Alter Ego: Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Community Corner

2012-01-23T00:36:00.001-05:00

Practice, Practice, Habit

I am happy to report that this week I weigh in at 244.6 lbs! That is a loss of 1.4 lbs since last week with a total of 3.4 lbs for the year so far. With school starting next week and the other aspects of my life, it is going to be a challenge to fit in my exercise, but I am a creative person so I will figure something out. The challenge for me right now is late night snacking. I'm going to make a commitment to circumvent that by making my "snack" a glass of water, rather than popcorn, fruit, or whatever else catches my fancy. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you for joining me on my journey.

Ellison

Edmund's Community Corner

2012-01-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

End of Week 1

Anyone can attest that weight loss is not easy. I began this week weighing in at 246.4 lbs. This week I weighed in at 246 lbs; so that's a .4 lb loss. As of October 2011 that's 4 lbs to date. I have to admit that when I saw a number less than two, I was on the verge of being upset, but then Saint Theresa saved the day! She told me "You know, someone once told me, 'The New York marathon is 26.2 miles, and unless you complete the .2 miles, you have not finished the marathon.'" Once she said that, I did not feel bad because life is not 'The Biggest Loser'. I will reflect on that anytime I'm on the verge of bashing myself for not meeting outcomes I cannot control. Whatever challenges you are tackling for this year and beyond, keep in mind that deadlines are hard stops and goals are open ended and life changing. Deadlines in life, I believe, are exhausting because you always have to start over once you've met it, or stress out if it's breached. Alternatively, when you set goals, they are generally something that will be ongoing that is meant to increase quality of life or uplift you from that point forward. The way I see it, businesses make deadlines, people set goals. One goal I've set for myself is to ride my bike at least once a week. So far I have surpassed my goal and I aim to surpass it throughout the year. I will continue to update on my progress with my weight loss peppered with my opinions and/or anecdotes on various topics.

Thank you for joining me on my journey and godspeed on your endeavors.

Ellison

Get `Er Done

2012-01-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

Edmund's Community Corner

Last year I decided to challenge myself by giving up soda for the year. I wanted to see if I could really give up something I loved for an entire year. I'm proud to say that I did it; and as a result I don't drink as much soda as I used to; and thus, I've lost a little weight. Nothing to write home about, but it's interesting how much cutting out soda benefits you. I found just labeling it as a personal challenge rather than a New Year's resolution worked for me. So for 2012 I decided to up the ante by adding a "positive" with a "Negative". I am challenging myself to losing 40 lbs by Dec. 31, 2012-"positive" and I am also giving up ice cream for the year-"negative"; LOL. Currently, I am 248 lbs. My goal weight is 190 lbs but I'll save those extra lbs for the following year. I'm going to take some inspiration from my wife (check out her blog: Talula Steps Daily) I'm going to ratchet up the accountability factor by posting my current weight every Saturday to my Facebook page and Twitter feeds. Given my network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, I believe this will help me to stay on track and bolster the fact that no one man is an island. I thank you in advance for all of your encouragement, feedback, and support as I begin this journey into making my life better and ensuring that I am around when my son becomes a grandfather. Godspeed to all of you and your endeavors and Happy New Year!

So in the words of Larry the Cable Guy, let's "Get 'Er Done!"

Ellison a.k.a. Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Community Corner

2011-11-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

Companies have prepared for these dates already; but have you?

BLACK FRIDAY: November 25, 2011
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: November 26, 2011
CYBER MONDAY: November 28, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------
Smartphones have invariably changed the way we interact with each other, access information, and even shop. Unless you have been stranded on the moon, you are aware of the boon in mobile coupons or deals. They come in many flavors such companies that deliver deals to your phone such as: GroupOn, Google Offers, and Living Social, or loyalty offerings such as Four Square, and lastly baked in options such as American Express' Link, Like, Love. You do not have to rely on these options alone, there are plenty of websites that offer a way for you to take advantage of coupon codes for online shopping: RetailMeNot and Mfet are great sites.

So this holiday season, spread joy, goodwill, and hope; and when you shop, be sure to get the best deal possible. Look for my annual top 10 gift guide next week.

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner-Don't Forget Caylee

2011-07-05T23:19:00.000-04:00

Edmund's Community Corner

Don't Forget Caylee

As a father of a two year old son, I cannot fathom any harm coming to him. I share the shock and disbelief that many people have felt over the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. Although emotionally, I believe in my heart that Casey murdered her child and morally, she will have to answer to God for her atrocity; I want to focus on the fact that an innocent child has been deliberately taken from this earth. Regardless of how you feel her mother should have been punished, I ask that you pray for Caylee. Pray that her soul is at peace and move away from anger and dismay and towards solidarity for an innocent life. Casey knows the truth about what happened to her daughter. She knows that her daughter trusted her and she betrayed that trust. She took the unconditional love for granted and reacted selfishly and reprehensibly. We do not need to seek out judgment for Casey; that has been taken care of, and she will answer for that on her death bed.

Honor Caylee by spending more time with loved ones. Reach out to family members you have not spoken to due to petty arguments. Hug your children more and tell them you love them, and how proud of them you are. Recognize their accomplishments and praise their efforts in their endeavors. I end this post with a promise to pray for Caylee and all of the other lost children of the world.

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

2010-12-21T00:59:00.000-05:00

Edmund's Top 5 Holiday Gifts for 2010

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Men!

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Ladies!

The end is nigh. 2011 is just around the corner and you probably have not completed your gift shopping. Hopefully you have at least started! Below are my top 5 gifts for 2010. Always try and find an alternative if you feel some may be beyond your price range. Enjoy!

