Has anyone been able to successfully use Spock to sign .rdf files in a Windows environment using Cygwin? If you have and your willing to help me out please leave me a comment below. If we can get this working I will throw together a few tutorials on continuous integration/build systems as well as working with Spock (and/or signOnTheLine).

Mississippi High School Activities Association executive director Ennis Proctor hasn't been pleased with fan turnout in the first two years of the revived event and has asked Tupelo for more gauranteed money.

Tupelo Convention and Visitors director of sports Neal McCoy said he has offered more money, but it wasn't enough to please the MHSAA. Proctor says there is another suitor, but wouldn't say who.

Obviously that suitor is Jackson. If it isn't, I'll be shocked to say the least. As long as Proctor and the current association is in place, everything will be moved there. When there's poor fan turnout at the state championship games in Jackson, nothing is ever heard of moving them around. Why? Because it's convenient for the head communists to not have to travel.

Who cares how many times we in the North have to travel down there, book hotels and be away from our families. Who cares? Proctor doesn't. This move to remove the Slam from Tupelo shouldn't surprise anyone. Give me a break. This isn't about fan turnout. This is about a convenient locale for Proctor and crew. 

That "centrally located" crap is ridiculous. Why doesn't he just say "centrally convenient for me?" Isn't that what it really means. Of course it is.

And don't give me this fuel cost bit. How do you think we get to Jackson? Not on foot. Gas costs us too.

I'm not saying keep the Slam in Tupelo. Actually, the only fair thing to do for every sport is to move it to different parts of the state each year. Convenience every one every once in a while. But if that plan is never going to happen under the current tyranny, then Tupelo deserves the Slam. McCoy's presentation of the event has by far outshined and outclassed anything I've ever attended in Jackson. You'd be hard-pressed to find one coach or player who wasn't over-the-top pleased with the job McCoy and Tupelo did the last two years.

With class, McCoy, while hoping Tupelo is awarded the event in 2009, said he thought the MHSAA gave Tupelo a fair shake. He's wrong, but he's a class act and won't brand the Association for what it is, a joke. 

No one wants to see the Slam ended again. If Proctor can't land it in Jackson though, don't be surprised if two years is all we get.

TAMPA - A week ago, Deputy Malachi McCoy was reading the Bible and came upon Psalm 28:7. He was immediately drawn to one line in the verse: "The Lord is my shield."

Using a silver paint pen, the son of a preacher inscribed those words on the black steel plate of his bulletproof vest.

On Saturday morning, during a gunman's rampage in northwest Tampa that left three people shot dead and two Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies wounded, the Biblical verse offered additional protection, McCoy said.

"The bullets were coming past me," he said. "For me personally, I was shielded."

The shooter, Jorge Orlando Bello Garcia, had shot Deputy Arturo "Art" Lence in the lower torso and Deputy Raymond Wilson in the arm. The gunman, also known as George Bello, was scuffling with Wilson and trying to wrestle the deputy's firearm away from him.

McCoy ran up and fired the final bullet that ended the shooting spree, the sheriff's office said. Bello was fatally shot in the head.

"I'm sorry it had to happen," McCoy, 28, said Monday. "But I'm glad I was there."

The deputy, who has been with the sheriff's office for almost eight years, said he could not go into details about Saturday's shooting because it is under investigation. McCoy, who is on paid administrative leave, did say that what he had done has sunk in and that "I'm fine with it."

"He already killed some people," he said. "He tried to kill us."

The deputy's father, the Rev. Paul McCoy of Fellowship Bible Church in Zephyrhills, said although the Ten Commandments state "Thou shalt not kill," his son simply did what he was trained to do.

McCoy, 71, said his son reacted instinctively because of his law enforcement training.

"I do believe that what Malachi was doing was a service to the citizens of the county," said Paul McCoy, who spoke to the Tribune today during a trip to Nashville, Tenn. "That's been his goal in his life – to be in law enforcement and to enforce the laws of the people."

Malachi McCoy's dream of being a cop started when he was 15 and a student at Leto High School in Tampa. That's when he joined the sheriff's office's Explorer's Post No. 238, a program that gives local youth an inside look at law enforcement.

McCoy went on a ride-along program with a patrol deputy and saw his career path clearly laid out in front of him.

"I got the bug," he said. "That was it for me. Everything fell into place."

