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I have had a couple days to work on my own technology needs over the Holidays and finally loaded a media center interface that I have been wanting to try called Boxee (www.boxee.tv). So far I am impressed. It was easy to set up and is highly recommended if you have the ability to add your entertainment system to your home network (TV, Speakers, Receiver, etc). The easiest way that I have found to do this is by setting up a computer connected to the internet in your living room.

Once you register and download Boxee it is incredibly easy to use. It is a software program with a simple interface that allows you to connect to any type of digital media that you own or can access through the internet such as your entire music collection, photos, and videos. If you have downloaded any iTunes music or movies & TV shows Boxee will give you access to all that content through you high def entertainment system.

Boxee takes the media center idea to another level by incorporating social networking. As more and more of your friends connect you can chose to follow each other, and every time you turn on your Boxee TV you see some of the most recent content your friends have watched or even recommended to you.

Some of the coolest features that I have come across so far is the integrated web content and activity. For example as you browse your own personal music selection and choose a song or album to listen to, Boxee gives you the opportunity to check to see if that artist has any music videos available via online MTV which will stream live full screen to your TV. I also loved the application for watching Apple Movie Trailers. High definition movie trailers for today’s box office hits. And lastly, you must check out the Application’s for downloading – there is almost an App for everything including cooking videos or radio programs on the BBC.

New Years Eve Options

I am not one to go to big New Years Eve parties. I tend to gather with a group of friends and eat and drink well.

Here are a couple of wines that I will be “assessing” leading up to midnight……and another top Champagne for the toast.

Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 2007 – Haut Censy

Product Code: 553602  $ 15.99

Oysters are on the menu and Muscadet works like a charm. Juicy and minerally this has always been a classic with fresh oysters and a great way to limber up the palate.

Chateau du Trignon Gigondas 2006 – Rhone Valley, France

Product Code: 769893  $ 33.98

This is a fantastic Grenache dominated red from the southern Rhone Valley. Very similar to its more famous neighbour…… Chateauneuf du Pape but a little spicy. Perfect for the braised baby back ribs.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve

Product Code: 31286  $ 59.99

This is the wine I will be seeing in the New Year with. Classic toasty and savoury characters with a lively lemony finish.

It is almost $ 60.00 but that’s what you have to pay for good Champagne and this is a beauty.

Widely available in Lower Mainland BCLDB stores just click on the link below and type in the product code.

www.bcliquorstores.com