just my thoughts...

twitter and job searching...

2009-08-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

10 job tweeters you should be following
By Anthony Balderrama
CareerBuilder.com writer
CNN.com

When microblogging and social networking site Twitter debuted three years ago, plenty of people wrote it off as yet another pointless addition in the overcrowded networking world.

Considering the site only allows people to post, or Tweet, messages of 140 characters or less, you can't blame early skeptics.

But little by little, users proved the site's worth to nonbelievers. Last year, student James Karl Buck was traveling in Egypt and wound up in jail. He Tweeted "arrested" to notify his friends of what was going open and ultimately get out of jail.

During the 2008 presidential election, candidates reached out to voters using the service. When a plane crashed into the Hudson River in January, a Twitter user posted the first photograph from the scene. Read more here

another music sharing lawsuit...

2009-08-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like record companies are getting serious about file-sharing music. A Boston University grad student has to pay $675,000 for downloading and distributing 30 songs. It appears that people who download and distribute music are the ones the record companies are hitting hard. This student has to pay $22,500 per song. Seems kind of extreme to me but I guess they're trying to send a message. Check out the article.

an artificial pancreas...

2009-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Researchers believe they made a important step in the treatment of diabetes. If you have diabetes or know someone who has it, then you're aware of the constant checking of blood sugar, insulin injections, changing diet, medications, etc. Researchers are currently conducting clinical trials on an artificial pancreas that can aid in the treatment of diabetes. Hopefully, the results of the trials will be highly successful. Check out the article.

BET Awards...

2009-06-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

First off, let me say that I don't believe the whole show was a waste. Their were some good performances (the O'Jays, Jamie's tribute song to MJ, etc.) and good moments (Alicia Keys and Wyclef's humanitarian awards, Janet Jackson's incredible strength on stage, etc.) but everything else...everything else can pretty much be summed up in this clip.

just my thoughts...

Michael Jackson's death causes Internet traffic...

2009-06-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's fame is so huge that his death caused internet sites to be temporally overloaded with users. Read the article below...

Jackson dies, almost takes Internet with him

By Linnie Rawlinson and Nick Hunt
CNN

LONDON, England (CNN) -- How many people does it take to break the Internet? On June 25, we found out it's just one -- if that one is Michael Jackson.

The biggest showbiz story of the year saw the troubled star take a good slice of the Internet with him, as the ripples caused by the news of his death swept around the globe.

"Between approximately 2:40 p.m. PDT and 3:15 p.m. PDT today, some Google News users experienced difficulty accessing search results for queries related to Michael Jackson," a Google spokesman told CNET, which also reported that Google News users complained that the service was inaccessible for a time. At its peak, Google Trends rated the Jackson story as "volcanic."

As sites fell, users raced to other sites: TechCrunch reported that TMZ, which broke the story, had several outages; users then switched to Perez Hilton's blog, which also struggled to deal with the requests it received.

CNN reported a fivefold rise in traffic and visitors in just over an hour, receiving 20 million page views in the hour the story broke. Read whole article here.

the king of pop...

2009-06-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

The man didn't just have hits...he had CLASSICS. If I start listing his classic songs, I might end up listing every song he ever made. I remember when I was a kid, I would come home after school and ask my parents to put on the Thriller music video and Moonwalker. I grew up to MJ's music. From the Jackson 5 to Invincible...Michael was it.

RIP

$1.9M for file-sharing music...

2009-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Facing the music: $1.9M file-sharing verdict stuns Minn. mom
USAtoday.com

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — A replay of the nation's only file-sharing case to go to trial has ended with the same result — a Minnesota woman was found to have violated music copyrights and must pay huge damages to the recording industry.

A federal jury ruled Thursday that Jammie Thomas-Rasset willfully violated the copyrights on 24 songs, and awarded recording companies $1.92 million, or $80,000 per song.

Thomas-Rasset's second trial actually turned out worse for her. When a different federal jury heard her case in 2007, it hit Thomas-Rasset with a $222,000 judgment.

The new trial was ordered after the judge in the case decided he had erred in giving jury instructions. Read rest of article here.

T-Mobile myTouch...

2009-06-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile has recently announced the future release of their new smartphone, the myTouch. It's clear that T-Mobile is making an attempt to compete with the new iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre (which is a pretty nice phone). The myTouch is another Google-powered phone like the T-Mobile's G1 but this phone is completely touch screen. T-Mobile claims that the myTouch is different from other smartphones because it will allow consumers to personalize the phone. The consumer will be able to add widgets, music, a personal calender, photos, and web link shortcuts. Doesn't sound much different from the iPhone to me but we'll see. The myTouch will be available for T-Mobile customers July 8 for $199. Check out this article about the myTouch.

Young Writer's Block newsletter...

2009-06-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

Here's this week's Young Writer's Block newsletter. It is an effort to take the talents of creative bloggers and combine the writings of the authors into an online newsletter. The newsletter focuses on issues that would be of interest to the young professional. Through the efforts of the bloggers, those who read these revelations of the authors involved will hopefully be inspired to think critically, discuss with one another the truth and validity of these articles, and finally to engage in applying the lessons read in their personal life or the community they live in. Enjoy!

HEALTH, BEAUTY, & FASHION

Sunscreen Does a Body Good...Luscious Lips, Mu Ah! Kisses! Read more from Tasia S. at http://queentahj.blogspot.com/2009/06/lusicous-lips-cancer-free.html

INSPIRATION'S CORNER

Check out what Brandelyn C has to say at http://beencee.com/blog2/2009/06/shriveled_and_balled_up.html

The race was not given to the swift....life can make you tired at times, but keep your head up and keep God first. Check this out from Shantell H.: http://themoralmuse.blogspot.com/2009/06/yes-times-have-changed-but-some-things.html

POLITICS NEWS & SOCIETY

Republicans jealous of Obama? Seems like they hate his charisma...Read more from Corey P at http://theapathyremedy.blogspot.com/2009/06/jealousy-unleashed-rnc-downs-obamas.html

MUSIC

This week's post is dedicated to the smooth jazz/soul r&b lovers out there, check out the sounds coming from SonikBoom Productions. Read more from Sharniece M at http://eardrumkrushez.blogspot.com/2009/06/introducing-sonikboom-productions.html

iPhonge 3GS...

2009-06-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

New iPhone 3GS heats up smartphone wars
By A. Pawlowski
CNN.com

(CNN) -- When Apple starts selling what it bills as the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet on Friday, the company's latest entry will only heat up the already sizzling smartphone landscape.

Fans, techies and ordinary consumers eager to purchase the new iPhone 3GS may be preparing to stand in line at Apple stores around the United States and seven other countries. But they have more choices than ever when it comes to phones that act like mini-computers.

"We expect that [smartphones are] going to be the fastest growing consumer segment for quite some time," said Ryan Reith, a senior research analyst for technology research firm IDC.

"It's all about connecting to the outside world."

The U.S. smartphone market grew by 68 percent last year and is projected to grow by 20 percent in 2009 and almost 25 percent next year, according to IDC. Compare four smartphones

No wonder companies are rushing to meet the demand for sleek mobile devices that combine e-mail, data, music, photos -- all in the palm of one's hand.

Interested in something other than the iPhone? The options include the new Palm Pre, Research in Motion's BlackBerry Storm or phones powered by Google's Android or Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating systems.

The key is having access to the Internet anytime, anywhere. Read more here.

Young Writer's Block Newsletter...

2009-06-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

There is an initiative that I am a part of, called the Young Writer's Block. It is an effort to take the talents of creative bloggers and combine the writings of the authors into an online newsletter. The newsletter focuses on issues that would be of interest to the young professional. Through the efforts of the bloggers, those who read these revelations of the authors involved will hopefully be inspired to think critically, discuss with one another the truth and validity of these articles, and finally to engage in applying the lessons read in their personal life or the community they live in. Enjoy!

MUSIC
Sharniece M on the Black Eyed Peas: Hear it before you buy it. The deluxe edition of Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. at album.http://eardrumkrushez.blogspot.com/2009/06/album-previewreview-end-deluxe-edition.html

INSPIRATION'S CORNER
Some words of inspiration from Brandelyn C. on life, trusting God, and learning to get out of your own way. Read more at http://beencee.com/blog2/2009/06/let_it_be.html

Check out Issa S. and see what new things she is bringing us as it relates to art, creativity and design at http://blankbareclean.blogspot.com/2009/06/roninss.html

TECHNOLOGY
Cell phone elbow - pain caused from spending too much time on the cell phone. Really?! Check out the full article from John F. at http://justjsthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/06/cell-phone-elbow-for-real.html

ACTIVISM & CAUSES
The fight for gay rights has been what some would describe as the new generation civil rights movement. Read what William G. has to say about this movement from a "straight male's perspective" at http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF01A516D1000800996DFC/User/Blog/BlogPostDetail.aspx

HEALTH, BEAUTY, FASHION
For the ladies and the men: Check out what Chris M has to say about thrift store shopping. We all know times are hard in ther current state of the economy, so maybe you might learn something about frugality!
http://mrsociallyactive.blogspot.com/2008/10/do-your-wardrobe-favor.html

POLITICS, NEWS, SOCIETY
Reconciliation. That is the name of the game between America and countries with large Muslim populations. Read what Corey P has to say about what Obama's trip to Cairo, Egypt is supposed to accomplish and why reconciliation is important to all Americans at Cell phone elbow - pain caused from spending too much time on the cell phone. Really?! http://theapathyremedy.blogspot.com/2009/06/can-you-forgive-america-o-muslim-world.html

10 ways twitter will change american business...

2009-06-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the article.

lisa leslie's last season...

2009-06-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

Even if you've never watched a WNBA game, I'm sure you've at least heard of the name Lisa Leslie. After 13 years with the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and one of the four remaining players who played in the WNBA's inaugural season, Leslie is hanging up the hoopin' shoes after this season. She's one of only four basketball players (that's including men too) to win MVP, All-Star MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year. Plus, she's the first women's professional basketball player to dunk in a game. The Los Angeles Sparks have been fortunate. Even though they lose Lesile, they still have Candace Parkers, and Parkers's game is solid.

Check out the article at WNBA.com.

cell phone elbow? for real...

2009-06-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Cell phone elbow - pain caused from spending too much time on the cell phone. Google it...seriously. You can add that to the list of "injuries caused by overuse of elbow" right below tennis elbow and golf elbow. It might sound funny but apparently it's something doctors are seeing in patients. It's actually nothing brand new. The condition is called cubital tunnel syndrome which is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. The difference is that cubital tunnel syndrome occurs in your elbow and not your wrist. Bending your elbow for an extended period of time can damage the nerve in your arm which can cause tingling in your ring and small finger. So if you've had this feeling before while talking on your phone, then you've experienced cell phone elbow. Want to avoid it? Please remember to switch hands when talking on the phone for long hours. If that's too hard, use one of the many wonderful hands free devices available to you.

Check out these articles at CNN.com and ScientificAmerican.com about it.

hillarious...

2009-05-30T21:20:00.001-07:00

Young Writer's Block

2009-05-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

HEALTH BEAUTY AND FASHION:
Brazilian Waxes or Razors? Which one do you prefer? Read about the newest must have hair removal method for women during the summer season. http://queentahj.blogspot.com/2009/05/brazilian-waxes-are-they-new-razors.html

INSPIRATION'S CORNER:
Proverbs 31
The scripture in Proverbs explains the absolute perfect woman. But let's be honest with ourselves, are we really displaying ourselves to the ULTIMATE woman not only to men but God??? Read it here http://jenyork03.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/hello-world/

Swagg this...Swagg that...is the word Swagg really where it's at? So many of us have coined this phrase in our everyday lives, using it as loosely as common articles like a, an, and the. But what is Swagg?? How should it be defined?? How should it be used in daily life?? Read an introspective view on "Swagg" at http://themoralmuse.blogspot.com/2009/05/real-deal-about-swagg.html

Check out what Issa S. has to say athttp://blankbareclean.blogspot.com/2009/05/afro-coffee-african-cafe-graces_7107.html

Check out Brandelyn C. at http://beencee.com/blog2/2009/05/happiness_is.html

POLITICS, NEWS & SOCIETY
Corey P Tells you why the former Vice President Cheney needs to sit down and why he is distorting the realities surrounding Guantanamo and torture. Read more athttp://theapathyremedy.blogspot.com/2009/05/dear-cheney-torture-is-not-path-to.html

SPORTS
Buzzer beaters...double overtimes...triple overtimes...MVP and all-star performances...the 2009 NBA playoffs has been a pleasure to watch.
Read more from John F here at http://justjsthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/05/game-2-buzzer-beater.html

MUSIC
Have you noticed how rappers went from featuring pop stars on their tracks to being pop-stars? Sharniece M attempts to explain why it happened and who is to blame. Check out her reasoning:
http://eardrumkrushez.blogspot.com/2009/05/pop-star-rappers.html

wolfram|alpha...

2009-05-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

There is a new search engine that was launched on May 18 called Wolfram Alpha that is released by the same company responsible for Mathematica, a powerful program that is useful for computation, modeling, and simulations. I wouldn't expect Wolfram Alpha to surpass Google anytime soon but it is an interesting search engine. If you ever need to solve a math problem, get traffic information about Chicago, want to know how the C major 7th chord sounds like, or wonder "Am I too drunk to drive?", Wolfram Alpha can answer it for you. If you're bored at work for a few minutes, check it out. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it.

37 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists...

2009-05-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

37 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists are the numbers Lebron James needed to carry the Cavaliers to the Game 5 win they needed to continue their post season. The Magic are now leading the series 3-2 with Game 6 in Orlando. Is it possible for the Cavs to really come back and win this series? Lebron has been playing incredible basketball this whole series and had an unbelievable triple double in Game 5, but the Cavs are still down in the series. What else does the man have to do to win a game? If he's playing like this and they're still struggling to win games, I don't see them beating Orlando. It hurts me to say that because I was hoping to see them in the finals. Who knows... they could be one of the few teams to come back from 3-1 and win a series. He might need another one of his triple doubles to pull that off because he's not getting enough help from the rest of his team. Check out this article about Lebron in Game 5.

game 2 buzzer beater...

2009-05-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed it here's the game winning shot made during game 2 of the Cavs and Magic game.

song of the day...

2009-05-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Can't Stop by After 7

another facebook virus...

2009-05-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Another Facebook phishing virus is on the net. If you receive an email notification about a new Facebook message and it says "Check brunga.at" delete the email immediately. Here's an article about the virus.

nba playoffs final four...

2009-05-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Buzzer beaters...double overtimes...triple overtimes...MVP and all-star performances...the 2009 NBA playoffs has been a pleasure to watch and the Eastern and Western conference finals has not been a disappointment. In the east, we have Orlando and Cleveland. The Cavs dominated each series up to the conference finals. Lebron and the Cavs seemed to be in a league of their own until they faced the Magic. It seems the Magic are the team to give the Cavs their first real competition this playoffs.

Over in the west we have the Lakers and the Nuggets. Denver has been consistent throughout the playoffs leading up the conference finals winnning each series 4-1. Even though the Lakers are favored to win, I wouldn't be surprised if Denver ends up beating the Lakers. Denver is not to be underestimated.

The first two games of the each series has definitely been worth watching. I'm looking forward to see how the rest of the conference finals turn out.

facebook users lookout...

2009-05-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hackers launch phishing attack on Facebook users

May 16, 2009
USATODAY
By Jim Finkle, Reuters

Hackers launched an attack on Facebook's 200 million users Thursday, successfully gathering passwords from some of them in the latest campaign to prey on members of the popular social networking site.

Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said Thursday that the site was in the process of cleaning up damage from the attack.

He said that Facebook was blocking compromised accounts.

Schnitt declined to say how many accounts had been compromised.

The hackers got passwords through what is known as a phishing attack, breaking into accounts of some Facebook members, then sending e-mails to friends and urging them to click on links to fake websites.

Those sites were designed to look like the Facebook home page. The victims were directed to log back in to the site, but actually logged into the one controlled by the hackers, unwittingly giving away their passwords.

The purpose of such attacks is generally identify theft and to spread spam.

The fake domains include www.151.im, www.121.im and www.123.im. Facebook has deleted all references to those domains.

Schnitt said that Facebook's security team believes the hackers intended to collect a large number of credentials, then use those accounts at a later time to send spam hawking fake pharmaceuticals and other goods to Facebook members.

The site fought off a similar attack two weeks ago, he said.

Privately held Facebook and rival social network MySpace, which is owned by News Corp, require senders of messages within the network to be members and hide user data from people who do not have accounts. Because of that, users tend to be far less suspicious of messages they receive.

Hackers used a phishing attack last year to spread a malicious virus known as Koobface (a reference to Facebook). It was downloaded onto Facebook members' PCs when they clicked on a link sent to them in an email that looked like it had been sent by a friend on Facebook.

(Reporting by Jim Finkle; Editing by Toni Reinhold)

hometown team...

2009-05-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

What happens when you lose both of your superstars, down 2-1 in the series, and are playing the top team in the west? You start the game shooting lights and have an incredible win. I have to give it up to the Houston Rockets. I didn't think they had it in them.

song of the day...

2009-05-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

The old school group with young Babyface.

Two Occasions by The Deele

lebron and kobe...

2009-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are arguably the two most dominant players in NBA right now. After watching Game 4 of the Rockets and Lakers, my friend and I had conversation centered around the question: Who's better...Lebron or Kobe? We always hear ESPN and TNT NBA analyst imply that Lebron and Kobe are equally dominant but after watching a few of the recent playoff games, it's hard not to say that Lebron surpasses Kobe. Just looking at the stats for the playoffs, Lebron has better numbers Kobe: averaging fewer minutes along with more points per game, more assists, and more rebounds. The Cavs are undefeated in the playoffs beating every team by double digits. The Lakers lost an embarrassing game to the Rockets today. The Rockets had no Tracy McGrady and no Yao Ming and Kobe was held to 15 points.

But numbers and stats set aside, Lebron is doing things on the court that are just jaw-dropping. Don't get me wrong Kobe is good...very good actually but Lebron seems like he's playing ball against a JV squad. I'm usually one to avoid the hype around a player but Lebron is really that good. Just my thoughts...