NPR Bias...

NPR has been all over the news the last few weeks. This is mostly because of the current House of Representatives are suggesting that we defund NPR altogether. Sure, they get less than 3% of their money from the federal government, but the principle is that we as taxpayers shouldn't be forced to support a news station that doesn't represent all viewpoints. In voicing my support for this defunding, I was asked by a dear friend to provide proof that they provide an unbalanced view. So, here we go.
Most don't know this, but I spent the first year and a half of my married life as a data entry specialist. This means that I spent my entire work day doing nothing but mindless typing, which allowed me to listen to anything I wanted. And what did I listen to? Mostly NPR. I was not in a position in the building that I couldn't get AM stations, and I despised the radio stations in Tucson. So, I listened to NPR the majority of the time at work.
I can safely say that Morning Edition and All Things Considered are pretty standard news broadcasts. But, in between are almost all editorial shows. And they aren't balanced editorial shows either. Talk of the Nation (now called the politically correct term 'Talk of the World') is hosted by a blatantly liberal host. He never gave Bush a fair shake, always stating his opinion as fact. Then there is Fresh Air. The host had many anti-religion and even anti-Mormon guests on, without ever ONCE having an apologist to Mormonism on. I can give specific examples and dates if the reader would like them.
So, It's not that I mind that people have opinions. In fact, I love good debate! But, that's not what NPR represents. During the 2008 primary season they had ONE Republican candidate on, whereas they had almost all of the Democratic candidates. You call that balanced? No! It's editorialized journalism. They don't deserve a penny of MY money. If they would even try to be balanced, I would be a little more sympathetic.

Subway versus Jimmy John's...Fight!

I have purchased food from both places within the last week and I will tell you my experience with both.

Service: They are almost always kinder at Jimmy John's. And the funny thing is that most of the employees seem to be enjoying themselves, which makes a person ordering food happier as well.

Speed of food deliverance: I'm talking about how quick from ordering your food to when you get it. Subway really should high some efficiency consultants. It is awful there! There were only two people in front of me, and it still took almost ten minutes from when I walked in to when I got my food. Contrast with Jimmy's: I walked in, put in my order, sat down to write a text, and then my food was ready! Not to mention how quick Jimmy John's is at to-your-door delivery, which is something that subway will never do.

Quality of food: no comparison. Jimmy John's wins out every time! It just tastes and feels more fresh.

Price: The price is a little better at Subway, but not by much.

Overall: No comparison. I would MUCH rather spend an extra dollar for a better sandwich, better service, and faster service.

Movie of the Week: The Truman Show

This movie is perfect. It's amazing to watch the film because of Jim Carey and his range as an actor. You can't even tell that he's a comedian in this role.
Peter Weir (one of the unsung directors of Hollywood with hits like Master and Commander, Dead Poet's Society, etc.) did an amazing job putting this story together and creating the world in which Truman lives. It's fascinating to watch the special features: the actors think that the story is just commentary on reality TV as opposed to what Mr. Weir understood about the movie. It's a story about free choice and whether or not Truman is really free in this 'perfect' world that was created for him. There's a reason that the 'Creator' of the world is called Christof (Christ-off or Anti-Christ).
Overall, a very thought provoking film that is superbly acted, amazingly scripted, and beautifully scored. 5 out of 5. Well played, Peter Weir!

I Am Number Four...is almost a 4 out of 5

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
It is most certainly considered a 'teen' movie, but don't let that turn you off! Unlike certain other recent teen fantasy films, there is no brooding and absolutely no sparkling. It very much reminded me of the first season of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer: not necessarily a polished product, but has very strong potential and very good characters.
The story was also wonderful. It really wasn't predictable in the way that most fantasy films are these days. This franchise has a ton of potential.
Overall, I recommend it if you have any inclination towards the teen movie genre.

