JohnA lifeBlog

Okay, I’m completely skeptical of most new-age type solutions to age old problems. Call me old fashioned, but how can some kind of new software application help me sleep?

That’s the current experiment. I was recently provided an evaluation license to a product called Pzizz. This software, advertised as a “personal life coaching system”, claims to produce unique audio programs designed to help you relax and achieve more productivity through “power naps.”

As most of you know, I never sleep. Seriously. I’ve had insomnia issues for years. So when I was offered a free trial, I jumped at the opportunity.

Over the next few days, I’m going to write about my experiences using this software package. So, stay tuned!

As most of you know, I am a complete film buff. I love watching film, discussing film, and otherwise engaging in conversation about motion pictures. Heck, if you are an astute viewer, you’ve probably noticed that I own over 600 movies on DVD. During my blog experience, I’ve reviewed a number of motion pictures I’ve seen.

But tonight is unique. I am reviewing Motor Home Massacre, a film that happens to star my best friend of over a decade, Shan Holleman.

To be honest, I was worried that I would be unable to approach this task objectively. I ordered the film, and it arrived today. I’ve watched the feature as well as the special features and interviews, and I think I can offer an objective view of the presentation.

First, let’s start with the basics. The film is being released by Lion’s Gate, and the DVD has all of the appearance of a completely amateur transfer. I don’t know why Lion’s Gate chose to transfer it as a DV project, rather than as a 24 FPS film project. If you look closely, you can see the artifacts present from that conversion… a minor annoyance, but something that should be noted.

As for the production, I may be biased, but Shan really stands out. Her delivery of her dialog is perfect, flowing perfectly with the mood of the film. Her co-stars seem strained, but Shan delivers a top grade performance.

I’m not a huge fan of “flashback” scenes, but Shan handles them perfectly. Her approach as the loving but naive girlfriend is convincing, and it brings you into the story line.

As one would expect, the film falls into traditional “horror” aspects as time goes by, but thanks to the early character development, you will begin to care about the characters long before the “horror” payoff.

Bottom line; add this one to your NetFlix queue, regardless of your feelings about horror flix. It’s a lot of fun, and that fun is a direct result of Shan’s versatility.

Friends don’t let friends walk down the stairs holding an open laptop.

At least we bought the bumper-to-bumper warranty, although Dell has sent out two techs on two separate occasions already, and has yet to repair it properly. So much for “next business day” service.

I know I complain about how difficult it is cooking for one, but occasionally I decide to splurge… here was tonight’s “masterpiece”

I cooked the steak using the patented Alton Brown pan-seared method… it was awesome!

Oh, and in regards to the Apple post, I’ve decided not to post it. It’s obvious that Apple is no longer a company targeting the enterprise, for better or for worse.

Yes, I know. I’ve still not finished my Apple blog post. But more importantly, recent events have unveiled an unlikely hero.

Joseph Nacchio, former CEO of Qwest, was alone among the large telco companies to stand up to the warrentless fishing expeditions thrown at him by the NSA.

We live in a free country, with a document that codifies the obligations of government. In spite of the current administrations best attempts, that is still the law of the land.

We need more patriots like Joseph Nacchio.

I want to re-edit my recent blog about Apple, so I’ll post it once done with the changes.

Thanks!

First, if you’ve not filled out my JoHari window, do it now!

http://kevan.org/johari?name=JohnAnderson

Next, do my NoHari window, basically an anti-JoHari window with negatives instead of positives

http://kevan.org/nohari?name=JohnA

And, let’s be honest with one other. I know that you’ll want to select more than 5 or 6 on the Nohari one, but the program won’t let you.