Welcome to the world of HD

Ok...kinda, sorta...the world of HD. I am on the verge of buying a very nice high quality television. And by on the verge, I mean, I'm going to pick it up after work today. I've spent the last several weeks doing online browsing, and also checking reviews and buying guides. Here's what I've found out: 1) 1080i is not advantageous below 50" screens, 2) Plasma is the cheaper option greater than 50", but is more expensive less than that (stick with LCD), 3) Only buy a TV that is digital capable (since in a year, non-digital TVs are going to require a converter), 4) Take all reviews with a grain of salt and use your own intelligence, 5) Contrast ratio numbers shouldn't be taken too seriously (trust your eye), and finally, 6) Stick within your price range (it quickly becomes justifiable to slide out of it).

Here's why I want a better TV: 1) I've had my 19" TV/VCR combo for 8 years, 2) I want a sharper image for TV and movies, and most importantly, 3) For a better video gaming experience. That's really the key. I've decided on a flat-panel, LCD, HDTV, 32", 720p set. After doing much pricing, and setting a budget, I do believe I've settled on a set. It's not yet official, but the likely winner is....



The Sony 32" Bravia M-Series LCD HDTV, model: KDL-32M3000 (girl not included...too bad). Sears had one as a display model, and the picture was stunning (best of all the 32" sets). However, I'm likely to buy it from Circuit City ($100 marked down, plus an additional $50 rebate...makes it slightly cheaper than Sears). With those deals, it falls right into my budget (my sister-in-law {and Dave Ramesy} would be proud). Now, keep in mind, I've not yet ordered it, and that makes this subject to change, but I was super impressed with the image and Sony's reputation (currently #1 via Consumer Reports for 32" HDTVs...thanks for the info Dad). I'm now just dying to go pick it up, hook it up, and play some games (COD4 here I come).

And another image of it, just for fun (no dancing girl this time).
Height: 23.2" on base; Width: 32.4"; Depth: 8.5" on base; Weight: 36 lbs. on base

Let's Talk Politics...sort of

I've been thinking about doing a slightly more serious post related to politics. However, I'm always reluctant to throw out my thoughts and opinions on hot topic (ie controversial) areas. Mostly because I don't want to make people mad, and I respect people to have different opinions than I. Why the change of heart you might ask? Well, there are a few reasons: 1) It's constantly in the news and 2) I've recently read some things by friends of mine that have gotten me thinking. So, this post is mostly to discuss my disagreements with friends comments. Again, I respect people to have different opinions, and I'm not planning on losing friendship over politics (I'm in the minority with a lot of my friends anyway). Without further ado, let's get started.

Issue 1: I originally received an e-mail from friend X (no names to protect the innocent) about Barack Obama. The e-mail was basically one of those chain e-mails that go around. However, this one was unabashedly anti-Obama accusing him of being Muslim and having Islam ties. Based upon, his father being Islamic and having spent less than a year in a Muslim ran school (due to country of residence at the time). Anyway, I did a quick amount of research and responded to the e-mail. The original e-mail was uncited, and didn't make any pretenses to be unbiased. That's not the part that really bothered me, but it was this comment back form my friend in response to me: "...if I recall this guy [Obama] is pro-abortion...shedding of innocent blood Kyle (not pleasing to God in any way and our nation will be judged if we don't put a stop to it)."

What?? God is going to judge our nation due to abortion? This sounds a bit Jerry Falwell-esque and Westboro Baptist Church-like relating to Sept. 11 attacks. We deserved it because of gays, abortion and other various sins of our country. Plus, I hate the terms pro-abortion and pro-life. They really generally don't fit the people in the camps (a whole post in its own right). It bugged me. It's fine if you don't agree with Obama and his views, but to say that his set of beliefs will result in our nation being judged (with the implication that bad consequences follow) is ludicrous. Will unwarranted attacks by us on other countries also have us judged? I don't see God in the vindictive, Old Testament way interacting in our world. Anyway, it bugged me to see this comment.

Issue 2: Friend Y posted a note (basically a blog) on Facebook about his current election thoughts. In it, he was originally excited about Obama (being they are both half-African). But after reading about an abortion case, he decided Obama wasn't the right candidate for him. This didn't bother as much, but I do not like someone fully deciding (or nixing) a candidate for a single issue. But that's not the bug-a-boo in this case. He said that there is one person he cannot vote for: Hillary Clinton because she's a woman. The justification was that no woman should "teach or to have authority over a man" [1 Tim: 2-12].