1. Apple iPod Touch: $229-$299

Apple's flagship music player has come a long way. The installment we have all become familiar with is basically an iPhone without the horrendous AT&T network! Retina display, built in camera, video shooting with video editing, a robust App Store and plays music and videos! C'mon what are you waiting for?! http://www.apple.com/

2. Microsoft Kinect Sensor: $149Microsoft's Kinect just might be this year's Wii as far as popularity goes. Team Redmond out did themselves with this unique take on motion gaming. Anyone who uses this is bound to lose weight and get in shape while inevitably having fun. http://www.xbox.com/

3: HTC Evo 4G: $449 Unlocked, $199 2yr Sprint Contract

Personally, I feel buying an unlocked phone is much more beneficial than being tied down by a two year contract. Regardless, HTC's Evo 4G is in my opinion the breakout smartphone of 2010. What does it have going for it? The first 4G phone to market, the most economical data plan on a very reliable Sprint network, 8MP camera, Video Chat over WiFi and 3G/4G, Android OS, and all the great things that comes with a Google device. Find out more at http://www.sprint.com/

4. Barnes & Noble Nook Color: $249

Barnes & Noble's updated e-reader is a welcome change to this already crowded space. The Nook Color obviously packs a display with vibrant colors, it is also backed by BN's vast library of available titles, and features all of the great perks that make the Nook franchise a buy. The Nook Color also has animated children's books, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, MP3 player, and the ability to read any book in BN's catalog for free within an hr when you visit any store. Top it all off with its unique book lending option and you have great device made for a specific function. The only caveat is that the Nook Color is currently only available with WiFi-perhaps that is a plus due to battery drain. Pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store or go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ to order online.

5. Samsung 7000 Series 3D LED HDTV: 40"-55" $1,999-$3,299

Samsung is one of the market leaders when it comes to HDTVs. The 7000 series offers an immense lot of features including Samsung's own library of apps. Key options are 4 HDMI ports, DLNA Networking, WiFi Capability, BD Wise, and Skype Built in. Imagine Skyping on a 55" HD screen! Don't take my word for it, find out more at http://www.samsung.com/.

Now stop wasting time, you don't have much time left!

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

2010-12-20T13:07:00.001-05:00

Edmund's Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for Ladies

Take a look at my Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for men!

Listed below are my picks for great gifts for the special woman or women in your life. Happy holidays and don't forget to look for deals.

1. Victoria Secret Miraculous Lace Garter Slip: $58

Every woman loves to feel sexy. The best part is that this is also a gift for you! Add to the experience two fold by including the stockings and sending your special woman to Victoria's Secret to get a proper bra fitting (Bra fitting is free). Now she feels sexy and comfortable. Enjoy your Christmas! http://www.victoriassecret.com/

2. Coach Gramercy Patent Small Wallet: $98

This wallet is a great gift for those who want to add classic style to their repertoire. It comes in various colors and is the perfect accent for your woman on the go. Take a closer look at http://www.coach.com/.

3. Fandango Bucks: $10-$100

Everyone loves movies. With the cost of movies averaging $13-$18 per person, Fandango Bucks is thoughtful and economical. Partner it with a card that says all the movies purchased with the Fandango Bucks are her choice! That way it's a double gift. http://www.fandango.com/.

4. Tiffany & Co. Hearts Pendant: $100

You can never go wrong with Jewelry; especially from Tiffany & Co. Exemplifying classic style and elegance the Hearts pendant is great way to show your love without busting your budget. Don't forget to keep it classic by getting a silver cleaner. For more details go to http://www.tiffany.com/

5. LG Optimus T-BLACK: $0

Don't fool yourself, women love technology too. Right now the LG Optimus T in Black is FREE. This is up until 2pm December 20, 2010. The catch? This is only via the web, but shipping is free and overnight! Here are some key stats on the Optimus T: Swype Keyboard, 3.2 MP Camera, Google Voice Actions, and of course Android. If the lady in your life prefers a color other than black, then you have a choice of three others at $29.99. For more info go to http://www.t-mobile.com/

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

2010-11-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

TOP 5 Holiday Gifts $100 and under for Men (2010)

     With Black Friday approaching, many holiday shoppers will be lining up early in the morning to get a head start on their gift buying. As I try to do every year, below is a list of the top 5 gifts for men $100 and under. Keep an eye out for my top 5 for ladies and top 5 $250 and under. Enjoy and happy shopping!

1. Roku Media Player from $59.99-$99.99
     The Roku Media Player comes in three flavors. The HD-$59.99, XD-$79.99, and the XDS-$99.99. All three give you the capability to stream video and audio via the internet. The XDS gives you the added capability of plugging in USB enabled devices for video and picture sharing. The Roku wins over AppleTV by giving you the user, control on what content you want to view. An added bonus is Hulu Plus (a free month is included when you buy a Roku player) and Netflix baked in for access to all the movies and missed TV shows to your heart's desire. For more info go to http://www.roku.com/.

2. Zen X-Fi Wireless $99.99
The Zen X-Fi Wireless from Creative Labs is a great multimedia device for an economical price. Creative Labs is known for making quality devices that deliver great sound. The Zen X-Fi boasts a 2.5 in. screen, built in speakers, insant messaging support for Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messaging, iTunes and Windows Media compatibility, built in radio and SD card expansion! All this for under $100! Quick, go here http://us.store.creative.com before they raise the price back to $199!

3. Bose IE2 Headphones $99.95

Bose is synonymous, when it comes to rich, quality, clear sound. The purveyors of audio offer up their latest foray into headphones. Features include Bose's Stay Hear clips which prevent slippage during excercise or everyday walking, various ear bud and Stay Hear sizes, carrying case, and most of all Bose's noise cancellation technology that allows you to feel like the only one in the room while enjoying your music. Perfect for drowning out all distractions. Pick up a pair for $99.95. For details go to http://www.bose.com/.

