tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80887111566926330592024-03-06T22:05:13.066+02:00Scullder's blogdreaming about hibernatingScullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-41986650744213967132016-12-29T12:46:00.003+02:002016-12-29T16:21:54.452+02:00The End of 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Yes, my friends, as difficult as it might seem to believe, 2016 is almost over and most will agree it will not be missed. After all, between the war in Syria, Trump paving the way for president Camacho's reign of awesomeness, the British people deciding they want to live in the 19th century and the death of basically all celebrities this has been a terrible year. It is in these moments that I like to remember a movie that I would like to recommend as a motivational piece for times like these. It is called Perfect Sense, and you should be able to download it from the internet like all the other movies you are watching at home. Because, as bad as things might seem now, they can always get worse and, yes, I am really trying hard to boost your morale over here. What I'm getting at is that really when you think about it we could all be blind right now ... and deaf ... I know, right?! But seriously, as bad as things might seem from time to time, life must move forward, and it will find a way to do so, so here is my post to celebrate life as it has continued in 2016. Brace yourselves, the time has come for:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D_wln2Md8bwuwXcK9IyypEUAXo_npaLoYBXYFvoEI015xFZUAJ-tJ41TRGyG2HvUWfnztpgIoQrIEM1g9RhnGz3CM9RUES3cy5ffqzY0R97FBqoIVJQc5iuTycBLxcx5Hr4CnFCzcb4/s1600/o_rly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D_wln2Md8bwuwXcK9IyypEUAXo_npaLoYBXYFvoEI015xFZUAJ-tJ41TRGyG2HvUWfnztpgIoQrIEM1g9RhnGz3CM9RUES3cy5ffqzY0R97FBqoIVJQc5iuTycBLxcx5Hr4CnFCzcb4/s320/o_rly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2016 Scullder's Awards</h2>
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I know I've been rather quiet on my blog, but despite appearances, I assure you this year has been far FAR from boring. The travelling, movie-going, gaming and petrol heading has continued and here are my findings:</div>
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2016 Best Travel Location - The Amazonian Jungle</h4>
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Ever been there? No? Go ... like ...now! There is life there like no other place I have seen. And I don't jkust mean the cute monkeys and jungle animals running around. The whole thing is just alive and it has so many layers and the trees move and the river flow changes almost every year (now you have a lake, 10 years from now it's gone and it's a forest)... it was really an incredible experience. Oh, yeah, and our accommodation was not too shabby either...</div>
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And since you're in the area, take the time to visit Peru, it is full of incredible places to visit such as Machu Pichu, but just so you know the food alone is worth it. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUt11hTGGB8xb_vC1Uks4-0nefNpAKXK6mO3tJvXPVG1YbRXF8K6M_ipbWZXe33H2qOeXlOYJVa-30_zVaoHwJmRTZJEns4VfVFnihVp129IOuOv_Qf35d1jkJbaPMeCss9QSWfzLMXY/s1600/IMAG2516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUt11hTGGB8xb_vC1Uks4-0nefNpAKXK6mO3tJvXPVG1YbRXF8K6M_ipbWZXe33H2qOeXlOYJVa-30_zVaoHwJmRTZJEns4VfVFnihVp129IOuOv_Qf35d1jkJbaPMeCss9QSWfzLMXY/s640/IMAG2516.jpg"> </a> </div>Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-84627165411610078552016-03-31T11:02:00.000+03:002016-04-07T14:34:11.945+03:00Batman + Superman = Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7SMe43JgQMBMZUfRLm03Cgyw8TXBHLLqinv3DsYC3UkRpuNMTVfjcccbufZwL9gGzuZAuENEJA_6th4FO2lpgi-vZ6CVjTepQVw5B8A1HJ2tfHXwG1UQOwCZmcm0F9n3eG3cxt0kOhg/s1600/BatsVSups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7SMe43JgQMBMZUfRLm03Cgyw8TXBHLLqinv3DsYC3UkRpuNMTVfjcccbufZwL9gGzuZAuENEJA_6th4FO2lpgi-vZ6CVjTepQVw5B8A1HJ2tfHXwG1UQOwCZmcm0F9n3eG3cxt0kOhg/s640/BatsVSups.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d3ooa-0-0">OK, so it may struggle through a fair amount of mumbo-jumbo in the first and second acts, but BatmanVsSuperman is finally an action packed movie where Batman and Superman clash in a spectacular fashion ... which begs the question ... what the hell were all those disappointed people expecting? </span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="d3ooa-0-0">You have Batman who's kicking ass ... you have Superman who's saving the day ... they fight ... then fight some more ... explosions ... ass kicking ... Wonder Woman ... lasers ... explosions ... the end...</span><br />
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But what about the mumbo-jumbo? Well, there is indeed a problem there. The editing of the movie is ... bad ... very bad ... scenes are cut and jumbled together in a way that makes very little sense. In fact, it makes so little sense that this is one of the very few movies where it is recommended that you go in knowing a whole lot bunch of spoilers. Like the fact that Batman is having these dreams/nightmares and the creatures in his nightmares are linked to a super-villain in the DC universe which is referred to at the end of the movie. It will also help if you know in advance the overall story arc (just watching the trailers should make that pretty clear: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Doomsday).<br />
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So, I guess the question I should be answering is ... is this movie worth watching? If you have any kind of interest in Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman, the answer is definitely YES. Even Batman alone makes this movie worth your time. You will cringe quite a bit throughout but the final act is a mega-nerdgasm that should not be missed. If you just want to see a good tense movie ... go watch 10 Cloverfield Lane instead.Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-10575660999886883122016-03-18T16:54:00.001+02:002016-03-18T16:54:41.883+02:00Personal Item Missing (AGAIN!!!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tx4ezdXjfgcklI1Ca8hGNdP2yWh0SE38QM6i9E9XNaohaailIuJal2VHam4MsQAPA3L-_Yp8sPYRVNsFSZWVzKcOoe4xIbmL9YCmtxJO53Dgq0CfRwHVQCXsg2zEwHZgkisJZviUEXQ/s1600/IMAG2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tx4ezdXjfgcklI1Ca8hGNdP2yWh0SE38QM6i9E9XNaohaailIuJal2VHam4MsQAPA3L-_Yp8sPYRVNsFSZWVzKcOoe4xIbmL9YCmtxJO53Dgq0CfRwHVQCXsg2zEwHZgkisJZviUEXQ/s640/IMAG2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Dear all, <br />
<br />
It seems one of you took part of my grenade from my
desk without my permission! It is the exploding part, so please take it
outside the company office within the next couple of seconds.<br />
<br />
This is not the first time that one of my private items "goes missing"
so I will also file a formal complaint with HR with regards to this
incident.<br />
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Yours truly,<br /> Dick</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-87354521564724123942016-02-08T12:05:00.000+02:002016-02-08T12:05:32.032+02:00The Small Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGTUzb1EUJq7O2gvwp67WuVXReZQ0FBMGSVirLJGX8RiUx8UiMOQ3uEv9Iux6RokXD_PZ5AjIiusxhgqWzKirrUfNtkrMpmVB48T9M1xAaXVwzRl4H7SWXPuKQ0YlJEeXBfyCn6z2Et0/s1600/the_big_short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGTUzb1EUJq7O2gvwp67WuVXReZQ0FBMGSVirLJGX8RiUx8UiMOQ3uEv9Iux6RokXD_PZ5AjIiusxhgqWzKirrUfNtkrMpmVB48T9M1xAaXVwzRl4H7SWXPuKQ0YlJEeXBfyCn6z2Et0/s640/the_big_short.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Just to be clear from the beginning, I think The Big Short should be taught to children in school. Yes, I know there is cursing and a few boobies in there, but if you're gonna learn about the nature of our society, you'd better become accustomed to hearing the F word being thrown around quite a bit. And you should definitely be prepared to see a few boobies.<br />
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Besides the clear educational value, the movie itself is pretty darn good as well. Ryan Gosling plays Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt plays Brat Pitt, and Steve Carell does an amazing impression of Steve Carell. Oh, yeah ... and then there's Christian Bale, who should definitely get an Oscar for his interpretation of Christian Bale. There are also a few other actors in there you've never heard of before ... which is strange, since their acting is definitely top notch.<br />
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Then there's the way a movie about Subprimes and CDOs and synthetical CDOs and CSDs and all that wall street crap goes about explaining to you what all that nonsense is. Let's just say that while learning about them you get to see the hot blonde chick from all those recent movies in a bathtub drinking champagne and Selena Gomez playing black-jack. Remember what I said? EDUCATION ... it works ...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-85920762373478995342016-01-12T12:49:00.000+02:002016-02-08T11:44:47.593+02:00Scullder's Awars - Best 2015My friends, the time has come yet again, after a very long absence to behold this wonderful happening that defeats the imagination of your wildest dreams! Yes. you have guessed it, it's time for:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Scullder's Awars - 2015</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ItXqUN3R708-ixAPM1DPhcEyVPMBDwVuix4rqWgY-44wGDtD-LMGcaVHgrnqYcbcsmwjjug2WStTP_olyecyHY2aKkMKrlgbOd8YJAFzl4xwiWojBIbWHd4yQREskBgm8bTM09pCO0/s1600/o_rly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ItXqUN3R708-ixAPM1DPhcEyVPMBDwVuix4rqWgY-44wGDtD-LMGcaVHgrnqYcbcsmwjjug2WStTP_olyecyHY2aKkMKrlgbOd8YJAFzl4xwiWojBIbWHd4yQREskBgm8bTM09pCO0/s400/o_rly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2015 was a great year for me ... a really great year ... though it started in pure chaos, with the <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2015/10/kinda-like-batman-and-robin.html" target="_blank">batcave</a> and all. There was in fact such a big difference between how 2015 started and how it ended that I decided to give my first two awards as follows:<br />
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Most Chaotic Month ... EVER</b><br /><b>January 2015</b></h3>
