Apple- man, I'm so tickled pink...or is it scarlet and grey (the price of being born on the Ohio State University campus, I guess)- is revamping the iPod line today. The nano, which previously didn't have video capabilities, now has it. The original iPod is now called iPod Classic (kind of like Coca-Cola Classic, perhaps. Of course, every new iPod that was released since 2001 only got sweeter and better); and the new iPod Touch, which looks like the iPhone- except, of course, the ringtones aren't there.
And, as Steve Jobs would say...and there's one more thing:
The iPhone- which is only two months old- is dropping. In price.
The 8GB iPhone has sold for $599. Steve Jobs says at the Apple event at San Francisco's Moscone Center that he wants "the iPhone under everyone's Christmas tree..." And he also mentions that the majority of iPhone buyers are wanting the 8GB model. So, as of today, the 8GB model is the sole iPhone, and that the price of the 8GB iPhone HAS DROPPED TO $399! AT&T and Apple! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
And, Apple. You never cease to amaze me. Placing video on the nano is a smart move. With the 4GB model, you get up to 1000 songs, 3500 photos, and 4 hours of video- or some of each (Apple's words, not mine...). 8GB 2,000 songs, 7,000 photos, and 8 hours of video- you mean I can watch eight of my favorite CSI episodes? AWESOME!- or some of each.
The 4GB retails for $149, the 8GB for $199- a great bargain, indeed.
The iPod classic is the same designed iPod you've come to love. Only the hard drive capacities have increased. The lower end iPod classic, at 80GB holds up to 20,000 songs; 25,000 photos, 100 hours of video- or about all four seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise- (or some of each). The 160GB holds up to 40,000 songs; 25,000 photos, and up to 200 hours of video- and how many CSI episodes are there, as it enters it's eighth season?- or some of each.
The 80GB remains at $249, while the new 160GB is $349.
It kind of makes me want to dance...first, a word from Vern Fonk insurance, who is expanding south from Seattle.
theDTshowDotCom/YouTube/Vern Fonk Insurance
And now, from the 1962 movie The Music Man.
grahamslick/YouTube/Warner Bros.
SHIPOOPI! DANCE!
Apple and Starbucks are partnering up with the new iTunes WiFi Store. Here, when you get near your friendly neighborhood Starbucks- and that shouldn't be too hard, especially if you live in the Seattle and Portland metro areas, where there's one almost every two blocks (at least, it seems that way, anyway...)- a Starbucks icon shows up, and you can buy whatever's playing at Starbucks. This partnerships begins in- where the hell else- Seattle and New York October 2, and expands throughout 2008. By 2009, every Starbucks will have this.
Finally, the iPod touch. On the 8GB model, it holds up to 1750 songs; 10,000 photos; 10 hours of video- or some of each, and retails for $299. The 16GB model sports twice as much content (3500 songs; 20,000 photos, 20 hours video- or some of each), and retails for $399. The screen size is 3.5", and is multi-touch. It also features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), and Safari web browser (though if you want Internet Explorer on it, I'm pretty sure Apple will allow it...I think...), so you can check your e-mail.
All of these iPods should be on shelves by month's end.
The iPod shuffle gets a few new colors, and remains at $79.
Sing it, Peter!
marofreak/YouTube/Fox
Now, my question: HOW MANY MUST I GET? Let's see, an iPod nano @ 8GB; iPod Classic @ 160GB...iPod touch...looks fine to me, even at 8GB.
SHIPOOPI! DANCE!
C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
CNN.com
ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports Widget
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Michigan, This is Bad. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD!
Last Saturday, Appalachian State did something no other school from Division I-AA has managed to do- defeat a ranked Division I-A school, and a highly ranked one at that, when they went into Michigan Stadium, and knocked down the mighty Michigan Wolverines, 34-32. A true David and Goliath battle, indeed.
Apparently, David- out of Boone, North Carolina- has caused Goliath, of Ann Arbor, Michigan to be bumped out of every college football's top 25 poll.
