Welcome to the Idiocracy - Movie Review

One of my favorite movies of all time is Office Space from Mike Judge. I've never worked in an office myself, but the quotidian farce is perfect for any work place, especially any that is as hated as the office. The man behind such genius comedy was in my mind a God for having crafted it. Overlooking King of the Hill, which I never fully supported, or his first work in Beavis and Butthead, something that I watched but was hard pressed to find the same level of comedy in, I always thought Judge should make a new film, something as scathing and witty as Office Space was and still is. It's been 7 years, but he finally did and I was incredibly excited by the prospect. The concept is simple and if it wasn't his work, I would have written it off as childish slush from the start. But in his hands I thought that Idiocracy stood a chance of being something damn funny.

The premise is simple, very simple in fact. Fittingly simple. An average Joe (quite literally in fact) played by Luke Wilson working as an Army Librarian is tapped for an experiment in human hibernation along with a prostitute played indelibly by Maya Rudolph, whose work on SNL has yet to vindicate her appearance in actual film. Because of the predictable incompetence of the Army, our hibernatees are left in their pods for 500 years, to wake up and find that the world has changed into a haven for stupidity, where natural selection has reversed and stupidity is rewarded evolutionarily due to mass breeding by the uneducated.

The film was released in September but somehow found its way to the blacklist and received a very limited release with no advertising. Now, with the DVD release the studio has finally decided to put some money into the advertising , which you may have noticed in a recent onslaught of commercials advertising its release.

The film itself, while probably not deserving of such a substantial snub, also isn't anything special. As much as I wanted to fall in love with it, I could not simply because it was not as great as it could have been. The beginning of the film is probably its strongest part, careening through a terse, hilarious overview of what destroyed the human race. The introduction to the future America is equally as funny, showing how dumb our world can get when things like proper speech and sexual control are forgotten. It's a biting satire that rips into the culture of laziness and stupidity that America has created and is in the process of slow and steady decline into.

However, after a while the film finds itself miring into that territory itself, pandering to its own childish jokes and poorly constructed plot. The film is quick and the exposition lengthy, leaving a relatively short time for the actual plot to unfold and while it does, Judge jumps too quickly between what in his head were surely great sketches. Some of them are, but some equally overreach. The transformation of Joe into a world power is done with almost no preposition, though his interaction with the Idiocracy itself is at times quite funny. The frustration the viewer feels at their stupidity is decently moderated with the pace of the film, but at the same time that pace forces a weak plot to its endpoint all the quicker.

The concept of Idiocracy is incredibly simple and because of this Judge is left with as much space as he wants to work. Luke Wilson is great for the role, deadpanning his way through the idiocy that surrounds him. Maya Rudolph however is a drag on the entire plot, an unnecessary cliché detracting from every scene she's in, while Dax Shepard manages the role of bumbling idiot as well as only he can. When Judge's ideas are at the reins the film moves along smoothly, inducing laughs and even making the viewer think a little bit. Unfortunately, when he passes those reins over to the characters and their ridiculous story, the sludge comes up around the rudders and you begin to wonder how much the film is satirizing this nation's stupidity when it begins to pander to it on the same level.

Best Gift Ideas For Corporate Retirements

Everyone knows the most meaningful gifts come from the heart, and when you've worked with someone for 20 or 30 years, it should be easy to find a retirement gift for them. However, gifts can get expensive and it can be hard to combine all your memories (and the rest of the office's) into one meaningful surprise.

Having owned a design firm for many years, I've seen multiple confused co-workers stop by my office asking what they can do with the photos they've collected or another visual, non-fleeting way they can celebrate a retiree's career. I have dreamt up many suggestions to give my clients and I hope to ease someone else's stress by sharing them with you.

My first piece of advice is to make sure the gift will last forever and will constantly remind the retiree how much they were really appreciated. Let them know their good work and good company was noticed. My second piece of advice is to ensure the gift won't be stuffed away in a box to gather dust for the next 20 years. Make the gift something that the retiree is proud to display in their home.

