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Jan-29-2011

Cereal For Dinner

Each night when I come home from work my fiancée and I seem to have a reoccuring fight discussion surrounding dinner. I feel guilty when she cooks because I never cook, but I do clean the dishes (unless I try to weasel out). Therefore, I always fall back on suggesting my wonder, satisfying, safety dinner meal.

Cereal.

Cereal for Dinner
So many tasty options

What’s wrong with cereal? It is quick. It is filling. It can be part of a balanced meal, but I usually eat the more unbalanced side and just have the cereal. Is this a sexist debate? I’ve questioned many and more often than not I received the same split. Girls say it is not a meal while guys agree it is a meal.

I mean, I understand where my fiancée is coming from as she wants me to eat something “healthier” for dinner. I’ll give myself some credit. I’ve moved away from the more “sugary” cereals to enjoy the dark side of cereal. I’m talking about the Raisin Brans, Special K, and of course my golden staple, Honey Nut Cheerios. I’m fighting to lower my cholesterol. Are you? Sure, I’d love to fall back down the “adult” ladder and pick up the latest prize filled cardboard box of Fruity Pebbles, Corn Pops, or Captain Crunch, but alas I don’t. I pick up the family size of Honey Nut Cheerios….for one.

So back to the original question. Can cereal count as dinner? Or better yet, can cereal be a meal?

Posted under Other | Tagged as , , ,
Jan-17-2011

Falcons Season Report 2010

Well, I really wish I was writing this in February but that was just not the case this time as the year ended on a bad note following the terrible loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional round game. With a final of 48 to 21, I’d say the Falcons nation’s eyes were quite wide. We were not just defeated. We were destroyed by a team that was better in almost every facet of the game (giving props to Eric Weems and special teams here). The Packers deserved the win and Aaron Rodgers played one of the most perfect games I’ve seen in playoff history in recent memory.

What Went Wrong?
The typical fan of the Atlanta birds might just say we suck or the Atlanta curse continues. I don’t see it that way. As I stated earlier in the season, we were/are a good team, not a great team. Throughout the season, we found ways to win games that past Falcons’ teams would not have. We played our ball: Penalties low, Turnovers low, Balanced attack. What happened on Saturday evening’s game? Penalties high, Turnovers high (and costly), Departure of Balanced Attack (due to score). Besides those issues, the defense was unable to dirty Aaron Rodger’s uniform. We had opportunities to do so, but were still unable to capitalize. When you don’t capitalize, someone like Rodgers will pick you apart. Again, props go to the Packers though I still don’t agree with the final field goal that much (there was only 1:56 left on the clock). Here’s hoping the Packers pull it out on the road to the Superbowl win as I do believe they are one of the more complete teams remaining.

What’s Next?
Well, after that final game, many will believe a complete overhaul is needed. Glaring holes were present but I believe in what Coach Smith and GM TD are doing. They’ve put together 3 back-to-back winning seasons and no one else has ever done that in Atlanta before with the Falcons. The team is still young and has plenty of potential for the next several years. However, changes will need to be made and I’d start of course on the defensive side. The year started with questions at defensive end, but Abraham showed that he still has something left in him as he recorded 13 sacks, but the remainder of the front line couldn’t put up anything as impressive. Abraham is aging poorly (injuries) and some new blood might be right around the corner.

Speaking of corner, the addition of Dunta Robinson was to improve the secondary and front line by giving the front line more time to get in the backfield and pick up coverage sacks. However, when you can’t get to the quarterback, then the coverage will break down because you can’t cover forever. On the other side of the field, I’ve heard the complaints about Brent Grimes. “He’s too small.” “Why is he even out there?” Really? Yeah, one of the touchdown’s Saturday night was over the top of him, but you could not have asked for any better coverage as he was in the perfect position to make the play. The receiver just made one heck of a grab.

