Walmart Offers $27 Million Settlement In Netflix Class-Action Suit

Apparently Netflix subscribers unhappy with Wal Mart's decision to promote Netflix' DVD rental service in return for Netflix pitching Wal Mart's DVD sales business filed a class-action suit alleging this collusion helpted Netflix dominate the mail order DVD rental business.

A California judge agreed and a settlement fund has been created by Wal Mart. If you had a Netflix DVD rental plan between May 19, 2005 through September 2, 2011 you need to file a claim. You can elect to receive cash or Wal Mart gift card for yet to be calculated amount.

Amazon Lockers Coming Near You?

Just in time for holiday convenience and delivery Amazon announced Lockers which, although not a resident of New York, I am excited about.

When placing catalog (yes, I still shop via catalog) or online orders I need to ship either to an aunt, Boo's work or my sister's because I worry that my packages will be stolen. It has happened in the past and during the holidays this type of theft increases.

Amazon has an option for Manhattan residents to have their orders delivered to a Rite Aid drugstores or Dagostino for retrieval at their convenience. This makes perfect sense since many customers are at work when the man in the little brown truck rolls around. I cannot have personal items delivered to my job so Amazon's Lockers are an idea whose time has come now bring Southern Californians this option, Amazon!

Photo courtesy of L. A. Times

Occupy L. A. protesters were in force today as the L. A. P. D. strived to maintain order and keep conflicts to a minimum as harried motorists navigated barricades and detours as they attempted to arrive to work on time. It's never a good strategy to upset commuters by making them late, especially in Los Angeles!

Wordless Wednesday

Weight Loss Procedures

Audio

Baker's Dozen

• “I’m glad you received a temporary disabled placard, you need it!” - Boo's health issues
• It’s always tragic when someone is terminated for impropriety
• A busker boarded the train and began playing an accordion which sounded fantastic
• “He upset so badly I had to take two aspirins.” – Mom discussing her youngest grandson
• I need to sit facing the direction the train’s traveling
• iPods/iPhones are being stolen at subway stations. I listen to a regular MP3 player as not to entice.
• Thanksgiving holiday luncheon at Marie Callenders
• I’m glad Junior Dos Santos is the new UFC Heavyweight champion
• “I always enjoy a good sandwich!” – Mom enjoying Katella Deli
• Nothing like having my hair blown everywhere in a convertible!
• “I can’t believe someone threw a rock through your windshield!” – Observing my sister’s car
• Enjoying an Earl Grey latte at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

eReaders

I’ve been contemplating what to do about my next eReader purchase. Do I remain loyal to Amazon’s Kindle which I’ve already invested and have friends I can share books with? Or, do I jump ship and invest in the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet, a new feature rich alternative?

It’s no secret that I love my Keyboard Kindle which is easy on the eyes, has extraordinary battery life and my book cover with built-in light perfectly illuminates the screen in dark circumstances. Boo, anticipating my purchase of the new Kindle Fire, wants my old Kindle but the next device I upgrade to must have external storage, which the Kindle Fire does not.

The new Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet, available November 18, has expandable storage and a Netflix app, how cool is this? I am a Netflix subscriber so this would be an excellent enhancement! Also, in comparison Kindle books I’ve purchased so far are comparatively priced with B&N’s, so it’s not like either company has an upper hand.

It’s likely that I’ll need to wait until mid-2012 before Amazon introduces a new Kindle Fire with expandable storage. Even so, I am not currently an Amazon Prime member so their library of films that can play on the Fire is a moot point.  Of course, Audible books work seamlessly on my current Kindle but I don’t know if they’ll do so on the B&N Nook Tablet.

Considerations.

Obviously Boo’s going to wait awhile as I ponder the pros & cons and by then I will, of course, have purchased yet more books in Kindle format. Maybe I can find a friend or co-worker who will be willing to let me try the B&N Tablet for a couple of days. A lot can happen in two days!

