TiffanyBliss

Royalty Free Music For YouTube Videos

2011-06-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

I've started a Royalty Free Music section on my website. I've released some of my music with a Creative Commons 3.0 Unported License so that others may be able to use my music in their videos, websites or for other project. They're mainly simple little songs or accent pieces. I've been creating this music mainly for my Kitty Cat Bliss videos on YouTube and I thought that maybe other people would like to use them for their videos as well.
I plan on releasing new music on a regular basis for the site. As a YouTube partner, I know that a lot of times you may just need something simple, silly or dramatic for your video to spice it up.
I love music and I especially love pieces that can accent my videos. You may need these pieces too. Check them out at www.TiffanyBliss.com

Funny Doggy Uses Lid as a Skateboard

2011-06-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Amazing Dancing PUFFIN

2011-05-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor A Loving Tribute to a Hollywood Legend

2011-03-24T12:37:00.001-07:00

10 Profound Quotes Fukushima Nuclear Crisis in Japan

2011-03-18T20:38:00.001-07:00

10 Amazing Facts about the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears Hold it Against Me Video Parody and Review

2011-02-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

OMG Scorching Popcorn in Microwave

2011-01-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

It's just one of those things, ya know?
You're standing there in front of the microwave waiting for the popcorn to pop (and it almost always gets that burn flavor to it) when you read on the package that scorching is a sign its done! It's Yeap, apparently that's one of the clues to take it out of the microwave. Who knew?

Be sure to subscribe to my channel on youtube: tiffanyblisscom

Windows Phone 7 Commercials FAIL

2010-11-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Microsoft Windows phone 7 commercials playing right now have caught my attention. It's like they completely misunderstand why people are so engrossed in their smart phones all the time. They show people in various situations with their eyes glued to the phone....and then the commercial ends with the announcer saying: "It's time for a phone to save us from our phones. New Windows phone designed to get you in and out and back to life."

I hate to break it to Microsoft but the reason most people are so engrossed in their phones is not because they're difficult to use or we can't instantly see what we're looking for. We're playing games, using apps, chatting, checking facebook, surfing the web or watching videos. Trust me, no one's going to say the iPhone is difficult to use. My 4 year old nephew has been using his since he was 3 and didn't require much instruction. Likewise with Android phones. Everything is right there where you need it.

Looking at the Windows phone design, it does look simpler. But it almost looks too simple. It looks like something I would give to my great-grandmother so she could call for help if she slipped in the bathroom. The buttons are HUGE. Gigantic even. And it doesn't look all that customizable. So my take? Great for your aging great-grandmother who can't see and needs large buttons and a simple phone. Bad for the average smartphone user.

Holographic TV One Step Closer to Reality

2010-11-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Think 3D Television is cutting edge? You may want to take a look at this.
In the November 4 issue of "Nature" researchers from the University of Arizona report that they've made holographic technology a reality. A holographic display presents an image that is viewable on all sides. Remember that holographic image of Princess Leia pleaing for help that was projected from R2-D2 in Star Wars? That technology may not be just science fiction anymore.

University of Arizona researchers have developed the fastest 3D motion hologram to date with an image refresh rate of about 2 seconds per image. This is remarkable since in the past the refresh rate was limited to changing every few minutes. 16 cameras are used to create a 45 degree view of a 3D image.The images are recorded and then compiled together with a computer.

So how does it work?
A new type of plastic on the screen reacts chemically to a lazer shooting holographic pixels allowing the hologram to refresh at a faster rate. Once the image is stored on the screen it fades away naturally within seconds or minutes (the producer can determain the time frame).
Adding additional cameras at a different locationswould refine the final image.

Nasser Peyghambarian, an optical sciences professor, and head of the research effort, said in a statement: "Holographic telepresence means we can record a three-dimensional image in one location and show it in another location, in real-time, anywhere in the world."

The way we view the world could change dramatically from this technology. Imagine holographic 3D maps and navigation, holographic x-rays and ultrasounds, and holographic phones. Taking it one step further one day changing the appearance of your house or car could be as simple as changing the holographic image that surrounds it.We could have a 2 Bd house that appears as if it's a mini Taj Mahal or a Kia that looks like a Rolls Royce.

