Smartphone Shuffle

When the T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) phone came out back in Oct 2008, I was excited. T-Mobile was finally making a smartphone comparative to the iPhone at a reasonable cost. It runs on the Android OS, has a qwerty keypad and touch screen, syncs with your Google account, has a nice sized screen and does so much more. I counted the months when my contract would end, so that I could upgrade the phone for a cheaper price. I was even shopping around online for phone charms and snazzy HTC Dream faceplate covers.

Well, my contract ended a month ago and I still haven't brought. The main reason is that if I did buy it, the data plan with everything else included would bring my monthly payment to about $100. I'm not even working yet, so paying that much for a phone and the monthly plan is outrageous to me.

The other reason I haven't brought it yet is that it's already a year and three months old. The HTC Dream has already been updated to the G2 phone aka the myTouch and I'm not impressed. I like the idea of having both the qwerty keypad and a touch, and the ability to slide it up. They keep talking about how you can personalize the phone. Really... Can't you do that with any phone? You can change the faceplate cover, the home screen, etc. So really, there's nothing amazing about it.

I'm totally lost and can't seem to decide. I have yet to find a phone that has everything I'm looking for. The HTC Touch Pro 2 seemed like an awesome choice but it doesn't have an expandable SD slot. I'd be stuck with the limited RAM on the phone that definitely isn't enough. Anyone else have this dilemma or have a phone suggestion that would work better?
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Now playing: M.I.A. - Sunshowers
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MLK Day

Happy Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day. Here are some videos of his famous speeches.

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Now playing: Murs and 9th Wonder - Dark Skin White Girls
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The Brighter Side

After all the heartbreaking news that's been talked about all week, I thought I'd share a few lighter thoughts. My mother was finally able to get in contact with some cousins of mine in Haiti. He told her that out extended family there were fine and taking things one day at a time. That was a huge relief for all of us who had been waiting what felt like forever to get some information on our loved ones.

On another note, today is the official date of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. The observed day is this Monday. I think we should all take some time that day and wish our loved ones well.

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." -- Henry David Thoreau
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Now playing: Timbaland - Apologize (Feat. One Republic)
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Haiti Earthquake Update

Apparently there's a rumor on Facebook going around that UPS is offering free shipping for anything under 50 lbs going to Haiti. This is nothing more than just a rumor. They are actually temporarily suspending all Haiti shipments from individuals and working directly with relief organizations until things can be figured out.

There's also another rumor that American Airlines is taking doctors and nurses to Haiti for free and to call a number. I haven't seen any information about this on their website. I tried calling the number (which had a Manhattan area code) and a French speaking audio played. The only news they offer is if you donate to the Red Cross on their site, you can earn bonus miles. Of course, the catch is to donate a minimum of $50 and you must also be an AAdvantage member.

These aren't the weirdest internet rumors that have floated around. It's not as bad as believing that if you don't forward a certain email, you will die. It doesn't take much to debunk them; so no harm, no foul.
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Now playing: Refugee Camp Allstars Feat. Lauryn Hill - The Sweetest Thing
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My Heart Breaks

There's been a major devastion in Haiti. My family's impoverished nation has been hit by a 7.0 earthquake yesterday and is still reeling from the aftermath. Hospitals, hotels and even the presidential palace have been toppled over. Communication is down, so I have no way of getting in touch with family and cousins I know are working or going to school in the capital (the epicenter of the earthquake).

It is comforting to know that people from all over are helping in Haiti's distress. The U.S., UK and even China are sending troops and supplies as soon as humanly possible. If you would like to donate to the relief, remember to stick to organizations that are mainstream and well known. Many times have people been scammed by others who take advantage of international disasters. If you are trying to find word on missing loved ones call: 1-888-407-4747. Keep in mind things are still hectic and it might take time to find out about the well being of family and friends in Haiti.

