Posted by: admin on July 7th, 2008

My partner in crime, Chris, has been laid up with a back injury for the last few weeks. In desperation at a mounting workload he simply couldn’t do, he turned to dictation software. I was skeptical because, after all, last time I checked the stuff simply didn’t work all that well. How times have changed.

Now, Naturally Speaking version 9 is not a “new” piece of software - it’s been out a couple of years. But after trying it, we snapped it up. Turns out that it really can deliver - with some caveats.

First of all, it very quickly picked up his speech patterns. He is laying (literally) flat on his back, but he can dictate at a speed comparable to typing (he types QUICKLY) and with very few errors. The bad news? The Microsoft Office integration is infuriating. He simply dictates into the onboard “Dragon Pad” word processor, then cuts and pastes it into the application he needs. It makes things much easier, but doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for typing. As a bonus, it’s a bit like listening to Star Trek; “Bold that. The quick brown dog. Backspace.” I keep waiting for Captain Picard to call out “Computer!”

If you have special needs then definitely try Naturally Speaking 9. If, however you’re looking solely to improve your typing speed - give this one a pass.

Posted by: admin on January 31st, 2008

Well, I watched the season premiere of "UFO Hunters" on the Sci Fi Channel last night. And I have to say it was surprisingly good! My concern was that since there was really no way to "wait" for a UFO that the show would be boring. After all we’re looking at mostly research here. But it was very compelling. The team had a variety of disciplines and for the most part seemed to remain committed to their roles as skeptics, lending credibility to what many would consider a bit of a kooky topic.

I did have a bit of a problem with the "hypnotic regression" sequence where they claimed to have found a man who had been abducted by aliens. But to be fair, I’ve never really believed that scenario in the first place. Regardless it made for a great hour of viewing which dovetails nicely with Ghost Hunters International (the mroe so since they use the same format and liner cards between segments.) This new member of the "Hunters" franchise looks to be a great way to fill up what is becoming my "Scary TV Night" on Wednesdays.

Posted by: admin on January 22nd, 2008

One of the stars of the upcoming Batman film, “The Dark Knight,” has just been found dead in his apartment of an apparent drug overdose. The 28 year old Heath Ledger previously appeared in films such as Brokeback Mountain and was currently filming “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” The movie, directed by Terry Gilliam, was due to be released next year.

According to TMZ.com, when his masseuse arrived for his afternoon appointment and the star did not appear, his housekeeper entered his room. His body was discovered by the housekeeper and masseue along with some unidentified prescription pills. At this time foul play is not suspected - instead it appears to have been an accidental overdose.

Our condolences to Heath’s friends and family.

Posted by: admin on January 14th, 2008

Digital Spy is reporting that Kevin Smith may be making a sci-fi comic book film.

Kevin Smith has revealed plans to make a sci-fi comic book film in the style of Flash Gordon.

Smith is reportedly keen to spend a large sum of money on creating the film, which is rumoured to be called Ranger Danger and the Danger Rangers.

The director told MTV: “I think it would be kinda cool to go larger budget and shoot some effects on that one.”

Read the full article here

My personal feeling? A lot of the time, Kevin Smith gets misquoted. He has a rabid fan base (and I’m one of them!) who sometimes hear what they want to hear… and if he was speculating on the idea of doing a film, it doesn’t take long for everyone to decide it’s fact instead of just being kicked around. Time will tell.

Posted by: admin on January 9th, 2008

Well the wait is over - tonight Ghost Hunters International premieres and what a great place to start! Chillingham Castle, reportedly the most haunted castle in England, will get the Ghost Hunter treatment as the team sets up their equipment, hopefully to capture some unbelievable evidence.

For a couple preview videos of Ghost Hunters International on Youtube, check out these links:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_-Uq-GLI164
http://youtube.com/watch?v=611aLsTZeUg

Posted by: admin on January 7th, 2008

Well, it had to happen sometime - I’m honestly only surprised it took this long! There has been a POSSIBLE leak of the concept art for the Cloverfield monster which looks pretty awesome. Also there are some new videos of “European” news footage of the monster (offscreen) detsroying an oil platform which are pretty awesome no matter how you slice it. Links below - oh and -

SPOILER ALERT

Don’t click these links if you want to be surprised about the monster (just in case this turns out to be legit!)

Cloverfield Monster Concept Art

Cloverfield Viral Videos and Text

Posted by: admin on January 4th, 2008

Seriously, did you need another reason? Well now you have one - it’s been officially announced that the first “teaser” trailer for the new Star Trek movie will be placed in front of Cloverfield. Whether you love or hate the idea of new actors taking over these beloved and iconic roles, you know you have to sit there and watch the trailer! Just like the Star Wars fans, us trekkers may be able to see the trailer on YouTube about five minutes after it comes out - but who would want to?

Come on January 18th! I need my Cloverfield/Trek fix!

Posted by: admin on January 3rd, 2008

OK, all you hardcore SF fans - here is your opportunity to score some serious collectibles! fans4writers.com is holding a silent auction of some amazing stuff… whether you’re looking for an autographed cast photo from Serenity, a signed Battlestar Galactica Script, a Lost script (wow!) or lunch with a writer there is something here for you. So dont’ wait - get your butt in gear and check them out today! Bidding ends SOON.

Posted by: admin on January 1st, 2008

I have some serious reservations about the launch of the new Sarah Connor Chronicles, but none greater than the appearance of a moody, female terminator. Let’s review - she shows up attending high school with John Connor, she has “advanced processing” that allows her to feel emotions… oh good grief, they are going to end every episode with that bad emo guitar music and a pensive John Connor looking off into the dark future while secret lusting after this hot robot chick, aren’t they? Please don’t get me wrong - I LOVE Summer Glau. Firefly rocked. I just don’t like this show!

Talk about a dud - it’s everything that was wrong with Flash Gordon and Bionic Woman wrapped into one stinking, pulsing and completely offensive package. I won’t even go into the lack of continuity (why bother? They won’t listen.) the fact is that this sci-fi nightmare probably won’t last the season. Then again I would have thought Flash Gordon would have died by now, but apparently they have some sort of multi season deal so we’re all stuck having it forced down our throats for a while longer.

Sigh.

Well, in any event, enjoy a little Terminator Youtube goodness until the show comes out!

Posted by: admin on December 27th, 2007

How many Dunes do we need? Apparently Peter Berg thinks we need yet another adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic, as they are set to begin writing “soon”. As soon as the writer’s strike is settled, that is.

Honestly, the Sci-Fi channel miniseries was so good, if I was Mr. Berg I’d think twice. To hold up a new movie to that standard is likely to be a failure - nobody knows sci-fi like they do. At best it will be better than David Lynch’s version and at worst.. well…. let’s not even go there.

As much as I love the Dune series, I have reservations - but I’ll cross my fingers…