If you're curious- and I know that you are- the CBS Sports.com 120 poll has the Big Blue dropped to 31st.
Come on, sportswriters; coaches; and just about everyone else, WHERE IS THE LOVE? Sure, the Wolverines got their asses spanked and handed on a platter by a tiny school deep in the Appalachians, but there's still plenty of college football left. Plus if there's any consolation to the Wolverines, the granddaddy of all college football battle royales- beside the Oregon-Oregon State Civil War- takes place on your home turf this year, as the Ohio State Buckeyes invade Michigan Stadium November 17. Of course, as of late, the Bucks have won all but one against Big Blue, under head coach Jim Tressel.
Now, if the Oregon Fighting Ducks can capitalize on Michigan's misfortune this Saturday- at Michigan Stadium, no doubt- then Michigan will get another dubious distinction: Losing two straight games. Something that happened only last season.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Apparently, David- out of Boone, North Carolina- has caused Goliath, of Ann Arbor, Michigan to be bumped out of every college football's top 25 poll.
If you're curious- and I know that you are- the CBS Sports.com 120 poll has the Big Blue dropped to 31st.
Come on, sportswriters; coaches; and just about everyone else, WHERE IS THE LOVE? Sure, the Wolverines got their asses spanked and handed on a platter by a tiny school deep in the Appalachians, but there's still plenty of college football left. Plus if there's any consolation to the Wolverines, the granddaddy of all college football battle royales- beside the Oregon-Oregon State Civil War- takes place on your home turf this year, as the Ohio State Buckeyes invade Michigan Stadium November 17. Of course, as of late, the Bucks have won all but one against Big Blue, under head coach Jim Tressel.
Now, if the Oregon Fighting Ducks can capitalize on Michigan's misfortune this Saturday- at Michigan Stadium, no doubt- then Michigan will get another dubious distinction: Losing two straight games. Something that happened only last season.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Censorship Still SUCKS!
In the over 280 entries I've written over the last two years, you've noticed that I use strong language in much of them. Some of it sexual; some even use racial epithets. In the latter, I only use them when appropriate (as in when I quote an article or news event).
Now, some of you may be offended by such language. But I think I've made it clear from the get-go, this blog- and its' sister, The Trash Bash- are intended for mature audiences. Sure, if you're some 16 year old who happens to come across it, I can't stop you from reading them. However, mom and dad may want to keep baby's eyes away from this.
Do I have a responsibility to be respectful? In many cases, yes.
Am I a role model? If I am, then apparently, I'm either God or the Messiah. Other than that, I seriously doubt this.
The reason I bring this up is because, eventually, podcasts- and on occasion, video podcasts- will be added to this scrawl. And some of this material will contain the very things that may offend a few folks- strong language; sexual content...perhaps a fight or two. If it offends you, well, let me paraphrase the words of a now ex-girlfriend: my blog's not the only one on the planet.
I remember years ago- and I believe they still do this today- MTV said that Censorship is Un-American.
Think about that for a second. Censorship is Un-American. It means no one should hold another's views back just because the offended person doesn't agree with the viewpoints. It's like myself- an African-American- telling a white supremacist not to spew his or her hateful vitriol, just because it offends me. Of course, it offends me, but do I need to lobby for laws to prohibit what's perceived as hate speech? Of course not, for such move to squelch such speech will likely cause them to lobby for laws to ban lobbying for civil rights. In the end, no one wins.
Now, MTV years ago had this campaign, Censorship is Un-American. They were referring to, basically, the music and the lyrics, some which had strong language, and sexual talk. Some of the videos that aired showed violence, and scantily clad women. One question I asked was 'why stop at the scantily clad women?' Why not show the tits, ass, shaved pussy (or bushy pussy, or the pussy with the mohawk), and all? I surmised, in part, that something had to be left to the imagination, but the larger part of me asked that if MTV didn't believe in censorship, then why didn't they include the explicit lyrics, the blood and gore. Nudity, even? Why don't they show this today? Are they that afraid of the Federal Communications Commission- which basically plays police to broadcast radio and TV, but not so much cable and satellite media? Did the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction debacle (during the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show) turn them into a bunch of pandering pussies?