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - A proper Chill Xmas</b><br /><b>December 2015</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeMDRcZK9mbUdX9r5AOz6TJr1pj7MAAhX-0RHc5yXd34nRVJIwf9Qy5jaonMZYiLD8KaDKQ3n-vRlj2MJ2Onn9xzuFM-O5xKLinZeR9eUqrY8p8umRsDm-8FC7k6h3N4gVudIUua0uZA/s1600/2014_2015_lame_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeMDRcZK9mbUdX9r5AOz6TJr1pj7MAAhX-0RHc5yXd34nRVJIwf9Qy5jaonMZYiLD8KaDKQ3n-vRlj2MJ2Onn9xzuFM-O5xKLinZeR9eUqrY8p8umRsDm-8FC7k6h3N4gVudIUua0uZA/s640/2014_2015_lame_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now ... for the actual awards... Let's get kickin' with:<br />
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - The Best</b><br /><b>Luigi</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbeyprjkZu5_7MRoDa56UKSNUS7iNZ4VSQ4Y6PKO-w2btaxuF06V2nVoaVhPLXv0whRmg6sNG88zj-AVfW_38uceGNqWmAvjIqb2HFNhDi-67xvsV-tpFVGdx6dDvViXihOwdx_OBzBI/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbeyprjkZu5_7MRoDa56UKSNUS7iNZ4VSQ4Y6PKO-w2btaxuF06V2nVoaVhPLXv0whRmg6sNG88zj-AVfW_38uceGNqWmAvjIqb2HFNhDi-67xvsV-tpFVGdx6dDvViXihOwdx_OBzBI/s640/DSC_0851.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Say hello to Luigi! Our new friend and guardian, he is just ... well ... The Best! He has become the center of our universe halfway through 2015 and has been ruling our existence with a velvet fist ever since. He is a kind and gentle ruler and allows us to sleep all the way up to 6:30 AM every day... Thank you, merciful Luigi!</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Best Trip</b><br /><b>Madeira</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kZTlT5KxIKk6-UHnl4jzP2iCgk_0F26nDumAipXXakgtn_UKinhinMYhh9nXA_hInswwNDjFvGvXJImG-lK-jvepg4jvXgiqjdAvJf4T0YA5qqcoZVokzG8X2J98WfF589pbKUkvk8s/s1600/Luigi_madeira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kZTlT5KxIKk6-UHnl4jzP2iCgk_0F26nDumAipXXakgtn_UKinhinMYhh9nXA_hInswwNDjFvGvXJImG-lK-jvepg4jvXgiqjdAvJf4T0YA5qqcoZVokzG8X2J98WfF589pbKUkvk8s/s640/Luigi_madeira.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From what I've heard before going, Madeira was supposed to be this place where old people who've had about enough of life go to watch the sea or something ... I can happily report that this is quite far from the truth. Not only are there tons of cool young people all around the place, there's a ton of different things to do. The food was incredibly yummy, the poncha delicious (and crazy cheap) and the scenery breathtaking.<br />
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I know ... there's not enough Luigi and a bit too much Madeira in the photo...</div>
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And so we get to:<br />
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Most Terrifying Trip</b><br /><b>Madeira by Boat</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gzo-nI2LghyphenhyphenD10VeSw10b3APkvhtbp0iSpjjYhFb553xtDf3pNn_foI5jw7jeztxpETKBoxOZf6ShslJFs_Iqct-tEVeyg9r7xbl8wUUGYmtnuYHRfPdZmh5XSQTQwkNeZv10Xd4sD4/s1600/Luigi_captain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gzo-nI2LghyphenhyphenD10VeSw10b3APkvhtbp0iSpjjYhFb553xtDf3pNn_foI5jw7jeztxpETKBoxOZf6ShslJFs_Iqct-tEVeyg9r7xbl8wUUGYmtnuYHRfPdZmh5XSQTQwkNeZv10Xd4sD4/s640/Luigi_captain.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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Luigi tried his best, but the waves were just too much for Colombo's ship to handle. A three hour trip by boat around the south side of the island was enough to make us dizzy for the rest of the day ... at some point later in the evening the poncha kicked in and solved everything... which brings us to...<br />
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Best Natural Juice</b><br /><b>Poncha HHRRREJJional</b></h3>
It is delicious, and in case you don't know what this poncha I keep mentioning looks like, here is a photo:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLOSQx87_M7XYF2fEANYb1R4D57kHbTHGYmXu60mhYNSkm4sSu3XSZ-uKxas5Bah0d2MhP3zgqw2BSASrlYuIZue1tad5u6RNUt98DDQ4C0noUvMub5Pj5v1BnpMsm2Gl9l3-1gwxFEA/s1600/poncha_luigi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLOSQx87_M7XYF2fEANYb1R4D57kHbTHGYmXu60mhYNSkm4sSu3XSZ-uKxas5Bah0d2MhP3zgqw2BSASrlYuIZue1tad5u6RNUt98DDQ4C0noUvMub5Pj5v1BnpMsm2Gl9l3-1gwxFEA/s640/poncha_luigi.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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No minors, either human or not, have consumed alcohhool in order to produce this photo.<br />
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And something else happened in 2015... we finally got a 4th Star Wars movie ... I know, there's allegedly 7 of them, but let's be honest, the prequels were a complete disaster we can forget about. I can only thank lord Disney for rescuing us from more of that... So, yes, here it is:<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Best Movie</b><br /><b>Star Wars, the new one</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BRf0TE82_FpyZ1FmXIXuxATMemhU9EVIx0hHWAAx-RNZvu35VHCtn_vfTtz_8rzrxQSMWqWMmncdvSwpDottBMXNG8_uKGT1I87r00AaX1kfS_Do-9SbM4KHLoTPFbp12MWGZI5hsrQ/s1600/kylo_ren_lame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BRf0TE82_FpyZ1FmXIXuxATMemhU9EVIx0hHWAAx-RNZvu35VHCtn_vfTtz_8rzrxQSMWqWMmncdvSwpDottBMXNG8_uKGT1I87r00AaX1kfS_Do-9SbM4KHLoTPFbp12MWGZI5hsrQ/s640/kylo_ren_lame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's so much fan pleasing material in there I don't even know where to start, so I will not. I'll just say that it is a wonderful film that revisits all the old things I loved while adding new things that I absolutely love. I cannot wait to see where they take it next.<br />
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I saw it only twice ... a problem I need to tend to as soon as possible. The IMAX 3D is definitely worth a look.<br />
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And one more thing ... you know comic book movies are all the rage these days ... which is why I want to give a special award to the best comic book ... kinda movie thing ...<br />
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<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 - Best Comic Book</b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
...Almost Movie Thing ...</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Netfilx' Daredevil</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vS-x66Nqge9WgQdqgG02nYI67hifXP7KxeMepEHVR1FbQIFvpQr98g8-iGfe19y1tAqKg9xB5RZ6g1HFwqV_dW2SXyZT5AgY7EoT7cxo54qRbO29Bdyuk1a2SKRUD8nWMrOWlFrco4/s1600/Daredevil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vS-x66Nqge9WgQdqgG02nYI67hifXP7KxeMepEHVR1FbQIFvpQr98g8-iGfe19y1tAqKg9xB5RZ6g1HFwqV_dW2SXyZT5AgY7EoT7cxo54qRbO29Bdyuk1a2SKRUD8nWMrOWlFrco4/s640/Daredevil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's hard to estimate just how much better Daredevil is than ... say ... Avengers Age of Ultron, but I decided to still try. And according to my calculations, it is around 1 trillion time better ... give or take a few millions. If you have any kind of interest for comic books, this is THE show to watch. (Not to be confused with Netflix' Jessica Jones, which I did not particularly enjoy)</div>
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So yeah, everything was actually pretty great last year ... except maybe <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2015/11/scepter.html" target="_blank">Specter</a> ... that movie sucked bad... so here goes our last award:<br />
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<h3>
<b>Scullder's Awars - 2015 -</b><b> One of the very few things that actually sucked this year</b><br /><b>Spectre</b></h3>
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And that's that! Boom, awards! See you next year!</div>
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Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-23187127820520088252015-12-22T10:35:00.000+02:002015-12-22T11:04:56.134+02:00Abba MiaWell, the new Star Wars is out and it's just great ... at least for Star Wars fans like me. As for non-SW fans ... well ... who cares? So, naturally, I decided to write my thoughts on Mamma Mia, the musical, which we went to shortly after The Force Awakens.<br />
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Do you like Abba? Do you like corny stories? Are you fondly remembering the 70s (or whenever it was that Abba was singing)? If, just like me, your answer to all those questions is a definite No, then this is the musical for you! Wait, what? how?<br />
<br />
Well, truth be told, if you were really ... but REALLY... honest with yourself, you'd realize the answer to all questions above is actually Yes, and this musical will help you find this out the hard way. You may start out stuck in a room pack full of strangers (most shows are sold out) rolling your eyes at every line, but soon enough, you will be standing cheering and clapping and screaming like a 15 years old girl at a Bieber concert. Well, at least that's what I did... Things got quite steamy at some point with some ladies in the row behind us proving to be quite impressed with the bare pecs and abs parading around the stage. So there's that to look forward to as well ... if you're a lady that likes lady things, that is ...<br />
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There is however a pretty big problem with Mamma Mia! - the musical... and it's this:<br />
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Yes, I am talking about Mamma Mia! - the musical - the movie. The musical - the movie sets the bar very very high, The actors are great, even when they can't sing. Take Pierce Brosnan ... his singing is not the best, but who cares? It's Pierce Brosnan on a good day! He brings true character to the story (Btw I think this is possibly one of his best movies). Take Meryl Streep ... well ... she... can act and sing as well, so actually that's a top performance that seems impossible to beat. Same goes for <span class="itemprop" itemprop="name">Amanda Seyfried, that girl can sing.</span><br />
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There is however a pretty big problem with Mamma Mia! - the musical - the movie. And it's the fact that a live show will always impress more even with a little bit less, so in the end it's hard to say who's the winner here. My advice, see both. Beware, though, you may learn some unexpected things about yourself in the process.<br />
