What Is Going On In My Mind

New Dog Breeds Will Be Entered in 2012 Westminster Dog Show

2012-01-26T00:09:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post is reporting that six new dog breeds will be able to take part in the prestigious Westminster dog show. The new variations of man’s best friend allowed into the competition are: Cesky Terrier, American English Coonhound, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Finnish Lapphund, Norwegian Lundehunnd, and the Xoloitzcuitnli, as reported by Reuters.

Reuters is reporting that 2,000 dogs will be competing in the 136th edition of the famous dog show. The report also mentions that adding new dogs is nothing new to the show because over the past 23 years more than 40 breeds of pooch have been added to the roll call of the competition.

While the Westminster dog show makes for nice family viewing, the exact operation of the competition is something of mystery to normal viewers. Watching the judges poke and prod the dogs trying to figure out which one is the best can look a bit comical, but still just seeing the different types of canines is something of a magical experience.

Sure some of the dogs look downright strange with their finely dressed coats, but at least none of the designer dogs made famous by celebrities in recent years will be making the cut. The shows websites states that the show is scheduled for February 13 and 14, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and there will be plenty of TV coverage.

Really? Harry Potter Got Snubbed by Oscar?

2012-01-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

For anyone who enjoys movies, Oscar season can be a great time of year. However, a lot of times the award show gets bogged down by honoring films that, while good, nobody really cares about. Summer blockbusters with bloated budgets and massive box office receipts rarely translate into Oscar winners.

Sure, there is always an “Avatar,” “Lord of the Rings,” or “The Dark Knight,” exception to the rule, but for the most part fan favorites are a part of the Oscar broadcast as presenters and not nominees. Not to take anything away from the actors and films that are nominated, because there is some fine work there. Check out the list from Yahoo by clicking here.

However, where are the nominations for anybody involved in the Harry Potter movies? Just as “The Return of the King” was honored as a way to recognize the entire LOTR series, a nomination for “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” could have been a priority. Even a nomination for Alan Rickman or Daniel Radcliffe for bringing roles to life over the course of a decade in grand fashion would have been welcomed.

Harry Potter got magically snubbed, just like other great films. It happens, and life is not fair, and the Oscars are generally anything but fair as well. Instead of talking about snubs, I suppose I should concentrate on the nominees, but that will come after the furor of the snubs dies down.

A Halloween Light Show to Behold

2011-10-28T18:29:00.000-04:00

With nearly three million hits, many of you have already seen this dazzling light show dedicated to Halloween. The show is set to a song from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," This is Halloween. While some folks go all out for Christmas, it is nice to see at least one person really gets into the spirit of the fall holiday. The Halloween Light Show This is Halloween is one of the coolest videos to pop up on the web, and of course, it is just in time for the special night. Enjoy courtesy of YouTube:

'The Avengers' Trailer at Long Last

2011-10-12T23:41:00.000-04:00

When it comes to anticipated movies, "The Avengers" has been on the radar of fans for a few years. Now the first real trailer for the epic super hero movie has hit with a collective of oohs and aahs. With Captain America, Hawkeye, Iron Man, The Hulk, and Thor appearing the same movie screen time will be a competition, and that leaves out Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johanson (now there is an ooh and an ahh). Still, this is going to be one of the hottest movies of the summer despite the early premiere at the beginning of May. Fans have been teased by hints at the end of many movies for a few years now, and "The Avengers" is building to a fever pitch. Take a look:

Gordon Ramsay Gets New Show on Fox

2011-09-22T18:13:00.000-04:00

When it comes to cooking shows Gordon Ramsay is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of just about every cook in the world. Now, Fox is set to turn the often angry Chef Ramsay loose on another part of the hospitality industry with “Hotel Hell.” The show will probably be more “Kitchen Nightmares,” than “Hell’s Kitchen” or “Master Chef.”

