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starkiller

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7-Nov-2003
Last activity
7-Mar-2008
Posts
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Post
#213799
Topic
Why I'm not so worried anymore
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/213799/action/topic#213799
Time
On Wednesday, I went out and got myself a new TV. I went from a 4:3 19-inch low-def CRT to a 16:9 32-inch HD-ready LCD. (If anyone is interested, It was from Best Buy, a Westinghouse for $999. You've only got a couple days left.)

After changing around my cable setup (more composite cables), I was finally able to take advantage of progressive scan and anamorphic. First disk I put in to look, was my Fellowship of the Ring. I was confused when I saw that it still had black bars top, bottom, left and right. I then tried my Two Towers. Same thing. (Both are the base two-disk set.)

I then checked the back of the case.
Widescreen version. Presented in a "letterboxed" format preserving the 2.35:1 aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition. Enhanced for widescreen TVs.

So, these 2 are not anamorphic??

I went through some of my other disks:

Stargate: Ultimate Edition- nonanamorphic
Terminator 2: Extreme Edition- I'm not sure, doesn't look like it.
Dr. Strangelove: 40th Anniversary- anamorphic
Jaws 25th Anniversary*- anamorphic
Jurassic Park*- anamorphic
The Last Starfighter*- anamorphic
Midway: Collectors Edition*- anamorphic

*- Universal Pictures releases Looks like every Universal pictures disk I have is anamorphic.

Now, in the past, I never even thought about the difference, and never really noticed a difference. In fact, I think that the Lord of the Rings movies looked excellent on both my TVs.

The doom and gloom stuff I've seen all over the place about the OOT not being anamorphic, its not as important to me now.
Post
#212666
Topic
The Non-Biased PS3 Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/212666/action/topic#212666
Time
Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
Originally posted by: starkiller
I remember seeing the SNES Aladdin for $59.99 back when it was first released, but that's why the game industry transitioned away from cartridges.

I remember back in the days of NES, Star Wars was 49.99 GBP (no pound sign on this US keyboard). 49.99 in the late 80s!! I never did get that game because I could never afford it. Hell, I couldn't even afford it today for 49.99. Computer games are a rip off. Best to wait a few months for when they release the titles on their platinum series or whatever it's called.
Very true. The price never sustains that level.
When I got my NES in 1998 (yes, I did say 1998...$5 at a garage sale with 3 controllers, 8 games and 2 light guns), I traded in 2 of the games. I could get 50 cents each, or $1 of in-store trade value.
Post
#212664
Topic
Myspace
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/212664/action/topic#212664
Time
I have, in the past, talked of my distaste for myspace, particularly when it involves the kids at the library. I'd feel so much better if it was disallowed in our library, for the sake of these kids who really don't know who they are talking to.

However, I have a myspace account. I signed up originally with the intent of understanding what kinds were doing. If I saw something they were at, I could recognize it and determine whether it was in some way a threat to them. Since I signed up, though, its given me a chance to run across people from high school and former coworkers.

Myspace is like a car. If used responsibly, it is a wonderful tool. If used badly, chaos will come.
Well, I have my driver's licence, but these kids around me (at this very moment, 7 out of 7 patrons, all high school age or less using it) do not have their licence and its only a matter of time before they run off the road.

I'm not sure if I want to put a link to my profile up...I'll think about it.
Post
#212648
Topic
Modern Myths?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/212648/action/topic#212648
Time
Using the conventional definition of myth (a story used to explain something that was not completely understood), I don't believe there are any of those now.

However, in the broader sense of the word, I have to agree that such figures as Arthur and Robin Hood, perhaps even the Pied Piper of Hamlin would fit.

I don't think you can consider TV or movies to be myth. Will people 500 years from now remember the tales of Jack Bauer?? Doubtful. But a story like Robin Hood has survived for a very long time (according to Wikipedia the first stories were compiled in the 16th and 17th centuries from ballads of earlier times).
Post
#212051
Topic
You know, we kind of asked for this...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/212051/action/topic#212051
Time
We asked for the original, theatrical edition of the movies.
Maybe I've simply forgotten how Jay phrased his petition, but I don't recall anything about cleaning it up, making the sound better, etc.

As for the 3rd-rate monster movies...I've got Planet of the Dinosaurs on DVD...about as 3rd rate as you can get (in fact, I'd say it aspires to be 3rd rate). Its not widescreen, I don't think its anamorphic and it looks like someone made it from an old BETA tape (which is still better than an old VHS tape).

If the quality on that disk is what we get from George, I'll be ticked off enough I may WALK to Skywalker Ranch (from Cleveland), personally hand deliver the disks back to George and add in a slap to his double-chinned face while I'm there.
Post
#212042
Topic
You know, we kind of asked for this...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/212042/action/topic#212042
Time
I was just looking over some of the fan response at tf.n and stopped by here, when I remembered a portion of Bill Cosby: Himself. I do not have a transcript of the routine, but I think I can remember enough for you to get the idea:

Bill: We prayed for a healthy baby and that was it. What we didn't know, is that God has a sense of humor and if you leave that much wiggle room, some great practical jokes are going to happen.

Well, I get the feeling that's what happened. Not saying George is God, but we were not specific enough with him. We left to much to his interpretation.
Post
#211750
Topic
The Non-Biased PS3 Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/211750/action/topic#211750
Time
I remember seeing the SNES Aladdin for $59.99 back when it was first released, but that's why the game industry transitioned away from cartridges.

Once again, the production costs of blu-ray come back to bite Sony. They'll lose money on the system, and the retooling costs for the factories to stamp blu-ray disks are going to hurt game production costs.
Post
#210233
Topic
Bond, James Bond
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/210233/action/topic#210233
Time
I don't recall ever weighing in on this thread...

Connery has to be my favorite Bond. I think Dalton did a good job. Roger Moore was given too many witty comebacks and I honestly haven't seen enough of Brosnan as Bond (but plenty as Remington Steele).

For my favorite Bond film...I probably have to go with From Russia with Love or Goldfinger. Dr. No ranks up there too.

However, if I may add a 'favorite moment', it has to be when Rowan Atkinson is chasing Bond, yelling his name, in Never Say Never Again.
Post
#210229
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/210229/action/topic#210229
Time
In a manner of speaking, he was present at the Gamecube launch, Mario was in Super Smash Brothers Melee, he just wasn't featured with his OWN game.

Did they say SSB Brawl was not a launch game?? I think THAT is going to be a cool game. That super attack Mario launched that consumed the entire map was something I can't wait to try.
Post
#210169
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/210169/action/topic#210169
Time
I would have sworn I saw something saying Mario Galaxy would NOT be a release title.

On the other topic...I am capable of using dual analog controllers like that of the XBox (couple friends enjoy Halo's split-screen Slayer), but I feel much more comfortable using a single analog and action buttons or, even better, keyboard and mouse.
Post
#210009
Topic
What are you going to do with your SE discs?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/210009/action/topic#210009
Time
Part of me says, "Mail them back."
Then the cheapskate in me replies, "How much is that going to cost? Donate them and see if you can get money back as a chartiable donation. The library could be a good place."
Then another voice asks, "Can you get that little amount of money back?"
A 4th voice chimes in, "I don't know, you'll have to ask someone else."
Finally, a last voice adds, "How many of us are there in here?"
Post
#209784
Topic
Congress may clamp down on MySpace
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/209784/action/topic#209784
Time
Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
Your mention of deaf internet users reminded me of something a deaf friend of mine once told me. He said that technology, expecially text messaging and MSN messenger, have changed his life dramatically for the better.

However, I can totally see your point. It's a tough one. But you only talk about the burden on library staff and other library users (reduced bandwith, etc). What are you opinions on the actual reason for the proposed clamp down - danger to children from paedophiles, etc? Will this help? Is there another, less drastic, way to protect them?
I believe it can help, absolutely.

Maybe a 2-3 months ago, I had a group of 3 10-12 year old girls on the computers. They logged into the chatroom of a boy band that I had never heard of (B5, if I remember correctly) and within minutes, one of these girls had singled out (or been singled out) by someone using a name that I have to guess (based on how she reacted) was that of one of the members of the band. (I think she thought it WAS the band member.)
What she wrote progressed, almost verbatim, as follows:
Are you from ~suburb of Cleveland where I live~?
How old are you?
Do you have a girlfriend?
This morified me, I went to get my supervisor and we both tried to explain to this girl the potential trouble with what she was doing. (What made it worse for me was that SHE was asking the questions...could she had opened to door for this person anymore?)

Who knows where things could have gone if I hadn't been diligently watching what they were doing, and who knows what goes on that I don't catch because I haven't got 8 sets of eyes.

If a law like this had been in place, or if my libraries rules regarding chatting had not been changed, this would not have been an issue.

Is there a less drastic way? If there is, its not coming to me. If you leave it to individual libraries, there will invariably be some that choose to allow this kind of stuff and someone will eventually get hurt. Then the parents will complain that there needs to be something to protect their kids (DUH!? THEY could try). After that, maybe we get legislation and we are in the same place as we are now, except that someone has been hurt by the inaction.
Post
#209759
Topic
Congress may clamp down on MySpace
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/209759/action/topic#209759
Time
Normally I would agree with you, Gaffer, but a few months ago, my library LIFTED a ban on chatting.

A little background:
The library where I work has 2 branches, one very large and one small. I work at the small. The large branch has roughly 40 computers that it watches over. Some are strictly word processors, some are quick internet (15 minutes or less) but the majority are internet and word processing. They probably have 3-4 staff present at any given time.
My branch has 9 public computers. 1 is a 15 minute PC (in another room) while the other 8 are Word Processing/Internet. At any given time, there is 1 or less people monitoring the computers. The decision-makers...all at the main branch. I don't think they can truely understand what things are like at my branch. A little inside joke we use at the branch is that they are 'Mother Russia' and we are the 'Siberian Goulages'.

The explanation given to me for lifting it was "businessmen/women needing to chat for their work." In the 7 years and 10 months I've worked here, I've NEVER seen a person come in and chat for business. 1 deaf person that chats for tech support, but for that kind of thing I make an exception to the rule. Haven't seen her for quite a while...

Some day, I know it, a kid is going to get into some kind of trouble in a chat room and a hysterical parent is going to blame the library for it. I just hope its not my job on the line when it happens.
Post
#209744
Topic
Congress may clamp down on MySpace
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/209744/action/topic#209744
Time
Well, it appears I get to be the decenting voice...

In terms of the bill as it stands now, I am against it. It does far too much (technically, it blocks forums like this one and I'm all against that).
However, as a person working in a library, I watch kids on Myspace and in chat rooms or IM windows about 90% of the time I'm there.

Here's why I am in favor of the general idea:

1. It would make my job easier. I cannot watch every kid when 6 of 7 computers I monitor have myspace being accessed on them. I have work of my own, besides play babysitter, to do.
If I had wanted to BE a babysitter, I would have taken a job doing it...and I might be getting better pay doing it too.

2. Its not censorship as far as I am concerned (not that anyone here has brought that up yet). If it was disallowed regardless of where you were (home, work, school, library), that would be censorship and I would be opposed to that.

3. Its not a good use of bandwidth. A college in Texas recently blocked myspace usage because 60% of its outgoing traffic was people using the site. It was slowing their system down for the students trying to do legitimate school work. I feel as though I've seen this myself at the library just this past weekend.

4. You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. You can educate the parents all you want, but it is never enough, not until they're kid becomes the victim. If I were to tell the parents of these kids what they do on the computers, they would probably not allow them at the library anymore, but that wouldn't stop the kids from lying about where they are going or sneaking in here.

5. This is my BIG reason:
Main Entry: li·brary
Pronunciation: 'lI-"brer-E; British usually and US sometimes -br&r-E; US sometimes -brE, ÷-"ber-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -brar·ies
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin librarium, from Latin, neuter of librarius of books, from libr-, liber inner bark, rind, book
1 a : a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale b : a collection of such materials
2 a : a collection resembling or suggesting a library <a library of computer programs> <wine library> b : MORGUE 2
3 a : a series of related books issued by a publisher b : a collection of publications on the same subject
4 : a collection of sequences of DNA and especially recombinant DNA that are maintained in a suitable cellular environment and that represent the genetic material of a particular organism or tissue

I was kind of hoping it would include the word "education", but I digress. A library is a place for learning, not a hotspot for you to socialize with friends, whether they are with you, on the phone or on a computer.

Myspace is not learning, unless you consider learning who dumped who, or who is dating who, learning.
Post
#209472
Topic
Congress may clamp down on MySpace
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/209472/action/topic#209472
Time
By Stokely Baksh
UPI Technology Correspondent
May. 11, 2006 at 1:39PM

New legislation from Congress would block access to social-networking sites like MySpace and Facebook in schools and libraries, including instant-messaging services.
The bill known as the "The Deleting Online Predators Act" introduced by Rep. Michael G. Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., aims at protecting minors from online child predators.
According to the bill, it "prohibits access to commercial social networking Web sites or chat rooms through which minors" can access obscene or indecent material, be subject to unlawful sexual advances or repeated offensive comments of a sexual nature from adults, or access harmful information.
The bill terms a social-network Web site as one that allows users to create Web pages or profiles about themselves as well as offers communications including a forum, chat room, e-mail or instant messenger, while a chat room is termed a site that allows multiple users to communicate in real time via text.
"Sites like MySpace and Facebook have opened the door to a new online community of social networks between friends, students and colleagues," Fitzpatrick said. "However, this new technology has become a feeding ground for child predators that use these sites as just another way to do our children harm."
Specifically, it would require schools and libraries to implement security systems to prevent students from being exposed to obscene and objectionable material, according to Fitzpatrick.
It would strengthen existing Web-surfing filters for indecency or obscenity.
Moreover, it also mandates that a Web site be created by the Federal Trade Commission to educate adults about the dangers of such online child predators and at the same time provide information on how social-networking sites are used and what should not be included in a user's profile.
"As the father of six children, I hear about these Web sites on a daily basis," Fitzpatrick said. "However, the majority of these networking sites lack proper controls to protect their younger users. Also, many parents lack the resources to protect their children from online predators. My legislation seeks to change that."
While some schools have already banned access to MySpace, which has some 72 million users, a raging Internet battle has been brewing between children, parents, law enforcement, Internet-freedom proponents and Congress over different issues in the debate, such as the legality of a ban vs. educating youths vs. stricter protections against online child predators.
Still, social-networking sites are cleaning up.
In March MySpace announced it had removed some 200,000 "objectionable" profiles from its network to address fears of Internet security.
The site removed profiles contained either hate speech or risque content as one way to deal with the problem.
Maintaining a reputation for appropriate content isn't a bad thing either, making sites more attractive to advertisers who are already flocking to sites like MySpace because of their growing user base.

Thoughts?? I'll wait to post my own.
Post
#209182
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/209182/action/topic#209182
Time
Agreed Sean.

Its almost the same as the IGN mockup from a year or so ago, the only difference is the IGN mockup also had a pump-action for reloading.

I'm not sure if I'll get one right away or wait, but I will definitely be getting one. This is the first non-portable Nintendo to be backwards compatible, so I will still have my Gamecube games.
Post
#208721
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208721/action/topic#208721
Time
Originally posted by: Darth Chaltab
The Gamecube is unique in that it is the only stystem capable of playing ever Zelda game in the series with the exception of the horrible CD-I games.

The Gameboy Player attatment makes it capable of playing the GBA games and the GBA version of ALink to the Past, and the Collectors Edition Disk has everything else not developed for the GC. Of course it also costs quite a bit extra. If you're just getting the Wii, obvioulsy you can't use that perriphrial

As for Gamecube Zeldas...

The Wind Waker is an excellent game. There are some segnemts when you're sailing where you can run off and grab a drink while waiting to get from one island to another, but otherwise it is very involved all the way through, and has some great dungeon design. It also has what I consdier the BEST ending of any of the games, and looks gorgeous. It has dropped to $20 now and is a must-buy.

Four Sword Adventures may be harder to find. It isn't near as good, but it is still fun. The game is best when played with two to four players, but to do this you have to use a GBA (A DS won't work) and Nintendo's ill-fated GBA-GC connetion perriphreal. You have kids, right Sage? If so, it would probably be worth the effort to track it down, because the game was designed and really shines as a multiplayer game. I don't know what this game's current retail price is.

Collectors Edition is a compilation of Zelda's 1 and 2, and Majora's Mask and Ocarina of Time. Zelda one and two are way retro old school, and are worth playing despite their age. Ocarina and Majora's mask on the other hand are absoute masterpieces both. The Collectors Edition might be a bit hard to find since it was a promotional disc instead of meant for retail, and it could cost you upwards of $30 even though it was free with a Gamceube.

Ocarina of Time Master Quest Another promotional disk, this one designed to be given out if you pre-ordered Wind Waker. It includes the original version of Ocarina of Time and a remastered edition similar to the second quest in the first Legend of Zelda, with different dungeons and such. It could also cost you upwards of $30 and may be even harder to find than the Collector's Edition since it only came with TWW preorders. Both it and the Collectors Edition can only be found used.
I don't think SNES' Link to the Past would be playable...or was it on one of the GBA releases??