Amazon, You Got To Be Kidding!

I was intending to buy a copy of Tron (1982 version) either on DVD or VHS format. Yes, I do have a highly used videocassette recorder/player! Yipes! Amazon.com is selling remaining fresh sets from US$125-$200. Too rich for my taste, and twice as ridiculous! I will attribute it to the sequel Tron Legacy that strongly sustains the cult status of the CGI-deficient prequel made almost 28 years ago. I’ve decided to spend that potential amount on several box set DVD TV series, to be decided shortly, when I click on my shopping cart.

I received an iPad from my dearest, on my birthday. This came as a shock as I was still lightly deliberating it with a Macbook. So far so good as I have downloaded some of my preferred songs and TED presentations, and enjoying them! Still haven’t got to activate my Internet connection though, as I am still figuring out the settings. I am tempted to pretend it is a mobile phone by talking into it in public, although she has forbade me to play the fool. Who knows? For a dare, I just might (not on my to-do list, yet).

I was pleasantly surprised that fellow bloggers, Matt Wong and John Cooke wrote their Bucket List. I was reminded of this infrequent practice from Phil Khoegan – host of The Amazing Race from his book, NOW – No Opportunity Wasted. My last list was about two years ago; my first was in 1995. Much has been fulfilled and accomplished since then. It is rewarding to review and renew the list. Like John wrote, it is a map and a plan for action. Decide on an Ironman race, sign up, make race preparations, train, race, and celebrate – a standard process for accomplishing the 226-kilometre triathlon. John, who earned a PB (11:37, and PBs in all three disciplines) at IMWA 2010, earned a slot for IMWA 2011 during the four-hour online registration. We will race together in Ironman Lanzarote in May.

What were the worst fitness trends of 2010? Believe it or not, some are trends that may not survive the next 365 days of 2011.

Are you thinking of recycling your old shoes? Here are some useful ideas.

Tron: Another 28 Years Later

I recalled watching Tron when I was in junior college. Just this afternoon, I watched Tron Legacy 3D – sequel to the 1982 cult film starring Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner. Both actors reprise their roles, with the son of the founder of computer-software conglomerate, ENCOM as the key protagonist in this Disney film. Yes, both films were made under the Disney brand.

The 1982 film reflected the technology of that time, and the aged Kevin Flynn (Bridges) speaks in the same lingo when he finally meets his son, Sam 28 years later in the Grid in the new film. A computer-generated, 1982 version of Flynn, was designed to be a mirror role of his program gone rogue – and it looks pretty handsome. The suits have been redesigned, still with trademarked glow patches, and more contemporary helmets. The fight scenes on the light-cycles are spectacular, as are the identity-disc throwing combat ones. There are nice distractions by the clinical-white, female dressers for the younger Flynn (perhaps, in the virtual world they do have sensual desires?). We can allude that The Matrix Trilogy was inspired by this film’s concept of the Grid, where characters are programs (made up of routines and sub-routines) and are disabled in the arena. The flamboyant bartender-cum-club owner, Zeus steals a major scene with his David Bowie antics, reminiscent of Ziggy Stardust.

Overall, the characters have more flesh; Boxleitner’s role is, sadly, minor as focus is placed mostly on father-and-son (which they director has done successfully). The love interest between son, and the athletic and attractive female apprentice (Olivia Wilde) leaves room for interpretation and does not rob us of unnecessary screen-time. The music (by Daft Punk) and sound is very good; it should be considered for an Academy Award nomination. Overall, it is worth a watch for diehard fans and new generation of CGI fans who enjoy nostalgia of a phosphor-green screen, pre-notebook era. Watch the 3D version as it was designed to be an experience unto itself. I look forward to the DVD release with special features.