4. Canon Powershot A490 $99

What does $99 get you on a digital camera? The Canon Powershot A490, that's what. Boasting such features as 10 megapixels, 3.3x optical zoom, and a low li Lght setting that allows you to take pictures in virtual darkness make this camera a sure-fire hit! Additional features include a 2.5 in LCD scr.een and video. Take a closer look at http://www.usa.canon.com/.

5. American Express Gift Card $100
Have no idea on what to get for a gift, or is your man truly hard to please? Alleviate needless stress and possible disappointment by giving the gift of freedom. The American Express Gift card is a great gift, if not stocking stuffer.The AMEX gift card is one of the few that does not have an activation fee and in many cases no expiration date. This is possibly the best gift for teenagers because they will have the power to buy what they want without maxing out your credit card. The best feature is the fact that you are not restricted to one place unlike many store gift cards. Go to www.americanexpress.com/gift for more info and details.

Edmund's Community Corner

2010-09-06T12:02:00.000-04:00

Please Shut Up
In light of all of the rhetoric and nonsense surrounding the possibly future Islamic Community Center in lower Manhattan from people who LIVE OUTSIDE OF NYC, and thus will not be affected, I felt it is my duty as a Native New Yorker living in NYC to speak up. I have comprised a list; take a look below.

Please shut up...

If you do not live in New York City.
If you are a bigot and a racist.
If you believe Christianity teaches you to hate anyone who is not Christian.
If you are not aware that there are at least 5 other mosques within the same vicinity.
If you believe President Obama is a Muslim.
If you believe the U.S. Constitution only applies to you and people who think like you.
If rule one applies to you, or NO ONE you directly knew or are related to perished in the WTC attacks.
If you are a career protester; because no one takes you seriously.
If you get your news from only one source.
If you believe the United States is the center of the universe.

Edmund's Technoblasts

2010-06-11T23:34:00.003-04:00

HTC Evo 4G
The talk of the town for the moment is HTC's Evo, the first 4G offering exclusively available on Sprint. I have had this phone for about a week and I can say that I am very pleased. Boasting a 4.3 in LCD display, the Evo sports the largest screen on a U.S. mobile phone to date. The phone weighs 6oz, at .5in thick, 4.8in high and 2.6in wide. I have to admit that the phone has weight to it whenever I have it in hand, though I do not experience the reported wrist fatigue that iPad users have complained about. Included on the back is a kickstand so you can watch videos hands free (great for air travel) and use the device as a digital alarm clock. Also on board is Android 2.1 with HTC Sense with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor powering everything. Detailed specs are here. One caveat is the fact that 4G coverage is not widely available and being forced to pay a $10 "premium data" surcharge is definitely not palatable. However, the capabilities of the phone outweigh that small caveat, and Sprint plans to roll out 4G coverage to all major U.S. markets in the near future. Keep in mind that Sprint is the only U.S. mobile carrier with unlimited data plans. AT&T and Verizon have ceased unlimited data plans, only offering capped plans at tiered prices. Personally, the capped option would not have worked for me. I stream a lot of video and audio content on a regular basis as well as upload from my smart phone so it would not have been advantageous to continue with AT&T. $69.99 plus the $10 fee brings the base total to $79.99. Once taxes (NYC) and fees are tabulated my monthly total is approx $98/mo, which is about $15 cheaper than what I was paying with AT&T using a Blackberry Bold. Even if you were not planning on purchasing an Evo, Sprint is still the better option when it comes to smart phones. Back to the Evo. The Evo has two cameras. There is a 1.3 MP front facing camera that will allowing for voice conferencing and low-res self portraits. The back camera is 8MP and also records 720P HD video. Featured on the phone is HTC's Qik application. Qik allows you to seamlessly share video across multiple social networks as well as specific people you select from your contacts list. YouTube HQ is included so you can watch HD video on the brilliant 4.3 in screen. Sprint TV is robust and is a nice added feature especially during playoff time. Full episodes of prime time shows does not hurt either. Google is said to be releasing Froyo (Android 2.2) in the coming months. Notable attributes is the ability to use your device as a HotSpot, bypassing Sprint charging you $29.99 to use their HotSpot option. Other attributes include Adobe Flash 10.1, free syncing via cloud technology, as well as improved social networking capabilities. HTC, however is known to be slow to offer Android updates to their phones, but they have promised that this will not be the case with the Evo 4G; time will tell. Overall the HTC Evo 4G is currently the must have device. All of the features that are packed into this device make it one that can survive the voracious technology appetite of late; which causes the disease of obsolescence rather quickly. Once Sprint rolls out 4G nationwide, the full capabilities of the Evo will be realized.

My rating for this device is 4 stars out of a possible 5. The fifth star may come once 4G is rolled out to the NYC metro area.

Quick note: Many people have intimated issues with battery life. I did notice a significant lack of battery life until I installed a free app (Advanced Task Killer), which improved my battery life by 40%.

Edmund

Comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

Edmund's Technoblasts

2010-06-11T00:42:00.004-04:00

HTC EVO 4G
Quick Rundown

Here are some of the quick facts:

Carrier: Sprint
Price: $299, $199 after rebate (2 yr contract required)
Display: 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen

Operating System: Android 2.1

UI (User Interface): HTC Sense

Back Camera: 8 mega pixels

Front Facing Camera: 1.3 mega pixels

Hot Spot capability*: Yes, however at launch not free. Will possibly be free when Froyo comes.

