Just got back from seeing S.W.A.T. w/Kelly and some of her friends. I read hollywood.com's review before leaving (1.5 out of 4 stars) so I wasn't expecting much.

They basically said that the first 1.5 hours of the movie didn't have a plot. While I agree with this, it actually turned out to be the better part of the movie. I enjoyed the parts of the movie when they had to infiltrate a building and save a hostage- rather than the mind numbing shooting and explosions in the endless chase at the end of the movie (where it actually had a plot). I'd say it was a decent flick- not really bad, but not really that great either...

Check out Gordon's new site:

Slipperyskates.com

Well- I returned my rollerblades, or rather exchanged them for a pair of K2 fitness ones. So I take them out for a spin on my normal route- their so much faster! My usual 30-40 minute route took only 25 minutes! I guess I'm going to have to find some other places to go in addition to the usual. They were cheaper than the Missions too- so I got store credit 'cause I didn't have my recept. I ended up picking up a new smaller/better backpack. Its an all black burton day pack. Its really cool and has a sleeve that fits my iBook perfectly. Also has a pocket for my cell phone. It came with a little CD pouch attachment too- I'll store some DVD's in there for long trips.

I think I need to get a new battery for my iBook sometime in the near future- I'm only getting about 1:30 when using wireless to surf. I used to get about 2:30-3:00 from it in class chatting with other people on wireless- and w/wireless off I could get about 5 hours of basic stuff.

Kelly was over today- we watched "Punch Drunk Love". A rather strange romantic comedy- good movie- strange characters...

Woah- did I just geek out there or what?

Here is a response that I wrote to this thread on appleinsider about Apple's target audience/price vs. performance ratio/iMac 3.0...

I really think that Apple in general is becoming a luxury computer manufacturer- maybe like BMW/Audi/Mercedes/VW. I don't want to get into the Apple/Auto market share debate, but I was thinking more like style/price/performance/experience.

When people buy a dell or cheap PC they are not looking at the other things. Just like when people buy a cheap GM or Ford vehicle- they are not really looking at the performance/style/experience- they want the rebates/cheap financing/etc.

Sit in and drive a BMW/Audi/Mercedes/VW and then sit in a GM or Ford- you'll notice a huge difference that's worth the extra price for the German car...

Now

Setup/un-package/use an Apple and then setup/un-package/use a Dell or cheap PC- you'll notice a huge difference that's worth the extra price for the Apple computer...

As far as what I would like to see in the Gen3 iMac…

I wouldn’t mind seeing DVR software built in. If Apple really wants the iMac to become the center for the digital lifestyle they must start to bring the iMac into the living room. The composite video out on this generation is a good start.

I can use an eyeTV to record my shows and then pump them out to the TV when I want to watch them. Then if I want to burn them to a DVD I have that option also. They need to add Dolby digital out for 5.1 sound so I can use this as the center of my home theater.

Maybe not so much bring the actual iMac into the living room, but bringing its services to the living room. Maybe Apple could design a receiver with Airport Extreme and remote control. Somehow controlling the iMac remotely from your TV seamlessly with Apple design and functionality. It would have to be very simple.

Plug the power into the Apple iHub and with Rendezvous it automatically discovers all of the Macs on the wired/wireless home network and makes all of your media available via the television. Searches all of the users Home directories for pictures, videos, and audio files. You could even use the TV to browse the iTunes Music Store.

All I know is Apple must do something extreme with the next generation iMac for it to gain press/public recognition. Who needs just a computer now? It’s the center of our digital lifestyle that Apple is pushing.

As far as design goes I really like this one:

iMac G5 Render

Traded in most of my older gamecube games that I don't play anymore yesterday to pick up Soul Calibur 2 and F-Zero GX. I'm totally addicted to F-Zero- the game-play is soooooo fast! Soul Calibur 2 is great too 'cause you can be link.

I need to return or exchage my rollerblades sometime today. I was rollerblading yesterday and the wheels basically stoped spinning on their own- somethng is rubbing on the inside of the "blade" part and is wearing down the front two wheels rather quickly...so I need to bring them back and get a different pair.

The first MSU football game is today- I think people are going tailgating but I'm not really sure I want to go. I have some stuff to get done around here and I would rather not spend the day drinking.

Going to take a shower. Peace out!

Just got back from my 8:30- boring class, but it gets me up and MOVING in the morning. Maybe I'll actually get something done today- jk.

Went out last night for a few drinks with Deanna and Valerie and ended up seeing "Marcie-X".

DO NOT GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

Sure it had some funny parts but the plot totally sucked big time. What a waste of money. Did anyone catch the VMA's? Missy won her first "Moon Men"- including best R&B/Rap video for "Work It" and Video of the Year for "Work It", Britney Spears kissed Madonna, and ummmmmm Chris Rock had a few good jokes including one about R. Kelly and the Olson twins.

