Hello world!

This is my new blog, my Blogspot was cool, but not as feature rich as this. I’ll be keeping my regular journal over at RoosterTeeth.com/txbosox for all my other posts and even some more private blogging.

Still wanting to post reviews of games, movies, songs/music and anything else I get my hands on here and anything I feel needs to be put on the interwebs for the world to know.

Thanks for reading folks, will be porting my old blogs soon.

Obscurity has no hero…….

So this afternoon and a few times this week on Facebook, I’ve gotten some random friend requests….normally random people I don’t know don’t get accepted.  But these people aren’t normal, they’re like me (oh haha).  They have Chiari or a family member with it.  I accepted them at first, until out of the woodworks I’m getting hit with this Chiari love fest of people who are struggling with it, while I live life like I’m fine.  Which I am, really.

Hurt Locker

So, I bought a PS3 a little while back, rented Hurt Locker on Blue-Ray.  Watched it on a 40″ Vizio LCD in 1080p.  Crystal clear picture IMHO.  As far as it being a contender for Best Picture, I say it has a shot.  Was a good movie. Instead of most “War Flicks” having an agenda, this one didn’t feel that way.  It follows an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) unit throughout the last month of their tour in Iraq.  It wasn’t a non-stop action thrill ride, it took the time to smell the roses and for some of the characters things got a little personal.

If you do watch it, find someone with a Blue-Ray player and a nice flat screen.  There are some parts that just look amazing in HD.

I liked it, rent it, save your money post awards, incase a later version pops up with more bonus content.

The Book of Eli

Such a great film.  No spoilers in this.

I hate this…..it’s a really good movie, go see it to believe it.  There is so much I want to type, but won’t as some do read this and I don’t want to give anything away or spoil it for anyone.  The action, the characters, the story, the message at the end, all of it I want to talk about but won’t.  Just do me a favor and watch it, if your near me, and want someone to go with you, feel free to ask me, I’d go see it again.

About last night…..

So we all know how it ended, UT gave up 3 turnovers in the last 3 minutes of the game to close the door on any hopes of a comeback.

But what would’ve happened had Colt NOT gotten hurt?  It would’ve been a completely different ball game, and everyone with half a brain and isn’t drinking ‘The Crimson Kool-Aid’ should be able to understand that.  Colt stays in, the 2 field goals we started off with would’ve been 14 points rather than 6.  Colt and the Offense came to play, as did the Defense.  Once Colt got hurt, the entire UT team’s morale and will was crushed.  The only thing that ‘Bama had going for them was late in the first quarter and all of the 2nd, Ingram was only gaining about 10 yards per carry and the Freshman RB for them had the one breakout for a TD.  Both of which of course, after McCoy was taken out.  Say Colt didn’t get hurt, the Defense of UT stays pumped up for the game, allowing a fraction of what they gave up in the first half, resembling their 2nd half performance.  UT came to play like they never had before this season.  Not once had Colt put a drive together against a team like this this season.

All of the turnovers wouldn’t have happened plain and simple, we all make mistakes, but a 4th year, 2 time Heisman finalist wouldn’t make the same ones Gilbert made.  Before the game I figured Texas would win 34-24.  I actually think it would’ve been something like 41-24.  Think about it, ‘Bama only had 3 offensive scores for 17 points in the entire game.  All from their running game, ‘Bama’s passing game was laughable to say the least.  Defense wins games but when it’s against a Freshman QB in his first game with more than a quarter of play, somethings are just come easy….telegraphed passes leading to 3 of the 4 interceptions, etc…..things Colt doesn’t do.

I may be a biased UT fan, but I’m so sick of all the hate for UT and the Big 12, and all the love for the SEC and ‘Bama.  ’Bama had a good year, flat out beat Florida, but they got extremely lucky that they didn’t play the same UT team that got them there with the exception of 5 plays.  All this talk of how well ‘Bama played.  UT only allowed 263 yards of offense.  ’Bama allowed 276 yards of offense.  9 yards of that was McCoy and UT’s Johnson and Newton had 17 yards combined before McCoy was hurt.  Giving UT’s offense with Gilbert a total of 250 yards against the “#1 Defense in the Country”.  I’d say Gilbert did extremely well.  The fact that in 5 plays McCoy put up 10% of what Gilbert at the helm did all game is a testament to what McCoy is capable of as a morale booster and how well he handles the offense.

