7 minute read
High-Tech TVs
DANCING ELECTRONS: A SMART SAMPLING OF NEW TVS
IMPRESSIVE SOUND AND IMAGES B&O BEOVISION HARMONY
FROM $18,125
This innovative system seems to come alive when activated, with the oak veneer wings opening and the 8K 88-inch screen rising to the viewing position. B&O uses a room-filling audio system that works with the amazing image delivered by the OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) screen to deliver an optimal entertainment experience.
With the invention of the TV in 1927, our lives were forever changed by these magical boxes beaming news and entertainment into our homes. Here are several notable new models.
By Bill Lindsey
A THEATER IN YOUR LIVING ROOM SONY BRAVIA XR Z9J 8K
FROM $5,499.99
Sony made full use of its tremendous resources in creating this remarkable TV. The cutting-edge processor accesses billions of colors, reproducing them precisely. It also upscales all content, working in concert with the full array LED screen and XR contrast booster to deliver 8K eye-popping detail.
COURTESY OF BANG & OLUFSEN, SONY, TOTAL HOME DECOR, C SEED, LG
A PORTABLE DRIVE-IN THEATER TOTAL HOMEFX OUTDOOR THEATER
FROM $251.94
Imagine watching movies in your backyard, from the comfort of the pool or a hot tub, or even while camping (with a generator). The portable system features an inflatable 73-inch screen (108-inch screen also available), a Bluetooth speaker, and a 1080p projector using HDMI or Wi-Fi connections.
RISE UP! C SEED M1 FOLDING 165” MICRO-LED
$400,000 Inspired by the huge C Seed 201 outdoor TV designed by Porsche Design Group, like a character from the Transformers movies, the M1 4K dramatically rises from a hiding space in the floor, unfolding and transforming into an elegant, huge, 165-inch micro-LED screen.
EYEPOPPING CLARITY LG C1
FROM $1,099.99
The OLED screen is capable of absolute black and extremely bright white for excellent contrast, which translates into very crisp picture quality, especially in a darkened room. In addition to movies, TV, or online content, it is also a great choice for games.
Epoch Booklist Are there books you’d recommend? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know at features@epochtimes.com
RECOMMENDED READING
We explore the extraordinary youth of Theodore Roosevelt, and life advice from those at the top of their fields.
NONFICTION
‘BLM: The Making of a New Marxist Revolution’ By Mike Gonzalez
Behind Black Lives Matter
Gonzalez’s exploration of Black Lives Matter shows a Marxist movement that seeks to take over institutions using race politics. This important book will help readers debunk for those around them the political narratives at work.
ENCOUNTER BOOKS, 2021, 264 PAGES
BIOGRAPHY
‘Mornings on Horseback’ By David McCullough
Portrait of the Young Theodore Roosevelt
The author of such renowned biographies as “John Adams” and “Truman,” McCullough tells the story of Teddy Roosevelt’s family and his youth: his frailty as a child, the imprint left on him by his father and mother, his time at Harvard and in politics, the death of his mother and his young wife on the same day, and his life as a cowboy in the Dakotas. A fine introduction to the man who became one of our most energetic presidents and who was a Rough Rider not only during the SpanishAmerican War, but throughout his life.
SIMON & SCHUSTER, 1982, 480 PAGES
LEADERSHIP
‘Tribe of Mentors’ By Tim Ferriss
Bite-Sized Life Advice
Ferriss reached out to those he deemed to be the “best of the best” in many fields, posing the same 11 questions—a collection he’s honed over the years, thanks to his popular podcast.
Investors, sports stars, authors, comedians, scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more give their takes, offering something for everyone.
Easily digestible in bite-sized portions, it’s perfect for college students, self-help junkies, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are striving for something more.
‘The War of Art’ By Steven Pressfield
Getting Past Resistance
Pressfield wrote, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”
He defines resistance as “an energy field radiating from a work-in-potential. It’s a repelling force. … Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work.”
He encourages readers to break through the resistance, offering practical advice on recognizing it and working past it.
BLACK IRISH ENTERTAINMENT, 2012, 190 PAGES
FOOD
‘Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!’ By Michelle Tam
Paleo Cooking for Weeknights
This cookbook checks all the boxes of weeknight cooking: fast and easy, healthy but flavorful, family-friendly (recipes are teenage son approved), and internationally inspired. All the recipes are free of grains, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Fun cartoons and step-by-step photos, presented comic book-style, make it a joy to use.