After graduating from high school, McCoy became a community service officer for the county's jails. He soon enrolled in the sheriff's office academy and was a reserve officer. He became a full-fledged deputy in 2000.

"I was lucky enough to do the job I wanted to do," said McCoy, who was at St. Joseph's Hospital Monday visiting Lence, one of the wounded deputies. Lence is listed in fair and stable condition, sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway said.

Paul McCoy said when he talked to his son about Saturday's shootings, Malachi McCoy's "concern was for the other two deputies. He didn't want to see them injured any further."

Malachi McCoy, who was named after an old testament prophet who told God's people to repent of their ways, said he has received more than 50 phone calls of "unbelievable support" from friends and family.

He said his faith — and perhaps the Bible verse he wrote on his vest — has helped him through the ordeal.

"I just thought it would be kind of neat to write that on the steel plate," he said.

The full reading of Psalm 28:7, the King James version, says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

Strong out the gate but faded at the finish... I'm wondering if I've got it in me to drive this thing home.

But it feels good to know that the worst is over. No more squabbling siblings... now it's Hatfields and McCoys. This is the time for all of us to take pride in our historic Democratic nominee. Never miss an opportunity to engage a Republican.... and enjoy the mumbled responses, the downcast eyes, the limp shoulder shrugs and tortured pretzel logic. This is the Patton flank run, diving into the soft Wehrmacht supply line and rear echelons.

Can you dig me?

This week started with Jessica playing with the toddler table, a trend that continues throughout this update.

Meanwhile, Belle and Brittany get started on teaching the toddlers their skills.

This guy, Chandler Dennis, showed up right after the welcome party, and Brittany liked him right away.

I didn't play this hood for awhile and I installed pets during that time, and the toddlers got stuck with the sleeping zzzs.

Jessica's first day of school.

Brittany didn't have much time to do anything during the first part of the week because she was busy with the toddlers.

See? More block playing. 

Brittany got a job in Athletics since Oceanography wasn't open.

Jessica learned to study from Belle

Actually, Belle spent most of her time being a good grandmother this week.

Isn't this just creepy?

See? More Belle being a good grandmother.

3 people in the family wanted to adopt a pet, so I had Brittany call and adopt a puppy.

See? Isn't he cute? His name is Maxx.

Brittany worked out while the toddlers were sleeping so she could get a promotion since Oceanography still hadn't opened.

More of Belle being a good grandmother. Most of the toddler skills were taught by her actually.

AWWWW! Maxx watched the TV. I didn't know this could happen.

Oops. I guess I should of fed her. (Is she supposed to sit IN the pet bowl?)(And those silly zzzs again)

Rufus is just all popular in this town. I think Jessica will actually wind up with her, not a Rosada. He came over everyday of the week and their relationship was 100/100.

Birthday time! First Justin.

He grew up quite well I think.

Oh no, don't eat that!(He did and got sick before his sister even got to the cake)

See? Now it's Julie's turn.

She grew up well too. Except her hair changed colors?

Post Makeover: Justin

And Julie

More block playing. :D

Justin's first day of school.

Julie's first day too.

After the twins grew up, Brittany had time to focus on a relationship again. She invited over Chandler and asked him to move in. (He added 3000$)

I think he cleaned up well. He does have a little bit of a mouth on him though. 

Knowledge: TOC Medical - Sagittarius - Nature

He soon asked her to marry him.

Justin learned to study from Chandler.

And Julie learned to study from Belle.

Chandler played ball with Julie most nights. (I cropped the pic together)

Belle being a good grandmother again tucking in Jessica.

Brittany and Belle wanted a makeover chair so I got them one. Belle's first makeover didn't go so well.

Luckily, she got a second attempt and did much better.

And Brittany got it right on the first try.

Ouch. Doesn't that hurt Justin?

Of course, I have a pic of Jessica...

...and Julie looking goofy having a water balloon fight.

Oh! First bump! Isn't she gorgeous?

More good makeovers.

And more blocks!

Second bump (and still and engagement ring)

Oh, Chandler got a job in the medical field since that is his lifetime want. Career chance card. Lets choose Ask Custodian...

Yes! That was a good move.

Maxx grows into an adult dog. He's not as cute as when he was a puppy, but still cute.

Time for Jessica's birthday!

I think she grew up well. What does she choose?

Knowledge of course!

