Good Xbox Hunting

My quest for an Xbox 360 continues although I think my search will slow down. The local Target got four in yesterday but shortly after their doors opened, they were sold out. If Hasbro tries to tell you that the latest Elmo doll is this season's hot toy, don't believe it.

On eBay, some guy was selling only the Xbox 360 box. That's right, someone bid $400 for the silly empty box.

After reading an online forum discussion where someone requested those lucky dogs who got an Xbox 360 to post the manufacture date on the back of their consoles, I'm convinced that Microsoft didn't necessarily artificially create a shortage. Owners posted dates anywhere between October 11, 2005 and November 17, 2005. The official US launch was November 22, 2005. So it seems the console went gold master very close to launch and production hasn't had a chance to really ramp up.

Then again, maybe I should be counting my blessings for not getting an Xbox 360 on November 22. I am leary of buying a product so soon into it's product life. All the manufacturing kinks still need to be worked out.

I think the launch has backfired for Microsoft. The Walmart here and some other stores have moved their Xbox 360 kiosks to the back of the store because they simply cannot get enough (or any) consoles to meet the demand. Receiving four in one week then nothing really doesn't help.

Black Sunday Has Nothing On Black Friday

CNN.com, in a story about Wal-Mart claiming to have had 2 million shoppers in one hour on Friday November 25, 2005, definied Black Friday:

The day after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday" because it traditionally marks the period when retailers finally move out of the red and into the black, or profitability.

My definition is quite a bit different. It is the one day of the year that some normal everyday people turn into rude ugly monsters.

I went to Wal-Mart at 5am on a Black Friday once and swore I'd never do that again. This year I not only stood in line at Best Buy for their 5am opening in the 17°F temps (with gusty winds), I was standing in line with the hopes of scoring an elusive Xbox 360 videogame system.

There are rumors that Microsoft artificially created the acute shortage of units to increase the hype through March, when the Sony Playstation 3 gets released.

As we inched to the entrance, the guy behind me told us to look to our left, toward the parking lot, to see the people getting out of their cars and heading to the door too. Those folks figured to take advantage of how kind people are and squeeze in the door. I told everyone around us not to let them in. Yes, it wasn't a nice thing but my numb toes and fingers told me to not let the cheaters in. We all had been standing outside for over an hour, why should these folks make it in without enduring what we had?

And sure enough, there were people trying to cut in but there were about 10 of us who kind of deflected their attempts to squeeze in. One woman even went so far as to say "excuse me, I really need to get in." I told her she needed to get to the back of the line. Then she scoffed. She actually got mad that we wouldn't let her cut in line.

Once inside, I found that there weren't any Xbox 360s to be found. So as not to have my valiant efforts be all for naught, and to show I wasn't just shopping for myself, I checked off some of the items on my Christmas shopping list.

I also stopped by Circuit City, Target and Wal-Mart to see if I had a chance but no luck. The person working the electronics counter at Wal-Mart said, "We sold out of those Monday."

What kind of an answer is that? So I responded with a stupid question. "Wow, sold out? That was the last stock you'll be getting?"

She said more would come in stock and I should check back in every once in awhile. I guess it's fair to assume she didn't realize this is what I was doing since I don't shop there regularly (I'm a Target fan).

One Xbox related discussion forum member jokingly mentioned, after striking out on Black Friday as well, that he's looking forward to the [real] Xbox 360 launch. I think he has a point. I'm hearing of people having trouble with their Xbox 360s already so maybe when we get ours in January, February, March or June of 2006, we'll get the revised versions.

I'm now looking to order online since that seems to be the only way to reserve one. As much of a frequent customer as I am at Best Buy, I am not on the same level as basketball star Lebron James who bought 15 Xbox 360s with 15 sets of every available game and accessory. He had all this stuff loaded into his SUV in front of the line of people at the local Best Buy last Monday night waiting to buy an Xbox 360 of their own. He then drove off, then the doors opened for the pions and they all found there was a shortage of units for sale. Hmmm...

Lesson learned. Black Friday still sucks. Mean people suck.

George Lucas was recently interviewed by the Hollywood Reporter in which he discussed the future of the movie industry. here is the most provocative part of the interview:

THR: There are definitely some dynamics that are changing the economics of the business. What do you think of Mark Cuban's idea of releasing films simultaneously at home and in theaters?
Lucas: I think it'll happen -- it'll have to happen.

THR: Really? Because of the economics?
Lucas: Because of piracy. It's the only way you can stop piracy; there is no other way. You have to get a very, very aggressive enforcement program so that people do have consequences to stealing, but you also have to be able to offer it to them (in the home) for the same price they can get it on the street. It won't be DVDs -- DVDs aren't going to be around too much longer. If you can get it at home for $2, then why would you go on the street and get a bad version?

THR: What do you think will replace DVD?
Lucas: Pay-per-view.

THR: Something that streams in, not prerecorded media?
Lucas: It's the way kids do it today. It's how you do it on your iPod: They just download it. You pay 99 cents for music, and movies will be like two bucks. That will definitely change the economics of the business because (studios) are losing money now.

THR: Somebody was telling me that the studios' profit margins are only about 10%.
Lucas: I don't even think it's that: If you look at the (theatrical) divisions, I don't think they make any money. I don't think they've made money for five or six years.

THR: So it's basically a loss leader for DVD, television, etc.?
Lucas: Yup, all of the ancillary markets. For studios, the fact is that the theatrical film market is less than 10% of their business -- it's very, very small. I mean, you could chop that off in a second, and it wouldn't even bother them -- they're just doing it as a promotional thing.

THR: Do you think the industry will survive that way?
Lucas: I don't think the theatrical exhibition business will go away because I think people will always want to go to the movies, just as they go to the opera, they go to the ballet, and they go to football games. Football is a perfect example, where you can stay at home and watch it in the comfort of your own home and see a much better presentation, but people still sit out in the cold and cheer on (their teams) ... and you can't see anything because it's all distant. And now they have giant screens so you can watch it on television right there -- but they still fill up 100,000-seat (stadiums). We'll end up with fewer theaters with bigger screens and better presentations, and the theater owners will work very hard to make the whole thing an event.

Good analogy and I think Lucas is right on target. Interestingly, the movie industry and television broadcast industry seem to be embracing the new technologies faster and more willingly than the stinky pots over at the RIAA.

What's In Your Widget Folder?

I like the Dashboard in Apple's Mac OS X 10.4. What I don't like is how much screen real estate some of those widgets use. Unfortunately, Windows users don't know what I'm talking about since Dashboard is not Windows compatible. Check out Konfabulator. This program is similar to Dashboard and works with both Mac and Windows.

Both Dashboard and Konfabulator make use of widgets, tiny applications that do one or two things and those one or two things well.

The showcase widgets for both applications are the ones for showing you the weather. You can also get widgets that will update you on sports scores, play Asteroids or Frogger, show current gasoline prices in your area, et cetera.

Another difference beetween Dashboard and Konfabulator is how much space the widgets use. The folks who build widgets for Konfabulator get it. Their widgets don't take up as much needless space as Dashboard widgets.

Still, check out both Dashboard and Konfabulator. There are some great and fun widgets.

Food Thoughts

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving here in the US and thoughts turn to food. Kinda helps that I am writing this while eating lunch.

- KFC is preparing advertising to focus on the Avian Influenza just in case of a widespread outbreak in America. The company said it does not import poultry from affected countries. There are something like 1500 KFC locations in China. Personally, I don't care what sort of advertising they come up with, if the bird flu hits here, that's just the perfect excuse to focus on steak. Doh! Mad Cow...can't win for nothing.

- Snapple has come out with pie flavored beverages. Just in time for the holidays and only for the holidays. They say you can really taste the apple pie, crust and all. Serve cold or hot.

- Want truly conversational food? Get some Marmite or Vegemite and have some blind taste tests. Trust me, commentary will be guaranteed

Love Hate Foods

A recent slashfood.com article discussed what foods you like in one form but really dislike in another form. Here's my list:

• Love tomatos in pizza, salsa, tomato sauce but hate it elsewhere.
• Love French Fries, boiled potatos, hash browns and baked potatos but not a huge fan of mashed potatos.
• Love corn bread and corn chips, hate corn
• Love chili hate beans
• Love spinach and arugula salad hate cooked greens
• Hot tea is OK occasionally hate hot coffee but love ice tea and the occasional ice coffee

My list probably gets more bizarre as we go on.

Sitting On The Beat

What's great about iTunes is the ability to create playlists and we all love playlists, known back in the day as a mix tape. The movie, "High Fidelity" centers around playlists/mix tapes.

What's cool about the iTunes Music Store are the celebrity playlists. It's always intriguing to read what sort of a playlist whatever celebrity would create and why each song was chosen.

I just finished reading the playlist created by Jeff Daniels, the actor. I learned that Daniels is a definite Blues fan and his description for each song is amazing. Here's what he said for inclusion of "Bring Your Fine Self Home" by Albert Collins:

One of my favorite blues songs. The passion behind the lyric, the build to the music and the story of the song all want Albert to take off, but he sits on the beat which only makes the song that much stronger.

His other explanations are just as descriptive and telling. Great stuff. There are 187 celebrity playlists out there at the iTunes Music Store. Check 'em out.

Here's my current playlist with very short notes:

• Come To Jesus - Mindy Smith: I love the lyrics and it helps that her voice works well with them.
• Loving In My Baby's Eyes - Shannon McNally: Her version of this Taj Mahal song is probably the best out there. Great jam.
• Things We Said Today - The Beatles: After all the years of listening to The Beatles, it comes back to this song. I read a musician's analysis of this song and am amazed at the actual complexity of the tune. This just might be the best example of the Lennon/McCartney collaborations.
• Hard Times - Eastmountainsouth: What a shame this group broke up.
• Drop Thumb Medley - Steve Martin: Comedian, actor, author and the one thing Steve Martin really really enjoys is the banjo. This shows he clearly is no slouch.
• Desire - Ryan Adams: I first heard this on "The West Wing." Ryan Adams is becoming a favorite of mine even though I'm not a huge fan of Country music. Proves that I can be attracted to a song despite it's genre.
• Just A Kid - Wilco: First heard on XM Radio. Thanks to XM, I am hearing stuff by Wilco and Beck.
• Stolen Car - Patty Griffin: Great take on a Bruce Springsteen tune. She obviously heard what The Boss was trying to do on "Nebraska" and made it her own.
• I Want You To Want Me - Letters to Cleo: Best cover of a Cheap Trick tune ever. Great song and I'm sure it's a blast to stand up on stage and play this tune.

Normally, I am very good at figuring out remote control buttons and adapting to finding them without having to look at the remote, my Adelphia DVR's remote is not Roger-friendly. The number buttons are too small and too close to each other.

I've been looking for some sort of replacement and the Harmony remotes from Logitech look cool enough. The remote can be connected to your computer so you can download configuration files that allow the remote to work with an ever changing list of audio/video products. Logitech is even selling one that will work with the new Xbox 360 gaming console.

My only problem is that at $200-$300, you really have to take care of the remote. And we all know how abused remote controls are. As meticulous as I am with my Palm TX or Apple iPod, my remote controls get fairly abused.

Black Friday Cometh

Beyond the first aisle, there be dragons.

That's borrowed from the quote on a plaque sold in a mail order catalog ("Beyond this place, there be dragons.") but it's pretty much a good observation of the people inside WalMart on the Friday after Thanksgiving, known as "Black Friday," the busiest shopping day of the year.

I did the early morning Black Friday thing once...once! I've sworn myself to never do that again. People are downright nasty on Black Friday.

So, if you are going to do battle with other shoppers on Black Friday, you can either take the Capital One barbarians with you or heed the tips at dollarhacker.com on how to survive Black Friday. Better than my suggestion of carrying a nice Glock 9mm semi-automatic with a couple of clips. Probably illegal in most states, definitely in San Francisco.

Two tips at the end of the list are important. Don't bring the kids. It will be crowded, lots of people running around and generally unpleasant for them. Also, be kind and flexible with the store staff. It's rough for them too and they are going to be dealing with a lot of nonsense. A smile goes a long way.

By the way, I just learned that quote, "Beyond this place there be dragons" was written at the ends of maps 500 or so years ago.

Know Your Name Elmo Hacked

Knows Your Name Elmo is the latest itteration of the Elmo doll released just in time for Christmas shopping. According to Endgadget.com, "Knows Your Name Elmo" is

a version of the furry red Sesame Street character that comes complete with a CD full of software and his very own USB cable. Program the $40 toy (which also comes in a Winnie the Pooh version) on your PC and it will sing, tell stories and remind your kid to eat his breakfast, all using the tyke’s own name (and just to make sure Madison and Jaxon are covered, there’s a database of 15,000 names available). We always thought that’s what parents were for, but it looks like the marketers at Fisher-Price know better, since they’re hoping to sell out of these this holiday season. We can only hope that at least a few will be bought by hackers, who will show us what Elmo and Pooh are really capable of.

Indeed, the first how-tos for helping those hackers has been posted.

Hmmm...so Elmo knows your kid's name, bedtime, birthday...maybe it should be renamed as Stalker Elmo.

Sorry Martha But You're Fired

Sorry Martha, but your show just isn't working for us.

NBC said it will not order another season of the Martha Stewart version of "The Apprentice."

NBC: Martha, what do you think went wrong?

Martha: My show is a good thing because it features Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and...

NBC: So you're saying that's the problem? Answer my question.

Martha: It's Koppelman and his stupid cigar.

NBC: But you run the show, aren't you ultimately responsible?

Martha: I did my part. It's the other people. The house arrest didn't help and...

NBC:(chuckles) No, it didn't...

Martha: But Martha Stewart is a strong brand!

NBC: The ratings say otherwise.

Martha: What other executive can you get to replace me that has stronger recognition with the general public?

NBC: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Ken Lay

Martha: But I run MSLO!

NBC: I think we've heard enough, Martha, I'm sorry but you just don't fit in. Thank you.

The. Best. Christmas. Tree. Ever

Urban Outfitters has a replica "Charlie Brown Pathetic Christmas Tree."

Original

Replica

Order your's today!

Bottled Holidays 2005 Vintage

The Winter holidays are coming and several beer makers are coming out with their annual holiday batches. Not to be left out...errr...in the cold, Jones Soda has also has a special gift pack of unique flavored soda for the holidays

I first saw this at Target and took a double-take at the flavors and I'm sure you will too when you read further. The flavors? The nationally available package includes Brussels Sprout with Prosciutto, Cranberry Sauce, Turkey & Gravy, Wild Herb Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie. The regionally available version (look at the Jones Soda website for details) has Broccoli Casserole, Smoked Salmon Paté , Turkey & Gravy, Corn on the Cob, and Pecan Pie.

Yummy.

Actually, I'm sure that instead of "yummy" the first word you thought of was "Why?" According to their website, "In an effort to provide more support for children’s charities, Jones launched two different holiday packs benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center and Toys for Tots, with the goal of raising $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.

J. Scott Wilson at WTAE in Pittsburgh did his own taste test. The best flavor he tasted? Cranberry.

If you want to try these sodas, hurry down to the stores. Wilson reported that his local Target is sold out and Jones said that once they are gone, they are gone. Maybe this will be the "It" item on eBay?

Semper Fidelis for 230 Years

The United States Marine Corp was founded on this date in 1775. Hoo-rah! 230 years old.

I just finished reading Jeff Shaara's book on the Great War, "To The Last Man," which focussed in part on Marines who fought on the Western Front. Through that book, because of a particular quote, I read more information on one of the most legendary Marines, Sergeant Major Daniel Daly.

During the Battle of Belleau Wood, one of the American Expeditionary Force's first actions during WWI, Daly and his men found themselves surrounded by Germans. Outgunned and outflanked, Daly figured the best way to save their butts was to order an assault, not unlike Joshua Chamberlain at Gettysburg.

Daly moved ahead and inspired his men to move forward wth him by yelling, "Come on, you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?" Daly and the other soldiers defeated the Germans and captured the town of Lucy le Bocage.

For his actions, Daly was awarded the Navy Cross. This was on top of the two Medals of Honor he received in the Boxer Rebellion and in Haiti. He probably should have received a third Medal of Honor for this action.

With the help of folks like Dan Daly, the Marine Corp will live forever.

Happy Birthday to the Corp! Hoo-rah!

Harry Potter Notes

Here are some FYI kinda things regarding the latest Harry Potter movie that will storm the country next weekend.

• It's rated PG-13. Not because of really scary stuff but because of some kissing. Yes, the kids are hitting puberty. New reports are saying it's because of some scary scenes. We'll find out on the 18th.
• 2.5 hours. That's how long the movie is. Be sure to sit at the end of the aisle for a fast bathroom break so as not to miss much.
• I'm definitely not going to the midnight showing. I also might avoid opening weekend unless my nieces and one nephew try to twist my arm. I want to see it but hate crowds (not a phobia). Maybe I could say they shouldn't be seeing any on-screen snogging yet.

Shack Attack

Radio Shack is now an authorized Apple reseller. Their stores will be stocking iPods in addition to the iPod accessories they already sell.