My real pain in the secondary was due to a late season injury to Brian Williams, the nickelback. With him going out for the remainder of the season, Christopher Owens was asked to fill the role. The Packers knew this and they picked on him for a majority of the first half. He was unable to cover his man and either gave up big plays or blatant penalties.

The Draft and Free Agency
With that being said, the next steps are preparing for the draft and free agency. The front office of the Falcons believes in at least one major free agent signing a year and the remainder of the holes being filled in the draft. I’ll need to do more research on available free agents but possibilities could be DE, CB (less likely due to last year’s signing), or WR (stretch the field).

As far as the draft goes, I’ll write up a full preview as we get closer (possible selections, position breakdown), but here’s my quick thoughts as we sit with the 27th overall pick in the 2011 draft:

  • Defensive End – It was an area of interest last year and is still an area of interest
  • Center – How much longer can Todd McClure last? Let’s plan for the future now.
  • RB – Yes, I know we have Turner and, my favorite, Jason Snelling, but we are still missing a speed back. Norwood will more than likely not be returning.
  • LT – Sam Baker is just not becoming the franchise left tackle we thought he could be to protect Matt Ryan’s blind side.

Congratulations
Even with my disappointment in the final act of the season, I still say a very big congratulations to the 2010 Atlanta Falcons. You gave me some of the most thrilling games (see Saints Week 3, Ravens Week 9, and Green Bay Week 11) over the past five years and I look forward to many more. As a season ticket holder, I will gladly place my order for another year of cheering on my Falcons. Let’s Rise Up again but this time bigger and better than ever before!

Thanks again for everything.

Posted under Sports | Tagged as , , , , ,
Jan-13-2011

RISE UP!!!

Took me some time, but I believe that I have all the links ready to pump any Falcons fan up. Click them all if you have the time.

Can you feel it? It’s time.
It’s time for everyone of us.
If we get knocked down, we won’t just get up.
It’s time we all rise up.
When stars step up.
When a dome stands up.
When a city lights up.
We all rise up together.
When we come onto the field, we rise up!
From kickoff to the last play, we rise up.
This is our time Atlanta.
We’ve been knocking on the door.
Now its time to blow it up.
Tell me. What do Falcons do?
Rise Up!
What do Falcons do?
Falcons! Falcons!
RISE UP!!!

Posted under Sports
Jan-9-2011

Year in Review – 2010

As a year ends, its always fun to look back on the good, the bad, and…you know the rest. As this is my site, I can make up some fun, imaginary awards to hand out to individuals who will never show up to receive them. No fancy awards show here. Just text and images that will waste part of your time.

Best Film That I Saw

Winners     Inception       The King's Speech
Honorable
Mention(s)
    True Grit       The Fighter       The Social Network

Now I would love to hand the award to a single winner, but both Inception and The King’s Speech offered something wonderful to watch. Inception provided another new Christopher Nolan and another wild ride for all movie goers. Inception was the most recent film that pulled me back into the theaters only moments after finishing that first initial viewing. The last movie to do that was…no surprise here…The Dark Knight.

The King’s Speech offered something special in terms of performance and story. From Colin Firth to Geoffrey Rush, I feel that any one seeing this film would enjoy it. If you haven’t seen The King’s Speech, find the closest theater and head that way as soon as you can. This will be an award winner, even without my simple Best Of 2010 award.

Best Album That I Heard

Winner     All Day
Honorable
Mention(s)
    B.O.B. Presents - The Adventures of Bobby Ray

This competition was closer than I originally thought it would be when looking back on my 2010 albums.

All Day being free didn’t even factor into this award. The amazing work of the single man behind Girl Talk cannot be summed in words simply because you just don’t realize how good his compilations are until you sit through an entire album. I can tell you that there are certain combinations that I never even dreamed I would hear (“Imagine” by John Lennon with “##” by ## and “##” by ## with “##” by ##). This album may not have been as good as the previous, Feed The Animals, but it was still good enough to take top prize here.