By adding a fourth show to his repertoire Gordon Ramsay seems to be making a play for the record of most televised man in television history. The guy must be one serious workaholic. For those thinking the hot tempered chef doesn’t know a thing about the hotel business: he studied hotels (in his younger years) and has owned and operated hotel based restaurants in the past. So while he may lack the hotel cred of a serious manager/professional, the guy knows a thing or two about the service industry.

The main concern for fans of Gordon Ramsay has to be the danger of overexposure. The guy seems to be on TV every night of the week for long stretches, but to his credit he often takes a backseat on “Master Chef.” Still, tuning in just to see what he can do with a hotel will be just as much fun as watching him breakdown the restaurants on “Kitchen Nightmares.”

Fox must have a lot of confidence in his abilities, because giving him that fourth show is nothing short of an act of faith and appreciation. “Hell’s Kitchen” is easily one of the more entertaining cooking shows in rotation, and the other two shows can be a simple joy to watch as well. Of course, that brutal honesty that Chef Ramsay brings to the table should be trademarked.

He breaks people down to their base level just to build them up higher. While not a new technique, it seems to be quite effective for the folks that have had their lives touched by the man. And it obviously works for Fox who are looking to help Gordon Ramsay become an American television icon. One thing seems absolutely certain, hotel owners looking for a little help in getting their facilities into tip top shape need only give the man a call. If they can handle the heat, they and their facilities will be all the better for it. Not crying along the way is a major plus, but it does get good ratings.

'Hell's Kitchen' & Gordon Ramsay Keep Impressing

2011-08-29T22:46:00.000-04:00

I have been a fan of “Hell’s Kitchen” since the show started to air. As a former restaurant student, I knew the name Gordon Ramsay, but had no idea exactly how cool he was. Ramsay makes the show enjoyable, which is important since it is HIS show. But just like any other reality competition based show, you would think that the contestants would have watched at least one prior season before signing up.

Yes, Ramsay rants, raves, and curses (a lot), but this is a guy who knows what he is looking for. The cool part about the guy is that he really does care. Anyone who has watched any of his other shows, like “Master Chef,” knows he has as much heart as anyone on television.

Sometimes, though you have to wonder how much of the persona being shown on “Hell’s Kitchen” is just for the cameras and how much is actual Gordon Ramsay. Yeah, on his other shows he gets just as fired up, and I know how I get when I show someone something ten times and they still get it wrong--or worse. But, Gordon does not hold it in, he just seems to squeeze harder.

Still, HK is as much fun as any summer show, or any show for that matter, has been in a long time. Yes, editing makes the contestants look ridiculous and incompetent sometime, but for the most part they are skilled in the kitchen. But having skills and translating those skills into points with Chef Ramsay are entirely different things. As many have found out. The DVDs show a no-holds barred version of the show..

'Star Wars' Still a Work in Progress

2011-08-25T23:10:00.000-04:00

Even after all this time “Star Wars” remains a work in progress. Small or large tweaks have been made to the film franchise almost every time they have been released. Now, with the Blu-Ray release of the six movie marathon less than a month away, a few more tweaks have been announced.

While most of the changes deal with enhancing colors for the vivid life that high-definition will bring to the Star Wars Universe, the most major change was erasing the Yoda puppet from “Phantom Menace” and replacing it with a computer generated version. Many fans would probably like “Phantom Menace” replaced with another movie.

Still, the Star Wars saga is also set to fly into theaters one more time with a 3D release starting in 2012. Of course, the saga is being released in the new format in order, which means Darth Maul and company get first crack at padding the grosses of the entire saga. Hard to say how the films will do in 3D.

Hey, at least George Lucas has never stopped trying to improve on the films that have brought so much enjoyment to the lives of many. Plus, “Star Wars” is available for pre-order in a few different formats, which means anyone who loves the originals does not have to buy the prequels, or vice-versa, or fans can just pick up the six movie pack.

Not All Work From Home Websites Are Scams

2011-08-15T18:21:00.000-04:00

Work from home scams can be found all over the Internet. Even the best of us has fallen prey to a deal that sounded too good to be true, and turned out to be just that. Figuring out which work from home company is legit and which ones are not can be difficult water to navigate. Many users have different degrees of success with different companies.

