Random Thoughts

Wizard101 just had there last wipe before open. As a thank you to their beta testers after this last wipe, all beta testers received 600 "crowns". "Crowns" are the real money currency for the game. With these 600 crowns beta testers were able to purchase a cool looking dragon pet that will be unavailable after Sept. 2. The "Pioneer Dragon" is a simple pet for looks and as a symbol that you helped beta test the game.

The game should be opening soon, sometime in Sept. There is a tri-tier cost option. While the details are net final yet, I can tell you the basic outline.
You can play for free for about half of the first world, Wizard City and will have access to the arena for PVP card battles. For $9.95 a month you will get full access to all worlds, 4 currently with a 5th to roll out probably before the end of the year. You will have access to all features. Then there will also be "crowns" you can purchase to buy unique items for in game play and a possibility that they can be used to pay for the monthly subscription.

The official word:

- Monthly Subscription. You can buy a recurring subscription for $9.95 per month that gives you full access to the game content, chat systems and other great benefits.
- Pre-paid subscription. You can buy a recurring subscription for 6 months or 12 months at a discounted price.

In addition, we are looking to bring other pricing options online shortly after launch:

- Time for Crowns. In addition, we’re going to allow you to buy pre-paid months using crowns. Initially crowns will be available online, and eventually (through some really cool programs that we haven’t talked about yet) we’ll provide other ways for players to get crowns, as well.
- Other pricing options that will be announced at a later date

Also

Post launch, we have a ton of new content scheduled (worlds, spells, accessories, even new classes of Magic) as well as new game systems (like housing and crafting and the tournament system)

Thats on top of the 4 worlds available at launch and 7 schools to choose from.

Sorry so long posting. I had a very busy week, for me, and an ear infection has kept me away.

Last week, Wednesday Aug. 13th, I had my court date in front of judge to decide on my disability application. I think it went fairly well. Now its just more waiting. Been waiting for 33 months so far, so another 4-6 weeks is not too bad. Generally will have a decision within 4-6 weeks but that's no guarantee. There is one judge that can at times take up to 5 months. This is a new judge, so hopefully she will have a judgment fairly quickly. So keep your fingers crossed and a prayer on your lips, for me.

It's things like this that really makes me hate our U.S. media cartel. It's sad but true fact that the U.S. media withholds information, leaves out important stories, airs political and commercial "news" stories, commentary and opinion pieces as news, and filling the news with just what will draw ratings. The problem is all the U.S. news is owned by major corporations whose only concern is profits not reporting news. To give an overview of how bad it is for the U.S. media be sure to check out this link. The Big Ten. This shows that the U.S. media is totally controlled by 10 major organizations/corporations whose only motivation is greed.

The latest major offense is being perpetrated by the NBC media corporation. NBC bought the rights to air the Olympics for the U.S, at the cost of $894 million dollars for the rights to broadcast the Beijing Games, and is spending more than 100 million dollars to transmit the games and pageantry. So these means right off the bat they are motivated to make their money back and more profit and not airing the Olympics for all the world to see. To the tune of more than 1 billion dollars worth of advertising on NBC. This is further complicated by the time difference between the U.S. and China. This means live coverage starts at 2 a.m. Central time for U.S. viewers. So NBC must balance showing live TV events and reviewing or re-airing events of major interest that may have aired during the night or morning which is the dead zones of US viewership.

But this does not excuse NBC from their current hi-jinx's. It started with the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The opening ceremony took place Friday morning for U.S. viewers but NBC withhold the opening ceremonies for up to 15 hours so they could show them during a prime viewer window of Friday evening to maximize ratings and profit. As if this offense was not bad enough, in an age of digital connectivity, NBC like all the media conglomerates were quick to try and censor the world to protect their pocket. The digital age tried to share with the world and especially the U.S. who couldn't see it, what was one of the most amazing opening ceremonies ever. NBC though was in overdrive, harassing websites and internet providers trying to block U.S. citizens from watching videos of the opening ceremonies from other countries broadcasts, China's, Germany's, and even a bad grainy Spanish broadcast. They even went as far as blocking U.S. access to other countries broadcasting websites and forcing video sites, web developers, and even blogger to withdraw the footage, even from other countries.

As if this was not bad enough offense, NBC has taken even further steps to place them selves at the top for one of the worst botched airings of the Olympics. For West coast and Mountain time viewers they will have to suffer through a 3 hour delay for the whole of the Olympics. East coast and Central time viewers can watch the Olympics live.

This is beyond incompetence, this is down right embarrassing and a sad tragedy. In an age of digital TV, a wired world, and instant access to information, we are still stuck with profit mongering and last century habits. What is shaping up to be an amazing Olympic event showcasing the best of China and the world is marred by incompetence, greed, and misinformation by our information providers.

Tis' a sad, sad sight.

Been kinda of busy lately working on my Wizard101 fan wiki. I also have been a little under the weather lately. This next week is a busy week for me.

Monday I meet with my lawyer in preparation for my court date on the decision on my disability application.

Tuesday I go to doctor about my ear infection. Its very painful giving me aweful headache.

Wednesday is my court date finally. Been almost 3 years since I first applies. Hopefully the judge will rule in my favor. I will still have a 2 to 6 month wait for final decision from the judge. Hopefully with luck I will have an answer before Christmas. It would be very nice present.

Will try to post more just been busy and under the weather maybe after next week. Keep your fingers crossed, wish me luck, or keep me in your prayers; which ever works best for you.

Wow, long time no post.

Yesterday I got a chance to see the Speed Racer movie. Now I haven't seen any of the old television show but as a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Anime/Acton fan; I know what the show is about.
I had heard a lot of mediocre reviews were given and it did not do good in the box office compared to the Wachowski brothers previous Matrix films did but that said; the movie was awesome. I didn't go into this movie expecting anything except to see something new and unique from the brothers. They did not disappoint.

The race scenes and action sections of the movie were amazing. I think the true telling of a great movie is one that pulls you into the movie and it becomes realistic to a degree. you feel for the characters, your vested in whats going to happen next, and this movie will do that.

The final race in the game, I was there cheering for Speed Racer in the stands, I was in the movie. And when his car broke down I was there in shock and disbelief willing him to get his car restarted some how to at least finish the race to give the evil corporation the finger. When he got his car going again and he started the final lap I was on the edge of my seat, my heart in my throat when he took that jump down the incline, and I was wishing, hoping, crossing my fingers, and holding my breath when he came down the final straight away.

I was exhilarated, excited, and proud of Speed Racer. I was cheering aloud withe movie and celebrating along with them. That is the sign of a truly great movie.


The only part of the movie I felt was wrong was the younger brother and his chimp. They fit into the movie properly and provided some nice comedic relief but the young boy who played the part just didn't fit and his parts often ruined the cinematic feel and slightly disrupted that feel of being part of the movie and its events.

All in all this is a MUST WATCH film for any race fan, anime fan, action fan, or family. This is almost a perfect film. FIVE out of FIVE STARS!

Just ran across another interesting BBC show, Bonekickers. Bonekickers is another creation from the mind that brought you "Life on Mars" and "Ashes to Ashes". The story line follows a group of archeologist who uncover artifacts and trace their history.
In the first episode the team uncovers some artifacts that shouldn't be in England, Syrian coins. This discovery leads to evidence of the Knights Templar and a race to find the true cross of Jesus.

I liked the first episode and it was interesting while at the same time offering a fun viewing of what could be in history. I'm sure most of the story lines will be mostly hyperbole but should stimulate your interest in history.
The only item that bothered me was this hint to something in the main actress's history and current obsession. Something about her late mother's obsession with some belief that she was ridiculed and discredited over. It seems her daughter has taken the torch on and is quietly working to prove her mother's belief. What was annoying is just generic hints and no real information on what this belief/obsession entails. Would have been nice to have more of a clue to what it is. Hopefully upcoming episodes will clear things up more and provide some more clues on this interesting back story line of interest.

Defiantly plan to keep watching, hopefully they will clue us in a little more on this mysterious history in the upcoming episodes.

Thursday evening brought us the season 2 opening of Burn Notice. Overall I was kinda of disappointed. Not because it was a bad episode, no because it was not a season opening episode. The whole episode just felt like any regular old episode from season one with just the introduction of this new group and lady's voice that wants him to work for them. It was a decent episode compared to a regular season episode. But for a season opener I was hoping for more.
This doesn't mean I wont be watching. This show is still quite good and an enjoyable action oriented show. Just that I was hoping for a little more from the season 2 opener.

Been quite some this week but here's a couple posts for you to browse.

HELL'S KITCHEN FINALE

Tuesday night was the final episode of Hell's Kitchen. In a surprising move Petrozza took Jen onto his cooking team. While Christina had to take on a pissed Matt who was upset over being picked last. Petrozza assembled his team to discuss his menu and strategy for the evening's service but his disorganization quickly left the team scrambling to help him get focused and ready. Except Jen who continued her usual drivel about how she was a much better choose, that she should be in the final two, and that she had more talent then either Petrozza or Christina easily.

Christina meanwhile had everything highly organized and a nice but simple meal that should present lest problems for her impromptu staff. Christina quickly recognized that Matt's ego and unstable attitude could present a problem. So Christina headed off some of the problem right at the start by stroking Matt's ego. Christina told him that she had chosen her Risotto dish because of Matt. This stroked Matt's ego sufficiently enough to motivate him into a team player.

Despite the problems Christina had with the Interior Decorator, she was able to get them redone and the final result left her eating area felling very comfortable looking and inviting. Petrozza's side was okay but the only part that felt inviting was the flower arrangement he used on each table. These were pleasing to the eye and were a nice touch. The fireplace was nice but at same time it also felt a little out of place in the dining area.

During evening service, Petrozza showed great leadership. Early in the service he ran out of ingredients for 2 of his 3 starters. Due to lack of prep on his teams side. Instead of thinking for themselves, they only prepped what was in front of them instead of realizing that this would not be enough and getting more from supplies. Petrozza was quick on his feet and improvised a second appetizer from what they had available in kitchen and wasn't too hard to fix. Giving the guests at least two options to choose from. Jen caused some problems for Petrozza but he kept things under control and had a very good service.

While on Christina's side things started off a little slow but had few problems until the reached the main course. This is when Matt started breaking down again. Christina had to continually prompt Matt and encourage him on. He then started serving raw fish which she had to send back several times before he cooked it properly. She also let out two meals with cold meat that were returned by the costumers which was a small quality goof on Christina's part.

After service was over Petrozza took time to thank each of his chef and give a few hugs and handshakes before heading off to the dorm to await Chef Ramsey's final decision. Christina on the other hand said a bye and quickly left the area. I think she was nervous and apprehensive on the final decision and was distracted.

Chef Ramsey had a tough decision on his hands. Personally both could have run his kitchen, they both are very strong leaders and cooks. Its not often that two final competitors are both great candidates. Usually there is one that has better quality's than the other or had a better overall service then the other. This time he had two people who both were perfect candidates. This time it mostly came down unfortunately to age. Petrozza in his late 40's and Christina in here 20's. Christina just had the longer potential time and youthful potential. I hope Petrozza gets some good job offers from this. He deserves it, he really proved himself a true chef.

Now that Hell's Kitchen has come to end, tune in next week to channel 2 and be sure to check out "I Survived A Japanese Game Show". I think you will find it enjoyable and down right hilarious.

My last post was about the new game Wizards101 from King's Isle Entertainment. I just today came across these videos released by the company talking about their first release. They explain some about the game and are quite interesting to watch. hope you enjoy them.

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4

I have been been help beta testing a game called Wizard101. This game is scheduled for a third quarter release(July-September). This game is very fun and has nice visuals and great attention to detail. The company was created three years ago with some high level talent and this is their first development. I am also greatly impressed with the developers. They actually solicit our advice and suggestions through the beta testers forums and they have actually implemented several of the testers ideas. This game is also very family friendly and designed to protect children while allowing them to have fun. While targeted toward tweens, this game can still be enjoyed by the teenagers and adults or parents as well. No announcement yet on whether it will be a monthly fee to play or if it will be micro transactions(cash shop). Micro-transactions would allow the game to be free for any one to play but allow those who do have money to spend the ability to buy cash shop items, special items with bonus affects or special items to show or wear that others wont have. So be sure to give the site a check and keep an eye out for the official release.

Official Site
About Game Page

Finally after 2 years and 7 months of applications, doctor visits, appeals, and waiting for a court date for a judge to decide on my case, I finally got some news. I got a call end of last week telling me a court date has been finally set.
Its not till August 13th but the end of this ordeal is in sight, just hope don't get denied yet again. If I get denied here will probably then will be a waiting game till I develop diabetes or have a heart attack. Which would guarantee me an approval.

So keep your fingers crossed, wish me luck, keep me in your prayers, whatever works best for you. Hopefully on August 13th the judge will finally approve me. The next 6 weeks will be the worst, knowing the end is in sight and knowing have to wait, and worry about being denied even after all this.

Finally got a chance to watch the I Survived a Japanese Game Show premier episode. I find the Japanese culture and their entertainment endlessly fascinating. So I found this pilot episode very entertaining and interesting.

The contestants thought they were going to Los Angeles for a new reality show. Once they arrive they are then bustled from one end of the airport to the other end and put on a flight to Japan. The contestants are then shown where they will stay while in Japan. Talk about culture shock. They found out the beds were on the floor, they would sleep several to a room with very little room, and Japanese food in the pantry. Then they were introduced to "Mama-san" she immediately berated those who had left shoes on and gave then their marching orders and ordered them to bed. You could tell several of the contestants were dazed, like deer caught in the headlights, they didn't know what was all going on and confused on what to do. The next morning they are woke up early, combined with jet lag, and but on a small tour bus with a short tour along the way. They stopped at the famous filming studios. They are told they are going on a tour and are hustled in a door and back through the back areas to a set of double doors. They are told to go on in, the room is pitch black and spotlights glaring in their faces, which means they can see nothing beyond the small pool of light they are standing in. The lights come up and there is the crowd, announcer, and game show floor; all cheering. This is when they finally find out exactly what they signed up for.

The following contests and events give them a taste of what Japanese game shows are like. The group is split into two teams. The winning team of the first contests got a nice, high class, tour of Tokyo from the air in a big luxury helicopter. The losing team then has to complete a challenge in the streets of Tokyo. Afterword's they then also had to choose 2 team members to for elimination. The two contestants then participated in another game show contest with the loser walking off and heading home.

I found the show quite fun. It had a nice balance of poking fun at our clueless American contestants with a crash course in Japanese life and culture. I look forward to catching each episode as they air as soon as Hell's Kitchen wraps up.

Last night saw the first new game shows, "Wipeout" and "I Survived A Japanese Game Show" (ISAJGS). Unfortunately they moved up the release of ISAJGS and it was competing for viewers with Hell's Kitchen, which is down to the final 3 last night. So I missed ISAJGS, hopefully will have a review later this week.
Last night, "Wipeout" premiered and was a good funny family friendly show. The commentary was hilarious. It reminds me of a cross between "Ninja Warrior" (Japanese Game Show) and MXC or Takeshi's Castle as it is know in Japan. The commentary was spot on and suitably funny without being crass or using vulgar language. If they can keep of the level of hilarity and commentary this one will be a decent guilty summer pleasure.

Hell's Kitchen last night saw us down to the Final Three, Cory, Christina, and Petrozza. After the evening service it was Christina and Cory on the block. Petrozza though having a few problems on the Pass did fairly okay and had a great evening of cooking. The chef's final chose was to send Cory home. She did not have that assertiveness needed at the Pass and did not catch a single one of the intentional flubs by the Ramsey's assistant chef's. Christina had a bad night on the fish station, surprisingly, but on the Pass she was spot on and performed greatly.

This leaves us with Petrozza and Christina for the final 2 episode. While Petrozza is sufficient he is only so-so, nothing special and quite messy when cooking.
Christina on the other hand has won the last 3 or 4 challenges in a row, Not counting last nights service she has performed very good for the most part and this is on top of only 2 years of experience and still in Culinary School. She has shown amazing talent and I think she has what it really takes to run one of Chef Ramsey's restaurants.

So I am rooting for Christina. Next episode will tell. Who is your favorite to win? Is it Petrozza or Christine? Sound off in the comments.

I am an avid fan of Firefox. It is a good program, lots of extras for true customization, and its not Microsoft owned. Microsoft has done a lot for the computer world but they have become to greedy of late. So anything that works as well or better and is free especially, gets my attention. Mozilla released Firefox 3 yesterday. There was a campaign running up to the event asking people to help them try for a new Guinness World Record for the most downloads in one day. The attempt did have a few hitches, including a crash of the servers at the starting hour. So many people were trying to access at once that he servers went down. There was some sporadic outage later in the day as well but over all the event was a HUGE success.

In the 24 hour download period, Firefox 3 was download approximately 8.2 MILLION times. This included 2.5 million downloads in the U.S.A alone. So why not check out this amazing browser, if you haven't yet, and give it a try. I think you will find it a better browser than IE.

Mozilla Firefox 3

I have a small web page detailing a couple programs that can help you earn a little extra cash. Well i was rechecking my site yesterday and realized I had majorly goofed. I figured out why the Reward1 banner wouldn't show and also learned that I had encoded the PrizeRebel banner improperly and that it didn't link to the appropriate site. It should be working correctly now, be sure to refresh the page to see corrected version.

Related Links:
My Web Page
PrizeRebel
Reward1
Win an Xbox 360 Post
Extra Cash Post

Two new posts today.

First is last night's Hell's Kitchen episode. Last night we were down to four contestants. Cory, Christina, Jen, and Petrozza. Christina won last nights Challenger, yet again. This time the prize was a $1,000+ clothes shopping spree at Lisa Kline's with Lisa herself. Jealousy reared its ugly head in both Cory and Jen with both of them commenting that the reward was wasted on Christina since she has no fashion sense. This was followed by a cold shoulder from all three when Christina came in and offered her help with prepping for dinner service, even though the winners usually sit back till service is to start.

During evening service Jen and Cory both waffled a bit in their service. Chef Ramsey berated Petrozza, again, about the general mess and slovenliness of his station. Christina brought a pan for Chef Ramsey and didn't mention the handle was hot. She rally goofed and did it a second time later on. Chef Ramsey burned his hand both times, leaving him quite upset with Christina's lack of warning.
When it came time for the team to nominate 2 people for elimination; Christina, Petrozza, and Cory were all in agreement that Jen needed to go. It was then decided to put Petrozza up apposite Jen. After final plea's, Chef Ramsey sent Jen home. Leaving the final three of Cory, Christina, and Petrozza.

Jen from day one had a chip on her shoulder. It grew worse and worse as each week passed. For the last couple weeks Jen has been out for one person and one person only, herself. Even to the point of undermining the team efforts and waffling service and ability. One moment cooking great and next serving junk, especially after a dressing down from Chef Ramsey. Several times she seemed to just give up and phone in her work. It was past time for her departure, in my opinion.

Of the final three only 2 have what it takes in my opinion, Christina and Petrozza. Cory runs hot and cold and just doesn't quite have what it takes, I believe. Christina on the other hand has shown an increasing aptitude and improvement in her work and cooking. She has real potential at winning this. Petrozza is fairly good as well but he has two distinct turn offs for me. One, he is very messy in the kitchen. Dirty pots and pans all over the place and continuing using same surface over and over with out cleaning off between dishes cooked. Second, he is easily distracted and losses focus of what he should be doing any time a pretty face shows up, even pregnant.

Be sure to leave a comment and voice your opinion on who you think will win and who deserves/deserved to win this position as Chef Ramsey's new chef.

The Middleman televsion show premiers.

Last night saw the first "real" summer television show. The Middleman premiered last night on ABC Family airing at 7 p.m. Central. ABC Family has had a decent record of late of bringing new and unique shows for the summer viewing crowd. The commercial for The Middleman had me worried that this would be a less than serious attempt at a true summer offering though.

Now while I will hold a final verdict till the show has a couple episodes under its belt, last nights show was unique. This one shows promise and last nights episode was different than your usual fare, I found it enjoyable and was definitely family friendly.

SPOILERS BELOW. SKIP TO NEXT ARTICLE IF DON'T WANT LAST NIGHTS SHOW RUINED BEFORE YOU GET TO SEE IT!

The shows hero is a quirky but interesting character with a love of milk. His side kick, the heroine, is an art student trying to get by working temp jobs till an accident at her most recent job brings her into contact with a mutant like monster and our hero, The Middleman. After being blamed for the incident at her last job, which is being explained away as a gas explosion, and our heroine being suspected as the culprit for starting it, she finds herself unemployable; on top of being dumped by her boyfriend for a film school project. Till she receives a call from an oddly named temp agency asking her to come in for a job placement. After a lengthy and weird application process, she finds out that the temp agency is a front for The Middleman to recruit possible help. After initially turning down the job, she relents and decides to join The Middleman.

Thus starts the unique and quirky show that is The Middleman. The Middleman has a bit of detective film noir feel to it. The series is based off a popular graphics novel series, i.e. comic book. For more be sure to check out TV.com and ABC Family for more about the series.

Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day. I hope you showed your Father's yesterday how much they mean to you. My dad died suddenly 6 years ago. Ever since then Father's Day has been a very sad day for me and my family.
So me and the family decided to take car trip up to see my sister about hour and half away. Hadn't seen here in several months. Me and my sister get along really well. We both have a unique outlook on life and a unique humor. I always love visits with her. We visited, played a fun board game, went out to supper, and did a little geocaching.
It was a hot day yesterday and had no AC in the car. So got a little too much heat yesterday and a slight sunburn on my right arm, it was the one hanging out the window. Also due to my health problems, yesterday was a major work out for me. I am exhausted today sore but it was great spending time together with the whole family, helps us all get through a tough day.

Win an Xbox 360

For those who have read some of the older posts. I have mentioned before



and

REWARD1

Well for the month of June, reward 1 is giving away an Xbox 360 or 360 points, your choice. For every person you refer and completes at least 1 offer, you will receive one entry into the drawing for the month of June. So be sure to sign up and invite all your friends. You never know you may find yourself the proud winner of an Xbox 360.

Mabinogi - Pets Added

Last Thursday, June 5th, Mabinogi added pets to the cash shop. Currently there is only 5 pets. More will come with future updates. I found this little video, really liked it.




If you do get a pet be sure to show it off in the related contests. Check it out.

Summer is on us and with it comes a season of reruns and old movies. Luckily the networks are starting to realize that their is still some money to be made from summer series and that their are still people out there who are looking for something good to watch during the summer months. This list is by no means extensive but it a list of my picks for the "best of" or "promising" shows.

The Mole - - June 2nd
This game show might be interesting. Some people might remember it from its debut several years ago. I don't hold high hopes for it but it is slightly entertaining while we wait for the good stuff to come in July.

The Middleman - June 16th
This is a new show from ABC Family is based on a comic book of the same name. Looks to be a science fiction/comedy/hero show. It has good potential.

Wipeout - June 23rd
This is another game show. Think Ninja Warrior like courses, now add in clueless contestants falling flat on their faces for your amusement. Nothing stimulating but good for some simple laughs and mindless TV when last thing want to do is think.

I Survived a Japanese Game Show - July 1st
I have a fascination for all things Japanese. And any one who has ever seen any clips on the Internet from some of their game shows knows they have the oddest competitions. Now throw unsuspecting Americans into said wacky shows to compete and might be interesting.

Burn Notice - July 10th
This show premiered last summer. This summer brings Season 2. I strongly suggest giving this a try. And be sure to catch the reruns of last season now airing on USA Network. This is one of those shows that looks like it would be a mediocre show at best but the cast and writing of this show make this one of my HIGHLY anticipated shows of the summer. I love this show.

Stargate Atlantis - July 11th
I am a sci-fi fan and the Stargate and Stargate Atlantis series are some of the best TV you will see. This starts the 5th season for the members of Atlantis.

Psych & Monk - July 18th
Psych is one of the best most hilarious shows I have ever seen. The show is about Shawn Spencer who has an amazing ability to notice clues, almost Sherlock Holmes like. He starts consulting for the police and starts his own business. He pretends to be able to see stuff psychically and calls his new business Psych.
Monk returns for its 7th season with the Obsessive Compulsive detective. Monk is another brilliant detective, almost Sherlock Holmes style but he has major phobias and obsessive compulsive problems ever since his wife's death several years ago. He can no longer work on the police force so they hire him as a freelance consultant and his assistant for the most baffling cases.

Eureka - July 29th
This sci-fi channel show is returning for its 3rd season. This show has an amazing cast with some amazing chemistry. In a world of ever increasing technology, I think we all identify with Sheriff Carter on some level or another. Another can't miss series.

Primeval - Aug 9th
This is a British series from the UK. This along with Dr Who and Robin Hood are amazing examples that cable companies should broaden their horizons and start importing more shows from other countries. Unfortunately due to these being UK shows you will have to get a copy from a friend but these three shows are a must see. Luckily Sci-Fi channel has picked up Dr. Who, usually a week or 2 behind regular Britain schedule and Robin Hood which is a whole season behind. No American channel has picked up Primeval yet.

On a side note, two other great Britain shows are 'Life on Mars' and 'Ashes to Ashes'. Ashes to Ashes is along same vein as Life on Mars but different leading character and different time period. These two shows are very unique and are mind stretchers, they are not for every one but if your in a mood for a good cranium exercises and stretching of the imagination then these may just be up you alley.
One kudos to the cable companies. They have picked up Life on Mars and remaking it with an American feel and theme. Where as the British version is full of British slang, cultural history reverences and the such. I'm hoping they do it real justice and not a crappy attempt at cashing in a popular idea with no real attempt to make it truly unique and American.

STUPID TENNESSEE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICIANS


I was born in Texas. I have lived in Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorade, Oregon, Washington, and a little bit in California. Texas, California, and Iowa were when I was very young and I have no memory of those places. Though through my Dad I retained a love of The Houston Oilers who are now the Tennessee Titans which is even better. Tennessee is the state I have lived the most in and I consider it home. All places have there good and bad. I especially love how even in today's age a lot of Tennesseans, especially in rural areas will wave and say Hi to any one they meet as if your were a friend or neighbor. Makes you feel at home. Tennessee also has a unique culture and heritage. But there is 2 things that just really annoy me and are so frustrating.


1. TAXES. Tennessee is still using an antiquated sales tax, instead of a more appropriate income tax. There is a 5.5% tax on all food items and a 9.75% tax on everything else. Compared to the other 50 states. Tennessee has the highest sales tax rate and along side New Hampshire are the only ones that doesn't have an income tax. This means the poor and middle class residents of Tennessee are footing the largest percentage of take home pay. At the same time every year they cry that there is a budget short fall and more services and programs will have to be cut, except their paychecks of course. Add to that increased prices in gas, 85% increase in price in last year, and the resulting raised cost of food and goods due the gas prices and you have one messed up system that is headed down economic ruin highway and were wondering why all the rest of the traffic is turning around and going the other direction.


2. SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY. I have several health problems, that combined have left me unable to work. So I have applied for Social Security Disability so I can get some help getting my medical problems addressed and hopefully back on my feet again. Yet here again Tennessee leads the way into stupidity. Tennessee has the worst record of handling of disability cases. In Tennessee 99% of applications for disability are turned down. On first appeal 97% are denied. On second appeal 95% are denied. Third step is a court appeal, at this stage 70% are APPROVED. Because of the practice of habitually denying all applications except for a few extreme cases, all cases have to wait for a court decision on their disability claim. This though has caused a HUGE backlog in the court system. Which leads to 1-2 YEARS wait for a court date. This means those who have no income and can't work and need help usually have to struggle through 2-3 YEARS of appeals and waiting to finally get approved. During this time your left to wait and try to make due through help of family and friends if they have anything to spare to help you. In my case that has meant living with my mother and my minor brother, 17, for 3 years now. My clothes are all old, full of holes and several have had to be thrown away after reaching more holes than fabric or down right indecent to wear anymore. I have big feet, 13-14 EEEE. I also due to the way my legs turn slightly out, a small birth defect, i wear through shoes in 6-12 months at best. Also because of size my shoes easily run me $80-$120 a pair. This means I am left with shoes that are worn through and barely holding together. This also means years of mediocre state health care for just the basic of health problems. Also having to use food stamps to get food. My mom and younger brother make ends meet through my Dad's social security money since he died suddenly 5 years ago and what work my Mom can get that provides here with a flexible schedule so she can work around my brothers school schedule and events. Thanks to some generous church members he is attending a private school but that means no buses, which means she must drive him to school and pick him up after. This leaves me as burden on my family while I wait on the stupid bureaucracy of the Tennessee government.

Thats the end of my rant, stepping off the soap box. ;-)

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