This weekend we joined the world of Hi-Def TV. I had resisted for a while because my TV was about as Low-Def as you could get...but due to an upgrade we now had the capability if we wanted it. Of course, we had so much junk on our DVR that getting rid of it seemed like too much of an effort. However, we had a problem with the DVR and so took the opportunity to replace and upgrade.
I really had no idea about how poor the picture used to be back in the old days. Wow. It is one of those things that once you get used to it, it would be tough to go back. I spent a lot of the weekend simply switching between the two feeds and marvelling at the improvement. It really does not take much to amuse me these days.
Other stuff...enjoying the few nice days left, took the kids to the park on Sunday. The weather is starting to close in and it will not be long before we are stuck inside for much of the time (lucky we now have hi-def). Also, much listening of Metallica's "Death Magnetic"...a great album for any fans of the band, their best one in 20 years I think. November 15, MSG - can't wait!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
AC/DC For The Last Time?
On Friday I drove down to Washington DC to see AC/DC yet again on this tour. A good friend from Virginia met me for the show so it was fun to catch up again as well.
As to the show, it was the best of the 5 shows I have seen. Of course, the backstage stuff at Giants Stadium put that one WAY over the top...but for the show experience itself, this was number one. The boys had a month off before this show and they were all full of energy and enthusiasm. Our seats were also amazing, literally 10 metres from the edge of the stage. Brian seemed to camp out right in front of us for much of the show. Angus, of course, was running all over the place! Anyone out there who has a chance to see them on the tour, make sure you do. You might never get the chance again.
So, ranking the 5 shows I saw on the tour:
1) Washington DC - Full setlist, great energy from the band, fantastic crowd and excellent seats.
2) Giants Stadium, NJ - Full setlist, great stadium experience and a great crowd. The seats in DC simply put that show into first place.
3) Izod Center, NJ - Awesome crowd and pretty good seats. For whatever reason they were not playing "Shot Down in Flames" and "Dog Eat Dog" at these shows...so 3rd place as a result.
4) Charlotte, NC - Probably the best crowd energy of the shows I saw, although DC was right there as well. Only problem with this show was the view. Top tier and on the side. No issues hearing them however!
5) Wilkes-Barre, PA - First show of the tour and amazing seats but this was the only show where they were a bit flat. Whether it was rust after their layoff or that they might have been sick or something is unknown, but something was not 100%. Throw in them not playing "Shoot to Thrill" as well and it is a clear choice for 5th place. Having said this, getting to see their kickoff show was pretty cool, being among the first to see them play the songs off their new album live. A good show but not a great one.
It was a great 12 months of shows...I guess it is time to let them go to Australia for a while! A side benefit of the tour is that my wardrobe has been well and truly updated with a stack of new t-shirts, sweat shirts and even some baby gear for the coming arrival. Have to start them out early!
Next up on the concert calendar - Metallica at MSG in November...and Pearl Jam are touring as well so I will certainly catch them at some point. On a related topic, Peral Jam's new album is very good and getting better with each listen.
As to the show, it was the best of the 5 shows I have seen. Of course, the backstage stuff at Giants Stadium put that one WAY over the top...but for the show experience itself, this was number one. The boys had a month off before this show and they were all full of energy and enthusiasm. Our seats were also amazing, literally 10 metres from the edge of the stage. Brian seemed to camp out right in front of us for much of the show. Angus, of course, was running all over the place! Anyone out there who has a chance to see them on the tour, make sure you do. You might never get the chance again.
So, ranking the 5 shows I saw on the tour:
1) Washington DC - Full setlist, great energy from the band, fantastic crowd and excellent seats.
2) Giants Stadium, NJ - Full setlist, great stadium experience and a great crowd. The seats in DC simply put that show into first place.
3) Izod Center, NJ - Awesome crowd and pretty good seats. For whatever reason they were not playing "Shot Down in Flames" and "Dog Eat Dog" at these shows...so 3rd place as a result.
4) Charlotte, NC - Probably the best crowd energy of the shows I saw, although DC was right there as well. Only problem with this show was the view. Top tier and on the side. No issues hearing them however!
5) Wilkes-Barre, PA - First show of the tour and amazing seats but this was the only show where they were a bit flat. Whether it was rust after their layoff or that they might have been sick or something is unknown, but something was not 100%. Throw in them not playing "Shoot to Thrill" as well and it is a clear choice for 5th place. Having said this, getting to see their kickoff show was pretty cool, being among the first to see them play the songs off their new album live. A good show but not a great one.