Companies do exist that let you write from home, take pictures, take surveys, even evaluate products. Any work from home company that asks for money upfront should be avoided, why should you have to pay to earn?

Many Internet survey companies are for real. However, the ads about folks making thousands of dollars a week from doing it are probably a bit far-fetched. The best scenario is making about $10 or $25 every month or two. In addition, some of the surveys require fair amounts of time, so the hourly wage when calculated can be a bit on the ridiculous side.

Learning to harness the power of the computer to make a few bucks is not a bad idea, and it is entirely possible. But get rich quick schemes are not for real. If they were everybody would be rich, and no one would be working at retail stores. It can take a few tries to find a website that caters to individual needs and really start earning some cash.

The best advice is to take things slow, and gradually work more than one site under your belt. The best strategies usually involve various techniques and combinations. Relying on any one website for work from home income can be difficult.

Some work from home websites are real, and a quick Google search will probably tell the tale.

While Sad the Death of Amy Winehouse Brings Other Deaths to Mind

2011-07-24T01:59:00.000-04:00

Sadness is an inevitable human response to death and loss, but when that loss is compounded when it is unexpected. While every loss of life is tragic, celebrity deaths have a reverberating effect on the psyche of thousands, if not millions of fans. While troubled singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her apartment in London at the age of 27. The singer had a troubled life and battled addiction publicly for the last few years; however, her sudden tragic end is similar to other high profile unexpected celebrity deaths.

Heath Ledger

With “The Dark Knight” set to be released and “Brokeback Mountain” behind him, Heath Ledger was as close to being on top of Hollywood as anyone could be. Unfortunately, the beloved actor was found dead in his apartment in New York at age 28. Ledger left behind a catalog of work that will be enjoyed by generations.

Michael Jackson

The King of Pop passed away suddenly at age 50. While Jackson led a life that was marred by all sorts of accusations, the singer was preparing a whirlwind tour when passed. While debt troubles and other issues clouded his popularity, Jackson left behind some of the most memorable songs of all-time.

Steve Irwin

Nature lost a good friend when “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin met an untimely death while filming a segment for his show. The beloved character has an encounter with a stingray that took his life at age 44. Of course, the man left behind a wife and daughter, and will be remembered for years as one of the animal kingdoms best friends.

I WIshh I was at Comic-Con 2011

2011-07-23T06:34:00.000-04:00

Just watching all the cool stuff going on out in San Diego makes me a little jealous. Comic-Con looks like one devil of a good time. Everything that makes the world of geekdom cool: comics, video games, movies, TV, and of course, lots of skimpy clothed girls. Really what more could anybody want?

Sure, Comic-Con has grown over the years into the mecca that is widely known today. But planning a trip to the event is something of a goal, and is definitely going on my bucket list. Of course, as middle age (or late middle age as it were) starts to creep up, watching the videos of the action might be as real as it gets.

Still, a guy can dream, and for at least the next few days I will be dreaming on Comic-Con and all the electronic goodness and hot girls a guy can handle. The real question is what super-hero would I go dressed as? Maybe I’ll be like Sheldon Cooper and go as the Flash.

Is the Nintendo Wii U Going to Suck or Not?

2011-06-08T21:26:00.001-04:00

The great unveil at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, was the Nintendo Wii U. While the unit definitely looks cool, it will remain to be seen exactly what kind of offerings pop up to move Nintendo to the next level. Sure the six inch touch screen controller is cool, and the 1080p support is even better, and of course keeping compatible with the Wii library of games is a great option as well. The question is: How will it sell?

The price of the unit is going to be the sticking point, that much is pretty clear. Because at $400 and up, which seems unlikely, the hardware is out of range for the casual fan base that made the Wii so popular. However, right around $300 the Nintendo Wii U could be a contender for some serious gaming dollars. Which leads to the next big question: What games will be out for the Wii U?