Off to find something to work on. Long weekend- waaaaahooooo!

Yikes! What a long day so far!

8:30-10:00 class, 10:20-11:30 class, 12:40-2:00 class, 3:30-5:00 Rink, 6:30-8:00 Learn to Skate Meeting.

Haven't done the LTS meeting yet, but maybe if I'm lucky is won't go the whole time. Somehow today I managed to swing down to CompUSA and check out their Powermac G5- woah- is this thing nice! Best design for a computer ever! It looks so clean compaired to the older G4 towers- which I didn't think looked 1/2 bad, until I saw the G5. I really like the way apple is moving with their designs! Here's to hoping they keep up the good work!

I need to update later when I have more time 'cause my Communications prof is really funny!

Off to the Learn to Skate meeting.

Woah- things come up so fast! Hard to think that I'm already on the 3rd day of classe! Yuck! I start at 8:30 tomorrow and have about 6 hours of class in a row- then off to the rink for an hour! Woah- what a long day...

I had the Circuit City interview today- I think everything went well, but the guy is making me apply on-line again 'cause I guess I need to apply on-line for their records and they said they would call me once they get my application from their web site- which I just completed about 15 minutes ago.

Also bought books today- how depressing- and I still don't have them all. Damn IAH (reading) classes- I have about 5 books for that one.

I'm starting to look for new calling plans/phones for my cell phone. T-Mobile has some good calling plans/phones. I'm happy with AT&T also, so I want to check out what they have. I'm looking into the Sony/Ericson T616 and the T-Mobile Side Kick (aka Danger Hiptop). The Sony has color screen, a camera, and bluetooth (which means that I would be able to use it to connect with my iBook for file transfer, contact & datebook sync, and connect to the internet with my iBook through the phone. You can also send SMS messages from the iBook to the phone.). The Side Kick is cool 'cause its always on e-mail- you can use it to check 3 e-mail accounts, browse the web (bigger screen than the sony), chat on AIM (built in keyboard), and has a datebook and to-do list. Its a lot more expensive than the sony though and doesn't have bluetooth or a camera built in. Although a camera is available and you can sync through the T-Mobile web site. I'm leaning towards the sony though, just because of the integration with the iBook. I'll just have to wait and see- my contract with AT&T doesn't end until October 6th.

Peace out.

See Nasha- I told you front page!

Here is the small gallery of Tech Summer Skating School 2003. Enjoy!

Tech Summer Skating 2003

Well- got back from home last night. Had a great time a tech, wish I would have been on staff and actually teaching. Also didn't get to take part in the "Master Plan" by testing a dance. lol.

Just started classes this morning- Com 275 seems like its going to be fun/easy. I'm off to my 2nd class in about 15 minutes...still have to buy books and teach today. Waaahooo. I'll be posting the gallery sometime later tonight...

Oh yah- I had a funny dream last night.

I was at some Church function at St. Anns in Baraga (maybe a cake walk or something). Anyway- sitting at a table were Christina Aguilera and Marily Manson...lol. Anyway- I explained that my Friends and I were "Huge fans back in Middle School" and it was so cool to meet him. Anyway- as I'm trying to talk to the guy Christina starts talking but I wassn't really interested in talking with her, and I remember being really annoyed by her.

Manson was asking why I still wassn't a "Huge fan" and if we stopped listening because of the music change between "Anti-Christ Superstar" and "Mechanical Animals"...nice dream anyway.

Apple

Well- Apple announced that that G5's shipped. Some people reported the systems shipping on Saturday and were expected at stores today.

So I decided to take a quick trip down to CompUSA. The Mac guy there said that their truck didn't come in today and they would be getting them in somtime tomorrow...

I opened an account at the MSU Federal Credit Union today- come to find out they have some cool services- like on-line banking for free so thats cool. I'm leaving after skating tomorrow to go home for the weekend- so I'm not sure when and or if I will be updating until I get back on sunday...

Another boring day here in East Lansing. Went to Meijer and got some food. Man I really hate spending moeny on that stuff- it feels like you're getting nothing out of the deal! Although you do need it to survive so I guess its worth it. lol

Another thing that bothers me is when you forget something that you need to make something you bought. I got some burgers, well guess what?!?! I forgot the buns- which means that I have to go to the store again before I can cook them. URG!

Well- I have to go to the rink on Tuesday and then I'm off to home until classes start on Monday the 25th.

Woah! Check out these photos of the lights before and after the blackout! Espicallly look at the Toronto Area!

Before Blackout.