And her lifetime want is doable of course (did freetime add new LTWs? I've seen alot I haven't seen before)

And her post makeover shot. I didn't change much. Just added a little makeup and she has a labret piercing.

Baby time!

Only one. A little boy named Camden.

Once again, Belle took on her grandmother role and started taking care of Camden.

Points this round:

+5 for starting sims

+2 for added sims

Order The Ezekiel Option from Amazon for $9.99

Don't have Amazon Kindle? You can always purchase it from here
Or if you prefer to read the Print editions instead, you can get it from here

Other Kindle Books of Interest
The Copper Scroll
Epicenter
Kingdom Come
The First Commandment: A Thriller
The Final Move Beyond Iraq: The Final Solution While the World Sleeps

We've already reviewed acts one and two -- and in case you missed it, Visual Effects Producer Peter Christian took notice. He wrote:

"Believe it or not, I loved your review. It was the first one I have read that gave more praise to my FX teams hard work than praise to the actors and writers. All others reviews have been quite the opposite.

As far as your predictions are concerned (even your biggie for Act II, not all is as it seems) you are in for a very big surprise in Act III. Nice call about Garan, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. ;)

Thanks for the great review, my team loved it!"

This time around, we'll get three new characters played by:

• Daamen J. Krall, who did voices in the Starfleet Command III and Starfleet Academy video games.
• Herbert Jefferson Jr., for whom I can find no Trek connection other than a one-episode stint with The Shatner on T.J. Hooker (but he was Lt. Boomer on the old incarnations of Battlestar Galactica)
• Grace Lee Whitney, best known as Yeoman Janice Rand on Star Trek: TOS. She also played a communications officer in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

The producers are also promising cameos by:

• Arlene Martel, who played the Vulcan T'Ping (Spock's prospective wife) in Amok Time (TOS).
• Jack Donner, who played Romulan Subcommander Tal in The Enterprise Incident (TOS).
• Tania Lemani, who played the exotic dancer Kara in the did-Scotty-committ-murder mind-bender Wolf In the Fold (TOS).
• Celeste Yarnall, who played Pavel's red-shirt romantic interest Martha Landon in The Apple (TOS)

As for plot, we're promised a battle between the alternate timeline rebels and Galactic Order.

In de Rudy van Gelder serie wil ik het vandaag hebben over McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoy.

McCoy Tyner is een pianist die vooral gevormd is door zijn spel binnen het John Coltrane Quartet. Waar hij zich als 17 jarige jongen  bij aansloot. Waarmee hij onder andere "My Favorite Things" en het legendarische album "A Love Supreme" mee opnam. The Real McCoy is één van zijn zelfstandige opnames als bandleider. Hij wordt hier ondersteund door Joe Henderson (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bas) en Elvin Jones (drums).
De vijf gespeelde composities zijn allemaal van Tyner zelf en dat hoor je doordat er erg veel ruimte is voor de piano partijen. Ook is de invloed van zijn spel met John Coltrane duidelijk merkbaar. The Train geest waart hier zeker rond. De begeleiding krijgt zeker ook zijn momenten, met name Joe Henderson freakt af en toe lekker uit. Om het op andere momenten weer heerlijk laidback te doen. Een goede combinatie van rustige en wat meer avontuurlijke momenten deze plaat. Al met al een prima plaatje voor zowel de beginnende als de gelouterde jazz liefhebber.

McCoy Tyner met John Coltrane

McCoy Tyner is inmiddels 70 jaar, treed nog regelmatig op en heeft een eigen platenlabel. Zie hier zijn website

Forse in italiano è un pochino meno nota, probabilmente perché, come si nota anche da questi filmati, la famosa frase è stata tradotta e adattata spesso in modo diverso, perdendo un po' l'effetto "tormentone".

Come noterete, qualcuno è senza dubbio dichiarato morto (anche se in almeno un caso si tratta di “notizie quanto meno esagerate”). Chissà se qualche lettore è in grado di riconoscere tutti gli episodi da cui sono stati tretti gli spezzoni e se poi tutti i morti sono davvero morti?

In italiano...

...ed in inglese!

[Fonte: Fantascienza.com]

01 - William Hartnell (1963-1966)

An elderly, grump grandfather type figure. Not as physically active as his future selves but still of a very sharp intellect as well as sharp tongue. Arrogant at times but came to learn quite a few lessons from his human travelling companions, also was very caring about his grand-daughter, Susan. Had very little control of the TARDIS due to a combination of faulty machinery and lost control codes. Incarnation ended ended at the conclusion of The Tenth Planet from physical exhaustion.