I knew nothing of Atlanta’s own, B.O.B., until I was invited to a free concert at California’s Great America. I was blown away with B.O.B.’s stage presence as well as some of his songs that those around me “assured” I knew even though I had not listened to any Top 40 or R&B radio station in over a year. After the concert, I took to the internet with my always favorite, Napster, and took a listen at several song samplings. I loved what I heard and instantly picked up the CD. Too bad that Girl Talk had to release an album in the same year.

Best New TV Show That I Started Watching

Winner     How I Met Your Mother
Honorable
Mention(s)
    The Avengers – Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, The Big Bang Theory

Yes, I know I’m late to the party for How I Met Your Mother but thanks to the encouragement of others and some extra openings in my weekly lineup, I joined the bandwagon. The cast of friends is perfect. The humor is side splitting and solidifies many new items into the pop culture universe (Slapbet, The Bro Code [actual book now], etc.). I even enjoy the “mystery” of finding out who is Ted’s wife and the said mother of the show’s title. The choices are narrowing and I’m really hoping the answer is provided prior to the end of the show, whenever that may be.

Best Sporting Moment

Winner     Falcons Rise Up!
Honorable
Mention(s)
    New Orleans Saints losing to Seattle Seahawks in Wildcard NFC Playoff game (I just couldn’t pass on this opportunity to enjoy the Saints’ misery just a little more)

It doesn’t get any better than the entire Atlanta Falcons season. As a Falcons fan and season ticket owner, this season has been phenomenal. With an NFC South title in our grasp and playoffs only a week away, the season has looked brighter than many could have hoped for. More than anything else, I’m proud of the team that has been put together both in terms of physical play and all round character. Besides, when Samuel L. Jackson is telling your fans to RISE UP, you can’t do anything else but answer the call.

I would love to give any type of real honorable mention here but my other team of choice (Georgia Bulldogs) had a painful year and bulldog nation should just be happy the season has ended. Oh well, I guess I’ll just wallow in the misery that is the end to the New Orleans Saints’ season.

Best Personal Accomplishment

Winner     The Ring
Honorable
Mention(s)
    Athens Half Marathon

I’d be in real, possible loss of a limb trouble here if my engagement was not the clear winner here. Sure, my first half marathon was amazing but I only get one shot at asking that key question, “Will You Marry Me?’, and have the answer be an excitingly quick “Yes.” I’ve told the story before here on the site as well as countless times in person, but I smile more and more each time I think of my fiance and the life we will soon be starting in the coming year.

What’s Up in 2011?
The coming year will hopefully hold many new possibilities for me. I would assume that the wedding will be the biggest event for me this year and will take up much of my time (and finances). However, I know that this will not be the only event for me this year and those that I don’t foresee now will probably be just as good as those that are already planned.

Here’s to 2011 and a happy new year.

Posted under Movies, Music, Other, Sports, TV
Dec-29-2010

Collabtive Help

[Translate to Italian]

With the recent addition of a few sister sites joining the Hero Inc. hosting family, I’ve needed a “ticketing” system in order to assist the admins of those sites in opening tasks for my sites and theirs. These tasks could be as simple as creating subdomains or email addresses for new users to building new images for the most recent posts.

Collabtive

The “ticketing” system needed to be simple, easy to integrate, and of course free. After a few simple Google searches, I settled on Collabtive. The install was simple and it ran on MySQL. I was fearful of much of the development and blog posts being in Italian, but Google solved this problem for me.

After working with the Collabtive system, known internal to me as Hero Inc. PMS (yes, insert jokes and laughter here), I found it really did everything I needed. But earlier this week, I found one weakness. It did not notify the person assigning a task or those assigned to a task that it had been closed even when notifications were enabled. Google searches showed that I was not alone in wanting this feature added. With my minor coding background I decided to give the feature a shot. Thankfully the Collabtive team did an amazing job of organizing their code. A few code changes and corrective misspellings in my code later, I had the result that I wanted.

