Sep 2008
E*Trade for Bold
Sep. 30, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
I have no use for this particular app but some of you with BlackBerry Bold’s might have been wondering when E-Trade would release a compatible version of their software with the Bold. Courtesy of Boy Genius, you can now click on over to their site and get setup with the software that will work on the Bold.
The economy needs you...
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Put the phone down...
Sep. 29, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Here I’ve spent years perfecting the art of driving while emailing on my BlackBerry and now the Governor has gone and passed a law banning texting while driving in the State of California. I will say though that I’ve become less inclined to do it recently because it seems like drivers are just plain out of control in Southern California. Last minute lane changes, other people texting while driving (and not doing as good a job as me), and people who still are holding their phones up to their ear while driving.
So, come January 1, 2009, I’ll have to put the BlackBerry down and can’t even look at emails while in the car. I think I’ll be going through some serious withdrawals.
Ouch!!
This morning I went for my weekly Sunday mountain bike ride at El Morro Park in Laguna. Since the off-season’s upon us, I’m now doing this ride on Sunday’s to have a little fun and ride the single speed.
Well, today I crashed. I think I looked something like the picture above but I don’t think it was that bad. We were coming down a singletrack trail that was pretty steep in places. Coming down, I locked up my front brake and in a very nice slow motion, flew over the handlebars. My friend Joe applauded (while asking if I was okay of course) and then told me it looked pretty cool. My handlebars went into my side and I think I bruised my rib. Oh well...time to recover for Tuesday nights ride!
Presidential debates
Sep. 27, 2008 Filed in: Personal
What did you all think of the debates last night? I did fast forward through a couple of parts but really haven’t seen either candidate speak up until last night. I thought Obama was very calm and cool throughout and McCain came across as very anxious and temperamental. Both had interesting things to say but what I look forward to the most are the fact checkers, who afterwards, tell me if what they were both saying was really true. I get a kick out of it. Kinda sheds a whole new light on what we’ve just seen. Oh, and I can’t believe that Biden was on, they extended an invitation to Palin...and she declined?! What’s that all about? How long are they going to keep the VP nominee in hiding??
Cool tool from Pedro's!
Sep. 26, 2008 Filed in: Cycling
I just read about a cool new tool coming out soon from Pedro’s. If you’ve ever done any wrenching, you know about the chain whip you need to remote cassette sprockets from the rear wheel. Sometimes it’s very easy, sometimes you leave some of your knuckle on that cassette.
Enter the Vise Whip. Why didn’t I think of this?? Oh that’s right...I’m not one of the founders of Pedro’s. I can’t wait to pick one of these tools up when it comes out!
Wacky conspiracy theories
Sep. 26, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Happy Friday everyone! I came across this website from a post on one of my BlackBerry forums and thought I’d share it with you. This site lists the Top 10 Wackiest Conspiracy Theories. Did you know the Royal Family were aliens? That Microsoft has hidden messages in the Wingdings Font? I knew it!! Some of them I’m sure you’ve heard before, others were new to me. Enjoy!
E-motion Roller System
Sep. 25, 2008 Filed in: Cycling
Since I couldn’t make it out to Vegas for InterBike, I’m living the experience through several websites that are posting updates, photos and blogs from the show.
Today I read about a new set of rollers that looks pretty darn cool. Check the video below. The only down side is that they’re a little pricey. Very cool though cause I have rollers and they’re not my favorite to use in Winter. The company is Inside Ride, Inc. and you can buy their system for $795 plus shipping from their site.
Diedrich's in disguise
Sep. 24, 2008 Filed in: Technology
I think I went into a Starbucks lull and completely missed this news. Martin Diedrich, founder of my beloved Diedrich Coffee Houses that were absorbed by Starbucks, has setup shop again in OC. Kean Coffee is the new brand and he has opened one location in Newport Beach not to far from the first Diedrich’s on Westcliff Drive.
The latest news is that a second location is set to open in Tustin. The ironic thing is, the new store is going to open where the original Diedrich’s was located. The same store Starbucks bought, converted, and then shut down a year later.
Good for Martin Diedrich! I hope the store does well and I’ll certainly make an effort to get over there. I really did like that store and it always seemed to be busy whenever I went there. Who knows why Starbucks closed it but it’s definitely their loss.
Tour de Lance '08
Sep. 24, 2008 Filed in: Cycling
Rumors are running wild this morning in the cycling community. Lance is scheduled to give a speech in New York at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting at 10am EST and then field questions about his comeback at 12pm EST.
Some of the rumors circulating that seem like they could be true include the following:
Team Astana - Lance will join the team next season opening another can of worms with Alberto Contador. He’s said that if Lance joins, he’ll leave.
Tour Down Under - Officials in Australia have confirmed he’ll take part in this event as his first race of the season.
Cyclocross - Participating in cyclocross races this Fall. And, the rumor isn’t letting up at Interbike about him taking part in Thursday’s race.
There’s others as well reported here. I guess we’ll all just have to wait till 12 noon and see what’s the real deal!
Interbike Show in Las Vegas
Sep. 23, 2008 Filed in: Cycling
This week is the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. It’s actually the last year the show will be held in Vegas and then will be heading back to Anaheim. I attended the first two years in Vegas and haven’t been able to make it out since. I’m looking forward to its return in Anaheim though...much closer to me!
T-Mobile Android G1
Sep. 23, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Is it me, or does anyone else think this is pretty ugly?
The web is full of excitement this morning cause the first Android OS based phone has been introduced. The Android OS is backed by Google and the first phone will be making its debut on T-Mobile. I’m excited about the OS but couldn’t they pick a nicer design? I just think the phone looks big and bulky. Hopefully we’ll see some better designs once this hits the streets.
Touchscreen GSM BlackBerry 9530
Sep. 23, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
I knew this was coming. Verizon might have the edge on getting the first touchscreen here in the US but there is a touchscreen GSM phone coming out. Specs have leaked on what kind of device it’s going to be and rumor has it, it’s going to come out around the same time as the Verizon device. Read all about it here, courtesy of Engadget.
Jabra BT530 Review
Sep. 23, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Verizon Wireless...Now contract free
Sep. 22, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Rumors have been circulating that Verizon Wireless would soon drop the terribly annoying cell phone contract for about a week now. Today, they’ve made it official and you can now get Verizon service on a month-to-month basis with...no contract!
I can’t say that I love Verizon. As a matter of fact, I’m not a big fan of them at all. However, I think this is great and I applaud them for being the first US carrier to eliminate contracts and early termination fees. Let’s see who follows.
You do have to pay full price for your handset of choice and there is a set-up fee but, come on, no contract!
In my part of town that eliminates the hassle of trying to buy a new device with no contract. They always want to get you to renew or sign up for new service. Especially with the hot, new handsets.
The House Bunny
Sep. 20, 2008 Filed in: Personal
I want one of these!
Sep. 19, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Courtesy of Gizmodo, here’s a very cool Lego built Mac OS computer complete with Steve Jobs mini-man. Very cool. check out the link for more pics and story.
It's Talk Like A Pirate Day!
Sep. 19, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Ahoy mateys! It be Talk Like A Pirate day ye scurvy dogs!
Did you know it’s International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Remember, every September 19th, break out your Pirate dictionary and impress your friends to see how can keep up the pirate-talk the longest. check out the website link for lots of holiday information.
Way to go Microsoft
Sep. 18, 2008 Filed in: Technology
The Cactus Cup is in Las Vegas!
If you ever raced mountain bikes in the 90’s, you’ve got to remember The Cactus Cup that took place every year in Arizona. I have fond memories of going to that race and sleeping in my car because I was broke. It was a great time!
I just read on CyclingNews that the race is returning....to Las Vegas! This is great and I hope it has the same feel as the Arizona original. The article on CyclingNews brought back alot of memories of that time for me. Reading names like John Tomac, Ned Overend, Tinker, Missy Giove and Juli Furtado who were mountain biking greats while I was racing, definitely makes me miss that time.
Head over here for details about the Las Vegas event. If you’re not racing but in the area, stop by and check it out!
Yum! Yum! Cupcakes!
Sep. 18, 2008 Filed in: Personal
BlackBerry Bold for at&t in November?
Sep. 18, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Some possible depressing news for you BlackBerry Bold fans out there. The Bold might be released Nov. 1st now. I don’t think this is necessarily a delay though. Has at&t every officially announced a release date? I don’t think they have...those slippery suckers. Anyway, I’m sure it’ll be released...eventually...heck, maybe even this year!
Hey buddy, can you spare 17k?
Sep. 17, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
All I can say is...wow. This has to be a joke. First spotted on CrackBerry; someone has actually won an ebay auction for the yet to be release BlackBerry Javelin at $17,100.00. Yep, that wasn’t a typo...$17,100.00!
And I thought I was gadget obsessed. This one takes the cake. I gotta find out who this person is...
BlackBerry Bold wallpapers
Sep. 17, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
McCain helped invent the BlackBerry? What the frak?!
Sep. 16, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Here’s a good one...a top McCain policy advisor aide said that McCain helped invent the BlackBerry while addressing a group of reporters. While waving his BlackBerry, he said. “You’re looking at the miracle that John McCain heled create.” You’ve got to be kidding...
So Al Gore invented the internet and John McCain helped create the BlackBerry. Right. Yahoo News has the full story here.
But, I can’t help wonder about the lack of technical knowledge McCain possesses. He’s acknowledged that he doesn’t know how to use a computer or send email. I mean, come on. If you want to be the leader of the free world in the 21st Century, don’t you think you should know how to do stuff like that? It’s a little concerning for me.
Addicted to your BlackBerry
Sep. 16, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Here’s an interesting survey from BlackBerryCool’s website. Sheraton Hotels did a survey and found that 87% of smartphone users bring their device into the bedroom, and 84% check them before they go to sleep and right after they wake up. Very interesting...
Here are the results:
“Eighty-five percent of business travelers say they sneak a quick peek at their personal digital assistants if they happen to wake in the middle of the night, and 80 percent check their e-mail before they’ve had their morning coffee, the new study by Sheraton Hotels found.
More than a third of those surveyed - 35 percent - said if forced to make a choice, they’d stick with their PDA over their spouse, and 62 percent said that they love their little high-tech companions.”
So, are you addicted to your BlackBerry?
Today in History: Steve Jobs becomes Apple iCEO
Sep. 16, 2008 Filed in: Technology | Apple
Today all of us Apple geeks pay homage to Steve Jobs. On this date in 1997, he returned to Apple and became iCEO of the company that was not in great shape. Today we can all see the results with him at the helm and we rejoice! HaHa If you’re an Apple fanboy or girl, take a moment to look at that sleek machine of yours today and think about how much more cool your Apple is than a PC.
Here's the BlackBerry Storm
Sep. 15, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
**Update #2**
Boo on Verizon! They pulled the video...again. Apparently the launch site’s been up and down today. So, if you want to be emailed an alert when this thing comes out, check out the site here.
**Update**
I hate it when the corporate weenies pull videos from the net. Looks like the video that was on YouTube was pulled. I mean, aren’t us blogging geeks the ones who are building all the hype for their upcoming devices? Anyway, thanks to CrackBerry for loading it up again!
Well, seems CrackBerry got it first. Here’s the video for Minute with Mike that introduces the BlackBerry Storm to employees. Keep in mind this wasn’t a public announcement. Just a bunch of us BlackBerry geeks that found out about it. Keep an eye out for a formal announcement from Verizon coming soon.
BlackBerry Storm Day
Sep. 15, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
So it looks like today’s going to be BlackBerry Storm Day around the internet. Leaks of internal memos and blurry photos are making the rounds on all the sites. Check out the latest set of photos here.
All these leaks and we still haven’t seen any announcements from a guy named Mike at Verizon yet. Maybe it was all just internal announcements?
Improved GPS technology on at&t
Sep. 15, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
If you’re on at&t, there’s some good news if you have GPS on your mobile phone. News from BerryReview that at&t has just bumped up their GPS technology and I have to say, I’ve seen an improvement using Google Maps and Windows Live Search.
I’m not sure what they did exactly but both programs find my location much faster. From what I’ve read, the change is that programs will find your location first using cell tower triangulation and then pinpoint via GPS. I’m sure there’s alot more technical jargon behind that but I definitely like the improvement!
Who is Mike??
Sep. 14, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Rumor has it the BlackBerry Storm is going to be announced tomorrow by some guy named Mike at Verizon. Who is Mike? This is the much anticipated full touchscreen BlackBerry that will be exclusive to Verizon.
Don’t rush to your local Verizon store tomorrow though. The phone will just be “announced” tomorrow. And, hopefully, we’ll get a release date tomorrow and maybe even a sneak peak a the device other than what the “ninja” showed us last week.
I’m looking forward to seeing the device but I’ve heard that it uses SureType when you’re viewing the phone in vertical mode. Hmmm...I’ve tried SureType but it never really took. Should be an interesting day tomorrow.
Hard drive replacement
Sep. 14, 2008 Filed in: Personal | Technology
Yesterday afternoon, I decided to take a chance and replace the hard drive in my macbook pro. I’d been reading in forums about all of the people who have done it and, for the most part, everyone seems to have had success. So, I got a 320GB hard drive to replace the 160GB original hard drive that was slowly running out of space. Figured I’d swap it out before I was really running out of space.
Thanks to ifixit.com, I got detailed instructions on how to take my mac apart to get to the hard drive. I’ll say that, even though it was quite nerve-racking, the process was pretty easy. The only part where I got stuck was removing the front of the keyboard layer from the bottom of the mac. I think there was some kind of glue holding it and it took some work to separate it. I’ve also noticed that I now have a very small gap on the right side because that glue is not holding it together after everything was put back.
The other issue I’m dealing with today is getting everything back to normal. The drive replacement went smooth but I used a Time Machine backup to restore. The restore went about half way in the progress bar and then said it was done. I thought, “Great!”. Then I rebooted, as instructed, and found that stuff was missing. Programs would load but ask for the registration code again. All of my music and photos didn’t restore....sigh...
Luckily, all of that is in Time Machine backups. So, today, I get to go through programs and restore all those missing files.
Was it worth it? You bet! I now have close to 200GB of free space to play with. I’m sure that will go down as I find other data that didn’t restore but it should end up in the 160-180GB range. Awesome!!
Angels game tonight!
Sep. 13, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Good morning everyone. Hope you all are getting a jump start on your weekend. Or, you could all still be in bed...I don’t know. My partner at work gave me tickets to great seats at the Angels game tonight but the tickets say the game’s at 12:55pm when online, everything shows the game starts at 6:05pm. So, I guess I’ll trust the internet and show up for the 6 o’clock game. Hope there are people there!
Apple iPhone 2.1 Firmware
Sep. 12, 2008 Filed in: Technology | Apple
Did you download and install the new 2.1 firmware for your iPhone yet? If you did, have you noticed any improvements? The new update is supposed to fix issues with 3G in some areas. I have a 1st gen iPhone so haven’t noticed any issues there myself but I do wonder...if all the iPhones are clogging the 3G network, is that affecting my BlackBerry Bold getting good 3G??
Gates-Seinfeld Microsoft ads
Sep. 11, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Have you seen the new Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld Microsoft ads? There’s only been one and the second debuted this evening (see below). I thought the first one was dumb but this one was actually funny. At least I thought so. It’s a tad long at over 4 min. but if you enjoy Seinfeld humor, you should get a kick out of it.
Pick your poison
Sep. 11, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Let’s see if I can recap all these great new BlackBerry devices that are out or coming out soon...
BlackBerry 9000 (Bold): Released just about everywhere in the world except for the US. Should be coming out in October on at&t. Simply awesome device with 3G, wifi, GPS and a beautiful high-res screen.
BlackBerry 8900 (Javelin): Considered the replacement for the Curve. Same size factor but has more of the 9000 look. No 3G but will have wifi and GPS. Since at&t has said they will only have 3G devices in the future, I’m guessing we’ll see this on T-Mobile?
BlackBerry 9500 (Storm): Exclusive to Verizon and RIM’s first touchscreen device. A video is a few posts down on the blog. Looks kinda big in my opinion and since it’s only on Verizon (for now at least), I’m still big on the full size keyboard.
BlackBerry 8220 (Pearl): The first flip phone from RIM. It uses SureType and has a pretty big flip to it if you ask me. There are photos here. Look for this one on T-Mobile in red and black variations.
9/11: Always Remember
Sep. 11, 2008 Filed in: Personal
It’s hard to believe it’s the 7th anniversary of 9/11. For me, it still seems so recent. Do you remember where you were that morning? The event was definitely one where I don’t think anyone will ever forget where they were or what they were doing.
I’m not going to get all political now. If you haven’t yet, take a moment to remember all those who lost their lives that day.
A more upbeat post to follow...
First video of the BlackBerry Storm
Sep. 10, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
Good morning all. Last night, courtesy of BGR, we all got to see the new Verizon BlackBerry Storm make it’s debut on a poorly shot video by a guy dressed as a ninja. The “Brew Ninja” who admits he works as a Mobile QA Engineer over at Yahoo! (isn’t the point of being a ninja supposed to be that no one knows who you are?), gives a very dismal review of the new touchscreen BlackBerry about 2:50 into the video.
My opinion is that I read nothing into this other than to get a chance to see the new device live. The guy doesn’t even really review it other than to pick it up, press a couple buttons and then declare that he doesn’t like it. And, as one commenter on BGR said, he does look a little too much like Ralph Macchio ‘Karate Kid’ style. Anyway, if you’re interested in seeing what the Storm looks like, check the video.
**UPDATE**
Thanks to Crackberry for this one. The original video was pulled by the user. Maybe the ninja got in trouble. New video below is just of the Storm...no need to forward 2:50 in to get to the good stuff!
So what do you think of the Apple updates?
Sep. 09, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Well, the announcements have been made. What did you think of them? Highlights are iTunes 8 (which should be available at any moment now), new iPod nano’s in pretty colors (see above pic) and one single iPod classic that is 120GB and $249.
The Touch also got an update but I think the new nano is nice. I’m trying to convince myself i don’t need one but the colors are so pretty.
Apple goodies on the way!
Sep. 09, 2008 Filed in: Technology | Apple
And the Apple Store is down. We’re only 15 minutes away from today’s event that should be bringing us iTunes 8, new iPod nano’s and possibly a little surprise no one knows just yet.
I know people hate it when they take the store down just to add a new product. Personally, I kinda like it. It builds anticipation and makes you keep checking back to see what they’ve added once the store is back online. Should be an interesting day in Apple World...stay tuned!
Lance Armstrong coming back??
Sep. 08, 2008 Filed in: Cycling
Wow. This is interesting. Just heard from this VeloNews article that Lance Armstrong will be coming out of retirement to race five events with the Astana team next season. This is pretty big news. Amoung the five events will be the Tour of California and Tour de France. Is Lance going for Number 8?
BodyGuardz Screen Protector review just added
Sep. 08, 2008 Filed in: BlackBerry | Technology
My thoughts and review of the BodyGuardz screen protectors have just been added to the Reviews section. Have a look see and hope it helps when the time comes to choosing a screen protector for your device.
Opposable thumbs and BlackBerry
Sep. 08, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
While all the US impatiently awaits the release of the BlackBerry Bold, some sites are getting nostalgic and looking back at the devices of old. After all, it is 10 years since the first BlackBerry came out. Here’s a site that profiles the evolution: From Brick To Bold: The Evolution Of The BlackBerry
When did you get your first BlackBerry? I actually got mine in 2003 and hated it. I was a big Treo fan at the time. Silly me. Now I can’t live without my BlackBerry! The article is interesting. And, if you don’t want to read all the tech specs, it’s fun to just look at the pictures. One interesting point is that they didn’t include the 8700. I thought that was a great device and the step right before the Curve came out.
Hope everyone has a great start to their week!
**UPDATE: Looks like I missed the page that had the 8700 listed. Glad to see it made it on their timeline.
New iTunes features?
Sep. 07, 2008 Filed in: Technology | Apple
Rumors are still circulating about a possible release of iTunes 8 this Tuesday with a bunch of new features. Currently being discussed is a grid view, new visualizer, HD TV programs and, at the forefront, a ‘Genius playlist’ that will analyze the characteristics of that song and generate a playlist with similar songs. Something along the lines of Pandora, which is a great program in itself. Of course, we’ll all just have to wait till Tuesday to see what Mr. Jobs announces.
Bold wallpapers now in the Photos section!
Sep. 06, 2008 Filed in: Technology | BlackBerry
I’ll be adding more wallpapers to the section as I re-size ‘em. Have a look and let me know what you think. If you’d like to download them, click an image and then right click. It should save as a .png file which will open just fine on your BlackBerry. If you’d like to submit any to the site, feel free to send them to me through the Contact Me page. Visit the gallery here.
When in Rome...
Sep. 05, 2008 Filed in: Technology | Apple
Have a frakkn great weekend!
Sep. 05, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Any Battlestar Galactica fans out there? Even if you’re not a fan, you might know the meaning behind the word, frak. It’s catching on and all us BSG geeks out there and using it more and more.
The word is brilliant. It allows you to curse without actually cursing. Cool huh? Enjoy this clip below of all the times frak has been said on the first season of Battlestar Galactica. Then go and watch all the shows if you’ve never seen them. Get addicted and then come back and I’ll tell you how this awesome show is down to it’s final episodes the beginning of next year so we can all wallow in sorrow together.
Brandon Gomez is not a jerk
Sep. 04, 2008 Filed in: Personal
I’ve got a secret. I can check online and see how many thousands of people check my website daily. Okay, so it’s not thousands but surprisingly enough, there are a few of you out there. Thanks!
Well, I can also see how you landed on my lovely site. Would you believe someone Googled “Is Brandon Gomez a jerk?” and wound up here? Now, I don’t know who you are out there or why you would think I’m a jerk. Kinda makes me sad. Why would someone think I’m a jerk? I’m a nice guy...really!
Forget Chrome
Sep. 03, 2008 Filed in: Technology
Google’s new web browser, Chrome, was released into beta yesterday and it’s pretty cool and all. But, I want to talk about the Apple media event scheduled for Sept. 9th. All signs are pointing to new ipods. Woo Hoo!!
According to MacRumors, they’ve received intel that, aside from new iPod nanos and changes to the Touch, we’ll also see the introduction of iTunes 8 which will have some big changes and will be a major update.
Let the countdown begin!
Where is everyone?
Sep. 02, 2008 Filed in: Personal
It’s a crazy Monday morning here in my office. No one’s here! We have three employees off today, and everyone else is out and about. So far, I’m the only one here. Craziness I tell ya! Has anyone else every had one of those days in the office where everyone is either out sick, on a vacation day or simply not there? It certainly keeps the day interesting!
Website Redux
Sep. 01, 2008 Filed in: Personal
Today is
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