Hopefully, this also means they will be stocking Macs as well.

The one thing that can be said for Radio Shack is that unlike other electronics stores, the stuff they have on display are turned on and operational.

I went to Circuit City the other day to look at Palm PDAs and Windows Mobile PDAs. They had five on display. None were working (needed recharging) and the sales rep had no clue as to how to answer my question. Best Buy was no better.

I really, really, really wish we'd get a CompUSA here. There's no doubt they'd do well. The State College PA WalMart, in the North Atherton Mall, according to a manager I spoke with, is the most successful branch at the start of school. Probably because that Wal-Mart is Back To School central for many of the outlying towns in the area.

Since Lowe's is moving from their one location to a new one a quarter mile down the road, there's already a big-box store sized building waiting.

Butter Bust!

Sometimes, you just can't make this up. This from the Montreal Gazette.

Agriculture Department inspectors swooped down on four Wal-Mart stores in the Quebec City area yesterday and seized 72 plastic tubs of yellow Becel margarine with an estimated street value of $179.28.

The margarine is butter yellow, which makes it illegal for sale in Quebec.

The measure is intended to protect the province's 3,000 dairy producers.

The best part of the story was this,

On Thursday, Maxime Arseneau, agriculture critic for the Parti Quebecois, tabled a margarine tub in the National Assembly and charged that Unilever Canada Inc., which makes Becel, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Canada were conspiring to bring yellow margarine into the province.

"This is serious," Arseneau chided reporters who found the situation humorous.

Honestly, if I was a reporter there, I would probably have died laughing.

As one outsidethebeltway.com reader noted, "They didn’t take into account the street value after the margarine was cut with jelly."

So while Canadian law enforcement officers were chasing down and handcuffing margarine, other more serious crimes were not be tended to.

Movie Mumblings

Videogames and comic book heros rarely make for good movies. Exceptions have been Batman (Batman Begins definitely, others depends on which one), Spiderman, Superman (once you work with the idea that eyeglasses really do keep Clark Kent's identity secret). Super Mario Brothers, no. Doom could have been good. Tomb Raider? So-so.

Halo, the beyond popular videogame for the Xbox is being made into a movie. According to one guy who allegedly got a hold of the alleged script said it is excellent, and he doesn't play videogames.

Another sure sign this movie will do well is that Peter Jackson is producing. Speaking of Peter Jackson, his schedule is pretty much carved in stone for awhile. He is releasing King Kong in December, Halo is due in 2007, as is The Lovely Bones, based on the bestselling book.

I've read The Lovely Bones and figured it would be made into a movie. This should be a welcome break from all the special effects laden Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Halo. Maybe returnig to the style he used for "Heavenly Creatures."

Yet another comic book hero coming to the big screen. Marvel Comics' Nick Fury. Who is rumored to portray the action hero? Will Smith (Independence Day, Hitch).

Back in the day, I only read one or two Nick Fury comics but maybe Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne would be better. Actually, I like the one suggestion at Cinematical.com, George Clooney. I wouldn't be surprised if his hairstyle was inspired by reading Nick Fury comics.

Chicken Cam

Koen Bogaert in Belgium has set up a webcam featuring his two chickens, Thelma and Louise. Why? Originally he just wanted to set up the webcam and see what happened. Then the whole Bird Flu thing started up and well, it really went from there.

"Since Europe is under the threat of the bird flu, Thelma & Louise became the symbol of the fight against the forced quarantine and massacre of domestic birds," he writes. "Newspapers, radio, and television are all bringing Thelma & Louise into the picture, and thousands of visitors are watching these funky chicks daily."

Burrito Wars

I can understand two guys fighting over a girl at a bar, a fight between neighbors over a dog that barks way too much but a fight over a burrito?

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating an early-morning fight that supposedly started over a burrito.

Police said a man inside the store didn't have enough money to pay for his burrito and left the store to get more. While he was outside, another of the store's patrons decided to buy that burrito.

News4 talked to that patron, who didn't want to be identified. He said when the man came back into the store, he became livid that someone had bought his burrito and the fight escalated from there.

Police said the fight then spilled outside the store and at some point, the girlfriend of the original purchaser opened a car door and released a 75- to 80-pound pit bull, which bit three men, including an innocent bystander. SOURCE

As Outsidethebeltway.com observed: "If she released the hounds, I have to imagine it was carne asada and not just bean & cheese..."

Are 7-11 burritos that good?