Merry Christmas!

Hey, it’s another Christmas! It’s funny how when you get older it still means something–just not like it did when you were a kid. The excitement seems to have been sapped from it or something. There’s no build-up toward it. It’s more like go, go, go. You don’t get a chance, it seems, to just enjoy it. By this, I mean you’re trying to get everything prepared for it–buying others gifts, and, of course, you almost feel like it’s more of a hassle than it’s worth–at least, the commercialized part of it. Anyway.

I just wanted to wish everyone who reads this blog–the few that you are–the best of luck with things, and merry Christmas! Or, should that be Happy Holidays? Ogre’s trying to be politically correct

WordPress 2.7, Definitely a Change?

Wow! It’s amazingly cold outside at the moment with the wind…I’d say almost forty-something degrees. Not exactly sure, though, as I never usually investigate the weather Anyway. To the point of this post. I actually spent the time today to upgrade the Lair to version 2.7 (which, I assume, will be closely followed up by 2.8 as things seem to go with WP), and I’ve got to say it’s completely different in some ways–mainly that being in the Dashboard area. Now, having been in the new 2.7 Dashboard on TV-Reviewed.com, I can say I’m a little familiar with it, but accessing some of the higher level fuctions is the new part for me.

The new Dashboard looks nice–nice and grey that is; everything is some shade or another of grey, with blue mixed in here and there–and clean. The menus are now completely on the sides, with the main one being on the left, and the submenus being on the right. And the user bar is at the top, right-hand side of the screen. All of that works for me just fine. I think it makes things a little bit easier–once you get used to it, that is. Because, like I said, the new layout IS something you have to get used to. It’s not an instant “Oh, I like that.” In fact, I felt more indifferent about it all when I first saw it.

Anyhow. It’s grown on me since then. Oh and, while on the subject of Lair improvements, I’m still a-working on the new look for the site. Not sure when, or if ever, I’ll finish it. I’m still debating on exactly what I want. Decisions. Decisions. What is an ogre going to do?

The Mummy Returns, Again

I just watched the newest Mummy movie tonight (Tomb of the Dragon Emperor). I’ve got to say I was actually surprised by how cool it looked. The CGI was beautiful, seamless for the most part, and quite believable. Now, with that said, there are a few things I was very much disappointed with.

First off, gone is Rachel Weisz from the first two movies. She’s been supplanted by a different actress, who, in my opinion, does not work all that well for the part. I’m not saying her acting abilities are terrible–I’m just saying she’s not the same. I can understand Weisz’s reasoning, though, for not wanting to be in this movie–sure is a long from ancient Egypt to ancient China, isn’t it?

Of course, mummies did exist, and were purposely created, in ancient China. So, that part’s not up for debate. But, what is, is the fact that Evelyn’s character has really nothing to do with anything but Egypt, which means it makes it very unbeliveable she’d know anything about ancient Chinese texts, for example. Oops. But, she does in Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Hmm…How’d that happen? Who knows. It was never explained.

As for the O’Connells’ son, Alex, he’s lost his English accent entirely. What? Yeah. Now he sounds just like his daddy–American. That was something that totally messed up his character, in my opinion. Ugh! Also, he’s heavily entrenched in China, which is an odd place for him to be, considering his upbringing.

Then, there’s the mummy. Yes, it’s true that the 1st emperor of China was preserved (as history tells us) and that he has his very own pyramid. And, of course, there’s the matter of his terra cotta army, which truly does exist. I think the writers of this Mummy film, though, were just a tad late in adapting this particular bit of Chinese mythology to their story. Many other films and books (and even video games) have beaten them to the punch. Sort of reminds me of the latest Indiana Jones flim in that regard.

I’m not saying Tomb of the Dragon Emperor doesn’t deserve any praise. I think the action is intense and the story moves quickly with forward direction. There’s hardly ever a lull. But, honestly, there’s nothing truly new here. I’ve got to say I could take or leave this movie, as there’s nothing really memorable, nothing that stands out. But, I’ll let you be the judge of that.