Lefty Side of the Dial

Ok, now things are finally returning to normal. Yesterday's presentation turned out well. Not a large turn out, but it was fun. So besides all the research that has consumed my life for the past few weeks, here's what else has been occupying my time this week:

1. Lost (ABC)

Lost returns after what felt like a long absence. I'm glad to see it back, because Wednesday's episode did what Lost does best: deepen the mystery while advancing the story...and confuse the hell out of me. I'm glad to see that next week we'll see the rest of the cast again, but I did really like that we are beginning to see The Others back-stories.

2. Heroes (NBC)

George Takei rocks! Really, from Star Trek to Babylon 5, and now Heroes he can really take a role and make it his. Did you see the license plate on the limo this week? It's those little geekdom shout-outs that keep endearing me to Heroes. The plot of the story continues to interest me. And next week Stan "The Man" Lee will be on the show.

3. 33 1/3 Exile on Main Street by Bill Janovitz

I had this book through ILL, and it's late. I have three late 33 1/3 series ILL books to read through this weekend, but this book it really really good. There's quite a bit of info to digest but it's made in a coherent and interesting way. It so far has been a fun read.

4. Prince "Purple Rain"

More about this later in my Friday 3 questions Prince edition. I'll just say this album is a classic.

5. Crackdown Demo (Xbox 360)

I am STILL playing this demo, and it's still a ton of fun. My favorite moment from the Demo isn't eliminating the gang bosses, it's loading up on Agility power-ups and then jumping from building to building like the Incredible Hulk. I can’t wait for the full game to come out in a few weeks.

6. Incredible Hulk #103 (Marvel)

Speaking of the Hulk, I'm been an off and on again Hulk fan since the Peter David run (which I really need to pick up again and read), but I've loved this Hulk and Conan take on the character. As things begin to wind down for the start of Hulk's return to Earth, I thought the story featured some really cool moments. I liked the Hulk/Bruce Banner moment near the end of the book, and the mind is still boggled by seeing a Brood in love. Looking forward to see how the last arc of Planet Hulk plays out. Oh, and the art is quite nice.

7. The Jimi Hendrix Experience "Are You Experienced?"

No I'm not. I have one Hendrix best-of, and I have a few live shows in my bootleg/live recordings collection, but I've never picked up a Jimi Hendrix album, until last week. I love the CD quite a bit, the guitar playing just flows out of Jimi, it's no wonder so many Brit rockers were taken with him.

8. 24 (Fox)

Jack Bauer needs to have a sign saying that "The State of California declares that being a relative, girlfriend, or co-worker of Jack Bauer is a known to be hazardous to your health". This whole father and sons craziness know has me wonder when Kim will come back only to become the main mastermind behind the whole plot. The show has really fallen off the rails for my suspension of belief...and yet I continue to compulsively watch.

9. Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)

Yay! I heard a rumor yesterday that there will be some new maps headed our way for Vegas! I hope it pans out, because I'm getting a tad tired of playing some of these maps, but I'm still in the long slog to rank up to Elite.

10. Bloc Party "A Weekend in the City"

Downloaded Bloc Party's new album off of Emusic.com a couple days ago and have been enjoying it quite a bit. Good Brit-rock that is a bit vapid, but has some nice hooks in the Radiohead vein.