But, back to the here and now. Unfortunately, using this technology is still a few years away. Right now The University of Arizona was only working with a 10 inch screen. They're also testing a 17 inch prototype and trying to find a way to show full color.

The University of Arizona project involved a 10-inch screen, but the research group is also testing a 17-inch prototype and trying to find a way to show full color. Can't wait to buy the first holographic Droid!

Did Kinect Just Kill Wii?

2010-11-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's Xbox Kinect was officially released today. Does this make other motion gaming systems obsolete?

Kinect is a new kind of motion control system for the XBox 360. Unlike the Nintendo Wii and Sony's Playstation Move, Kinect does not require a controller to use the system. You can explore game play in a whole new way: Hands Free. Your body is now the controller.

Microsoft's Alex Kipman said it best. "The best controller is no controller...." I concur. Kinect makes the Wii look like something out of the ice age of technology. I'm now looking at my Wii the same way I looked at my Atari system when the NES came out, like it needs to go in the next yard sale.

Yeap, looks like Kinect just killed the Nintendo Wii. Not only are the graphics far superior on the xBox 360, but now you don't need a controller? Yeah, it's all over for the Wii....unless they update their technology significantly that is.

Here's how it works: Kinect is a motion control system that connects to the Xbox 360 game console. The Kinect houses three sensors that track movements and voice comands with a 640X480 RGB camera, a monochrome depth sensor and a multi-array microphone. The Kinect motion-sensing technology tracks 48 points of movement on the human body. The You use your body and your voice for game play. Making your gaming experience not only more natural but more enjoyable as well.

The Xbox Kinect is not only geared toward the casual player with fun games for dance, exercise and party games, it's also sophisticated enough for serious gamers making it even more appealing.

If you already own an Xbox 360 you can pick up the Kinect sensor for about $149.99.
You can also buy the Kinect bundled with the Xbox 360. The $299 package includes a 4GB Xbox 360 or the $399 package includes a 250GB console with the sensor.

Kipman was very optamistic about this weeks launch. Always an eloquent man he says, This week's launch is "the beginning of a journey. The perfect experience is the one we haven't come up with yet."
Some of the exciting titles to be released in 2011: A futuristic shooting game called "Steel Battalion Heavy Armor," A twist on flight similutar games (this one has you control a dragon) "Project Draco," and "Haunt," a haunted house mystery.

I'm guessing this will be one of the top selling items this holiday season.

How to get Flash on your Apple iPhone or iPad

2010-11-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Apple finally approved an app that allows users to view Flash videos on their iPhone or iPad.
This Thursday at 9 am EST you can download Skyfire 2.0. Skyfire for iOS is a tool that works with Apple's Safari Web browser and allows you to view Flash videos on the web.
This is the first app of it's kind that Apple has allowed into the iTunes marketplace.
Here's how skyfire works:

A user clicks on a wbsite containing a flash video. Skyfire then converts that into html5 and displays a thumbnail with the video from the Skyfire servers.
But if you want to watch videos from Hulu it looks like you're going to have to wait a little longer. Hulu.com won't allow the app to download it's videos to convert them.
Skyfire also won't work with games or other non-video flash content.
Oh and for those of you with Android phones with Froyo: You already know all about Skyfire because this is the app that allows you to view flash.
Visit their website to learn more: http://skyfire.com/product/iphone

How to Get Your Droid X Software Update

2010-07-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

The new Droid X update came out a few days ago. But I never got a notification on my phone telling me to update. So today I went to investigate. Turns out you can do a manual upload by following the instructions on the Verizon Wireless Droid Support Site and clicking on the pdf instructions. It's pretty easy to do just remember that to get to the "menu" it's the physical key on the far left and not a button on the screen.
It takes awhile to load and you will be stuck on a screen that has the Android robot next to a box for a LONG time....I mean a LONG LONG time. I went and did some other things and then thought about powering down it took so long. Good thing I didn't though because as it turns out it just takes a while.
My screen actually prompted me to hit ok twice but the screen was unresponsive when ever I did....or maybe it just took a long time to respond at all. In any case, it eventually went through and the phone is now updated. I'm interested to know if anyone else had to manually install the update and what you experienced when you did. Thanks!

Did Google Just Take a Bite out of Apple?

