Aside from being one half of the award-winning production duo Tha Bizness (along with Henny), Dow Jones is also a full-fledged gadget head. When he’s not working on tracks for Trey Songz (“Alone”), Lil Wayne & Drake (“Every Girl”) or Young Jeezy (“My President”) or shooting photographs Dow is on the lookout for the next big thing in technology.

Check out Dow Jones take on his latest purchase, the 55″  Samsung 3D LED HDTV (UNC55C8000)

A few weeks ago I decided to join the 3D revolution and after a few weeks of researching and checking out different brands I decided to go with Samsung’s new 55″ 3D LED LCD TV in the 8000 series. Out of Samsung’s 3D TVs this is supposed to be their semi pro while the 9000 series is the pro and the 7000 series is the rookie. With the price tag of the 9000 series being just under 5-6k I decided a TV was definitely not worth that price tag. After reviewing the 7000 series I saw that it afforded way less contrast ratio of only 6 million-to-one which ironically is the same as the 9000 unit. This was a big reason why I picked the 8000 unit because its contrast ratio is 8 million-to-one and provides crazy vibrant color. Also only the 9000 and 8000 units come with a brushed titanium finish along the outside of the TV while the 7000 units finish is called “mystic earth” aka not shiny chrome finish.

Another big reason I choose the 8000 series is because Best Buy had a huge deal where the price dropped to $2800 and they also threw in a brand new top of the line Samsung 3D 1080p Blu-ray player and a pair of Samsung 3D powered glasses (overall saved value of around $800) and a free 3D Blu-ray copy of Monsters vs. Aliens (one of the only 3D Blu-ray movies available at current time)

Another dope feature of the Samsung TV is that it has a setting where u can uprez your 2D regular TV image into a 3D image. Essentially you can watch all your current favorite shows in 3D even before they are provided in 3D which is kind of a cool added bonus. Of course this is not true 3D but hey there aren’t that many 3D TV stations available yet you can’t be mad!

Another new feature on all the Samsung 3D TV’s is the Samsung apps feature where you can use some of your favorite services directly on your TV like Skype, blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Twitter, USA Today and many more.

Ok enough with all the technical talk bottom line this is the greatest TV I have ever owned… as soon as you plug it in you realize that this is real HDTV and that after using this TV it makes you realize all your other so called HDTVs are just TVs and not HD at all. By this I mean that the clarity and depth of field on this TV is absolutely crazy and like no other. It looks like you are the director and you are watching the images on the TV through your cameras view finder and that the people on the screen are real and right in front of your face. I have to admit it took a while to get my eyes used to such clarity. At first it makes your brain trip out like “this is not real this looks so clear it looks fake” but after a few weeks you feel right at home with the crispiest TV in the world. Furthermore don’t get me started on what the Blu-rays look like… It’s like your own personal movie theater right in your living room.

All in all I couldn’t be happier with my new TV and there is nothing on the market right now competing with these new Samsung TVs the clarity and 3D is unmatched. Compared to other 3D TV’s Samsung’s unit is the best one out there and it’s the closest to what we see in movie theatres.

This is also the thinnest TV I have ever owned. At just under an inch thick, a surround system or a sound bar is a must to really get that movie theater feel to go with your great TV images because with the TV being so thin it’s impossible to get a whole lot of room for speakers in the unit, but then again when you spending over 2k for a TV you should be expecting to get a good sound system to go with your TV.

If you want a real 3D HDTV get a Samsung.

The Gaming World According to C-Rose

It’s been a while since I last spoke. A lot has changed in the world. The Lakers won – We lost MJ and then there was E3. It’s interesting that these events all had one thing in common – downtown LA. Between the Staples Center and the LA Convention Center LA has been the center of the world for the last month or so….

There’s a lot that happened at E3 but I’m sure most of you have read about it by now, everything from Project NATAL by Xbox to the new lineup of titles for PS3 and innovative titles like DJ Hero and the must have-Modern Warfare 2.

But, if you’re looking for something to play RIGHT NOW you need to get with Fight Night, Round 4. This game is simple goodness. I recommend giving Tyson a try.