Are we, as a nation, that so goddamned squeamish over the showing of bare genitalia that we need the FCC to play parent; guardian, etc? Come on. That's not my idea of double dating. Bringing along a chaperone. The last time I checked, 40 year old guys such as myself don't need chaperones. Now, in some countries- China; Iran to name a couple- they keep their citizentries from getting information. In other words, people die for the freedoms we Americans; Brits; and Canadians take for granted. Sorry to disappoint you there. If you don't like diversity of ideas, move to any of the aforementioned countries, where freedom of speech and expression gets you decapitated.
So, in closing, you will continue to get the same unfair, unbalanced- and uncensored- blog that you've enjoyed for quite some time, and over time, it'll continue to evolve into something better. So keep watching.
Of course, if you're one of those offended Southern Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, or Islamofascist types, you're free to change the channel.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Now, some of you may be offended by such language. But I think I've made it clear from the get-go, this blog- and its' sister, The Trash Bash- are intended for mature audiences. Sure, if you're some 16 year old who happens to come across it, I can't stop you from reading them. However, mom and dad may want to keep baby's eyes away from this.
Do I have a responsibility to be respectful? In many cases, yes.
Am I a role model? If I am, then apparently, I'm either God or the Messiah. Other than that, I seriously doubt this.
The reason I bring this up is because, eventually, podcasts- and on occasion, video podcasts- will be added to this scrawl. And some of this material will contain the very things that may offend a few folks- strong language; sexual content...perhaps a fight or two. If it offends you, well, let me paraphrase the words of a now ex-girlfriend: my blog's not the only one on the planet.
I remember years ago- and I believe they still do this today- MTV said that Censorship is Un-American.
Think about that for a second. Censorship is Un-American. It means no one should hold another's views back just because the offended person doesn't agree with the viewpoints. It's like myself- an African-American- telling a white supremacist not to spew his or her hateful vitriol, just because it offends me. Of course, it offends me, but do I need to lobby for laws to prohibit what's perceived as hate speech? Of course not, for such move to squelch such speech will likely cause them to lobby for laws to ban lobbying for civil rights. In the end, no one wins.
Now, MTV years ago had this campaign, Censorship is Un-American. They were referring to, basically, the music and the lyrics, some which had strong language, and sexual talk. Some of the videos that aired showed violence, and scantily clad women. One question I asked was 'why stop at the scantily clad women?' Why not show the tits, ass, shaved pussy (or bushy pussy, or the pussy with the mohawk), and all? I surmised, in part, that something had to be left to the imagination, but the larger part of me asked that if MTV didn't believe in censorship, then why didn't they include the explicit lyrics, the blood and gore. Nudity, even? Why don't they show this today? Are they that afraid of the Federal Communications Commission- which basically plays police to broadcast radio and TV, but not so much cable and satellite media? Did the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction debacle (during the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show) turn them into a bunch of pandering pussies?
Are we, as a nation, that so goddamned squeamish over the showing of bare genitalia that we need the FCC to play parent; guardian, etc? Come on. That's not my idea of double dating. Bringing along a chaperone. The last time I checked, 40 year old guys such as myself don't need chaperones. Now, in some countries- China; Iran to name a couple- they keep their citizentries from getting information. In other words, people die for the freedoms we Americans; Brits; and Canadians take for granted. Sorry to disappoint you there. If you don't like diversity of ideas, move to any of the aforementioned countries, where freedom of speech and expression gets you decapitated.
So, in closing, you will continue to get the same unfair, unbalanced- and uncensored- blog that you've enjoyed for quite some time, and over time, it'll continue to evolve into something better. So keep watching.
Of course, if you're one of those offended Southern Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, or Islamofascist types, you're free to change the channel.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Sometimes, I Need My Ass Whipped (Of Course, Do It Right, Will Ya?)