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And, oh yeah, if you are a Star Wars fan, go see The Force Awakens, it's awesome!Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-42994475402653305242015-11-25T15:45:00.001+02:002015-11-25T15:58:01.654+02:00A cool WeekendLast weekend I got to be excited about work again, which is great. How did this miracle happen? Well ... it's called a Startup Weekend. It was my second time doing this, and, as much as I wanted to, I missed writing my thoughts on it the first time around. So, without further pre-blabber, here is:<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Scullder's guide to the Startup Weekend</b></h4>
<br />
Beware ... this blabber might take longer than usual.<br />
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<h4>
Startup what?</h4>
In case you don't even know what it is, the Startup Weekend is an event organized all around the world where people who are enthusiastic about a hopefully innovative idea get to pitch their idea to a group of other people who are enthusiastic about a different hopefully innovative idea. A couple of the ideas are voted by the crowd (up to around 10 depending on the number of participants), teams are formed around the chosen ones, and people start hammering away at their projects for the big pitch in front of a real jury. The jury gets the pitches, votes for the best ones and some prizes are awarded. It starts on Friday, ends on Sunday, and it's an intense experience of sleepless nights, highly accelerated team dynamics, broken ideas and quick decisions.<br />
<h4>
Pitching my Idea</h4>
Not everyone joining the event goes for a pitch, and that's OK, as long as it's not because of stage fright. The Startup Weekend is always home to possibly the friendliest bunch of people you will find. Just this weekend, a guy lost his train of thoughts and decided to stop the pitch ... only to be brought back by an army of cheers from the public ... only to loose his train of thoughts and stop the pitch again ... only to be brought back again by even more cheers. He did finish his pitch and went on to get selected to form a team around his idea.<br />
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Yes, if you were wondering, I did pitch my idea. Nobody understood anything and I wasn't selected ... and that's OK.<br />
<h4>
Team, not Project</h4>
Smart people say that when you're joining a team in the Startup Weekend, it shouldn't be for the project... it should be for the team. I have followed this advice all the way to 2nd place victory the first time I was there, and decided to do nothing else this time. But to be honest, I started both times on the wrong foot. Found a project I liked, didn't love the team, found a team I really liked.<br />
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The first time around, I remember going into the room of the team I chose and feeling this instant chill, a low intensity tension covered by a general silence out of which one guy was trying to assign tasks to people. I thought about spending an entire weekend like that and said ... nope.<br />
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The second time around I spoke to a guy who I wanted to join, thought that he was OK. Then I saw a bunch of cool people wanting to join us and thought that this was it ... we're gonna have fun. However, the guy was not so happy about them joining the project as he was not very sure about what they would be doing. So they all basically left one by one to find another team and I decided to join the chase.<br />
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We all ended up together with a guy that I liked, but who's idea I found to be funny at best. We seemed to have a good team though, and we were ready to start.<br />
<h4>
Eureka?</h4>
It starts with an idea. And even though people listen to the pitches and vote for it, it's still possible that it's not a good one. C. , who had the idea, wanted to be able to sleep throughout his commute. The train conductor was always waking him up and he hated it. It was an idea driven by passion, but did it make sense to turn it into a business? We were about to find out pretty fast...<br />
<h4>
You win some, you lose some</h4>
I know by now it seems like our entire team was one small step away from singing Kumbaya while holding hands, but it wasn't really like that. One guy who joined our team, at some point decided he didn't really like the project and left home... and that's OK. You will win some and you will lose some. On another project, 2 guys left home on Saturday. The project ended up in the top 3. You will possibly lose people throughout the weekend, don't worry about it and press on. It will only make your team stronger.<br />
<h4>
Coaches and Pivots</h4>
During the weekend, you are sometimes expected to do what is called a 'Pivot'. This is when you realize that your idea has a shocking blocking issue and you need a major change. Giving a new direction to your project is the Pivot, and you can expect to sometimes have to do 1 or 2 during the weekend.<br />
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On Saturday, a couple of experienced people come and help you out. These are people that can see the problems your idea can face in the real world and can try help you find solutions. These people are called Coaches, and they are most often the reason why your project will pivot.<br />
<br />
So, remember my friend C. who wanted to sleep on the train. We pushed this idea further and decided that he will be able to board the train, scan a barcode on the seat, and sleep like a baby. Our system would check the barcode, turn it into a seat reservation, and notify the conductor, leaving C. without a care in the world. We enhanced the idea by saying that he will be able to do this basically wherever he goes, in a train, in a parking, on a taxi. Access to any means of transport would be a touch of the smartphone away and we were pretty pumped about it. You would only have a zzzingle ticket... get it?<br />
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Pivot1 - dating?<br />
Not going into too many details, the first 2 coaches we had basically pummeled our idea into nothingness. Not only is it very non-profitable to work with train companies, public transport companies are basically in a Monopoly situation and are completely unwilling to make any effort to accommodate anyone else's idea into their systems. When the 2nd coach told us he's been waiting 3 years for 2 cities to come to an agreement on a similar matter we realized we're basically busted. We started joking around about what we can do and someone said dating during the commute would be fun. It quickly became the best idea we had and we jumped on it. You would enter your commute route, and you could meet new people interested in dating for a somewhat speed-dating-like experience.<br />
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Great, we said, and onward we went towards our next pivot!<br />
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Pivot2 - interests<br />
The 3rd coach got to face a team that was not very convinced about this dating idea, though it sounded pretty cool. He then went on to state that people who want to date are more likely to use an actual dating site, and that our market was not big enough. He suggested more intellectual discussions might work better, and though none of us was 100% convinced of this, the 80-90% did the trick. We jumped on it and worked for the rest of the day to put together a platform where people could meet other people during their commute and discuss different interesting issues. A young entrepreneur could get to meet an experienced one for some advice. Two students who just finished this amazing book could share their thoughts on just what the heck the author was trying to say. And so on ...<br />
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Great, we said, and onward we went towards our next pivot!<br />
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Pivot3 - back ... sort of<br />
Sunday morning actually started on Saturday evening. When we left for home (quite early) I could tell that we all felt like we lost something, something important, called enthusiasm. We slept on it and we pretty much had the same idea when we met for a coffee&croissant next morning. Go big or go home. Yes, regulations are a pain, public administrations want nothing to do with you and technically this thing would be a monster, but we were still excited about our original idea and that felt like it was more important than anything else. It didn't take us too long to decide. The zzzingle ticket was back on, and this time we went all in. We readjusted our market to be more turistic than before, we dropped the railways from our revenue stream, we started crunching the presentation with numbers, planning, and cool screens. We went full speed ahead and it felt great. I am really proud of how we did it, how well we worked as a team, without silly conflicts, without slacking around, just helping each other as best as we could. The pitch came together from basically nothing in around 5 hours, we did a good number of rehearsals until it had a good rithm and 5 minutes before we were planned to go on, we were ready.<br />
<h4>
The Pitch</h4>
On Saturday, our third coach gave everyone a solid piece of advice just before leaving. Tomorrow, when you pitch, be passionate about it! Truth be told, if you are not 100% convinced and on board with your idea, nobody else will be either. And our pitch was just that. Fun, informative, passionate. We went in as the first pitch, which is always tough, but it went on without a hitch. Some advice ... Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Check your timing. Don't read the slides during the pitch, summarize or emphasize. Copy the structure of an existing good pitch. You should be able to do it faster than what time you have, something always comes up. The only pitches that went wrong, did so because of the timing, guys spending minutes on a single slide that wasn't really that important ... Otherwise, we had some very impressive competition, and very little hope of actually winning anything.<br />
<h4>
The Win</h4>
<div>