Kickstand to view media and use as Alarm clock

Click here for more info on specs

Edmund's Entertainment Corner

2010-06-02T22:58:00.003-04:00

Entertainment: It's a Business

Becoming a Professional Recording Artist

Read Part I: Before You Embark

Read Part II: Taking the Stage

Recording your Demo/Promo CD

Patience is key when embarking on a new career. Having mastered networking and performing, you are now ready to record a demo. Remember, regardless of which artist aspect you choose (Producer, Performer, or Songwriter) it is imperative you record a demo. Earlier in this series I talked about networking and building organic relationships. Now is the time to utilize those connections. Many people will tell you that your Demo does not need to be professionally recorded (meaning in a professional studio), but I disagree. Granted, your demo does not need to be as slick and commercial as an album but should be pretty damn close. Always put your best foot forward. Also, what better way to get familiar and comfortable with recording in a studio than doing just that. Visit various studios, talk to producers and other singers/songwriters to find out who they worked with and what their experience was. Contrary to what most people will try to get you to believe; You are hiring Them. Ensure you vet at least 3 to 5 choices so you are making an informed decision and not just an emotional one. Always do your homework-I cannot stress this enough.

Singer/Performer
Let us take a look at the Singer/and or Songwriter first. If you want to focus on being a singer in the beginning; there is nothing wrong with that-however, I suggest graduating to singer/songwriter when you feel ready. The first thing you want to do as a singer is find a producer. You want a producer even if you are going to be singing cover songs. A knowledgeable producer will be able to pull from you the performance that will make your Demo quality. If you are lucky, the producer may be aligned with a songwriter who is looking to showcase their songs just as you are looking to showcase your voice. If not, covers always work (American Idol anyone?). Approach your demo as a mini album; although you are only putting 3 songs on this, it should still be cohesive. Regardless of which type of performer you are, Singer, MC, Rapper, Band, your demo should consist of a mainstream song-this should be your best song, a fun/party song, and a ballad (within the parameters of your genre). Recording music in a studio is not easy-I would argue performing live is easier because you have more leeway it terms of precision-multiple hours singing the same thing different ways over and over again until everyone "feels" it's right takes a lot of physical and mental stamina. Keep in mind that it is not cheap either. As mentioned earlier, do your homework, you should not be paying $400/hr to record a demo. With that said, make sure you go in prepared and ready to work. Be a professional at all times. Grab attention early by placing your best song first, then your next best song, etc. Although most who review your music may not have the time or patience to "discuss" your music, always be prepared to talk about how why you selected your songs, what your inspiration was for the songs, who your target audience is, and what type of artist/writer you want to be (All this should come easy to you, since it would be second nature by now-right?). Next week's post will focus on producers followed by MCs and Rappers-there is a difference.

Edmund

Follow Edmund on twitter!

Edmund's Entertainment Corner

2010-03-14T12:33:00.002-04:00

Entertainment: It's a Business

Becoming a Professional Recording Artist

Read Part I: Before You Embark

Taking the Stage
Now that you have made some informal connections and become part of a community; it is time to begin shaping yourself as a professional recording artist. By now you should have numerous songs written, and plenty of concepts to use as a base for new material. Your focus now should be honing your live performance and preparing to record a CD sampler or Demo. Prior to performing regularly, take time out to join a Performance Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC); better to get some simple tasks out of the way rather than having someone else "deal" with them later for you. I will go into detail of what these organizations offer you in my next post. Utilize your connections to garner choice/preferential placement at performance venues. The more performances you do, the more you grow as an artist; adding value to your repertoire, which will give you leverage when the time is right. The purpose of live performances is to connect with your fans, and therefore you must use as many tools possible with respect to growing your fan base-don't forget to get email addresses for those who attend your shows, it's a great way to follow up and retain fans. Websites such as Myspace.com (use the music option), iLike.com, Facebook.com, and Bebo.com offer free profiles that will bolster your connection to your fans and even help you gain new ones. You can also use services such as Reverbnation.com, and Sonicbids.com to find more venues for performing. As you do these live shows, you will find out which songs would be best to include on your Demo. Recognizing that you are on a journey and not zipping by a drive thru will help you immensely. Delusions of grandeur are a hindrance and will do more harm than good. This is not the time to look for and hire booking agents, look for sponsorship deals,publicist and all the other "amenities" afforded to more established artists. Remember, the idea is to make these people seek YOU out, not you hounding them to give you a chance. Use the business to your advantage, do not have the business take advantage of you. Along with talent, connections, and perseverance, the key to making it in entertainment is preparation. Creating a set list, stage layout, fee structure, building relationships with venues, etc. are common ways of preparation. Live shows also help you determine whether you enjoy that aspect of the business; if not, you may decide that you would rather be a songwriter or producer than a performing artist. Knowing this early on will save you headaches, heartbreaks and most importantly time and money. Regardless of which option you choose, a Demo is still necessary. My next post will cover the three different options you can choose from as an artist-songwriter, recording artist, and producer as well as ways of getting your content to your fans.

--Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Technoblasts

2010-01-27T19:59:00.006-05:00

Apple announces the iPad

After much hype and speculation the little company from Cupertino announces a device that fanboys have waited decades for...the iPad. The form factor is similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch with the familiar UI (user interface). Apple made a point to note that if you can use an iPhone/iPod Touch then you can use the iPad. Frankly, I do not think it would take much to learn the interface even if you had just emerged from exile in a deep water cave. That being said, the iPad will come in 2 models with 3 capacity variations 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB; all are SSD drives (Solid State Drives also known as Flash Drives). iTunes gets another extension with the introduction of the iBookstore. Avoiding the issues Google is having with publishers, Apple partnered with all major print publishers to populate their e-book store. All books are in the e-pub format, although it would have been nice if they could have emulated something close to an e-ink display. Apple's new device will feature a WiFi only option and an option with both WiFi and 3G. Thankfully, Apple took a page from Google and made the WiFi +3G model unlocked; meaning you can use it with any carrier that supports their cellular specifications. AT&T will over a No Termination Fee Data Plan for $29.99. This is good, however, it is unfortunate that is with AT&T. Hopefully other carriers will follow suit since the device is unlocked. Here are a few of the standout specs for the iPad.

