IkerSpot

New Blog

2008-06-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, it's about time I update you on my new IkerSpot blog. I've moved to a new platform on my own domain. I blog about everything from religion to film to literature to politics and back again on the new site. Check it out!

gOS

2007-11-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

It seems right now the majority of visitors to my blog are interested in Linux. I think the most interesting development in the Linux community is gOS, an operating system based on Ubuntu 7.10 and Google utilities. The main message here is that you have the ability to move the processing power in your system from the PC to the internet. Let the World Wide Web do the work for you. Of course, we're not limited only to using the web. We're also provided with some useful "non-web" freeware products like OpenOffice.org, Xine (for DVD playback) and so forth.

The most fascinating part of this development is the gOS partnership with Everex computers and Wal-mart to put forth a computer that will compete with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows XP/Vista.

Here is a screenshot:

Yellow Dog Linux on PS3

2007-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I finally finished downloading and installing Yellow Dog Linux on my Playstation 3, and I'm fairly pleased with it. However, I'm disgusted with the inability to read Blu-ray discs. Does anyone out there have a fix for this yet? ...and don't just tell me that you do. Tell me how to do it!

Also, what is with the utter lack of Adobe Flash support? Come on! I can't even watch my Strongbad Emails on this thing! Of course, I could go back to the GameOS, but that's no fun if I'm already in a browser. Come on Adobe! I'd like to be able to install XFCE through the package manager as well.

Despite all these problems though, overall, I'm pleased with my Yellow Dog installation. Even if it takes a leak on me once in awhile.

HOWTO: Install Kubuntu 7.10 (Gusty) on PS3

2007-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

I recently installed Ubuntu (KDE version, or Kubuntu) on my Playstation 3, with WIFI recognition, and internet up and running. I'll now provide a run-through and hopefully get you to the same point.

NOTE: I cannot be held responsible for any problems this installation may cause your Playstation 3. By continuing through this page and following my instructions, you are agreeing to these terms. If you have any questions, reply to this thread.

The CD image you want is provided here:
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/ports/releases/gutsy/release/kubuntu-7.10-alternate-powerpc+ps3.iso

Burn it in your favorite program (I use Nero for burning CD images). Google it if you don't already have a program, or search for freeware, like Burnatonce. I'll assume that you know enough to burn a CD image on your own.

Beginning the Installation:

Now that you have your CD, put it in your PS3. Go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Install Other OS].

Your screen should say the following:

Title	/PS3/otheros/otheros.bld
Location	Disc

Press [Start] to install kboot so you can run the Kubuntu installation and follow the instructions on the screen to reboot into the installation CD.

Installation:

You should now find yourself at the following screen.

Welcome to Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon)!

This is an Kubuntu installation CDROM,
built on 20071017.

The default option is 'install'. For maximum
control, you can use the 'expert' option.

If in doubt, just press Enter.

kboot: _

Note: Installing Linux requires a keyboard and mouse. I suggest the Logitech Cordless Desktop keyboard and mouse. It's an inexpense solution for just about any computer system. You'll need these before you can go any further.

Press Enter on your keyboard to continue. The kernel should load and the system will start. The screen may go blank for a moment. Don't worry about this. If it moves on, skip the rest of this paragraph. If the screen is blank for more than a minute, you should shutdown the PS3 by holding down the I/O sensor on the front (not the switch in the back). Start back into the normal PS3 system by holding down the I/O sensor until it beeps twice, and you should start back into default settings for the PS3. If you're stuck, get help somewhere else. This is the last I'll talk in detail about restarting a PS3. Moving on...

You'll should be asked to choose your language. I simply went with English, and pressed Enter.

Country, territory or area: United States (use what is applicable in your case)

When asked to detect keyboard, I said, , and selected [U.S. English] on both of the following screens. If you are using a different keyboard, select whichever one applies to you.