Wordless Wednesday

Baker's Dozen

• Halloween decorations came down
• Began reading Ted Dekker's Boneman's Daughter
• Caught up on DVR'd episodes of Supernatural and Vampire Diaries
• "Oh man, Barnes & Noble's Nook Tablet at $250 is intriguing, it even has expandable storage!"
• For the second year in a row I didn't attend Dia De Los Muertos celebrations
• Centinela Feed, Target then lunch at Chinese Gardens with free wifi, busy day
• "Why did we need to come to WalMart on a Saturday?"
• "Aiyee, it's 55 degrees during the day, it's time to turn on the heater!"
• I'm sorry tonight's the finale of Bedlam, I like this show a lot
• A rainy Sunday and an extra hour of sleep makes for a very cozy morning.
• After falling back the decorative lights go off at 5:30 p.m. before long it will be dark at 4:30 p.m.
• "Playing Rummikub is my version of Chess!" - convo with friend

Twitter Posts Making Me Nuts!

See my twitter posts?

See how hard it is to read?

I have tried changing the content text to white, which looks great while editing, but never saves. This is so frustrating.

Which Toy?

We needed provisions for the 'kids' so trekked to Centinela Feed where we saw these cute dog toys. Now we need to decide which one to buy to fill Charlie's (my mom's dog) stocking. Charlie's a Chihuahua/Mini-Greyhound mix so I'm leaning towards the reindeer, what's your vote?

Autumn's First Rain

Gee, where were we?

Autumn's first rain arrived bringing cold temperatures and plenty of rain to snarl traffic, moisten the road enough to wreak havoc on Angeleno's who don't know how to slow down and caught individuals without rain coats or umbrellas. I observed many teens wearing hoodie jackets walk about looking like wet puppies.

Baker's Dozen

• No matter how many times I’ve seen it, it still gives me the creeps! – commenting on the film Jeepers Creepers“
• This Halloween we spent $200 on candy; we don’t buy the cheap bite sized ones, we go full size, baby!” – co-worker
• The boys were chased up a tree by a stray dog, their first bad encounter with dogs.
• Freedom, Netflix DVD service canceled!
• "I would've put the other pillow in the garage for the boys." 

"No, the other one had a lot of the girls fur on it, I thought it might traumatize them."

"Good Lord!" - conversation between Boo and me

• Bought Audible versions of Steven Jobs Biography and Stephen King's IT (which is whopping 44 hours)
• I managed to squeeze in Black Christmas the horror flick that let the audience build suspense by filling in the blanks with our imaginations. We didn't need slash & hack films.
• Optometrist gave me high marks in the health of my eyes - woo hoo!
• Dined at Salvatore's after a 5 year estrangement the food is still good.
• Boo fixed my mom's commode and saved her a $90 plumbing bill
• Celebrated Tonie's birthday at Wood Ranch
• "Seriously. It's not even Halloween yet and they have Christmas trees displayed!"

Homemade Pizza

So it should no surprise that I love pizza it's one of my favorite meals. Usually we buy take out from Genovese's or we make quasi-pizzas from Thomas English muffins as the crust and then top with pasta sauce, cheese and favorite toppings. We shop at Trader Joe's a lot and Boo noticed that they sell pizza dough. 

Tonight we bought the Garlic & Herb seasoned pizza dough and prepared a pizza at home. Wow, it was delicious and the dough was seasoned just right, we didn't need to "doctor it". Our pizza was more deep dish than we like so next time we will halve the dough for the size pan we use. The house smelled so good!

Altar or Memorial?

Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated Nov. 1 - 3 so it's common to see makeshift altars erected at accident sites as Halloween nears. These flowers were very fresh and vibrant, sadly this location has seen many accidents.