What?? We can't have a woman President (or should even vote for one) because a woman shouldn't TEACH or have authority over a man. If you disagree with her policies and platform, then fine, don't vote for Hillary, but because she's a woman, and a verse in the Bible says women can't teach. Note, an earlier verse also says women shouldn't braid their hair, wear gold or pearls (verse 9). The title of the section is "instructions on worship", not politics and everyday life. I'm a Christian, and believe the Bible, but context is crucial. The societal setting of the Bible was not exactly a feministic culture. I firmly believe that women can (and should) be able to hold public office and be clergy. I'm a United Methodist that also holds this same belief. There is no reason, a woman can't teach me (I've had a lot of female teachers in my school years, and my mom has taught me a lot) basic things or theological things. I think what bothers me most is that all of the candidates are going to fail on some Biblical account (aside from being a human), but somehow being a man makes it ok.

Again, I'm not mad at my friends. I'm not trying to attack them. I respect their friendship, and have had valued conversations with them. But I just wanted to respond to comments I can't quite fathom. I may not have it all right, but that's the cool thing about politics, religion and faith. No one can tell you how to think, and no one's thoughts are better than another.

Thanks for reading. As of now, I have not declared support for any Presidential candidate. I am very interested in seeing how all of this plays out.

Another HodgePodge posts

Well, I once again don't have anyone thing in particular to discuss, so I'm going to go a little stream of consciousness and just post a few things on multiple topics. So, here goes....

Amazing Race - the hippies won, and I was glad. They seem to be nice folk.

Football - Well, I guess I'm going to be a Giants fan for 2 weeks. After the Colts loss (boo!), I've pretty much been an anyone but the Pats kind of guy. So, I'll switch my allegiance from one Manning to another.

Assassin's Creed - I finished this video game this weekend, and must say I loved it. Great gameplay, interesting story (even if you don't like it), and I am excited for the potential sequel. How does it end? Definitely left me wanting more.

Cold weather - sucks. That's all there is too it. Cold weather blows.

Amazing Grace - decent movie (better song). I was never really bored, but also never truly captivated by the film. Still, I liked it and would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Sunshine - an ok scifi movie. Not original enough to be really loved. It never quite figured out what it wanted to be, so that was a bummer. Still 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Chris Barnes - one of the better bowlers out there, who just can't seem to get it done on TV.

Well, that pretty much wraps up my weekend. Hopefully yours was exciting in the all the right ways (note: a car accident or heart attack can be exciting, but not in a good way).

The Amazing Race Finale

Of all reality shows, the Amazing Race is hands down the coolest one out there. This season is coming down to the final 3 teams, and the final episode (this Sunday) is quickly approaching. With that said, I figure I'll throw my support to one of the teams. Well, basically, all of the final teams are reasonable, and would be ok to see any of them win. The final team to root against finally lost this past week, and got sent home (yeah...I was glad). So, of the final three teams, here's my preference for victory.

3. Ron and Chris - a father and daughter team. The dad is a bit of a jerk. Generally, he only complains and loses focus quickly. His daughter, however, is intelligent and fully capable. If he takes a backseat to her (like he did the last few weeks, resulting in first places), they stand a shot.

2. Nicholas and Don - a grandson/grandfather team. They seem to be very nice, and very rarely argue (the occasional hurry up). However, they are generally clueless on things. I'm honestly amazed they made it this far. They are number two, because they aren't jerky and it's good to see an old guy hanging around on the show.

Leaving my preferred team....

1. TK and Rachel - a hippy couple. These two are some of the most laid back people out there. Nothing really phases them. They appear to honestly enjoy the time spent together on the race. Almost never argue, and almost always supportive of each other. It would just be nice to see the team that has treated each other (and the other teams) the best come through and win.

There you have it. Again, all of the final teams are decent (no real jerks in the bunch). It should be fun to watch and see how it turns out.

For the Sake of Posting

Ok, I know that I need to get back into the swing of posting regularly, but I've been having content issues. I don't know what to post about. Politics is constantly being shown on TV, and it is an interesting primary, but I'm not quite in the mood to throw support (or ridicule) at anyone right now. I haven't seen any movies that I feel require my in-depth review (Resident Evil: Extinction and Shoot 'Em Up being the most recent viewings). I did watch American History X last night (on FX), and was blown away by it. I was shocked by one scene where Edward Norton rants about illegal immigrants and how similar it was to some of the Republican (Romney and Thompson) rhetoric. That's a post in its own right, but still not exactly an accusation I want to make (NOTE: I don't think Romney nor Thompson to be racist).