The games that have been announced so far include: New Super Mario Bros. Mii, Dark Siders 2, Dirt Codemasters, Aliens Colonial Marines, Ghost Recon, and a few other interesting titles. The Wii suffered from lack of support from a number of developers. The best selling games were Mario games or Zelda games, which were also the best executed on the platform. With the Wii U and the unique controller set up, it seems like more developers are going to see what they can do with it, which could be a very good thing.

The bottom line on the Nintendo Wii U is pretty simple. Either it takes off or it sits on shelves. Since it is compatible with Wii controllers and games, owners might want to move to the next level and pick up a Wii U. The next gen graphics and potential for some very cool multi-player games is even better, still whether or not the Wii U ends up with P U remains to be seen. Still, even with investors not being convinced, no one should ever count out Nintendo.

Jack Sparrow & Michael Bolton Is the Funniest Thing I have Seen This Year

2011-05-10T06:06:00.001-04:00

One thing I will never really understand is why Michael Bolton did not get more love. Okay, I partially get it, and maybe it had a lot to do with the hair. Nonetheless, the guys at the lonely island have made Michael Bolton cool again. Aside from the makeup that the legendary vocalist (like it or not he is legendary) is wearing, he delivers a comic performance that is just picture perfect. The guy can even still sing. However, the looks on faces is what really sets this video apart from many on YouTube. Michael Bolton sells it completely, and should win some kind of award. Here is a look, but consider yourself forwarned the language is not PG13 so cover the kiddies ears, but get ready to laugh:

A 'Thor' Review Reveals a Great Film

2011-05-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

I just got back from seeing “Thor,” and any review that does not present the movie in good light is just plain crazy. This is a great example of what summer movies should be. Since “Thor” really opens the summer movie season, just as Marvel and “Iron Man 2” did last year, expectations are high the movie can bring home some serious box office receipts.

For the most part, “Thor” is a winner all the way. Every character brings something great to the table, but if Chris Hemsworth needed a coming out party, this was definitely the way to go. He literaly carries the film (as he should as the title character), but knows when to hold back and let an excellent supporting cast, led by Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, add dimension and depth to an already great story.

Since “Thor” is primarily an introductory tale for the character, (as well as a precursor to “The Avengers” in 2012) movie lovers do not have to be familiar with the comic books to appreciate the film. Plus, this is a summer movie anyway, which means things blow up and special effects rule, and while those are here in this film, they do not steal the show.

“The Dark Knight” set the bar pretty high for superhero movies, and it is difficult not to be reminded of Heath Ledger while watching Hemsworth perform, and the two have the type of on-screen charisma that oozes directly into the audience. While Hemsworth will probably not get an Oscar nod for his portrayal of the god of thunder, he earns his due to merit the price of a ticket, even the slightly higher price of a 3D ticket. If this is a signal of what the summer of 2011 has to offer, it is difficult not to get a little excited of what is in store.

Thursday Music & Wisdom

2011-04-07T10:05:00.000-04:00

There is something about growing up that changes things, most importantly our outlook on life. Experiences make us what we are, they mold and shape our lives in a number of different ways. Everybody has a little villain in them, and everybody has a little hero in them. Personalities become augmented by the experience of living.

Someone who experiences only negative emotions and pain seems to be more likely to inflict those traits on others. On the other hand, someone who experiences love and fulfillment seems akin to bringing positive traits to the table.

That is one reason while childhood is so important. Not that people can not change, because a rough couple of years can take its toll on anyone. There is a reason we are not made of metal and stone. Responding to those challenges is the true definition of character.

Sure, you have to play the cards you are dealt. But you do not go all in with the seven deuce off suit, you wait until you get a better hand, because the cards never stop coming. While walking away from the table is always a possibility, giving up only breeds the negative. You have to want to be better, because it will fight you, the entire time.

All we can do is make our little corners of the world better than they were before we were here. That little success is something for our kids to grow on. In short, always try, never give up, we control our lives—not anyone else. So take charge, and make something good happen today.