Baker's Dozen

• Watched P2, Halloween 1 & 2, Carrie and Afterlife
• “The little witch went behind our backs and got a tattoo, she’s only fifteen!” – Co-worker’s comment about daughter
• The film crew continues occupying Story Park
• "How can you make a movie about people stuck on a ski lift and make it suspenseful?" - Teenage nephew commenting on the film 'Frozen'
• Ice and Boo streaked across the street to greet us without first looking for traffic. Boo and I were freaked out!
• Spotted a woman walking her dog as she read a Kindle. The best I can do is walk and chew gum!
• Amazon acknowledged receipt of my returned Kindle and said I would not be charged
• Blowing out Netflix DVD rental turn around this month since we’re canceling DVDs and paying for streaming only
• “Uh, now that Halloween’s almost come and gone, do you think you can return my Halloween quilt pattern?”
• Oak Glen had absolutely gorgeous weather and we found plenty of goodies to eat and enjoy. 
• Mom enjoyed the treats we brought her from the mountains. The carnitas weren't too shabby either!
• "This tricked out motorcycle is the width of a Smart Car or Toyota Matrix and it has a hitch. I wonder how you drive it with such a wide rear end?"

Gaining Perspective

I spent the day with my mom and sister discussing general family matters and discovering that each of us has made adjustments in our finances. I evaluated mine and realized that I had made significant changes. Changes that I can't say I have missed or will miss in the near future.

Another change I am implementing this Wednesday is cancellation of the Netflix DVD service. At a separate cost of $7.99 monthly for one DVD rental at a time we've decided we do not need it. Since Netflix has deemed the rate increase a necessity of doing business, we've deemed their increase unnecessary and inconvenient to our budget.

We will keep Netflix Streaming but if this becomes too costly, flaky or unreliable we will easily and quickly move on to Amazon's Prime Service which I have heard great things about. Since I patronize Amazon receiving two day shipping for all orders would be a great incentive to join!

I don't know anyone who isn't trying to divest of services or products that are not necessary. Everyone is experiencing challenges in this economy and the more ways that I can cut cost, the better. I am focused on convincing Boo to cut the cord. This is proving more challenging than I thought but I'm determined. Our cable bill, like yours, is outrageous!

I wish my city would encourage competition by allowing two cable providers along with DirecTV to offer service in my area. As it stands I have one cable provider and DirecTV. Why most communities operate like mine I don't know. Why can't I have more than one cable company serving my area? Why do I need to feel like a cornered duck out of water? As consumers we should have options.

Baker's Dozen

• Watched Friday the 13th parts 1 & 2, The Candyman, Frozen and Dolls way too corny flick).
• Listening to paranormal podcasts is like having someone read me a scary story!
• “OMG, who suggested this movie!” – reaction to watching The Collector
• I received Jim Harold's Campfire: True Ghost Stories, my first non-Kindle book
• Thank God I've received my replacement Kindle
• Our neighbors decorated for Halloween!
• We ate our first home grown sunburst squash and tomatoes!
• Occupy marches are building momentum
• Helped my sister set up parental controls after her son ran up a $1300 cell bill
• It’s getting darker earlier Halloween lights now go on at 6:30 p.m.
• Dined at Asakuma, Sherman Oaks but miss the West L. A. location but no their shoddy service
• Yea, the couple put out more Halloween decorations and their neighbor has cool inflatables!

Steve Jobs' Memorial

We shopped at the Glendale Galleria today and passed the Apple Store which was a hub of activity: inside all stations were in use with Geniuses busy helping customers, outside a line of 15 people patiently waited for the iPhone 4S and onlookers read the post-its of Jobs' memorial.

Ghost in the Wires

Finished reading Ghost in the Wires by Kevin Mitnik whose brush with the FBI has interested me since he has always claimed that he never profited from his hacking. Interesting read that any geek would enjoy and could possibly learn from.

