being sick sucks! i'm left to my knuddling with my nyquil so 1) i don't get anyone else sick and 2) i can't breathe through my nose and this is the only medicine that's strong enough to get me through the night without completely drying me up. blach! maybe i'll be well enough to get to work tomorrow...

I was reminded today of how my friends and I have always been somewhat gungho to make this world a better place. I don't think I'll ever move away from that frame of mind but I am definitely glad I've gotten more strategic about how we go about "saving the world." Conciousness is a powerful thing. Knowledge is even more powerful. And I am definitely in a position to keep working towards that, on a very global scale.

How sad!

The world was set abuzz this week with the introduction of the iPhone, the next generation of "smart phones" and iPods. As much as I was anticipating this introduction, I was highly disappointed to find that Apple has partnered with sucky Cingular as the service provider. The $499 cost for a 4 gig version and $599 cost for an 8 gig version didn't feel too good either.

I can't deny that the device really is a computer that fits in your palm and pocket. It's a phone. You can use it for phone calls, text/picture messages and visually scroll to check your voicemail. It works like a Blackberry for emails and online access. The browser is laid out the same way it is on the ever so cute Mac and Powerbooks. Google maps comes built in and, again, is the same view as you would see on a computer web browser. And lastly, you have mobile access to your music! Granted, you'll only have 8 gigs of music at the most right now.

What are the major arguments NOT to get it? First generation brands are always most expensive. The cost of the original iPods is definitely a little more than the current generation. They were also a bit more bulky. One of my fellow Mac-addicts who totally feeds my obsession everytime I ask for an Apple-related recommendation, said that the price will indefinitely go down. Since competitors will bid to provide parts for the device, Apple will experience efficiencies in production and customers will see the price decrease. Make sense? I hope so.

Let it be resolved that I will wait for the second generation, as much as I really want to play with it right now! Hell, if the third generation is even better, I think I can be that patient. I didn't get an iPod until the 4th generation. But yes, the new iPhone is ever so tempting.

Apple, Inc., you didn't make me super happy this week. But I wasn't completely disappointed.

In related news, I sent a "recommendation" to Verizon that they need to step up their game. I don't want to switch to Cingular because their coverage sucks more than Verizon. But Verizon's phones need to improve significantly. Don't be number 2 in the country forever!

Renewals

New year, older me and the iPod is still kicking. I got it to work yesterday after banging it on my bed a few times. It's probably not the most ideal thing to do with it but it works for right now. I've also started listening to my music again. I've forgotten how much I love the eclecticsm of music and how much it sparks my different moods.

My birthday was wonderful. It was a test of patience, understanding and flexibility. It didn't turn out as I had expected but in the end, I was with people I love and heard from my distant loved ones. I was reminded yet again of my many blessings. Thank you to The Most High for everything in my life, the good and the not so good. Great things will happen this year, I can feel it. And every year will only be better.

Apple iPhone, pleeeeeeeeease!

So Apple hasn't had the best pr in the past couple of months. Their stock has gone down a little due to the suuposed back dating of stock options, poor Stevie.

Rumors have it that they're going to announce a new iPhone next week at the MacWorld conference. Please don't tease me...say it's true! It seems like a natural progression but I doubt they're going to be cellphone service providers. It would require an entirely new set of operations, staff, expenses, etc. Besides, basic business principles will tell you that corporations the size of Apple should usually stick to their niche products rather than attempt to branch out if they don't have the proper systems in place to do so.

My iPod has been broken for months and I'm going to be in the market for a new cellphone in the next few months. I'm your target consumer, Apple! Make me happy! Just make sure you partner with Verizon to make that phone happen!

Culture for the Ones Who Can Pay for It!

Maya Angelou will be speaking at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on February 23rd. The lowest priced tickets are $50. I know she's an expensive ass speaker to pay for but come on! What the hell is she going to talk about? Am I just being bitchy about this because I haven't seen her speak in YEARS and don't want to pay $50 just to see her speak for a freakin' hour and a half, at best?! What's up Maya?

The LA Music Center has a whole speakers series that individuals can subscribe to. Tickets range between $50-$150. And they scoff at those who are supposedly "uncultured."