Late, Great 2008

As we all know, this year can be summed up in two words: Barack Obama. Never before in our lifetime has a single person so captured the excitement of the nation or made the world of politics look so interesting. I for one plan to watch his highly-anticipated inauguration on Jan. 20 on television. Though I was not elected president this year, it was still a good year for me. There were plenty of highlights, many having been documented here on the McNewspaper.

• Perhaps most significant to me this year: I reconnected with friends and family via MySpace and Facebook. Though it was actually late 2007 when I joined both sites, it was this year that they became such an integral part of my daily routine. It's always a treat to find familiar people, and even moreso when they find you.

• March: I joined Netflix after renting from Blockbuster for many years, and saved a good deal of money in the process. The selection of DVDs is vast, and the online streaming movies are a nice bonus. There's just nothing like coming home at the end of the day and having a good movie waiting for you in your mailbox!

• July: I went to my 10-year high school class reunion. Most people I hadn't seen since graduation, and fortunately we are all young enough so that most of us really didn't look too different. Whether that will be the case at the 20-year reunion, only time will tell (I've got some premature gray, but no bald spots...yet).

• August: I attended my first Nine Inch Nails concert after having been a fan for almost 10 years. I rarely go to concerts, so I try to make it count when I do. Suffice it to say, I was not disappointed! I'm especially glad I went when I did since the band recently announced that this may be their last major tour for a while.

• November: I spent Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach. This was not a big travel year for me (gas prices throughout much of the year didn't help), so this trip was definitely a highlight. As with many destinations, it's especailly fun to visit during the holidays. Also, the fact that our hotel had indoor pools and spas was a plus.

Here's wishing you a very happy new year. I hope 2008 was at least as eventful for you!

Home for the Holidays

I still find it hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone for 2008, and the New Year is now upon us. I had a nice, low-key Christmas (complete with dinner at Waffle House since it was one of the very few places open that day), and I hope yours was great also.

As someone who has had their decorations up since Halloween, you can surely tell that I tried to make the season last as long as I possibly could! I will probably take everything down soon after New Year's Day, but I took a notion to take a few pictures before I do.

Ralph's Gift

About a month ago, Ralph Hanahan, my former supervisor, came back to our office to visit. He had left our state government agency in late 2005 to work for the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. During his visit, we were sorry to learn that he was no longer employed there as of the previous week. He had resigned so that his co-worker, a close friend with a wife and four young children (one with severe autism) would be able to keep his job.

You can imagine our surprise when word traveled through the office that Ralph appeared on Good Morning America on Monday! His good deed is now known to a national audience, and the recognition is well-deserved. It was a privilege working with him, and I doubt that he will have any trouble at all finding a job at this point. Ralph's selfless act exemplifies the spirit of Christmas, and I hope you and yours have a wonderful and restful one.

'Polar Express': It's A Wonderful Ride

I remember seeing The Polar Express in theaters with my girlfriend at the time back when it was first released. I had not read Chris Van Allsburg's 1985 book upon which the film is based (though I loved Jumanji when I was younger), but we were just looking for a good Christmas movie. At the time, this one definitely looked promising since it reteamed director Robert Zemeckis and star Tom Hanks, who previously collaborated on Forrest Gump. The animation is stunning and the story is appealing to all ages.

The film is now four years old but no less impressive than it was in 2004. The story centers around a young boy on Christmas Eve who is visited upon by the movie's namesake in his backyard. He boards the train and travels to the North Pole in the hopes of meeting Santa Claus, meeting friends and having adventures along the way. The entire film was made using motion capture technology (which is further perfected in Zemeckis' 2007 animated film, Beowulf), and Tom Hanks provides the voice for several characters.

Another aspect of the movie that I enjoyed was the exhilarating score by composer Alan Silvestri, and also the soundtrack in general. Josh Groban's song in the closing credits, "Believe", is very stirring. To me, the film is this generation's It's A Wonderful Life, and certainly the best holiday movie since A Christmas Story. I especially like how it captures the spirit of the season while gracefully touching on the bittersweetness of the Christmas experience as one grows older, which is something most of us can relate to.