The Jury went and debated and debated, and came back with the top 3, a.k.a. the winners. And, we were not one of them ... But, wait, what? you will say ... you said The Win, you will say... Well, I did, because the real win is not to get a prize from the judges, though that also feels quite incredible. The real win is the pleasure you take in the weekend. I have spoken to some people from the winners, who were complaining about their teams, and didn't really seem like they had fun in the weekend. Even when not winning, we still felt great about ourselves as a team. We later found out we came in 4th, and we were quite happy about that as well. Apparently we went too touristic and not enough smart-city (which was the theme of the competition). Too late to argue that a smart city requires some kind of cooperation from the local authorities, and we were so happy that we were even actually considered for the top 3 that it just didn't matter any more.</div>
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And here we are ... celebrating our victory!</div>
<h4>
The End</h4>
<div>
So, time to wrap this blabber up ... I had a ton of fun both times I went to the Startup Weekend and it's an experience I really recommend to anyone. The key is to chose wisely the people you spend the time with, set realistic goals for yourself, avoid frustration, stay positive and most of all have fun!</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-85389112641725966382015-11-09T11:13:00.000+02:002015-11-09T11:13:16.176+02:00Scepter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Remember Quantum of Solace? You know ... <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2008/12/quantum-of-bollocks.html" target="_blank">the crappy </a>Bond movie? I guess some bigshot in Hollywood saw it, thought it had potential and decided to do a remake.<br />
<br />
- Mysterious organization that is infiltrated everywhere - CHECK<br />
- Said mysterious organization chooses not eliminate the only few people that can bring it down - CHECK<br />
- Leader of said mysterious organization has his hideout very well hidden in the middle of nowhere - CHECK<br />
- Bond manages to find this extremely well hidden location and blows it to smithereens - CHECK<br />
<br />
Add a couple of scenes around these major plot points and you've got yourself the new Specter. Unfortunately, said scenes never truly connect and the result is ... tragic ...<br />
<br />
There's this opening scene, a helicopter takes off in the middle of a huge crowd. Bond jumps on board and decides to kill ... guess who ... the pilot! Get it? ... cause he's flying the helicopter ... above the crowd ... still don't get it? Me neither ...<br />
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There's this scene with Monica Bellucci, which A called a disgrace to both actors and to cinematography itself. There's no chemistry, no real reason for anything going on to really happen ... What the hell is going on?<br />
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There's this scene where 2 amazing cars race around Rome at night. It sounds awesome but it's ... missing something ... hmm ... what's the name of that thing again ... ah, yes, it's called ... SUSPENSE<br />
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There this scene where a big guy comes into a room and kills another guy. Who's the poor guy getting killed? Why was he killed? OK, I get it, the big bad guy is, like, really bad ... but ... what the hell is going on?<br />
<br />
There't this scene where people shoot Bond in order to kill him. Then there's this scene where another guy tries to kill him. Then there's this another scene where we find out that the bad guys didn't actually want to kill him ... What the hell is going on?<br />
<br />
There's this guy who goes all around the world by the name of Bond James Bond. When he's not shooting bad guys or jumping off collapsing buildings, he's banging chicks left and right, but ... still ... when he finds the right girl, he falls in love in an instant ... like ... really?? wth?<br />
<br />
<br />
So following in the newly established tradition of every 2 Bond movies sucking, Scpecter is nowhere near Skyfall, or even Casino Royale for that matter ... Farewell, mr Bond James Bond ... hopefully next time your story will make a bit more sense....Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-58270339690749016682015-10-30T09:24:00.002+02:002015-10-30T09:24:44.118+02:00Facebook ... Fun ...?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No judgement or offence, but some things or Facebook are just ridiculous ... I wonder what my animal spirit color was 3 lives ago ... probably Pink ... most probably Pink ...</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-15067301043628036742015-10-26T16:35:00.001+02:002015-10-26T16:36:13.429+02:00Cast Away on Mars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A short while after Ridley Scott released his <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.lu/2012/12/most-disappointing-movie-2012.html" target="_blank">amazingly idiotic</a> <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2012/06/alien-prequel.html" target="_blank">Prometheus </a>upon us, a non-SF director dared to put out a simple yet precisely one billion times better movie called <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.lu/2013/10/gravitation.html" target="_blank">Gravity</a>. I can only guess that when he saw it Scott facepalmed hard and thought to himself that this is the kind of movie he actually wanted to make ... a good one ... where intelligent characters manage to make something out of nothing ... in space. And two years later here it is ... sort of...<br />
<br />
So, what do you need to survive on Mars? Well ... take one man and a sufficient quantity of well preserved poop and apparently anything is possible ... It's all very scientific, at least the calculation or poop per potato ratio. And you will apparently need disco music ... though I must admit I was close to loosing it after a few 80s hits. But not our man, he was relentless, unflinching in the face of overwhelming odds and the most annoying music of all time. What I am trying to say is that Tom Hanks was a wuss in 'Cast Away' ... he had the beach, the jungle, water, air, Wilson ... and he still lost it. Americans are much tougher these days ... they can launch themselves in outer space in a convertible, they can go to Mars and back and back to Mars and back without the slightest hesitation ... I'm guessing it's ... the Valium?<br />
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So yea, The Martian ... better than Prometheus...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-30570242122788606622015-10-20T11:56:00.000+03:002015-10-21T14:35:10.062+03:00Star Wars ... Old Feelings AwakenThe new trailer for the new Star Wars is out, and before you do anything else, you need to watch it (again), even if you have already seen it (multiple numerous times...)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sGbxmsDFVnE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sGbxmsDFVnE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
If something can be said for certain about this film, it's that it will make grown men weep like babies. Nothing will stand in the way of your feelings when you will see Han and Chewie on screen. There will be stories about grown man crying in theaters. It will be true, all of it. The cheers, the tears, they will be real. No need to be ashamed, just let them out...<br />
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P.S. I just bought tickets for the 16th ... oh YEAH!!Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-55907497506001199142015-10-09T13:13:00.002+03:002015-10-09T13:15:08.750+03:00Kinda like Batman (and Robin)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zao-_kSMef_AmY2pGtXe5wVKBj_umaOelRqVt4Tlfomejm_Nb-7swVZpGBcC6EE-Inow9sFsjlpyrOQ-51gW6iX0K48AR3rr9e4WoTbIyv6JqmKyqh6CbAPI9PvgemjNNWRzvALxarw/s1600/Batman_and_Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zao-_kSMef_AmY2pGtXe5wVKBj_umaOelRqVt4Tlfomejm_Nb-7swVZpGBcC6EE-Inow9sFsjlpyrOQ-51gW6iX0K48AR3rr9e4WoTbIyv6JqmKyqh6CbAPI9PvgemjNNWRzvALxarw/s400/Batman_and_Robin.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Do you know how in 'The Dark Knight Rises' Batman just comes out of retirement and kicks ass? No blabbering about what he's been up to for the last 8 (?) years, no witty lines, no apologies, he's just back ... and kicks ass. Well, I'm not quite Batman yet, so here goes:
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Dear blog,
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I'm sorry that I've neglected you for the past year or so, I have a confession to make. It seems I have been living ... two lives. By day, I was me ... genius, famous blogger and working for a respectable software company. By night, I have tried to impersonate a well known public figure and one of my idols who goes by the name of Batman. As any respectable Batman should, I needed a Batcave to park my Batmobile, store my arsenal and hone my non-lethal but highly efficient Karate chops.<br />
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I used to wonder if Bruce Wayne painted the walls of the cave himself, but it is now very clear to me that he made his Batcave by throwing money at various highly qualified and apparently very discreet or very stupid contractors. Unfortunately, not being a zillionaire, I had no choice but to take on part of the work myself, and while the task was tough, I had my most trusted Robin sidekick at my side. And, surprisingly enough for everyone including ourselves ... we ... kinda made it.<br />
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So the time has come, fear not! I shall be springing back into action in full force, full speed ahead! Into battle (?) we go!<br />
