Lefty Side of the Dial

This time I can really say that it has been a while since I did a Weekly Top Ten, but lo and behold here it is:

1. Chris' iPhone

- I'm still learning all the ins and outs of my new iPhone, and while I still haven't gotten the Visual Voicemail to work just yet, I am loving the device. It'll get a huge workout this weekend as I tramp around the Moscone Center in search of comic and gaming news, posting to our gaming website, twittering about everything I see and hear, and email pictures to various folks. I'm not one to be connected to a cellphone, and quite frankly I've only made 5 phone calls since picking it up (and 4 of them were in my network a.k.a. Mrs. Lefty) but I love have the internet more or less with me where ever I go.

2. King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters DVD

This documentary is about one man's struggle to be recognized at the world's greatest Donkey Kong player. Even if you are a non-gamer you would love this film as it really gets into the story of Steve Wiebe a Seattle area "schlub" (and I mean that affectionally) who just happens to play one mean game of Donkey Kong. It is a look inside at the coin-op arcade wizards, the sub-society they have carved out with its own eccentricities that at times resemble a corrupt political 'good ole boy' network and others professional wrestling, thankfully without the tights. Enter into this flash is an ordinary family man who is out to prove that his score is for real. A great flick, a must watch!

3. Poker Smash on Xbox Live Arcade

It's the Reese Peanut Butter Cup of casual gaming! Take poker cards (10 thru Aces) and make Poker hands to "smash" them from the ascending columns in a very Tetris like way. It is a very addicting game that magically makes time speed up.

4. Rock Band for the Xbox 360

Much like Guitar Hero, in Rock Band you must hit colored bars descending on scrolling boards to hit notes. However in Rock Band, not only do you play a Guitar controller, you can also 'beat the skins' on a drum set controller or unleash your inner Rock God as a singer in a rock & roll band. I suck at drumming, but playing the guitar and most of all singing occupies lots of my time. The selections on the game discs are pretty good and what's more every Tuesday they release new tracks you can purchase to play. It is an absolute blast, and I've been having fun with Mrs. Lefty and also with friends online.

5. 24 Season 6 on DVD

I am catching up on last season's 24 before the premier of the new season on Fox. For some reason I only caught 2/3rds of season six which regains some momentum after the previous season's disaster. Yes I cringe at the sort of proto-conservative viewpoints but I do recognize that there is a vast difference between this television show and reality.

6. The Beatles by Bob Spitz

I have to admit, right now it is a struggle to get into this massive tome on the Fab Four. I have to respect the narrative which is absorbing, but sometimes the minutia leaves me cold. I just want to say "move on, get to Hamburg already". Still it is a book that I look forward to reading during my lunch breaks, and has me itching to get all the early Beatles albums.

7. Across the Universe DVD

First things first, this is not the greatest musical. Its problems sometimes are glaring. I can forgive the rather vapid plot...after all it is a musical and most are very "surfacy". Hopwever this musical has stuck with me, and may even result in a future purchase. There are moments of pure genius in the film. One of the coolest moments is during the draft board sequence that resembles Pink Floyd's The Wall meets Fantasia. It is simply of the most amazing cinematic moments I've seen. The cast is quite good as singers, at times the acting I wasn't sure if it was lack of talent or lack of the a serviceable dialog. As a whole, Across the Universe is a teensy bit of a disappointment, but from moment to moment there are flashes of brilliance.

8. Cat Power "Jukebox"

Cat Power hits another covers album out of the proverbial ballpark. The cover of New York is so different it hardly sounds like the original but never feels like it's being different just for flash. Other tracks on this album are equally delightful. Jukebox is a laid back album that goes well with a bottle of red wine and healthy serving of night. I love the atmosphere and mood of the album.

9. Call of Duty 4 for the Xbox 360

I have been playing this game quite a bit the past couple of weeks. I've befriended several other gaming podcasters and have had a blast getting to know them as we enjoy are very well-made First Person Shooter. Right now I am hard at work on leveling up my character by winning matches, completing challenges (like shooting down enemy helicopters), and chewing the fat with folks playing on my team.

10. Matthew Sweet "Time Capsule: The Best of Matthew Sweet"

I've finally picked up an album I've long wanted. I have a soft spot for Matthew Sweet's blend of rock and pop, but have never picked up any of his albums. Well, I figured a best-of was a swell place to start and I have not been disappointed one iota. It's very catchy, and does what the best Best Ofs should do...make one want to go out and purchase full albums....and that just may happen.