Specs
Size and Weight
0.5 in thick
9.5 in H x 7.47 in W
1.5 pounds for the WiFi only and 1.6 for the WiFi + 3G

Display
Fingerprint resistant 9.7 in (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology

Wireless
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
3G network specs: UMTS/HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Data support only

Processor
1 GHz Apple A4 low power chip (That's right, Apple used their OWN chip!)

Price Points
WiFi Only: 16GB $499, 32GB $599, 64GB $699
WiFi +3G: 16GB $629, 32GB $729, 64GB $829

Battery Life
Apple claims up to 10hrs (WiFi web surfing, video and music playback)

Personally, I believe Apple should have forgone the WiFi only option and offer only the WiFi+3G with a price not to exceed $700. Their target is the general consumer electronic demographic, not power users and therefore Apple's price points are misguided. The iPad will be released within a 90 day time-span. WiFi only model will be released in 60 days and the WiFi + 3G in 90 days.

Quick Pros and Cons
9.7 in fingerprint resistant display-Pro
Multitouch UI-Pro
No Multitasking-Con
Sealed Battery-Con
Unlocked 3G Access-Pro
Backlit LCD Screen-Pro (keeps price "low"), Con (consumes battery life-an AMOLED would have been nice)
No Flash support-Con (I want my Hulu dammit!)
Lowest Price $499-Pro, Highest Price $829-Con (this device does not do enough to warrant a price that could be close to $1,000 after taxes)

Preliminary Verdict
For all of the attention, hype, and mania attached to this device and announcement, I am left wanting more. A familiar feeling-Google Nexus One announcement-was elicited earlier this month. Basically, the iPad is an iPod Touch stretched out to 9.7 inches with 3G capability. Similar to Google's Nexus One, the iPad is a device that may have some trouble living up to its hype. Would I like to have one?-Yes, Will i pay a premium price for one?-No Would I accept it as a gift?-Hell Yes, but who wouldn't? If Apple adjusts the price structure, and works with Adobe to get Flash on the device, then I can see getting an iPad over an Archos or similar multimedia device.

Look for a complete review as the launch date approaches. Also look for a comparison to Slate PCs as more info is released.

Go to www.apple.com/ipad for complete specs and features.

-Edmund

Edmund's Entertainment Corner

2009-11-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

Entertainment: It's a Business
Becoming a Professional Recording Artist

As a recording artist and record company owner, I feel it is necessary to share some of my knowledge with up and coming musicians and fellow artists looking to break in to the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry has many barriers to entry and is full of many people and companies ready and willing to take advantage of others trying to achieve a dream. I hope this series gives people some needed info. I will not only focus on the music industry, but other facets of the entertainment business as well. Being a recording artist myself, I will of course begin with music. Make use of this info, because not too many will give it to you for free.

Before you embark
First and foremost, know yourself. Regardless of the type of music you want to make, recognizing which aspect of your personality you want to channel will help you determine the type of artist you want to be. After you get yourself together, nurture your creativity by surrounding yourself with creative people. Seek out the community of artists in your area and make organic connections. This is not the time to be in a networking frame of mind where you make connections strictly for business and career purposes. This is the time where you are in a learning frame of mind; making connections that will help you grow as an artist. Be an observer. Go to open mics, and performances from other artists within and outside your genre. The more you interact with other creative people, the bigger network pool you will have-and will be more meaningful and lasting because the connections were born of honesty and not greed. Before you know it, you will have a pool of people to select from for team members. Those team members will be vital in helping and guiding you to become a professional in the music business.

It is my opinion that regardless of being a performer, producer, or songwriter, you should be able to write a song. I believe it will give you an insight to the mechanics of a song, which you would not have if you just focused on being just a performer, producer, or songwriter. During your observation and learning time you should also write everyday. The big misconception here is the thought that it has to be a full song or verse. Writing one line or a concept for a song is sufficient and will be beneficial in the long term. Keep in mind that everyone creates differently. This is why it is important to be in a community of artists. You can glean from them what works, how they deal with writer's block, and possibly some inspiration. Write about something that relates to you directly or indirectly. All your music does not need to be about self reflection and insight, or specifically about events in your life. If you want to write about the circus then write about the circus. Far too many writers over think and get caught up in trying to be witty, or prolific, or appeasing their audience. Writing should be simple, not to the point of nonsense where it seems you don't care, but with integrity and will. In the next segment I will discuss performances and recording a demo.

Ellison a.k.a Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Community Corner

2009-09-22T13:08:00.000-04:00

September 22nd in History

2008: Adjei Matthew Sarbeng is born @ 12:59 pm
2004: LOST premieres on ABC (This is also the date Oceanic Flight 815 crashes!)
1997: Elton John releases 'Candle in the Wind '97', his tribute to Princess Diana
1996: Nolan Ryan pitches his last game at age 46
1991: California University announces Dead Sea Scrolls find
1986: L.A. Dodger Fernando Valenzuela is first Mexican to win 20 games, 35 countries sign Stockholm disarmament treaty
1985: The Cosby Show, Tyne Daly, & Cagney and Lacey win at the 37th Emmy Awards
1980: John Lennon and Yoko Ono sign to Geffen Records
1971: U.S. performs nuclear tests in Nevada
1950: Ralph J. Bunche is the first black recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
1915: America's first Black Catholic College, Xavier University, opens in New Orleans, LA
1911: Cy Young beats Pitts 1-0 for career victory number 511 in his final game
1908: Bulgaria declares its independence from the Ottoman Empire
1903: Italo Marchiony is granted patent for ice cream cone (one of the most heavily disputed inventions to date)
1893: First automobile is built in U.S. (Charles Duryea and Frank Duryea) and tested in Springfield, MA
1888: First issue of National Geographic is published
1862: President Lincoln delivers the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing that all slaves will be free on Jan 1, 1863
1789: Office of Postmaster General is created under the Treasury Department
1776: Nathan Hale is hanged by the British, accused of spying
1692: Last person hanged for witchcraft in Salem, MA

