I Think Wii Need a New TV

Do I want a Nintendo Wii? Maybe. Do I want to deal with the result of using the “interactive” feature of the gaming console? No.

What's a Nintendo Wii?

In case you don't have a pre-pubescent children, or don't know anything about video games, you might like some background on the Wii. Here's the short version. In the words of tech heads, the Wii is Nintendo's seventh-generation console. It was recently introduced in the US to compete with Sony's Playstation 3 and Microsoft's XBox 360.

The world of gaming is evolving at warp speed, and the Wii is no exception. The latest system from Japanese-giant Nintendo, has an interactive feature. Basically, you can use the Wiimote (isn’t that cute) for a motion-sensing experience. It's you against the screen.

The problem is that the strap on the Wiimote has a tendency to fray and snap. Needless to say, in today’s high tech and high dollar market of video games, the Nintendo Wii has made an impact; a forceful impact on many gaming geeks plasma and LCD screens. The strap is pretty thick, but problem area is thread-like section that connects the strap with the remote. Did the Nintendo folks not send the Wii through some sort of quality assurance program?

So why would a guy like me want a Wii if all it does is crack you HD TV?

One Word: Contra.

While using the Wiimote to swing a tennis racquet or a baseball bat would be fun, having the capability to play Nintendo's cornerstone games with the classic controller - in the words of a 10 year old - would be funner.

That's exactly what the Wii provides. Hook the console up to the World Wide Web, and you have Zelda, Metriod, and Super Mario Bros. in the palm of your hand. No blowing on the game cartridges. Besides the fact the games are stored on your hard drive, you might even think it was late 80's or early 90's all over again.

The Wii has a something for everyone.

If you want the interactive experience, make sure to cover your picture frames or vases with some padding, or else you might be covering your eyes.

Random Rant: Part Deux

Now sounds like a good time for a random rant

- Car window chalk not being used properly. Does anyone really care that Joey's t-ball team won the championship?

- eating and drinking in the grocery store before paying for the item.

- radar detectors. Feel free to use them anywhere but VA and DC. Unmarked cars are ok, but rader detectors are not?

- Bill Bevins. Possibly the worst morning DJ around. He's everywhere.

- Driving in the rain. How hard can it be? Snow is somewhat understandable in these parts.

- Downtown Short Pump. Talk about a clusterf*ck

- Flying with the obese in Coach Class. Buy 2 seats. Major props to Southwest.

- Excessive amounts of bumper stickers. For some reason, these are usually found on "fuel efficent" vehicles.

- I-295. Mainly the center and right lanes. Stop fixing the potholes. Pave the bitch. I guess there are no transportation funds.

- Text messaging if you are over 21. HUN-E, R U HOME FROM WRK YET? WHATS 4 DINNER?

Stewie Griffin grows up

This quite possibly the funniest Family Guy clip I have ever seen. It comes from this past Sunday's episode "Chick Cancer."

Cyber Monday

"I'm sorry, we are out of stock. We COULD get a shipment in at anytime though." Sound familiar. That was the answer many consumers got at the stores this past weekend. But don't put down the charge card just yet. Today is cyber monday.

Cyber Monday is a recent phenomenon that kicks off the Online shopping season. Why? Well, many employers have high speed internet. So employees take advantage of this and shop while working. It might not be the most productive day in the office.

Many e-compaines, including Wal-Mart, are have online sales today because of the new trend to shop at work.

According to the National Retail Federation, 77% of online retailers reported a significant increase in sales the Monday after Thanksgiving in 2004.

Many shoppers still believe that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the busiest days to spend their greenbacks. However, the busiest time usually falls around the final weekend before Christmas.

So if you missed out on the Nintendo Wii or Tickle Me Elmo, avoid the parking lots and check the net today. Tomorrow is just Tuesday.

The Juice Gets Canned

In a very wise move, Fox (News Corp.) has decided not to air the controversial OJ Simpson interview. I can't believe they were even thinking about airing such an interview. I don't care if it was going up against CSI, Grey's Anatomy, or SpongeBob for that matter.

This was clearly going to be a ratings move. Fox depends on "24" and "Idol" for its ratings. Maybe the one-word programs don't work after all.

The sad state of our society is that many Americans probably would have tuned in to watch the Juice and his so-called "confession."

According to the AP, Borders Books will donate all profit made off of Simpson's book "If I Did It" to charity.

In a statement released by the AP, News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch said, "I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project. We are sorry for any pain that his has caused the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson."

Next Up, Al Cowlings: What OJ Talked About in the Bronco.

Niners Suit Up on Sunday with Win

The San Francisco 49ers made two statements yesterday. One was with fashion. One was with a 20-14 win against the current NFC champion Seattle Seahawks. At 5-5, the team that has been occupying the NFL cellar for most of this century has sprung to life. The 49ers notched their third straight victory, behind workhorse Frank Gore. Gore rushed for a team-record 212 yards.

With the victory yesterday at Monster park, the 49ers sit just a game back in the NFC West. While it's highly unlikely the revamped 49ers will make the playoffs, the team team continues to show signs of improvement. That was just one of two storylines.



The NFL, which is also widely known as the No Fun League, finally allowed 49ers Head Coach Mike Nolan to wear a suit and tie (made by Reebok of course) on the sideline. Nolan had been seeking permission from the league for nearly two years to don a coat and tie. Nolan wanted to wear the suit to honor his father; former 49ers coach Dick Nolan, and show an image of authority.

I couldn’t agree more. Maybe some of the other NFL coaches should take notice. Nolan is dressing for future success.

Nice suit. Nice win.

Lazy Scranton

NBC's "The Office" never fails to make me laugh. I f'ing love this show.

VA political figures and their Celebrity look-alike

Do you think these figures in Virginia politics have a body double?

Current Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton

Senator-Elect James Webb and former Virginia Men's Basketball Coach Pete Gillen

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and current Kansas City Chiefs QB Trent Green

Any others?

Is Beth David’s Ed Barber Sign Wrong?

Midlothian resident Beth David has a message to her new neighbor, former Midlothian Supervisor Ed Barber. “Ed Barber Go Away! You're Not Welcome In This Neighborhood. Thanks Linda!” Barber lives down the street from David. He is currently renting a house from friend Linda Vess. It’s Barber’s third residence since he was convicted of two misdemeanor sexual-battery charges against his teenage stepdaughter in June.

To comply with his plea deal, Barber isn't living at his family's Bon Air home with his wife Theresa.

In today’s RTD, David talks about putting the sign up? "I decided to put it up as my way of letting [Barber] and the whole neighborhood know how I feel," she said. "I don't want this man in my neighborhood. If somebody doesn't say something, maybe he'll get the wrong idea that it's OK to be here."

According to the laws in the Commonwealth, it is against the law to use information from the state police Sex Offender Registry to harass or intimidate a convicted sex offender.

Then again, who’s to say that David received the information that Barber lives down the street from her on the Sex Offender Registry? His current address has been spread through numerous media outlets.

Is David threatening Barber with her sign? Or is Barber getting what he deserves?

Until his court ordered requirements are fulfilled, Ed Barber could become the convicted nomad of Chesterfield County, house hopping from place to place. Sign or no sign.

Goochland’s Verlander Wins AL Rookie of the Year

Somewhere in Manakin-Sabot, VA, Justin Verlander’s parents have yet another reason to be proud of their son. Today, the former Goochland and ODU pitcher was named the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year.

Not only did Verlander help the Detroit Tigers gain a World Series berth, he also posted phenomenal numbers with 17 wins in 30 starts and 124 strikouts. Verlander beat out Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, after receiving 26 of 28 first place votes.


Former UVA standout and current Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman finished second in the NL voting behind shortstop Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins. The NL award was much closer. Ramirez took home 14 of 30 first-place votes. Zimmerman received 10 first-place votes .


Read more about Verlander’s achievement at ESPN.com.

UVA Opens JPJ Arena with Win over No. 10 Arizona

Last night between 7-10 pm, I witnessed many things. Michael Buffer delivered his trademark "Let's get ready to rumble,” a laser show, and a mascot rappelling down from the rafters. You would have thought I was in Las Vegas, not Charlottesville.

The pre-game gala was great. But the Virginia Cavaliers basketball squad lighting up the state of the art scoreboard like the Vegas strip, was even better.

Virginia opened the John Paul Jones Arena in front of a sellout crowd of 15,219 with a victory over No. 10 Arizona. This was clearly one of the biggest wins in Coach Dave Leitao’s career.

RTD’s Bob Lipper said is best in his column today. “Arizona is prettier. Virginia was grittier.” The Cavs rallied from a 13 deficit at the half to storm back in the the final frame and knock off a smooth-stroking Wildcat team.



Guard Sean Singletary didn’t let the hoopla bother him. He was his usual self, chipping in 25 points and six assists. Senior JR Reynolds, playing with one eye after getting poked in practice on Thursday, added 10 points in 21 minutes. The big contributor Sophomore Mamadi Diane who had a career-high 25 points, including a three point bank shot that help propel the Wahoos to victory.

The huge win was just the icing on the cake cooked up by the wealthy Memphis attorney, John Paul Jones. The JPJ is immaculate. Unlike the dark and dingy University Hall, the fans are close to the court, and the sightlines are fantastic. And with a $130 million privately-funded price tag, it should be.

Leitao’s guys know how to put on a good show. I witnessed one last night with Singletary and Reynolds in their familiar starring roles.

Let’s hope the UVA faithful will attend and support a team with lots of potential. Not only for the pristine venue, but for the possibility of success that has eluded this team for many years.

Exercise Your Right

Vote. Just Do It. It’s not an ad campaign. It’s what Americans should do. Tomorrow would be a great place to start. Voters in this country can’t even begin to hold a ballot to voters around the world. In Australia, it is against the law to not vote.

Why can’t we get people to the polls here? Do we need incentives? If you vote you receive 50 bucks off your federal income tax?

Incentives might help for one reason Americans don’t vote. Motivation. Is Joe Smith going to go out in the rain or snow to vote for the state comptroller?

Another reason is smear. (See Allen vs. Webb here in Virginia.) It gets old seeing or hearing attacks on the television or radio instead of learning more about a candidate’s platform.

Add in corruption, with a cast including Mark Foley, Monica Lewinsky, Tricky Dick and Slick Willy, among others, and turnout turns into turnoff.

Rock the Vote. Vote or Die. If you don’t, don’t complain about those that are elected. You had the chance to change it.

On the Net:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission: http://www.eac.gov/

International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance study of global turnout: http://www.idea.int/vt/survey/index.cfm