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The long wait is over and I am .. uhm ready ... I guess ... kinda like Batman.Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-71416570472622927152014-06-25T16:11:00.000+03:002014-06-25T16:28:39.812+03:00The Facepalm d'Or 2014Dear friends, I feel the time is here again. Hot on the heels of <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-facepalm-dor.html" target="_blank">last year's incredible success</a> I am eager to present a special someone with what is becoming the most prestigious award of the summer:<br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">The FacePalm d'Or</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAFEK_t2rQtxpGnTB2rij-5EWOIkFqj9GmZwO9MvmaYBcWC8Ql_a2XI6lXtMzFL45ozmBTeU_1-mdQBqksy1D-NV80ETKWzbhAheEZmZQde0xX2-Gf8qrqfQkANxjy4AwM5jIroHhyphenhyphenjg/s1600/Picard_FP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAFEK_t2rQtxpGnTB2rij-5EWOIkFqj9GmZwO9MvmaYBcWC8Ql_a2XI6lXtMzFL45ozmBTeU_1-mdQBqksy1D-NV80ETKWzbhAheEZmZQde0xX2-Gf8qrqfQkANxjy4AwM5jIroHhyphenhyphenjg/s400/Picard_FP.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is, in fact, so prestigious, that the organizers of the World Cup in Brasil decided to pay us a moving tribute. Yes, yes, the World Cup!!! Without further blabbering, here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNgO2NIpwb5iCj7BQNSCzDLWgRQxJKD8J0zy1fInSwbwwXvLZZodmp2xVRxEtExpZWIqhmcuyXAHXo-GbiUFO-HvNskQj6J5GdzxXqN-62FA4iFILkRmOYAv1xK_ICnsVcNFT_vNN2l8/s1600/Facepalm2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNgO2NIpwb5iCj7BQNSCzDLWgRQxJKD8J0zy1fInSwbwwXvLZZodmp2xVRxEtExpZWIqhmcuyXAHXo-GbiUFO-HvNskQj6J5GdzxXqN-62FA4iFILkRmOYAv1xK_ICnsVcNFT_vNN2l8/s1600/Facepalm2014.jpg" height="369" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is just my way of thanking the people who designed the logo for spreading the utter essence of a facepalm to the world. It's really really difficult to capture the pure character of that moment when the tension of the fingers meets the fine surface of your forehead to create that special release of all the tension created when faced with the ridiculous or the utter stupid most often found in still or moving images. You guys deserve it, for real no doubt about it!!<br />
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<br />Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-63825757139166766942014-06-03T18:12:00.004+03:002014-06-03T18:18:52.416+03:00The Wolverine Butt Spike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyykpZ3wZdSmJTKAEsXR47EMwgVznbZeJ8rX-8e8udCUBNU-3pv6qFjevifONAZ35PQquMr8gmMU5Mw79h2yDroicVF0LbulZhto3ZG2q6wEj35QMEJaWbYycqE18Gw7-cqoGalPpNuY/s1600/WolverineXMenDaysofFuturePast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyykpZ3wZdSmJTKAEsXR47EMwgVznbZeJ8rX-8e8udCUBNU-3pv6qFjevifONAZ35PQquMr8gmMU5Mw79h2yDroicVF0LbulZhto3ZG2q6wEj35QMEJaWbYycqE18Gw7-cqoGalPpNuY/s1600/WolverineXMenDaysofFuturePast.jpg" height="429" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, my friends, it is that time again that my blog gets to experience what I have decided to call "The Wolverine Butt Spike". It is that time when there is a sudden increase in number of visitors on my blog, arriving via google after searching Wolverine Butt. So, as my motto in life is "Ask Scullder for Wolverine's Butt and you shall receive it", prepare to behold Wolverine's buttocks as can be seen in this new thing you can see in cinemas called X-Men, Days of Future Past.<br />
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But first, a few things about the movie ... Bryan Singer, the guy who created the original X-Men movie is back and he hits HARD, the movie kicks the ass of all X-Men movies that came before, it is really GREAT! Wolverine's Butt travels through time in order to avoid an impending apocalypse where robots try to kill us all and there's some major ass-kicking involved in the process. Get it?? ASS kicking!!</div>
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As much as I wondered in awe at Wolverine's Butt, the main surprise of the movie for me came from this guy here:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyC-fgMVp7ulq8w1v3ZJJEWIUTfiUzECDxkgBoQslbs8bkUw0dgJ_iOxCUWWAA4l2sdUlFOPBjTJ4WT4EyOiPj_JYfPi5ibimL91_GwW85O1ajqwVLZ5lQPNDNWhDPzhWgmXdg2veueA/s1600/X-Men-Days-of-Future-Past-Quicksilver-889x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyC-fgMVp7ulq8w1v3ZJJEWIUTfiUzECDxkgBoQslbs8bkUw0dgJ_iOxCUWWAA4l2sdUlFOPBjTJ4WT4EyOiPj_JYfPi5ibimL91_GwW85O1ajqwVLZ5lQPNDNWhDPzhWgmXdg2veueA/s1600/X-Men-Days-of-Future-Past-Quicksilver-889x1024.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
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His name is Quicksilver and he looks ridiculously stupid in all photos you will find with him, so I was naturally expecting him to be a stupid character. There's none of that though as he turned out to be one of the best superhero characters ever captured on screen and takes center stage in one of the best action sequences in any superhero movie ... ever. I really liked this guy and hope to see much more of him in the next X-Men movie coming up called X-Men Apocalypse, because Yes that was announced and is already under way. </div>
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As for the rest of the world, everyone's probably just counting the seconds until the next time Wolverine's Butt shows up</div>
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Oh yeah, I almost forgot the reason you came here (no I didn't)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVZGf3Sr0AFLy-02ppg-_MjeGsrJK8DHma0uZ0JSOfyXbrjvoSZ6MaetTyYOTszlRqX3RsJ6mSnRAaLbHPWCpoCK_2Y055jukC03dpsMwtSF_fN8g9BpKbhqo07g0WzM_AFS5c5cBGQE/s1600/wolverine_butt_moving.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVZGf3Sr0AFLy-02ppg-_MjeGsrJK8DHma0uZ0JSOfyXbrjvoSZ6MaetTyYOTszlRqX3RsJ6mSnRAaLbHPWCpoCK_2Y055jukC03dpsMwtSF_fN8g9BpKbhqo07g0WzM_AFS5c5cBGQE/s1600/wolverine_butt_moving.gif" height="86" width="100" /></a></div>
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Yes, IT'S MOVING, you can thank me later...</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-32465994625388275132014-05-30T16:28:00.004+03:002014-05-30T16:31:37.458+03:00A Public ServiceWell, it's hardly a public service , but I feel like although I've lived in Luxembourg for the past 4 years or so I haven't done anything for this place. I mean a real public contribution, something that would make a difference for the local community, something that future generations may look upon and say "where would we be without the Scullder's blog???".<br />
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Step no further, for today it starts my friends. And without further blabber I would like to start a pubic debate related to the following statue that all tourists come and see in the wonderful capital of Luxembourg city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nrlWVxYOVFLjaSttdjE8pH_OAVkkqt59vgM-_t7DLFfHGBFsvvT9Gc4yKscJOKf_sDKCisJUDr_1ad_IVyNUgVggqTPeW8jDN97uKYlwAuOHlQHCWQMuVBxgNrL6WWughmaFdOv6scQ/s1600/statue_Lux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nrlWVxYOVFLjaSttdjE8pH_OAVkkqt59vgM-_t7DLFfHGBFsvvT9Gc4yKscJOKf_sDKCisJUDr_1ad_IVyNUgVggqTPeW8jDN97uKYlwAuOHlQHCWQMuVBxgNrL6WWughmaFdOv6scQ/s1600/statue_Lux.jpg" height="640" width="363" /></a></div>
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Yes, it clearly marks the salute of a great leader towards his loyal subjects and also we can admire his greatness. Can you see it?<br />
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No?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaN_j3AP-i_G3O0gUGafh8RnIbTugFFu3zqrqGGjFgZ6ex-SePFOwnPhb_nupSkW5qCHmj91JqWZz63SvEudlZ5f_h0ADH08ReT9Z-D8tkrjyjlbhHXIyQVSJ3CP3pkYeGVPDWdshCz8/s1600/statue_Lux_z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaN_j3AP-i_G3O0gUGafh8RnIbTugFFu3zqrqGGjFgZ6ex-SePFOwnPhb_nupSkW5qCHmj91JqWZz63SvEudlZ5f_h0ADH08ReT9Z-D8tkrjyjlbhHXIyQVSJ3CP3pkYeGVPDWdshCz8/s1600/statue_Lux_z1.jpg" height="353" width="400" /></a></div>
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look ... CLOSER... hello there big guy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z7OQhegt_AuMEentFHCxoF8MbhqTi0wEoK3IzGNnsAQRboiIwdRLbB9nFDQYW6r6SzLj4KSApDe2y9znPQAb8M4FMe6pDLqhgN48cJc2la9TY0R7JzEGQATRhPn1f2xQBKUjz41DrOQ/s1600/statue_Lux_zello_SL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z7OQhegt_AuMEentFHCxoF8MbhqTi0wEoK3IzGNnsAQRboiIwdRLbB9nFDQYW6r6SzLj4KSApDe2y9znPQAb8M4FMe6pDLqhgN48cJc2la9TY0R7JzEGQATRhPn1f2xQBKUjz41DrOQ/s1600/statue_Lux_zello_SL.jpg" height="640" width="351" /></a></div>
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Yes, I know the picture is no good, but this is why I am calling out to my fellow citizens, let's all rally and take one clear BIG photo of ... this thing ... we need to debate people, WE NEED TO DEBAAATEEE!!! ...<br />
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mmyeah, slow Firday, I know ...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-31171574809396249242014-04-17T11:27:00.001+03:002014-04-17T11:29:16.226+03:00A Luxurious LifeThe <span style="font-size: large;">Burj-Al-Arab</span> ... the only 7 star hotel in the whole wide world ... *******<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-aA9MfZ34JWLlr9ni67GrfiHaA4q926p5l69D2EoIbxZCzYp0zh3-Z_lrn9aGq1pT4hZ1_3EHQexesUUt85sZwDbWcaVoWEIPYDdIPy48zMK30Qva5R-aYgRJXMkEnfN5MJIGPRNtpg/s1600/DSC_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-aA9MfZ34JWLlr9ni67GrfiHaA4q926p5l69D2EoIbxZCzYp0zh3-Z_lrn9aGq1pT4hZ1_3EHQexesUUt85sZwDbWcaVoWEIPYDdIPy48zMK30Qva5R-aYgRJXMkEnfN5MJIGPRNtpg/s1600/DSC_0964.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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just imagine ... or ... try, if you will ... the overwhelming luxury, the golden details on the walls<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP4a6wWp121ftLfhzBpmyjYx-11P4Wg8lIG1F5TK6DN321PNLfGx2fJQ_wex9QXVNMTbohhNCfFkJpT8H0rC8OAp-oGuIEE-JeqjInC5ykE4vmXN8c7qiOfaRJac9EAHzT7F6x6eyeXo/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP4a6wWp121ftLfhzBpmyjYx-11P4Wg8lIG1F5TK6DN321PNLfGx2fJQ_wex9QXVNMTbohhNCfFkJpT8H0rC8OAp-oGuIEE-JeqjInC5ykE4vmXN8c7qiOfaRJac9EAHzT7F6x6eyeXo/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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... the spectacular elevator ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl0gG4TYWL1IcNLhKXH5t1zPunRp7WTpbjA4ecgPRSrQb6ACf6Qg7AtdIL-GzZU3QjJLCWHz8HPr8C6O5ba_MrK7xZ6zpY6Dwlu8PFtrGP3SvWJk03ob9L-3XKfGWYlq1C6UQ3ehroLA/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl0gG4TYWL1IcNLhKXH5t1zPunRp7WTpbjA4ecgPRSrQb6ACf6Qg7AtdIL-GzZU3QjJLCWHz8HPr8C6O5ba_MrK7xZ6zpY6Dwlu8PFtrGP3SvWJk03ob9L-3XKfGWYlq1C6UQ3ehroLA/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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... the view ... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDl2gZN-mQfs4JbbCl2dIONlt0QyxaYVuOHHIWsusHivzy1arFTuXitJM5v0TtwpzxTaGT6-Ru6b7jmrkcQeL-Tt2pCDauKEknwHB0X_iZUTRz0UKHFtgdLPuZoqVvR5JBLxSlYST8PU/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDl2gZN-mQfs4JbbCl2dIONlt0QyxaYVuOHHIWsusHivzy1arFTuXitJM5v0TtwpzxTaGT6-Ru6b7jmrkcQeL-Tt2pCDauKEknwHB0X_iZUTRz0UKHFtgdLPuZoqVvR5JBLxSlYST8PU/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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... the golden sprinkles in my coffee</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUsXCJ1p3wjuiT-qbh7FtJ9tEyq-m4zVTX_X_o2B9jpj-2LFLCS0eDBgB46sC0Tf6LM2VYDRI8fxqghBtqYVOl6AfaZmeYAgBKqEWICNIRqC5OJlwLGzGbRwI2jA1OlUHHkrJRnL9Uyg/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUsXCJ1p3wjuiT-qbh7FtJ9tEyq-m4zVTX_X_o2B9jpj-2LFLCS0eDBgB46sC0Tf6LM2VYDRI8fxqghBtqYVOl6AfaZmeYAgBKqEWICNIRqC5OJlwLGzGbRwI2jA1OlUHHkrJRnL9Uyg/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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...the fly in my champagne</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiZbo0IvLsHG8aqoA1a11TWYcSOb-rdGQo3906dI6JgqcJ6KRH-QpMVF0LRjk5ANj0ZshDV_iqfxnBF6JWUsqSfTqE68xE5_QZeAIYudRUYPc3CFclmL0QmIcq3CrDLArdPNE-SI6fgw/s1600/DSC_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiZbo0IvLsHG8aqoA1a11TWYcSOb-rdGQo3906dI6JgqcJ6KRH-QpMVF0LRjk5ANj0ZshDV_iqfxnBF6JWUsqSfTqE68xE5_QZeAIYudRUYPc3CFclmL0QmIcq3CrDLArdPNE-SI6fgw/s1600/DSC_0873.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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wait WHAT THE ??? There's a FLY in my CHAMPAGNE!!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Burj-Al-Arab</span> people made up for it with more champagne and a very special gesture that we really appreciated ... My briefly friend, you lived a short but luxurious life... you shall be remembered, your death was not in vain ... farewell ...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-75017278289113148382014-04-15T12:13:00.001+03:002014-04-15T12:13:28.570+03:00Perfect Sunrise<div style="text-align: center;">
Close your eyes ...</div>
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.... no peeking ...</div>
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... no peeking darn it ....</div>
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... OK, here we go ...</div>
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A new days begins.</div>
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A new day for my blog, that is. Since it was covered in darkness in the past 3&1/2 months, get it? .... No? Well, anyway, say hello to a new day, as experienced from a balloon, high above the desert, nearby Dubai.<br />
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Even though <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2011/07/punch-in-santorini.html" target="_blank">my eyes have been graced upon by the magnificence of the most perfect sunset in the world universe</a>, I always felt that chance may touch me once again and shine a warm beacon of beautiful sunlight upon my eyes. Of course, nothing beats the most perfect sunset ... except every other sunset in the world. But I can't think of too many things that would come even close to this ...<br />
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balloon</div>
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Dubai desert</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYz-QGona6Z3hStCvaS37qXiAt1PbMQffHYaH1YhajDCqmCsuhxKsm00h21wJgm7UeTnYP6pfVk67tszhyphenhyphenKs3mN8thGZiCphhCxFEgcBHGbs60HILqJW3Zsuu0MJnzRKCgTM0oui1cDQ/s1600/DSC_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYz-QGona6Z3hStCvaS37qXiAt1PbMQffHYaH1YhajDCqmCsuhxKsm00h21wJgm7UeTnYP6pfVk67tszhyphenhyphenKs3mN8thGZiCphhCxFEgcBHGbs60HILqJW3Zsuu0MJnzRKCgTM0oui1cDQ/s1600/DSC_0708.JPG" height="423" width="640" /></a></div>
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1500m up in the air, 7 o'clock, perfect sunrise</div>
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Good morning.</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-47984933691258284732014-01-02T13:43:00.000+02:002014-01-02T17:39:49.423+02:00Scullder's Awards - Best of 20132013 Scullder's Awards<a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2014/01/scullders-awards-worst-of-2013.html" target="_blank"> are in full swing</a>, and here come the Best of!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ItXqUN3R708-ixAPM1DPhcEyVPMBDwVuix4rqWgY-44wGDtD-LMGcaVHgrnqYcbcsmwjjug2WStTP_olyecyHY2aKkMKrlgbOd8YJAFzl4xwiWojBIbWHd4yQREskBgm8bTM09pCO0/s1600/o_rly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ItXqUN3R708-ixAPM1DPhcEyVPMBDwVuix4rqWgY-44wGDtD-LMGcaVHgrnqYcbcsmwjjug2WStTP_olyecyHY2aKkMKrlgbOd8YJAFzl4xwiWojBIbWHd4yQREskBgm8bTM09pCO0/s400/o_rly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
This year's Best of categories:<br />
- 2013 Best Movie of the Year<br />
- 2013 Best Games of the Year<br />
- 2013 Best Ride of the Year<br />
- 2013 Best Travel of the Year<br />
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<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Best Movie of the Year</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2013/10/gravitation.html" target="_blank">Gravity</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSjOEVHU47NvHuiJDL8qgfqhtbXK-fEyC9S32LrSPmsscSpGvw8o9C3nzTwZJEGYVB0r2hyphenhyphenpKjTAWNv3B_aexs0QiKP510wsSCV1kzx_5PUcvxFJggv-6mjU_xaGyUlix-qc2HuIqQUQ/s1600/2013_gravity_movie-wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSjOEVHU47NvHuiJDL8qgfqhtbXK-fEyC9S32LrSPmsscSpGvw8o9C3nzTwZJEGYVB0r2hyphenhyphenpKjTAWNv3B_aexs0QiKP510wsSCV1kzx_5PUcvxFJggv-6mjU_xaGyUlix-qc2HuIqQUQ/s640/2013_gravity_movie-wide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I haven't reviewed too many movies this year, but they were mostly OK-ish. There was one however that took my breath away a few times. We all know by now that it's more fiction than science, but it's hard to care when you're offered a trip to outer space for the price of a movie ticket.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Best Games of the Year</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Guacamelle & The Last of Us</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2YJceNVivZBvSHh-3LbGy68p-slre-LjhV_QDYJNXy626p3ZLyxEImbdR_zHTuJNAy-7VKGSIL9yePVy3W6nJt3rkvbSHByUUNj4Wvsmk2ILuC-d4eEjB8wSP-N7e4on9viQmOEGmB0/s1600/2013_gameoty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2YJceNVivZBvSHh-3LbGy68p-slre-LjhV_QDYJNXy626p3ZLyxEImbdR_zHTuJNAy-7VKGSIL9yePVy3W6nJt3rkvbSHByUUNj4Wvsmk2ILuC-d4eEjB8wSP-N7e4on9viQmOEGmB0/s640/2013_gameoty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guacamelee is most probably the best game I've ever played on a portable device. Throughout I felt like I was playing a beat'em'up version of the original Monkey Island with a Mexican backdrop. It is hilarious at times, most challenging at others, a must play for anyone who likes platformers or fighting games. </div>
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Regarding, TLoU, I don't want to blabber too much as I will go into more details in my <a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/search/label/Zombies" target="_blank">Zombie Chronicles</a> (which, by God, I will see finished!!). Suffice to say that it will take you on an emotional journey filled with gritty action and it is a true masterpiece.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Best Ride of the Year</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2013/04/petrolhead-paradise.html" target="_blank">Green Hell in a 911</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpJEN_YV3YfFbkGXPi-Z7AhjBF7i7YxV_ZaeqNwswlvMXkB4mJyRfs6yWFjGFqINAE25J952gDvdcwmuB4A8z9mk3LPSRFtISdRUhMXhUVJZC1pIJzrd0ceartomVBOUmxjwCFWfz1So/s1600/IMG_3515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpJEN_YV3YfFbkGXPi-Z7AhjBF7i7YxV_ZaeqNwswlvMXkB4mJyRfs6yWFjGFqINAE25J952gDvdcwmuB4A8z9mk3LPSRFtISdRUhMXhUVJZC1pIJzrd0ceartomVBOUmxjwCFWfz1So/s640/IMG_3515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sure, it may sound like a no-brainer, but I just got out of an M5 driven by a pro after a spin on the 'Ring before getting a ride in the little bugger. So, was it really better than the M5? Well, yes! While it was nowhere near as crazy as the M5 ride, I found it quite a bit more enjoyable. It's that kind of car that gives you the pure unfiltered pleasure of what you are doing, and the 'Ring, well ... the 'Ring is a dream for any petrolhead.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Best Travel of the Year</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Sky Full of Green Fire in Iceland</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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This is one of those times when I realize I don't blog nearly enough as I would like to. The trip to Iceland was full of unexpected moments. Like this night when we were driving around and suddenly on top of us the sky lit up with green flames dancing all around. Unfortunately no image will do it justice ... it was magical, breathtaking and unlike anything I've ever experienced before.</div>
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And that's a wrap for 2013, it had it's fair share of fun moments, but all in all it was not the best year so far, here's hoping 2014 will be better it in every way possible.</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-44799757300433769152014-01-02T11:56:00.001+02:002014-01-02T12:01:45.322+02:00Scullder's Awards - Worst of 2013Well, Happy New Year over there! 2014 has made its way into the world and what better way to celebrate than to look back at what was definitely not the best year ever.<br />
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Yep, you knew this was coming... the 2013 awards are here!!<br />
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Yep, for real!<br />
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And we kick it off with this year's Worst of categories:<br />
- 2013 Most Pathetic Operating System invented by Man<br />
- 2013 Worst Drivers of the Year<br />
- 2013 Worst Trips of the Year<br />
- 2013 Worst Movie of the Year<br />
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Here they are:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Most Pathetic Operating System invented by Man</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Windows H8</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://hdwallpaperszon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Windows-8-Wallpapers-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://hdwallpaperszon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Windows-8-Wallpapers-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been using computers ever since I was 8-9 years old and it's the first time I find myself genuinely confused in front of one. It is a true performance, and it has led me to poetry. Here it is:<br />