For those interested, here is how you can update your environment to include the following feature updates:

  • Email assigner when a task is created
  • Email assigner and assignees when a task is edited
  • Email assigner and assignees when a task is closed
  • Modify the notification text for the emails sent for created, edited, and closed tasks
  1. Update the Collabtive environment to the latest release. At the time of this post, the latest version is 0.6.5.
  2. Update the Collabtive MySQL database to add a new column, “assigner”, to the “tasks” table. The “assigner” column should be of type Integer just as it is for the user ID.
  3. Update all tasks to contain a default ID for an assigner. This will ensure that when older tasks are closed or edited that Collabtive does not fail in sending notifications.
    UPDATE `tasks` SET assigner= [INSERT DEFAULT USER ID HERE] 
    WHERE assigner = 0 OR assigner IS NULL;
  4. Download the files I modified.
  5. Update your Collabtive directory with the following files in the appropriate location:
    /managetask.php
    /include/class.task.php
    /language/en/lng.conf

For those not using English as the default language, the following additions need to be made to the appropriate lng.conf file:

  • projectassignedsubject
  • projectassignedtext
  • taskassignedsubject
  • taskassignedtext
  • taskassignersubject
  • taskassignertext
  • taskclosedsubject
  • taskupdatedsubject
  • taskupdatedtext

That’s it. The environment is now setup to send the notifications as needed. I’ve tested the changes in my environment and didn’t have any issues. If anyone follows these instructions and encounters issues/bugs, please leave a comment and let me know.

UPDATE NOTE (2011-02-20): I’ve made a recent update to my work stated here. Go here to read more about the latest change.

UPDATE NOTE (2011-02-27): I just realized there was an error in the close task functionality and emails were being sent to the user that has an ID of 1. I’ve updated the code referenced in this post to include a fix for the getAssigner function. Please let me know if you run into any additional issues.

Posted under Internet
Dec-4-2010

2 Book Review

Everyday, I have a 45 minute commute (each way) to my current work client. Previously, I was using a multitude of podcasts to deal with the daily grind. However, I recently moved away from just podcasts to audiobooks thanks to the deal for 2 free audiobooks from Audible.com (courtesy of TWIT).

I was introduced to audiobooks first through the Harry Potter novels (I highly recommend listening to Jim Dale as a narrator) and then most recently enjoyed Catch-22. For those who have not tried audiobooks, it is very different from reading a book yourself. I see it more as reverting back to a little kid as someone else (who’s better skilled at doing so) reads you a story. It really becomes all about the quality of the story as well as the way the reader reads the story (Are their voices for various characters? Is the voice pleasant to hear? Does the voice not sound like your own? [See Seinfeld episode]).

Daemon by Daniel Suarez Before Daemon, the list of authors I enjoyed was narrowed to simply Michael Crichton and Chuck Palahniuk. However, after hearing Daemon being recommended multiple times by Leo Laporte and friends, I decided to finally break down and give it a try. Upon finishing the book, I’m extremely glad that I did.

Daemon tells the story of a former computer game programmer / super genius who builds a daemon process that begins killing people in brutal, automated fashion. As more is uncovered about the daemon, it is discovered that there is more to this daemon than just the killings of “innocent” people.

When the professional reviews state that this is one of the best techo-thrillers, they really are not kidding. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book thanks to Suarez’s intense writing and Jeff Gurner’s wonderful narration. There were many times where I was yelling at my radio just like you might when watching a movie alone when you see what is coming for doomed characters. I was so enthralled by the book that I instantly ordered the follow-up (see below) immediately after finishing the book.
[Rating: 5/5]

Don’t continue any further if you are fearful of any possible spoilers.

Freedom  by Daniel Suarez Freedom picks up a few months following Daemon. The Daemon is now completely integrated into the entire internet and has built a large population of followers. Many are still trying to destroy the Daemon but are their true motives justified and valid? Those that are followers of the Daemon are a mixed bag themselves as they work to prove that the Daemon is something the world doesn’t need to stop by use to make a better world. As a potential apocalypse of the internet and financial system is on the horizon, can the Daemon’s followers fight to survive and show the world what good the system is capable of doing?

