Thursday, February 28, 2008

Global Warming?

My uncle linked this article to me, and I'm not going to use it as an, "I told you so," resource of backing up my hesitation to believe in global warming. Yet, I am hesitant. I admit that I am not incredibly learned on the subject (I have decided to watch Al Gore's docu-film on it and see that sides' argument), but for everything I hear about global-warming, it seems like there is the flip-side pointing out where the argument for it is premature. So, in the end, I end up feeling like there are other issues that re far more important to me that need dealing with now, and if global warming becomes a reality (the kind based off of complete analysis and not speculative posturing), then what we may have on our hands is a problem too big to do anything about anyway. I mean honestly, if fuel emissions is actually causing it, do we really think that lowering the emissions is going to stop it? The only cure would be to STOP fuel emissions and go back to immobile farming communities that rely on horse-drawn buggies and candles. Good luck getting any nation to agree to that (even the ones who currently find themselves in that state).

Anyway here is a list of news stories that talk about Mother Nature refusing to play the game right (misleading us with her threats of burning us up, only to turn around and freeze us out).

China in worst winter in two decades
Cold weather kills tons of fish
More than 900 Afghans dead from cold winter
Omaha residents shivering
Tajikiistan faces coldest winter in 50 years

This last one is a comparison of Gore's and Bush's mansions/ranches. It's not necessarily relevant to the topic of the cold winter that has hit the world, but it does say something about the man who makes a documentary about global warming, but doesn't follow his own advice.
House of Gore, Bush

All of these links (on the bottom) were found and compiled by my cousin, Mark. Thanks, Mark.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Holy Amazing...

My dad sent me this link, and I am (as so often happens in my life) blown away. I would love to think that if I were to have my arms eaten by a vampire boar or something, that I would have the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication to find ways to enjoy the old hobbies I had before such a horrendous accident. Oh, and I hope that this man's arms weren't eaten by anything remotely vampirish or boarish.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Sauron lives!!!!

This isn't new, but it was new to me when I saw it today, so here it is.

The Great Eye of Sauron has been spotted just off of the constellation Pisces. What an amazing photo (from the ever wonderful Hubble). I gotta say that Astronomy was one of my favorite classes I ever took. Just fascinating (and it resulted--or at least helped--me get my first kiss). So, thanks Hubble and thanks science!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

More Movie News

A new scene has been added to Harry Potter 6 (i.e. one not from the book). I found myself incredibly bothered with this at first, but it kind of makes sense now to me. We really don't get to see very much of the muggle world in the books and this scene just may help us get a "bigger picture."

Also, Dominic Monaghan (LOTR's Pippin, Lost's Charlie) has landed himself a role in the upcoming film, X-Men: Wolverine. Finally, a chance to see him alongside the ever-handsome Hugh Jackman (it took you long enough Hollywood). Congrats to him.

One thing I'm fascinated by, is the comments below the announcement. I think Poopman summed up my feelings on it rather well; somehow fans think it is their right and duty to complain about every little thing that gets announced regarding anything. So, I have decided to join the complainers by complaining about them. I should start some kind of message board for all of us who are sick of "fans" feeling like their opinions on whatever subject they are obsessed with are somehow important.

Ahhhh... I feel well vented now.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Wow...

I have to say that I am just about speechless in regards to this (thanks Burke for the heads up). This little girl was born with 8 limbs. Yes, you heard me right. 8 limbs. I just am floored. I will also add that you should make sure to check both picture options (the little squares underneath the big picture). The little picture on the right is the, shall we say, unobstructed view.

Gambit!

They have now cats the role of Gambit for the new Wolverine film. Taylor Kitsch (of Friday Night Lights fame) has signed on for three films. That is great. I would hope that means that our adventures into the world of the X-Men are far from over (although, they may have a tough time getting all of those big stars to come back for each film).

Also, Smallville's Kristin Kreuk has been cast as Chun Li in the upcoming Street Fighter movie. I love her. I think she is still my celebrity crush (Sierra says I'm allowed one). However, this doesn't really make me any more excited for the movie. Somehow, I can't help but get a Fast and Furious vibe from it. We'll see.

Friday, February 15, 2008

More Indy IV

They have released the teaser trailer for Indy IV and I gotta say, I am terribly excited. The moment when we see his shadow put the hat on turned me into a giddy little school girl again.

Also, if you want to see the monster from Cloverfield, then you can check out the toy. It looks weak as a toy, I gotta say (at least compared to the movie). It looks more like a jacked-up mouse than a real threat to mankind.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

President Hinckley

I am listening to a talk by Elder Bruce C. Hafen, and he mentioned something about our prophet that I hadn't really considered before. This is not a direct quote, but he mentioned that Pres. Hinckley had a clear sense of what is right and wrong, but that was accompanied by extreme compassion. The more I thought about that, the more I realized how remarkable that really is. How easy is it--in an attempt to avoid evil and not fall for temptation ourselves--to push away anything ungodly and, in the process, push away those very souls who need help? The clear sense of right and wrong isn't accompanied with the compassion that could help others along their way. Then there is the other extreme (the one of which I am far more guilty than the first) where you feel deep compassion for others and want to help them, but your sense of right and wrong has a slightly large gray area.

What a great quality to have. Thanks for the example, Pres. Hinckley.