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My poor small head is full of hate</div>
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For the allmighty Windows8</div>
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Oh dear strong computerlord</div>
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To shut it down you must be bold</div>
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Press 5 ... 4 buttons if you're wise</div>
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My poor small head is full of "why"s</div>
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Not exactly Academy Awards material, but still better than Windows 8 for sure ....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Worst Drivers of the Year</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Belgian & Dutch Drivers</b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
It was such a close head to head race to the finish line that I've decided to award not one byt two First Prizes in this contest of sheer inability. I've driven quite a bit around this world, and while admittedly I have avoided driving in Italy, I was reduced to silence by some of the things I've seen these Flemish people consistently and repeatedly do behind the wheel.<br />
I'm sure there's a few good drivers around there somewhere as well. If you're reading this, don't be mad, you are the exception and you know it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Worst Trips of the Year</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amsterdamn</b></span></div>
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It's plural, yes. TripS. Because I've been there twice this year. Not much to say except that I didn't particularly enjoy myself. It was a mix of personal things going on and other things going on around and the result is a clear wiener. Myeah, I'll even skip the photo for this one.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 Worst Movie of the Year</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://scullder.blogspot.com/2013/05/iron-man-goes-down.html" target="_blank"><b>MacGyver The Movie</b></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU99_SJDNA3oSqN7-BsN0KuWOOGqc_PlVCwXzUsey1MHeXZpD3VRLAzDTbrEuT5FTQS18jgWzptJTkHTDVcS60lDKjbqSqE_PoTY1dupXAICeubVpYOFoRW6jDfA2pPX1owMBrWXcU1k/s1600/IronManMacGyver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU99_SJDNA3oSqN7-BsN0KuWOOGqc_PlVCwXzUsey1MHeXZpD3VRLAzDTbrEuT5FTQS18jgWzptJTkHTDVcS60lDKjbqSqE_PoTY1dupXAICeubVpYOFoRW6jDfA2pPX1owMBrWXcU1k/s640/IronManMacGyver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really don't like what they've done with MacGyver. First of all, they changed the lead actor (which is something you should never ever do) and then they've decided to stretch 50 minutes of pure handy-man action to over 130 minutes. Hollywood has yet again put its nasty fingers in what was a wonderful glorious pie. I do hope they don't make another sequel to this pile of over-engineered pooh. A sad days for MacGyver fans everywhere...<br />
<br />
Stay close, the Best of is coming really soon...</div>
Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-88858291552839517812013-12-24T12:05:00.000+02:002013-12-24T12:05:32.974+02:00Legendary Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1mobQbB0g98Zd9qFfoDLROU5DW4UU0Ez75ubQLT0dYipn08Bn-PW6xl-WfTDFlv31dWX5EZrSyh14viWrkUAUcatDOhnP6UE4OAVr4J9IpyYOmj0oH3PVxOHdikI0cZez5QcWbeCcXE/s1600/GT86_KTs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1mobQbB0g98Zd9qFfoDLROU5DW4UU0Ez75ubQLT0dYipn08Bn-PW6xl-WfTDFlv31dWX5EZrSyh14viWrkUAUcatDOhnP6UE4OAVr4J9IpyYOmj0oH3PVxOHdikI0cZez5QcWbeCcXE/s640/GT86_KTs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't even begin to state how Legenfreakingdary this photo is. You have Keiichi Tsuchiya the man who became a legend through drifting and helped make the AE86 into a legend, now casually chillaxing next to the drifty GT86.<br />
<br />
The guy who took the photo was not too shabby either, catch all his pics here: http://www.pmcgphotos.com/automotive/a-gt86-ae86-the-drift-king-a-shoot-for-car-magazine.html<br />
<br />
Which reminds me, there's a foxy red fox waiting for me downstairs ... time to hit the road ...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-87036331622299304732013-12-20T13:47:00.000+02:002013-12-20T13:47:03.256+02:00The Zombie Chronicles - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZe_OeqxOpibCkq3ESuibEgKOg-v6pTp8y2_1Fp8AAufxPqd7x5tx3qFkuic9s-skV_mlItrqTQbBB3S5GJDeTa6WooelNMF88GjepriRW4P-zOppvMyk83_qyISTQ0sywk79JzmjJAA/s1600/ZombiesChronicles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZe_OeqxOpibCkq3ESuibEgKOg-v6pTp8y2_1Fp8AAufxPqd7x5tx3qFkuic9s-skV_mlItrqTQbBB3S5GJDeTa6WooelNMF88GjepriRW4P-zOppvMyk83_qyISTQ0sywk79JzmjJAA/s640/ZombiesChronicles.png" width="896" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prelude</b></span></div>
<br />
Christmas is coming ... and what could be more beautiful than to share with you a story ... about Zombies. Yup, perfect for XMas, Zombies it is, and in true Hollywood fashion, I'll make it a trilogy.<br />
<br />
But first, a few words before we start. Lately, I've been watching a very funny show called New Girl, it's freaking hilarious. There's this guy on the show with whom I have precisely 3 things in common:<br />
1 - he's also a guy<br />
2 - we more or less share the same family name<br />
3 - we're both trying to write something about zombies for some time<br />
And that's the end of it basically, we each go our own way from there on. And, the truth is he actually managed to write the thing, as horrible as it was in the end. So, if Nick I can't finish anything ever in my life Miller is able to write his novel, I'll be darned if I don't write my Zombie Chronicles by the end of the year! Thank you, Nick, you are an inspiration ... or not ... <br />
Anyways, here goes:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Part 1 - World War Zombie</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://impruvism.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/world_war_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://impruvism.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/world_war_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
The Zombie hysteria started quite some time ago and it's starting to dwindle down. There's a bunch of people though who've decided to jump on the bandwagon before it's too late some with better results than others. We'll probably get a much better idea of how the hype is holding up next year when Arnold Terminator Conan Schwarzenegger will release his very own Zombie movie.<br />
<br />
But back to Brad, and the War on Zombies. I wanted to dedicate Part 1 to him because it's always better to start on a low note and end on a high. And, unfortunately, WWZ is a low note. The movie is toned down so it can be watched by children, so it's nowhere near graphical enough and the zombies themselves are just a mass of CGI moving chaos, which is definitely not in line with what Zombie-loving people want. Zombies need to be slow-ish. They need to appear real, so it's always better to use real actors and make-up. Basically the impression I got was that whoever made this movie doesn't actually understand or like Zombie movies.<br />
<br />
It's not all bad though. The one thing that I really liked is the idea stated in a very non-subtle way by Pitt's character in the beginning. There's only one way to stay alive and that is to keep moving, don't lock yourself in your house, don't barricade your doors hoping it will go away. It won't, and you need to get a moving asap. And moving he does, the guy travels around the world to different locations, and we get to see how different people handle the situation differently. The idea is very interesting, and I do wish it was implemented properly.<br />
<br />
However, everything I've said until now pales in comparison with something that is completely missing from WWZ and what I think is the single biggest problem this movie has. Pitt is all by himself most of the time, and the characters he encounters don't get enough screen time to create any attachments either between themselves or with the viewers. The real drama in Zombie situations doesn't come from the Zombies themselves. It comes from the way they affect the life of the remaining humans, and mostly on how the world (as it becomes) affects relationships inside and between groups of people. Zombies are stupid, they just want your brain and have a very straight forward way of going about their business .... Humans on the other hand ... now, there you have a real danger... Humans are intelligent and when backed up in a corner there's no knowing of what many things they would do. This idea is perfectly captured by the TV masterpiece, The Walking Dead, which I will blabber about among other things in Part 2, stay tuned...<br />
<br />
To be Continued...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-90136377648545481252013-11-12T17:30:00.001+02:002013-11-12T17:31:57.260+02:00The Little Red Ninja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8qHv9PXjLBdOmz_GAQWqIIwFZhhXhdeJg-iTO4Fgve4w2IxlUltva-tfH6-_dm-QTFvp_FtKmJR7_3aAPwF0FBtviBl47OBT3sqlrxEs866ArqOZLI2nKWUEZkDNQ5zIy0XPh0SM4Qc/s1600/bord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8qHv9PXjLBdOmz_GAQWqIIwFZhhXhdeJg-iTO4Fgve4w2IxlUltva-tfH6-_dm-QTFvp_FtKmJR7_3aAPwF0FBtviBl47OBT3sqlrxEs866ArqOZLI2nKWUEZkDNQ5zIy0XPh0SM4Qc/s640/bord.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Six months. That's precisely how long we had to wait for the little red ninja to arrive all the way from Japan. But it is finally here, and just in time for the rainy season.<br />
<br />
First impressions: it's stiffer than I remembered it to be, it's very responsive on the acceleration, controls are very heavy (pedals, gearbox) and most importantly it's very VERY fun in the wet. TC comes in quite fast, which is good, but you can still slide the back out just enough to splash a wide grin on your face.<br />
