First and IPod. Now This?!?!?! at 1:54 PM

You've all heard about how Barack Obama gave the Queen of England an IPod loaded with all of his speaches, but wait till you hear about Lizzy's latest modern gadget... with some ol' school style wrapped around it... literally. Article found on Yahoo! Games.

The Royal Wii

Bu Mike Krumboltz

The Nintendo Wii has positioned itself as the gaming console for everybody. As it turns out, that includes the Queen of England. Well, sort of. It's not like Her Royal Highness went down to Wal-Mart and bought one with her summer job savings. Rather, she was given a special version by gaming company THQ.

What makes the Queen's "Royal Wii" different? It's gold-plated, sucka! None of that lame white plastic for Buckingham Palace — the Queen needs her bling! Gaming blog Joystiq reports that the gaming company is hopeful that the PR stunt "will amuse Queen Elizabeth."

Meanwhile, Geek.com writes that the gift is actually meant to build awareness for the upcoming game, Big Family Games. An ulterior motive? What?!? As the geeks put it, "for a game that is meant to include the whole family from kids to grandparents what better family to send it to than The Royal Family in England."

According to Game Revolution, Big Family Games is a collection of mini-games, including "golf, tennis, ladder golf, lawn darts, horseshoes, bocce," and more. So far, search interest is rather scant. However, should the Queen declare her love for the gift, expect the title to get a right honorable boost in the Buzz. Silly as that sounds, it's not out of the realm of possibility -- according to insiders, she was "addicted" to playing Prince William's Wii last Christmas. Now she'll have one of her own.

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To read the original article in it's original page, click here (Yahoo! Games: Plugged In)

-Graydon L

My K'Nex Rubber Band Guns at 12:25 PM

I was fooling around with my massive K'nex collection a while back, and I accidentally stumbled upon a design for a repeated fire rubber band gun! I'd seen many wooden rubber band guns in the past and I've always wanted to make one based on the same design, but I never figured it out... until now... BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! (sorry, that' wasn't supposed to be out loud)

Anyway... I now had a fully functioning lock and I quickly built a pistol around it. After that I built another gun with two locks side-by-side, effectively building a double barrel rifle. I was happy with this for a while but soon wanted a shot gun, so I slightly modified my lock design to be tougher and to handle a heaver load and then attached that to a 5 barreled short-rifle frame design. This allowed me to load 5 rubber bands onto the one lock for a single-shot of 5 "bullets".

This is the pistol. It has three little black clip thingies up on the end so I can load three rubber bands simultaneously plus more underneath them to be fired later :-)

The double-barreled rifle. Each of the two locks can hold two shots for a total of four consecutive shots.

All those rubber bands on the side are extra ammo. If you look closely at the top you can see the two side-by-side wheels (they're the white things sticking up on the top) that the rubber bands are loaded onto.

Aaaaaaaim... aaaaaand..... FIRE!

This is the shot gun. It has 5 hooky thingies on the end and one lock so I can fire 5 shots at once. at about 30-40 feet out I get a body-sized spread of bullets. Unfortunately, the combined elasticity of more than 5 rubber bands would break the lock if I had more than one load on, so I made this gun only capable of carrying one load at a time.

All three together for size comparison. Each one carries at least three loads of extra ammo attached to it's side. The Pistol has 3 extra loads, the Rifle has 9 extra loads, and the Shot-gun has 6 extra loads.

