Dear Constant Reader (5-27-08) 27 Reads

INTRO:  Well, where better to start than with the end.  This was one of the last blogs I posted on MySpace.  The actual farewell.  It received quite a few comments and goodbyes but they have since been lost because I have been away from MySpace for years and I have since deleted those acquaintances.  Side-note: I actually wrote this blog on a blackberry during my lunch hour so I had to reformat it here on Blogger.  My wife posted a farewell on it as well and funny enough it made me sad.  She was one of my most regular commentators naturally and to see her say goodbye was sad even though I see her everyday.  Silly isn't it?

If you are still around, I thank you.

While part of me writes my blogs to get things off my chest that I could never say out loud, a large part of me would write only to enjoy your comments and opinions. For a few years now I have enjoyed the camaraderie we shared here on MySpace. We have all seen its popularity soar then go down in flames. I will keep my account. But as for the blogging, I have moved on for a few reasons which I shall list below.

1. Most importantly, I can access my new blog from work. During my lunch I would enjoy this whenever I could without any major restrictions and access to a full keyboard.  (Those restrictions are now in place so I can't access Blogger easily either anymore.)
2. I tried many different websites and although the community aspect of BlogSpot is lacking, the interface and accessibility is top notch. I can E-Mail post my Blogs!
3. I tried Blogsome and I thank Farhan, Urkanji and my wife of course for following me there. Blogsome forces commenters to go through the trouble of registering and then their comments are displayed very tiny and in a very ugly fashion. If anything I treasure your comments most of all and would hate to see them belittled in that fashion. Facebook doesn't allow the same blogging freedoms I have grown accustomed to.
4. BlogSpot/Blogger allows customizable templates including small unobtrusive Google "add-cents" ads which are ALWAYS welcome. Like one of my blogs? Click an add, throw me a nickle. ; )

So for those reasons and many other tiny insignificant ones, unexpected MySpace errors and hyperlink filters included, I bid you farewell and thanks for all the fish!

P.S. If you would like to continue reading my filth, please check out my new location. As always, you are more then welcome, inclined to participate. TheSilentPodium.BlogSpot.com.

The Archives

EDIT:  Fixed that weird DIGG glitch.  Sorry folks.

Well Hello again.

It seems I'm almost posting regularly again doesn't it? I wish that could be the case but no. I just had one free day to type away and I'm taking advantage and posting forward as I like to call it.

My blogs first began on a website called MSN Groups. It then became MSN Spaces but that was a miserable failure. Eventually I started posting on MySpace and that was when I really developed a following with my harsh blogs. By "a following" I mean 5-10 regular readers who were essentially complete strangers to me. To have someone read and care passionately about the words I type is the most flattering thing I could experience and that's why I refer to it as a following. Out of respect for them, not me.

Well MySpace has one foot in the grave and I don't want to lose those blogs so as I think I've mentioned before, I intend to bring those blogs here, comments and all. I have since lost some friends so I will not be able to bring some of those comments along unfortunately. They disappear once we lose our acquaintance. :(

I'm just posting this as a reminder to you all that some of the blogs you will see will be a little out of date so please be patient OK? Some of them might include introductions if I feel they need one.

Thanks again for reading my garbage and I hope you enjoy a look into the unstable beginnings of my blogging habit.

Minor Changes and about the Future of The Silent Podium

I really wish it was easier to post here on Blogger than it is.  I don't really know what Google could do to improve things.  Not much I guess since the entire blogging fad seems to be slowly deminishing.

Its all YouTube and Facebook now.  Instant uploads and mobile editing.  Something Blogger never quite captured.  Sure you can post an e-mail to a blog but the editing and formatting just isn't a pleasant experience.  I used to love uploading photos and content but now the editing time just isn't there.  You can't even expand the compose window in some browsers!

Enough of my whining.  This post was just to let you all know that the format changes were intentional.  Though I loved the look of the blog before, it really wasn't easy on the eyes.  The font was small and the contrast was harsh.  I made some minor changes and went with the updated Blogger templates.  Limited but at least compatible with everything Blogger does.

Hopefully it will be easier to read and a more pleasant experience.  For those of you who still come around.  If anyone is still actually there anymore.  :)

Most of the time I have spent away has stupidly been wasted on Facebook.  The thing is, Facebook offered that ease of use I sought from Blogger.  Quick contact, notifications, responses, mobile support etc. etc.  Here I would get one or two responses, (great ones but still, one or two) and on Facebook I would get a ton.  I created this blog with the intention of it becoming a place to debate, hence the title.  I can do no such thing on Facebook since the people there aren't really the "discourse" type.  More of a "nice pic!" and "I love that restaurant!" type of group. :(

This was a debate blog and debate we did.  It had tremendous success as far as I am concerned.  I know other blogs have done much better but I never imagined something I would do would generate 60,000 hits!  That's amazing and I'm sad to see it in the state that it is currently in.

I will try to post now and again, shorter forms.  None of the long essays I used to do.  (I would still love to but can't.)  Perhaps then I can resurface the prior activity.  This will never be a website that generates revenue but I will at least try to have fun with it.

I hope you will too.

Friend List

This will be a short one.  The only type I have time for anymore unfortunately.

I’ve never been the social sort.  I don’t make friends easily.  I think I am accepting of people and acknowledge that I don’t need to and shouldn’t need to be in order to be social.  So it isn’t that I feel I am going out of my way to be pleasant.  I just don’t attack people for their beliefs or lifestyle.

I lose friends quickly.  Quicker than I can make them unfortunately so I can honestly say that I don’t have a lot of people I can use the term “friend” to describe them.  A “friend” to me is someone you miss and long to see.  Not someone you talk to once in a while or contact only when you need help.

I only long for and miss my immediately family.  Perhaps that can be seen as cold but that is just the way I feel.

Making friends for me is very hard.  Not that I don’t know how.  I just think it takes a lot of work.  A lot of work that I intentionally do not choose to take upon myself.

I was originally going to title this one “Friend Recipe” since it was intended to be what I believe it takes to make and keep friends.  I changed it though because it implies a procedure as most recipes do.  This will not be any formula.  It is more like a list of rules you should follow to make and keep friends.  Since most social network websites keep “friends lists” I liked the play on words and decided to title it as such.

Now on to the list!

• ·         Try to avoid discussing anything serious for more than 5 minutes.
• ·         Never disagree with a friend’s religious beliefs.
• ·         Never share your concerns about a friend’s bad habits.
• ·         Never overstay your welcome.
• ·         Try to avoid being the first to arrive when invited anywhere.
• ·         Try to avoid being the last to leave when invited anywhere.
• ·         Never ask for a favor and only accept help when they show genuine interest in helping.
• ·         Avoid sharing your true opinions about your friend’s likes/dislikes unless you agree with them.
• ·         Always pay for AT LEAST your portion of the meal or event +tip if you are out together.
• ·         Never acknowledge that you know more about anything they do.
• ·         If you leave an event early, never let them know if you are going to another event.
• ·         Never try to gain favor with their friends and/or significant other.
• ·         If your friend’s acquaintances start giving you more attention than they do your friend, leave.
• ·         Aim to spend more on gifts to each other than they do but not by too much.
• ·         Aim to spend less on gifts to a mutual friends and acquaintances than they do, again, not by much.
• ·         Never brag or show pride in anything around them.
• ·         Aim to maintain the same level of excitement they do towards anything.
• ·         …and so on and so forth…

I’m sure by now you understand the relationship environment I’m creating here.  This is NOT to be taken as a set of commandments for all people and for all time.  It is a set of rules you could use to help build that early friendship into something stronger, much later in life.  Eventually, you will be able to share your true self but not until that time is right.

Many friendships fizzle because the rules are broken much too early.

Now you may be thinking, “That’s a pretty shallow person you are trying to make a friendship with.”  Well, we would be lying if we didn’t admit that we are each a little shallow in our own way.  These rules cover many of the bases and establish a vibe you could keep just to be safe.  You never know, that very shallow person could turn into a friend for life once you develop a bond.  That bond though doesn’t come easy and they should not be expected to carry the weight of all your baggage at once as soon as you meet.

What are your thoughts?  Any critical rules you would like to add?

Judging a Book by its Cover

Though considered inspirational and perhaps even motivational the old saying doesn't really carry the literal weight it used to in my opinion.  Before books had relatively plain covers and the more they were read, the more worn out they were.  A book could look ugly but that could mean it was a great read.  Nowadays bookcovers are, for lack of a better word, covered from edge to edge in fancy bright and eyecatching art.  They are all competing to stay afloat in a sea of published works.  This brings me to the title of my post.  I am guilty of judging books by their cover and I don't feel...guilty at all about it.  :smileywink:

Why?

There are many, many books out there that capture my attention.  I enjoy many different genres.  One of which is Science Fiction which to my dismay is usually jammed and blended with Fantasy in book stores.  (Even in the nook e-book store its crammed in with Horror as well.  :smileymad:)  But I digress.

As a fan of GOOD Science Fiction I am the first to admit that there are a LOT of really bad and corny stories out there.  I use the covers as a warning.  If the book as hart with a half naked woman with a gun, its probably not worth reading.  It seems that many of these books try to compensate for terrible literature with eye catching covers.  I usually look paste the especially terrible ones.

Yes I know its a shame and I can potentially lose out on a great novel but when I am window shopping, I can't help but let my instincts guid me.  Of course if a book comes recommended I won't deny myself from reading the back or the first chapter.  More often than not however, those books with terrible art reflect the ridiculous content inside.  This can be applied to other genres as well of course.  Sometimes the titles alone are so pompous I take it as a warning.  If the title proclaims that it is the ultimate of anything it has a lot to live up to.  If it is a relatively unheard of novel that didn't receive rave reviews chances are it failed so those claims are now emblazoned on its cover like an embarrassing scar.

I understand the desire for a clean minimalist title but when you have a name like "The ____" you expect that book to be the be all end all for that topic.  The encyclopedia of that _____. When it comes to books with simple titles like that I put a lot of weight on that second word.  Now of course this isn't fail-proof as history has shown.  Titles like "I, Robot" would NEVER have caught my attention.  This book below would never have been read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As I get older however, my time becomes ever more precious and I have to choose the investments carefully.  I am a completionist and there is nothing worse than knowing you have 600+ pages to go on a terrible story with a protagonist named Captain Gunblaze.

Free iPhone 4 Cases - Summary (FIXED)

Here are the available iPhone 4 cases you have all been hearing about.  I have attached the photos captured from the application and the retail price if you were to buy them on your own.

The Apple iPhone 4 Bumper $29.99 – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

The most minimal of them all.  This one is just a rubber ring that wraps around the edge of your iPhone 4.  It is NOT a “case” by standard definition.  It does NOT cover the back of your iPhone which has already been proven prone to scratch even though it has the class on the back now as well.  Keep in mind the white is NOT part of the case.  That is the white version of the iPhone 4 which is currently unavailable.  It is important to note that the nice things about this minimal case are that it keeps the antenna protected from interference.  The buttons are built into the case too which is really nice.

Incase Snap Case for iPhone 4 clear $24.99 – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

This one has yet to be created or featured on the manufacturers website.  I fear this one may take longer to ship than the others.  I personally like this one and may choose it because it keeps the iPhone looking very much like what the artists designed it to look like.  It also has easy access to the earphone plug and dock connector.  Anyone who moves their iDevice around to any number of different docks and devices will find this very convenient.  If you have a cover or mirror shield on your phone this may also be nice since the rubber type cases tend to rub with the edges of the plastic covers wearing them down and eventually ripping them off.

Incase Snap Case for iPhone 4 clear $24.99 – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

This case on the surface looks very similar to the one above but there are a few things that concern me.  First of all the cut for the camera and flash come VERY close to the lens and flash.  This can be a problem since the flash light will reflect, possibly ruining your picture.  This is only a render and not a photo of the actual product however and this may change.  Something to watch out for.  Also the rubber type cases tend to wear down and “loosen” after continuous removal for docking and cleaning.  It may be hard plastic but you can’t tell from the images.

Belkin Shield Micra for iPhone 4 clear $24.99  – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

This one is VERY similar to the Incase Snap Case but it doesn’t appear to the have the separation access at the top and bottom.  Also the plastic looks a little thicker which could be good or bad depending on your taste.  It also looks like it has a sharper edge than the rounded Incase.  I added a cropped selection of the two for comparison.  Both are reliable brands.

Griffin Motif iphone 4 diamonds/smoke $19.99 – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

This one is a very interesting blend of two different styles of phones.  It looks like it MAY have a hard plastic feel but it could also be flexible rubber but what is different about this one is that it has a typical opaque design with the diamond texture but it is still a little clear.  Very nice at first glance but the plastic comes very close to the flash so beware.  I’m betting on a flexible rubber feel though by the looks of the arching on the top and bottom.

Griffin Reveal Etch iPhone 4 – Black/Black Graphite $24.99  – Expected shipment 3 - 5 weeks.

This one could potentially be one of the most eye catching of the bunch.  It looks like some kind of fabric though it it is actually “etched” polycarbonate.  (AKA plastic)  I intentionally increased the contrast on the second side image so you can get a good look at the overlaid buttons which could be unresponsive and not nearly as nice as the integrated ones in Apple’s bumper.

Speck Fitted Case – Black Tartan $29.95 – Expected Ship 3 – 5 weeks.

This one I have confirmed is a fabric-backed panel which I find very interesting and could imagine would feel super comfortable in your hand.  One thing I do not like however is the fact that this model adds a very noticeable curve to the edge which makes your new iPhone 4 look like last year’s 3Gs.  Petty I know but part of what sells the product is the design and its distinguished new form factor.  (One which will invariably be copied many times over in the coming year.)

Speck PixelSkin HD iPhone 4 – Black $29.95 – Expected shipment 4 - 6 weeks.

This particular shell has a very rugged look.  I’m worried by the button overlays.  They don’t look like they would be easy to press and the speaker and microphone holes look like they would be more of an obstruction than anything.  Forget about docking this with the plastic so close to the dock connector.  Even the earphone connector looks like it will be a tight fit with the larger plugs.

Anyway for those of you interested in picking up your free iPhone case all you have to do is download and install an application called iPhone 4 Case Program.  I would post a link directly to the app store but you have to do it from your phone in order to request your case.  You only get one, naturally.  I hope this was helpful.

My opinion?  I’m usually pretty careful with my equipment but I DO put my phone in my pocket.  Those rubber or soft plastic cases seem to collect and possibly even generate lint as they slip into my pocket so I am avoiding those.  That said I’m leaning towards the hard plastic cases.  I like the clear ones because I want to see what I’m holding.  I like the new design and want to enjoy it.  Hiding it in an ugly shell just ruins the elegant lines that Apple Inc. so painstakingly takes time to design.  Since I dock my phone at work, on my bedstand, on my speakers and at my computer…the Incase seems the best bet for me IF it can dock with the shell on.  For my older 3G I had the type that half of the bottom would slip off.  None like that are featured here though they are available.  Some of those designs are even available from these very same manufacturers.  They just aren’t offered like these free solutions.

This blog took me a LOT more time than it should have.  I hope it is useful to someone. J