I partitioned my system by selecting Guided - use entire disk. I won't go through resizing or setting up LVM in this HOWTO. You should select /dev/ps3da - 10.7 GB Unknown for the disk to partition. Select when asked to format #1 as ext3 and #5 as swap. The base system will begin installing itself, so get a drink or use the restroom. Maybe even make a small snack. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

You will probably get an error when it tries to install the Kernel package 'linux-cell'. Just continue and select [Install the base system]

When it asks about an unclean target, just select because it will write over the files anyway. I know it's a waste of time, but it's the only way I found to get to the right kernel installation. If you find a better way, let me know. Meanwhile, go for another break. Maybe take a short run around the block to work off the calories from that snack you just ate. That's right. Put down the box of Twinkies. Meanwhile, I'm downloading Xubuntu to try out a slightly different version to see if I can work out the few issues I've had.

When asked which Kernel to install, you'll probably need to select linux-image-2.6.22-14-cell. It was the only one that worked for me.

My wireless network is terrible, so I just left everything blank when configuring. We'll work through network configuration later. Just continue until is asks for Network Configuration Method and select [Do not configure the network at this time].

Hostname: ubuntu (You can set whatever you want)

Select your time zone (I'm Mountain)

I set my system to UTC

Set up your username and password however you like. From here on, I'll just use standard username and password, but you ought to select your own in place of those.

If you need a proxy, fill it in. I left it blank. If you don't know, I suggest you leave it blank.

When it comes to setting video modes, I left everything blank. I have a screen that works at 1024p, so I'll be going through how to set that up later.

While you're letting the system install, you might think of getting some movies on blu-ray for your PS3. I haven't been able to get blu-ray up and running on Linux yet, but the normal PS3 system will work far better for that anyhow, I'm sure. If you had to money to get a PS3, and you havent tried blu-ray yes, you don't even have a clue what you're missing out on. I'm hoping to get an hd-dvd setup working on my PS3 sometime, but right now I need to get back to showing you how to get the basics set up.

When the installation is complete, it's time to boot up your system!

Booting up:

Make sure the CD or DVD is ejected so you won't be restarting the installation. We really don't need to go through all that again. You may need to restart your system manually. Hold down the I/O sensor until the system shuts down. Then hold the I/O sensor down again until it beeps once. Don't restart all the way into the PS3 system though, or you'll have to go all the way back around and get into the linux installation (if you did, just go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Default System], and set it to Other OS).

You should now find yourself at the Ubuntu PS3 KBoot Loader. Just press Enter and you should boot up (it will take a moment, and if you don't have a clue what all that scrolling text means, don't worry until it stops).

You'll most likely come to a text login screen.

Sign in with your username and password.

Type the following code in the input box:

startx

You should soon find yourself running KDE at a resolution of 480p. If you don't know what that means, don't worry about it. I find my Polaroid HDTV comes in handy with the info button on the remote to tell me what resolution I'm set at. You probably either don't know much about that or simply don't care though, so well move right along.

Setting resolution:

We probably want to get to a higher resolution to make our work easier. If you're half-blind though, this is probably the best setting for you, so I'd just leave it and skip to the next section.

Start by clicking the K menu on the bottom left corner of the taskbar. Go to [System] > [Konsole - Terminal Program] to start up a terminal.

Type the code, as follows, filling in your password where necessary:

sudo -i # (Fill in your password when it asks)
kate

The program should start up in a few seconds. Go to [File] > [Open] and for the Location, type /etc/kboot.conf

Find the line that is similar to the following (the alphanumerical sequence after root may not be exactly the same):

linux=/boot/vmlinux initrd=/boot/initrd.img root=UUID=9355625d-cef6-4321-8038-el6cd49925d quiet splash'

Triple-click the line and hit Ctrl-C. Go to the end of the document and paste the line (Ctrl-V). Edit this new line as follows (changing only the beginning and ending italicized sections):

ubuntu=/boot/vmlinux initrd=/boot/initrd.img root=UUID=9355625d-cef6-4321-8038-el6cd49925d quiet splash video=ps3fb:mode:5'

For the video mode line at the end, you may want a different mode than I have set. Make sure you chose one compatible with your monitor. Here is the list of modes possible with the PS3:

Video mode ID:
0:automode
YUV 60Hz 1:480i 2:480p 3:720p 4:1080i 5:1080p
YUV 50Hz 6:576i 7:576p 8:720p 9:1080i 10:1080p
RGB 60Hz 33:480i 34:480p 35:720p 36:1080i 37:1080p
RGB 50Hz 38:576i 39:576p 40:720p 41:1080i 42:1080p
VESA 11:WXGA 12:SXGA 13:WUXGA

full screen mode: + 128
dither ON mode: + 2048

Then edit the default line (default=linux) by replacing linux with ubuntu.