While I did enjoy Freedom, it was not at the same high level and grade as Daemon, but it was pretty close. The main interest I had in Freedom was the technology that Suarez so brilliantly described. As Crichton often used truth in science to drive his books, so does Suarez. The technology he describes is possible and seems only a few years away. I am eagerly waiting that day as Suarez’s HUD glasses made me easily want to drop $2,000+ if they were at my local Best Buy today. I also really enjoyed the way in which Suarez provided one of my favorite characters the ability to return from the previous novel. I don’t want to say too much so as not to spoil anything but the manner in which this character returned was very well suited.

[Rating: 4.5/5]

Now that I am hooked on audiobooks, I’ve already moved on to my next selection, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, so that I can better prepare myself for watching the Swedish and American movie versions of this book.

What will I listen to after that? Maybe Crichton’s final book, Pirate Latitudes. Maybe Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence by Ray Kurzweil (see Our Lady Peace reference).

Anyone have any other suggestions for this particular picky reader/listener?

Posted under Internet, Music, Other | Tagged as ,
Nov-25-2010

Thanksgiving Cake

On this wonderful day of being thankful (and a day or two away from work), I wish everyone the best holiday. For those needing a great future Thanksgiving meal to prepare, I give you Thanksgiving Cake.

Thanksgiving Cake
Click for more photos of the Thanksgiving Cake creation

For those already downplaying this new meal, please don’t judge until you have a chance to taste the greatness of it. I really believe the layer of the cranberry mixture put it over the top.

By the way, this was not my Thanksgiving meal for the day. We did this a few weeks ago in preparation for the holiday. This is what we had today.

Happy Holidays.

Posted under Other | Tagged as , ,
Nov-20-2010

Green Lantern Trailer

Ok, we all knew this was coming. You honestly think that I wouldn’t breakdown the trailer and provide my thoughts around my favorite superhero’s movie set to be released next year? Neither did I.

Go to official trailer site if this youtube video gets pulled.

Stop here if you don’t want to see the breakdown of the trailer. There could be things here you don’t want to know prior to the movie.

Ok, here we go.

  • 0:00 to 0:29 – Meet Hal Jordan, the test pilot who just doesn’t know responsibility. Ryan Reynolds is the superhero here. I originally wasn’t big on the casting here as he wasn’t my number one choice. I think Jon Hamm is more of a Hal Jordan but I’m certain the casting came down to youth in hopes of making several GL movies. I’ll leave further judgement to the full movie. The same will go for Blake Lively as Carol Ferris.
  • 0:30 – 0:44 – I’m hoping these test pilot scenes are as good as Iron Man’s fighter plane scenes as it is central to Hal’s character.
  • 0:59 – Abin Sur looks perfect. This scene will help to build the rest of the story. It is an origin.
  • 1:19 – Here’s the first shot of the Green Lantern ring. I originally wasn’t a fan of the shots I had seen of it previously but it is starting to grow on me. The ring is born out of alien technology so it makes sense to make it look alien as well.
  • 1:30 – Welcome to Oa and it looks as though Tomar Re is showing Hal the grounds as this will be where he is trained to become a member of the Green Lantern Corp. The suits are very interesting here as each has its own look and feel much like you find in the comics, yet we can easily tell that they are alien instead of the human style that the comics often portray them as looking.
  • 1:31 – Sinestro, one of the greatest Green Lanterns and easily one of my favorite villains in all of comics. Played by Mark Strong, we should be in for a treat. This image couldn’t be any more perfect for the look of Sinestro.
  • 1:38 – Here we find Hal’s power battery which will be used to charge his ring. I’m also interested in learning about his friend in this scene and a few others. Is this the stereotypical lackey that helps the hero along his way. I’m not really sure Green Lantern needs this.
  • 1:44 – 1:46 – Here is Hal’s first construct of the trailer, a fist. The ring allows the wearer to create any object as long as his will is strong enough to support it.
  • 1:48 – Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond is another brilliant casting move. The subsequent images of him add even more to the appeal.
  • 1:52 – Meet Kilowog, the trainer of the Green Lanterns and a fan favorite. My only concern is that he might be entirely CGI. Too much CGI is never a good thing and this film might lean on it too much at times. Why not just make him as a man in a suit?
  • 2:08 – 2:22 – The suit seems to becoming beneath Hal’s skin. Very interesting view. I like everything about the alien look here except for one thing, the mask. It just looks too fake. Almost painted on as a Halloween costume gone wrong. Again, what’s wrong with a physical mask? I do miss Geoff Johns addition to the Lantern universe of the symbol on the uniform being more of a beacon or “siren” for the uniform than a physical part of it.
  • 2:23 – 2:30 – “In Brightest Day. In Blackest Night.” These are the first words of the Green Lantern oath. Bring on the rest! But what’s with the TDK style ending with the flaming logo?