After Blackout.

Just as things were starting to look grim on the job scene- Circuit City called and they want to have an interview! SWEET! I hope I don't freak at the interve and scare them off...

Well- Kelly just stopped by and I guess we're going to go to some BBQ- hey free food! But the bad news is its raining right now....actually more than raining...I hope we don't loose power again!

First details on fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf

More details on the 5th genneration VW Golf from Car Design News.

CNN.com - Lights returning in power gridlock - Aug. 15, 2003

Woah- major black out! We lost power here in East Lansing about 4:00 yesterday! I was woken up by everything coming back to life at about 3:30AM on Friday morning. I think that's the longest I've ever been without power. It was very strange driving around the city in darkness- kinda creepy if you ask me.

Nothing really new in the world of John today.

Some of the stuff at the rink is starting to get settled (again- ask for details). I'm glad 'cause I was getting sick of the stuff. I like life best when there is minimal BS. Just get to the point and all is well. Don't beat around the bush.

I was listening to a song today by ummmmmmm- 3rd Eye Blind (thanks Jen) called "Semi-Charmed Kind of Life" and there was a cool line that said:

"When I'm with you I feel like I could die and I would be alright.....alright"

Anyway- just thought that was cool, peace out.

Check out this Quicktime VR of my room at school.

Bedroom Quicktime VR (1.5MB)

Thanks for letting me borrow the tripod Bugsy!

I've added a new site feature! A web cam! The image is updated every minute.

Click on the image for a larger view and frequent update timer.

Car and Driver Magazine : Car News

Check out the new 2005 VW Golf!

BTW- Mystery girl from August 8th was Sara Salo.

Thanks Michelle.

I've taken some pictures of my room here in East Lansing! Please excuse the poor quality- they were taken in a hurry. Maybe sometime in the near future Bugsy will let me borrow his Tripod so I can take a Quicktime VR of my room. Anyway- enjoy!

Desk Area
TV/DVD's
Bed Area 1
Bed Area 2

Nothing really new has been going on in the town of East Lansing. Still looking for a job...waiting for Bugsy to get done with classes so I have someone to hang with other than my roommates. Mike is supposed to be coming back soon too so....

I've been rollerblading/lifting on a daily basis again too. For some odd reason I feel like I have more energy eventhough I'm doing more physical activity than usual. I just got new rollerblades- they're Missions- look like hockey skates. They have the heat baking thing just like my Graff skates did- they mold to your foot. Anyway- they're cool and I've been putting them to good use.

Looking forward to a few things.

1. Going up to Houghton in 2 weeks.
2. Classes to start.
3. Fall ice to start.
4. Getting a job.

Well- just got back from the competition.

Congratulations Kristin and Jessica on your tie for 2nd!!!

It reminds me of the first time I competed Patch at MIO with....oh no! I forgot her name!! Anyway- the results took forever to come in and we were saying that they were deciding who would get 1st or 2nd....well....we both tied for 2nd! LOL!

If anyone can remember who I'm talking about- I think she was really good friends with Sara Rutz and did cross country skiing...let me know...tacojohn@mac.com

At the request of my readers I'm going to start updating more frequently.

I've been a little busy down here at school. I didn't think I would have that much to do, but looking for a job has been a lot of work! I have an interview on Monday for a Photojournalism Internship for the City of East Lansing. Hopefully everything will go will with that and I'll have something to look forward to for fall.

Woah- skating has been a real nightmare this week! Too much to type, but ask for details and you MIGHT receve...

I've updated the side menu with links to all of my individual photo galleries. Soon I will be adding links to my movies too. So look for those next time in the coming week.

DSL is sweet!

Alright- I finally got stuff uploaded! Here is what I got:

Michelle, Steph, and Andrew Downtown Movie (588KB)

Chicago Fireworks Movie (4.6MB)

Shedd Aquarium Dolphins Movie (969MB)

Minocqua and Chicago Photo Gallery

Chicago Trip 2 Photo Gallery

Problems Problems Problems...

Sorry about the delay for the Chicago/Minocqua pics. First- I couldn't get my DSL/Airport/Hub to connect. Now- My camera battery died 1/2 way through downloading and I can't find the charger- URG!

The B-Day was good- we went to "Ricks" on "Booty Night"- I had a great time. Long Islands and Long Beaches are great!

So as soon as I find the charger I'll be adding the galleries.

Strainer!

Hey! Long time no post! Well- I'm not at the apple store downtown, but I'm at the one in Woodfield...on a 17" iMac. NICE- gotta love the 17" wide display!

Anyway- I'll update with more once I get home- I need to call SBC about our DSL maybe to get it working- so I might not update with all the details until later this week.

I'll be back.