So, in the midst of this complete lack of focus on a single topic, I'm erring by just making a random post. Maybe something will grab me in the next day or two, at which point I'll post about it. Until then, please have a good day.

Gamerscore: 11,000 and counting

Many of you are aware that I play video games on a regular basis. For those unaware, I own a Xbox 360 (after years of nintendo loyalty, and one outing with a PS2). Now, the coolest thing that the Xbox has done, is institute achievement points for accomplishing certain tasks throughout a game. Basically, they are little things that you may not do, if it wasn't for getting the achievement points. It really has made playing games more fun. I'm not sure I can fathom playing without achievements on a regular basis. Anyway, these points are what makes up ones gamerscore. The higher the score, the more games you've played and achievements you have obtained.

I don't have a ton of time to play games (comparatively), and I definitely don't have the funds to buy (or even rent) many games. So, compared to many, my gamerscore isn't all that high. Because of this I decided to make a post after clearing the 10,000 point milestone. However, that occurred over the holidays when I was at my brothers, and played a bunch of games I don't have (some only for cheap achievement points).

After Christmas I ended up with 6 brand new games, and due to playing these games over the past week, I've added another 1,000 points. That currently puts me at 11,072. Pretty solid for just an occasional gamer. It means absolutely nothing in real terms, but it is pretty cool to get to this point. I'm sure the life span of the 360 is another several years, at which point, my gamerscore will continue to rise. Who knows where it will stand when it's all done? Not as high as many, but far higher than all those people with the Wii or PS3...hahaha.

Ok, that's all, it's just about lunch time...then I might play a game or two this afternoon.

Holiday Movie Reviews

Let me first apologize for my prolonged absence from the posting scene. I attribute much of this to being home for Christmas and New Years. The grand majority (nearly all) of my posts occur while I'm at work and looking to kill a few minutes. However, at home, I really only got online in the evenings when watching TV or a movie. At which point, I didn't need to kill any time and therefore, never posted. Well, to be brief, I had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed my time with family and friends. Hopefully all of my faithful readers enjoyed the same. I know I dropped the ball on my Top 10s of 2007 (never got around to music or any other things), but I'm guessing no one lost any sleep over that. Anyway, around the Holidays, I saw three theatrical releases and figured you wanted to know what I thought about them. So in order of viewing:

I Am Legend
Starring: Will Smith....and his dog (that's pretty much it)
Plot: Smith is the last man alive after a virus turned everyone else into vampire-zombies.
My thoughts: An intense, edge of your seat movie. Despite Smith being the only character on screen for the majority of the film (there are flashbacks), you are truly enthralled and captivated. My biggest complaint is the CGI creature effects. They are fairly cheesy for a big-budget motion picture. I'm guessing too much money was spent on the sets to make New York City look completely emptied (very well done). Humorous at times, but generally intense and very much worth a viewing.
Grade: B+, 4 out of 5 stars

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Ed Harris, and the rest of the cast from the original
Plot: Cage goes on a treasure hunting adventure to defend his family's name after being implicated in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Ed Harris pursues.
My thoughts: An entertaining, fun movie. Don't expect a historical documentary (liberties are taken), but just sit back and enjoy. It pretty much follows the formula laid out in the first National Treasure movie. It is as an improbable a movie as you are going to find, but you will be hard pressed to find one more fun and entertaining. Biggest complaint is the Ed Harris character and his motivations...never were all that clear to me.
Grade: B+, 4 out of 5 stars

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Starring: uh, who cares, some guy in an Alien suit and some guy in a Predator suit
Plot: yeah, that's funny....Aliens kill humans, Predator kills humans and aliens...that's about it
My thoughts: What the original AVP should have been. It is pretty much a non-stop slugfest between the Predator and everyone else. The puny humans just are there for fodder (someone has to make new Aliens). It is unbelievably entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Don't think too hard, and enjoy your popcorn. No complaints, it served its purposes and I really liked it.
Grade: B+, 4 out of 5 stars

Yep, all three films received the same grade, but I like them for different reasons. I Am Legend was a well made unique film, that was super intense and well-acted. National Treasure 2 was just a fun ride of a movie. AVP2 was pure enterainment for a scifi geek. Who says I don't have variation in my movies?

Coming next week, my review of P.S. I Love You....yeah right.