Why Isn't This Taught In School?

Finally, a means of conquering brain freeze...


"Brain freeze" is the pain sometimes inflicted by devouring something cold like ice cream or a cold beverage, often very quickly.

The reaction is (obviously) triggered by the cold ice cream or beverage; coming into contact with the roof of the mouth. It triggers nerves that give the brain the impression of a very cold environment. To heat up the brain again, blood vessels start to swell, which causes the headache-like pain for approximately 30 seconds.

The temperature change in the roof of the mouth has to be rather drastic; this is why brain freeze often occurs on warm days.

The pain can be relieved by putting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which logically will heat it up.

(from answerbag.com)

Recognition Deserved

I've been away for awhile but I wanted to drop by for a second to post a "HAPPY BOXING DAY" to all the Commonwealth folks who frequent my blog (especially you Canadians)!

Reno Balloon Race 2006

I'm posting this because I think it's fun to watch. Also, I like hot air balloons. I like the tradition that if someone lands a hot air balloon in your backyard they have to share cheese and champagne with you. Much like dry land, it's not a myth- I've seen it.

What's The Opposite Of Progress?

Here's a little factoid to make you feel like your federal government is concerned with the major issues facing us all...

Of the 383 pieces of legislation that were signed into law during the two-year 109th Congress, more than one-quarter dealt with naming or renaming federal buildings and structures - primarily post offices.

(info from CNN)

The Mob Has Spoken

NPR listeners have impeccable taste!

See? I'm Not Crazy

Today I came across an article on Reuters that supports my outrageous claims...

Blu-Ray Drive No Bonus For Most PS3 Buyers

HD Is For Me

For all my praise of the HD-DVD format, I figured I should provide some evidence supporting my claims. Below you will find two comparison screen caps between the standard DVD release of Return of the King and the upcoming HD-DVD version. While the differences aren't mind-blowing, there is a very noticeable improvement in clarity. Focus particularly on the stubble on his face and the individual strands of hair. As the term "high definition" would imply, the image is significantly sharper. It is also worth mentioning that the colors in the HD-DVD cap are not as washed-out and the shadows are much more clearly defined.

(click on the photo for a much larger version)

Star Wars Auditions

I'm posting this video in honor of Chris & Megan's swell Christmas party last night. She's fast enough for you, old man.

There Can Be Only One

I've put together a list of reasons why HD-DVD should be the chosen format for anyone interested in high-definition movies. I'm a big supporter of the format and I think it's the most logical choice. I believe that in order for both formats to survive, HD-DVD should be used for movies while Blu-Ray could be used for storage. As it goes right now, this unnecessary format war is hurting everyone involved.

1. HD-DVD players are much less expensive than Blu-Ray players. Sony's first stand-alone Blu-Ray player costs $999. Stand-alone HD-DVD players debuted at around $499 and a very good quality HD-DVD drive accessory is available for the Xbox 360 for $199.
2. HD-DVD movies have been out-selling Blu-Ray at a ratio of 11 to 1.
3. Most releases on the HD-DVD format have consistently demonstrated better picture quality than Blu-Ray due to its useage of the superior VC1 encoding technology.
4. HD-DVD discs can be manufactured in the same factories that make standard DVD movies. Blu-Ray discs require all new technology that is both costly and less efficient.
5. There are approximately seven times more HD-DVD players than Blu-Ray players in homes around the country.
6. HP, who originally sided with Blu-Ray at the outset, has now jumped sides and will soon be offering a $100 HD-DVD drive upgrade for their media center PCs. By comparison, Sony's Blu-Ray VIAO solution weighs in at $749.
7. When you look at Sony's history with introducing new formats to the masses, they've basically failed with almost every attempt. From Betamax to Mini Discs to UMDs, their track record is less than stellar.
8. Many people are viewing the PS3 as sort of a "trojan horse" in that Sony is using it to force Blu-Ray players on consumers whether they want it or not. Sony will tell you that the PS3 is a gaming system but what they are more concerned with is that it's a Blu-Ray player. When asked, the majority of consumers say they would have preferred that the drive be offered as an optional accessory like the HD-DVD is for the Xbox 360.
   

Experts say that unless one format is chosen, they both will very likely fail. I hope to see HD-DVD embraced as the new standard for high definition movies by studios and consumers alike.

(sources: Digital Trends, HD Now)

Richard Simmons' New Exploding Steamer

I Think We Have A Winner Here

Considering the plot, casting and director this could really be something special...

Potential Greatest Movie Ever?

(thanks to Chris for the link)

Dear Torrey #1

It has been requested that I start an "advice column" of sorts on the ole blog so here's my first attempt at an entry:

Dear Torrey,

What is the deal with the Wii? The controllers look odd and I am not entirely sure how they would work. Do you hold a vendetta against the Wii, as you do for the PS3?

Sincerely,
Wickedly Confused

Dear Wickedly Confused,

I will start off by stating that I haven't yet used a Wii console. Most stores didn't get interactives (for fear of injuries and lawsuits, among other things) and I haven't purchased one for myself. So everything I know is based on information I have read and from people who are playing the Wii for themselves. In summary, it's basically a souped-up Gamecube with funky new controls. The controller is shaped like a television remote and contains gyro technology that translates your movements to the images on the screen. If you're playing a golf game, you swing the controller like a golf club. Baseball? Swing it like a bat. The major push for the Wii is the promise that simpler controls make the system more accessible to a general audience. It's supposed to be a gaming console that the entire family can play with ease.

As far as my feelings about the Wii are concerned, I give Nintendo a lot of credit for trying something new. The system is extremely gimmicky but it does promise to offer a gaming experience you can't get elsewhere. It strives to be a "party" console and I can't fault it for that. I think they will succeed in reaching a lot of people who tend to shy away from the more "hardcore" systems. Judging from the amount of people I see clamoring for one at work, it seems like they have a hit on their hands; at least for the time being.

My ill-will for the Playstation 3 is based on months and months of negative press and ridiculous moves made by Sony. They have carried themselves as pompous and untouchable when they had no right to be either. And now it's coming back on them and I feel it is more than deserved. The PS3 "launch" was the worst I can remember and had such a low impact that it almost feels like it never happened at this point. Sony wasn't ready, isn't ready and now the future of their gaming division has an enormous up-hill climb ahead. Sony makes decisions purely for Sony's sake- they aren't thinking about the gamers who are laying down the cold hard cash. It's a system built to sell Blu-Ray and anyone who says differently is a fool.

And more important than all of this is the fact the Xbox 360 is better anyway.

Thanks for writing!

~Torrey