The power of the Dark Side
Every once in a while, I get rather frustrated with M$’s lack of style and GUI options (usually after watching friends play on their macs or linux machines). After doing a little research on the “interwebs,” I came across a rather simple, but somewhat dramatic alteration for Windows XP users.
Have you ever said to yourself, “man…I wish I could have a more stylish taskbar“? Well, it turns out you are in luck. Say hello to Royale Noir. This quick and simple “hack” transforms your boring old taskbar (be it blue, green, or silver) into a sleek and
powerful “dark” force.” Ok, ok…it doesn’t really do all that much, but it does add an element of class to an otherwise boring M$ interface. Best of all, since it was actually developed by M$, it is relatively “safe” and does not require an intrusive installation.
Simply dl the file here, and follow the directions on that website…Viola!
“You don’t know the power of the dark side!“
Supergood
Superbad was easily one of the funniest movies I have seen all year. The story was great, the casting was excellent, and the performances were even better.
This is a “Seinfeld” humor kinda movie; funny because its premise is so true. Created by many of the guys who brought us The 40 Year Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, and Knocked Up, for me, because this made me laugh out loud the most, I have to say it was the best and funniest of the group.
There are just enough plot twists to make this seemingly “obvious” story engaging. In the end, everyone can relate to some aspect of the movie’s portrayal of high school; whether it be trying to get a girl (or guy), struggling to secure beverages for a party, running from the cops, or figuring out who your real friends are.
Definitely a “stupid” comedy instant classic.
rating: 4.25 | 5
Rock the Bells - SF
Rock the Bells 2007 - San Francisco was an exciting and entertaining hip-hop festival. For someone like me, who enjoys good hip-hop, but isn’t generally all that “into it,” I was definitely impressed with the quality of music played.
My highlights included: Sage Francis getting down (and do some silly dancing); The Roots are incredible 
musicians and played a great set; seeing Public Enemy, the combo of Chuck D laying it down and Flava Flav acting like a fool; Hieroglyphics was probably the most impressive act (that I’d never really heard beforehand); Wu-Tang Clan performed a solid set, including an appearance by Redman; and last, but certainly not least, Rage Against the Machine played an extremely impressive, crowd-jerking, thought-provoking performance to close out the night.
For more, see: SF Chronicle, SJMN review, RTB official site, and my RATM video highlights.
Space Holiday
Let’s go away for a while
You and I
To a strange and distant land
Where they speak no word of truth
But we don’t understand anyway
-Weezer
Apparently by 2012, those “lucky” people with $4 million laying around will be able to spend 3 days in space in the world’s first space hotel. Galactic Suite highlights: “During that time guests would see the sun rise 15 times a day and use Velcro suits to crawl around their pod rooms by sticking themselves to the walls like Spiderman.”
Umm…I don’t know about you, but seeing the sun rise once a day and utilizing “gravity” to crawl around my apartment for free is enough of a holiday for me (during law school at least).
The Bourne Ultimatum
The 3rd installment of the Bourne series is entertaining and action-packed. Returning as Jason Bourne, Matt Damon does an excellent job of portraying this smart, a$$-kicking, ex-CIA agent who is searching for information about his life before entering the Treadstone project.
The movie left open a number of major plot-lines surrounding key characters and events; however, it also provided enough closure to complete the series (while still leaving open the possibility to extend it into future films).
The Bourne trilogy effectively mixes hardcore action and violence with intelligent plot-twists and quality acting making the series appealing to a broader audience. From the first scene all the way through to the end, the director keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat rooting for Jason Bourne.
rating: 4 | 5
Virgin Festival - Baltimore, MD
In spite of the 100+ degree temperature, the 1st day of the Virgin Festival at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD was great.
We saw half of the Incubus set (Garber’s “guilty pleasure”), all of Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, all of the Beastie Boys, the first 30+ minutes of The Police (+ Roxanne), and the majority of the Modest Mouse set.
Ben Harper’s performance was solid; the B-Boys were still impressive (now in their 40’s); The Police seemed pretty well rehearsed and at least enjoyable; and Modest Mouse played a great set.
One of the more revealing moments of the night was watching a huge number of attendees (including ourselves) leave The Police set to make it over to see Modest Mouse (pictured below)… Read more