02 - Patrick Troughton (1966-1969)

Often regarded as something of a 'cosmic hobo', this Doctor was much less serious in nature than his predecessor. However, this tended to disguise a lot of planning and thinking that happened as the Doctor stepped back and guided his companions and allies into doing what needed to be done. Control of the TARDIS increased, the sonic screwdriver was first sighted as was series stalwart UNIT (including Lethbridge-Stewart). Incarnation ended at the end of The War Games when the Time Lords found the Doctor guilty of interferring, sentencing him to forced regeneration and exile to Earth.

03 - Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)

Exiled to Earth for some years, the Doctor became scientific advisor to UNIT while trying to rediscover the secrets of time travel and return his TARDIS to working order. One of the more physically able incarnations with adeptness at alien martial arts demonstrated on multiple occassions. This was the era during which Bessie and the 'Who-Mobile' were constructed. Incarnation ended at the end of Planet of the Spiders after the Doctor had been exposed to massive amounts of radiation.

04 - Tom Baker (1974-1981)

Almost certainly the most visually recognisable incarnation with the combination of long scarf and great mop of hair. Ranged widely from brilliant scientist to eccentric bumbler often shown up by his own companions. Was the first incarnation to purposefully lose control of the TARDIS through use of the Randomiser device. Incarnation ended when the Doctor fell from a radio telescope while stopping a scheme of the Master's.

05 - Peter Davison (1981-1984)

Something of a pacifist, even compared to the Doctor's general nonviolent nature. The youngest appearing incarnation and possibly the most 'human' with a greater amount of compassion and vulnerability. Very skilled at cricket. Much more of the TARDIS interior was seen during this incarnation. Tenure ended at the conclusion of The Caves of Androzani as the Doctor fell victim to poisoning, saving his companion's life in the process.

06 - Colin Baker (1984-1986)

An incarnation full of contradictions, one moment he was a calm if eccentric traveller to having bursts of angry violence. Could be even more arrogant and pompous than any other incarnation at times, usually followed by being shown to be wrong. Almost certainly possessed the worst sense of style with his choice in clothing rutinely being the target of comment and ridicule. Incarnation ended when the Doctor hit his head on the TARDIS console after an attack from The Rani.

07 - Sylvester McCoy (1987-1996)

The most varied incarnation, starting off as a truly bumbling clown and ending up as a master schemer and planner responsible for major casualties of both Daleks and Cybermen. Debatably the most effective incarnation in terms of enemy defeats with greatest control of the TARDIS. While caring deeply for those around him, saw no problem with manipulating them to see a plan or scheme succeed. Incarnation ended when the Doctor was shot stepping out of the TARDIS after an emergency landing.

08 - Paul McGann (1996)

The most difficult incarnation to comment on due to lack of non-book/audio appearances. Possibly had best interior TARDIS design but arguably the most ineffectual incarnation. The circumstances surrounding the end of this incarnation are completely unknown at this time.

09 - Christopher Eccleston (2005)

The first incarnation to sport a contemporary style of dress/style, also had an apparently greatly changed TARDIS. Emotionally affected by the destruction of Gallifrey and the Time Lords which appeared to limit his effectiveness and even morals. Seemed motivated by showing off the Universe to companions as opposed to previous incarnations where this was less of a priority. Incarnation ended after absorbing energy from the Time Vortex to save his companion.

10 - David Tennant (2005-)

Continues the 'showing off' attitude of the last incarnation and contemporary dress code. This version seems lonlier than any other. Attests to not giving any second chances but seems to escape matters by luck much more so than by intellect or planning. Seems content to randomnly wander the Universe as opposed to actively seeking out evil.

So which is the best incarnation of the Doctor? Yes, it is a very subjective call and every person will most like have their own answer but this is mine. After weighing up all the various aspects of the all the various incarnations, I have to conclude that the best incarnation of the Doctor is...

7th Doctor - Sylvester McCoy.

But why? Well, there are various reasons to this opinion. He is the only incarnation to date that has given himself a mission or purpose and actively sought out evil to combat. No longer randomly wandering Space and Time, he laid down plans and used his intellect in a very directed manner. He stopped relying on luck and the TARDIS to take him to evil and he took care of business. For the first time we got to see what the Doctor could be like when he dropped the screen of eccentricity and comedy that he often used to throw foes off guard and make himself appear more human.