Before anyone jumps the gun and points out the obvious that UT did in fact lose, take in the opinions before this statement….let it soak in, roll it around in the ‘ole thinker box.  To say that with Colt the game would’ve been different would be an understatement of epic proportions.  But, the fact he only played for the first 3 minutes of the game for 5 plays means we’ll never really know what could’ve been.  So we’ll just have to accept the fact that despite overwhelming odds against what many call a better team, a True Freshman backup QB came into the game, not expecting to even play a single down or even hold for a field goal, went toe to toe with the ‘National Champs’ for 2010 and made things interesting, until the last 3 minutes and 2 seconds of the game that is.  That speaks volumes of Gilbert’s heart and will to play the game and not just give up despite how rough he had it in the 1st half.  I haven’t even mentioned how much the team came together to support Gilbert and help make plays, offensively and defensively.

As for McCoy, I’m just interested to know what’s wrong with his shoulder, I heard he and his dad threw down in the locker room and Colt couldn’t even aim the pass.  Like he meant to throw straight, but it ended up going towards a would-be sideline.  We won’t know if that’s true or not, it’s just a rumor I heard today.

I’ll tip my hat to Gilbert, hang in there kid, you’ve got 3 years to fill the shoes you were so hastily thrown into last night.  I can’t wait to see what you do in the years to come.

Hook’em Horns

There’s always the next big thing.

Hi, my name is Josh, and I’m a nerd.  Today was interesting…..and here’s why.  (TLDR version, iPhone isn’t that good anymore, Google is WIN and I have no patience.)

So for 3 years the phone to have has been the iPhone, 3G and 3GS in that order.  The latest iPhone is a good phone, finally overcoming the MMS and Cut/Copy/Paste shortcomings of it’s prior 2 YEARS in service.  I don’t hate the iPhone, I just hate AT&T.  That said, I’m sure the 4.0 OS is on it’s way come June with a 4th Gen iPhone.  I don’t know what June will bring for iPhone users, but it won’t bring anything for me.

Today, Google held an Android press conference at it’s headquarters.  Anyone who cares about new tech/phones or is just paying any attentions to tech blogs, knows that Google was going to make the Nexus One official.  So far Android is a good/solid OS for a wide canvas of phone manufacturers, mainly HTC who makes my Droid Eris I own and use everyday.  HTC paired up with Google to make the G1 (the first Android phone), then the My-touch, Hero and Eris.  A lot of leaks about the Nexus One (N1) have been popping up around the web either on purpose, or just bad employee control.  Google handed out several N1′s to it’s employees for testing and feedback and they leaked it out over the Holidays.  First pics, a YouTube clip or two on it, tons of rumored specs on it until confirmed/debunked today.

Actually there were few surprises.  The biggest is that this is the first of many Google Phones, the next one is going to be seen on Verizon, and then VodaPhone in the UK.  This one was already rumored to be a T-Mobile device, either exclusively or just designed to better work on it’s system/towers.  T-Mobile is subsidizing a contract for $180 and $80 a month plus fees (500 minutes, unlimited text/data).  Though, Google is handling ALL sales of the N1, Google is selling the phone “Unlocked” for $530.  Unlocked meaning it can be used on all GSM networks, AT&T and T-Mobile mainly, but it can be used overseas in many countries using GSM systems.  It won’t work with AT&T’s 3G band though, just EDGE for data.  Buying it for T-Mobile is also unlocked from the box so once your contract is up or you ‘early terminate’ your free to use it on whatever carrier you wish.

For clarification, GSM systems use SIM cards, CDMA (Sprint/Verizon) don’t.