Movie of the Week: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

What a valentines treat! My wife was willing to watch this, one of my favorite films of all time, with me as our Valentine's activity.
It's hard to say that that this is Spielberg's finest, because he has directed such a fine array of films over the years. But, because of the content of the story, this remains my favorite of his. It's spiritual, heartfelt, family oriented, action-packed, and hilarious!
There are three scenes/sequences that really define the heart of the this movie and show why I love it so much.
First, there's the beginning scene where young Indy (wonderfully played by the tragically deceased River Phoenix) finds a group of tomb raiders and self-righteously takes it upon himself to make sure the Cross they are stealing gets to a museum. The most fascinating part of this 'ride' that Spielberg takes us on is the character actor they get to play the head tomb raider: he is wearing the exact fedora and bomber jacket that Indy himself wears later in life. The fellow even tries to act and nuance like Mr. Harrison Ford! This shows such a great contrast to his father who is nothing like the adventure-driven archaeologist we have come to know and love. It's as if we are being told that Indy got the brilliant bookworm knowledge from his father, but his swashbuckling attitude/thirst from somewhere else.
Second is the scene where Indy and his father are about to go to Berlin to get the diary. At this point Indy takes our Lord's name in vain, and his father slaps him followed soon thereafter with the phrase: "That's for blasphemy." The ensuing conversation about why they need to find the Grail shows that it IS much more black and white than any other adventure they have been on before. This really hits home for me, because at this point Indy starts taking things much more seriously. This is no longer a random adventure like a James Bond movie: It's for keeps. This scene and along with the book burning in the next scene touched emotions in me so (both good and ill).
The final scene that defines the picture was when Indiana was about to fall to his death, trying to reach the Grail. At this point his father is trying to pull him up, and without success. Finally his father calls him, for the first time, "Indiana." This gets his attention and seals their rocky relationship with a bond of love that even the life-long obsession of Henry Sr. (The Holy Grail) cannot get in the way.

Overall I really do have to give this a perfect 5/5 stars. It still remains at the top of my list with The Two Towers and Miracle.

Movie of the Week: Million Dollar Baby

I have to give it a 4/4 stars. All the acting, in particular Hillary Swank, is beyond superb. There's a reason that this swept the Oscars in 2004.
The story is touching, although the ending is a little sad for my taste. I have a difficult time swallowing the choice that is made, but I guess some people just feel that this is their only choice. Obviously I have a different perspective, with my views on the purpose of life being very different.
This is the epitome of why Clint Eastwood is my favorite director. It's sooooo beautifully shot. I just can't enough of anything that this man creates!

iPhone 1G VS. Android 1.5 (Motorola Cliq)

So, I've used both the iPhone 1st Generation with Jail Broken software and two different Android phones. I've also used a 3G iPod Touch, which I imagine has the same performance as the iPhone 3GS, so I have a pretty good idea about both devices. I will go category by category to compare and contrast.

Call Quality

The Android wins hands down. The speakerphone was absolutely awful on the iPhone. I imagine they have gotten better with each release, but I was so unimpressed with iPhone. By contrast, both Android devices were very impressive with their speaker phones, bluetooth connectivity, etc.

OS Speed

The iPhone wins here; Steve Jobs will do anything (including keeping Flash off any device) to keep the OS moving fast. Whereas Android slows down pretty easily. I've been told that with the advent of Android 2.2 the OS has gotten dramatically faster. But, again, I'm just using my experience.

As a MP3/Media Device

Nothing competes even closely with the iPod music player. Not even rival MP3 players like Creative or Zunes are even close. It's just brilliant; whereas the Android music player is just AWFUL! There is a good podcatcher on the Android, but they still could have spent more time putting together a decent music player.

Apps

This is a toss-up: the iPhone has better apps, but they're also ridiculously expensive. Also Apple is over-protective of their app store. I like the android productivity apps head and shoulders more than the iPhone's. But the game apps are way better for the iPhone.

As an eBook Reader

Android 2.1 has a Kindle app, and so does the iPhone. But, other eBook readers are way more available for Android. You can potentially store a lot more books on the Android as well, because the memory is expandable. I'd go with the Android.

Navigation and Multi-Apping

Hands down, Android wins. Having more than one functional button on the exterior really opens up screen space and functionality. Also, the iPhone doesn't do multi-apping unless you have an app that supports it. Call me needy, but I like listening to Pandora while texting or e-mailing.

Widgets

This is the ability to put controls/displays to apps on your home screen. It's non-existent on the iPhone! It's really easy and helpful on the Android. I've got my to-do tasks, weather, news, and other things right on my home screen. It's awesome.

Keyboard/Typing

The iPhone isn't awful and is actually decently accurate when it comes to typing. But, there is nothing that compares to a hard keyboard in my opinion. I just don't mess up in my typing as much with the hard keyboard. I also feel a lot faster and more comfortable with the hard keyboard.

Browser

The browser for iPhone wins. It just renders so much more friendly and is a lot quicker.

Parental Controls

iPhone wins. There are some work arounds for Android to make it child-safe, but there still isn't an official "Parental Controls" functionality for the Android. Shame on them.

Conclusion

I like the Android a bit more. I'll be very excited for 2.2 to get to my phone, and then I wouldn't even be writing this blog because there would be no contest.

Cheers.