Google Android

So the iPhone finally has a viable challenger. Google is working with T-Mobile to develop Android, an open software system that appears to do all that the iPhone can do and more. While I am still learning about this software (namely due to the fact that I may be catering a paper towards it this semester) one item of interest that I want to discuss is the partnership that Android has recently established with Visa. Adage address this in an article posted today. It appears that this Visa/Android partnership may finally show the potential of mobile marketing by allowing Android users to not only sign up to receive deals specifically catered to them, but also allow them to use their phone as an actual credit card. 

Addressing the first facet of this technology, mobile marketing, this partnership may actually allow the implementation of mobile marketing efforts into the US marketplace. Currently, consumers are skeptical of mobile ads as they are perceived as highly intrusive and overbearing. By allowing consumers to sign up for ad updates as well as search the Visa/Android service for specials in their area (the article mentions searching for a local BK and finding out that you receive a 30% discount for being an Android user) mobile marketing is shifting to a pull marketing effort, which theorists have identified as the future of this process for years. 

Secondly, the use of a mobile as a credit card motions into the realization that the mobile may one day emerge as the all-encompassing technological tool. What currently reigns as one credit card partnership may possibly incorporate more cards as well as even serve as your ID or even your passport. While such technologies are still years from being fully implemented and will need to address security issues, it presents an interesting view of our potential future. 

As I mentioned at the start, I still need to do a lot more research on this topic, but it is something I suggest looking into, especially if you are one of those tech buffs who find this stuff fascinating, much like myself.

Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Well excited and enthused blog readers, I am back with another post. And this time, it is for a show that has really touched home with me lately: Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Now this show has been on for 3 years and I've never watched it until yesterday...needless to say, I am hooked. There is something about this show that is just so unique and pure within the Philadelphia environment. Maybe it is the way they interact with each other or the fact that it is filmed in Philadelphia and therefore uses true extras. I really don't know. But if you want to give this show a shot, check it out on Hulu.com. This is a streaming site that uploads TV shows and movies with limited commercial interruption. Because the show is TV-MA, you will have to register, but they won't spam you at all. If you are looking for some good episodes to get you hooked, I would suggest "Dennis Looks Like a Registered Sex Offender" or "Frank Sets Sweet Dee on Fire". After these, you too will have drank the kool-aid.

The new iPod

Wow...my 3rd post in 4 days. This has to be some type of record here...

Anyway, a lot of you know that I am a huge Mac fan. There is just something about that company that you have to love. For, I love how simplicity meets innovation. Today Apple introduced the new iPod. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to shoot over to apple.com to check it out. 

This thing looks amazing. Sure it looks like other iPods, but the features they include show just how much Apple cares about the customer. You can now shuffle your songs by shaking the iPod. Not a bad little feature if you are trying to set the mood and MegaDeath is not what gets you girlfriend or boyfriend going. 

By far the best feature of the new iPod though has to be its ability to make playlists for you. This thing will keep track of what you are listening to and will compile playlists of artists and songs from your iPod that it feels goes together. Not bad if you want a work out mix but don't know what to include.

Granted, PC is finally realizing that simplicity is king, but if you ask me they are too late. Here's to Apple/Mac fans everywhere. You know who you are, and you know how much you love these products.

Noel Gallagher gets busted up...

...and it wasn't even from Liam this time. 

So you all know that I am a pretty big Oasis fan. Funny enough I was hanging with an undergraduate who is a friend of mine yesterday and when asked who my top bands were, I answered "Oasis and Better Than Ezra." Needless to say, her bewildered look baffled me for a short instance until I remembered that she was born in 1988 and therefore doesn't have such a vivid memory of 1994, when both of these band were in their prime. Regardless, I return to the point of this entry.

Below is a video that has been all over the internet. Oasis was playing a show in Toronto last night when a crazy fan ran on stage and blindsided Noel. The fan then turned to Liam but was tackled by security before he could get to him. Of course, it looked like Liam was about to bust this kid up, a move that would have clearly been his first justified (and possibly first sober) fight of his entire life. Sure this entry has no real moral fiber, but whatever, it is at least fun to watch.

PS, Noel went to the hospital to get an X-ray for fractured ribs after this show. 

Georgia...Number 2?

At the request of Allen, I'm writing this time about the travesty that hit UGA football this week. Despite beating Southern, UGA fell in the rankings from 1 to 2. Sure this isn't a big drop but it still should be addressed. Now I didn't find this out until today as I was in Canada fishing the entire week and had nightmares that Southern actually beat UGA, which would have been bad. But still, to fall like that is a slight insult. 

But...and this is the part that Allen will hate, I think it is for the best. 

It is clear that Richt was not overly comfortable with being the number 1 team at the start of the season. Everyone was focusing on talking about how this was an overrated ranking for this team and how they are going to completely crumble. While such talk can help motivate a team, I think all of the media attention was something new for Richt and he would rather place it on someone else and just work behind the scenes, much like last season. So long as UGA keeps winning, the rankings will speak for themselves in the end. But for now, let's just look at this as a motivational tool.

Plus, and Kirk made a good point of this, who cares who is number 1 in September. You need to check back in November and December. That is when it will really matter.

Of course, it should also be stated that most of the rankers bend over backwards for Southern Cal, but that has been known for years.

PS, more info on the fishing in Canada when I get the pics together.

UPDATE: This just in, Knowshon Moreno is one of the most amazing running backs I have ever seen. If you need to know why, check out the pic above. He leaped 4 feet into the air in mid stride to jump over a linebacker. When was the last time you saw someone do that? Here is the video in case you want to see the whole play develop.