With that said, here are some of the suggestions I often give my clients:

1) Photo collage

For a memorable gift that will provide years of beauty and memories for the retiree, gather together photos of the times the co-workers have spent together. From the holiday party to the last volunteer event everyone participated in, each and every photo contains a memory that the retiree will never want to forget. Make sure every co-worker has provided photos as the retiree will want to remember every person they have spent their time with. Then, create a collage of these collected pictures. For an extra special touch, add a meaningful quote that captures the experiences, the ups and downs that everyone at your company has experienced together. When the collage is all finished, don't forget to frame it for an irreplaceable, long-lasting retirement gift.

2) Scrapbook/Memory book

Provide each person in the office with a large piece of scrapbooking paper and instructions to reminisce for a moment and then write a few memories they have had with the retiree. If no memories are readily available in their heads, co-workers could simply write a heartfelt note to the retiree. Photos should also be included to spruce up the page. Then, the pages could be decorated by someone in the office, sent out to scrapper for hire, or a digital scrapbooking website can also be used. Having written stories or notes will give the retiree something to look at and constantly know that the work they have dedicated their lives to was truly appreciated.

3) Shadowbox

Having worked in the same place with the same people for so many years must produce some memorable items. Perhaps a chewed-up pen or a nameplate has been the butt of all office jokes for a few years or there are some office supplies that the retiree has always used. In every person, there are a few noticeable quirks and objects that they gravitate to. See if there is anyway you can capture a little piece of these items, and thus their memories, to put into a shadowbox. You can always include a few pictures as well or a quote or two.

4) Personalized poems or quote

If there is a poet in your office, or even if there is not, writing a heartfelt or funny poem about the retiree's career can provide years of humor and memories. No one even resembling a poet in your office? That's ok - you can also use a collection of applicable quotes. The poem or quotes should be written on nice stationery and then framed so the retiree will be able to easily hang it up. This way, they will be reminded every single day when they read or even glance at the poem as it hangs in their kitchen or living room.

5) A gift card for something you know they enjoy

If you go more for the useable, tangibly enjoyable gift, go for the gift card. They just retired and now they finally have time to themselves. Rather than spending all day working, they'll need something else to do, and every gift card can be personalized to fit the retiree's interests perfectly. Do they like spas? Give a gift card to the local spa. Golfing? Maybe a gift card to a golf store or golf course. Gift cards may not physically last forever, but the memories that they provide will be filed together with the reminiscences of the people they once worked with.

Top Las Vegas Shows - Hypnosis Unleashed at The Tropicana

People go to Las Vegas to see a show for a host of different reasons. Maybe they enjoy the nude reviews and various dancers. Perhaps they like to have a few drinks and a few laughs at a good comedy show.

Or, as evidenced by the plethora of hypnosis shows available, they like being amazed by the power of suggestion. If hypnosis is your thing, and you like to wash it down with a splash of uninhibited behavior, then Hypnosis Unleashed will definitely be right up your alley.

Currently, Hypnosis Unleashed is playing at The Cellar at the Tropicana on Las Vegas Boulevard. Ticket prices are around 50 to 70 dollars, and the show starts at 9pm sharp.

Hypnosis Unleashed isn't your garden variety hypnosis show by any stretch of the imagination. With most shows, you're urged to conduct yourself as you would on a golf course. You're supposed to be quiet, pay attention and let the hypnotist work his or her craft. With this show, however, rowdy behavior is actually encouraged.

The show is hosted by one of two of the "bad boys" of hypnosis, Terry Stokes and Michael Johns. The team takes turns hosting on any given night, with each having his particular style and special flair to add to the world of hypnosis.

Both men are able to inject a lot of humor into the show. Johns, particularly, is a gifted comedian, whereas Stokes is the quintessential nut, always acting wild and crazy. Both tend to follow a set routine before recruiting volunteers, however, so the show does have a "staged" feel to it at first. This quickly goes away, though.

Like most hypnotists, Johns and Stokes alert the audience to what's going on. They tell the truth, which is to be respected, reminding folks that the show is only going to be as good as they audience wants it to be. This simply means that, with willing participation and no hecklers to disrupt, the crowd should be in for a good time.

Although the "bad boys" really do encourage heavy drinking and rude behavior at their shows, they still won't get overtly risqué with the volunteers. They might make a joke about a volunteer being naked and never really knowing about it, but everyone succumbing to hypnotic suggestion is treated with respect - to a limit.