2010-07-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like our two favorite competitors Google and Apple are at it again.
Google just announced it's DIY App Creator: App Inventor Beta for the Android Marketplace. Now anyone can create an app quickly and easily by manipulating blocks on a page. You can even choose which device you want to use to create your app: your smartphone, pc, laptop or mac. Currently Android marketplace has over 60,000 apps. But that will soon change as soon as AppInventor is released.
App Inventor is in Beta mode right now, so you have to fill in a form and request access. When you go to the request page, the message at the top reads: "We will be granting access to App Inventor for Android over the coming weeks..."

Apple has long been criticized for being a "closed-market" for app creators who have to have apps approved by Apple then wait a full 6 months (or longer) before actually making money on their application. Many Apple apps are not even approved. In contrast, Google is open to everyone and there is no wait to monetize your creation. Of course, to be fair, there are pros and cons to both approaches.

Right now, the iPhone Marketplace has over 200,000 apps available while Android has over 60,000. I wouldn't expect those numbers to last long though. Some analysts are expecting Apple to lose it's leadership by 2015. If you ask me, I think it will be a lot sooner. Perhaps by the end of next year. Android is used by a variety of phones by a variety of manufacturers on every network. While Apple iPhone is only on AT&T and only made by Apple. It seems pretty clear who is going to come out on top. Especially since Google's Android platform grew by 44% in just THREE months.

On the other hand, what's not to say that Apple doesn't offer this app in the near future as well? Even if they did, they are not likely to loosen the reigns on their approval process making the point moot.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section down below.

*Portions of this page are reproduced from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Breaking NEWS: Blizzard NOT using Real ID in Forums

2010-07-09T11:15:00.001-07:00

Blizzard Entertainment just issued statement on their Battle.net blog that they have decided NOT to use Real ID on their forums at this time.

"I'd like to take some time to speak with all of you regarding our desire to make the Blizzard forums a better place for players to discuss our games. We've been constantly monitoring the feedback you've given us, as well as internally discussing your concerns about the use of real names on our forums. As a result of those discussions, we've decided at this time that real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums."

I have to wonder how they didn't see this was a bad idea in the first place. But I applaud the fact that they listened to their customers. Well done Blizzard!

Blizzard Admits that Real ID is a Privacy Issue

2010-07-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Blizzard Announces Real ID

At the end of this month, World of Warcraft developer Blizzard will be requiring all who wish to participate in their online forums to use their real life names when posting. Gamers are in an obvious uproar over this decision. Many people argue that this will open the door to users being able to track down information on their fellow players and could pose risks to their health safety and well being.

To prove a point to Blizzard some gamers took drastic measures by taking the name of a Blizzard employee and posting as much information about him as possible on a blog just to prove how easy it would be. Nothing was sacred in this example. Information posted included the name of his spouse, children, phone number and home address. (Read this article here) (and this one here).

Most likely the Real ID feature is a result of Blizzards partnership with Facebook that began in May. (read this article from USA Today). And as we all know, Facebook has been under a lot of criticism for it's lack of concern for privacy.

Blizzard Admits the Real ID is a privacy issue

What I find really interesting is the Contradictions on the Battle.net Real-ID FAQ page.
At the top of the page, Blizzard stresses that the Real ID feature should only be used with people you know and trust.....

"Who should I add to my Real ID friends list?

Real ID is a system designed to be used with people you know and trust in real life -- friends, co-workers and family -- though it's ultimately up to you to determine who you wish to interact with in this fashion. When you become Real ID friends with another player, you will be sharing your real name and opening up new communication options with that player. In addition, players who are Real ID friends with that player will be able to see your name in a “friends of friends” list, which allows people to be able to quickly send Real ID friend requests to others they may know."

But wait...Let's look at the bottom of the page where they added on their new plans to make it mandatory for all users to reveal their real life first and last names in the forum:

"How will Real ID be integrated with the official forums?

Beginning in mid-July, players who post on official Blizzard forums will be doing so using their Real ID -- that is, the real-life first and last name associated with their Battle.net account. In addition, players also will have the option to display the name of their primary in-game character (plus related in-game information such as guild and realm) alongside their real name. You’ll also begin seeing blue posters (i.e. Blizzard employees) posting by their real first and last names on our forums as well.

These changes will go into effect on all StarCraft II forums with the launch of the new community site prior to the July 27 release of the game, with the World of Warcraft site and forums following suit near the launch of Cataclysm. Certain classic forums, including the classic Battle.net forums, will remain unchanged."