<br />
Break-in takes the 1000 usual kilometers, but you can rev to 4k, which means you don't really have to hold back too much as long as you keep it gentle. Only ~600Km to go ...<br />
<br />
So here it is ... waiting for the rain to come ... eagerly...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_nS4-IgTOZt1OtF35gS5MIPc8JzybuRFb9CDqjFwXaWyVYDmFyRoa7thBRsIU4uR5syBC9Vob7vhmeDEXLksh15H6aOwlhMbv0HjLges2irhPEXN1zApKZ2mBwQXuKsxk4_uTPjTkbA/s1600/ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_nS4-IgTOZt1OtF35gS5MIPc8JzybuRFb9CDqjFwXaWyVYDmFyRoa7thBRsIU4uR5syBC9Vob7vhmeDEXLksh15H6aOwlhMbv0HjLges2irhPEXN1zApKZ2mBwQXuKsxk4_uTPjTkbA/s640/ext.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stand by for those massive powerslides ...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-25331952243439401812013-10-10T12:09:00.001+03:002013-10-10T12:14:33.938+03:00GravitationJust how fun do you think it would be to watch Sandra Bullock drift away through space for 90 minutes? Not very fun, you say? Think again ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmYZ6pM86lJ9MmKvBFv1Jmpo2nxJzJHJXC0Z3iuwVBgDu6QebEpbts3YbOhH06-QeZQBZ9OGjkjX6-b9GgLnBPt19d5DcM3Or3XLkVVW-xikklRzn0x5t6My9vxT_esH-Cnd5KBYMeeE/s1600/2013_gravity_movie-wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmYZ6pM86lJ9MmKvBFv1Jmpo2nxJzJHJXC0Z3iuwVBgDu6QebEpbts3YbOhH06-QeZQBZ9OGjkjX6-b9GgLnBPt19d5DcM3Or3XLkVVW-xikklRzn0x5t6My9vxT_esH-Cnd5KBYMeeE/s640/2013_gravity_movie-wide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This movie contains some kind of voodoo magic. It was very intense, with a lot of action, thrills and emotion. And yet, there are precisely 2 (two) actors in this movie ... it was quite funny and unbelievable at the end when the cast rolled in the credits ... Two actors ... producing some of the best action, thrills and emotion of the year ... And the visuals ... oh my, the visuals... Some of the scenes are so immersive that I was grabbing the seats next to me to help poor Sandra out. I think that this may just be the best 3D witnessed on a movie screen ... ever... I just hope you like spinning around ... and around ... in an uncontrollable way ...<br />
<br />
Screenplay's a bit over the top ... but I'll let that slide. There was no room for a more down to earth approach ... it really would have turned the movie upside down and probably would have pulled less people in... that's not what it all falls down to in the end for such a movie, but I'm really happy to see it also had a very successful launch at the box office ...<br />
<br />
So yeah ... great movie ... just make sure you grab onto your own seat when you see it...Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-78156415586543504242013-09-12T17:34:00.001+03:002013-09-12T17:34:40.774+03:00All Hope is Lost?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I''m having an internal debate regarding humanity's hope to escape idiocracy ... it's a back and forth discussion which I want to remember and come back to in the years to come.</div>
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<b>1 step back ... </b>the golden iPhone</div>
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For years iPhones have been a landmark of great design. Haters can call it snoby, elitistics or whatever they want, but it was a tasteful design ... until now. The GOLDEN Champagne iPhone is here ... yes, gold is not enough, it needs to be splattered by champagne ... let the poor people go cry to mommy ...</div>
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<a href="http://gizmodo.com/the-gold-iphone-5s-is-an-actual-thing-and-it-looks-like-1281717480" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkkhbLNTsyc0564ozVUUBEK98jZ7R7XSEfJBorcyOdwJLMdlOv9mCscpd9ev7R8G8vhKSndmIDTysEtZ-9OCit0GslkLedwNuqspMTeDkRd-q3G4IH1KFi775CoJ9EjTTtKKltkCcjo0/s640/ku-bigpic.jpg" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1247917016"></span><span id="goog_1247917017"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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This thing appears to have been designed using insightful advice from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and that's not a good thing ... because these people are ... well ... f-ing idiots ... And the bigger problem is not that this phone exists, it is the fact that it will sell faster than turkeys on Thanksgiving ... people just love their Kim Kardashian ... a sad day for human kind everywhere ...</div>
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<b>2 steps back ...</b> Hannah Montana gets naked</div>
Lady Gaga, where are you? Nobody is even mentioning the fact you were as butt naked as physiologically possible in your last live performance ... Are you, sad sad joke of a performer, really finished? It certainly seems so, and I almost feel like jumping into my party-hat and dancing of joy ... almost ... Unfortunately, there's no party ... people are now talking about <i>this </i>wrecking ball:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYHKH0xhAvUDYYhC35MViBWXZw2QxdVkp0gYVNtPs8jL5BueszRKIkhwb_7C7LnZikHvMqyQZZ7XDrcDKx0FdgM7SUdEAqxcCVl97ke3IXslJUMPowtfrpFMFEI-ZW1pax0HFeZppnow/s1600/miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-4-650-430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYHKH0xhAvUDYYhC35MViBWXZw2QxdVkp0gYVNtPs8jL5BueszRKIkhwb_7C7LnZikHvMqyQZZ7XDrcDKx0FdgM7SUdEAqxcCVl97ke3IXslJUMPowtfrpFMFEI-ZW1pax0HFeZppnow/s400/miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-4-650-430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I an quite sure that the discussion that lead to this youtube record-breaking event went something like this:<br />
<i>Manager</i>: Miley, kids don't give too many f#$ks about you any more ... you're basically finished ...<br />
<i>Hannah Cyrus</i>: But my singing ....<br />
Manager: Miley ... you have your father's voice ... it's over ...<br />
<i>Hannah Cyrus: </i>What if I got naked?<br />
Manager: OK, let's go with that...<br />
<br />
Same as before, the actual problem is not that there's a pathetic human being that does it ... the problem is that there are sooo many other people that support this type of idiotic behavior ... Yea, you're stupid and naked ... Shut up and take my money !!!!<br />
<br />
... another sad day for human kind everywhere ...<br />
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<b>1 step forward ... </b>to outer space?</div>
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But wait !! Humanity is still doing some intelligent things ... Take this, for example. In a couple of years you might just be able to fly into outer space (kinda) on a commercial flight ... Here's a very recent video of Virgin Galactic firing up their rocket plane to supersonic speeds for the first time. In the final version planned for 2014 (yes, next year!!), the plane-ship will go 3 times higher than in this video ... looks very promising ....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-khULLjtgU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Only problem ... passengers will be taking photos with their golden iPhones ... while listening to Hanna F-ing Montana ...<br />
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It seems like all hope is lost ... here's a cat video to raise your morale ...<br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/wf_IIbT8HGk/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/wf_IIbT8HGk&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/wf_IIbT8HGk&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<br />Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088711156692633059.post-80913084663503946472013-08-13T12:05:00.001+03:002013-08-13T12:05:34.469+03:00iPhone XBefore we begin, full disclaimer, I own and love an HTC One, but I like to believe that I have a non-biased approach as we have an iPhone as well in the family.<br />
<br />
The next iPhone seems to be incoming on the 10th of September, but why wait until then when you can know right now what is going to happen? Yes, it is the future, right here ... I know, right??<br />
<br />
It looks like Apple will take the same approach as the Moto X from Google for their new iPhone 5C (as in <b>C</b>olor most probably) with a highly customizable color scheme that allows you to make your own phone with a pink case and green buttons on it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT41ue55XJ4BuM05qmjjZ6Vz8bywXgvq-ZJC4jWq0CCMuvEZxIs0cszz9vGpK5CnSgQGIYO1XJGzjppdmrzT_FDkzlnAsyrORizHQxefTIfujAt0fIhN1Gf1pqMTAcX89ylaK-MsOIDw/s1600/pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT41ue55XJ4BuM05qmjjZ6Vz8bywXgvq-ZJC4jWq0CCMuvEZxIs0cszz9vGpK5CnSgQGIYO1XJGzjppdmrzT_FDkzlnAsyrORizHQxefTIfujAt0fIhN1Gf1pqMTAcX89ylaK-MsOIDw/s320/pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkC_Sdms2YRp5MiokqQcmu61KfpnjKgywckfuCQutp1VH7ozoQDItkrm-JP1fVgLWo1PbTR0itdRIoa15h2Mo0hXLisQ8HiHuL9biD7RKIqPB6vf0wCwq_Cg6BmFfOfC26GO99AZt-oM/s1600/green_buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkC_Sdms2YRp5MiokqQcmu61KfpnjKgywckfuCQutp1VH7ozoQDItkrm-JP1fVgLWo1PbTR0itdRIoa15h2Mo0hXLisQ8HiHuL9biD7RKIqPB6vf0wCwq_Cg6BmFfOfC26GO99AZt-oM/s320/green_buttons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Together with the new iOS7 flat and colorful design, I think they might be onto something here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz0TUFpEigvhc558HI3z89jP18yGfOUnUaoDo3UXACvNLhT6q7ynAohoedNlEHu-O_Ybub3mFumXyR4cG9X-4q5IlQxl56n53Va1aZFboE1ooRKPfUf0QiSsLg6eO9kYNzbTVVflvaZY/s1600/iOS7_home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz0TUFpEigvhc558HI3z89jP18yGfOUnUaoDo3UXACvNLhT6q7ynAohoedNlEHu-O_Ybub3mFumXyR4cG9X-4q5IlQxl56n53Va1aZFboE1ooRKPfUf0QiSsLg6eO9kYNzbTVVflvaZY/s320/iOS7_home.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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<br />
I always thought the iPhone was a bit too posh for its own good, but then again people that usually buy an iPhone put an apple sticker on their freaking car, which is something I never ever understood. So, this is precisely why Apple will also carry on their current non-plastic aluminium gorilla materials torch with the iPhone 5S. They just may end up selling more 5Cs ...<br />
<br />
See for yourself more color combinations at: <a href="http://sonnydickson.com/">http://sonnydickson.com/</a>Scullderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14001426200587172133noreply@blogger.com0