It was a great change and the stories of the 7th Doctor managed to inject a sense of mystery back into the character which had been worn away by previous stories. McCoy also had an excellent talent for switching instantly from his speciality of comedic acting to appearing very dark and indimidating, which he had little experience with at that point. The earlier stories, especially Time and the Rani, were rubbish which was the result of various factors ... but ones such as Ghost Light, Curse of Fenric and Remembrance of the Daleks are simply some of the best the series has ever produced.

The runner up?

All the incarnations have their good and bad points but I would have to say that, thanks to some incredible acting performances, the second best incarnation would have to be that of the 1st Doctor as played by William Hartnell ... and there is little difference between 7th and 1st at that.

Part of that ability is to be able to create characters that are better than the creator, even if they are only fictional. We create beings in our heads that have qualities we can only aspire to someday possess … but for what purpose do we do this? Are we making signposts or goals for ourselves? Is it a case of mere wishful thinking? Or are we shaping ourselves as a group, creating figures that we wish to transform ourselves into and making humanity in general better than what it is today?

That is what I wish to look at and discuss. It is not a field that I know a great deal about and would be interested in the thoughts of those out there in the often weird but insightful blogosphere. What do you see as the role of the fictional characters that we ourselves create? Which characters (or even their precise attributes and characteristics) do you see as worthy of emulation and note?

I think I shall attempt to look at some fictional characters, often childish ones, and the attributes they have which I personally find inspiring or noteworthy.

Optimus Prime (Transformers)

Growing up as a child in the 1980’s, Optimus Prime was my hero. The ideas of a giant authoritative and yet deeply caring robot that would pummel your enemies was very appealing. He was wise, a good commander and never backed down. It’s that last attribute I think is the greatest of the characters, standing up for what he believed in no matter the consequences to himself. To Optimus Prime, his life was worth no more than anyone else’s; even members of a supposedly inferior race known as humans. I think that this attribute can be summed up by two of Optimus’ more famous quotes: “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.” And “Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost.”

The Doctor (Doctor Who)

A member of an insanely advanced race of time travelling aliens, the Doctor left it all behind and became a renegade simply out of the desire to do good. He was not content to sit on his rear and merely observe like the rest of his people, he was driven to actively oppose injustice and wrongs where ever he should happen to find them even at the cost of his own life. This desire to do perceived good is a common trait in fictional characters and by itself is nothing particularly special … it is the manner in which he does it. The Doctor could employ the technology of his race (which he surely is well versed in) to create massive weapons of destruction, surround himself in a personal force-field and so on. He could very easily use such things to obliterate his enemies in great torrents of rage and destruction … but he does not. Instead he uses his intelligence and wits, refusing to lower himself to the barbaric depths of his foes and sink to their level. While the idea of a time/space machine like the TARDIS is very nice indeed, it is the way the Doctor is a being of intelligence that makes him stand out.

Samuel Vimes (Discworld)

Sir Samuel Vimes is a recovering alcoholic watchman in one of the most corrupt fictional city’s I am aware of; a city where people will steal anything not nailed down … and if it is nailed down then they’ll steal the nails as well. He managed, through hard work and outsmarting people, to turn the City Watch from three incompetent and unrespected men to a dynamic and extremely effective force of dozens. But it’s not that hard work that makes Vimes special, though it is certainly commendable. What really makes Vimes stand out is one promise he made to himself, a promise to read a story to his infant son every day at six o’clock no matter what. He has run across the city, nearly killing himself to keep this promise, he doesn’t care if the Patrician decides Vimes suddenly has an appointment with him, he doesn’t care if the Ankh floods (again) … he made a promise and he’ll be damned if he does not keep it. A man that always keeps his word is something to be admired, no matter what that word or promise is. It means that man is a man of integrity and honour, which is something so sadly lacking in the modern world.

Batman (DC Comics)

The long lasting question … which is the mask, Batman or Bruce Wayne? Did Bruce die the same instant his parents did in Crime Alley? It is almost a question which doesn’t matter yet it is still an interesting one … it does play a factor in everything the character does. The attribute that is really Batman’s most admirable is that of commitment; he suffered a tragedy as a child and since that day made a vow that it would note happen to anyone else and that he’d do everything in his power to stop it. His mastery of various fields, nightly work, plans and so on are very much secondary to the overall vision and goal of the character. It is one thing to learn how to beat a criminal up (anyone can do that); it is a far greater thing to do it for the right reasons for a great length of time.

That is but four examples of character attributes that could be considered to be admirable. Now what are some of the characters and attributes that you find worthy of positive attention?

I'm really stoked for this new film. Beings it doesn't come out until May 2009, I have time to get a date.

I bet I could get my Aunt May to go with me.

She's a slut.

That would be awesome.

Well, it was directed by William “Rocketman” Shatner, so obviously it was the best of the ten existing Star Trek movies.  Except for the part where it wasn’t.

If you need further proof that the 1980s were just revolting (as if you need more), look no further than Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, the most poorly-written and least enjoyable film of the proud franchise.  Please note that I didn’t HATE this movie, as it’s pretty much impossible for I, a Star Trek dork, to hate anything they have done (except creating the Wesley Crusher character), but it was sincerely lacking. 

Our trek (use of word intentional) begins on Nimbus III, the self-entitled ‘planet of galactic peace’ – if by “planet” you mean “sandy, uninhabitable rock with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever” – but I imagine that’s not nearly as catchy as the former.  Three ambassadors – a human, Romulan, and Klingon – meet in an ugly, dark bar with fluid-filled pool tables to discuss matters of interstellar politics in the worst possible location in the Alpha Quadrant aside from Newark.  During their quasi-conference and recreational alcohol consumption, an angry mob of religious fanatics storms the establishment and takes the ambassadors hostage.  The leader of this group is Sybok, half-brother of franchise icon Spock, and undoubtedly one of the most forgettable, ridiculous major characters in a Star Trek feature film.

After a campfire scene and subsequent marshmallow roast with Captain Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, the obviously-aging crew boards the USS Enterprise-A: a self-destructing replacement starship where even items not physically connected to it malfunction.  The Enterprise crew is ordered to go to Nimbus III and recover the hostages, despite other ships being just as close and able.  Captain Kirk leads an assault team on the ground, and much to everyone’s dismay, an over-the-hill Commander Uhura strips nearly bare and does a dance to lure the obviously undersexed guards away from the city.  I bet that doesn’t work 99 times out of 100, but hey, you’ve already suspended belief this far.  If you simply must see this movie, try not to think about it.

The Klingon Empire also sent a ship to retrieve the hostages, but the commander of the ship decides that he’d rather blow up the Enterprise than actually do something constructive.  Most Star Trek fans require a decent amount of photon torpedoes, explosions, and evasive maneuvers, but these were essentially irrelevant and nothing more than a sidebar.  All of the scenes with the Klingons could have been written out completely and the weak plot would have been unscathed, which is the sign of a thin storyline.

Sybok’s crew eventually takes over the Enterprise, and his brainwashing techniques ensure the compliance of the crew.  His mission: to go to the center of the galaxy find the planet where God is living in the flesh.  Yes, you read that right.  A bunch of depressing crap happens, and then the crew beams down to the planet and meets a malevolent, non-corporeal being instead, with dreams of commandeering the ship.  Sybok sacrifices his life to fight the creature, whose death throes sounded reminiscent of a day where the Metamucil hasn’t quite kicked in.  (You know…those days where you’re just…sitting there waiting for it, but it's not happening?  Yeah, those; we’ve all been there.)  Still, the Klingons want to blow up the Enterprise, but the Klingon ambassador makes the captain stop and – get this – apologize.  A Klingon apologizing?  No, that’s not out of character or completely out of the blue, no sir.  This was a stupid cop-out that a few torpedoes could have fixed.

The Final Frontier was supposed to be a sentimental, thought-provoking movie following the feel-good “save the whales’”-themed Star Trek IV, but the final product we got was a poor effort with a weird, circuitous path to a moral of the story which was telegraphed long before the climax.  This was a predictable, contrived film which had only a few compelling moments.  Yeah, blame The Next Generation for the movie failing, why don’t ya, because everyone knows that the quality of dialogue is a function of the size of the budget.  (Wait, is it?)

This movie loses points for the following (for which Shatner cannot be held wholly responsible): the moderately pathetic premise, the lack of Klingon testicular fortitude when it matters most (I assume they have balls to begin with), erotic dances by fifty-year-olds, awkward moments, so-so special effects, butch Klingon chicks, and the fact that they thought we’d buy into it.  You’re best off adding an “I” to your Star Trek movie search and seeing Star Trek VI, where ass is kicked and names are taken – the way it’s supposed to be.  If I wanted a mediocre science fiction movie, I’d watch the Sci-Fi Channel at 4am.

Grade: 40

Ready for some liquor trivia? During Prohibition in the United States, people used to take small boats out into the ocean and meet up with larger vessels that brought Rum up from the carribean. The boats that brought the rum were called Rum Runners, and they would park just past the 3 mile limit in order to avoid "Empirial Entaglements".

The most famous Rum Runner was a man named William McCoy who was one of the few smugglers who didn't water down his booze. As a result, word quickly spread up and down the east coast that if you wanted quality product, you could always find it at McCoy's boat.

McCoy's operation ended when the Coast Guard intercepted his vessel and a firefight ensued. The coast guard sank McCoy's ship, but his position in liquor lore is secure.

Today, when anyone tells you something is the "Real McCoy", you know it's a sign of quality. And that's where the term came from.

How to Make a Rum Runner:

• 1 1/2 oz Coconut Rum (Malibu Rum works well)
• 3 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
• 3 oz Orange Juice
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice

Mix all ingredients in a tall glass with ice and serve.

More Mixed Drink Recipes >

I have a learning curve ... but I'm working on it!  I'm being sure to provide great customer service and I'm going to ship very quickly!

After I'm through cleaning out, organizing, downsizing and moving, then I'll refocus on having a Dogs Reign store!

http://stores.ebay.com/Dogs-Reign?refid=store

~Trina

In doing so, I've got a lot of things that need new homes. I have this vast hodge podge of items listed up for auction online.

Available:

McCoy Coal Stove Cookie Jar - Antique Collectible,

Precious Moments Retired Figurines - Collectibles,

Oneida Silverplate Cranberry Dish and Server,

Vintage Barbie Watch,

Dishes, Goblets, Dining Room Chair Slip Covers,

Snoopy Glasses,

Old Metal Watering Can,

Shadow Box BEACH SCENE Wooden Home Wall Decor with Pegs

Shadow Box BEACH SCENE Wooden CLOCK

Primitive items

Country items

Vintage Toy Trucks

Noah's Ark items

Vintage toys

Antique toys

Disney collectibles

books, cds, vhs movies, games, household items and dog collectibles

I'll be posting for the next few weeks as I clean room by room ... so please be sure to check back for all sorts of items over the next 4-5 weeks!

Please visit:

http://stores.ebay.com/Dogs-Reign?refid=store

Let's look at some recent attempts.

Adam Zyglis does caricatures better than 80% of the cartoonists who have worked decades longer than he has. I've seen him do a good Hillary capturing her snide superiority but this has just a bit too much zombie.

Since most of Glen McCoy's cartoons look like he drew them with his butt-cheeks I can't say this is his worst work. But it does illustrate how most cartoonists cannot draw women; they hardly ever have to unless the Editorial Page Editor is on a kick about mainstreaming.

Steve Benson's Hillary is so bad she made Martin Luther King cry. Usually his work only causes weeping for the disenfranchised atheists but this one stoops to an all-time low in regards to emotional appeals. Also, I'm all for using a little spittle now and then but he's really got the water works going in this cartoon.

Gary Markstein... what can I say? She looks so manly he even forgot to give her breasts; just one really big shoulder. This is one instance when he SHOULD have copied someone else.

Lalo started with her eyebrows and screwed those up so badly that he decided to hide the rest of her behind a sign.

J.D. Crowe screws up both Hillary and Giuliani in one cartoon. Was he trying to make her look like a transvestite? I'm not sure, but I am suspicious. The only way he could have made them worse was by merging them into one hideous monstrosity.

Shoot. This travesty by M.E. Cohen makes me question how on earth he makes a living as a freelance cartoonist. And we all wonder why circulation numbers are down? It's because crap like this keeps killing off the readers. Oh yea, is this supposed to be funny because, if it is, I sure missed it. There is a lesson to be learned in this. Never use your initials instead of your name like M.E. Cohen and J.D. Crowe. You'll be a sucky cartoonist with a stupid name if you do.

Bob Engelhart was born to draw Little Orphan Annie and nothing else.