"Can my Real ID friends see all of my World of Warcraft characters?

Real ID friends will be able to see all of each other’s characters across games; there will not be an option to hide specific characters from Real ID friends or to appear offline to them when you’re logged in. If you wish to communicate with someone through only a character, you can opt to use the traditional “in-game friend” system and add that player as a World of Warcraft friend."

Did they forget about the earlier warning at the top of the page insisting that Real ID should only be used with people you "know and trust like family and friends?" Now they want to reveal to strangers and everyone online this data that before was to be used with caution? That's a HUGE contradiction.

So lets just think about this for a minute.....If you're going to play one of Blizzard's games you must choose between reveal your real life first and last name or silence....if you choose to speak you will reveal who you are, who you're characters are and who you're friends identities are....on the other hand if you choose silence and you don't go on the forum or participate in Real ID you will not be able to use cross-game chat, rich presence or Broadcasts.

"Can I use features such as cross-game chat, Rich Presence, or Broadcasts if I do not use Real ID?

Features such as cross-game chat, World of Warcraft cross-realm and cross-faction chat, Broadcast messages, and Rich Presence are only available if you use Real ID. For more information, visit the Real ID features page."

Even if you choose not to participate in the forum you will still be paying the same price as the others who are Real ID particpants...My sneaky suspicion is that their plan is to integrate Real ID as a mandatory feature in their games.

It's one thing if "Screen-name1" and "Screen-name2" start name calling and fighting in a forum and its quite another when "JohnDoe" and "JohnSmith" are fighting and decide to google each others address, place of business, spouses and children. And it's no secret to gamers that there are people out there who take their games so seriously that the difference between reality and fantasy is often blurred.

I wonder how employees feel about having to post their real identities to the world including disgruntled players. Seems like a HUGE safety hazard to say the least. I wonder how many people will quit over this change or file lawsuits.

Many people are threatening a mass exodus from Blizzard games (like World of Warcraft)....others are hoping that Blizzard will reconsider or they will simply choose not to participate in the forums.

So what do you think about the obvious contradictions on the Battle.net Real ID FAQ page? Are you going to continue playing WoW? Let me know what you think in the comments down below.

Is AT&T Apple's Fall Guy?

2010-07-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

AT&T is starting to look like the fall guy for Apple.

Instead of admitting that the iPhone 4 has an obvious design flaw, Apple has decided to dodge the dropped call issue and admit to another problem, the miscalculated signal strength. They issued a letter on Friday that was filled with self-praise, and emotional language describing their "stunning" discovery. AT&T's coverage problems look a lot worse after reading this letter.

Some people are considering Apple's "Letter regarding iPhone 4" an apology or an explanation for the dropped calls and poor antenna placement. But, to me it looks more like they are avoiding the issue.

The letter dismisses Apple's iPhone 4 problems as something that only a minority are experiencing. The letter then goes on to addresses the drop in bars and not the drop in calls. But bars are not exactly an indicator of whether or not you will drop your call, because a call on one bar is the same as a call on 5 bars.

Apple is making it sound like signal bars are the same as volume bars on your television but they're not. For example, if you turn a TV up the volume bars increase and the sound is increasingly more audible. As you turn it down the sound slowly fades to nothing. If you're listening to your television volume with one bar. You will barely hear the sound.

But this is not so for signal strength bars. They're more like an on and off switch. If you have even 1 bar on your phone it is the same as 5 bars on your phone. Seeing any bars would indicate "on" and if you see no bars it would indicate "off". Where signal bars become useful is when you are traveling. If you are traveling and you notice your bars are diminishing, it might be a good idea to hold off making a call until you reach a better service area because there is a good chance that you are moving into a location without service. But if you are in one location and you have 1 bar the call quality does not diminish. The call would be the same as if you had 5 bars.

So, changing the software is not going to change basic physics. The iPhone 4 will still drop calls when held without a bumper or case that prevents both sides of the antenna wire from being touched at once.

I can't help but think that introducing this new problem to shift the blame on AT&T can't be making AT&T very happy right now. This only places AT&T's coverage problems in the spotlight. I wonder if this was an agreement that both companies made. Did AT&T agree to be Apple's fall guy? Or was this something that Apple decided on independently?

Let me know what you think in the comments section.

