Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Guess who's back, back again...

Today at the Gamescom Confrence Sony made the announcement that a new variation of their Playstation 3 console which made it's debut in 2006 would hit the market no later than 9/1/09 with a price tag of $299.

Pictures - aint it pretty!

The new system is 32% smaller, 36% lighter, and uses 34% less energy. It has a 120GB hard drive, and still retains all the wonderful features of the current PS3 (blu-ray, blue tooth, wifi, ect).

As a current PS3 owner (since 1/07), I am very excited for this news. I could care less about not having the latest and greatest unit. What I am excited about is that the system is now more accessible than ever. At $299 Playstations should finally start moving off shelves and into people's homes. The possibility of having more than 2 people on my friends list who are actually friends gets me pumped.

My one issue is that they reduced the price of the currently available consoles by $100. This makes an 80GB version of the current console the same price as the smaller, lighter, more energy efficient, 120GB version that comes out in 2 weeks. Why in the world would anyone buy that one with a 50% smaller hard drive? I suppose if you subscribe to the theory that new versions of things always have kinks to work out, you might be inclined to get a current console with all things being equal...BUT THEY ARENT! If I could get a bigger hard drive and pay less in energy to run this machine (the PS3 is basically a small computer), there is no way I would pay the same price. I am not sure what the right price point is to move them (249?), but I would guess a sub $299 PS3 will be available for a limited time.

If the lower price entices you to purchase a PS3, great. Enjoy some exclusive games like Uncharted:Drake's Fortune, MLB 09:The Show, Killzone2, and Little Big Planet; watch some blu-rays; and hit me up on PSN (St3ck83) .

Update: Check out this PC world comparison for a true 'cost to own' comparison after the price drop. http://www.pcworld.com/article/170411/ps3_slim_vs_xbox_360_price_fight.html

Monday, August 17, 2009

No need to get Vick'd Off!

Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle. 3 years ago that would have excited Eagle fans to no end, however in light of more recent events there is a much more mixed reaction. There is no need for me to rehash the despicable, disgusting acts that turned Vick into a pariah. The former number 1 overall pick and highest paid player in the NFL has a lot of work to do before he returns to even the above average status he had in the league a couple years ago.

Personally, I would much rather have Vick on my team than face him. He is the most dangerous QB I have even seen with his feet (with his arm, not so much). In the era of the 'Wildcat' offense, I can imagine no more versatile player than Vick. The Wildcat has been employed as a 'trick' play up until now, however with Vick it is possible it could become a regular part of the offense. This is the type of game he was born to play and honestly, I think he will be successful. I am much more nervous about the two times a year the Cowboys have to play the Eagles.

With all this gushing over Vick there are really two questions I need to answer...
1) Have I forgiven Mike Vick?
Honestly, he never did anything to me or my family so I have nothing to forgive him for. What he did was horrible, and there is no excuse for it. He has served his debt to society in prison, appears remorseful, and if his walk matches his talk since he got out of jail he would appear to be a healed man. Could he fall back into it? Yes Is it possible he is just saying the right things to get his job back? Yes Does it matter why he is not torturing/killing animals anymore? NO! People have reasons for everything they do, some noble some not so much. In the end only God can judge our motives, but the man has changed his lifestyle and that is what should matter to society.
2) Do I wish that Vick had signed with the Cowboys?
Right this second? No - the Cowboys just got out from under the TO circus and the last thing they need is the 24/7 media coverage that Vick brings. In a couple years when things have calmed down, if he was productive I would be glad to see Vick in a Dallas uniform. My opposition to Vick isn't Vick himself, its the circus that would follow him. Its the same reason I wouldn't want TO, Brett Favre, or any other player the media has decided to over cover.

Once everyone calms down and as long as Vick continues to walk the straight and narrow, I believe the Eagles will be a better team as much as I hate to admit it. Vick needs to really relish a second chance with a team like the Eagles. A strong organization with management backing him and a strong locker room. If he screws this opportunity up, then he truly does need to be thrown to the dogs.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Celebrate good times...come on!


In honor of my brothers nuptials a few weeks ago, and his receptions here in PA today I would like to post my best man's speech to him and his new wife Marilyn. The speech went over really well and I thought I should share it. Feel free to rip off my idea because it is that good :)
Congratulations to Andy and Marilyn Steckiel!


I’ve know Andy since June 13, 1984 and I’m sure there are pictures somewhere to prove it. We have had up and downs but at the end of the day we play for the same team. He’s my brother and one of my best friends. Whether it’s the goofy ear to ear grin or turning his head to check out some hot sexy …car he has always been the same Andy. Passionate, stubborn, and lovable.

But I’m not here just to roast and toast Andy today. I’m here to celebrate his new life with his wonderful bride Marilyn. From what I have gotten to know of Marilyn she should be able to tame..err…enhance all of my brother’s wonder intricacies. I really do wish you two all the best. If you ever need anything, Nik and I will only be a ghetto town away.

Now what would a wedding be without a little advice from a seasoned veteran of marriage who really hasn’t figured anything out and is constantly apologizing for mistakes. So, without further adieu, I give you 7 songs from Matt’s IPod to help your marriage. I put my IPod on shuffle and these 7 songs did come up.

1. Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin
a. Sometimes all you need is the music. This great song without a single word was meant to showcase the fantastic drum skills of the late John Bonham, but would have never been the track it was without the mad guitar skills of Jimmy Page. While you both will always be the band, sometimes you need to let the other one shine. As you start your life together, never forget you need each other but recognize that each of you has your own talents that need to come through.
2. Foxy Lady by Jimmy Hendrix
a. Pretty comes and goes, but foxy is forever. While you don’t have to run around like Garth in Wayne’s world with the foxy ears; Andy always remember to compliment Marilyn. Telling your wife how beautiful she is never gets old, and never goes out of style. Remind her how good she looks, how she makes you feel, and that she is your one and only foxy lady
3. Sabotage by The Beastie Boys
a. While this song may be best known for my renditions on Rock Band – it tells the story of someone who is being undermined. Throughout your marriage many outside influences will try to sabotage your marriage and undermine the bond that you are trying to strengthen. Make sure you keep your eyes open and be ready to face them together when they come.
4. I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
a. As sure as night is dark and day is light,
I keep you on my mind both day and night.
And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right.
Because you’re mine,
I walk the line.
b. Listen to this song, and think of the one you love. It’s impossible to do without smiling. It tells the story of being focused soley on that special someone and the happiness that true, dedicated love brings. Stay on each others minds and you’ll be happier people. We all know Andy needs it
5. All the Small Things – Blink182
a. When we look back on life, we remember big events. Birth, vacations, graduation, MARRIAGE, etc. But compared to the rest of your time on earth these make up a small percentage of your time. It’s all the small things day to day that will really shape you and your marriage.
6. Livin on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
a. I’m going to make a stretch here and hope I don’t get struck by lightning. Andy, you’re Tommy and I know you don’t work on the docks, and Marilyn you’re Gina and I’m not sure if you’ll work the diner all day; but in the end all you have is each other and the Lord. Never forget that third person in your marriage. Make sure he is always present in your life together.
7. No Phone – Cake
a. So you guys are headed to the great white north for your honeymoon. I’m not sure they have phones in Canada or what – but really enjoy your time together alone. Life will come fast and furious once you get back. Get all you can out of your time away from everything. Enjoy yourselves, relax, and have fun.