redbox

I had heard about redbox from my mom several weeks ago but thought nothing of it since I rented my HD DVDs from Netflix for $10 per month. However, since the demise of HD DVD (and me consequently returning the player to Costco), I didn't need to rent from Netflix anymore. While Netflix was convenient, it annoyed me that the movies that I actually wanted to see were always unavailable. This is where redbox comes in.

What's great with redbox is first the price - $1 per day for a DVD. You have until 9 p.m. the following day to return the DVD, and the best part is that it can be returned to any redbox location. Fortunately, there are 2 redbox locations within 2 miles from me (both in Albertson's) so it's convenient. Since the redbox is online-enabled, I can check out the current movie inventory before heading out the door so I don't waste any time looking for the movies. Plus, there are free rental codes floating around that I've been able to use several times to get free rentals. Until I get a PlayStation 3 blu-ray player (or if redbox adds blu-ray movies), then I think I'm done with Netflix.

Sony Upconverting DVD Player

I recently returned my Xbox HD DVD player due to the quick demise of HD DVD. My only movie watching option at that point was the built-in DVD player on the Xbox, and I refuse to use that since it sounds like an airplane taking off, and it also outputs only to 480p. What to do until blu-ray players become more cost effective? The answer is an upconverting DVD player. Upconverting DVD players bridge the gap between regular progressive scan DVD players and HD players. The machine upscales a 480p image to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p via HDMI. I picked a Sony up at Costco for $80 the other day and I've been impressed with the near HD video quality. I Am Legend and Beowulf looked really good (although I must say that I can immediately tell they're not HD, being spoiled with the HD DVD player). I'm satisfied with it so far and should hold me up until the PlayStation 3's price becomes more reasonable (and Blu Ray discs become more widespread).

Lucas' 1st Birthday Party

Just a reminder to please RSVP to Paolo or Lediya for Lucas' first birthday party on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Monte Verde Park in Lakewood. We hope to see you there!

Eleven Months Old

Lucas turned 11 months old today! Key milestones: his top two front teeth have now come out, he loves table food, he's moved on to size 4 diapers, he's starting to stand up on his own, he's crawling everywhere, and he imitates our hand gestures. He's also talking a lot more. One more month till the big 1!

Here are some pictures from Santa Monica from this past weekend.

Lucas' 10 Month Old Photoshoot

Click here to see proof photos from Lucas' 10 month old photo shoot taken on 1/18/08. He wasn't too enthusiastic about the whole thing since it was early in the morning. He sure knows how to pose though!