The latest in the designer goods for you - 11.7.2006.1

Here are a few new photos for you all to see. From time to time I continue to do photo shoots of the new products for my online store. Here are some photos of the latest shoot, this time with just me, and some of the jewelry boxes, mugs, mousepads and other items by themselves. Let me know what you thin, or visit the store to get your own consumer goods.


Not merely a jewlery box, but an expression of your feelings.




Add a bit of flavor and personality to your computer space, at home or at work.




A journal for her, inscribed with a poem on the cover that matches the feelings you put within.




A great match. Just one expample of the great custom mugs and designer mouspads.





If it can look good on me, It will look great on you.

Thoughts on this season of CSI - 11.4.2006.1

I’ve been thinking about CSI: Crime Scene Investigation since the last episode on Thursday. While the program was quite compelling I’ve been trying to put together something else. In the season opening show we were left with a mystery on a killer that is incredibly detailed and efficient. This killer is in many ways a reflection of Gil Grissom, exacting and detailed, the miniatures reproducing the crime scene to the smallest detail.

The preview of the next episode shows the return of this killer, so we now have a mass murderer. And I think its one of the team. The big question of course is who it might be. But the reason I think its part of the team is because of the detail. Enough information is given to keep Grissom occupied, and yet there is no trace back to the killer. All of the information that the team looks for is missing, so the killer has to know their techniques. Plus the attention to detail is similar to the manner in which the team goes over a scene.

So far there have been clues given to support my belief that the killer is on the team. Grissom is becoming weary, perhaps having seen one crime too many. The migraines are just one expression of a potential battle in his own mind. Of course the split personality angle is a bit contrived, though I think the acting ability of Mr. William Peterson is up to such a challenge.

But Grissom is too obvious. So is Nick Stokes (Mr. George Eads). The fact that Nick has been stalked, had several guns pulled on him, kidnapped, and buried alive are enough to leave scars on anyone. His difficulty dealing with the job and the killers they track down is starting to show, like with the guys responsible for beating up Greg that he hit. Nick is perhaps the most emotional of the team, kind of the opposite of Grissom in his connection to the victims. Again I think he is too obvious a choice.

Of course Greg Sanders (Mr. Eric Szmanda) is a possibility. He’s been in an explosion caused by Katherine, held back in his promotion to a field member, lost out to Grissom in dating Sarah (especially since we got to see that they are now involved), recently beat-up trying to save a victim of a gang, and the time he has spent in the hospital matches the time the killer has been inactive. His knowledge of the lab and his work in the field combined with his attempts to mimic Grissom’s work habits are all factors.

And Sarah Sidle (Ms. Jorja Fox) is a possible too. As detailed and precise as Grissom, and possibly the most knowledgeable in techniques after him. Plus she would do anything to keep his attention, I think. She has been after him since the first episode, and jealous of anyone that is close to him. If Grissom is starting to lose his edge, I could see her doing whatever to keep him in the game, feeling like the strong man she is devoted to. Never doubt what a woman in love will do.

Katherine Willows (Mrs. Marg Helgenberger) doesn’t have the time, and she is a mom. Doesn’t match any profiles of mass murderers, and she is far to ambitious in her goals for career advancement. Warrick Brown (Mr. Gary Dourdan) doesn’t match either. As I recall there has never been a African American mass murderer on record. Well except for the Atlanta child killer, and its debatable if he was the killer (at least as some say). Plus Warrick is the most even-keeled, with the exception of his spontaneous and rocky marriage (I don’t think it will last).
So, fans of the show speak up. Do you think the miniature model killer is part of the team? IF so who do you think it is? Somehow I don’t think this will be a case they solve before the end of the year.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Video games get hip hop not a halo - 11.2.2006.1

Well here are a few tidbits that some may have missed. As video games become the next massive entertainment medium, involving both teenagers and the 18 – 35 year olds, other genres are being incorporated. The trend is as old as the comic book transition to theatrical movies, with similar successes and failures. (Remember Resident Evil? How about Street Fighter?) Of course some recent proposals seem destined to never happen.

One of the most anticipated transitions was Halo, the huge success for the Microsoft Xbox. I saw was because the deal is dead. It’s a shame as well too because the director was going to be none other than Mr. Peter Jackson. Can you imagine how good this film might have been? With Mr. Jackson’s ability to create immersive and believable environments the action and futuristic nature of Halo could have been this generations Star Wars.

Why has such a viable and anticipated deal stopped? Money of course. It seems that the potential cost and shared profits were too much for the studios. Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox both backed out earlier this month, leaving Microsoft alone on the deal. Now it seems Microsoft got the gitters too. I don’t understand it. Universal is owned by General Electric, Fox by News Corp. I think both can afford the money. Microsoft’s bankroll doesn’t even need to be mentioned. So I don’t think that backing the film was a question. Considering that the elements that made Lord of the Rings so wildly popular exist here, namely that there is a huge fan base that has already committed millions and eagerly awaiting more sequels plus they are covering the highly valued age groups, I believe the real sticking point was sharing the profits. I think that Mr. Jackson wanted more money on the backend than Microsoft would do. Still Microsoft is never one to walk away from a market they think will return a strong profit. My bet is that we will see a new game and then the movie will be on again.

For those that are not into the sci-fi arena, don’t fear there is something out there for you too. If hip-hop music and wrestling styled video games are more your thing then rejoice. Def Jam Records and EA have announced that March 2007 will be the debut of Def Jam Icon. Not only will you have the chance to fight as your favorite disreputable quasi-legal activities specialist (sorry meant talented rap artist) but you will get to listen to themes and music based on either the East coast, West coast or Atlanta styles.

There is nothing like beating someone down to popular songs advocating violence, sex, drugs and referencing men as criminals and women as objects. While I’m sure EA won’t let it contain anything too questionable, the idea will be there all the same. Of course I must admit that I don’t listen to rap since 90 roughly (except when I’m in a club of course) so Big Boi, Ludacris, Paul Wall, et al. may well be exceptions to the norm of todays celebrities. If so I stand corrected, but I honestly doubt that this is a probable outcome.

If you aren’t into video games yet, I think you will be soon. With each generation the games are getting more life-like, providing that feeling of superhuman prowess or an escape from the limitations of real-life. In addition the profits are too extreme for entertainment corporations to pass on. One successful game brings in millions, if not tens of millions (especially if you include sequels) at a cost of a fraction of a theatrical movie. Successful social games, like The Sims, grab not only males but females as well. Already advertisers are lining up to put ads into proven series. Give it 10 years and the new release of a game will be similar to a blockbuster movie premiere. I only hope that they might be more like the originality and visual complexity Halo brought than other more pandering (but popular and profitable) genres.

Ok, I’m tired and drifting. I was more focused in discussing the serious issues with Senator John Kerry today.

This is what I think, what do you think?