The Best New Television Shows From 2010-2011 Season

2011-04-01T01:17:00.000-04:00

When it comes to a great TV show, expectations are different for everyone. While some shows are great, they are just not my particular brand of vodka. Still, great shows have a way of winning over an audience, either while they are on the air or later through DVD or Netflix. The 2010-2011 television season saw a lot of new programming, but few breakout hits. After the failure that was “The Cape,” which by the way was not as bad as critics would have you believe, NBC seems destined to not have a scripted show in the top ten for a few more years. Call it the curse of the peacock.

Segmented programming has really started to take hold, of the three shows on my list, two are not on traditional networks. One is on AMC, and the other is on Syfy (which is technically owned by NBC somewhere in the mix). The other is a sitcom on CBS, which is probably the last type of program CBS needed to be a hit, but thanks to Charlie Sheen and his warlock commitments, it might prove to have some very valuable pay dirt. Here is a look at three of the best new shows of the 2010-2011 season:

“The Walking Dead”
While “The Walking Dead” is just six episodes old, the AMC take on the journey of several survivors amidst a zombie apocalypse is just fascinating. The characters are real enough to be just about anyone, and their quest for survival is something everyone can appreciate. While some gore and special effects offer additional entertainment value, “The Walking Dead” is a quality piece of entertainment that has left fans begging for more.

“Being Human”

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a house. Okay, it is not a joke but the new scripted Syfy hit “Being Human.” The show chronicles what the trio goes through to imitate humanity despite their rather tragic flaws. Because the show is on cable, the blood can flow a lot, especially when the vampires are really going at (you know what I mean). Still, this is a show that can quickly go from adventure to comedy, all in the same minute.

“Mike & Molly”

“Mike & Molly” might be the best new show of the year. Plus, the show comes at a time when the future of “Two and a Half Men” might be up in the air pending a replacement for the lead. The show follows the adventures and hijinks of an overweight police officer and his girlfriend. The fact that the pair are overweight lends itself to a lot of weight jokes, but also demonstrates the challenges the duo face with an overeating club. The pair are as convincing a couple that anyone can find on TV. The supporting cast is top notch, and the laughs are almost guaranteed every episode. This might be the new “IT” show for years to come.

Internet Killed the Radio Star, and the Movie Store, and the CD

2011-03-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

Entertainment has transformed over the past decade or so. A little Internet trading service called Napster changed the music industry for good, resulting in downloading songs becoming more commonplace than anyone actually buying a CD. A company called Netflix virtually single-handedly destroyed Blockbuster and video rental stores, and companies like Redbox have begun picking up the pieces. Now, as the Internet attempts to claim another victim, television, with video streaming services and devices, libraries are more important than ever.

Yes, books can be downloaded and traded via iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other services. They can be viewed on iPads, Nooks, Kindles, and a host of other ereaders. Borders is having trouble, and Barnes & Noble’s traditional stores are in the same boat. But libraries still offer tremendous value, since the price of a library card is usually free.

Access to all the entertainment that anyone could imagine is available in large cities and small towns around the world. Collections of vast volumes of books are available to residents all over America. Sure, Google and the electronic library are more of a when than an if, but the feeling of holding a book is something that can not be replaced by any other experience.

No disrespect to the iPad and other electronic readers, but finishing “The Hunger Games” as a hardcover borrowed from the local library was more exciting that shelling out for an electronic copy. Would Harry Potter have been as big without an actual book? Fans would gather at stores for the release of each book, try doing that with a download.

No, the way books are experienced is changing. But the fact that the readers are designed to look like actual pages should be cue enough for everyone to realize that books will never disappear. Just like music did not vanish because of Napster, reading will change but books will always be around.

It Has Been a While, But I'm Still Here

2011-03-24T00:09:00.000-04:00

What’s going on fellow blog readers? Well, I have been away for a while doing a lot of freelance work for Yahoo! and Associated Content. Additionally, I have been ghost-writing in several locations on the web. It is indeed a busy time, but a time to remember where it all started.

While it is difficult to recall the when, where, and how, we always try. Both in life and relationships, and while you never want to sacrifice where you are or what you have for what you left behind, it is okay to look back and remember when times were simpler and there were less deadlines to meet and less pressure.