Save kboot.conf

Network settings:

Still in Kate go to [File] > [Open] and fill Location with /etc/network/interfaces to set up your network. Make the file look as follows:

auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

auto eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp

Keep Kate open, but go back to Konsole and go to [Session] > [New Shell]. Type the following:

sudo -i # (insert your password)
echo playstation > /etc/hostname
nano /etc/resolv.conf

In the shell, you'll edit /etc/resolv.conf to look as follows:

search name.site.net.
nameserver 192.168.1.1
nameserver 192.168.1.2
domain workgroup

Press F2. Type Y to automatically say yes. Press Enter to save /etc/resolv.conf

Go back to Kate and open /etc/hosts and make it look as follows:

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.1.1 YOUR_HOSTNAME.YOUR_WORKGROUP

Close Kate. Close the shell. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and press [Log Out]. You'll be back to the text console. Type sudo reboot to restart the computer in your new setup. You may need to manually shut down and start up again. Press enter when you get to Kboot, and you should be up and running!

College health for men

2007-09-28T22:15:00.001-07:00

I know a lot of folks have recently started college, so I thought I'd remind you about keeping your health up now that Mom isn't there to take care of you (most of you anyhow). You might think of checking out a few websites like the ones below.

Just Google college health for more information.

You might also try visiting

Transformers not on Blu-ray?

2007-09-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

"Transformers On BLU-RAY"

I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes less than a minute of your time.

Thanks!

2007-09-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

You are The Magician

Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, depending on dignity.

Eleoquent and charismatic both verbally and in writing,
you are clever, witty, inventive and persuasive.

The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things so just by speaking them aloud. Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the slight of hand and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Playstation Portable

2007-06-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

This website is now viewable on your Playstation Portable (PSP).

Start up your PSP.
Navigate to the network logo (the globe-like graphic to the far right on the screen).
Scroll down to the www Internet Browser logo and press X.
In the address bar, type ikerspot.com and take a look!
Trust me when I tell you it's beautiful.

Note: If you don't have a PSP or if you live in limbo and don't know what they are, click the image above.

The Girlie Had a Mustache

2007-06-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

I was taking a look at my old Facebook Notes today, and I came across one that gave me a good laugh. I'm sure most of you have seen this one before, but if you haven't yet, you ought to try it out for yourself.

1. Put your music player on shuffle.

2. Press forward for each question.

3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.

What does next year have in store for me?
"Polkarama" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What does my love life look like?
"Do I Creep You Out?" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What do I say when life gets hard?
"Grapefruit Diet" - Running With Scissors

What do I think of when I get up in the morning?
"Confessions, Pt. 3" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What song will I dance to at my wedding?
"Pancreas" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What do I want to do for my career?
"Canadian Idiot" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What is my favorite saying?
"Men in Black" - Men In Black: The Album

What is my favorite place?
"Jump Around" - House of Pain

What do I think of my parents?
"A Nightmare on My Street" - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper

Where would I go on a first date?
"The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" - Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Greatest Hits

What is my drug of choice?
"Weasel Stomping Day" - Straight Outta Lynwood

How do I describe myself?
"Boom! Shake the Room" - Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Greatest Hits

What is the thing I like doing most?
"Close But No Cigar" - Straight Outta Lynwood

What song best describes the President?
"The Night Santa Went Crazy" - Bad Hair Day

What is my state of mind like at the moment?
"Summertime" - Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Greatest Hits

How will I die?
"Virus Alert" - Straight Outta Lynwood

The song that will be played at my funeral:
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" - The Best of The Proclaimers

The song I'll put as the title:
"The Girlie Had A Mustache" - And in This Corner...