The only time the crowd is instructed to be silent is when the hypnotists attempt to put the volunteers to sleep with suggestive skills. After asking the volunteers to walk up on stage and keeping the ones they like, the host will then attempt to hypnotize them and the real show immediately begins.

Volunteers are instructed to act out various scenarios, such as being in an adult sex toy store and other wild situations. What really makes the show worthwhile is the improv ability of either host, as he is able to compliment the volunteers' reaction with some well-timed and witty humor.

As far as hypnosis shows go, Hypnosis Unleashed is a good one to attend if you're seeking a good time in a fun and uninhibited atmosphere.

Some of the benefits of golf

If you are competitive person then the game of golf could be for you. Golf is about winning and trying to improve your game. The competitive person will always want to add some distance to their tee shots, try to have fewer strokes during a round and always chasing a hole in one. The game of golf definitely fulfills the needs of a competitive person.There are more benefits than just those listed above. These benefits include playing and interacting with other people, exercise for golf and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Exercise for golf

One of the best things and a great beneficial by-product of playing the game of golf is the exercise that you will receive. Walking a golf course from hole to hole, and tee to green is approximately 4 to 6 miles. Not only are you walking but you are also swinging the golf club and carrying the golf bag.There are basically two types of overall exercise categories. Those categories are moderate and vigorous. Golf can be considered as a moderate type of workout activity.

It is estimated that for every one hour spent playing golf an individual can burn 370 calories. This estimate is based on that individual being a male, weighing 154 pounds and standing at 5'10" tall.

Interaction With Others

Another benefit of playing golf is the friendships and interactions that are developed on the golf course. Generally, golfers team up in pairs or play their golf game with three other individuals. This foursome provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to interact with each. This interaction is usually highlighted through the telling of jokes, the sharing of stories, conducting business, getting to know each other in an informal setting, etc. All of this is conducted in a non-threatening, but competitive environment. This type of interaction will prove to be therapeutic as well as the ability to connect to others.

Enjoy the natural beauty of golf

One of the best things about golf is you have the opportunity to open a walk in some golf and take in all the natural environment. On a golf course you can start to breathe and really take in the beautiful landscape that surrounds you, the more the air. Another very coolbenefit of playing the game of golf is that you can find plenty of time to think. Walking the golf course can give you a chance to start to focus on some of the simple things in life. Golf also provides an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. It gives you time to reflect on what is really important. It allows you to shed all of the stress that you may get in your workplace or in other stressful environments. Some of the stress could be from work or can even be some problems that you're facing that home.Being outside and enjoying the game of golf is an ideal way to relax.

Even though the game can provide its own stress you can really reflect on what is important to you. Walking the beautiful green grass, enjoying the surrounding environment, breathing in the fresh air, allows a person to clear the mind.

For more information on this topic as well as other golf related topics or products visit Clone golf clubs

Best Golf Driver For Distance - What You Need to Know

How would you like to get in a position to enormous distances, if he refuses? Almost every new driver that claims by far the best driver in golf. The truth is that it regards the selection of the most prestigious and expensive drivers. This, it strikes the right. Read on and you'll understand what I mean.

For some time I have been obsessed with finding the best golf driver distance. In fact, I was buying a lot of crazy stuff that's supposed toIncrease the length of my drives.

Now I'm sure you know that driving is not the most important aspect of golf, but it is certainly satisfying when you drive the ball a country mile!

I guess I hung up because I have a particularly good driver of the ball and my friends do not always joking about my driving.

I can still picture their faces after secretly dropped some new techniques that allowed me to absolutely hammer the ballfurther than any of them.

The first time, they said it was a fluke. But after I did it time and time again there was nothing they could say. It was my time to start cracking the jokes.

What made it even better was that the further I drove, the harder they would try and hit the ball to try and out do me. You know as well as I do, strength is not the key, and as a result they started slicing, topping and thinning their shots in an effort to keep up.

Driving is not the be All in all, I'm sure you know, but it's a big psychological advantage. In particular, one of my friends who say they always use his driver by far the best golf driver.

Grand Theft Auto (GTAIV) on PS3

Grand Theft Auto IV (GTAIV) on PS3 is a game with an amazing and nonlinear storyline, a game with a great protagonist who you can't help but like, and a game that boasts a large selection of online multiplayer features in addition to its lengthy story mode. Of course, it is not without some flaws, but GTAIV is undoubtedly the best Grand Theft Auto yet.