Baker's Dozen

• Watched Misery, Prom Night (remake), Prom Night (original) and The Uninvited
• Shopped for replacement bowl for Cha Cha and couldn't find one we liked
• Bed, Bath & Beyond has good coupons and a fantastic candle selection!
• So much DVR'd programming, so little time
• Experiencing another heat streak which means it's time for Cha For Tea
• Disappointed the Kindle Fire doesn't have external storage
• If you want to watch something really spooky watch A Haunting by the Discovery Channel. Hint: Sam's Club sells this set.
• The boys have adjusted to the new garage configuration which gave them more room
• The new vacuum has strong suction 
• The landlady's sister has departed for home
• The film crew continues occupying Story Park
• Sam's Club has the coolest Halloween decorations and they sell the iPad 2

Baker's Dozen

• Woo hoo, I received my replacement Kindle in two days!!!
• Excited that Sprint will carry the iPhone since I am eligible for an upgrade
• Celebrated Chris' birthday at Black Angus and had homemade banana cake
• The new menagerie has significantly increased the pet food budget
• Love Animal Planet's The Haunted and hope new episodes are released soon
• "I like looking at cute garden flags but I wouldn't spend money on them." - neighbor commenting
• The warm weather is great for exercising
• I hate the Netflix price increase
• BJ appeared one last time just to show everyone at work how truly lax our security is
• Damn, I replaced my defective Kindle and Amazon announces the new tablet...envy
• "Without cooler temps we can't light our fire pit." - Californians are never satisfied
• The L. A. County Fair was outstanding and sizzling hot!

Exercising and walking...

...I eyed this sign and knew a film crew was in my community.

A block or two more and I found campers, trailers and restricted parking signs. That's life in Los Angeles film crews take up residence in a neighborhood and all the parking spaces disappear and the area's lit up like the Griswold's live here.

Many a delicious meal will be served from caterers once the actors and support staff arrive. 

Halloween Decorations At Stats Floral

I know it's not October yet, but just as retailers speed past Halloween and Thanksgiving in favor of Christmas, we visited Stats this weekend and checked out their Halloween decorations. When it comes to seeing and touching decorations Stats is the best store in my area.

Most of these decorations are beyond my budget, but I enjoy the visual decorating tips from the pros, as well as seeing what's new in lighting. My love of lights comes from my mom who decorated for each holiday, regardless its significance, and made each one a special event. Thanks, mom!

Returning to Roots

It's great to return to my Blogger roots. I know folks rave about Word Press blogs and the great template designs, ease of customization and plethora of plug-ins available. However after being there and done that, I've decided that Blogger suits my needs just fine, especially when it comes to photo uploads.

I am so happy Blogger has withstood the test of time that is Internet speed and remains an option. Maybe they don't offer the coolest, best designed templates with color combinations, but Blogger was the first blogging service I used and, much like one's first love, I've never forgotten the experience!

Blogger's a dependable, stable service which hasn't disappeared after a few years like so many other blog services taking countless peoples content with them and this counts for a lot and receives my vote and support.

Nilfisk Quickstar

Audio:

Whistling Spirits & the Kittens

Audio:

What Have You Been Doing This Summer?

Audio:

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Audio:

My Experience with a Wi-Fi OTT Device

Audio:

Enjoying Vacation!

Audio:

I Hate Fish!

Audio:

$5.00 Amazon Video Offer

Audio:

The Royal Wedding

I am amazed at the media hype this wedding has generated. At work the gals are buzzing about what Kate Middleton's dress may look like? Who will attend? What gastronomical delights will guests be treated to?

I remember Princess Di's nuptials and I recollect being very excited about it because it was after all during a time when we believed in and embraced fairy tale weddings. Unfortunately, our nation is no longer as naive and many no longer believe nor care.

Still, I will William & Kate's Wedding (opting for the shortest broadcast!) and view it at my leisure over the weekend. I will not spend money to dine with a bunch strangers at a hotel and view the Royal Nuptials on big screen TVs. I will also not play hooky and miss work due to me being awake at 2:00 a.m. so that I don't miss a thing.

What will you do?