Here's a video of me explaining how the lock works:

-Graydon L

MRM - Star Trek at 2:53 PM

Directed by: J J Abrams 

Written by: Roberto Orci

Starring cast: Chris Pine (James T Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock)

Supporting cast: Karl Urban (Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy), Zoe Saldana (Nyota Uhura), Leonard Nimoy (Old Spock), Eric Bana (Nero), Bruce Greenwood (Capt. Pike), Simon Pegg (Montomery Scott), John Cho (Hikaru Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Pavel Chekov)

What's it rated?: P-13 for sci-fi action, violence and brief sexual content (Not to mention language and some sensual scenes as well)

Genre: sci-fi, remake, origin story, action, adventure

Synopsis: Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life-forms and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

My Take: As usual, the caveats first: The most obvious caveat that lends itself to this movie is the genre itself: Sci-fi. This genre has been denied access into many Christian homes and quite frankly, I can understand why. The prevalence of one-world orders, total denial of God, and presentation of Aliens as a fact are some pretty good reasons not to watch any of the "classic" sci-fi movies and TV shows. I understand what these movies are; Fiction (no more) and therefore don't have as many issues with them, but if you do, Star Trek isn't for you.

As you noticed from the rating, there is one very offensive scene to be skipped. I can't remember where it starts, so I can't really help you out there, so just be forewarned this is not for young audiences. Another very crude line is in the very beginning where Kirk is talking to Uhura in the bar. Kirk tells her what her job description means (in answer to an insulting, quiz-type question) and what she says after that, quite plainly, needs to be muted.

Also, the worldview is somewhat skewed (that's Hollywood for ya'). The basic premise is that you control your entire life and you should just do what feels right. In the movie there is nothing wrong with this in it's correct context (Spock's father speaking to Spock. Spock has some feelings, but as a Vulcan he suppresses them, and his father is telling him to use them for some decisions) however, it is easily taken out of context and therefore applied to real life.

Now on to the good stuff. The story was excellently organized, presented and supported with few goofs or confusing facts. It's throwbacks to the old TV show and it's following movies are going to be a thrill for die-hard "Trekkie's" but isn't so confusing that a newbie (like me) wouldn't understand it. Basically, the hardest part to remember is the names of the languages and different cultures. Romulans, Klingons, Vulcans... you'll figure it out eventually :-)

Also, the Action and suspense were fantastic as well. Not just blood and gore flying everywhere but lots of adventurous events and situations, as well as some humorous ones! This action is very well complemented by the use of amazing computer graphics and artistic backgrounds.

All factors taken into account, I think that Star Trek is a great movie for more mature audiences, with lots of action and adventure.

Story: 9 out of 10

Action/Suspense: 9 out of 10

Humor: 8 out of 10

Overall: 8 out of 10

Next week on Movie Review Monday: I.O.U.S.A.!

-Graydon L

An Unimportant Post (You Don't Have To Read It) at 10:03 AM

This is not an important post. I'm just posting a picture of my blog on my blog so that when I link to it in Facebook, I can make the link's thumbnail a picture of my blog. 

-Graydon L

House Resolution No. 29 at 8:17 PM

I know most of you have already seen this, but I wanted to post it for all of you who haven't seen it yet. It helps to have seen the movie Napoleon Dynamite, but even without, it's pretty ridiculous. Check it out.

______________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29

BY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION STATING LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND COMMENDING JARED AND JERUSHA HESS AND THE
CITY OF PRESTON FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE MOVIE "NAPOLEON DYNAMITE."

Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:

WHEREAS, the State of Idaho recognizes the vision, talent and creativity
of Jared and Jerusha Hess in the writing and production of "Napoleon Dynamite"; and
WHEREAS, the scenic and beautiful City of Preston, County of Franklin and the State of Idaho are experiencing increased tourism and economic growth; and

WHEREAS, filmmaker Jared Hess is a native Idahoan who was educated in the Idaho public school system; and