The Grand Theft Auto IV on PS3 story starts with Niko Bellic stepping off a boat in Liberty City, which is modeled after New York City. The same, one has the feeling that the latest Rockstar North, GTA that offers something special. Yes, this is another game of Grand Theft Auto, where you'll probably spend most of your time stealing cars and shooting down cops and criminals, but there is much more. You will find that to help Niko standing with his novel run-down shack and keep bats from his back until I can not understand how money and connections in Liberty City to make a decision. You will also discover the truereasons that Niko left his homeland.

So begins Grand Theft Auto IV, the newest - and easily the best - entry in the wildly popular GTA series. The game manages to take the tried-and-true already successful game experience , which involves taking missions to earn cash and climb the corporate ladder of a criminal operation or sightseeing in Liberty City, and turns it into something that feels completely new and updated. Some even claim that it a gaming masterpiece that is a picture-perfect snapshot of the underworld of today's big cities

When the pedestrians, cars and buildings became repetitive in previous GTA releases it was always tempting to get bored, steal a cop car and end up in your own North Hollywood shootout. There are many more times as many distractions in GTA IV, including working cell phones, televisions that can flip channels and the Liberty City version of the Internet. This time, the mundane is as interesting as the some of the unsavory elements of the game.

But that's not to say it's empty of meaning. GTA IV is a crass cultural commentary that mocks the American media's obsession with sex and violence and money. This is the reason why so many people in the media and government are bothered by the Grand Theft Auto games. For example, the Chicago Transit Authority pulled 385 ads for the game from its subways, but the same organization has no problem letting violent films advertise in the same places.) If these people actually played GTA IV, maybe they would realize that not all videogames are for kids and ultimately get the joke - that the game also rejects the violence, sexism, and consumerism it appears to embrace. It is worth mentioning that Grand Theft Auto IV is definitely for a mature audience.

In case you haven't guessed already, Grand Theft Auto IV on PS3 is a game that you will have to play to appreciate it. The single-player game, which you can still play long after you complete the story, is the series' best by far, and the multiplayer features are good enough that you'll likely have no problem finding people to play with you for many months into the future. The minor flaws that you'll experience are no different than those in previous GTA games, and they're greatly outnumbered by the new features that will amaze you anytime just when you think you have already seen everything that the game has to offer.

Golf Gifts for the Golfer in Your Life

Golf gifts can be difficult to choose. Do you go for the humorous figurine? How about giving a joke book or a new club? Do you give clothing or maybe a book on technique? Plan a golf holiday? Book a lesson with a Pro? Or do you get a gift certificate? Do you shop on-line or in the local pro-shop? The choices are endless and golfers have notoriously individual taste and skill levels. So how do you choose the perfect gift for the golfer in your life?

For the golfer in your life there is an entire range of possibilities for golf gifts. From picture frames to wall plaques, bathroom decor to kitchen items there are so many items to choose from that your only difficulty will be deciding between them. In order to ensure that your golf gifts are well received you need to tailor your decision based on the recipient. Is your golfer also the master of the BBQ? Then why not get him a set of BBQ utensils in their own golf bag? Does she bake the best cookies in the neighborhood? Well, she will love the Pro-shop cookie jar!

Having a wine and cheese party? Why not decorate with our couples themed wine holders and cheese spreaders. These elegant, hand-painted figurines are sure to spark interesting conversations. Do you have a home office? Why not decorate your desk with golf-themed items like the Golf Club and Ball Desk Box and a pair of the Golf Desk Book Ends? Carefully placed reminders of your favorite game will remind you not to overwork!

Clocks, area rugs, lamps and photo frames - the discriminating golfer needs to make his home as much a haven as the course is. Even your fish can become part of your golfer's paradise with our Golf Bag Aquarium. Or you might consider giving your spouse the gift that gives back and surprise them with a Golf Bag Organizer. You will re-claim the floor of your garage and gain their respect and admiration in one simple gift! And of course you can get any of the items online as a gift for your golfer.  You can take your pick from new clubs, shoes, gloves, balls, books or software. With so many wonderful gifts to choose from you will have no trouble finding the right gift. Chosen with a golfer in mind your golf gifts are sure to be appreciated for years to come.