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner-Call to action

2009-09-13T10:45:00.018-04:00

These two stories aired on the premier of America's Most Wanted on Sept 12th

AMW.com | Unknown Jennifer Schuett Abductor - Fugitive
Let's Catch This Bastard

As an 8 yr old girl Jennifer was abducted and from her bedroom by a man who crawled through her window. He took her to a remote area and stole her innocence then slit her throat leaving her to die. Luckily she survived and was found by some children playing hide and seek and now she's fighting back. Help her find this bastard so he can pay for what he did

Click the link below to read the full story on AMW.COM.

.AMW.com | Unknown Jennifer Schuett Abductor - Fugitive

Help find Lily Aramburo, who has been missing for two yrs.

Click the link below to find out more.

http://justiceinmiami.blogspot.com

Shared via AddThis

Remember the Time

2009-09-11T11:44:00.003-04:00

I was working for a software training company at the time. Advanced Excel was the class I was supposed to teach at Nomura Securities located at the World Financial Center; just a stone's throw from the World Trade Center. I had taught classes there twice prior and enjoyed going to the marina and taking in the view of the Towers and Lady Liberty. As fate would have it Nomura cancelled the class the day before. My wife (who was my girlfriend at the time) and I also got into a huge argument that same day so I wasn't looking forward to spending the day stewing in my juices. On the 11th, the argument between my wife and I had carried over to a tense early morning of silence and cold stares. She ended up leaving to work without us saying I Love You or even hugging each other before she had left. One hour after my wife left to work I saw the coverage on the Today show. Similar to everyone at the time, I thought it was an unfortunate accident...until the second plane. I was immediately frantic because my wife's office (we had worked for the same company at the time) was just a few blocks from the Empire State Building. Several attempted phone calls did not go through so my fear increased exponentially. As I tried to frantically get in touch with my wife, reports of the Pentagon being hit came on the news. My parents live in Virginia and my mother and brother worked in the DC metro area. I cried with frustration when I finally received a call from my wife's cousin who assured me that everything would be o.k. Two hours after that I was able to speak to my mother. I never got in touch with my wife but I knew she was fine via my mother in law, who had called me from work. She told me that my wife had called her and asked her to get in touch with me because she could not.

I feel truly blessed. I'm fortunate enough to still have the people I love the most in my life. Because of that event I make sure that I tell my wife I love her as much as I can, especially if one of us is angry with the other. I look back and think of what I would not have now if anything went different that day. I would not have my son who inspires me everyday, my wife would not be my wife, my family could be going through the same heartache that families directly impacted by the attacks are still dealing with. To those families I extend my prayers and solidarity. I extend grace to the people who were met with racism, bigotry, and hatred due to the actions of cowards. It is not acceptable to persecute Muslims, Siks, or anyone from the middle east. The attacks that occurred 8 yrs ago should indicate how hate and persecution of people you know little about is dangerous and leads to tragedy. The gift I received as a child was living abroad. Although I did not appreciate it then, it is indelible now. Living abroad has given me an insight that allows me to learn and accept first and judge second. This is something I will teach my son because it is what my parents taught me and I believe he will be the better for it giving him a better world to live in.

Ellison a.k.a Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Movie Rants

2009-08-06T20:15:00.005-04:00

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

I will try not to reveal too much about this movie as much as possible. For an action movie Rise of Cobra does not disappoint; however the acting is much to be desired. Then again, what's new when it comes to action movies. Your main characters: Ripcord (Marlon Wayans), Duke (ChanningTatum), The Baroness (Sienna Miller), Snake Eyes (Ray Park), Scarlett (Rachel Nichols), and Storm Shadow (Lee Beeyong-heon).

The basic plot of the movie is to prevent the annihilation of the world by techno WMD's. Channing Tatum's "acting" is very hard to watch and quite honestly almost ruined this movie for me. He is not convincing as a no holds barred tactical soldier, however his cast mates manage to save him. Tatum plays Duke, a Special-Ops soldier who along with Ripcord (Wayans) has been assigned to safeguard neo-tech weapons. After being ambushed they are then recruited by General Hawk (Dennis Quaid) to be part of a highly specialized covert international team to recover the weapons. Not surprisingly, the movie is chock full of action sequences that do not disappoint nor dominate to the point that you feel like the entire film is just one long action sequence. Throughout the film are flashbacks a la Lost that indicate how the characters in the film became the Heroes and Villains they are today. Thankfully the flashbacks are not a distraction and actually correlate to the storyline quite well.

Sienna Miller as The Baroness-and Ana-does a good job and is one of two characters that I enjoyed more than others (Snake Eyes is the other character). Her character is strong and kicks ass consistently throughout the film until all of a sudden the obligatory damsel in distress nonsense is injected and makes your stomach churn. Her fight scene with Scarlett (Nichols) is enough to make you forget-not forgive-the ridiculous departure from her strength. I suppose it is meant to demonstrate her digress to Ana, but it is not done seamlessly; annoying but not detrimental.

