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 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 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…

Posted by: admin on December 17th, 2007

I admit it - I’m an unabashed fan of Ghost Hunters. I watch religiously, and I have to come to respect and admire the entire TAPS crew as being legitimate, dedicated researchers who approach every case from a skeptics point of view. That makes the video and audio clips they do present even more compelling for me, and now they’ve launched a spin off that promises to be as good as the original. Ghost Hunters International takes some of the original crew (though sadly not Jason or grant) and applies the TAPS methodology to haunted sites across Europe. I can’t wait to watch the investigators, both old and new, as they confront some really amazing spots - including Transylvania. I’ve added the show premier to the events calendar, so be sure to set your TIVO!

Posted by: admin on December 7th, 2007

I don’t know about you, but for me January really begins to feel like “sci-fi” season. New sci-fi TV shows, new movies and of course that claustrophobic stuck in the house feeling all lead me to want to escape to the stars. Lucky for me there are so many exciting new sci-fi shows and movies upcoming to talk about! First up if the new season (well new to me, anyway) of Torchwood. If you didn’t catch it when it came out, be sure and watch the first season for a treat. Great writing, fun effects and an overall hit for me.

And for the BSG fan on your list, Battlestar Galactica: Razor is now available in stores. I can’t wait to see the special features and extended footage - hopefully Santa drops it in my stocking