Indiana Jones

2007-06-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

He's back!

It's been nearly two decades since Harrison Ford has worn this costume, but he's still keeping the hero alive in the new installment of our favorite Indiana Jones series. Check it out:

The fourth installment of the Indiana Jones adventure goes by the working title of Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods. We'll also be seeing such familiar stars as Cate Blanchett and John Hurt.

We won't be seeing the return of Sean Connery, but he says, "I'll see you May 22, 2008, at the theater!" So get out your planners, palm pilots (whatever it may be you use to schedule things in), and get it on your calendar.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Special Edition

2007-06-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Update: This version is no longer available! You'll have to buy the regular hard copy. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Get all of your other Harry Potter supplies at Amazon.com's own specialized Harry Potter Store.
So yeah, if you think I'm just a geeky Harry Potter fan and that's all I think about, you're definitely way off base. I'm a bit excited for the release. That's for sure, but it's definitely not all I think about in life.

Sometimes I think about my birthday, which is on June 25th. Not to pester, but... check out my Amazon.com Wish List. There is a whole lot of freaking awesome stuff on it that I want (but probably don't need). If you happen to feel like you can afford spending money on a chum like me, feel free to do so. You might regret it, but at least I'll be happy... even if I get your presents after my birthday.

Mother Goose in a Drought

2007-06-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Mother Goose in a Drought.com is now up an running, with more content on its way soon. Withing a year, I ought to have a revised version of the book finished and available on sites other than Lulu.com (like my personal favorite Amazon.com).

I'm hoping to create more appealing graphics, but version will always only be a Lulu.com special if I don't accidentally delete it at some point. I'm also planning to eventually put up an Adobe/Macromedia Flash version of some of the poems. They'll be animated versions read by Isaac Tanner Madsen (aka: me, the author).

Google Apps

2007-06-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

The other day, I bought a new domain for only $10 with Google. Google Apps provides some pretty sweet services, many of which are free. If you're looking for a low-cost way to get your domain up and running, getting your own email domain using the Gmail design, I highly suggest taking a look: http://www.google.com/a.

Safari 3 Public Beta

2007-06-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Apple has finally heard the cries of us measly Microsoft Windows users and released a version of the famous Safari internet browser! Check it out.

I don't know what anybody else can say, but this is just beautiful. Working online on my PC has never been so captivating. I want to kiss the screen. It's gorgeous.... Almost makes me want to buy a MacBook.

Harry Potter Theme Park

2007-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

It was recently announced that Universal Studios, along with various Harry Potter gurus, has designed and will be building a Harry Potter theme park in Orlando Florida. It is due to be finished in 2010. For full details, click here. For pictures, see the links below:

[Previews]
"Owl's Eye View"
Hogwarts Castle
Hogsmeade Square

Preorder Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Don't just get any version of the book. You'll want the Deluxe Edition (click the book on the right). All of the artwork is specially crafted in this edition with loads of surprises.

Get all of your other Harry Potter supplies at Amazon.com's own specialized Harry Potter Store.

Mystery Shopping

2007-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

If you are really interested in Mystery Shopping, don't sign up for anything that comes to you through your email, especially your spam folder for crying out loud! Sit back, take a couple of breaths, and calm down.

Now, visit the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) website and read all the way through the Consumer Alert before doing anything else. If you've done that much, I hardly need to say anything more, but I'll give a couple of pointers just in case you missed something.

Don't ever sign up for an offer you get in your email unless you've researched it ten times over and know it's legitimate. Even then, be extremely cautious. Scammers are definitely out to catch your attention and they're getting better at luring people in every day.
Make sure and check things out with the FTC. If you have problems with a company, file a complaint. They'll take care of it.
Like they said, visit www.mysteryshop.org to find legitimate companies to register with. Never pay money to register for a company unless you've got ten sources from people you already know saying they got their money back and made a profit. Don't waste your resources making bad investments.
Once you get to the MSPA website, you can relax and start a job search in your area.
Only take jobs that you can handle and that you can make decent money from (at least $10/hr - preferable $15 or more).
Pay attention to job details, including distance and deadlines. Remember that you'll be collecting information, so allow time for writing things down and calculate about how much you'll make per hour.
Always make sure to meet deadlines! This is the most important part of mystery shopping. It is best to get done with the job early. Don't take on more than you can handle. It's not likely you'll be able to unless you live in a big city anyway. Mystery Shopping is usually only supplementary income and you probably won't be making "big bucks" so don't get your hopes up yet.
Always be cautious. I can't say it enough. There are a lot of rude people out there. They will scam you if they can.
What did I just say?
Be cautious.

