullback. Chris Latham continues to be the star performer, but he'll unfortunately be playing for Worcester at Tri-nations time. Julian Huxley's quickness and accurate kicking made his stock rise, and Drew Mitchell looked very dangerous filling in for the injured Cameron Shepherd. Meanwhile, the stock for my two incumbents (Schifcofske and Lachy Turner) both went down. An interesting competition developing at 15, unlike the Centers, which I'd be quite worried about if I was Robbie.
Final comment is with regard to the Reds. I think they have a real nice guy and solid performer at captain, but for the second week in a row this very talented roster looked clueless at many critical moments of the game (this time losing). With hard core veterans present on the roster to go with the young talent, if I'm Phil Mooney I'm taking a very hard look at the leadership group, if not the captain, and really working out how I can get better direction from those guys at game time.
Then again, gotta be careful what you wish for -- don't want the Reds peaking when then they play the Tahs :)
Collateral Damage
More steam blowing this weekend after an even more intense week. Accidentally had a big night on Friday -- wasn't really even trying...
Woke up with alcohol still coursing through my system, having to get into the city to meet Adam for some poker. Some reasonable fun, although the focus on both rehydrating and trying to not make dumb decisions playing cards meant I probably wasn't as talkative as usual :) I was fortunate to make a profit.
Capped off with a pleasant night of Rugby spectating at the hospitable Murray household. Well, one game was pleasant (ACT v Otago) but the early game was horrid and full of mistakes (Some team v Waikato).
It's only early days for the Waratahs, but how many losses can you have and still make the semis? I reckon the maximum is either 4 or 5.
In the scheme of things, that really was a wasted opportunity.
Woke up with alcohol still coursing through my system, having to get into the city to meet Adam for some poker. Some reasonable fun, although the focus on both rehydrating and trying to not make dumb decisions playing cards meant I probably wasn't as talkative as usual :) I was fortunate to make a profit.
Capped off with a pleasant night of Rugby spectating at the hospitable Murray household. Well, one game was pleasant (ACT v Otago) but the early game was horrid and full of mistakes (Some team v Waikato).
It's only early days for the Waratahs, but how many losses can you have and still make the semis? I reckon the maximum is either 4 or 5.
In the scheme of things, that really was a wasted opportunity.
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Back Line
If I had to pick a Wallaby back line based on what I saw from this week's opening of the Super 14, given that the Reds and Tahs looked decent while the Brumbies and Force looked decidedly average, I think it would look something like this:
Half Back: Sam Cordingley. So clearly the best scrum half, now that Gregan is gone. He would have almost certainly displaced Gregan if he hadn't had such a bad run with injuries over the last 18 months. However, at 31 (turning 32 in a month) it doesn't seem likely that he will make it to the next world cup. Such an intelligent, accurate and tough player!
Flyhalf: Kurtley Beale. The surprising thing about the game on Saturday was that Kurtley didn't run the ball very much at all, often either offloading or kicking. It will be intriguing to see where he is in his development by the end of the season, but unless he misses some significant playing time through injury I think he has to be the guy.
Left Wing: Lote Tuqiri. Lote gets a lot of criticism, but he makes line breaks more often than not, and he draws defenders. He's still a world class winger.
Inside Center: Matt Giteau. Easily the best inside center we have, assuming the coaches don't decide to play him elsewhere.
Outside Center: Adam Ashley Cooper. If Mortlock is healthy, he owns this position, but when he's out, the next best in the country ends up being Ashley Cooper. While the Wallabies and the Brumbies like to treat him as a utility player, it became obvious in 07 where he is really suited. At Outside Center and Wing, Ashley Cooper almost always shines. At Inside Center or Fullback, he's typically a dud.
Right Wing: Digby Ioane. I like Mark Gerrard, but I think his best days are behind him and I think we need genuine speed in the back line. Outside of Lachy Turner, the most electric back-three player is Ioane. He was sensational in the Reds opening game, and is a threat every time he gets the ball. Who can forget the look of pure joy on his face when he got his first test try last year? What a great ad for rugby!
Fullback: Clinton Schifcofske. Schif gets the nod considering that Chris Latham will be departing our shores after this tournament (otherwise Latho is a no-brainer) and that Schif has a much more accurate boot than Lachy. I'd love to put Lachy in here, but I just can't. Yet.