Red Cross Donations: The American Red Cross International Response Fund will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

UNICEF: The UN Children's Fund provides aid to the children of Haiti. UNICEF and UN partners begin relief efforts for devastated areas.

StillerStrong: Funds donated for the Cévérine school will temporarily be diverted to the emergency relief efforts for earthquake victims in Haiti. Text "Stiller" to 85944 to donate $5. It will appear on your phone bill.

Yéle Haiti Foundation: Wyclef Jean's established organization is collecting donations as well. You can also text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5. It will appear on your phone bill.
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Now playing: Sweet Mickey - Lanmou Pou Nou
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The 3D home experience

This weekend was pretty crazy. Aside from visiting my insane mother, I got a chance to play MacGyver. The movie my sis and I received from Netflix was "The Final Destination". I love the series (except for the second movie) and was patiently awaiting its arrival. When I popped it in, I realized there was a 3D version on the disk. Feeling like we were missing out of the full effect, we decided to search online for where we could buy the cheapo 3D glasses. I searched Wawa, 7-11, and even Wal-Mart. I was tempted to buy the $10 Hannah Montana movie just for the free glasses. However, our Wal-Mart was already closed.

My sis found an article and video on making your own glasses and it seemed easy enough. So, we ran around the house gathering all the supplies: stiff plastic that is clear, blue and red marker, and scissor. We found a gum package that had just enough plastic for two glasses. I then used my frames to trace the shape. We then used the markers to color in lenses (red on the right, blue on the left). We taped our newly created 3D shades on our regular glasses and started the movie.

My sis got a headache after a few minutes and opted to do without. I continued on and have to say that it was well worth it. It's quite the spooky feeling when things feel like they're coming at you. You find yourself going "ohh" and jumping back out of habit. The view wasn't very clear because I had to smear the colors so they wouldn't be too opaque but I'm glad I did it. The only thing that would have made it better was a surround sound system, but oh well.

If you wanna make your own pair, follow these simple instructions.

1. Find transparency paper, or something as clear and stiff as it. Plastic wrap won't work. If possible, use cellophane paper.

2. Try to use a light blue or cyan-like marker to color the left lens. Try to find a pink or magenta marker for the right lens. Basic red and blue can become too dark.

3. If you wear glasses, cut out the color frame and tape it to the middle of your glasses. That way you only get sticky tape on the bridge of the glasses and not on the lenses. If you don't wear glasses, you can remove the frames from old sunglasses or make a frame out of cardstock.

4. If all else fails, just buy them cheap from Amazon.

So what is your fav 3D movie? Post it in the comments section.
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Now playing: Noa Feat. ShaNa - Lady Soul
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Tunes Tuesday - "KO.A.KU.MA 2"

This the first "Tunes Tuesday" of the year and it's quite a find. While visiting NYC on a day trip, we found a quaint used book store that also sold CDs and DVDs. I was browsing the Japanese imports when I found a CD called "Lucy Love". The artist's name is Noa and I thought it was worth trying for $4. This item actually goes for 2000 yen in Japan, which is about 21.00 US dollars.

When I drove home from the train station I couldn't help but pop it in the cd player. These R&B tracks are pretty soft and sweet. It even comes with a bonus track "Peace of Life" that features another artist rapping. Actually, half the tracks feature other music artists.

My favorite is KO.A.KU.MA 2 which has MAICHI singing with her. I would consider it to be more pop that R&B. Most of the tracks sound like slow love songs, but this track in particular is more upbeat and cheery. I can't help but to bob my head every time it comes on. All the songs sound great even though I can't understand them. I'm still searching for more information on the artist or lyrics that aren't in Japanese. And why it's called "Lucy Love". There must be an interesting story behind it, right? I was able to find a video on Youtube (every thing's on Youtube) of KO.A.KU.MA 2. Some people believe she's the Japanese Mariah Carey; I disagree. The one with the short hair is Noa and the longer hair is NAICHI... enjoy.



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Now playing: Noa / KO.A.KU.MA II
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