Doing some file cleanup, and I ran across this in a text file dated June 2005.  I’m pretty sure I got it from a tv show doing local coverage; one of those “top places to” blah blah in LA.  I can’t vouch for any of them since I’ve never been – maybe that can be changed now that I’ve unearthed this list:

• musso and frank – hollywood
• the wherehouse – marina del rey
• the smokehouse – burbank (chateau brione)
• trabuco oaks steakhouse – trabuco canyon
• LG’s steakhouse – palm springs/sd
• la cave – costa mesa (underground) filet mignon
• the palm restaurant – la (staples center) double steak
• dan tana’s – west hollywood (new york steak) call ahead, reservations required
• morton’s steakhouse – burbank

Okay, it’s not really a movie quote, but I didn’t want to create an entirely new category for this.  Maybe if I find more later, then I will.

And now, HIMYM on dreams and procrastination:

The longer I put off starting my own firm, the longer it can remain a dream and not something I screwed up at.  I mean it’s like I’m giving up before I even started.

- Ted Mosby

So I picked one up a few weeks back.  I’ve been wanting  Playstation 3 for the longest time, and with the $100 price drop and redesign, I just couldn’t hold out any longer.

I can’t really do a comparison review since I don’t have the previous version.  I can say, however, that I very much like the smaller size (as I’m sure everyone does).  I was originally disappointed that the piano black casing was updated with a matte finish, but it has grown on me.  Plus I don’t really see much of the console now since it’s been sitting horizontally under my tv stand.   And no HDMI cable included?  I was a little surprised by this, but just ended up getting a 6′ cable from Target (on sale).

Besides these minor items, I absolutely love this system.  As far as gaming, the release of Batman Arkham Asylum couldn’t have come at a better time.  I’ve pretty much sucked up most of my free time playing as the Dark Knight through Gotham’s criminal madhouse.  And I’ve had to play it even more after accidentally deleting my first game file, which was already 75% complete.

The BD/DVD playback is wonderful as well.  Blu-ray is simply gorgeous, and regular DVDs look significantly better on a Blu-ray player.  On my old DVD player, movies would look crisp only when they were left on that tiny size (with both horizontal and vertical black bars).  When I would resize them to fill the tv screen, the quality would noticeable get worse.  However with the PS3, DVD movies fill up the screen while keeping the quality fairly high.  Dialogue audio does seem to be a lot quieter than the rest of the movie sounds.  So I find myself upping the volume when people are talking, only to be startled and hastily trying to lower it when explosions and crashes start happening.

That’s all I have.  Pretty much just a quick recommendation of the new Sony PS3 Slim.  If you don’t own a PS3 yet and have been on the fence on getting one, I believe now’s the time to do so.

Although this is the fourth toy I’ve acquired from the new Alternity line, it is actually the first that I have opened.  I just never got around to opening the other two Primes and the one Megs (which is another post in itself, haha).

First impressions of the Alternity line:

• well, it’s definitely smaller than the Binaltechs, but everyone already knows that going in.  Fits pretty well with the Classics line in terms of size though
• the outer plastic casing is sturdier, and the flaps stay in position when opened
• the inner plastic tray wraps the entire toy and holds it in place without the use of those twisty-ties – I never really was fond of those, haha
• the car itself is very solid because of the die cast composition, having a nice strong and heavy feel to it

And kudos to Takara Tomy for using a different image in the front of the package for this repaint – a small but appreciated detail from a guy who sometimes can’t help buying the same toy in a different color

This is actually the plastic version of the popular Toynami Voltron Masterpiece Edition.  I just couldn’t get myself to shell out for that version though, despite being an avid diecast fan.

Several key factors that convinced me to buy this instead of the Masterpiece version:

• the same mold was used in creating both versions of the toy, so they are essentially the same
• price: $55 vs. $150
• hearing from a friend that the diecast version wasn’t very posable in robot mode.  The weight of the individual pieces (mostly the arms) supposedly put a lot of strain on the joints.  I never did validate this though

The package comes with the five lions, the blazing sword and shield.  They are held in the box within a styrofoam tray, which was quite nostalgic since it reminded me of the toys I had in my childhood that were packaged in the same manner.  Most of the Transformers I’ve been purchasing recently are encased in clear plastic shells held by wire ties, so this was definitely a blast from the past.

Yay more non-movie related news!  The Nissan Fairlady Z, or 370Z for us in the US, incarnation of Megatron is out in Japan.  That means it will soon be available over at the folks at Frank & Son.

Megatron should be a cheaper purchase that Prime, since I’m pretty sure I’ll only be getting the silver/grey one.  The samurai swords are a nice touch.

And now that I look at it more, I think the black GT-R Prime is calling my name too.  No!!!  I already have the red and silver!  Must resist…

I still remember calling in to KROQ and winning early screening tickets to the first Transformers movie in 2007.  I was on the 91 driving to work, and I decided to pull over on the shoulder before they started giving me the details on how to get the tickets. The screening was a fun experience over at The Grove in LA.

Now it’s already time for the second movie.  As I’ve previously voiced out, I’m not a big fan of the movie robot designs, but this sequel is ramping up to be a good popcorn flick with lots of great action sequences.

I’ll surely be watching it in the theaters, possibly even IMAX, but don’t look for me opening night.

Not very many NHL goalies still use the helmet-cage combination; Osgood and Hasek are the only two that come to mind right now.  This probably contributes to the difficulty in finding these items out in retail.

The pieces that comprise this combo, as Osgood wears it,  have typically been the Cooper SK2000 helmet and HM30 mask/cage.  From what I’ve read recently, Bauer has taken over production of the HM30.  The final piece to this group would be the HM30 chin strap – it doesn’t really cup your chin, but provides more of a wrap-around cover which then stabilizes the cage in place.

The cage is usually the piece that takes the most beating during use, so I’ve gone through several over the years.  I originally did have an HM30, but since having difficulty finding it recently, I’ve picked up the Itech GMF50.

The Itech GMF50 has the main characteristic that I like on the cage, which is the cat-eye pattern.  It is not without difference from the HM30 though.  The GMF50 is narrower than the HM30, so the helmet feels a bit tighter with the GMF50 cage on.  I find myself pulling on it every now and then to widen it, but not too much so I don’t completely bend it out of shape.

The actual cage patterns aren’t exactly the same either – the HM30 seems to have a more open design.  The HM30 has at least one less bar than the GMF50, but it’s not noticeable at all once you’re wearing it.

Despite the differences, I do think that the Itech GMF50 is a good alternative to the HM30, especially if you like the cat-eye pattern for more visibility.

Brand new Itech GMF50.  Notice the chin strap it comes with is different than that on the HM30.

Itech GMF50 sideview.

GMF50 with experience.

Rookie GMF50.

New Itech GMF50 attached to the Cooper SK2000 with the HM30 chin strap I’ve been using – I need a new HM30 chin strap too, but can’t seem to find one on ebay.

This new line from Takara Tomy combines computer utility with Transformers coolness.  These two are definitely on my wishlist.  I don’t think I’ll be buying the mouse though – doesn’t seem too ergonomic.  More pictures here.

Ravage is just perfect.  The cat mode is a  true G1 homage.

Blaster easily expands your USB port count.