The Nexus One is pretty badass for a phone meant to compete with the iPhone and be the phone Google envisions running Android to it’s fullest potential without being overkill.  The biggest drawback is that the impressive hardware puts an enormous strain on the battery, one person reported playing a 3D game for 1.5 hours off a full charge and killing the battery in that time.  Otherwise it should be able to last a full 8 hour work day granted you don’t use the phone to actually conduct your work on .  The battery however IS replaceable, all Android phones so far are made with that feature.  It features 2 microphones, one for your voice, and another to serve as an active noise cancellation device when your talking to someone, a vast majority claimed the caller (using an N1) heard the voice better than other devices, including the 3GS iPhone. It features a Snapdragon processor which pushes 1 full GHz which for a smartphone or just a phone, is a first.  A 3.7″ 800X480 resolution OLED screen which everything I’ve heard/seen makes it look amazing.  There are tons of other features that I’m not even mentioning, http://www.google.com/phone go there.

The biggest drawback to this device is that in November on the 6th, I purchased the Droid Eris as my first step in an Android world.  Sadly I’m under a contract and had I waited a few days more, I would’ve gotten word of this ‘Superphone’ (that’s what category Google is claiming this in) instead of an iPhone or any other Android offer.  This is the current king of the hill and until early June (Apple Press Conference), I’m guessing the only thing that could knock this over is the Nexus One for Verizon.  I’m positive Apple will be bringing out a new iPhone v4.0 OS and device.  Won’t matter, until AT&T improves it’s networks or Apple grows a pair and jumps ship to other carriers here in the US, I’m going to remain an Android user, and might still if Apple does jump ship.

Also as a new Verizon Wireless customer, the AT&T commercials with Luke Owen are misleading or hiding from what Verizon points out blatantly in there “There’s a Map for That” ads.  V’s vs AT&T’s 3G service is honestly that different, AT&T does have a pretty good DATA coverage, but it’s mostly EDGE service, not 3G.  My phone can make calls and surf the web and enter other apps, and come back to the call easily, and I can do it all from my house, where I’m actually roaming.  I could barely text on my old AT&T phone (samsung).  Besides, it’s not the service that allows that capability, it’s the phone and it’s design.  I’m officially never going back to AT&T….ever.  You jerks.

Now go cheer yourself up with this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOrAB-feefg

McHammer Time!!!

Films in 2009 and 2010.

Past few days/weeks since my last post have been busy….Christmas, New Year’s Party, movies…being lazy….the normal crap.


First – Movies….


Not the Alien Ant Farm song that I love, but Sherlock Holmes and Avatar (3D).  I saw these a couple weeks ago and they’re still fresh in my mind, definitely go see these movies.


Sherlock Holmes, apparently there was a fierce debate between my aunt and uncle over this film that I missed before Christmas and it’s release.  Didn’t get any details except they argued over some crap.  Regardless, I’d rate it as a go see for sure.  If you like seeing movies in the theater, then this one you’ve probably already seen, but if your on the fence about a few and this is an option, it’s worth the few bucks.  Good story, comedic relief between Watson and Holmes, pretty kick-ass fights and the like.  Also sets up nicely for a sequel….no spoilers here.


Avatar in 3D.  Can’t compare it to the non-3D version, but the 3D one was worth the extra dollars for the recycled glasses.  I was able to see some behind the scenes stuff about it with commentary by James Cameron on G4 on AOTS.   The actors who had CG (Computer Generated) parts, like the aliens and the avatars acted out their parts with a camera pointed on their face recording each expression with MoCap (Motion Capture).  So there was no need to go back and add in expressions over standard green-screen actors.  Meaning the 3D acting was as good as the standard acting looked.  Star Wars and Lucasfilm, take notes on this, your 3D acting was horrible to watch, even the live actors were kinda meh throughout the latest 3.  Back to Avatar, the 3D portion of the film was subtle, and a superb touch to the film’s already astounding visual appeal.  Some of the 3D films I’ve seen on Digital Projectors especially utilize 3D too much throwing objects in an over the top fashion.  Not to say that they aren’t enjoyable, just a little much sometimes, Avatar was made for the 3D experience, Cameron waited 14 years to make this.  The technology wasn’t where he wanted it to be.  The wait was well worth it.  Go see this movie, in 3D.  It’s an alien story, literally, but still very simple to follow and understand.  No spoilers again .