Bench (4 Players):
Luke Burgess at half back. He's competent in the skills, but his incredible speed makes him an ideal guy to bring on at the 60th minute. Berrick Barnes covering flyhalf and inside center. While I wouldn't say he was brilliant in the opener, he's quite good at both positions, and also has a developing kicking game. Timanha Tahu covering the centers and wings. It's early days to be picking him, and this is the one I would waiver on the most (I'd strongly consider Ryan Cross), but his upside is massive. Lachlan Turner at wing and fullback. One of the Tahs' favourite sons at the moment. His flexibility works against him, but I'd bring him on at the wing at around the 50th minute, and if anything happened to the fullback I'd move him there.
Players to Watch:
Force: Scott Staniforth, when he comes back from injury. Ryan Cross, who was right on the cusp of getting into the test side last year.
Waratahs: Brett Sheehan, who has impressive toughness but maybe not enough finesse for test level. Tom Carter, who I think has massive upside, but has to stay healthy to fulfill that potential.
Brumbies: Josh Holmes, who has shown genuine promise when he has gotten his chances, and is potentially a Wallaby starter at halfback if he continues to develop. Julian Huxley, who is a better fullback than flyhalf, but is probably not good enough for either position at test level.
Reds: Quade Cooper, if he matures in his attitude (and the NRL don't sign him), could become a tremendous player either at flyhalf or inside center. Amazing skills for his age. Chris Siale, who the Reds are experimenting with at inside center, but who is potentially a good utility player with enough speed to play at wing.
Half Back: Sam Cordingley. So clearly the best scrum half, now that Gregan is gone. He would have almost certainly displaced Gregan if he hadn't had such a bad run with injuries over the last 18 months. However, at 31 (turning 32 in a month) it doesn't seem likely that he will make it to the next world cup. Such an intelligent, accurate and tough player!
Flyhalf: Kurtley Beale. The surprising thing about the game on Saturday was that Kurtley didn't run the ball very much at all, often either offloading or kicking. It will be intriguing to see where he is in his development by the end of the season, but unless he misses some significant playing time through injury I think he has to be the guy.
Left Wing: Lote Tuqiri. Lote gets a lot of criticism, but he makes line breaks more often than not, and he draws defenders. He's still a world class winger.
Inside Center: Matt Giteau. Easily the best inside center we have, assuming the coaches don't decide to play him elsewhere.
Outside Center: Adam Ashley Cooper. If Mortlock is healthy, he owns this position, but when he's out, the next best in the country ends up being Ashley Cooper. While the Wallabies and the Brumbies like to treat him as a utility player, it became obvious in 07 where he is really suited. At Outside Center and Wing, Ashley Cooper almost always shines. At Inside Center or Fullback, he's typically a dud.
Right Wing: Digby Ioane. I like Mark Gerrard, but I think his best days are behind him and I think we need genuine speed in the back line. Outside of Lachy Turner, the most electric back-three player is Ioane. He was sensational in the Reds opening game, and is a threat every time he gets the ball. Who can forget the look of pure joy on his face when he got his first test try last year? What a great ad for rugby!
Fullback: Clinton Schifcofske. Schif gets the nod considering that Chris Latham will be departing our shores after this tournament (otherwise Latho is a no-brainer) and that Schif has a much more accurate boot than Lachy. I'd love to put Lachy in here, but I just can't. Yet.
Bench (4 Players):
Luke Burgess at half back. He's competent in the skills, but his incredible speed makes him an ideal guy to bring on at the 60th minute. Berrick Barnes covering flyhalf and inside center. While I wouldn't say he was brilliant in the opener, he's quite good at both positions, and also has a developing kicking game. Timanha Tahu covering the centers and wings. It's early days to be picking him, and this is the one I would waiver on the most (I'd strongly consider Ryan Cross), but his upside is massive. Lachlan Turner at wing and fullback. One of the Tahs' favourite sons at the moment. His flexibility works against him, but I'd bring him on at the wing at around the 50th minute, and if anything happened to the fullback I'd move him there.
Players to Watch:
Force: Scott Staniforth, when he comes back from injury. Ryan Cross, who was right on the cusp of getting into the test side last year.
Waratahs: Brett Sheehan, who has impressive toughness but maybe not enough finesse for test level. Tom Carter, who I think has massive upside, but has to stay healthy to fulfill that potential.
Brumbies: Josh Holmes, who has shown genuine promise when he has gotten his chances, and is potentially a Wallaby starter at halfback if he continues to develop. Julian Huxley, who is a better fullback than flyhalf, but is probably not good enough for either position at test level.
Reds: Quade Cooper, if he matures in his attitude (and the NRL don't sign him), could become a tremendous player either at flyhalf or inside center. Amazing skills for his age. Chris Siale, who the Reds are experimenting with at inside center, but who is potentially a good utility player with enough speed to play at wing.
Neo-Tokyo
How cool is this? Some crazy Otaku in Japan is building functional, roadworthy replicas of Kaneda's bike from Akira.
I wonder what the handling is like?
I wonder what the handling is like?
R&R
Work has been a bit of a pressure cooker lately -- in fact, the last 5 weeks have been uncomfortably intense.
So this weekend has been good for letting off a bit of steam.
Saw Polly Jean Harvey at the Opera House on Friday night. Unfortunately I only caught the tail end of the support act (long time Nick Cave collaborator Mick Harvey -- no relation to PJ). While I didn't love PJ's set list (I don't really dig the new album White Chalk) I thought the performance was quite good (mostly solo, with the odd cameo from Mick), and the venue was special. The highlights for me were Angeline (I have always loved this song, and it's always even more incredible performed live) and To Bring You My Love (which has really grown on me over the years).
Afterwards (11.30pm), I caught up with Nigel for his birthday to do a bit of singing of my own at Karaoke World. It's not something I normally indulge in when stone cold sober, but it turned out to be a good steam blowing activity.
Last night I went to the Waratahs game with Adam. We were sitting up high (I haven't done that for a while) just behind the corporate boxes at the 50m line, but it turned out to be a really good vantage point for observing the whole field while still being close enough to see who's who. The Tahs' kicking game was terrible and there were a lot of turnovers by both sides, but you always expect a bit of rust this early, and I think NSW would be happy holding the Hurricanes to 3 points. I thought the performance of the guys coming off the bench for the Tahs was particularly good - lots of speed and skills injected into the side as both teams began to tire. Final note: the change in music at the stadium and the new mascot "Tah Man" was on the yellow side of piss weak.
Afterwards, I headed to Tony's farewell (he is moving to Coffs Harbour). It would have been tempting to leave the Tahs jersey on with the number of Kiwis present, but I decided to stick with the party's theme (Tropicana) with a suitably floral shirt. Was nice to catch up with a few people and sink a few beers. Didn't get home til 3.30am.
Anyway, just goes to show the best thing for recovering from hard work is hard play.
So this weekend has been good for letting off a bit of steam.
Saw Polly Jean Harvey at the Opera House on Friday night. Unfortunately I only caught the tail end of the support act (long time Nick Cave collaborator Mick Harvey -- no relation to PJ). While I didn't love PJ's set list (I don't really dig the new album White Chalk) I thought the performance was quite good (mostly solo, with the odd cameo from Mick), and the venue was special. The highlights for me were Angeline (I have always loved this song, and it's always even more incredible performed live) and To Bring You My Love (which has really grown on me over the years).
Afterwards (11.30pm), I caught up with Nigel for his birthday to do a bit of singing of my own at Karaoke World. It's not something I normally indulge in when stone cold sober, but it turned out to be a good steam blowing activity.
Last night I went to the Waratahs game with Adam. We were sitting up high (I haven't done that for a while) just behind the corporate boxes at the 50m line, but it turned out to be a really good vantage point for observing the whole field while still being close enough to see who's who. The Tahs' kicking game was terrible and there were a lot of turnovers by both sides, but you always expect a bit of rust this early, and I think NSW would be happy holding the Hurricanes to 3 points. I thought the performance of the guys coming off the bench for the Tahs was particularly good - lots of speed and skills injected into the side as both teams began to tire. Final note: the change in music at the stadium and the new mascot "Tah Man" was on the yellow side of piss weak.
Afterwards, I headed to Tony's farewell (he is moving to Coffs Harbour). It would have been tempting to leave the Tahs jersey on with the number of Kiwis present, but I decided to stick with the party's theme (Tropicana) with a suitably floral shirt. Was nice to catch up with a few people and sink a few beers. Didn't get home til 3.30am.
