Movie Review: Night Watch

Night Watch / Nochnoy Dozor
If you enjoy fantasy, Sci-Fi or monster movies, you should enjoy Night Watch. This Russian import really is the Russian "Matrix" that early movie reviewers heralded a few years ago when it hit the international cinema scene. The movie is essentially the latest chapter in the eternal struggle between the armies of Good and Evil or Light and Darkness. Set in modern Moscow there is a realistic sensibility about the movie that puts it one step firmly in "reality" which allows the supernatural aspects really shine. The effects are as good, if not better as ANY in recent films. There are some really unique plot twists that really make this movie stand out against say, an UNDERWORLD or Van Helsing. In fact, this movie does MORE to go beyond the traditional interpritations of the Vampire than either of these movies. There is also a gritty and realistic (as real as I can imagine) fight... meaning no wires, and very deliberate and effective special effects that build the tension without just cranking up the volume on the action. This movie is part of a trilogy so expect and ending that leaves you wanting to watch the NEXT film. HIGHLY recommended! Go watch already!

Hackable Squishy Goodness

This doesn't happen every day... I find two cool products that are both hackable and or programable!! One of the is even from the fine folks at LEGO!

First there's the Chumby! It's a completely programmable wifi enable touchscreen. Oh, the possibilties!
http://www.chumby.com


Lego, in partnership with MIT has created a new product that is part robot and part art project. It's the PicoCricket, which is essentially a collection of sensor parts, motors and a smart brick similar the other great Lego product, Mindstorms! This product really looks like a great way to get people into programming/robotics without the need to love something that looks like a Mech or R2D2. The fact that this is compatible WITH the rest of the Lego system.. well... he he what could be better. I just hope my son doesn't notice one of his stuffed animals is missing for a few days....

ChiTown Redux

Thomas and I made the trek to Chicago to see the Museum of Science and Industry. Security reminded me of their no tripod policy 5 times. I get it now guys. Really. Go here to see the photos that caused the ruckus... In addition to the MSI, we also went to Rick Bayless' Fronterra Grill for dinner. Thomas enjoyed his meal and the entertainment of sitting right next to the kitchen was awesome. Thomas got an hour long introduction to the innter workings of a big city restaraunt. I was able to work behind the scense with Chef Bayless in St Joe last week during a charity cooking demonstration. It was a blast and while I've been a fan of Chef Bayless for years, after meeting him and watching him work.. well I only respect and admire him more. A great Chef, great person and as he would like it to be note, a good father as well!
Chalk the Block once again came to St Joe and Thomas and I put in an appearence and got some ice cream and took some photos. Follow the link above to see them as well.
I'm working on the next episode of Fort-Knight tonight so say tuned.