In my opinion, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien is just now beginning to get it’s legs. It took awhile but the show is just now taking on it’s own life and feeling a lot less of a “we’re taking over for Jay Leno” routine. This is in part of a few really good comedy bits. My personal favorite is “Cody The Vampire” because it’s so stupid. So stupid that it’s hilarious.

If you’re beginning to settle into the show, which reoccurring comedy bit do you think is the best!?

Over at CNN today, talking heads and reporters are saying that Tiger Woods owes us all a Public apology for his personal transgression against his family. Last time I checked, Tiger Woods was a great Golfer, not Jesus. I thought he made an unspoken promise to his fans to give them a memorial game every time he walked onto a golf course. I guess I missed that day when he said he was also the leader of the moral and sanctimonious movement. If Tiger ‘MUST’ apologize to us for his personal stupidity, the CNN ‘MUST’ apologize to those of Spanish descent around the world for “Lou Dobbs.”

What say you? Does Tiger owe you an apology, or is it none of your business?

The aftermath of Adam Lambert’s ridiculous performance at the AMA’s has been resoundingly negative. Even Lambert fans are looking to return their posters. Meanwhile thousands of angry viewers are sending their disgust to ABC over the performance. Sadly, most of the anger comes from the ‘gay’ aspect of the show. I think that misses the problem by a country a mile. Gay, Lesbian or straight sexual content in musical performances is the symptom of a much larger problem.

Music in general these days is suffering from a severe case of heart disease. 99.9% of the crap that’s played on the radio is completely heartless and can be replicated by anyone with the right software, software that can be downloaded free from any bit torrent. Talent is no longer needed, and it shows. The stuff that is good and worth a listen and purchase is often lost because someone in a suit decided the face could not be sold to 12-year old boys and girls who are spoon feed Nickelodeon garbage for four straight hours a day. Really, even the Bay City Rollers came up with a few tunes that could actually stand the test of time, and they’re one of the most egregious offenders ever forced upon the radio waves.

The one true fact almost every teen heart throb tends to forget, is that immediately after being labeled ‘Heart throb’ they are entered onto the long list of here today, gone tomorrow celebrities that have suffered the same moniker. It always seemed to me to be the smarter choice to let the music/acting speak for itself. If someone thinks your cute, then that’s an extra added benefit. But most often, incredible talent can make the unattractive, attractive, plenty of ‘real’ musicians can attest to that. But being liked for your looks, is going to fade in the blink of an eye.

Now, here’s the harsh part. Just because a person can sing, it doesn’t make them a musician. Musicians are born, not created. The fact that a person can skate well, isn’t going to automatically make them an Olympic skater. This is the reason I have had a problem with “American Idol’ from day one.

Barry Manilow was and is a great vocalist, but he was also an accomplished musician, could write a great song (whether you like them or not) and knew exactly how to deliver it for maximum results. But he could in no way be considered a heart throb or cool by any stretch of the imagination. Manilow wrote tunes that your kids kids will sing one day for one reason or another and this didn’t happen simply because he had a good voice.

In my humble opinion, Adam Lambert showed himself and the world that he has no business with the title “Entertainer” associated with his name, nevermind musician. The fiasco that took place onstage at the American Music Awards was an embarrassment and shining light on what has happened to the “Art” of music. It’s been reduced to “Amateur WebCam Porn” “Ultimate Cage Fighting” and the “Andy Warhol” effect. But the entire country isn’t ready for primetime amateur porn. Leave the homosexual aspect aside, because that isn’t the point. Either you can rock the house or you can’t. Morrissey (The Smiths) never needed to resort to utter garbage to make his point, and Morrissey can’t sing. But he and the Smiths knew how to touch the listener, gay or straight. If you need props, if you need to rely on the most base part of human nature visually to touch someone’s soul, then you’ve got an inhibited reach. I for one have had it with this kind of garbage. Sexual play is one thing. Having a little fun with ones sexuality isn’t a crime (as long as you’re of legal age). The problem is the countless spoon feed talentless hacks that fool some for a moment, and damage ART forever.

So, that was my rant and my opinion. The questions is:
Did Adam Lambert End His Career before it even started?

Did you know statistics say that most people who sign up and join the Twitter revolution, quit after the first month of use? If you’re an avid Twitter user this statistic probably surprises you. But the fact is that Facebook and MySpace have a much higher retention record than the far more advertised new comer on the block. And there are theories out there as to why this is the case. But first, let’s just marvel at the fact that there are theories floating on this subject….