Okay, a good number of times, but that's besides the point (and if you do it right, I just may enjoy it).
At any rate, several days ago, I wrote about being published in a local anthology, Unexpected Metaphors- which I am deeply proud of. I mentioned the name of the facilitator, and made some remarks that I thought was a compliment- not sexual or hitting on her, or anything.
Well, I got an e-mail- yeah, it kind of hit me on the gut, but hey, we need that sometimes, right. The person apparently was offended, and I made a retraction- and changes at the entry (So, You're A Published Author Now...What a Media Whore!...When I mentioned the "Media Whore" part, I was, of course, jokingly referring to myself. Self-depreciation turns me on, baby!).
To the person who I referred to, my sincere apologies. Nothing was meant except the best of compliments. I think highly of this person and have nothing but the utmost respect for that person.
To myself, however, I'll make that long overdue visit my dominatrix.
But seriously, though, sometimes we get this disease called "Foot-In-Mouth". Politicians and celebs get it all the time. Everyone gets all the time, and of course, I've contracted my latest case, so I'm not immune. And if Jehovah/Allah/Yahweh wasn't so goddamned perfect, She'd- or He'd- have it, too.
So, to the person, once again, my apologies.
To the rest of you- many of you, of course...assume the position.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
At any rate, several days ago, I wrote about being published in a local anthology, Unexpected Metaphors- which I am deeply proud of. I mentioned the name of the facilitator, and made some remarks that I thought was a compliment- not sexual or hitting on her, or anything.
Well, I got an e-mail- yeah, it kind of hit me on the gut, but hey, we need that sometimes, right. The person apparently was offended, and I made a retraction- and changes at the entry (So, You're A Published Author Now...What a Media Whore!...When I mentioned the "Media Whore" part, I was, of course, jokingly referring to myself. Self-depreciation turns me on, baby!).
To the person who I referred to, my sincere apologies. Nothing was meant except the best of compliments. I think highly of this person and have nothing but the utmost respect for that person.
To myself, however, I'll make that long overdue visit my dominatrix.
But seriously, though, sometimes we get this disease called "Foot-In-Mouth". Politicians and celebs get it all the time. Everyone gets all the time, and of course, I've contracted my latest case, so I'm not immune. And if Jehovah/Allah/Yahweh wasn't so goddamned perfect, She'd- or He'd- have it, too.
So, to the person, once again, my apologies.
To the rest of you- many of you, of course...assume the position.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Appalachian State, You've Got Spunk!
The Appalachian State Mountaineers went into the 'Big House'- Michigan Stadium.
And stunned over 90,000 Wolverine fans.
Appalachian State led much of the game, but when it looked like the home team was going to come right back- and the Wolverines did very briefly, scoring 32-31 in the 4th- the Mountaineers came right back, blocked a Wolverine field goal attempt in the closing seconds, scored one, and stuck it to the Big Blue.
Man, you gotta love that! An unranked team beating the number five (in the Associated Press College Football poll) team!
Kind of reminds me of Boise State (who is #25), who last year accomplished something then #1 Ohio State couldn't do with Florida- end the season undefeated. Man, if Appalachian State can keep winning games, they could be this season's Boise State.
Welcome to the start of what could be- for some teams- a Cinderella season.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
And stunned over 90,000 Wolverine fans.
Appalachian State led much of the game, but when it looked like the home team was going to come right back- and the Wolverines did very briefly, scoring 32-31 in the 4th- the Mountaineers came right back, blocked a Wolverine field goal attempt in the closing seconds, scored one, and stuck it to the Big Blue.
Man, you gotta love that! An unranked team beating the number five (in the Associated Press College Football poll) team!
Kind of reminds me of Boise State (who is #25), who last year accomplished something then #1 Ohio State couldn't do with Florida- end the season undefeated. Man, if Appalachian State can keep winning games, they could be this season's Boise State.
Welcome to the start of what could be- for some teams- a Cinderella season.
(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
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