Also, another highly anticipated title is Left 4 Dead 2 by Valve. There’s been some controversy in the blogosphere about this being a weak expansion of the original L4D but I disagree, the game is simple and plain fun, gather up and kill some zombies (and make sure you stay together)-that’s it. There’s nothing much to really innovate on that concept – just to enjoy.

BTW, I want for this to be an interactive conversation so I look forward to your comments and questions about the gaming industry. Is anyone out there looking for the new DirectX 11 cards? Will you upgrade to Windows 7? Do you play Casual Games? If so with your spouse or parents? Let me know.

Kevin Sullivan and Woman in happier times.

After a long wait the 2nd part to the simps of the industry post is finally here. See who made the cut.

5. Kevin Sullivan – Maybe a lil’ tasteless considering how things unfolded, but how in the hell are you the creative writer of the show and actually book your real-life divorce. Dude was the long-time head booker of WCW from 1994-1999 and decided the best way to keep himself in the spotlight was booking a program with the best worker at the time, the late Chris Benoit. His wife Nancy a.k.a. WCW hottie Woman, was already part of the Horsemen entourage as a valet and Sullivan decided to add some realism by insinuating that the two were having an affair; he even went so far to make sure the two were seen everywhere together. So of course Benoit ends up laying the pipe to ‘Woman’ and marrying her a few years later. Of course, Sullivan, being the lil’ bitch that he is (5’7) proceeded to have Benoit lose seven straight PPV matches, despite being a huge crowd favorite and someone the fans wanted to see get elevated to Main Event level. But this love triangle did give us one of the all-time best promo lines “They say wrestling is a human game of chess, well my Knight just took your Queen. Your move Sullivan!”

Jerry Lawler

4. Jerry “the King” Lawler – This dude! In case you didn’t know, he has a reputation for liking young women; it’s not just an act. He’s been accused of statutory rape and he allegedly met his last wife when she was just out of high school. Back in 2001, then wife, Stacy “The Kat/Ms. Kitty” Carter was unceremoniously fired from the WWE after she had some problems with WWE storylines. Being a real man and true to his wife (read: a punk) he quit as well, thinking he could go to WCW and be their announcer. But being the haters that they’re known to be, the WWE blocked the move long enough to buy WCW and then gave Lawler an unconditional release. Burn! But then the old player got played as his hot young wife started cheating on him for a younger indie worker. The heifer didn’t even wait for the divorce papers to clear before she moved into a condo down in Florida. And Lawler’s retaliation was, he wrote about how broken hearted he was about the situation in his autobiography.

The Stinger

3. Sting – Love Sting, he’s a Hall of Famer and probably the only thing that kept WCW going when everyone jumped ship to the ‘Fed’ in the early ’90s. There’s nothing wrong with getting right with God, but you don’t snitch on the boys in the process. Yup, that’s right. His wife was ready to leave him after years of marriage when he decided to save his family, become a born-again Christian and oh yeah confess to his wife about all the sinful wrong he’s done, But then decided to give up all the dirt his boys in the WCW locker room did as well; Buff Bagwell, The Steiners, and Lex Luger which resulted in his divorce. No wonder no matter how financially bad it gets for the ‘Total Package’ he’ll always have a place to stay with Sting.

Ric and Tiff tying the knot.

2. Ric Flair – The dirtiest player in game sure has a problem holding his women in check. First, after 15 years of marriage his second wife, Beth, finally decides she’s had enough of the Nature Boy’s philandering ways and gets him for a huge six figure annual alimony payout. But like a true pimp keeping to the old mantra of “don’t chase ‘em, replace ‘em”, he hooks up with a hot young 30 something year-old fitness model, named Tiffany. Of course, he wifes her and wedded bliss lasts only a mere few months after his WrestleMania farewell, as she gives him his walking papers as and is now living off of the Flair stimulus plan too.

Can it be that it was all so simple then?

