It is strange how car fevers come and go. I am primarily a fan of sedans and sports cars. However, after seeing one of these recently — and actually driving an older one of these — all I can think about is how cool it would be to have one. Both also go against my “buy used” sensibilities. Wranglers can be had pre-owned, but the 2007 model has some worthy improvements. The FJ Cruiser is a completely brand new model (with styling echoes of the old Land Cruiser).

Alas, our family needs a minivan first. If anyone wants to trade a used Jeep for a beat up Altima …

Me: We’re going to be late for the start of the movie.

Wife: Don’t worry … we’ll just miss the previews.

Me: Yeah, but I hate having to search for a seat in the dark.

The above conversation is one that would have taken place about five years ago, back before kids and also when you had an extra ten (maybe twelve) minutes tops before the show actually started. Yesterday we went to see X-Men III: The Last Stand. We walked in five minutes before show time. Over a half hour later I was already tired when the opening credits finally began to roll. Why am I being inundated with ads at a show that I paid to see? This is not free access television. As for the previews, I think I saw all the good parts and won’t need to actually see the films when they come out. It seems as if the studios have forgotten the meaning of the word teaser.

If we are going to pay for a sitter and take the time and trouble to go see a movie, then we would be willing to pay the extra couple bucks to avoid the advertisements. Since time is money, too, shortened previews would be much appreciated. We already have a surround sound system and at some point in the next several years a big screen television will be added. If the “theater experience” continues to decline, then it is only a matter of time before all of our movie viewing takes place in the comfort of our family room.

All of this leads me to the questions: Do you think it is worth it to see the first run of a movie, or would you rather wait? Will movie theaters continue to thrive, or will consumer technology make them a thing of the past?

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This is cool news … just like Star Trek.

I only lived in Arizona for nine months, but between that and my brother’s influence I became a Phoenix Suns fan (keep in mind that the Celtics will always rule). So, I lament the fact that guys like Charles Barkley and Dan Marjerle came oh so close to winning an NBA championship. Could Steve Nash and company get past Dallas and go all the way? Is it too early to get my hopes up? Frankly, I have not been much at all interested in the NBA since the Bird, Magic and Jordan eras came to a close. The play is rough rather than graceful; often individualistic instead of team centered.