Okay, a quick summary of the argument for ‘why,’ says that Twitter isn’t for the “general public,” because it is a platform for every thought imaginable at any given time no matter what the thought, making it a “me” platform, which can get old pretty fast even for the person endlessly spilling their “brand in relevant conversations,” your name being your brand. I argue that Facebook and MySpace fall into the exact same category, so I don’t follow along with this argument.

However, arguments aside, in this the instant information, instant gratification period in our human development, Twitter has come on strong. Seemingly overnight, it thrust itself deeply into the daily idiom of the 21st century information construct. Celebrities and journalist alike have used the platform to reach audiences with a grasp and speed never before seen or desired before it, it is already legendary in large in part because of those two “brands.” So why do so many quit so soon after they begin with their own brand? What is it about Twitter that ultimately does not work?

I’m interested to know, if you have or had a Twitter account, did you quit Twitter, or did the idea or the possibilities of “tweets” ultimately quit you?  Or are you still hanging by your every Tweet?

Read

According to a 2009 Harlequin Romance Report, 41 percent of women and 42 percent of men say their wedding anniversary is the most important day of the year. Wow! Men have a higher percentage then women. Go hubby’s!

Ciao!

Earlier we announced the news that Apple is planning a sneak peek of the new 3.0 OS for the iPhone.  This is without a doubt very exciting news.  The preview will include a new SDK for developers which means that app developers will need to change the way the are building apps for the current OS.   I know, you’re saying, DUH.  But the point is, this new 3.0 OS will be a bigger change than a simple update.  That could mean that there are a host of new features and function coming to the iPhone.

Everyone has their one pet peeve about some excluded or crippled function on the iPhone and iPod Touch.  But universally, the one excluded function that everyone can agree is a complete and total embarrassment to an otherwise remarkable device, is the omission of “copy&paste.”  Folks have been screaming about this since the day the specs for the iPhone were revealed.

So the question is, has Apple finally heard the loud voices?  Will a feature that is standard on even a $49 flip phone finally see the light of day on arguably one of the most technically advanced handhelds to date?   Or will Apple continue to be stubborn on the matter, sticking to their guns for the sake of being stubborn.  Personally, I think they see the Palm Pre coming and know they need to stop some of the ridiculous restrictions currently crippling their potential masterpiece.

Take the poll

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

DId you know that last year consumers spent $30 billion online during the holidays and lost $239 million to Internet fraud. So just be careful online people. Sometimes a little time spent on the phone can yield the same items and they may be found locally and you can save on the shipping costs. Or maybe we should all just go to the mall to shop.

Ciao!

Even though it’s another debate that within itself is a time waister, I am glad to see that grumbling has begun again over (DST) Daylight Saving Time.  Personally, I hate it and think it should pack up and sent away.  The NYTimes recently posted an article on the origins of DST and it’s goal of saving energy in a time in which our national energy consumption and usage was far different than it is today.  

A recent study in Indiana proved that DST actually uses 1% more energy than it saves, negating the “saving” concept.  I for one am very tired of readjusting my body clock twice a year to get inline with the jump forward and jump back.  Why oh way are we still doing this moronic thing with our clocks?

So the question is.  Would you support the end of Daylight Saving Time?

Take the poll in the SideBar!

The average consumer spent just under $65 on Halloween last year.

Ciao!

 

Okay, Poll for the week!  It’s about to get HOT, HOT, HOT in the wireless world folks!  Ali-Fraizer, Kimbo Slice/ whoever they put in the ring with him kinda hot!  Soon, Google will go toe to toe with Apple and RIM will take on the winner, crowning some one, “King of all smartphones”.  One of these fight promoters is about to cash in.  

AT&T with it’s current champion the iPhone, will enter the ring with T-Mobile and it’s new up-and-coming sensation, the G1 A.K.A “Android”, and the fight card has already been inked with Verizon taking the winner on with it’s much praised but untested Blackberry Storm.  

You already know the tale of the tape.  All touchscreen devices, all app store equipped and all hungry to become the undisputed champ.

Who do you think will win in the first real match-up that pits the G1 against it’s longtime sparring partner, the iPhone?  Will T-Mobiles fighter finally be the one that takes on the elusive title of “iPhone Killer?”  Or will it take RIM and it’s Canadian joint venture with American based Verizon to take that mantle?  Can it be done, can either of these two new comers take on Apple and AT&T and finally put the question to bed for once and for all, “can the iPhone be beat?”  Will the G1 be the iPhone Killer? 

