The Batman Arkham City Collector’s Edition came in a surprisingly beautiful package, with black and white character art on the outside and a landscape of Arkham City inside. The side flaps fold down after removing the clear plastic casing.

The Kotobukiya statue will most likely be coming with me to work. Beware his pointy ears – they’re pretty sturdy and can actually poke your eye out!

The hardcover art book is simply gorgeous, and it doubles as the case for the game. I’m not too fond of this, since now I can’t put the game along with the other PS3 games, but it’s not a deal breaker.

I already own the Batman Gotham Knight Animated Movie (as any Batman fan should). Fortunately they included a Blu-ray copy, so it’s not going to waste.

And lastly, a whole mess of downloadable content – Catwoman as a playable character, The Dark Knight Returns Skin, Iceberg Lounge Challenge Map, Gotham City Impostor Beta, and the Batman Arkham City music album.

I’m about 12% into the game and am loving every moment of it. The expansive size of Arkham City leaves so much to be explored, and every detail of the game just makes you feel like you are Batman.

Right after getting on the ramp to the 10 West, I roll up my windows only to hear a very loud, shattering blast coming from the driver side. It sounded like glass breaking, but after a quick glance, the window was obviously fine.

I rolled the window down, and down it went. I’m even more perplexed now. I shrug and start to roll the window up, but alas, it wouldn’t.

On the next free Saturday that came up, I took the S2000 to a nearby Honda dealership to get it checked out. They came back with a diagnosis of a broken window motor/regulator and an estimate fo $600 for the part and labor. Yikes!

Fortunately they didn’t have part in stock, as I probably would have just gotten it taken care right then and there, just to get this all squared away. But I was unsure of when I’d be able to come back to get it fixed, so I told them I would just let them know.

A little bit of searching led me to the following post, which outlined the exact issue that I had, and instructions on how the poster fixed it himeself:
DIY: How to replace the window motor regulator on a Honda S2000

So I found a used part on ebay ($95 shipped), picked up some tools ($35) and white lithium grease ($5), familiarized myself with the process via the post, and voila! My driver side window is functional once again. Total cost: $135.

I’m not too much of a DIY kinda guy, so this was a pretty fun project for me. Just a few notes I’d like to add from my own experience:

• In order to be able to pull the window up manually, the motor has to have been rolled up all the way as well. The first few times I tried pulling the window up, it wouldn’t budge. The window won’t go up when you pull up on the switch (obviously), but the motor needs to be rolled up. The glass will only go as far as the motor lets it.
• Socket wrenches worked the best – I used a 10 mm and a 12 mm (if I remember correctly) for removing the glass and the motor/regulator from the door.
• I put in some extra white lithium grease on the railing of the motor/regulator for good measure before installing it.

I had a bit of a difficult time trying to attach both legs (Scrapper and Mixmaster) to the connectors on the CrazyDevy thighs.  Although they technically are supposed to match the connectors on the original, the fitment just wasn’t quite right.  The distance between the pegs where Mixmaster connects to was slightly shorter than Mixmaster’s width, so I had to squeeze him in there.  This makes for a tight fit, which is good I guess.

Fitting in Scrapper proved to be more of a challenge – the two pegs on the sides, the little hook on the back, and the main opening all had to be just right.  Again, not the best alignment, but with continued forceful pushing, I was able to integrate Scrapper in.  After those two, joining the waist back to the Devastator’s torso was a breeze.

This piece is actually the second run of this part – the first run had a different color scheme with the thighs being purple and the connectors green.  Not quite sure which one I like, but having missed the first run, this was the only option I had.

Aside from the momentary doubt that the thighs were actually going to fit with the legs, I think this is actually a good buy.  The upgraded hips/waist add posability to an otherwise stiff Devastator, and the increase in height is a definite plus for this combiner.

I never had the original toy, so this might have been accurate with that, but the appeal had disappeared.  I mulled over the possibility of still getting it while I roamed the exhibition hall, but eventually decided to pass.  I was disappointed to leave the ‘Con empty-handed, so I’ll just have to look forward to the following toys:

FansProject Crossfire 02 Explorer

FansProject Crossfire 02 Munitioner

Generations Dirge

2010 Predaking Reissue

Takara Device Label Broad Blast (Blaster)

FansProject Protector

Hot of the press, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is DC’s latest installment in their recent line of DC Universe Original Animated Movies.  The dvd was released just this past Tuesday (2/23), and I’m waiting for its arrival via my Blockbuster queue.  I don’t have any thoughts on it yet, since I’m trying to avoid any reviews until I see the movie myself.  Wired.com has a pretty extensive post on it though, for those who are curious.

As for the previous movies, here they are in order of release:

• Superman Doomsday DVD
• Justice League: The New Frontier
• Batman Gotham Knight
• Wonder Woman
• Green Lantern: First Flight
• Superman Batman: Public Enemies

So if you didn’t know already, I’m totally hooked on Uncharted.  I was completely engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Drake’s Fortune and Among Thieves – so much so that I’ve already played both games twice in the recent months.  If you have a PS3, these are must-haves!