My Apple iPhone 4 video was featured on the Today Show!!

2010-07-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's true. Yesterday I was contacted by NBC because they wanted to use my iphone 4 video in a piece they were doing on the Today Show. I was so excited I emailed them right away and said Yes! Absolutely!
So, today the piece aired! I was so excited! HUGE Thank you to Jeff Rossen and everyone at NBC!
Here's the clip:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

For the whole video (and more): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL7NJZkXYig
Please subscribe and thanks for watching!

Sandra Bullock Divorce and Secret Son

2010-04-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Talk about WOW!

Not only did actress Sandra Bullock and soon to be ex-husband Jesse James adopted a baby boy a few months ago but she also filed for divorce according to People magazine.

The baby is adorable! His name is Louis Bardo Bullock. The actress started the adoption process with Jesse James about four years ago. Which is about a year after they were married. The two finally brought the baby home in January after he was born in New Orleans.
Sandra says of her beautiful boy, "He's just perfect, I can't even describe him any other way ... It's like he's always been a part of our lives."
Although Sandra started the adoption process with partner Jesse James she is now moving forward to finalize the divorce as a single parent.
But, Sandra tells People that she hopes that Jesse will be a part of her sons life. Jesse claims that he will be there to help in anyway.

Sandra Bullock is a strong person and maybe having a son is just the support she needs in this difficult time.
The interview also reveals that Sandra doesn't plan on seeking custody of Jesse's other children from previous relationships.

New Twilight Book to be Released June 5th

2010-04-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Stephenie Meyer has added another book to the Twilight Series.
"The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner,"
is scheduled to be released on June 5 just before the the new twilight movie "Eclipse" hits theaters.

I enjoyed reading the Twilight series. But of all the characters that we could have learned the back story on why Bree Tanner? I mean Seriously? I totally forgot about this throw away character. So if I wasn't interested in the character when I read Eclipse and I'm not really interested in reading about her now, why would I get the book? Well for one thing, it can be downloaded for free (legally) from June 7th to July 5th at www.breetanner.com. Otherwise I probably wouldn't be interested.

In Stephenie Meyer's blog at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com you can read about how she came to write this novella. I'm going to read it and review it but I'm not expecting much. Let's hope that we're all pleasantly surprised.

Into The Universe with Stephen Hawking

2010-04-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Did you happen to see the new documentary series on Discovery Channel: Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking?
This new 3-part documentary series debuted last night. Although its a 3 part series it's actually 4 hours in length. Part 1 focuses on Aliens (60 minutes), Part 2 focuses on Time Travel (60 minutes) and Part 3 is The Story of Everything (120 minutes). Part 1 and 2 debuted last night and Part 3 airs on May 2.

I love science and science fiction and love it even more when both are discussed together. It's always fun to explore the possibility of the impossible. I've also been a huge fan of Stephen Hawking ever since I read "A Brief History of Time."
Professor Hawking is not only a scientific genius but he has a remarkable ability to "dumb things down" for the rest of us.
This series uses stunning animation and special effects. If you want to get a peek into the world of Hawkings mind this is a good glimpse. The voice over flows back and forth between Stephen Hawkings computerized voice and the voice of British actor Benedict Cumberbatch. When a significant point had to be made the voice over would merge into Professor Hawkings computerized voice. Longer explanations were expressed by Cumberbatch.

Part 1 explored Professor Hawking's thoughts on Aliens and life on other planets. As always Hawking was engaging as he explored the possibilty of Alien life on other planets. What "being alive" actually means and if we would even be able to recognize an alien if we saw one. He also explains why he believes that making contact with aliens may not be what we bargened for.

In Part 2 Hawking explored Time Travel. He explained his theories on time travel and why he believes they are the most probable. In my opinion, he explains time, dimenstions, and time travel theories better than anyone else. He takes you through paradoxes and explores how time travel may eventually be possible.

I also really enjoyed the little peeks into Professor Hawking's non-scientist personality...For instance if he could go back in time he would visit Marliyn Monroe in her prime and his love of old B science fiction movies. If you've read his books these little insights will be familiar to you. But my kids got a kick out of the fact that a famous scientist had every day interests like the rest of us.

This series is fun and educational for the whole family. I can't wait to watch "The Story of Everything" next week.
Highly recommended! A+