Take the Poll in the SIDEBAR.

75% OF FAMILES HAVE A PET AND THIS IS THE BREAKDOWN:
(73% OWN DOGS, 55% HAVE CATS, 21% OWN FISH AND 7% HAVE BIRDS)

MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF PET.

Ciao!

Ninety percent of people surveyed on classmates.com thought of their first love or high school sweetheart in the last year or want to hear from an old flame.  Really?

Ciao!

What would you do to boost your confidence. Well according to a recent survey 47 percent of you would go under the knife if money were no object. 33 percent would get a tummy tuck, 26 percent would get liposuction and 12 percent would get breast implants.

Ciao!

That is the question I am asking you today. Well. apparently, 73 percent of you would rather treat yourself to dessert than fries, and 35 percent say that sweets like cookies and cakes are your biggest diet pitfall. You can say that again. Thirty-five percent say that sweets like cookies ad cakes are your biggest diet downfall. I think I’ll have a cookie.

Ciao!

So when was the last time you went to see your doctor for a checkup. Well, 57 percent say that they see their doctor every year for a checkup, while 28 percent sometimes skip a year. For shame!

Ciao!

So where do you shop?

Stores like Target or Wal-Mart…..84%

The Mall…..62%

Online…..45%

Secondhand Stores …..36%

So where do you fit in? Let’s go shppping!

Ciao!

 

Last week I asked, “Is A Treo 800w Still Relevant At $249?” We ran a Poll “Is A New Treo Worth The Asking Price?”  Overwhelmingly the voters said NO.

Now that Sprint just cut the price on the HTC Touch and Samsung Ace Worldphone, this new Treo could see some long backroom storage time.

 

Okay, the talk that has been going around for a few weeks now about the posthumous Oscar that could be be awarded Heath Ledger is starting to get on my nerves.  I’m sure that I’m in the minority here and it’s a bit silly to even have this conversation when the film hasn’t even hit the screen yet, but this is ridiculous in my book.  

The Oscars have gone the way of so many other prestigious accolades bestowed upon those in the entertainment industry that have a career under them of incredible achievement and contribution, only to be passed up by someone who has garnered a ton of instant momentary fame.  Britney Spears got a star on Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame” a full year before “Kevin Costner”, Britney friggin Spears.  Mia Sorvino and Marisa Tomei, both actress’s that I like, got Oscars before Martin Scorsese was given one for a film that he really shouldn’t have won it for.  The list of travesties of this kind is far too long to list.

Now Hollywood seems poised to give an Oscar to a guy who played a villain in a comic book action movie.  I am sure, given the fact that Heath Ledger was a great actor, his portrayal of the comic book villain is excellent.  But Oscar worthy?  If Oscar is in his cards, why didn’t he receive one for “Brokeback Mountain”, a film in which he had to go to one seriously risky and deep place to pull off, and he did. 

The truth is, all this Oscar talk is because he is dead.  I don’t want to come across as insensitive here but, he killed himself.  It sucks, it’s sad and on some level it’s even tragic, but the man had everything, abused too many substances at once and left a child, loved ones and adoring fans to grieve this tragedy.  Now there is talk of rewarding him for doing so.  What kind of message does that send to youngsters who are struggling with life, drugs and alcohol?  Hollywood does some stupid things with the Oscars, but it never gives an Oscar to an action hero movie, or I should say, to an individual actor playing a villain in a action hero movie.  If it did, Jack Nickleson would have gotten it for his portrayal of the same character.   This talk of Oscar and Ledger gets louder every week, and wether or not it comes to light when the nominations are officially handed down or not, the troubled and destitute in this world need to know that it is not okay to put yourself in a position of taking your own life.  Handing out awards for it, even talking about it, only emboldens the theory of “things will be better if I’m not here”.

Do you think Heath Ledger should be nominated for an Oscar? 

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 

If you’re and avid Palm fan, Treo fanatic and Windows Mobile Lover, then the question is irrelevant, a Treo is A Treo Is a Treo.  However, that is why I ask.  The newest Treo, the 800w is about to spring forth onto the public in 7 days.  It will come with WiFi a 2MP camera and Windows Mobile 6.1, features Palm fans have been screaming for for well over a year.  

But when you have a phone like the Centro for $99 and the litany of other devices from other manufactures out there proving their metal, how easy will it be for you to lock down a two year deal locking you into the Treo800w for $249?  The new iPhone 3G starts at $199, and again, the Centro is $99.