The Real Iron Man

I try my best to stay on top of any chores I need to do at home. I do all my laundry and any cleaning once a week, usually on Thursdays. That way, I don't have to think about it over the weekend. Also, whereas many people iron once a day, or maybe once every couple of days, I do all of my ironing once a week to cover the week ahead, and then some. As a result, I now have several dozen shirts ironed and ready to wear!

I won't say that it's my favorite thing to do, but once I start ironing I quickly find my groove. The next thing I know, the better part of an hour has passed. During that time, I might be on my Bluetooth talking to family and friends, so it's not a complete exercise in dullness. Also, because I've come to understand the importance of good fashion, I have no problem making sure that my clothes look their best.

In that regard, ironing isn't so much a chore as it is an opportunity to take pride in your clothes. Likewise, cleaning can help you appreciate your home and how fortunate you are to have it. If you despise chores, take a "mind over matter" approach and try looking at them in a new light. Having said that, I can't say I blame you if washing dishes isn't exactly at the top of your list of enjoyable weekend activities!

Season's Viewings

On Christmas Day, I go out with friends and family and have lunch at IHOP (one of the very few places open that day) and then go see a movie at the theater. It's been a tradition for years, and I plan to see one of the above movies this time. While it's not unusual for a batch of movies (many of them Oscar contenders) to be released on or around Christmas, I can't remember the last time there have been so many choices.

I will probably end up seeing Seven Pounds mainly because I have yet to see a Will Smith movie that I don't like. At some point during the holiday, I will also try to see Benjamin Button. I am curious to see the digital effects of Brad Pitt aging backwards, and director David Fincher has worked with Pitt in the past on two great movies, Se7en and Fight Club. Yes Man would be fun just to see Jim Carrey back in his element.

This is just a sampling of the possibilities; there are still plenty of movies out already that I have yet to watch. For instance, I'm the last person alive who hasn't seen Twilight yet. Also, The Day The Earth Stood Still looks like a good popcorn flick. Fortunately, any worthy movies that pass me by in the theater make it onto my Netflix queue, and I receive them upon their release. This Christmas, there will be a lot of new additions!

Inconsolable

If you were playing console-based video games 12 years ago, you will have quickly recognized the logo above. If you aren't familiar with it (or have long since forgotten it), it's the logo for the Nintendo 64, a console that was all the rage during the 1996 holiday season (as was Tickle Me Elmo, whom I was considerably less interested in) and one that happens to be the last console I've owned. Since that time, the only games I've played have been on my personal computer.

All things considered, I prefer PC gaming to consoles. Once a console is released, it has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years before its successor come along, usually rendering its games obsolete (unless the newer console offers backward compatibility, which many do these days). PC games, however, can be updated and patched incrementally. As for the hardware, one can simply update their memory, processing speed, or video card as needed without buying a brand new machine.

The big three console manufacturers (Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft) would seem to agree that PC gaming is the way to go. After all, they are styling their latest consoles to behave similarly to computers. The Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 all provide network accessibility, multimedia options, and built-in hard drives (or some combination thereof). Also, most of the highly popular games released on the consoles eventually tend to make their way to the PC anyway.

I may take the leap and get another console at some point in the future. The Playstation 3's Blu-Ray capability is certainly enticing, and the Wii's numerous accessories make its playability factor highly appealing. At the moment, though, I'm more than happy with my new PC even if my games aren't always current. For example, I still frequently play Unreal Tournament which I've had since its release in 1999. As they say, there's no school like the old school!

A Monkey Sneezing

I was watching the Late Show with David Letterman Friday night and got a generous helping of cuteness and humor, all in a few seconds. Dave had just finished his monologue when he showed the following clip:



All together now: awwwww! Speaking of sudden expulsions of air from the lungs, Meryl Streep was the first guest of the evening and was given to coughing every few seconds due to bronchial and sinus infections. She was quite a trooper showing up at a theater notorious for its cold temperatures!

Merry Kristmas

I can think of few better gifts to give during the holidays than a warm box (or two) of Krispy Kreme donuts, especially at the office. Earlier this morning I brought four boxes in to work, and naturally they were a hit; all four boxes were gone within a couple of hours! The trick is not to eat too many at once, but I and most others have yet to perfect this fine art.