2010 movies that I’m waiting for:

Youth in Revolt - 1/8 – Looks hilarious, Michael Cera (Superbad) and Justin Long (Accepted) with Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover).

The Book of Eli - 1/15
Legion - 1/22 -
The Wolfman - 2/12 – Valentines dates beware lol.
Alice in Wonderland - 3/5 – Always wondered how a live-action version of this would fare, looks pretty good so far.
Clash of the Titans - 3/26 – The previews look amazing, the original was good for clay-mation, but with today’s tech, it should be stunning.
Kick-Ass - 4/16 – There’s a clip from the film starring Nicholas Cage that everyone needs to see, aside from the actual trailer……it’s indeed Kick-Ass.
Iron Man 2 - 5/7 – if you don’t see this in theaters something is wrong with you.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 5/28 – Game to Movie here we go, the original game was amazing feature-wise for it’s time, and the sequels have been pretty good as well.  Hoping this film lives up to the nerd hype, could be really great, or kinda crappy…..don’t know yet.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice - 7/16 – Disney flick, that looks to be pretty cool, I got a look at a full length trailer at Avatar or Holmes, either way, the full trailer looked interesting enough to keep an eye on.


There’s plenty more films I’m on the lookout for aside from these, but these are only the ones I really want to see in this first half of the year.  This year is shaping up to be quite a year in cinema.


What’s your resolution this year?  Me?  Get out more, enjoy time with friends, enjoy my newfound health and freedom of headaches.  But try and help one person each day, friend, coworker, family, stranger….anyone….well….almost anyone .

Attract more flies with honey.

So I got my Verizon bill in today.  Nothing shocking, all expected.  Added my parents lines to get the Droid Eris as well for both of them, plus the 2 for me and my sister last month when it launched.  I called last month and had them knock down the $45 data fee to the $30 plan.  The $45 has enterprise (corporate) abilities while the $30 is just data and such, nothing more than the average person needs anyways.  The knocked it off but the fees jumped back up at the end of the month to the $45 for my sister’s and my phones.  I paid it and was going to address it after the fact.

I got the new bill and we were credited the $30+taxes/fees as an overage, but my parent’s lines were at the $45 rates.  I called Verizon expecting the worst, but went in to the call with a good attitude.  Got a guy who sounded nice enough so I’d just explain and get it taken care of.  He was having a good day apparently and was friendly and not the average CS rep.  Never got his name, but he reverted my folks’ plan and even knocked off their activation fees.

I haven’t heard anything nice about Verizon’s Customer Service, yet, I’ve called them twice expecting to be told “no”.  Each time was a positive experience.  Another company with good CS Reps is DirecTV, helpful and informative each time I needed to call them.  The guy tonight made what was an ok day, a pretty damn good one.

It’s all about the small things.

Hungover Basterds

So today I bought both, The Hangover and Inglourious Basterds.

Seen them both in theaters, but wanted to watch them again.

The Hangover:  Extremely funny comedy if your into the crazy no holds barred stuff us young folk like to bust a gut to.  Gotta say that I really wanted to watch as a test/benchmark for my surgery.  In theaters, this one was one that was funny enough to trigger my sudden pain (see Hello World blog) and cause a major headache afterwards.  Today I didn’t get the slightest feeling in my abundant laughter that a headache was on the brink.  Non stop laughter on this movie, I was only able to get the regular version as they were sold out of the “Unrated” version I normally try to get.  I’ll try and pick up a copy for my sister or something for Christmas maybe.

Verdict:  Buy it.

Inglourious Basterds:  Was a good movie in theaters and the funny parts didn’t lose their flavor the 2nd time around.  It starts a little slow and picks up, then slows down for a little while, then picks back up at the end.  BUT throughout you have to wonder if someone’s going to blow their cover and ruin it.  As a former projectionist, the nitrate film portion of the movie is probably one of the most true parts of it….the rest is a matter of fiction aside from names.  Apparently there’s the uncut version, which is what Tarantino wanted to show in theaters, but wasn’t able to, will try and watch it soon and report back about it.

Verdict: Buy it.

There you have it, if you stumble across my blog, and are looking for late Christmas gifts for a fan of the movies, you’re welcome peoples!!