Can you see yourself parting with $249 for a Treo at this stage in the game?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 

When I asked this question last year while we were still on Typepad, I was a little surprised at how many people still had a Landline phone in their homes.  I haven’t had a landline in about four years now.  I had a brief stint with Vonage two years ago, but it didn’t work well in the neighborhood I was living in at the time.

But when I asked the question last year, carriers weren’t offering the sorta deals they are offering today.  With plans like Sprints “Simply Everything”, carriers are seeking (still failing) to bring the monthly cost of owning and using a mobile down.  

A recent study says that over one quarter of Europeans go without a landline, and studies of American use is showing a decline in landline service as well.  

If you have the right cell plan and use your mobile the same way you do or did your long distance service on your landline, meaning knowing when and when not to make calls, there really isn’t a need for two separate phone bills.  The right cellular plan can take car of all of your calling needs and cut down on another monthly bill…in theory.  But I think more and more are beginning to realize this.

So are you still using a landline, or have you giving it up for total mobility?

Take the Poll in the side bar to your right. 

 

The new Blackberry Thunder is coming, and the hype is gaining steam.  The new version iPhone has had folks excited for a few months now.  Many have tried, and have claimed to be the iPhone killer.  None have succeeded.  The Instinct from Samsung to be offered on Sprint will get it’s chance very soon, but I predict it will fall very short of being a killer.  The HTC Touch Diamond is a beautiful device that could give the iPhone a run for it’s money, but I predicted too will fall short of being a killer.

But this new touchscreen device from RIM, the Blackberry Thunder, this, this one has a very real shot at taking the iPhones innovative touchy feely thunder.  

Take the Poll and let us know if you think the iPhone will remain the standard barer mobile fascination, or will the strength of the Blackberry name along with it’s very first large screen Touchscreen device?

Take the Poll in the sidebar

 

Earlier today I did a post on Japans decision to make the lovable ”Hello Kitty” it’s official ambassador of tourism.  The decision was made in no short part due to the overwhelming love of the Japanese fuzzy doll.  Known all over the world, Hello Kitty has even made her mark in China where she is loved be millions of children.  This makes Japans Hello Kitty vote of confidence make sense, even when it doesn’t seem sensible.

Well this of course made me think.  Popular loved country icons welcoming and encouraging tourism, good idea.  It’s no secret that America has been given a mortal blow around the world, unless the French and Brits are coming to shop with their strong euro in New York, tourism and the tourist industry aren’t seeing the crowds of eager awestruck travelers we once enjoyed.  So maybe it’s time to get a new Tourism Ambassador like Japan did.  But who?  

Who or what is that one American icon that says come spend your money in America in the same warm, cute and fuzzy way as Hello Kitty.  That one incredibly popular item that has burst through American shores to be embraced by billions around the globe?

I’ve come up with 5, and I would like to know which one you think best represents and is up to the task of inticing travelers to spend money in one of Americas cities.

My Nominees:

1. Elmo

2. Michael Jackson (even with the possible fear of babynapping)

3. Angelina Jolie (again, could be a fear of babynapping)

4. John Wayne (think about it, cowboy diplomacy) 

5. SpongeBob Square Pants

Vote in the Poll section located in the side bar!

 

There is a ton of stuff going with Sprint right now.  But the chief number one issue that is hanging over the yellow and black right now is: Is Sprint up for sale, and if so who’s buying?  

Two companies surround the rumor mill water cooler.  Deutsche TeleKom and T-Mobile.  Which one do you think will shell out the cash, or do you think this is just a bunch of hooey.  Take the poll in the sidebar to your right.  I will announce the result at the end of the week.  Unless Sprint gets bought of course.

This game changer that looks to be introduced to the world by T-Mobile possibly by September 08 is without a doubt going to be a HUGE hit.  It’s got WiFi, and the whole Blackberry deal on a flip phone.

The second coming of the iPhone will be 3G and boast a new look and new apps.  There will be a lot happening in the mobile world over the next five months, while Palm has introduced nothing.  Yeah, there’s a new Treo out there, but no one really cares.  A new WM Treo is not going to make the earth shatter anywhere.

But this "KickStart" has already made a few buildings tumble.  So here’s a little something to consider over the weekend.

Will the Blackberry KickStart be the end of Palm?   Take the Poll in the Sidebar.  We’ll talk results Monday.