After going a couple weeks without a television (well Slingbox on my notebook computer doesn’t count), it was nice to have a TV back in our bedroom. Besides being busy with the Taildragger Fly-In and TDIFest last weekend, I’ve had trouble deciding on just what flat panel technology and brand to purchase. I had convinced myself that a ‘bright’ LCD set like the new 120Hz models by Samsung were the best sets available, but considering that I’m putting it in a not-so-bright bedroom and that plasma screens are cheaper and great for both movies (dense blacks) and sports (very little blur) … I opted for the later. The biggest advantage was that I was able to buy a slightly larger screen size, add a Blue-Ray DVD player and middle of the road surround sound set up for about the same cost as Samsung 46″ LCD 120Hz series 7 HDTV.
I also wanted to purchase locally, as I’ve heard a few comments about dead pixels and didn’t want to have to repack and ship. So headed to the Best Buy and then Circuit City where both salesmen proceeded to tell me that I should look at the Panasonic branded plasma HDTVs. When all was said and done, I walked out with a 50″ Panasonic 1080p HDTV (TH50PZ80U) from Circuit City and the Panasonic Blue-Ray player/surround sound system. You now probably know what I did the rest of the weekend? (photo above of actual set taken with Palm Treo 700p)
😉
The only negative was that the wall-mount for this TV was out of stock and that I had to use the top of a chest of drawers until I can find the correct mount — but the picture quality even without HD cable service is excellent (I can still tune in a couple HD stations).
Friends and family regularly forward me ‘cute’ things on the Internet, although I rarely post them on my blog. Here’s a YouTube clip that impressed me enough to share. Perhaps it is because as a boy I played with a yo-yo and tried to learn a few simple tricks — but never like this!
On Thursday night at the RNC, prior to Senator John McCain‘s speech accepting his party’s nomination, he was introduced by a short movie about his love for country and his life of service to our nation. His mother posed the question: “Where else in the history of the United States of America, have you had a person, over time, with the experience that he has?” The obvious answer is that there are very few individuals who have come to demonstrate this much devotion to country.
Besides delivering a ‘decent’ speech to 28.9 million viewers (more that Palin, Biden or Obama), McCain was able to present himself to the American people in a way that was realistic yet hopeful. His promises were still those of a politician, but promises which his life’s record have shown tireless effort. It will require bringing parties and ideas together, and perhaps even compromise, but more realistic under McCain than any other GOP candidate to date. Its hard to tell if this Senator who has stretched across party lines in the past, will be able to do the same if elected President? I’d like to think so … and for the best interest of our country, I’ll be supporting the dedicated and highly experienced John McCain for President. If little else, he has certainly demonstrated that he ‘does’ put “Country First” and loves our nation and its people. (to download a Quicktime movie of the entire speech, ‘right-click/save as’ this link)
I stumbled across the first 2009 Volkswagen Sportwagen TDI that I’ve noticed in my area. Here are a few photos of the ‘sold’ vehicle in the FairfieldVW showroom. Sticker was just a bit over $25,000, but the car had that impressively huge moonroof. I could go for this 6-speed manual in black!
Senator Barack Obama and Bill O’Reilly (Fox News – O’Reilly Factor) sat down and had a 2 hour talk on Thursday in Pennsylvania before the RNC speeches; part one of the interview ran at 8PM EST Thursday night and the balance will follow next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I though both did a pretty good job of having a “lively conversation.” (YouTube Part 1 below — or higher quality here — for as long as it remains posted)
Although hurricane Ike is a few days away from the United States, it currently looks to be the most threatening storm heading towards the U.S. mainland this year. Predictions have it at a CAT4 ( 131-154mph wind) with the current path of south Florida. As someone with family in Delray Beach, this storm has me sitting up and taking notice. We are obviously in the middle of a strong hurricane season with Gustov recently coming ashore in Louisiana, Hanna projected for the Carolinas and Josephine moving westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Better get those hurricane shutters and plywood ready!
Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin delivered one of the finest speeches at a political convention that I can recall which without question re-ignites the slumbering McCain for President campaign. Palin’s energy and speech delivery were exactly what the Republican convention needed. I think America is going to like and listen to her. From her smart ‘small town’ wit, to her conservative appeal, the “hockey mom” of five is going to give middle American Independents and undecided Democrats something to think about. By the end of Wednesday night, Arizona delegates officially confirmed the Republican ticket: McCain/Palin. (photo above: Sarah Palin fishing in Alaska)
In keeping with short posts and photos, my EAA Chapter 284 had its annual Fly-In and Pancake breakfast this past Sunday morning. Thanks to the great weather and hungry pilots, our event was well attended and the most profitable in the last several years. Who said high priced AVGas would keep taildraggers away?
Although I spent most of my time behind the scenes working with my fellow planners to keep the TDIFest organized, I did take a few moments to walk through the parking lot and Rally destination (Red Stewart Airfield) taking a couple photos.
I’m back dating a couple of blog entries so I can include a few photos and video from this past weekend — TDIFest OH8. Here’s a great video by TDIClub member “TeDeEye1” of the “timed drive” Road Rally:
