Orcas

Today on a roadtrip in my new Yaris, just north of Malibu I saw a pod of Orca whales about 15 feet offshore. I was just saying last week I have never seen a whale since I've lived in California -- well now I have. The biggest difference from these whales in comparison to the ones at SeaWorld is that their fins are straight up, not bent over like the ones in captivity. I love California.

Zaxxon

Strap yourself in to a space-age jetfighter and get ready for a tough flight. Praised for its innovative 3D presentation when it was released in arcades in 1982, Zaxxon requires players to fly across an enemy base, blowing up gun turrets, fuel depots, and enemy fighters...all while dodging guided missiles and other hazards. Make it to the end and you'll meet the evil robot Zaxxon himself. Here is what I'm playing these days --Retro Arcade game on this website called Gametap. Very Cool. I first played this when I was at the U-Dub back from 1980-1984. Zaxxon was the king of the arcade games at that time and it is still pretty challenging. Save up your quarters and play.

Hitchcock

I'm watching the Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection. It includes his very best films: Rope, Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, and Family Plot (his last film). This collection is available online from Universal for about $95. If you don't have these movies in your collection, you're really missing out. If you only watch one Alfred Hitchcock film, watch Vertigo. It's truly a masterpiece.

Viva Liberace

Went to Las Vegas over Christmas break. Barry Manilow is the new Liberace of Las Vegas. Just bought his DVD and got to see his show next time I go. His performance is really awesome and he is a great Vegas Entertainer. VIVA LIBERACE.

Inside Man

Just saw Jodie Foster in Inside Man. Excellent film that I would highly recommend. Lots of good twists and turns. Denzel Washington plays a hostage negotiator, a role he is kind of typecast in but he has it down to a science. Willem Defoe does an awesome job as the police captain in charge of the bank hostage situation. Again, we've seen this before from Willem but nobody does it better. An intelligent film. Go see it.