Anyway, just goes to show the best thing for recovering from hard work is hard play.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Insane!
But I love it! (pretty fast 32 GB SDHC cards)
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/02/pma08-32gb-sand.html
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/02/pma08-32gb-sand.html
Sunday, 10 February 2008
New Who
During my travels, I've had some opportunity to watch some of the "new" series of Dr Who. When I say "new", I mean what the BBC has revived over the last three years. Up until now, I had dared not go near Dr Who after the psychological damage incurred from the wretched American tele-movie blessed by the BBC which revealed gems such as the Doctor being half human etc etc. [How can it possibly be considered canon?!]
The good news is, the newly revived Doctor (played by Christopher Eccleston) is excellent. While there are some things that break the mold of previous Doctors, overall the writing is good, the characters are likable, and the production values are high. The romance factors and the humour seem to have much more emphasis in this incarnation which seems like a modern quirk, but overall it is a very entertaining and fast moving show.
The first three episodes of the first series are self-contained one hour episodes, and I figured this was a format change as well (i.e. none of the famous cliffhangers) but there are multi-part stories as well. Unfortunately, the people producing (and broadcasting) seem rather clueless, as when you see a potential cliffhanger, in the very next segment ("Next Week...") you see the Doctor jumping up and down happily, clearly out of harms way.
I do have to make an exception for "Dalek". Loved the concept, but hated the writing. It's not the "internet" references, which are laughable (or maybe even make you want to cry) -- it's the whole "absorbing" thing which seemed just a silly plot device. Then again, in a show which routinely features the sonic screwdriver, maybe I should just get over it :) "Father's Day" seemed to leave a whole bunch of strings holding the universe together not just undone but totally frayed, but I don't want to get too bitchy.
I look forward to getting caught up to the current episodes...
The good news is, the newly revived Doctor (played by Christopher Eccleston) is excellent. While there are some things that break the mold of previous Doctors, overall the writing is good, the characters are likable, and the production values are high. The romance factors and the humour seem to have much more emphasis in this incarnation which seems like a modern quirk, but overall it is a very entertaining and fast moving show.
The first three episodes of the first series are self-contained one hour episodes, and I figured this was a format change as well (i.e. none of the famous cliffhangers) but there are multi-part stories as well. Unfortunately, the people producing (and broadcasting) seem rather clueless, as when you see a potential cliffhanger, in the very next segment ("Next Week...") you see the Doctor jumping up and down happily, clearly out of harms way.
I do have to make an exception for "Dalek". Loved the concept, but hated the writing. It's not the "internet" references, which are laughable (or maybe even make you want to cry) -- it's the whole "absorbing" thing which seemed just a silly plot device. Then again, in a show which routinely features the sonic screwdriver, maybe I should just get over it :) "Father's Day" seemed to leave a whole bunch of strings holding the universe together not just undone but totally frayed, but I don't want to get too bitchy.
I look forward to getting caught up to the current episodes...
iPod Video
I really thought this was a stupid idea.
I mean, who is going to wanna watch video on such a tiny screen?!
It turns out it is a godsend for making the time go by quickly on my semi-frequent (often enough) journeys between Sydney and the US (and back again). Not only does the 160 GB iPod hold all of my music, but I can catch up on TV episodes I simply don't have the time for in my regular day-to-day grind.
And the battery life is extremely impressive, which is why I eventually decided to replace my old 20 GB 3G iPod in the first place. I can watch several hours of video and then go to sleep listening to music, and I'll wake up with plenty of battery left.
Paired with my noise canceling Bose headphones, it is a very handy traveling companion.
That's Entertainment!
I mean, who is going to wanna watch video on such a tiny screen?!
It turns out it is a godsend for making the time go by quickly on my semi-frequent (often enough) journeys between Sydney and the US (and back again). Not only does the 160 GB iPod hold all of my music, but I can catch up on TV episodes I simply don't have the time for in my regular day-to-day grind.
And the battery life is extremely impressive, which is why I eventually decided to replace my old 20 GB 3G iPod in the first place. I can watch several hours of video and then go to sleep listening to music, and I'll wake up with plenty of battery left.
Paired with my noise canceling Bose headphones, it is a very handy traveling companion.
That's Entertainment!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)