Portions of the film come off as made for T.V., especially when the flashback of how Cobra came to be was shown. I personally feel more could have been put into this given the title of the film is The Rise of Cobra. Albeit the misses, the hits are enough to make G.I. Joe a fun movie for a Friday/Saturday night.

I give The Rise of Cobra a modified Spend that doe:Full price the joint! but take your own refreshments rating.

Happy watching. Edmund

Edmund's Movie Rants Ratings: Don't Bother, DVD That Beast, Spend that doe: Full price the joint!

Edmund's Technoblasts

2009-06-15T09:27:00.008-04:00

Edmund's Top 5 Father's Day Gifts under $100

On Sunday, June 21st get Dad a meaningful gift without breaking the bank. Looking for a great gift for the man who has everything, but you don't have much money? I have compiled a list of the 5 best gifts under $100 for dear old Dad.

1. Guitar Hero World Tour Wireless Bundle $89.99

Join Dad as he lives his dream of being a rockstar with this great family freindly game. This bundle includes the game and the guitar! Available for all major game consoles (Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, and PS2). Take a further look here.

2. Seagate Free Agent Go 320GB External Hard Drive $89.99

Give Dad a gift that will allow him to organize all his photos, music, movies and other multimedia in compact, stylish place. Ample storage space, USB 2.0 for fast data transfers, and bundled software for data encryption and synchronization. Cool gift for the tech savvy Dad. Click here for full specs. Visit Seagate.com to take a closer look.

3. Insignia Portable Speaker w/Bluetooth $59.99

An economical choice for the Dad who needs music "everywhere". The ability to connect to any portable device via Bluetooth makes this an invaluable purchase. Great sound for a small well priced speaker. Click here for more info.

4. Kodak EasyShare LCD Digital Frame $99.99

Great gift for all Dads. 300:1 contrast ratio, WiFi enabled, Mp3 player, wirleless picture mail, abd media card slots for easy photo uploads and it even plays mini-movies! A good idea to load it up with memorable pictures before presenting it to Dad.

More info here

5. Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 $70.95

Small, clips to virtually any flat panel easily and it captures HD quality video and pictures. Skype is bundled free to give Dad a great way to video conference with loved ones. Buy one here

As you can see there are great gifts you can get Dad for under a $100; so you don't have to resort to magic beans. Of course if buying a gift is not possible, spending quality time with Dad is priceless.

--Edmund

Edmund's Technoblasts

2009-06-14T23:34:00.006-04:00

Top 5 Father's Day Gifts under $250

Father's Day is June 21, 2009. Show dad some love and appreciation by foregoing the uninspiring tie and opt for a tech gift that is sure to leave an impression and a smile on dear old dad's face.

1. Sony BDP S350 Blu-Ray Player $209 @ Best Buy

Regularly $249.99 this Blu-Ray player boasts 1080p, support for Dolby TrueHD, and BD-Live makes this a bargain from the company that invented Blu-Ray. Unbridled picture quality and impressive digital sound make for a truly cinematic experience. Click here to purchase and read reviews.

2. Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade Bundle $199

As the #2 selling console in America the Xbox 360 offers gaming entertainment for all ages. A vast library of games, unbelievable graphics, and the award winning Xbox Live experience will make Dad a happy camper. Access to Netflix, and soon facebook are features that will make the Xbox 360 a device that the whole family can enjoy. Click here for more info and purchase options.

3. Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote $179 @ Best Buy

This item also retails for $249.99 but is currently on sale @ Best Buy for $179.99. Do you hate having 10 different remotes laying around, cluttering up everything? The Logitech Harmony One is a great solution to your multi remote loathing. Rechargable battery, support for up to 5,000 brands, usb connectivity for online updates and troubleshooting, compatibility with Windows and Mac, and CNET.com's editor choice award; need I say more?!

4. Samsung SL620 12.2 Megapixel Digital Camera $199

Sleek, compact, and lightweight. 5x digital and 5x optical zoom gives you up to 25x total zoom. High resolution with up to 8GB external storage can't be beat. Click here for a full spec of this execptional economic camera.

5. Garmin-nuvi 265WT GPS $204.99

First the price is $204.99 after a $125 instant price cut. Integrated maps, expansion slot, bright 4.3" touchscreen, turn by turn directions with voice and automatic re-routing when Dad misses the turn on his shortcut. Great accessory to bring on family trips and get-togethers and best of all it's portable so you can take with you on hikes or when you're exploring a new city! Click here for more info.

Just a few suggestions for those frustrated or at a loss on what to get Dad for Father's Day. Be on the lookout for my next post when I list the top 5 Father's Day gifts under $100. Happy Shopping.

--Edmund

Edmund's Technoblasts

2009-06-11T11:48:00.007-04:00

iPhone 3G S

What's old is new

On June 9, 2009 Apple Inc. announced the iPhone 3G S. The S stands for speed (Apple's words, not mine), however you may not be able to take advantage of that speed due to AT&T not having viable network capability to support it. There are features that are bundled with iPhone OS 3.0 and therefore will not be mentioned since any iPhone user can get them. Let's take a look at the new features of the iPhone 3G-S

Up to 2x faster than the iPhone 3G
Video Camera
3MP Camera (still no flash!)
Voice Control
Compass
Accessibility

The Rundown: Mobile devices have had voice command for a very long time now so the inclusion of it on the iPhone is not exciting, it's expected. The fact that I can use it to control my music is a nice feature but not a wow factor. This is also true of the video camera, however, having the ability to edit out a clip of the video and post it to my favorite sharing site is a great feature. The camera has been upgraded to 3MP and has autofocus along with a feature that allows you to tap on any portion of the photo to adjust the focus on the tapped item-nice feature. Apple still has not included a flash, which is disheartening, because it would have made a world of difference. A digital compass is built in to the new iPhone which works with Google Maps to let you know which way you are facing by automatically rotating the map specific to your orientation-ok feature, but there are GPS apps that already does this for you. Another features is the Accessibility package, which includes VoiceOver-on screen reader, TTY support, High Contrast, and Mono Audio-channel audio signal to one earbud for those with hearing impairment.

