The browser of the week is Firefox (abbreviated Fx). With customization and fast loads, there is no comparison to IE. I will never go back.
On another note, I have been watching Neon Genesis: Evangelion with eyes of wonder and excitement. I know the series has an incomplete ending but still, this is anime to be reckoned with.
Don't forget to get your copies of these spectacular movies. Buena Vista has a deal where if you buy all three, you get one copy of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke or Laputa: Castle in the Sky free.
Its been six long years but I have passed my final oral examination in my Ph.D. program. A big thanks to all my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me throughout the years. I am glad it is over but I long for a time when things will not be so complicated. Anyways, a big woohoo!
I can say with absolute certainty that the role of science fiction in my life just jumped about 10 notches. The Friday night lineup on the SciFi channel is some of the best television out there with production values through the roof and pretty actors galore. While I admit that Stargate: SG-1 has let me down with their stay-at-home storylines, the witty writing still keeps me involved. Stargate: Atlantis has greeeat potential (said with the voice of Thor) and Battlestar Galactica rivets my attention for every second. Too bad they ripped off Firefly's camera zooms in space but didn't keep the silence in space aspect which would have put it over the top. Thank God we scifi fans have something to scream about because it was getting bone dry.
On a related note, the Wednesday night lineup on ABC with J.J. Abrams' Lost followed by Alias is also ranked up there as top television. This night is my weekly fix for impressive action and intriguing drama. Nothing but 24 could push these two well suited shows off the top of my list.
Mozilla Firefox - Smart Keywords
So I use the keyboard more than the mouse and switching to Firefox has really made information more accessible to these overworked digits. Just right clicking in any search box can add a keyword search so that moving to the url box and typing a simple keyword followed by my inquiry brings the page right up. No clicking, just typing. All's good in Firefox these days.
UltimateDisney Forum
Two excellent releases of Hayao Miyazaki films are being released February 22, 2005. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Porco Rosso, and a bonus is Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns. Their menus are shown at the UltimateDisney.com forums. There is no end to this excitement and I eagerly away My Neighbor Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle.
In the words of Marshall, "We're back!" It was a perfect opener, a perfect setup for a great new season when finally the bru ha ha's of red tape don't weigh them down. I hope the action and drama continue.
The Google 2005 Anita Borg Scholarships
As a woman in the engineering field, it gladdens me that a large company with much influence in technology advertises something close to my heart. I only hope that more women are encouraged to pursue a vast and challenging career.
Time for some great happenings on TV. Alias and 24 are back and both have the power to overwhelm. I am geared up and ready to go!
Ben Browder joins Stargate SG-1
It couldn't happpen to a better guy. First he makes waves on a living ship called Moya and now he takes another sci-fi leap and joins the cast of SG-1 for their TENTH season. Let's hope he isn't a Daniel clone and tries to mix things up a bit.
I finally finished Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Macguire. While intriguing, the ending left me a bit cold and the characters not as engaging as I previously thought. Still it was an entertaining look at whether one is born into wickedness or how it develops in one's life.
Additions and plugins for Google Deskbar
It seems I thought of something original or at least that someone else hadn't figured out yet. Nice of Chris to ask my permission and use my name when giving the tip for using the amperstand in Google Deskbar.
Howard Shore, the master behind The Lord of the Rings score is featured in Music from the Movies, a monthly magazine released in the UK. Having had one exported here to the US, I finally finished it cover to cover. Reading the interviews, choral translations and photographs few have ever seen, I relish the time when Douglas Adams' book on the music from The Lord of the Rings is released along with the complete score sometime next year.
Return of the King Extended Edition DVD
Lord of the Rings is finally coming to an end when the Extended Edition of Return of the King DVD is released December 17. A six minute preview is available on the main site. It just reeks of excitement. The Saruman and the Palantir, Eowyn and Faramir, The Mouth of Sauron, I could go on. I can not express the gratitude I feel for the team who created this visionary and emotional masterpiece. I only sadden that there will be no other excitement to come next year.
Final Jeopardy loss
Finally, after too many months to count, Ken Jennings is off Jeopardy. Maybe now it will be fun to watch again.
The magic that makes Google tick
Ever wonder how they do it? Google has some impressive numbers and hints about how the number one search engine gives you those results and fast.
BBC: Global release for Japan hit film
Howl's Moving Castle is coming to 50 different countries. Please make it fast to the US.
Amazon Theatre
I have to say I am enjoying Amazon.com's Theatre which has three impressive short films in its repertoire. More for art's sake than big bucks, I have to give the crew credit for good acting, music, and production value.
Twas the Night before Christmas for PhD's
My last week of classes are cancelled and I have never to take one again! Merry Christmas to all!