Krispy Kreme knows how to celebrate the season. For one thing, they sell special holiday-themed donuts with icing, sprinkles, and even snowman-shaped donuts. Also, in a stroke of genius, they offer free-donut coupons in the form of gift labels, essentially turning one gift into two! Brilliant...but then again, Krispy Kreme can do no wrong in my book.

Much to my dismay, there is not a Krispy Kreme on my side of town (the closest location is almost 45 minutes away), and I rarely settle for the Dunkin' Donuts right down the street or buy a box from the grocery store. I hope they can weather their financial struggles and stick around for a long time to come. I'll gladly keep them in business myself if I have to!

Krispy Kreme, how do I love thee? Let me count the calories...

Nothin' But Netflix

Having been a movie buff since I was a kid, I'm always in the mood for a slice of cinematic greatness. Actually, on a Friday night, I much prefer a good movie to going out clubbing and partying. I used to get my movie fix at the local Blockbuster and had for many years, but that all finally changed this past March when I did something I should have done much sooner: I signed up for Netflix, the premier online DVD rental-by-mail service established in 1997. I have yet to set foot again inside a brick-and-mortar store like Blockbuster or Hollywood where I was paying far too much (better than theater prices, at least).

As you've probably heard by now, there are no late fees with Netflix and you can keep your movies for as long as you want. Also, you mail and receive your movies (postage paid by Netflix) based on the order of a list that you create and can modify any time. I started off with the 2-movie plan whereby I could have a maximum of two movies out at one time, but quickly upgraded to 3 (and am considering upgrading to 4). Whenever I finish a movie, it goes right back in the mail while I wait for my next two to arrive. That way, I always have a circulation of movies and I am almost never without.

After Netflix became the market leader in online movie rentals, Blockbuster jumped into the fray in 2004 with the introduction of a competing service called Total Access. To date, it has over 3 million subscribers compared to 8 million for Netflix. Blockbuster obviously has a competitive advantage in being able to harness its physical locations when it comes to movie exchanges, but Netflix arguably trumps it by offering an impressively wide selection of streaming movies through its website, and at no extra charge. Great for when all of your upcoming Netflix DVDs are in transit!

When I was still giving Blockbuster my business, I was a member of their Rewards program. I paid $10 a year and had the option to get a free non-new release movie Mondays through Wednesdays provided that I first paid for a new release, which costs roughly $4. Even with other incentives such as a free movie each month, you can see how quickly the money adds up if you rent frequently. With my current Netflix plan, I pay just under $20 for what amounts to unlimited movies. Also, if I happen to receive a damaged disc, they will send a replacement along with the next movie on my list.

Needless to say, Netflix comes highly recommended by this blogger. If you're a fellow movie lover, stop spending your hard-earned money on fixed portions and go for the all-you-can-eat buffet!

7 Christmas Tips

Sometimes it seems as though if you blink, you'll likely miss Christmas. That's why it's a good idea to do as much as you can to savor the season, and the sooner the better. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your Christmastime.

1. Keep a steady supply of eggnog. That's if you like it, of course. Since it is the unofficial drink of the holidays, it's helpful to keep some in your refrigerator throughout the season for a quick shot of Christmas spirit. Just remember not to drink too much at once!

2. Decorate early. While most people prefer to put up their trees, lights, and decorations right after Thanksgiving, I actually had mine up the week before Halloween! The longer they're out on display, the more your work in setting them up will seem justified.

3. Entertain. Invite friends and family over during the holidays. Christmas can be a lonely time for many, so everyone can appreciate the fellowship. Plus, it has the added benefit of allowing for others to see all the hard work you put into your Christmas decorations!

4. Listen to Christmas radio. If you don't want to spend your money on a CD, local radio stations will often devote the month of December to nothing but Christmas music. Also, it goes a long way toward easing your Monday morning commute to the office.

5. Sit by the fireplace. There are few things more soothing than that during winter. However, If you're like me and don't have a fireplace, improvise: I bought a DVD which shows a lit fireplace for 30 minutes, and I set it to repeat. Perfect for my big-screen television!