Eric Devericks idea of an original idea is a bad caricature against a white background with stink marks all around them. He does this same thing every. single. day. How about trying to do a brick wall now and then? It works for Mike Thompson.

Chip Bok has got to be the most pathetic cartoonist in all of these United States. I hear he was funny about two decades ago when America was yukking it up to Mork and Mindy. His drawing style is a mix of Glen McCoy arse-drawing and some MacNelly cross-hatching thrown in around the text bubble for the sake of originality because, you know, NOBODY tries to draw like Jeff MacNelly. I've seen kitty litter that looked more like Hillary than Chip crapped out below.

Well, more so than the hog... It started over where the hog was grazing. Floyd Hatfield claimed ownership of the hog. Yet, it was spending it's days on Randolph McCoy's property doing what hugs do. Since the notion is that possession is 9/10ths of the law - McCoy wanted possession of the hog. The case was presented to a judge, and through the testimony of a man related to both families involved in the squabble, Bill Staton, the ruling came down in favor of Hatfield. Staton was later killed by two McCoys, Paris and Sam, who ended up getting off on a self defense claim.

It was only after this initial entry into the feud that romance got involved. The feud escalated after Roseanna McCoy began an affair with Johnse Hatfield, and the kidnapping of Johnse by the McCoys, when he went to fetch his errant bride-to-be, who had returned to her family.

The romantic entanglements continued, as after his kidnapping and the desperate ride Roseanna made to bring him aid, Johnse abandoned the pregnant Roseanna, and married her cousin, Nancy McCoy.

More bloodshed followed, as Ellison Hatfield, Johnse's paternal uncle was murdered by Roseanna McCoy's brothers, Tolbert, Pharmer, and Bud. These three were murdered by Hatfields that were never named.

For 11 years (1880-1891) the Hatfields and McCoys continued kidnapping and killing each other, until over a dozen family members from both sides were dead. It is rumored that the State Militias of both Kentucky and West Virginia were called upon to help restore order between the two feuding sides.

On June 14, 2003 - descendants of the Hatfield and McCoy clans signed an official truce in Pikeville, Kentucky, but this was more of a media stunt for tourism, as the feud had really ended in 1891 with the kidnapping and trial of eight Hatfields in Pikeville. The United States Supreme Court got involved, and all eight were found guilt of murder, finally ending the bloodshed between the two families.

Anyway, Thompson is nominated for the best fringe candidate Stiffie.

A qualidade é deplorável, mas dá para ver que é fiel à descrição que vazou dias atrás.

Por Vinicius Passos

Audaciosamente indo aonde nenhum liso jamais foi, eis que apresentamos o trailer da nova aventura de Star Trek - Jornada Nas Estrelas. Até que se tenha uma qualidade melhor, é o que temos:

[dailymotion id=x43g7d]

Evocando todo o espírito dos anos sessenta (época da série original), com a corrida espacial, temos vários trechos de frases históricas. Na ordem, ouvimos, de uma antiga transmissão da NASA "30 segundos e contando". Depois, ouve-se John Kennedy dizer "Os olhos do mundo agora olham para o espaço". Então, Scott Carpenter, um dos primeiros homens a ir ao espaço, diz "Deus o abençoe, John Glenn", para seu companheiro de tripulação, em referência à primeira missão tripulada a entrar em órbita terrestre.

Em seguida, Neil Armstrong, o astronauta que chegou à Lua primeiro, dispara as célebres "A Águia pousou" e "Este é um pequeno passo para o homem, um enorme salto para a humanidade". Por fim, Leonard Nimoy recita o início do texto símbolo da série: "Espaço. A fronteira final...".

Agora, é esperar o de sempre: Trailer comprido, fotos, vídeos... Até chegarmos em 25 de dezembro, data da estréia.

O site oficial do filme já está online, embora sem nada além do logotipo novo. Visite.

Antes que perguntem, sim, eu acho que esse filme vai surpreender de modo positivo aos fãs e não-fãs da série. E você, liso? O que pensa a respeito?

A direção é de J.J. Abrams, com roteiro de Alex Kurtzman e Roberto Orci. No elenco, Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (McCoy), John Cho (Sulu), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), Bruce Greenwood (Capitão Pike), além de Winona Ryder como a mãe de Spock, Eric Bana como o vilão romulano Nero e Leonard Nimoy, adivinha fazendo o quê.

Leia mais sobre Star Trek aqui.