Yesterday, I mentioned MSNBC’s YiP. Today, I wanted to let you know about Reuters 2005 Pictures of the Year. While there are some good items in there, I’m not sure that I agree with all their choices. The picture of Courtney Love really stands out to me as a bad choice. Why? Because her importance in 2005 is no where near where it should have been to be included in the year’s summary. Now, if it was 1994 and you had a picture of her in regards to Kurt Cobain, then it may have been a good choice — because that was an event that had an impact that year. On the flipside, the shot of the Israeli flag during a protest is something that should have been included.

Overall, I think I liked the total content of the MSNBC pictures better. I do, however, prefer the UI for the Reuters images. I like being able to scroll through the pictures 1 by 1, or to jump directly to the image. The lack of a soundtrack has both pros and cons. It allows you to look at each picture on your time, and then move ahead when you’ve sufficiently explorered it’s depth. Your emotions aren’t “helped along” as it were by sad or happy music. You draw your own conclusions and have your own impressions.

Being an editior is more than just being a decision maker. It’s also about opinion. I just happen to disagree with their opinion that helped them make the decisions on what items to include.

Current Mood:  restless

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Every week, MSNBC has a slideshow for the Week in Pictures. You can see selected pictures from around the world, and then vote on your favorite. I make it a point to watch these slideshows everyweek. If you want, there are links to the archives of previous weeks.

Now, with the year coming to an end, they have posted The Year In Pictures 2005. These are the top voted choices by the viewers, as well as ones by the editors.

The pictures are a strange mix of life and death – of joy and fear – of hope and of despair. Does it accurately reflect the year 2005? That’s for you to decide. There certainly are some memorable events this past year. Question is, will you remember them a year from now? Here’s a link to The Year in Pictures 2004, for example. Do you remember those events? Its certainly something worth reflecting on.

Current Mood:  grateful

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Ok folks, with the holidays on everyone’s mind, I needed to make sure I told you about the fantastic savings at Borders.

It’s a 30% off coupon for Borders.

The coupon is valid through 12/19/05, but what makes it really awesome is that it’s one *any* item that’s not already on sale. This is the kind of savings that lets you put The Complete Calvin and Hobbes ($105) within reach at $69. It lets you seriously consider picking up The Complete Far Side 1980–1994 ($85) for only $56. I’m not sure that I’d want to get The Complete Far Side Leather-Bound (Signed Limited Edition) ($795) though. If I did, I’d be saving $262 bucks though.

Here’s the thing. It’s one item, per day, per customer. So if you want to take full advantage, you might need to go back multiple times. It’s even worth (in my opinion) returning any high ticket item you might have already gotten for something, and then getting a credit back.

Think about a DVD series or a nice graphic novel or an audio book.

Everyone I know has nice libraries and this would definately be a good thing for you to take advantage.

As the lady told me when she handed me the coupon in the parking lot (she printed extras), “Merry Christmas”.

Current Mood:  energetic

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So how many of you have pre-ordered your Serenity DVD, which is coming out on December 20th? I’m sure some of you have gotten copies for loved ones and friends for holiday gifts.. but the question is, are you going to wait the extra 5 days before ripping open the package and watching it?

Here’s a little something for ya, to get past the next 5 days:

– An extended scene from Serenity with Shepherd Book (via SciFi Wire)
– Video Clips from the Movie (via Official Site), including a nice little documentary short called “Inside Look”
– This link is supposed to have a deleted scene with an Intro by Joss, but you cannot get it unless you are a member… and damned if I haven’t tried, I just don’t get the confirmation link… bugger all…

Current Mood:  thoughtful

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I’ve been looking forward to the new King Kong movie ever since I first heard rumours that Peter Jackson was going to remake it. It’s such a classic piece, that I (as well as many others) was worried he wasn’t going to be able to do it justice.

Now the TV ads are running, and there is quote after quote from major reviewers giving it 4 stars, etc. I’m always leary of those quotes though, as often the folks being quoted aren’t worth the paper they write their reviews on. Always be wary if you see multiple quotes from the same source… that tends to mean they can’t get enough variation in their reviews. When I see the King Kong ones, though, there must be a dozen quotes, all of them glowing, and all of them from different (major) sources.

Here’s an quote from a glowing review:

If the “Rings” trilogy didn’t convince you, everyone will now have to admit that Jackson is one of the most creative men to ever sit in a director’s chair.

This film is in a class of its own. If anyone ever tries to do another remake of “King Kong,” they should be put in a rubber room.

There wasn’t a single bad thing said about the movie in that review. In fact, I haven’t found a bad review of the movie yet… and I’ve been looking.

I also recently read this article on the multiple meanings of King kong, from the Philly Inquirer. Yes, I actually read the article in the paper.. but I tracked down the digital version just for you!! It’s actually a very well written that does a good job of explaining why the original Kong succeeded, as well as why it’s continued to captivate viewers all these years. It’s those same themes that will drive PJ’s latest endeavor. It’s also why it was important to shoot the film in 1933 New York. While there may be parallels to the modern world, Kong’s place is rightfully in 1933.

My time is limited to go to the movies right now, so I really need to pick and choose what I want to see. King Kong is definately at the top of my list, and I really hope to see it sooner than later.

Current Mood:  restless

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I’m sure that my friend Mike, being the Cthulhu fan that he is, will want a pair of these for himself this year. Just make sure to coordinate with each other so that he has enough for each of his tentacles.

Plush Cthulhu slippers

Cory Doctorow: These plush Cthulhu slippers can keep your feet warm even as they damn them to a thousand nameless hells. Link (via Wonderland)

Also, in case you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, here’s some songs to sing with all your friends:
http://www.shoggoth.net/article.php3?story_id=95&slashSess=ac7942f1c6d14e13202b9324d148e6d7

Current Mood:  amused

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