Terry Moore

2007-06-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Making her place in Hollywood with Mighty Joe Young, Terry Moore is one one of the forgotten members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was once known for having said, "I hate silicone, because now everyone can have what I have."

The Scandal

When Howard Hughes died, Terry claimed that Hughes secretly married her on a yacht off the coast of Mexico in 1949 and they never divorced. Her claim led to a settlement of an undisclosed amount in 1984. This makes Mr. Hughes purportedly the first of six husbands. Perhaps we can understand why he became reclusive, knowing that if she speaks the truth, they never divorced and she went on to marry three other men before he died.

Significant Achievements

Terry Moore was also a co-executive producer for America's Funniest Home Videos and a cult classic, Beverly Hills Brats, which starred her son, Grant Cramer. His father, Stuart Cramer, is the third of the three husbands after Howard Hughes. Though the original Mighty Joe Young was one of Terry's greatest hits, her place in the Academy Awards so far has only been a nomination of an Oscar for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" for her work on Come Back, Little Sheba.

A New Beast

When the new Mighty Joe Young was made, Terry was only placed in the very minor role of an elegant woman at a party, but I'm sure Ms. Moore enjoyed the chance to be a part of the remake of a film that make her a star.

The Early History

Terry Moore was born Helen Luella Koford, raised in Los Angeles, and began modeling before starting her film career at age 11 for 20th Century Fox's film, Maryland (apparently unavailable at Amazon.com at the time of this printing).

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

2007-06-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

This Halloween flick is sure to have all the family laughing. Reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas/James and the Giant Peach, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is a great film with delightful stop animation.

We start out in a tinker town and make our way to a Victorian mansion. Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) is to marry Victoria (Emily Watson), but their plans are foiled by the Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham Carter). Now Victor is faced with the choice between the exciting land of the (un)dead with his vows to an insistent woman whose flesh is half off and the land of the living where his true love remains.

Popeye

2007-06-05T00:24:00.001-07:00

All I can say for certain is that Robin Williams definitely knows how to make a voice impression. This is certainly the best Popeye film out there. It outranks even the cartoons in my opinion. Who couldn't love this spinach-stomaching, Olive Oyl enamored, Bluto-beating fellow?

Rated PG (obviously for the caroonish violence), no other PG film can compare. This is "the sailor man" at his best, in a full color, live action, feature film. Now eat your spinach.

By the way, who could have played a better Olive Oyl than Shelley Duvall? None other to be sure. A double dose of spinach for her as well.

The Pursuit of Happyness

2007-06-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

This film is an extraordinary motivational boost for life. There is a twinge of sadness to it to be sure, but this is a life story. It is a true story of a true man that I would love to meet someday. My father met Chris Gardner at a convention a few months ago. The man is truly an extraordinary example of persistence, dedication, and hard work.

Getting a little away from the character of the man, the film itself is absolutely beautiful. It certainly shows some ugly sides of life, but that is actually a part of the beauty of this film. I would be taken aback if you could find a person in the world who cannot relate personally from their own life to some aspect of this story.

Even rated PG-13, this is a film that I would suggest every parent should watch with their children and discuss the lessons it can help teach us.

The Music

One thing that can make or break a film is the music behind it. This is one film where the music shines, but it doesn't glare in your eyes. It's the sort of music that makes you think of a cold winter night turning into a beautiful spring morning.

Click here forthe Musicof theFilm

The Novel

The most extraordinary aspect of this film is story of the man behind it. While this film only captures a small moment of that life, it possibly captures the most important turning point that brought a man down into the depths of despare, with little hope for a future. It shows the strength of human character if we don't let the world win and kick us when we're down.