WHEREAS, the Preston High School administration and staff, particularly the cafeteria staff, have enjoyed notoriety and worldwide attention; and
WHEREAS, tater tots figure prominently in this film thus promoting Idaho's most famous export; and
WHEREAS, the friendship between Napoleon and Pedro has furthered multiethnic relationships; and
WHEREAS, Uncle Rico's football skills are a testament to Idaho athletics; and
WHEREAS, Napoleon's bicycle and Kip's skateboard promote better air quality and carpooling as alternatives to fuel-dependent methods of transportation; and
WHEREAS, Grandma's trip to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes highlights a long-
honored Idaho vacation destination; and
WHEREAS, Rico and Kip's Tupperware sales and Deb's keychains and glamour
shots promote entrepreneurism and self-sufficiency in Idaho's small towns; and
WHEREAS, Napoleon's artistic rendition of Trisha is an example of the importance of the visual arts in K-12 education; and
WHEREAS, the schoolwide Preston High School student body elections foster an awareness in Idaho's youth of public service and civic duty; and
WHEREAS, the "Happy Hands" club and the requirement that candidates for school president present a skit is an example of the importance of theater arts in K-12 education; and
WHEREAS, Pedro's efforts to bake a cake for Summer illustrate the positive connection between culinary skills to lifelong relationships; and
WHEREAS, Kip's relationship with LaFawnduh is a tribute to e-commerce and Idaho's technology-driven industry; and
WHEREAS, Kip and LaFawnduh's wedding shows Idaho's commitment to healthy marriages; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of cooked steak as a primary food group pays tribute to Idaho's beef industry; and
WHEREAS, Napoleon's tetherball dexterity emphasizes the importance of physical education in Idaho public schools; and
WHEREAS, Tina the llama, the chickens with large talons, the 4-H milk cows, and the Honeymoon Stallion showcase Idaho's animal husbandry; and
WHEREAS, any members of the House of Representatives or the Senate of the Legislature of the State of Idaho who choose to vote "Nay" on this concurrent resolution are "FREAKIN' IDIOTS!" and run the risk of having the "Worst Day of Their Lives!"
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Fifty-eighth Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that we commend Jared and Jerusha Hess and the City of Preston for showcasing the positive aspects of Idaho's youth, rural culture, education system, athletics, economic prosperity and diversity.

______________________________________________________________

Tax dollars at work :-)

-Graydon L

PS. I saw the movie Star Trek the other day, and I know I'm a little late on my review, but I was busy wrapping books to be shipped today, at the Frog Hunt yesterday, and traveling home from Uncle Bob's the day before that :-) It's coming tomorrow!

MRM - The Dirty Dozen at 10:22 AM

Directed by: Robert Aldrich

Written by: Nunnally Johnson, Lukas Heller

Starring cast: Lee Marvin (Maj. John Reisman), Charles Bronson (Joseph Wladislaw), Jim Brown (Robert Jefferson), John Cassavetes (Victor Franko), Trini López (Pedro Jiminez), Telly Savalas (Archer Maggott), Donald Sutherland (Vernon Pinkley), Clint Walker (Samson Posey), Tom Busby (Milo Vladek), Ben Carruthers (Glenn Gilpin), Stuart Cooper (Roscoe Lever), Colin Maitland (Seth Sawyer), Al Mancini (Tassos Bravos)

Supporting cast: Ernest Borgnine (General Worden), Richard Jaeckel (Sergeant Bowren), George Kennedy (Major Max Armbruster) Ralph Meeker (Captain Stuart Kinder), Robert Ryan (Col. Everett Dasher Breed), Robert Webber (General Denton), Robert Phillips (Corporal Morgan)

What's it rated?: Not Rated (I'd give it a PG-13 for intense moments of terror, violence, blood, gore and some language)

Genre: Action, War

Synopsis: Major Reisman already has quite a reputation as a rough-and-tumble, crude, unrefined soldier and when he's "volunteered" to train a group of military criminals to the meanest commandos in the military, things can only get worse for him.

My Take: As usual I have to start of with a disclaimer. Basically, not only does this movie paint the military in a bad light in several locations, but the biggest thing is that one of the Dirty Dozen claims to be the administer of "God's judgment" and, of course, he is a murderous racist bigot.

After that, if you like a great action movie with some pretty good humor thrown in, the Dirty Dozen is for you.

