So, you may know that I decided to take part in the Masters of Macabre contest over at HorrorAddicts.net. Well, the contest is finally up and running and you can listen to my entry here. The way it worked was that each author was given a setting, an object, and a phobia (actually, a choice of phobias). I was then tasked with writing a short, “macabre” story within the given criteria. I was given a picnic, a telescope, and I ended up choosing Osmophobia (a fear of smells). This was a fun challenge and I’m really glad I took part (special thanks to R.E. Chambliss for turning me on to the contest). I actually learned a lot about the phobia through this process and was shocked to find out how many people it affects. Seems most people that suffer from migraines (we all know someone that does) are at least partially triggered by smells. Who knew? Well, other than psychologists, researchers, and lots of other people other than me. Seven other authors took up the challenge as well. If you are so inclined, take a listen to each of the stories (I voice my own) and vote for your favorite by sending an email to horroraddicts@gmail.com by October 1st.

Once again our friend Robert Silva from About.com has come through with some great footage from CES. This is from the IOGEAR booth. Here we wee IOGEAR’s Wireless 3D Media Kit in action. This will stream Blu-ray and 3D content wirelessly to your HDTV. This is due out in August which, according to the rep, is three months ahead of the competition. Or about three years before you get around to buying a 3D TV. Thanks again Robert for the scoop. Click into the post to see the video plus a list of Robert’s impressions from the show. Read more…

I received this rant from Henry a few days ago. It was so good, I couldn’t help but ask his permission to post it. He’s graciously agreed.

Tom,

I am really impressed with the quantifiable benefits Yamaha is bringing to market with their new Aventage line of AVRs. However I am really getting pissed off by the way they are marketing them…and starting to lose faith in the credibility of all their otherwise legitimate claims.

For example:

“The optimum sound fuse” Read more…

Indeed, I have made it to Australia. After 40 or so hours in transit with three young boys we arrived in Perth – exhausted, jet lagged, and generally discombobulated. But we’re here. My wife’s company is putting us up for two weeks so that we can find a place to live and a car. Is that a lot of time? No. So we’ve been seeing as many rental properties as possible. And what does Tom do the minute he walks into a stranger’s house? You guessed it, check out the speakers. Let’s just say that compared to the HTiB systems I generally run into in the states, Oz is crushing us in the HT department. Read more…

Think your local AV installer can’t be cool? Well, you’re probably right. And in case you were wondering, they can’t rap either.

Now that’s just funny, I don’t care who you are. Great job HiPhi!