1. Hulk Hogan – This guy has no problem-manipulating promoters and sabotaging careers but holding down his wife, not so much. After 24 years, two kids, a successful reality show, and living the lifestyle that the 24’ pythons provided, Linda Hogan decided she’d had enough of the red and yellow and filed for divorce. Apparently, she talked to Bonnie Steamboat and got her lawyers as she collecting $40,000 a month in spousal support while sacking her attorney’s on Hogan about trying to hide his money. But to make it worse the “Immortal One” admits to Rolling Stone that he can’t go near HIS $18 million dollar home, but some 19 year-old is banging his wife, in his house, and rolling in his rides. To add insult to injury, he lost an injunction to prevent the dude from driving his cars cause he was paying the insurance and didn’t want to be responsible if he caused an accident. Hogan finally snapped and admitted he understands why O.J. “could have done it.” Yeah that’s going to cost him. –A.K.

(Editors Note: Overhyped is a revolving forum for tastemakers to express their constructive dislike for something that the street or the media is over hyping. The views don’t necessarily reflect the ownership or staff of kuhvet.com. Don’t take it personal.)

The Subject: Ray Ban Wayfarer’s
The Guilty Party: Complex.com
The Crime: Over hyping the latest Ray Bans

Complex commands readers to “Buy It Now” because “it’s still cool enough that you can fit in with the D Bags in Williamsburg, but unique enough that you can scoff at the streetwalkers when your real friends stop by for a beer.” I hate to break it to you Complex, but you are the D Bag in Williamsburg, and that beer your holding is probably a PBR.

The new editions Wayfarers may be black and red (whoot!), but we all know what Obama said about putting lipstick on a pig. Now don’t get me wrong: I’m not opposed to Ray Bans as a nose-perch, in general. But whatever you call them, and however you color them, you can’t sneak a hipster Ray Ban by me. Ditto for the cheap knock-offs or, God help you, expensive knock-offs.

So, Complex readers, I say embrace your inner hipster instead of just riding the aesthetic, and continue to rock out with your checkered keffiyeh out. Collect those sunglasses like you’re Rick Ross on a sunny day in McCarren park — just accept the fact that that you’ll always fit someone’s definition of a “hipster” — which, like love, misfortune, or RAY BANS, knows no color. – B.O.P.

My name is Corey Rosemond a.k.a. CRose (pronounced C-Rose) – I’m currently the Global Manager for the Games for Windows program at Microsoft and have over 15 years experience in the gaming industry and 30+ years of experience playing everything from Atari to Wii.

My goal is to drop some knowledge on the kuhvet.com readers. This  about more than just the latest game coming out or best headset to play games on (which would be the Plantronics 777 Gamecom IMHO).

What I want to do is give some tips to  those of you who actually want to make money in this industry some insight on what folks are looking for and how you get prepared.

The Gaming industry is a 10+ billion dollar industry with more revenue made in the US than the box office movie industry. Given all this wealth getting created I still see people running around playing their video games for fun yet futily trying to get a record deal and not thinking about actually making a game themselves. True, to make a game  requires some programming, mathematics and artistic skills but the benefits can be very lucrative.

There’s multiple levels to game development from PCs to consoles to mobile phones: each with their own challenges and benefits. With all that being said I want to share my knowledge and experiences with you and hope to make this an interactive dialogue on gaming overall.

CRose

The Wrestling Pimp Hand just Ain’t that Strong!!! (Part 1)

When A.K. and I were in Houston enjoying WrestleMania 25 weekend, covering the Superstar Challenge with the THQ crew, he had a very interesting observation that stuck with me. The Pro Wrestler’s pimp hand is not that strong!

So our resident game writer has come up with the first five inductees into this shameless brotherhood.

First off I understand that everyone may not be familiar with what a pimp hand is. After perusing the urban dictionary this is the definition that serves the best purpose for this series.

Pimp Hand (n.) A sign of virility, strength or social efficacy. An informal measure of one’s ability to mack, pimp, or generally to get play, action or get your freak on. Generally characterized as “strong” or “weak.”

When I say the wrestling pimp hand ain’t strong, I’m talking about how these supposed bad ass, world’s toughest athletes seem to have no control over their personal relationships. The wrestling industry is filled with stories of just how weak “pro wrestlers” are when it comes to their respective pimp hand.

Goldust/Dustin Rhodes – On the one hand, you have to give him mad props for landing a bad chick like Terri Boatright aka Marlena. Baby girl was petite and filled out a dress nicely. But any chick that runs your life to the point that your father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes warns you not to marry the chick and then results in you crying like a lil’ bitch on national television about being estranged from your FATHER for three years earns you a spot on this list.

Johnny B. Badd/Marc Mero – If there’s a lesson to be learned in wrestling, it’s never let the booker book your divorce. It was bad enough that when Mero finally made the move to the WWE back 1996 that upon seeing your wife, Rena Mero (the artist who would go on to become Sable), Vince started drooling over her. But when he made her a wrestling personality, and promoted her more than he did Mero, that’s made it even worse.

As it goes in wrestling, the boyfriend gets jealous on air and they break up and brings in a new chick to oppose his old one. That would have been fine if Vince hadn’t booked Mero to get POWERBOMBED BY HIS WIFE and constantly humiliated.

To make matters worse Sable started having problems with management and decided to leave the WWE.  Like a dumbass or good husband, (you be the judge) he left with her, only to be divorced within a year. But, you just know Vince had to have the last laugh. McMahon not only brought Sable back sans Johnny B. Badd but he also allegedly begins banging behind closed doors before she eventually hooks up with Brock Lesnar!

Matt Hardy – Man, I kind of don’t blame him for this but dude definitely had some bitchassness in him. Matt asked fellow wrestler Edge, one of his closest friends, to watch over his girl Lita on the road while he recuperated from surgery and lengthy rehab and what happens? Edge starts fucking his bitch. To make it worse, instead of just whopping his ass one good time and replacing Lita with a new ring rat, Matt decided to start snitchin’ on them with a blog on his MySpace page. Man card violation for sure.

To add insult to injury, the WWE fired Matt to keep the piece in the locker room and proceeded to put Lita and Edge together as a Main Event act. Only after crowds across the nation kept chanting Hardy’s name at live events did the WWE bring him back, to be humiliated by the duo, night after night. Yeah,

Sidebar: Mad props to Edge for not only scooping up a nice piece of road ass but when his wife found out, she actually stayed with him. Allegedly.

Arn Anderson –We all know of the legendary friendship between the “Nature Boy” and AA. Both are founding members of the Horsemen and they terrorized rings and bars for 20 years. All that ended because they couldn’t control their women. Granted, the two began to grow apart due to Slick Ric running with HHH, Shawn Michaels, Batista, and Orton in WWE, while Arn had to overcome some substance abuse problems. But what irrevocably strained this friendship was Flair’s divorce from his second wife, Beth, who just happened to be close friends with Arn’s wife. That’s right; these two are no longer close friends because Arn’s wife “allegedly” made him stop hanging with Ric because she was taking Beth’s side in their messy divorce. The Enforcer has clearly lost some stripes.

Ricky Steamboat – Twenty some odd years ago “The Dragon” was on top of the world. He had just wrestled in all-time great match at WrestleMania against the “Macho Man” and not only was he wearing the Intercontinental championship, signifying the spot as the Number 2 guy in the promotion but he just had his son, Ricky, Jr.  and he was scheduled to have a lengthy reign as IC champion. So what does his wife, Bonnie, do, she tells him to take time off to spend with his family.

Seriously! Of course Vinny Mac grants Steamboat with the time off, but he immediately makes him drop the title to “The Greatest Intercontinental Champion of All-Time” the Honky Tonk Man and Steamboat quickly fell out of favor in WWE.

Later on when Steamboat was chasing (and soon winning the NWA title) the better half forced Ricky to trot out the family to every big match in 1989. But Ricky truly earns his spot on this list by the fact that after putting up with this chick for 20 years, he finally wised up and left her. Unfortunately, she had better lawyers and got “his wrestling name” in the divorce. That’s right; the reason we had not seen or heard from Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat in the last three years is because his wife owned the rights to his name. Pimp Down, Pimp Down, Pimp Down. – A.K.

Stay tuned for Part 2