Woo hoo, I Own a Kindle!

Unbelievable.

My mom and sister joined together and bought me a Kindle Keyboard with Wi-Fi  for my birthday gift!

My mom is a solid Luddite and my sister only recently discovered the usefulness of owning a computer so you see why I was so surprised.

The first books I intend to buy are paranormal. I know, paranormal? Yes. Paranormal. Then I'll have to find that list I mentioned earlier so I can fill my Kindle.

To Buy a Kindle or not?

I am still on the fence about buying a Kindle; I've asked friends numerous questions about their likes / dislikes about the Kindle? I've checked book titles for Kindle compatibility. I've amassed Amazon gift cards from a previous birthday and Christmas gifts.

I've tweeted about my indecision and borrowed my neighbor's Kindle for a day, she keeps a very tight grip on it! I've even toyed with the idea of listening to Audible books on the Kindle but I never get close to ordering it.

I don't know why either since I have yet to read a physical book in a year. I have a bag filled with new unread books that I fantasize would be read if only they were on a Kindle.

Do you have a Kindle? Has it changed your reading habits?

Border Books Closure

Announcement of the closure of four Border Books that I frequent hit me hard.

I wasn't the least bit surprised that they were in financial crises.

I was surprised by the number of store closures in my area.

Today I visited a Border Books, the last one standing in my area, and it was busy. People were queued in line waiting for the next register.

Teens were perusing the diary and board game selections.

Folks were decked out  in the coffee section sipping Seattle Best  branded coffees, lattes and cappuccinos frantically pecking away on their keyboards.

And here and there I spied a dog-eared book that I knew no one would buy.

So you're wondering if anything was different, right? Well yea, gone were the over stuffed comfy chairs that flanked the entrance.

Gone were the chairs and tables dispersed among the aisles.

Gone were the throngs of teens  spread out and overflowing in the aisles as they shared chairs, talked, texted and giggled over dog-eared books.

I could walk the aisle and browse the magazine  and book sections with ease. I could navigate the store without tripping over someone's backpack.

Shopping at Border Books was a pleasant experience again. I found fewer dog-eared books and a neater, uncluttered, welcoming experience.

Heck, I even took the time to browse the DVD and music sections - I hadn't done this in years. I made my purchases after shopping for 25 minutes and, provided Border Books maintains a neat, clutter-free store, I will return.

Home Computer

Before Black Friday I tweeted if anyone had a must have item they were scouring the BF ads for? Pretty much it was great deals on cellphones or an iPad. Me, I was looking for a new desktop computer, my current one sounded like a jet engine and talking on the phone prompted listener’s to ask if I was running the fan!

In August or September of 2010 I received a new Dell desktop at work and it was so quiet. I couldn’t believe how silent it was and then to return home and hear the jet whirring just made me yearn for a Dell desktop. I really didn’t think Boo would go for it since the jet computer was still kicking away with no problem, but when I mentioned desiring a new desktop Boo said “Man, that thing sounds like we’re at the airport!”

So we checked Costco.com (which seems to have a wider and better selection of computers period) and when Cyber Monday arrived Boo found a Dell with Intel 5 processor (faster processor than Costco.com’s dual core) that matched all the features Costco.com offered and at the same price. Boo ordered it and now that more than two months have passed I have to say I love it!

It’s as quiet as my work computer, blazing fast and its footprint matches the old one. I like the way the ports are configured on the back and it has four USB ports in the front with built-in card readers that include a Compact Flash card, which I still use in a digital audio recorder and digital camera I carry in the trunk in case I need to document an accident. Set up was a breeze and the provided chart made it simple for even a novice to setup.

Dell’s keyboard took some adjusting to as it angles lower to the actual desktop, a level I’m not used to. I’ve tried using wrist rests which seem to accentuate the lower angle without helping. After a month of continued use I couldn’t adjust and opted to use my old Logitech keyboard. I don’t use Dell’s wired mouse either opting for Microsoft’s optical mouse. Aside from the odd keyboard angle everything else has been fine.