In my opinion, the story was pretty good. It was a little long because of the first training mission at the War Games, but pretty good overall. The humor was OK. It wasn't supposed to be funny lines or actions, but more situations. They try to make you laugh at the methods that the Dirty Dozen use in their training and in their missions.

Well, that's pretty much it. Once again, beware of the anti-God Hollywood message in movies.

Story: 7 out of 10

Action: 8 out of 10

Humor: 6.5 out of 10

Overall: 6 out of 10

-Graydon L

I <3 Macs! at 10:23 PM

I love Macs!

At The Tacoma City Of Destiny Awards at 10:54 AM

As most of you know, the Fort Nisqually Apprentice Interpreter program, of which I am a "member", won yet another award. We were selected as the "Youth Volunteer Group Of The Year" by the City Of Destiny Awards committee and (almost) all of us were at the awards ceremony last night to be congratulated.

Here's some pictures Mom got from the "grandstands" :-)

The Masters Of Ceremonies (I can't remember their names. Carol and Don or something...)

Before we got up on stage to accept our award, they showed a video on the screen of footage from around the Fort. Here's Jon and Dave.

We were all in Jonny's hands when he gave his little acceptance speech! It was a little scary, but he did better than I though he would. He also plugged the Queen's Birthday event this Saturday :-D

Afterwards was of course, a photo-op. We had to have our pictures taken with a bunch of politicians :-P

And, naturally, Mom wanted one of Jonny and I holding the award. It was made by the glass blowing class at the school where they held the award ceremony.

-Graydon L

Mothers Day at Lakewold Gardens at 2:01 PM

After church on Mothers Day, we all went out to a place in Steliacoom called Lakewold Gardens. It's actually pretty neat!

The classic "Jonny" pose :-)

That pool was actually deep enough to swim in... hmmm ;-)

There's also a house there that was build in the early 1900s (or late 1800s, I'm not sure) I think, we couldn't go inside because they were having they're Mothers Day Brunch and general public wasn't allowed inside.

The Lady of the day: Mom!

Happy Mothers Day!

-Graydon L

BTW, I didn't review a movie this Monday because I haven't seen anything in a while, but I'm hoping that will change by next week.

South Hit Hard By 'Derecho' at 2:50 PM

COOL!!!! You learn something everyday :-)

-Graydon L

MRM - Bedtime Stories at 5:14 PM

Directed by: Adam Shankman

Written by: Matt Lopez, Tim Herlihy

Starring Cast: Adam Sandler (Skeeter Bronson), Keri Russell (Jill)

Supporting Cast: Guy Pearce (Kendall), Richard Griffiths (Barry Nottingham), Teresa Palmer (Violet Nottingham), Jonathan Morgan Heit (Patrick), Laura Ann Kesling (Bobby)

What's It Rated?: PG for some mild rude humor and mild language

Genre: comedy, romance, fantasy

Synopsis: Skeeter Bronson is just an average fix-it guy for a massive hotel with his own problems and annoyances to take care of when his Sister, Wendy has to leave for a week and leaves her kids, Patrick and Bobby in Skeeters care. He only has to take the "night shift" and Wendy's friend, Jill takes care of the kids during the day while they're at school. However, on Skeeters first night with the kids, they ask him to tell them a bedtime story... and the next day, it comes true.

My Take: I don't like Adam Sandler, I don't like movies about public school, I don't like crude humor, and I don't like the movie Bedtime Stories.

Basically, it was one Hollywood propaganda message after another with crude humor thrown in everywhere, a poor storyline, and barely a scene without immodestly dressed women. There were some funny lines, and I gotta admit, the idea had some potential, but I'm afraid they butchered whatever good there was left in it.

I know this is going to be a very short review, but I've basically said all there is to say about this disgusting movie wearing the mask of a kids film.

Sorry, Mr. Shankman, but your movie just plain stinks.

Story: 5 out of 10

Humor: 4 out of 10

Action/Suspense: N/A

Overall: 3.5 out of 10


-Graydon L