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Linksys Wireless Home Audio Networking

Friday, January 9th, 2009

ces09-linksys_wha_family_500

At CES this week, Cisco introduced a new home audio system that looks to be full of promise. Under its popular but maybe dying brand Linksys, the company debuted a slate of products for music enthusiasts that will allow them to wireless network their music to any room.

Included in the release were wireless speakers, extenders and controllers among other goodies. I like the idea of the extender. It plugs into an existing home audio set up streaming in music from the controller unit. Obviously Cisco intends to compete for the dollars customers would otherwise spend on a Sonos system. While the pricing is extremely competitive, I am wondering how the quality will compare.

Grab It: Linksys Wireless Audio

Tags:Cisco, Linksys, Music, WiFi
Posted in House, Leisure | Comments Closed

MonoPrice.com

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Looking for home theater accessories like HDMI cables or wall mounts on the cheap? Avoid Best Buy and point your browser to MonoPrice.com. You won’t be disappointed.

Tags:Home Theater
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

The Wire: The Complete Series

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Despite a final season that did not quite meet my expectations (although I am not sure anything would have…) and criticism the series was not a realistic as it claimed to be, The Wire remains, in my opinion the best tv show to ever air. Set in Baltimore, the series follows the lives of both the police and the citizens caught in the city’s crippling drug and poverty problems. The story lines and characters will engage you mentally and emotionally, leaving you at times wondering which side to root for…With winter fully set in and the NFL season winding down, The Wire is a great way to fill the void.

Grab It: The Wire: The Complete Series

Tags:Movie of the Week, The Wire
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

The Shawshank Redemption Now On Blu-ray

Friday, December 19th, 2008

The Shawshank Redemption is easily my favorite movie all time. It also ranks #1 on IMDB’s list of user favorites. In my opinion is it the perfect character drama. The story is riveting and cast headed by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeeman deliver the performances of their careers. If by chance you have not seen it, stop what you are doing right now and go get it, you will not be disappointed.

For fans, like me the Blu-ray release is gold mine of content including all the extras from the Special Edition SD DVD like commentary by Writer/Director Frank Darabont, 2 Documentaries: Hope Springs Eternal: A Look Back at the Shawshank Redemption and Shawshank: The Redeeming Feature, The Charlie Rose Show Segment Featuring Frank Darabont, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, a comic spoof The Shawshank Redemption, stills and collectible galleries plus a 38-page book including actor and director biographies, film trivia and more.

Tags:Blue-ray, Morgan Freeman, Movie of the Week, The Shawshank Redemption, Tim Robbins
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

Here We Go…The Dark Knight on Blu-Ray Tomorrow

Monday, December 8th, 2008

The Dark Knight is the second film in the Christopher Nolan directed Batman saga starring Christan Bale as Bruce Wayne. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this Batman movie is how little the film focuses on the character. Instead Nolan takes us deep into the the psyche of Batman’s most diabolical villain, The Joker, play by Heath Ledger in his final performance before tragically dying of an accidental drug overdose on January 22.

Prior to this role I was never a huge fan of Ledger, but all that changed The Dark Knight. He was unrecognizable. The mannerisms, voice, demeanor were so good and so intense I found it impossible to see an actor playing a character. Ledger became the The Joker and showed everyone just how talented he was and I for one would have loved to what he could have been in the future.

Grab It: The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]

Tags:Batman, Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

Polaris Ranger HD

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Have some end of the year cash burning a hole in your pocket? Instead letting Uncle Sam grab all that loot come April, you might want to check out the new line of Polaris Utility Vehicles. Our favorite is the Ranger HD. Features include self leveling shocks, power steering, on demand all-wheel drive, an all new front end suspension system and oh yeah a top end speed of 50 MPH. Sure it might cost more than your first two cars combined, but we promised the Ranger HD will be way more fun!

Grab It: Polaris Ranger HD

Tags:ATV, Polaris
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

Ugg's Ascot Slipper

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

I used to only associate UGG’s with silly young girls that I would see at the mall wearing fur boots in July. While it still does not make sense to me and I will never buy a pair of those boots for myself or anyone else for that matter, my overall opinion of the brand had definitely done a 180 degree turn. My old reliable slippers finally wore out after about 10 years and needed to be replaced. I had always wanted to try pair of sheepskin slippers, but I also wanted some with a firm sole that was suitable for driving or light outdoor use.

I settled on the Ugg Ascot in black leather, and despite my initial reservations on the brand and price ($100), I have no regrets. Considering how often I buy slippers, the Ascot’s were a great choice, they are warm, comfortable, and sturdy plus they look darn good too.

Grab It: Uggs Men’s Ascot Slipper

Tags:Slippers, Uggs
Posted in House, Leisure | Comments Closed

Zen Awakenings 3 Person Infrared Sauna

Friday, November 21st, 2008

So let’s see, the economy is way down and its almost holiday season. It seems to me dropping $2,000 on a personal sauna to relieve all that stress might be a pretty good idea. Infrared saunas are perfect for home use because they avoid all the set-up and maintenance costs of a steam unit. Plus infrared saunas do not need to get as hot either, so operating expenses are reduced as well. Since no plumbing is needed and it is powered by a standard 110/120 volt outlet you can pop this baby just about anywhere.

Grab It: Zen Awakening 22L Three-Person Carbon Fiber Infrared Sauna

Tags:Saunas, Stress Relievers
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

Movie of the Week: The Godfather Collection

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

The entire Godfather collection has been remastered and released on Blu-ray. Deep Discount DVD has a 25% off coupon (DVDTALK) that brings the price down to a super reasonable $49.39. Good through 11/23.

Tags:Blu-ray, Movie of the Week
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

Movie of the Week: The Usual Suspects

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

I’ll be honest, the first 45 minutes or so of this movie are not great. The plot is slow to start because of the amount of character set-up that is needed to carry the story. But once you get through that, this movie is a gem. There is a great gun fight and the suspense just keeps building which while frustrating, is also wholly entertaining. The cast is first rate, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro and Kevin Pollack all give good performances, but it is Kevin Spacey that steals the show for me. And trust me when I say the last 15 minutes might provide the best ending of any movie you have ever seen.

Grab It: The Usual Suspects [Blu-ray]

Tags:Blu-ray, Movie of the Week
Posted in Leisure | Comments Closed

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