Overall, the trailer is a teaser of sorts. I’m not super pumped but that was kind of expected for this film. Its not going to be The Dark Knight nor should it. TDK works because Batman is based on reality. Green Lantern is not. It is a fantasy, space epic. I want it to be Star Trek (2009) with superheroes. Will I get that? Too early to say, but I can guarantee this is a midnight showing (if not earlier if I can help it) for me. As of right now, my summer is packed and the only real question is what superhero will be standing tallest in the end: Captain America, Thor, or Green Lantern.

Posted under Heroes, Movies | Tagged as , , ,
Nov-19-2010

My Android Apps

I keep getting asked what apps do I enjoy on my HTC Droid Eris. Well, I guess the best way to do that is just use AppBrain.

Anyone have some other cool suggestions of apps to download?

Note: For those interested, do not buy the HTC Droid Eris if you are looking at getting an Android phone. I honestly love it, but HTC and Verizon do not so it has stopped receiving the latest Android updates and is discontinued by Big Red. If you are looking to get an Android, go after one of the flagship phones so that you can be certain to receive the latest updates for at least a year.

Posted under Games, Heroes, Internet, Linux, Movies, Music, Sports | Tagged as , , ,
Nov-13-2010

Recount of GDGT

Last night I was fortunate to finally attend one of San Francisco’s tech events. This one happened to be a GDGT show which is just another way for saying let’s show off some really cool gadgets to a bunch of nerds. Ooo! Ooo! Pick me!

Therefore, I met up with two friends and all of our significant others (they were super excited too…) and headed to the free show. I’ll get to the SWAG in a bit, but first what we all came to see: TOYS.

Phones
GDGT was no different than the rest of the electronics world as phones seemed to be king. We began with a viewing of the history of phones and AT&T, which of course included such hits as the Palm Treo, Blackjack, a briefcase phone and THE ZACK MORRIS phone (yeah that’s what it was called). The person managing the booth even offered Zack’s phone to us to call Slater or Screech if needed. We passed.

From the phones of the past, we cast our eyes on the phones of the here, now, and future. T-Mobile’s booth was showing off the latest in Android, Windows Phone 7, and the 4G network. Let’s start with the last one first. When I thought 4G previously, I thought of it more as just another marketing campaign. Well, with a room full of cell phone users, this phone was still able to pull in a 3MB speed test. We were informed it even did at least 7MB before the room really started filling in. That’s freakin’ fast for a phone in my eyes.

I really enjoyed the look and feel of the G2 as well as its more vanilla flavor of Android. Its processor and running Froyo really helped with the speed and reaction time of the OS. This is now on my possible list for new work phones even with its big drawback of weight. After seeing Android’s offerings, we moved on to the Windows Phone 7 phones which seemed to be very popular at the event as there was also a separate booth for just these phones. I have to say that if Microsoft had arrived at the Phone party (iPhone vs. Android) it could have made it a legitimate 3 way fight. However, they just might be too late to make it count. That really is a shame though as I really liked what I saw in terms of the interface and usability. Windows Phone 7 will be my second option in the future but it will probably take a lot to get me to move away from it.

