Enter a few years later, 1999 to be exact when the DVR became available. Now you would still have to wait a week for a new episode to air, but at least you would be prepared to catch it and have the option to skip the commercials. You would also have the option to store your shows on hard disk and watch shows later, at your own leisure.

Enter today. We still have the DVR option, but including in the mix is video streaming. Streaming options from the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and others, we now can pick and choose “a la carte” style what shows we would want to follow and watch. Part of the fun is the discovery of new and old shows that has been put on and is available instantly. Just the other day, I found the show “ALF” and although this show was popular when I was growing up, I now can watch all the episodes. This concept makes a new breed of television viewers come to light, “The Cord Cutters”.

The cord cutters are folks who have for one reason or another, forgo the cable box or satellite dish to get content. Maybe it’s for prices, maybe they like to pick and choose shows, or maybe they just want to be the first on the block to say to neighbors that they don’t need a content provider. Take that cable box!

But there are some shows that some would be hesitant to get out that cable cutter they got from Walmart. Take the show “Mad Men” for example. Earlier seasons are available on streaming services, but the current season is only viewed on the AMC channel. Actually, you can also buy shows through iTunes to watch as a season pass, as well.

Now, there are some streaming options that in my opinion need a little work. You should be able to use a service without having a cable box with subscribed premium channel to view the stream option. I talking to you, HBO. At least provide an option to pay a certain amount for the people that don’t have the use of a subscribed premium cable box. Then I could finally see “Game of Thrones”, supplementing my imagination when I read the book by George R.R. Martin.

The next thing, which has been happening these few years is that now Netflix and Hulu are helping in creating original programming. Take for example the show “House of Cards“. This show first “aired”?, or “streamed”? in February 2013, providing ALL 13 episodes at one time. This and another example being “Arrested Development”, due out in May 26th, 2013 with reportedly ALL episodes out at one time, are changing the way we watch shows and consuming content. It also changes how independent studios now have more options in production.

I wonder what is in store in the years ahead. Only time will tell.

Until next time…

I remember a few years ago, the standing desk concept was first brought about, and at the time I wasn’t really sure what to think of it. For ages, since before corporate culture began, we have been ingrained in the concept of sitting at our desks, to work. We are even taught at a young age in school that we “have to sit at our desks“. This is an idea that changed everything that I have ever thought about work, and I had been challenged. Just something so simple as to stand, instead of sitting.

There are some benefits of standing, like increased blood flow and having more energy during the day. Personally, I have been more active as of late, with deadlines and keeping concentration up while working on projects and presentations.

I’m game to try this concept. I will let you know of my experiences later. And if anyone is doing this, please share in the comments section. I will definitely like to know.

Until next time…

Today, I am going to rant on a topic that just about everyone is familiar with, music. Specifically, music that has been downloaded and stored, not just a stream of music like Pandora, Spotify, or Rdio. I am talking about Apple’s iTunes.

My iTunes desktop

I had been a long time iTunes user, and have music that I have purchased in the past. I have also been hesitant about downloading and installing it again on my new laptop and yesterday, I finally pulled the trigger. So far, I am enjoying the experience that is the iTunes IU (user interface).

Before, I had tried to use Winamp, but got frustrated on the UI. I like the look of it, but it seemed to hide and make it hard to do simple things. Also, I don’t have that many hours in the day to sit and figure out how to add or revise podcast playlists and such or import specific music files.

Just about the only things I do like about Winamp are, a) That the window has the ability to “stick” to a corner or side of the desktop. b) The minimized window.

Minimized Winamp application. Looks pretty cool, huh?

Some hurdles I have to overcome are the fact that I use a Google Android phone (Nexus S), running Android 4.1.1 and not an Apple iPhone. I haven’t found out how I can listen to podcasts “synced” between laptop (iTunes) and phone (I use the DoggCatcher app), so for now, I just use my phone solely. It helps that I really like the DoggCatcher app a lot.  It would also be nice to listen on my laptop, then be able to sync wirelessly to my non-Apple device and listen right where I left off on my phone… but that is a story for another day.

Okay, that’s enough ranting for today. Now, time to enjoy some of my music on iTunes.

Until next time…

Okay, what is new in my life since my last post? Well, I’m still in school but changed my major (my last time, I promise) to computer science. Life right now is for the most part, studying, and a lot of it.

Well, that is all for now. Need to get this thing called studying done.

Until next time…

The Pride of Arizona Marching Band has a special place in my heart because I had played trumpet in the marching band for 2 seasons. I had a ton of fun and great memories playing. 

Here is the clip:

Until next time…