Chris Gardner helps us realize that if life is beating you hard, you can keep moving and survive. Even though we all die in the end, even in the depths of hopelessness in this life, if we hold onto whatever small ray of hope exists, we all have the capacity to come out on top.

Blue Streak

2007-06-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

Martin Lawrence is a crackup in this film about a jewel thief named Logan. He managed to hide a stolen jewel in a building moments before being captured and put in prison. After being released from jail, he finds out that the building has been remodeled as a police station.

Rated PG-13 primarily for language, Martin cuts down on the language in comparison with other films, presenting a slightly more family-friendly film. It's suitable for teens and older.

Parental Concerns

In our society, we pay too little attention to ratings and suppose that our children have the same level of perceptivity we seem to have. In reality, the youth of our nation are struggling because parents haven't taken responsibility for teaching their children. Public education is more than a right. It is a privilege and it is there to help parents, not to replace them. We need to start discussing films with our children instead of zoning out and paying little heed to whatever ideas a film might put into a child's mind - good or bad.

Even though I have no children of my own, I have been a child and I have parents. I am most thankful that they did not leave me to fend for myself where films are concerned. They kindly set aside a moment after each film to discuss different aspects of it: what is real and what is fake, how to apply it to life. My parents aren't perfect by any means, but I think more people with children in their homes could learn by their example in this aspect of life.

Much Ado About Nothing

2007-05-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

This film was very well done in my opinion. Of course, as I have never read the play, I cannot really compare it in that way. The characters, however, were wonderful. I find that the more I see of her, the more I admire Emma Thompson. It's possible I might even have a crush on her if she weren't nearly as old as my parents. In this film, she plays Beatrice, who is set up to fall in love with Benedick. This trap is set up by the young lovers Hero and Claudio, trying to pass the time with their fellow conspirator Don Pedro.

Truly, Shakespeare's genius pays off in this one. The film is rated PG-13. You may also want to take a look at Shakespeare in Love or the much-acclaimed William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

The Last Samurai

2007-05-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

Tom Cruise stars in The Last Samurai as Captain Nathan Algren, a bitter Civil War hero who gets roped into fighting renegade Samurai in Japan. Katsumoto leads the Samurai warriors and captures Algren, but decides not to kill him.

Engulfed in their culture, Algren gains new perspectives on warfare and life in general. The film teaches some good life lessons. Rated R for warfare, it isn't exactly for children, but a good parent might watch this film with a more mature teen and discuss the story and lessons from it. There is no nudity or really any reference to sexual promiscuity in this film, so it comes highly recommended for a family without young children.

Casanova

2007-05-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Casanova, while definitely not a movie for the kids, is definitely a good laugh and an enjoyable bit of artistry. Don't let the pig in a boat with women's legs sticking up throw you off. This flick is by no means another Charlotte's Web, thank God. Neither, believe it or not, is this flick a sex thrill. It's a story of finding true love, even in a true "player" (using today's terminology).

A very sinful criminal, Casanova (Heath Ledger) tries out as many false identitied as he can possibly use to make an attempt at winning the heart of the fair - and betrothed - Francesca (Sienna Miller). He nearly seems to find success when his plot is uncovered and he decides to fess up to his true identity. What an uproar it causes!

This film is rated R for the sexual overtones of the entire story.

Minutes to Midnight

2007-05-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this CD very much. Despite the explicit lyrics (a bit of swearing here and there), the content is very good. I especially enjoy track 6 (What I've Done), the single that made the album; track 11 (In Pieces), an upbeat piece reminiscent of painful times; and track 12 (The Little Things Give You Away), a melancholy melody focused on love that is missing. Track 13 is a live performance of What I've Done.

Pride and Prejudice (A&E, 1996)

2007-05-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever read Jane Austin's classic novel Pride and Prejudice will most likely love the film by A&E. My sisters, of course, are in love with Mr. Darcy. I personally try to emulate Mr. Bennet's attitude in life. I certainly hope that doesn't mean I'm bound to find a Mrs. Bennet type of wife.

