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I finally found a review on DVD X Copy, an application that purports to be able to “back up & copy DVD movies,” the first time I’ve seen any software package make that claim. Apparently, it works as advertised, which surprised me a little. However, 321 Studios is already being sued by the MPAA, which was the first thought that came into my mind when I read about this.

ThinkGeek is selling the software separately and as part of a DVD burner bundle. I’m thinking of jumping on this, although if the company goes under, development may never progress and outstanding bugs may never get fixed. It is pretty expensive, $99 at most places, but DVD media is getting cheaper and it would pay for itself pretty quickly once I start “backing up” movies. So far the recording process only works on one layer at a time, meaning that multiple layer DVDs need to be spread onto more than one disc, so that is a bit of a pain. I imagine that newer generations of the software and DVD-Recordable drives will remedy this, though. Any thoughts or comments?

January 29, 2003

Stereographic Fun

Kottke.com has a great post on stereographic photography, including the above do-it-yourself example with Lisa and Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons. The post includes a larger version of this image (which I had trouble getting to work), some more examples he made, and some interesting links to galleries and information on stereo photography.

January 29, 2003

Dobby = Putin?

According to The Evening Standard, “A Russian law firm is reportedly drawing up legal action against the special effects people who dreamt up Dobby [from Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets], arguing that the ugly but caring elf has been modelled on Mr Putin.” I think that he’s just precious. And so is Dobby… 😉

January 29, 2003

Nucular

Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nuclear whoops Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular

I can’t stand it!

Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular Nucular

Someone tell him to stop!

OK, according to the transcript he only said ~~“nuclear”~~ “nucular” 12 times, but one awful, horrible mispronunciation is enough for me, so you can imagine my consternation. Good thing I didn’t play the drinking game…

January 28, 2003

The Stanley Cup is missing!

Don’t worry the REAL cup is just fine, but the Lego version has been stolen! Lego is offering NHL tickets in exchange for its safe return.

January 28, 2003

Superbowl Ads and Redskin Rants

We’ve all heard the annoying catchphrase that the ads are the best thing about the Superbowl. Well, if you’re a Raiders fan, I guess that would definitely be the case on Sunday. Ooh, low blow! I myself was sort of torn between the Raiders and the Bucs, although in the end I was hoping that the Raiders would win it, if only to see Warren Sapp go postal. The battle of two ex-Redskin quarterbacks was a pretty interesting coincidence, really only serving to show just how idiotic the ‘skins management is. Jack Kent Cooke is rolling around in his grave watching ~~Dan Snyder~~ the little Troll systematically destroy the franchise…

Speaking of the Redskins, I am just incensed that Art Monk was once again not inducted into the NFL Hall Of Fame. Not only was he not voted in, he didn’t even make the first cut. Hello?! The Hall Of Fame’s own list of accolades sums it up:

Nine times during his sterling 16-season career with the Redskins, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles, former Syracuse star exceeded 50 catches in a season and five times he gained more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season. He also set NFL records for most catches in a season (106), and most consecutive games (183) with at least one reception. His consecutive games with a reception streak extended to 183 games. In 1992 he became the NFL’s then-all-time leader in receptions with his 820th career catch in a game against the Denver Broncos. He finished his career with 940 receptions.

How they can ignore these numbers and the less quantifiable aspects of his career – his leadership, charisma, and above all, his class – is just beyond me.

Anyway, back to my original point. Visit Fimoculous.com (one of my favorite blogs, by the way) and take a look at the cool Flash project the webmaster did that lets you view all of the commercials by quarter and vote for your favorite. Ifilm also has an archive of Superbowl ads.

January 28, 2003

Front Pages Around The World

For those of you who don’t know about it, the Newseum in Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit, especially now that it has moved from Arlington to its new site near the National Mall. Among other things its website features 169 front pages from newspapers around the world scanned into images and PDF documents. It’s a pretty cool way to see how stories are treated in different cities and countries.

January 28, 2003