Craving more things Uncharted, I logged into the Playstation Store and found Uncharted: Eye of Indra – a four-episode motion comic starring our favorite treasure hunter.  It was a bit more graphic than the game, with blood and torture added to the mix, but in no way gratuitous.  I don’t want to give too much away, but I think fans of the franchise will be pleasantly surprised with tie-ins to the games.

The first episode is free, and the remaining three are only $.99.  One minor complaint though – the purchased episodes file under “Games” in the Playstation XMB menu, while the first episode is correctly in the “Videos” category.  On top of that, I couldn’t seek backwards nor forwards in the purchased episodes since they are considered games.

Despite these, I still recommend this third mini-installment from Naughty Dog, so load up that Playstation Store wallet and enjoy!

Episode 1:

I’m asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality. It doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.
- Conan O’Brien

Last episode on Hulu

10. Inferno – Universe Classics 2.0

This is one of the few Classics molds that have yet to be released as a repaint.  They could easily do so as Grapple, and I wouldn’t have a problem with that.  I love how it’s very solid and square a la G1, but with all the articulation that the Classics line offers.  It unfortunately doesn’t come with a ladder, but you can easily get one from the Gears of War weapons set.

9. Soundwave – SDCC 2009

This year was my first time at the San Diego Comic-Con (which was, of course, totally awesome), so I wasn’t about to leave empty handed in the toy department.  Re-issues of Soundwave have come in numerous iterations throughout the years, but I never got my grubby hands on one.  Good thing this was one of the exclusive at this year’s Comic-Con.  It’s the single-deck version, and it comes with four cassettes – Lazerbeak, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, and Ravage.

8. Hot Rodimus – Kiss Players

I kicked myself over the head numerous times for not getting this while I had the pleasure of being in Japan in 2008.  I saw it in one of the many toy stores in Akihabara, but talked myself out of buying it because I already had the SDCC version.  Not until I was back home did I realize how much better the Ford GT looks with the white stripes instead of the golden flames – a small, but significant difference.  Alas, I ended up paying more for an opened one from ebay that didn’t even come with the original box.  No complaints though.  This toy has become very difficult to find, and I’m glad I was able to get one.

7. Alternity A-01 Nissan GT-R Convoy(s)

Optimus Prime + Nissan GT-R = Win!  I’ll have to admit though, having Optimus Prime as anything not resembling a truck doesn’t sit 100% well with me.  But if he had to be car, I’m glad it’s the GT-R.  They really got me with this mold – releasing it in three colors, and I bit on every single one.  I mean, you have to have the red because that’s the true Prime; the GT-R looks superb in silver; and black, well, it’s so sleek and sexy!  So yea, all three

6. Device Label USB Ravage

Ever since the rumors for this one, I knew I had to have it.  We all know that Ravage’s original alternate mode was a cassette, spying on the Autobots and recording information when necessary.  So a Ravage toy that records data in today’s technology and transforms to a very articulate jaguar just made sense.  It’s only 2 gigs though – might be a deal breaker for some, but I’m good with it.

5. Alternity A-03 Suzuki Swift Bumblebee

After all the movie hoopla, finally a Bumblebee toy that is true to the character comes out!  Bumblebee’s supposed to be the little one with a lot of heart; the underdog who goes all in regardless of the situation.  I think this Suzuki Swift version captures that sentiment better than a Camaro.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the new Camaro, but I just don’t think it ever fit our favorite little guy.  This one’s a great piece, down to the head mold that is G1 to the core.

4. Henkei Ghost Starscream

I love it when they make special versions of toys based on events in the show.  For those not familiar, Starscream makes a return as a ghost in the latter seasons after Galvatron kills him off in the movie.  As far as this Henkei rendition, the clear colored plastic reminds me of Jolly Rancher candies – glassy and yummy   Of course, it wasn’t without hesitation that I made this purchase.  It’s just so difficult to pull the trigger when you know a toy costs 900% more than another one made from the exact same mold, but this one was just too pretty to pass up.

3. MP-01B Masterpiece Convoy – Black Version

I know, I know – another Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy you say.  But how can I resist?  This is arguably the best Transformers mold made to date, so I don’t think you can ever have enough of it.  This mold coupled with me recently becoming a fan of the Nemesis Prime character guaranteed the purchase of this repaint.  It’s still in the package, but I’ll open this guy soon enough.

2. Binaltech BT-18 Rijie (Mirage) e-Hobby Exclusive

Hooray for limited editions!  This eHobby exclusive eluded me for a very long time.  I had to follow numerous auctions on ebay for a while to get this, since the Buy It Now prices were just ridiculous.  This toy is a display of Mirage’s ability to become invisible.  So until technology catches up to sci-fi in this department, this is as close as we’ll get to having an invisible toy.

1. MP-08 Masterpiece Grimlock

Me Grimlock King!  Com’on, who doesn’t like the Dinobots?  I never had the originals growing up, so this was definitely a welcome addition to my collection.  It’s a great homage to the G1 toy, keeping most of the transformation scheme the same as its predecessor.  Articulation is very high, as you would expect from the Masterpiece line, and the little gimmicks like being able to change his eye color (both in robot and t-rex modes) and light up weapons are fun features.  My only complaint about this toy is that it’s not in scale with Masterpiece Optimus Prime.  But that’s not enough to knock this guy off as my number one pick for 2009.

• 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

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