I suppose that I must admit that, like my sisters, I adore this film. I will likely never tire of seeing it and those sunday afternoons watching the entirety of the film I believe are well-spent for the lessons this story teaches. Though unrated, it is most definitely not unsuitable. This is a great film, and even though it could be labeled "a chick flick" it has plenty to offer the fellas too.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) [AUDIOBOOK] [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

2007-05-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

This audiobook (read by Jim Dale), written by J. K. Rowling is a wonderful bit of literature for a car trip, painting your house, examining the structure of literature, and so on. I encourage anyone to pick up the book, or if you prefer, get this CD version.

While the book is literal genius, I found the CD version lacking primarily in the Jim Dale's voice interpretation of a few characters. Hermione, for example, seemed a slight bit misplaced. Hagrid, on the other hand, was perfectly represented.

Anyone who enjoyed the book I'm sure will enjoy the film as well. Now, specially offered, you may buy Harry Potter Years 1-4 on DVD!

Happy Feet

2007-05-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Feet is perhaps one of the best animated films I have ever seen. Not only were the graphics amazing, but the story is captivating, the music in exquisite, and the actors all very professional, creative, and entertaining. If you have children in your home, I implore you to get this film! It is absolutely astounding.

Hats off to the musicians, the actors, the producers, the artists, and anyone involved in the creation of this project. It will no doubt be a long-lasting and pleasant memory for all.

This film is rated PG

What the blazes?

2007-05-25T00:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a rather interesting day. My family had a bit of fun messing around with fire - or rather, my sister's boyfriend is over visiting and we've been painting the house. Anyhow, we put a cloth around the chandelier so paint wouldn't drip on it and ruin the glass and such.

Of course, after my brother's concert at the high school, somebody had to turn the lights on in the dining room. The bulbs in the chandelier were in direct contact with the cloth and it didn't take long for smoke to start billowing forth, creating all sorts of foul smells.

Dad, of course, wasn't too pleased with the incident, but everyone else had a good laugh. I'm just glad we caught the problem before the house burned down. That could have dampened everyone's mood - or perhaps enflamed it. Either way, the Madsen family climate would have not been the friendliest of weather to find yourself in the midst of.

Monsters, Inc.

2007-05-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

A definite classic, Monsters, Inc. is a definite favorite. Billy Crystal stars as Sully, a great blue bear-like monster; John Goodman stars as Mike Wazowski, a small green creature that is little more than a large eyeball. In this Disney/Pixar film these two confused monsters enter the frightening world of human beings and accidentally bring back a little girl.

Rated G, this is a film that ought to be in any child's collection - young or old.

The New World

2007-05-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Though not exactly a huge blockbuster, The New World does have some redeeming attributes. First, the film locations are absolutely gorgeous. The plot may not be historically accurate in all accounts, but it does give a good overview of the history, with a Hollywood twist. The love story aspect of the film is intriguing, and I often found myself thinking back on Disney's Pocahontas, though this production far surpassed the cartoon.

At times, the slow pace irritated me, but at the same time, it was also conducive to the mood of the story. It was just different to have such long "silent" moments in the film. Colin Farrell, Q'Orianka Kilcher, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale, and August Schellenberg all play their parts very well. This film is rated PG-13.

The Illusionist

2007-05-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Similarities

This film absolutely blew me away! In some ways it was similar to The Prestige. I don't want to give away too many plot points, but I'll say The Illusionist is about a young boy who falls in love with a princess and tries to run away with her. Years later, he becomes a magician, changes his name, and by chance comes across her again. Then comes a sudden twist in the plot. In some ways, this main character Eisenheim reminds me of Joseph Smith, Jr.

The Short Story

The Illusionist is based loosely on the short story Eisenheim the Illusionist, which can be found in The Barnum Museum, by Steven Millhauser. Both the film and the short story are exquisite ways to remove oneself from the world we live in and enter a realm of fantastical curiosity. The film is rated PG-13.

Preorder Harry Potter

2007-05-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

A lot of people may be wondering how to preorder Harry Potter. It's really quite simple:

Visit Amazon.com
Search for Harry Potter
Select Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Buy it!