I used PC Decrapifier prior to connecting the computer to the Internet. I wanted to uninstall junk software I neither needed or wanted especially McAfee’s anti-virus suite. I use Eset's Nod-32 anti-virus software and have been very happy with it. Nod-32 offers a Smart Security Suite of tools which I feel is overkill and don’t want bogging down my system so I use the basic anti-virus software.

This computer's been great so it's ironic that it has received the least use of all the systems I've owned. Why? Well, the HTC Evo is compact, convenient and with its sharp, legible screen I use it for everything that doesn't require an optical drive!

HTC Evo

I haven't shared how Boo bought me the HTC Evo Android phone back in November 2010. I was totally shocked because it's an expensive phone, we'd been Verizon customers forever and the Evo was on the Sprint network.

Now I'd been wanting this phone for awhile and Boo stressed how we'd need to leave Verizon, which I said I was prepared to do. For me the hindrance was the price of the Evo not so much parting ways with Verizon, I had tired of Verizon's nickel and diming me to death when using a phone's features.

I hadn't anticipated Boo buying the Evo just because and surprising me Thanksgiving weekend! I mean who does that?  I was really surprised and still am!

After owning it for three months now  here's my experience:

I love the Evo.

It is the most complicated and featured phone I've ever owned and it has changed the way I use my cellphone.

I mainly use it for tweeting, monitoring  Tweetdeck (it's always running), sharing photos, logging in to Facebook, reading websites, checking email, reading RSS feeds, texting and interacting with friends in real time.

I rarely talk on the phone because I'm not a talker. I prefer to write so friends / family contact me via email or text. I haven't carried my netbook since receiving the Evo, there's no need.

I've used Google's GPS Navigation on a  trip to Santa Barbara and it did a fantastic job of getting us to our destination. We purposely went off route and it redirected us without getting us lost or adding miles.

The GPS has been very accurate when inputting a destination and seeking directions from the point I am at. It has never steered us wrong or taken us out of the way. Also the estimated mileage has been accurate.

I've installed apps (Tweetdeck, Angry Birds, Magic Gems, Red Laser, Yahoo! Mail, Kindle for Android)  just as I do on a regular computer with no hanging or slowing  the OS. The Android OS has been stable and reliable with many apps updating their software monthly.

If I'm reading feeds in Google Reader or tweets on Tweetdeck and a call does come through, I am alerted by the caller's name flashing across my screen and asking if I want to Answer or Decline the call. I normally keep my phone on vibrate as I don't like being interrupted by ringing or a vanity tune. I think this is a great touch and I never worry about missing a call.

Having been with Verizon's CDM network forever I didn't know it is possible to talk on the phone and surf the web, read email, text, etc. while the phone is engaged! I never knew what I was missing so being able to look up a phone number in my contacts as I speak to someone has been a huge "wow" factor.

The Evo's screen is also very crisp and legible and I do not experience eye strain when reading a Kindle book. I have four books saved and appreciate the convenience of reading one when I have the time which not surprisingly is in waiting rooms.

The screen's 3" X 6" size is perfect for game play again usually when waiting and the Evo's clarity makes it easy to have fun and enjoy Angry Birds or Bejeweled. Oh the sound is very good an added bonus when angry birds are well, being angry!

OTT

I previously shared how buying the Western Digital Live TV Plus and Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p have improved my viewing experience of video podcasts like the Paranormal Report, London Landscape, Tekzilla, Alaska HDTV, 30 Odd Minutes and GeekBeatTV.

I don't think I've mentioned  how instrumental these devices have been in ensuring that I watch these shows sooner than later. It used to be I'd download them to an external hard drive where they'd sit for months.

The podcasts that remained on my iPod weren't being viewed because I didn't like watching a small screen or having to hold the device when viewing. Oh and I can't forget that the sound quality through ear buds isn't so great. I prefer the sound system on my TV.

Now I'm wondering how viewing  shows on these devices affects the podcaster's stats? Since I do not subscribe to these podcasts via iTunes, how does the podcaster quantify the numbers for advertisers?

After experiencing the joy and convenience of viewing video podcasts on the TV, if I had to revert to watching them on the iPod or computer screen I wouldn't bother subscribing again.

My household isn't considering "cutting the cord". We're cable TV subscribers who want to view a show when it airs not after the season's ended and it's released on DVD. I'm not advocating cutting the cord but simply sharing the value the Roku and Western Digital Live TV Plus add.

I am a Netflix subscriber and we do watch both DVDs and stream movies, but for me the OTT devices are a great value for viewing video podcasts. I guarantee that once you try it you won't go back!

The Streaming Battle

NetFlix chart shows Charter Cable as the #1 ISP with great speed when streaming flicks yet, I've had dropped connections when streaming a movie. At times I've had to stop watching and try again later.

If you're thinking I'm exhausting the bandwidth by streaming a movie and surfing the Net, I'm not good at multitasking like that. I do one or the other and no one else in the household is surfing.

My coworker has Time Warner Cable and her son's experiencing major problems streaming Netflix mid-day when most folks are at work. Her adult son works nights and likes to stream content during the day and can't because the stream dies or becomes pixelated with dialog out of sync. Of course, calls to TWC customer support resulted in her being told it's not their problem but Netflix.

This comes at a time when Netflix is under siege by major telcos who say “Show us the money!” The telcos / broadband providers allege that streaming movies taxes their networks costing them more money to deliver gigabytes of movies / tv shows to our homes. They want Netflix to pay for this, as well as you and I.

I'm reminded of the old days when I was sucker punched into paying $17.99 plus for a compact disc of music. Sometimes the CD had only 10 songs with less than 45 minutes of music, but there I was dishing the $$$.

Consumers are much savvier now and we understand that costs are minimal once the infrastructure is in place. The telcos alone have been subsidized by you and I in creating and stabilizing their networks. The greedy telcos still want more.

We are not users of the eighties.

We are unwilling to pay a 150% mark up.

We want to enjoy the media when and how we want.

The barn doors are open and the cows are in the field grazing.

Wake up telcos / broadband providers we're not going to be cheated!

Broadband 2 Go

I haven't used the Virgin Mobile $40 unlimited Broadband2Go for awhile because I haven't needed to. Since Boo bought me the Sprint Evo with web connectivity, I haven't needed to carry my netbook with me.

Also, I haven't been playing FarmVille as I once did so I don't need to login to Facebook to harvest, plow and seed my crops. Sadly, this is one thing that I cannot do with the Evo. It would be rather difficult and tedious to farm on the Evo, nevermind navigate FV.

Still I was surprised when Virgin Mobile announced they were discontinuing the $40 unlimited Broadband2Go option. It scarcely lasted four months and, while the other telcos long ago discontinued their offers, I wondered why Virgin Mobile offered theirs?

Marketing.

Positioning.

Yep, that's why Virgin Mobile offered it. So they could stand out for a few months and hopefully attract new customers who, after being disappointed by the other telcos, would flock to the White Knight that Virgin Mobile positioned itself as.

Well, I'm glad I don't have a need for mobile broadband. I'm glad that I've stopped playing FV. I'm glad that I'm not committed to a 2 year contract with Virgin Mobile or any telco. The no contract or ETF is all they have going for them now.

Virgin Mobile will offer a $40 plan with a 5 gig cap. It may not be clearly stated but once the implied 5 gig cap is exceeded they begin throttling your speed.

Photography Memes and Projects

Back in 2004 I was very active in Photo Memes and Projects because they provided a challenge that spurred me to take photos. The more photos I snapped for each challenge the more familiar I became with my camera and I began seeing ordinary things differently.

One person sees a bed of flowers as "a bed of flowers" where I could appreciate its symmetry and how the variety of colors complemented each other or how the sun cast a shadow making for an interesting shot, you get the picture (no pun intended).

So seven years later I've stopped snapping photos. I still carry my camera but have stopped participating in photo memes. I'm feeling the void.

I spent this morning researching photo meme sites and deciding which ones interested me. My goal in 2011 is to participate in one photo meme each week and, just as in the beginning, simply enjoy snapping photos without getting hung up on perfection.

The more projects I participate in the more experience I will gain. As my experience grows my skill will improve. As my skill improves my confidence grows. Along the way, I will reap enjoyment from from doing something creative and allowing it to flourish!

2011 Photo Project

Are you making any changes this year?

Over the Top TV (OTT)

Back in August 2010 I bought Western Digital's WD TV Live Plus media player at Best Buy. After taking so long to decide on a media player I didn't want to wait for delivery from Amazon and luck was with me that Best Buy matched Amazon's price.

I settled on Western Digital's media player over the Roku because back then the Roku's features and pricing were more expensive than WD's. The WD TV Live Plus (and the features I mention are available only on the Plus) has:

• External USB ports for connecting an external drive for viewing photos, downloaded video podcasts or your home videos.
• Native 1080p HD viewing (meaning I can view Netflix at its native 720p), Netflix is upgrading to 1080p
• Support for HDMI, component and composite video connectivity
• Ethernet connection, wifi connectivity an option with purchase of wifi adapter

A similarly priced Roku offered:

• No external USB port
• Native 720p HD only
• HDMI support only (connectivity to older TVs not supported)
• Wifi and Ethernet connectivity

So buying Western Digital's TV Live Plus gave me more bang for the buck! Almost six months later the feature / price ratio has changed in Roku's favor as the Roku XD has reduced in price and offers:

• An external USB port
• Native 1080p HD
• HDMI, component and composite video connectivity
• Built-in wifi and Ethernet connection
• Suite of native apps for a variety of services like UStream.TV, YouTube, TWIT.TV, Revision3, Blubrry, Netflix, Amazon Video, HuluPlus, blip.TV, The Onion News Network and finally the iTunes Podcasts library among many others.

I know this because in December I wanted another media player for my bedroom and opted for the Roku XD/S which Amazon featured as a Black Friday purchase for $59.00!

Roku has an online database of channels members can elect to add (most are free) to their My Channel feature and, of all the channels I've added, the iTunes Podcast channel has proven the best. I am now able to access all of my favorite video podcasts via the iTunes Podcasts channel easily and conveniently for viewing on my television.

Most of the video podcasts I was viewing on the WD TV Live Plus media player were those I had downloaded to an external drive and then connected to the WD TV Live Plus for viewing on the TV.

However Roku makes it so convenient and easy that I no longer need to download my video podcasts, save them to an external drive and then connect the USB drive to the Roku. I simply select iTunes Podcasts channel and begin watching!

Happy New Year!

So it's obvious that I've done a lousy job of blogging in 2010 and have plenty of room for improvement. The irony is that I have at least one idea per week that I could easily expand on if I'd simply login and blog.

Why I don't do so has less to do with time and everything to do with laziness and lack of discipline. I'm a huge procrastinator whose mantra is: "I'll do it later." Of course, later never comes and blogging goes undone.

Now I'm not making a resolution to blog weekly because we know that's a sure fire recipe for failure. Does anyone you know end up keeping a resolution? No one I know has ever succeeded. Everyone I know begins with good intentions but ends in failure.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a terrific start in the New Year. There's a saying about how one ends the year defining how the New Year will progress.

I ended mine with friends laughing, eating, chatting up a storm and sober, which I feel bodes well for 2011. I spent New Year's Day with family laughing, eating, looking at photos, chatting more, playing board games and feeling loved. I appreciated having my family together in good health and spirit.

How did you end 2010 and herald the New Year?