6. Remember your colleagues. Take snacks to work to show your appreciation for your co-workers. It's a good way to give at the office without anyone thinking you're playing favorites, and everyone loves free food. What better way to climb the corporate ladder?

7. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. This is one of my favorite activities during the holidays. It can also give you some good ideas for things you can try at home, so if you're trying to find something to do, few things are more fun and enlightening (sorry).

Empirical Heist

I saw this story yesterday on Gothamist and had a good laugh:

The Daily News has a clever little cover story today about how the tabloid "stole" the Empire State Building. Inspired by the Brooklyn DA's increasing number of deed fraud prosecutions, reporters decided to try the scam, which involves drawing up fake documents, making a bogus notary stamp and filing paperwork with the city to transfer the deed to the property. Grifters use the fraudulent deed to take out big mortgages, then disappear.

About an hour after filing the fraudulent documents Monday, the city register office—which doesn't require clerks to verify the information—approved the transfer of the $2 billion property from Empire State Land Associates to Nelots Properties LLC. The News giddily notes that Nelots is "stolen" spelled backward, their paperwork listed King Kong star Fay Wray as a witness, and famous bank robber Willie Sutton as notary. Very cute.

However, instead of taking out a lucrative mortgage on the property and solidifying their grip on a dying industry for a few more months, the paper returned the building to its rightful owners on Tuesday. Squares!

Only in New York! I find it amazing (and a little scary) how the antiquated policies of the New York City register office were so audaciously exploited. Not surprisingly, calls for reform were forthcoming. It's almost a shame that this little caper didn't happen on April 1, as it would have been an April Fool's Day prank for the ages!

By the way, if you've ever wondered why the building is lit with different colors at different times (like red and green at Christmastime), take a look at the lighting schedule it follows throughout the year. Also, I took the picture above (click for 1024x768). If you look closely, you can see a bird in flight on the left side of the photo. I've always liked that little detail!

Sweet 'Tooth

For someone who makes his living off of modern technology, by no means do I always have the latest and greatest that it has to offer. In fact, just months ago, I replaced a PC that I've had since 1999! Obviously, I still have some catching up to do here and there. Another case in point: I bought my first Bluetooth headset last weekend ($20 at Ross, and decent quality at that).

I had held off on getting a headset for a long time simply because I didn't see an urgent need for one and wouldn't have thought it to be worth the money. Plus, I dreaded the thought of becoming one of those people who walk around in public and, at first glance, look like they're talking to themselves. I'm pleased to say I haven't joined those ranks...at least not yet!

Still, the headset turned out to be a better investment than I would have previously thought possible, particularly when driving (New Yorkers would agree since, in New York state, a wireless device can be used provided that it is hands-free). Also, I iron clothes once a week and it takes me about an hour to do it, so I can now pass that time on the phone if I choose.

The benefits of Bluetooth technology are not limited only to cell phones. According to the description on Wikipedia, Bluetooth is "a wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). The intent is to connect multiple devices and overcome problems arising from synchronization."

If you've been apprehensive or uninformed about Bluetooth (whose name comes from a viking king, by the way), now is a good time to give it a second look. After all, Bluetooth is, as Leonardo DiCaprio stated in the Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator, "the way of the future". However, unlike DiCaprio, I don't need to repeat it ad infinitum to make the point!

Myrtle Christmas

If you wouldn't normally consider going to the beach during the cold months, reconsider. The rates are good, and often you can luck out and get some warm weather. I returned yesterday from Myrtle Beach after a three-night stay, and it was sunny and warm enough on Friday that I almost got in the ocean. Almost.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday is a great time to be there since the Christmas spirit is in full force all over the beach. I took some photos with my camera phone during the trip and have posted them here. I have upsized them slightly to 800x600 resolution (click for larger size) so they will make for good desktop wallpaper.

Christmas tree at Broadway at the Beach:


Row of Flags at Broadway at the Beach:


Roller Coaster at Family Kingdom:


Ferris Wheel at Family Kingdom:


Pigeon keeping watch over the ocean:


Here's something you don't see every day:


Overlooking Ocean Boulevard:


Site of the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion:


Christmas tree from a different angle: