It’s finally here, World of Warcraft’s second expansion, The Wrath of the Lich King. I picked up the limited edition package with the mouse pad, dvd installer (I hated reinserting those CDs), behind the scenes DVD, art book and an in-game pet. I figured might as well pay the extra $ since I had some gift certificates to use up.
I’ve played about an hour of it so far earlier. I got my Death Knight made. You must have an available character slot in order to create one. You start off in Eastern Plaguelands at level 55. I’ve done a couple of quests with her already. A mount can be summoned once you complete a chain quest (2).
After messing with that, I changed on to my Paladin toon and did a couple of quests in the new lands. Some of the green gear I saw as rewards will already replace any existing blue gear you have.
So now I’m home and have installed it on my iMac and I come to this…
I captured the image 30 minutes after I logged in… and still waiting. This is worse than when The Burning Crusade expansion came out. Oh well…
Like many, I voted yesterday. I have been voting ever since I turned 18. I feel I’m obligated to take part of this being a citizen. But what was different yesterday is the polling place I go to went back to traditional voting methods. Unlike, the last presidential election I had the opportunity to vote electronically at the polls. What they did back in 2004 was hand out cards with GSM-like chips in them. I insert it in a machine and select the candidates I wanted to vote for. What’s great about this is I’m already used to using computers and I’m able to change my selection anytime before I press on the “submit” button. Well, yesterday I had to vote the traditional way and connected the lines to make an arrow. I’m not sure why they got rid of the electronic method of voting. I hope they bring it back in the future.
Plus I got a free cup of coffee from Starbucks for voting.
Since I started collecting shoes over a decade ago, there have been only 3 pairs of shoes (not counting the pairs I already own) that I would buy in a heartbeat - in no particular order.
Nike Air Foamposite One: Originally released back in 1997, I would have loved a pair but $180 was insanely expensive for that time. They re-released this shoe a couple of years ago, but didn’t know until I was too late and they were sold out, again. I’m hearing rumors of another retro release and I hope this time I can get a pair.
Adidas Real Deal: This pair is one of the most comfortable basketball shoes I’ve ever worn, next to the Air Pippen II. I had the original white and blue color. I balled in them until they worn out and I “traded” them in. Now I wish I bought 2 pairs at that - even though it won’t fit me now.
Nike Air Penny II: I had the original pair back in 1996. Same thing happened as I mentioned above. I balled in them and “traded” them in. I wish I kept them even though they were worn out. Just having the original - sigh. Anyway, they released the retros a few weeks ago and I ran to the nearest store to pick them up. I have yet to wear them coz they look so nice not worn, but they look so nice when I have them on. Now I want the Orlando Magic Penny jersey to match.
Last Wednesday we went in for a check up with our fetal genticist and had another another ultrasound. The technician didn’t seem as friendly as the last. She wouldn’t allow me to take any video during. So I just scanned some of the print outs. The machine doesn’t seem as good as the last session either. Oh well, we’re going to do the 4D ultrasound soon. Here are some pics I scanned.
My TL is at the dealer getting its A14 service maintenance. It’s the major service since my car has over 109K miles on it. This time the dealer gave me a 2007 MDX loaner. After having an unpleasant experience with a RDX as a loaner last time, I wanted to check out the MDX - so I’m glad they read my mind and gave me one for the day. Most of my thoughts will be based on comparing it with my 2004 TL.
The MDX has a DVD and rear view camera so according the their website it’s the Tech Package with Rear DVD System. It took some time to get used to the navigation system since unlock my TL it isn’t touch screen. Most of the settings I adjusted using the voice recognition since I couldn’t find the buttons right away and I was feeling lazy to look. The commands are still same so far (compared to the TL).
The steering wheel folds inward when you pull the key out, so that you have plenty of room to get out of the vehicle. Once you insert the key, the steering wheel adjusts towards you to the position of how you set the seat memory. This is fully mechanical. There is a little joystick on the left side to help you position it properly. It moves inwards as soon as the key is removed.
The DVD uses wireless head phones. I also noticed RCA connectors in the back. You can plug in game consoles (Wii, PS3, 360, etc.) here. I used my iPod touch to play some videos off it. You can also listen to XM, AM/FM, and the 6 disc player.
The real-time traffic is pretty cool. I just don’t like how it’s displayed. I guess I got used to using my iPhone and Google maps. I don’t know how accurate or how frequent the updates occur. I’m sure it updates frequently since it’s connected to XM satellite. Uses the following colors: green = no traffic, yellow = some traffic, and red = traffic.
There are plenty of compartments in the center console. There is even one on the passenger side, next to where your left leg would be.
It can sit up to 7 people - 2 in the front, 3 in the 2nd row and the 3rd row can sit 2. The 3rd row can also fold down to give more trunk space. If you need more trunk space, the 2nd row can also fold down. It also has a power tailgate (automatic trunk door) that opens and closes mechanically. There’s even a button on the key fob.
What I also like is it drives just like my TL. It doesn’t feel any bigger and the response is quite similar. Of course, you wouldn’t want to take as fast turns as you would on a sedan. But in normal driving conditions, i felt very comfortable if not more comfortable than in my TL.
I was able to get about 24MPG but most of this is highway travel and with the A/C on.
Here’s a list of likes:
handles like a sedan
automatic telescopic steering wheel
automatic tailgate
sits 7 people
rear seats can fold down for more trunk space
6 disc changer can play MP3 and WMA audio format
DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones can also access XM, AM/FM, and 6 disc player
monitoring of SH-AWD and tire pressure
Dislikes:
front seats have heat capability but still no cooling capability - would be great during the summer
beeping sound it makes when the tailgate opens/closes
slow response with acceleration - not sure if it’s because of the gas used before I got it or something else
I have taken a quick video and some pics before I had to return it. You can view the video below and the pics off my Flickr account. Again, this is just a quick first thoughts and now a full blown review. I only had it for 1 day and most of the time I wasn’t able to drive it since I was at work.