It was a great 12 months of shows...I guess it is time to let them go to Australia for a while! A side benefit of the tour is that my wardrobe has been well and truly updated with a stack of new t-shirts, sweat shirts and even some baby gear for the coming arrival. Have to start them out early!
Next up on the concert calendar - Metallica at MSG in November...and Pearl Jam are touring as well so I will certainly catch them at some point. On a related topic, Peral Jam's new album is very good and getting better with each listen.
Friday, October 9, 2009
No Second Prize
It is almost a week later and I guess I am over the Eels loss. They were not the better team on the night but if we had not let that one bomb fall into Inglis' arms, the game might have finished differently. That one moment killed our momentum and even though we scored late to get back into the game somewhat, it was not enough. Next year is looking good with a few additions and most key players returning but time is running out if we are to get a championship for Hindmarsh and Cayless.
Seems that too often at this time of year I am looking forward to the next season. Having said this, it was an amazingly exciting run to end the season and if we can play consistently all year, 2010 might actually be the year...
Seems that too often at this time of year I am looking forward to the next season. Having said this, it was an amazingly exciting run to end the season and if we can play consistently all year, 2010 might actually be the year...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Old Dogs v Young Pups
Yesterday was our club's annual Old Dogs v Young Pups match, dividing the club along age lines and having an afternoon of cricket, drinking and shit stirring. Bragging rights for the year are at stake so the importance of winning cannot be understated.
This year, for the first year, I was an Old Dog. We had a decent team but I think the young blokes would have been favoured heading into the match. There was also the spectre of rain about threatening to derail proceedings but we were forced to take our chances.
After losing the toss we were sent in. First ball I faced I edged the ball through the vacant 2nd slip area and got off the mark in a somewhat dubious fashion. Next ball, Eddie carved one straight at cover and was caught, so not off to a great start. Peter and I put on a decent stand, consolidating the innings and gettting us back on track. After he got out I had partnerships with Matt and Jerome and was eventually dismissed for 56 in the 31st over. However, this does not really tell the full story. Over the course of my innings I was dropped 5 times, providing me with much amusement and many opportunities to remind the youngsters how crap they were. Rain started to fall during the final over of our innings but we finished it out and ended up with a score of 164 from our 35 overs.
Sadly, the rains did not stop and despite John's best efforts, there was nothing that could be done. We consumed the beer we had at the ground, retired to the pub for more beer and pizza and called it a day. In fact, this was my last game of the year, so I am now looking at a long winter "off season" to put this year behind me and get into decent form for 2010. Overall, personally, it was a poor year. I scored two 50's and a few other OK knocks, but should have done better. As for my bowling, well, I might have lost the plot there. I will give it one last crack to see if I can find it again but not being able to practice and playing relatively infrequently...along with getting older I guess, have ll taken their toll.
I am now awaiting the broadcast of the Grand Final, 4 hours to go. Go the Eels!
This year, for the first year, I was an Old Dog. We had a decent team but I think the young blokes would have been favoured heading into the match. There was also the spectre of rain about threatening to derail proceedings but we were forced to take our chances.
After losing the toss we were sent in. First ball I faced I edged the ball through the vacant 2nd slip area and got off the mark in a somewhat dubious fashion. Next ball, Eddie carved one straight at cover and was caught, so not off to a great start. Peter and I put on a decent stand, consolidating the innings and gettting us back on track. After he got out I had partnerships with Matt and Jerome and was eventually dismissed for 56 in the 31st over. However, this does not really tell the full story. Over the course of my innings I was dropped 5 times, providing me with much amusement and many opportunities to remind the youngsters how crap they were. Rain started to fall during the final over of our innings but we finished it out and ended up with a score of 164 from our 35 overs.
Sadly, the rains did not stop and despite John's best efforts, there was nothing that could be done. We consumed the beer we had at the ground, retired to the pub for more beer and pizza and called it a day. In fact, this was my last game of the year, so I am now looking at a long winter "off season" to put this year behind me and get into decent form for 2010. Overall, personally, it was a poor year. I scored two 50's and a few other OK knocks, but should have done better. As for my bowling, well, I might have lost the plot there. I will give it one last crack to see if I can find it again but not being able to practice and playing relatively infrequently...along with getting older I guess, have ll taken their toll.
I am now awaiting the broadcast of the Grand Final, 4 hours to go. Go the Eels!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)