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RDK, given your situation, I would without a doubt go with a Wii. Its a bit more expensive, but if you are looking for the ultimate gaming experience for both you and your kids, Wii is the way to go. There are tons of games for kids and grown ups coming out at a fairly rapid pace. And let me tell you (and I'm sure that anyone who has actually played a Wii will agree with me) that the Wii is probably the FUNNEST video game system around. Its really refreshing to play video games in a different way other than the plain ol two handed controller. It really adds a new, much needed dimension to gaming that gives it another advantage on top of being a Nintendo product, with its niche market and all. Playing the Wii really gave me a thrill that I haven't experienced in gaming since probably the first time I plugged in my original 8 bit NES. Of course, the PS2 is not a bad option either. Its still the only system I own, and I've had it since its orignal launch almost 7 years ago. Its affordable and there a HUGE library of excellent games to choose from, although I'd have to say that most of the greatest games on PS2 are definitely not kid friendly. As for the specs, I know mine does not have any video capabilites above the standard DVD player. I'm not sure if the newer, slimmer PS2s support progressive scan. I'm a Playstation fanboy, but this Wii seriously has me thinking. And as for PS3, I'm still planning on making that my next system, but Sony seems to be making alot of early mistakes with this product, and is looking like I may eventually end up being forced to go with the (it pains me to say it.....) Xbox 360.

Just got through disc 1 of the Tony Williams Select, and now I'm listening to disc 1 of the McCoy Tyner Select. Damn, I love Mosaic. I don't know what it is, but it just seems that whenever I pull a CD out of a Mosiaic box, the music that comes through the speakers is ALWAYS so good. The consistant quality that this company turns out is incredible.

One of my favorites from his or any era. Happy b-day!

I've got seasons 3-6, and plan on getting season 7 sometime soon. Larry David left after season 7, and therefore seasons 8 and 9 suffered quite a bit from his loss. Probably won't be picking those up when they are released. I don't find the episodes from season 1 or 2 to be very funny. They do have their moments though. Season 3 is where the show starts to get quite funny, though inconsistantly. Seasons 4-7 were definitely the peak years.

I'm in agreement here.

Not this boy. No way in hell I'll ever pay that much for a gaming system. Besides, games really haven't gotten any better, or even different for that matter. They just have purdier graphics to look at. Whether they have gotten "better" can be debated endlessly and really comes down to a matter of opinion. But boy, have they changed! They have evolved into something that definitely requires more thinking than it does hand/eye coordination or reflex time. They have gotten more strategical, relying less on technique than they used to. There are many pros and cons to each. There is nothing like Dig Dug or the original Metroid today, but back then, there was nothing like Final Fantasy XII or Warcraft.

Count me in as one who misses the video arcade! Street Fighter II was the last hurrah. I've played games since the Atari 2600, and am still hooked to this day. I'm planning on getting a Playstation 3 later this year.

Has anyone ever heard the Pink Floyd material on the soundtrack to "Zabriske Point"? Some fine Floyd on there, plus some solo Jerry Garcia!!

Holy crap! But still, lots of good music in there! Should keep you happy for a long time. I just placed my first Mosaic order in two years....ordered the McCoy Tyner, Tony Williams and Art Pepper Selects. Can't wait to get these!

Some sort of communication from the seller is the least one could ask for!

Were they really loud?

I should also add that I ran into Ron Horton (very nice guy) outside the club after the show. We chatted a bit and he ended up giving me a copy of his latest CD "Everything in a Dream". Its very nice!

I posted my thoughts about seeing them in Chicago last weekend in the "Live Shows" thread. This is a very nice group to see live, and its true what you say about the music being well received by people who aren't hard core jazzers. This type of music could work wonders in turning people on to the magic of jazz.

Since I posted here last, I've found that "Corridors & Parallels" and "Dao" are the two Ware albums I go back to most often, along with this live album. "Dao" is really cool....I particularly like Matthew Shipp's playing on that one.

Just drank a bottle of 2004 Lemon Creek Pinot Noir.

Thanks guys! Unfortunately, it looks as if "Lookin' at Monk" and "Griff & Lock" are out of print. The Minton's first set and the Tenor Scene albums are availiable, so I'll be grabbing them soon as I can, before they become extinct as well.

I don't have any recordings with these two guys dukeing it out. What would you say are their 2 or 3 greatest recorded moments together that are availiable on CD?

With regards to Nick Mason, I always thought of him in a similar vein as Ringo Starr....not the best technical drummer, but perfect for the situation in which he was placed. I always liked "Ummagumma", but to be honest, the last time I heard it was about 10 years ago, which were days clouded by a drug haze.

While I was always "fine" with KD's playing, I don't think I really ever got it until I got the RVG of "Trompeta Tocatta" last year. That one really opened up my ears. Its definitely my favorite album under his name, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for his other ones, like "Whistle Stop" and "Una Mas". "Quiet Kenny" is another favorite. "Jazz Contrasts" is excellent and doesn't seem to be discussed much. Some peak Sonny Rollins on that one, and KD sounds great.

Ghost of Miles did a radio show about Miles & Sam Rivers that has some performances from that version of the quintet that aren't in the box set, which I just listened to a couple weeks ago. An interesting supplement to the box set. The radio show is archived, and definitely worth a listen.

This is essential music IMO. One of my favorite box sets in my collection.

That's one of my favorite concert videos. Great one!

Aside from the Hold Steady, I've been spinning the following lately: The Shins - "Wincing the Night Away" The Decemberists - "The Crane Wife" Cold War Kids - "Robbers and Cowards" TV on the Radio - "Return to Cookie Mountain" Also, just picked up the new release by The Arcade Fire called "Neon Bible". Haven't listened to it yet, but if its half as good as "Funeral", I'll be very happy.

An excellent album by an excellent band.

Wow....that sounds like a cool show! Please post a review if you get the chance.