As a new entry to the blog format this year (Okay, it’s March, suck it up), I am going with Music Thursdays. To celebrate, I wanted a song with a longing feel to it, one where a soul feels truly tortured about what was left behind, but so happy with the present, they do not want to look back. Still as we all know already, the past usually comes back to take a big bite out of our, you know what. So take a listen to the guys of Hinder courtesy of YouTube. Never mind all those crazy arm spasms the singer has in the video, try to concentrate on what is surely a classic song that needs to be enjoyed..and it can mean whatever you need it to.

Phantom Menace in 3D: Great Idea or Merchandising Gimmick??

2011-03-06T05:09:00.000-05:00

“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is being released in 3D in February of 2012. While this is not exactly shattering news, I have to wonder where the 3D conversions will end. While the entire Star Wars Saga will take six years to roll out in 3D, which may just be a clever ploy by George Lucas to line his pockets with merchandising cash and ticket sales cash, are these the last movies that will be remastered into 3D.

What about the Harry Potter franchise? Yes, “Deathly Hallows: Part 2” will be released in 3D, but the studio could easily ramp up 3D versions of the other six movies as well. Hey, get Peter Jackson on the phone because he could score another group of greenbacks by redoing all three Lord of the Rings movies. Same goes for Spider-Man, Iron Man, why not even get Wolverine involved in the whole three dimensional circus?

The point is that while 3D may or may not be the future of the cinema, there is a right way and a wrong way to ask folks to shell out more cash for films they have already seen. Using gimmicks like 3D is alright, but bombarding us with more of the same merchandise is nearly unforgivable. At least come out with a new line of action figures. The Star Wars Saga is arriving on Blu Ray later this year, which means anyone who buys it will have to buy the 3D Blu Ray set down the road to accommodate the new technology.

Star Wars will benefit from 3D as long as the effects are used in conjunction with the film. Paying another $60 for the family to see “Phantom Menace” in 3D just to see Jar-Jar stick his tongue out at us is a little nuts. Still, that pod race scene and Darth Maul are reason enough to see how Lucas and company did. Personally, I will be first in line with my wallet open.

"Firefly" is Always a Great Show to Revisit

2011-02-05T03:01:00.000-05:00

Of all the science fiction television shows that have received the cancellation axe over the past decade, perhaps none was as loved as “Firefly.” The crew of the spaceship Serenity had their fair share of adventures, and more than their fair share of close calls. While some members of the cast have stayed in the science fiction world, others have moved on to dramatic or comedy roles. Summer Glau can be seen on “The Cape,” Adam Baldwin checks in on “Chuck,” and Morena Baccarin can be seen as leader of the aliens on “V.” Considering all that power on screen it is a wonder “Firefly” did not get more of a chance on TV. Luckily the series lives on through the power of DVD.

Perhaps the concept of “Firefly” was too high-brow for the day, and maybe a Western-Science Fiction blend was ahead of its’ day. Perhaps the characters took too long to develop, or maybe even creator Joss Whedon was getting a free pass from the networks. No matter the reason, the show could have benefited from a second season, or at least having the first season completely aired.

While the crew would sail one last time in “Serenity,” perhaps proving the series was cancelled too early, the end of the movie left the fate of many characters sealed. Still “Firefly” was loaded with great dialogue and one-liners, but what really lives on is the great characters. From Jayne to Captain Malcolm “Firefly” gave TV some great personalities if only for a short period of time. But one of the highlights of the show was really the opening credits and that haunting theme song, “Ballad of Serenity.”

The Best Super Bowl Commerical of All Time Terry Tate Office Linebacker

2011-02-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

The Super Bowl is not really just about the game, it’s about the commercials too. In fact, many people who are not football fans actually watch specifically for the commercials. But what is the best Super Bowl Commercial of All Time? For my money, the award goes to Reebok and Terry Tate Office Linebacker. Imagine having a workplace that is actually policed by a linebacker. Without a doubt productivity would soar and less time would be spent goofing off. It is clear that Reebok put a lot of thought into this campaign and the results are somewhat hilarious. So take a look at Terry Tate Office Linebacker thanks to the wonder of YouTube:

Tired Of Cleaning Up Pet Hair? Try the Roomba 532 Pet Series Robot Vacuum

2011-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has a pet has likely encountered the unwanted task of cleaning up pet hair. Now, anyone tired of cleaning up pet hair can avoid the daily chore of vacuuming and leave the task to a robot. Specifically, the Roomba Pet Series 532 Vacuuming Robot from iRobot. This little appliance will perform all the daily floor cleaning needs without so much as a moment of complaint. The powerful brushes and filter are able to clean around and under furniture and seamlessly transition to hard surface floors from carpeting. This device can take a lot of the maintenance of having a pet away from the owner.

The Roomba Pet Series 532 Vacuuming Robot has two interchangeable bins to maximize the amount of kitty liter, hair, and other debris that the unit can pick up before being emptied effortlessly into the trash. The soft bumper technology designed into the unit keeps furniture and other obstacles free from damage from the robot, causing it to turn around and continue in another direction. Plus, the automatic stair sensing ability makes sure the Roomba does not take a surprise tumble down to another floor. In addition, the Roomba Pet Series 532 is equipped with an automatic shut off feature that keeps pets and children safe should the curious ones manage to flip the unit over.

The Roomba Pet Series 532 Vacuuming Robot from iRobot comes with two invisible walls to keep the unit out of specific areas, which helps maximize efficiency. The rechargeable battery and power supply work in tandem to let the device clean up to three standard sized rooms on a single charge. Also included are: two brush cleaning tools, an extra bristle brush, extra beater brush, and extra side brush. That means everything needed for easy cleaning is included with the purchase. This amazing device from iRobot is available from Amazon for less than $320, and can prove invaluable to saving a pet owner time and money.

The Best Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Fight Songs

2011-01-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a fan following that few pro sports teams can match. Maybe when you talk of fanatics like Yankees fans or Manchester United can you equal the vigor that Pittsburgh Steelers fans support and embrace their teams. The Steelers have some great fight songs, and a few not so great, and just about every die hard or passive fan has heard them on at least one occasion. Putting together a list of the best Steeler Fight Songs was a bit on the tough side, but anyway here are a few highlights courtesy of YouTube:

The 2011 Italian Steelers Fight Song by the Cavaliers Italian Band

The Pittsburgh Steelers Polka 2011 by Gene the Werewolf

Steeler Ladies seldom heard by many, but still a great one

and Perhaps the most famous of the bunch Here We Go by Roger Wood

The SentrySafe 1170 Offers Protection For Documents and Files At An Affordable Price

2011-01-26T04:50:00.000-05:00

Protecting valuable items in the event of a disaster is an area that many households overlook. Fire safes provide homeowners with peace of mind in the event the unthinkable occurs. While many folks consider putting valuable paper items into these safes, other items can also be placed into them for safe keeping. Since the digital age is upon us, many owners have elected to place DVD’s, CD’s, and even flashdrives into fire safes to protect data like pictures, songs, and even home movies. The SentrySafe 1170 is one of the top options for homeowners due to its half hour fireproof rating and low cost.

The SentrySafe 1170 is more than fifteen inches in length and over thirteen inches in width and height, which allows for plenty of room to store paper files and an assortment of other items. Those dimensions make this fire safe easy to fit into just about any closet, which makes it the perfect protector for any home or office setting.

The SentrySafe 1170 also features a key lock mechanism, which prevents the owner from having to remember a combination. The hinged top opening grants easy access to documents, drives, or disks for easy maintenance and can be opened quickly. The unit is rated for over 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures it can withstand and protect in the most stressful of circumstances.

Using a fire safe like this one can prevent massive problems should a situation out of your control rear its’ head. Items like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and family pictures can be safeguarded in the event of an emergency. Perhaps the be part of the SentrySafe 1170 is the sub forty dollar price tag from Amazon, making it one of the best values in home safety and security. This is one item that everyone hopes to never have to need, but if it ever is required it can perform its duty well. Every home should have a fire safe.

The Top Five Science Fiction Shows On TV

2011-01-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

Science fiction is one of those genres that gets played out over time. Maybe it is a superhero storyline that collapses do to too many characters, maybe even an alien show that gets too crazy, but for some reason sci-fi just seems to get out of control or campy. Not that campy is bad, but bad can be much much worse. It is hard to do sci-fi well. Ask the folks at the Star Trek series, yes all of them. They ran the range of good to worse to good to really bad, yet folks still tuned in, err at least until cancellation time. But some shows actually do science fiction well, and you know what, it is fun. Here is a look at the five shows on television currently doing science fiction better than anyone else:

#5 Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Yep, an animated series is doing some great sci-fi work. Star Wars: The Clone Wars may be cheating due to having an expansive mythology that had a built in fan base, but keeping those characters intact while introducing new characters can be tricky. But these series succeeds where others fall flat, this is a show with a lot of characters, and while some go missing for weeks at a time, the action is always second to the story. And that makes for a compelling show.

#4 Vampire Diaries

Often written off as a Twilight Saga knock off, Vampire Diaries brings a new element to the traditional vampire genre. While not yet in the same ballpark as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the arrival of some new characters and some great storylines promises to cap off a great year for “Vampire Diaries,” and lead into another great season.

#3 The Walking Dead

While only six episodes of “The Walking Dead” have made it onto the screen so far, this AMC original is one terrific take on the zombie genre. While the final two episodes put the “walkers” on the back burner to release a little back story, it is a fair guess that the comic book adaptation will experience a successful second season, as long as the cast and crew keep things fresh and lively (except for the walkers because they are dead, you know).

#2 Smallville

“Smallville” has been doing its’ own take on the Superman mythology for ten seasons. That is ten years of quality stories built around a single character. That task takes some impressive writing and great performances, and the cast of “Smallville” is nothing short of up to the challenge and the writing has been top notch. The series should go out with bang this season, at least until a spin off comes knocking.

#1 Warehouse 13

Any sci-fi fan that has not checked out “Warehouse 13” is missing a seriously good show. While the series shifts from comedy to drama to what the hell is going on, sometimes within a single episode, it is always entertaining. Of course, Joanne Kelley &; Eddie McClintock have great chemistry as does the entire cast of the show, which is really what makes “Warehouse 13” so special. The actors own their characters and offer a truly unique experience sci-fi fans just can not get anywhere else.

Steelers Set To Take On Jets in 2011 AFC Championship

2011-01-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

The madness that is the 2011 AFC Championship Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets is in full swing in Pittsburgh. The parking lots are loaded, and the Rivers Casino right by Heinz Field is packed to the gills with Steelers fans, and some Jets fans, hoping to win big before their team wins big. One nice thing about a home playoff game is the shot in the arm it brings to the local economy.

Pittsburgh’s hotels and restaurants are busy as well as the aforementioned Rivers Casino. But the grocery stores, bakeries, and other assorted eateries are packing in crowds as fans start to stock up on game day supplies. Of course, visit any retail operation in Western PA, and you will likely be inundated with Steelers merchandise.

Everything from jerseys, hats, scarfs, Terrible Towels, and just about anything black and gold is readily available. For a region that has been decimated by a harsh economy and job loss, the Steelers offer a nice escape. Still, Steeler merchandise and gear aside, the publicity that comes along with being featured on National Television is also a big plus.

Heinz Field has gone from Winter Classic wonderland back to home of the Steelers, and regardless of what any players and staff might say, home field advantage is huge in the NFL. Playing in front of that riotous crowd is only part of the equation. Not having to live out of a suitcase, not having to worry about family travel plans, those kinds of tasks play a role.

With kickoff time slated for 6:40pm the weather should be cold and the crowd should be fired up, the Steelers take on the Jets for the right to move on to the Superbowl. Here’s a little inspiration for the Steeler fans: