Seth MacFarlane Rocks!

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I don't know about you, but I watching this trailer had me laughing out-loud in the middle of Starbucks!  I just watched "The Other Guys" for the umpteenth time last night and it looks like Mark Wahlberg brings a similar character in Ted. Family Guy genius, Seth MacFarlane, who wrote and directs this film also stars playing an adorable teddy bear.  Watch and laugh!

Aziz Ansari's Digital Comedy

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Dangerous Delicious has been released for the low price of $5.00 available on Aziz Ansari's website. Catch the promotion video here showing off his latest one hour stand up comedy show. It's DRM free and follows the likes of Louis C.K. latest foray into digital distribution. It's a great way of promoting yourself, denying the big companies their "cut" and the making the paying public happy. I'm all for supporting the little guys! This video is not work friendly. Vulgar language scattered throughout.

Linsanity Live!

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I really don't know what to call it.  Happy coincidence or serendipitous but my schedule happened follow him.  At first, I was able to get a glimpse of Madison Square Garden's own Boeing 737 (tail number N37NY) preflighting at Westchester County Airport (KHPN) before flying the New York Knicks to Toronto and it just so happened that I was going to be in Toronto for an overnight on the 14th!  It didn't matter that I was going to make the trek by myself because I was set on looking for excitement.  I'll tell you right away, I was not let down!

I arrived at the Fairfield Inn Toronto Airport around 1600 and knew that I needed to search for a ticket (thanks Craigslist), get back on a shuttle to the airport, either pay $33.00 roundtrip for a Toronto Airport Express to Downtown or $6.00 roundtrip for the 192 Express Bus to Kipling Station then transfer two stops on the subway (Kipling --> St. George --> Union) then find the Air Canada Centre, meet up with said ticket seller / owner then venture in and watch the Knicks take on the Raptors. I've done the expensive "quicker" bus but thought that I should save some money since my ticket would end up costing $90 so off I went.

It was really easier as the subway only goes either east / west then north and south and if I missed my stops, I would it them later on the same line. People were friendly and I was able to get around. Granted it was a whole 30 minutes longer than the express, but the game started at 1900 so I had plenty of time.

Union Station was CRAZY!  Food places abundant, and everywhere I looked, people were all talking about Jeremy Lin.  It was almost like a constant meditation and chant all around me.  I was even getting excited as most of the people there were yes, unfortunately for the Raptors, there to watch the Linsanity live.

I met up with the "guy" and to be honest, I'm not all that much of a fan of scalping especially since it was a lone seat but he reassured that I had him number and I was able to get in, sit in my seat and not have anyone kick me out.  Good stuff. The seat was next to a great couple who actually were gifted the tickets months ago and were more than excited that it was this particular game especially that Jeremy Lin was part of his fantasy team!

Admittedly, the game started off slow and at the end of the first half, the Raptors were holding a strong lead and Jeremy Lin only had 9 points but did have 4 assists.  It looked like Stoudemire and Lin were trying to play off of each other but to no avail.  It almost looked like there were communicating in foreign dialects adding to the sloppy plays, mishaps and turnovers.  Hoping for a better second half, the third quarter would only have Lin adding another 6 points with back to back foul shots missing the rim.  At one point, I was afraid that Lin wouldn't hit "the 20" or heaven forbid, the Knicks winning streak would end...all because I was at the game??? I'm not that vain, but a thought, that I'm sure we all conjure up lining up perfectly well as superstition, popped up that it was because I went to game.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Knicks finally started knocking at door and with 1:05 left, Jeremy Lin hit a 2 and 1 tying the game. The arena was on their feet and the chanting began. I was yelling along with everyone else and after a couple of great blocks back and forth, Lin found himself with the ball asking Coach Mike D'Antoni for a timeout. Unexpectedly, Coach waved his hands off and a play was called. Apparently Lin went with an audible and successfully hit the three-pointer! High fives, screams and chants later...the Knicks continued their fairytale and I had the best time EVER!

Great recaps of the game!  Oh yeah, by the way, his 137 points in his first five career starts, is the most for any player who began his career since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77, passing Shaquille O’Neal (129).

WSJ: Lin's Legend Grows With Late Theatrics / Phenom Hits Game-Winner to Cap a Stunning Comeback

ESPN: Linsanity goes international in Toronto

To Fly. To Serve

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Last year, British Airways released a truly amazing commercial titled "To Fly.  To Serve." Recognizing the sacrifice the early pioneers in aviation made in mapping the skies, it brings to light what us pilots still bear; the truth in leaving their families at home waiting for their return. I can't stop thinking about it ever since I first saw the ad and wanted to share with you the commercial that still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.  It makes me proud to be a commercial airline pilot and yes, there are days that I need a reminder.  Maybe someday, the prestige will come back, but until then, we have amazing CGI and story telling to keep us at bay.  What are your thoughts on the advertisement?

Remote Control Jets

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Ever since the Chinese perfected the manufacturing of foam / electric turbo aired jets, the price of owning and flying a remote control plane have reached acceptable levels. Not necessarily levels to where you can set it, forget and not land smoothly, but enough where it wouldn't make you cry if you crash landed. If you've ever flown the little RC helicopters at the mall, this is that much more gratifying. Yes, the flight time is kept to a minimum due to battery capacities but 5-10 minutes of flying an awesome 70m F-86 Sabre...you can't beat that!

Jeremy Lin MANIA!!!

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After an amazing game last Saturday, New York Knick Jeremy Lin (#17) comes back for another record breaking night against Utah.  Check out the Harvard Econ Grad sink a three pointer at the shot clock buzzer. Knicks tickets are going up in price and his jerseys are selling out!

If you want to watch the entire set of his first record setting night click play or watch what he did last night in its entirety! Both full videos down below.

Watch Lin split a defender at 4:30!

Unboxing Grado's SR125i

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In all it's glory, I present to you Grado SR125i Headphones. I bought these from Stereo Design in Clairemont, San Diego, California where the service is above and beyond exceptional. They setup a listening station for me and I was able to sample the SR60i, SR80i, SR125i, and RS2i along with the Grado Headphone Amp and a Wadia 171 iTransport. An amazing setup for those with digital music. Check them out sometime, drop by and say that Elijah recommended ya! This is a picture of "my" listening station. You can always help support this blog by clicking this Grado Prestige Series SR125i Headphones or of course the Grado Mini Adaptor Cable - 1/4 Inch to 1/8 Inch Plug.

Ingredients for Viral

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Matthew Broderick and  "Oh Yeah" by Yello.

It'll definitely be a just a tad disappointing if what is revealed is Ferris Buller drinking Pepsi all day long or him finding the next big bargin on Expedia or Travelocity or maybe he's the new spokesperson for Hipmunk? The way that comments are going on YouTube, it seems as if it's a Honda commercial. Maybe for their new jet?

Kickstarter: Twine - Listen to your world, talk to the Internet

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Have you ever wanted your laundry machine to tweet or text you when it's done? Or maybe when a door opens of if the temperature drops, you'd want some type of alert? These guys from the MIT Media Labs have developed a device that communicates in a simple language and setup that you and I can configure. Check out the video! You have approximately 30 minutes left to get in and "back" their project! Afterwards, you'll have to wait and adopt their technology for a higher retail price. But why not and "angel" invest!

Update: If you weren't able to catch the Twine Kickstarter before their fundraising period ended, they sent out a thank you and a "you can still buy me" update. Here it is:

Kickstarter backers — you guys are amazing. When we started this 6 weeks ago, our expectations were modest, other than making a product that we wanted and that others would find useful, too. John and I cannot believe that you pushed Twine past 550K, making it one of the most successful crowd-funded projects ever! We are going to take good care of you. Twine will be that much more polished and ready to rock because of your support.

Missed the Kickstarter? Not to worry. You can still join the thousands of other awesome Twine owners by pre-ordering at the Supermechanical site. It's the next best thing to being an original backer!

35F in San Diego?!

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With temperatures approaching records lows, San Diego is lining itself up for a "wintery" December. In fact, as I'm typing this post, my fingertips are beginning to become numb as the doors are still open yet I remain too stubborn to get up and close the door. I'm sure most of you know by now that if it gets below 50F, the parkas, long johns, hot coco and space heaters fly off the shelves! Next thing you know, you're shivering in the morning and don't want to get out of that semi-warm cozy bed.

Here lies the question: $59.99 for a space heater or take it up a notch (maybe overkill) and go for the gold; the Dyson Hot.

I'll say that it's safer for children as there is no visible heating element and because of that, the exposure to the smell of burning dust remains absent. Having a thermostat built in, as magnetic remote control and the option to have it function as a regular Air Multiplier just really tout it's abilities.

For a short explanation video, check this out:

If you want to see more, click here as C|NET dives into their preview and explanation of the latest household gadget.  Fast forward to the 24:15 mark.

Tantrums = Scientific Data

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On the way to Home Depot this morning, I switched on NPR and missed this whole story on Morning Edition. Excited as I was, I made note to search it later and what I found was much more interesting. Did you ever wonder what a child's tantrum consists of or how as a parent or care-taker, one might "solve" the issue? Scientists, Michael Potegal of the University of Minnesota and James A. Green of the University of Connecticut, have gathered a string of data depicting the various vocal expressions that lie within a screaming child. Published in the Emotion journal, their study included recordings of various toddlers coupled with high-sensitive microphones attached to their onesie.

Bottom line; it's quite amazing. Also included are anecdotes on how to deal with tantrums shortening their episodes which always, in my opinion, leads to a much more pleasant atmosphere.

via NPR

What is True Success? [TED Talks: John Wooden]

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Going over various questions with a friend of mine as he prepares for the onslaught of residency program interviews, he directed me to this TED Talk by John Wooden, also affectionally known by as "Coach", on true success filmed back in February 2001. Check it out below!

With profound simplicity, Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring talk he shares the advice he gave his players at UCLA, quotes poetry and remembers his father's wisdom.

What kind of music are you listening to?

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Lately, more often than not, you can find me navigating through both of NPR's amazing iOS applications, (NPR: News / NPR: Music).  This morning, I discovered "First Listen: Michael Jackson, 'Immortal'" by Ann Powers.  Whether you listen to the entire soundtrack of the up and coming Cirque du Soleil production or chose an individual song, it provides yet another way of enjoying the king of pop's msuic.  As Ms. Powers so cleverly puts it, "...it gives your ears a slap and reminds you how fresh these great songs sounded when you first discovered them." But, I digress. The real reason I wanted to write is to introduce you to an amazing compilation that includes world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile and fiddler Stuart Duncan.  Entitled, The Goat Rodeo Sessions, it marks his second forray into the Americana genre with his first album dating back over 15 years ago dubbed Appalachia Waltz.  If you're into exciting, new and different, I can assure you that your ears will be pleased.  It's also great writing music!