Overall, the actual new features are not enough for me to recommend the iPhone 3G S. The form factor of the iPhone is what makes it a great and innovative mobile device. Apple has successfully integrated a phone and desktop into one device; however, going through multiple versions to get features that everyone expects and already has on other devices is what is keeping Apple from surpassing RIM in the mobile device arena.

-Edmund

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/edmundstarbanks

Edmund's Technoblasts

2009-05-19T23:00:00.004-04:00

iPhone 3.o

Upcoming iPhone/iPod Touch 3.0 update (Specific to users and not developers)

The bulk of the update for the iPhone/and iPod Touch are more for developers rather than end users. Great new ways for you to monetize your application and nickel and dime your customers. If you are hoping to create the next great app or be the next Trism story; then you should be very excited about this update, if not; then you should feel like Apple has finally got its proverbial head out of the sand (or something else if you prefer). The upcoming update for the iPhone and iPod Touch finally addresses many of the issues users have bemoaned about since their debut. Never mind the fact that Apple addresses end users at the end of the keynote. Now that the disclaimer that Apple should have expressed, let's take a look at what is in store for the end user.

The pluses: MMS, Bluetooth 3.o support/USB Tethering, Cut, Copy, and Paste, and core applications getting a landscape keyboard.

The minuses: iPod Touch users still have to pay for the upgrade-ridiculous.

Check back later when the final release comes out. At the moment Apple is on its fifth beta version, which you can only get if you are a developer.

--Edmund

Edmund's Technoblasts

2009-02-23T12:41:00.033-05:00

Edmund's Top 5 Electronics Wish List

1. Archos 7 Internet Media Tablet
The Archos 7 has a gorgeous 7" touchscreen, which you can utilize with your hands or a stylus. Storage capacity is 160 GB or 320GB. This wonderful multimedia device boasts WiFi, built in speakers, email, contacts management, and up to 39 hrs of music playback and up to 10 hrs of video playback.(Full specs here) Throw in the ability to view attachements, read PDF's, attach periphials, REMOVABLE BATTERY (Apple take note!), and a kick stand to watch videos hands free and you virtually have the perfect media device. Did I mention that you can purchase an accessory to record live TV! For full portability opt for the Archos 5G which includes a slot for your SIM card for unlimited fun on your cell phone network.

2. Blackberry Bold
Quite possibly the best Blackberry to date. Sleek, crytal clear hi res screen, feature laden, and light as a feather; you can't go wrong with this device! See my previous post and full review by Clicking Here.

3. Samsung LN46A950 46" LCD HDTV
When it comes to HDTVs, Samsung knows what they're doing. 46" screen, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio with LED backlight, and of course, 1080p; need I say more? Yes! Take full advantage of 4 (yes 4) HDMI ports! 3 in the back and one on the side. InfoLink RSS feed for up to the minute news, sports and stock info. Stream video, photos, music and other media with the embedded patented DLNA ethernet port with a touch of a button on the TV's remote! Pardon my getting colloquial, but c'mon man! Take a further look here.

4. Pogo Plug
Voted G4TV's best of the Best for CES 2009 and Popular Mechanics' 2009 Editor's choice, the Pogo Plug by CloudEngines is off to a great start. The best thing about the Pogo Plug is that using it is as simple as plugging it into the wall. Exactly! Plug the Pogo into any outlet, connect any USB storage device and voila! you can access those items on your wireless network. If you are thinking Apple's Airport Express; stop right there. There is nothing to install with Pogo Plug. Just register your Pogo Plug (How Pogo Plug Works) on their website with the unique ID and you are ready to go! You can even access the files via the internet on their website from any computer or mobile device-even iPhone/iPod Touch (no more clunky ftp sites)! (Visit the PogoPlug Site)

5. Oqo Model 2+
Another Popular Mechanics 2009 Editor's Choice, the Oqo Model 2+ is a fully functional PC that fits in your pocket! Touting 2GB of ram, Intel Atom processor, up to 120 GB of HDD storage or 60GB SSD (Solid State Drive a.k.a Flash Drive) your choice of Windows XP or Vista (stick with XP until Windows 7 arrives) and a HDMI port, this media device packs quite a punch. Since you have the full blown Windows operating system at your fingertips you can take advantage of using full blown Applications on the go in the palm of your hand! For more info click here.

Comments are always welcome.

Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's TechnoBlasts

2008-11-08T01:58:00.016-05:00

RIM Blackberry Bold 9000

I must say that I did not believe that RIM could top my 8820, but I have been pleasantly surprised. The Blackberry Bold has a lighter feel than it's predecessor, although its specs put it at .07 oz heavier (Click here for full specs:Full Blackberry Bold Specs). The standout on this device, however is its wonderful screen. Bright, amazing colors, video and pictures look amazing! The 2MP camera with its LED flash is functional and will give you very nice pictures for a phone. If you want amazing editorial pictures, buy a camera. Nothing worse than idiots complaining about the picture/video quality of a cell phone. The Bold comes with what has been standard for some time now (3G, World Phone capability, GPS, WiFi, removable storage-unless you have an iPhone-ha!) and RIM's push technology. Improved Office file viewing/editing gives added functionality and versatility. Although no phone/PDA is perfect, the Blackberry bold gets pretty close. Wonderful tools, plus the improvement to the RIM staples, coupled with the vibrant display makes this phone a must have.

My rating: 3.75/5.0

Your comments are welcome.

Edmund Starbanks