ANDREWS MCMEEL PUBLISHING, 2022, 352 PAGES
CLASSICS
‘My Antonia’ By Willa Cather
Life on the Prairie
An orphan, Jim Burden goes to live with his grandparents in Nebraska, where he befriends Ántonia Shimerda, whose family has immigrated from Bohemia. Although the two share an attraction to each other, they eventually go their separate ways. Jim becomes a successful attorney, and after some struggles, Ántonia finds her place as a wife and a mother to many children. This novel depicts the hardships of life on the plains, the love of land and family, and the value of an enduring friendship. An American masterpiece.
FOR KIDS
‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’ By Mildred Taylor
The Strength of Family in Hard Times
Living in 1930s Mississippi, the Logan family fights Jim Crow laws and hard times. Central to the story is Cassie, a girl who practices dignity and respect in the face of adversity. Winner of the Newbury Award—and deservedly so.
PUFFIN BOOKS, 2004, 288 PAGES
‘Amazing Animals’ By Ingrid and Dieter Schubert
All Creatures Great and Small
Blending the entertainment of a traditional storybook with a concise overview of creatures in our world, it features rich illustrations that lend themselves to discussing and providing a sense of true appreciation for nature.
Ian Kane
is a U.S. Army veteran, filmmaker, and author. He enjoys the great outdoors and volunteering.
Michael Clark
originally from Washington, D.C., has written about film for over 30 print and online media outlets.
MOVIE REVIEWS
Epoch Watchlist
This week, we’ll look at Liam Neeson’s latest action thriller and at a fascinating indie film that explores the world of mundane work.
NEW RELEASE
‘Blacklight’ (2022 )
When Dusty Crane’s (Taylor John Smith) politician girlfriend is mysteriously murdered, he links up with an intrepid reporter who is hungry to uncover the story. But black ops veteran Travis Block (Liam Neeson) warns the pair against being too curious. That advice goes unheeded.
It’s good to see older people in action roles if they’re capable of pulling it off. Despite Neeson’s talent, however, this cinematic stinker is yet another clichéd action yarn with a derivative plot, wooden acting, and is as forgettable as they come.
ACTION | THRILLER Release Date:
Feb. 11, 2022
Director:
Mark Williams
Starring:
Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Taylor John Smith
Running Time:
1 hour, 48 minutes
MPAA Rating:
PG -13
Where to Watch:
Theaters
CLASSIC THRILLER
‘The Man Who Knew Too
Much’ (1956)
When traveling American couple Ben and Jo McKenna (James Stewart and Doris Day) witness a murder in exotic Marrakesh, Morocco, Ben learns of a scheduled assassination plot in the UK.
This brilliant thriller by director Alfred Hitchcock has an interesting, multifaceted plot that contains various twists and turns. It will keep viewers guessing up to its final, climactic end.
DRAMA | THRILLER Release Date:
June 1, 1956
Director:
Alfred Hitchcock
Starring:
James Stewart, Doris Day, Brenda de Banzie
Running Time:
2 hours MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch:
Redbox, DirectTV, Vudu
INDIE PICK
(2019)
Christian (Franz Rogowski) has a new job at a huge wholesale store. An older man takes Christian under his wing and helps the newcomer learn about this new world of long aisles and stacks of goods. Christian becomes smitten by co-worker Marion (Sandra Hüller), but a secret she holds prevents them from taking things further.
The realistic acting in this film is fantastic and draws you into its world. It celebrates the “work family”—workers who form deep bonds through the simple virtue of work, no matter how mundane it seems.
DRAMA | ROMANCE Release Date:
June 14, 2019 (U.S.)
Director:
Thomas Stuber
Starring:
Andreas Leupold, Franz Rogowski, Peter Kurth
Running Time:
2 hours, 5 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch:
Kanopy, Ovid, Vudu
HEARTFELT DRAMEDY
(1979)
Dave (Dennis Christopher) and his small group of friends are from workingclass families and are looked down upon by the wealthier families of their Midwest town. Dave begins to fall for a local college girl, but learns that she’s already dating a more popular guy. Undeterred, Dave devises a plan to win her over.
This amazing film manages to have a lighter tonality while simultaneously touching on deeper issues such as class friction and going for one’s dreams no matter what obstacles stand in the way.
COMEDY | DRAMA | SPORT Release Date:
July 20, 1979
Director:
Peter Yates
Starring:
Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern
Running Time:
1 hour, 41 minutes MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch:
Max GO, Redbox, Vudu