Enough with that Windows Phone 7 (too long to type) stuff. Let’s get back to Android. I saw several phones from HTC and Samsung, but Samsung really won me over thanks to their AMOLED screens. These things were beautiful and probably the closest you might find to the iPhone’s screens. It was also great that they were able to have such a gorgeous screen but keep the weight and width of the phone to be so small.

Entertainment Boxes
Next on the horizon is the battle for the living room. From TiVo, Revue by Logitech, Sony Google TV, Roku, Slingbox, and Boxee. Thoughts? Well…

Box Review
TiVO The new HD interface looks really good and very well done. The TiVO team seems to be trying really hard, but with most cable providers providing boxes that perform similar activities, I’m not sure there’s as powerful of a future here. The plus is that it will aggregate media from your network and provide it during search on the box.
Revue How can I give a review when all they would really show here is Twitter? I can tweet from my TV? That’s great. Not a game changer. What? I can also use for video chat? Still not a game changer. When I watch TV, I want to watch TV.
Sony Google TV Due to some jerk not really allowing others to talk to the rep, I’d say I’m still not impressed by this one. I was happy to see that the remote was not as bad in person as I thought it would be. It would of course still scare most users away.
Roku Out of all boxes, this is probably my winner in terms of price and features. It doesn’t have the big name of a Google or Apple which could hinder it in terms of deals with studios and companies for delivery on the box. Of course, they already have MLB, NHL, and Hulu Plus lined up so there is a future here. Interface could still use some modifications and a rep that wasn’t a little too intoxicated would have been another plus.
Boxee A box designed to look sleek and awkward enough to not really fit well with your other living room entertainment boxes. However, Boxee ranks high along with Roku for what I was able to see. The part that really grabbed my attention was its remote because it seemed that their team was able to conquer the complexity of an internet TV device by merging the remote with a keyboard. Well played Boxee. You’ve created a remote/keyboard that will not bring the general mass TV audience to running due to its complexities. I salute you.
Slingbox Now slingbox may not belong in the same way that the other devices here do, but I really wanted to point out this device for its streaming capabilities to iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone 7. Its this last one that I really want to point out because of the clarity that it provided in terms of over the air streaming. Both the iPhone and Android were streaming to a decent resolution but it was the WP7 that really knocked your socks off as it displayed a live basketball game with no buffering and HD resolution. I was really impressed with this one.

Laptops and Keyboards
Why does 3D seem to be the next big thing? I really don’t think it adds much if anything to the medium it is presenting. I think possibly that sports could change my mind here, but I’m going to remain skeptical. I saw several 3D laptops and they all left me going “well that’s nice but what else do you have?”

Logitech did have a keyboard that was solar powered that raised an eyebrow or two. It could be charged with solar or internal lighting and could last several months without needing a new charge (so we were told). It was also sleek and thin. Total cost around $90 seemed reasonable to those who might be interested.

Celebrities
So celebrity might be a relative term as it is highly dependent on who you ask. For me, it came in the form of Ron Richards, who is a podcaster for iFanboy and revision3’s AppJudgement (remember this post?). No, I didn’t go talk to him because I didn’t want to be one of those people but I was tipped off it really was him when I walked by and he was wearing a Green Lantern pin.

One of my other buddies met his celebrity in the form of Bre Pettis. I had never heard of him but Brett was super excited and had to get several pictures. I was too busy learning about the machine standing behind him from his company, Makerbot. Wouldn’t you be interested to if you saw this machine trying to make a Green Lantern ring? Nicely done.

Overall, a great show and I’m really glad I was able to make it out. I leave you with this picture taken from my Android phone (HTC Droid Eris, don’t buy as it is discontinued now). Now this is how one should be playing online video games.

Kid with 3 Monitors for online gaming
Now that’s how you should play an online game.

Posted under Heroes, Internet, Other | Tagged as , , , ,