Ramblings

PlayStation = Uber Fail

2011-05-13T16:59:00.002-04:00

The PlayStation network snafu is still being felt even today. Many of the PSN users are upset, going after Sony, plus switching over to the XBOX 360.

The key thing to remember is that the PSN network isn't just for online stuff for PlayStations, it also deals with the tiny handheld PSP and other guys running around. Hence the major issue of the PSN network being down and out for so long.

Some have stated they didn't even patch their servers with the latest updates. To me that spells one word: FAIL.

Even a guy outta the computer server 101 class would tell you that the easiest way to fix/help a server is via putting the latest patches on their.

Still, having numerous user's data and credit account information swiped is not good whatsoever. I do feel bad for the various Sony PSN users though maybe next time just use those prepaid cards gang.

Have a good day all. :)

Stress Test

2011-03-16T23:57:00.003-04:00

So, for those of you who have not done beta testing of a game it is fun though at times painful. When one beta tests a game, you basically break it in any way possible, expose the bugs, inform the developers, and help make the game better in the process.

One key part of this process is stress testing the servers. This step happens usually with Massively Multiplayer Online games i.e. World of Warcraft, Rift, Star Trek Online etc.

During the beta test the developers see how many people can hop onto the server and play the game without much lag or the server crashing.

Now check out this article

If that many people hit the Star Wars: The Old Republic server(s) during beta, it will give them a HUGE idea of the load and what it can handle.

Big question of the day: have I registered to beta test the game? No due to the unlikelihood of me getting on it at all; the public one sure.

Thoughts/comments? Let me know

Wi-Fi and Senate people: they don't understand it

2011-03-02T16:04:00.003-05:00

Article Link

So it seems Senator Schumer would like our public hotspots to be more secure. OK...... Yet, if you keep reading the article he says we should switch to https.

Now, that basically means you're browsing/using a secure webpage i.e. your bank website, PayPal account etc.

Ready for the catcher? Sen Schumer does not realize the technical error he just made.

Why?

The https would not protect someone while at the local coffee shop

Ok, now you're probably wondering the reason I stated that so here it is

Wi-Fi hotspots at the local coffee house are PUBLIC NETWORKS In English it means they aren't encrypted, no password to gain access, and anyone can join.

Therefore, if you were at https://www.cooldudejb.com I could still read any information you sent over that network, including your credit card info, e-mail passwords, Facebook etc.

Conclusion: don't let non government IT people start to mess with what is already out there; they only will make things worse or slower with more official government guidelines.

Who knows......maybe all of us will be using 4G LTE on Verizon with our mobile phones if public hotspots get regulated. LOL

Texts R Us

2010-10-19T01:42:00.002-04:00

Article Link

So, you think you send a lot of text messages? Sorry yet your friend's kids do more then you by a mile. According to the study, it seems a teen sends nearly 4,000 messages a month!!! That's crazy (and they wonder why their thumbs hurt... sheesh lol)

Here's my take away from the study:

-teens will outpace all you adults out there in technology

- do a marketing ads/campaign towards teens and mobile phones = money

- kick apps to this group of people and you'll get $$$

- phone providers NEED to update their network infrastructure

Why? The teens will overload your systems with sms, mms, or data on their phones. (AT&T found this out with releasing the iPhone which is still plaguing their network and it isn't even teens who are killing it)

Thoughts? Leave em below.

AT&T Turns Red

2010-10-05T19:54:00.005-04:00

Article Link

So, it appears AT&T is now going to be running a few Droid phones. One might think it is a bad sign although having a diverse line up of phones is not. My thoughts below:

1. This move is a good thing

It will help bolsters AT&T and shy it away from iPhone land.

2. The network will benefit

If a user is in a spot that only has AT&T coverage yet, is able to get a Droid on the network = a win win for both parties.

3. It will help AT&T down the road

The rumor regarding them loosing the iPhone contract will hurt them yet, having the Droid help fill the financial gap down the road couldn't hurt.

My gripes:

1. Network speed

I still remember using my BlackBerry on the "Big Blue" network. It worked, minus the data speed on EDGE (I'm not in a 3G area) was slooooowwwwww.

2. Droid fast vs Big Blue spotty/dead coverage

If the phone itself is fast (and it is) yet, the network goes crapola = no good.

AT&T is in no position to have an influx of Droid users kill the network even further. I wonder if they considered this fact when they signed up for Droid life etc.

3. Tiered Data plans

I don't like the idea of having an uber phone then an tiered pricing structure. If I'm going to have a phone, I'd rather have unlimited data and not worry about it.

Thoughts/comments?

Let me know :)

BlackBerry Tablet?

2010-09-27T20:55:00.004-04:00

Article Link

So RIM has just kicked off a BlackBerry tablet.... is anyone really surprised?

I cannot say I am. RIM is always linked with the BlackBerry and e-mail and business and corproate world or professional people. Now they've kicked into high gear to help catch up or make another dent in the consumer market.

See here for why users jumped from BlackBerry to Android devices

It is basically a bigger screen BlackBerry still with limitations and whatnot. Will the average user pick it up? Possibly only due to the low price vs Apple.

The device being able to use HTML 5 and Flash 10.1 is a step up (even over a new/latest BlackBerry).

Other then that I don't see any major reason as to why you must get/have one.

Thoughts comments? Let me know. :)

BlackBerry Outed? & IE 9 Beta

2010-09-17T21:07:00.003-04:00

BlackBerry Article

IE 9 Article

Some have wondered if the BlackBerry is going to be eclipsed by the iPhone or even the new Android devices that are now taking a rather large chunk of the market. Competition is good sure yet, should companies ditch the BlackBerry?

I must say I am glad to see JPMorgan looking at alternatives to the usual platform. It would be nice to just have an iPhone or Android device and have it connected to the workplace. It would save the company money & allow the employee just to carry one device vs the multitude now i.e. phone for work, phone for home, notebook PC for work etc etc.

The key is always security especially in the financial sector and BlackBerry has been a major staple of that aspect. I myself have a BlackBerry and have had a few over the past few years. It does what it needs to: e-mail, calendar, and phone. The downside is being able to view certain webpages, store lots of media on the device (apps cannot be put onto the SD card unless you purchase one; the problem is apps aren't designed to be run on the SD card which sucks if you a lot of apps=storage on device gets low). I also have been finding it to be somewhat glitchy (over a year old) yet, it still is plugging along. My next device will be an Android. Why? More storage space, smoother and faster, more OS updates, and a better multi-function device.

Here's where the issue might happen such as with JP Morgan: user happens to loose his or her iPhone. Said iPhone has company documents on it. Does company wipe device and said user then also looses said family vacation pics as well? See that is where it will get mucky just using one device.

Solution: only put company documents or whatnot onto dedicated SD card. If device is lost, wipe said SD card. Gee that sounds like BlackBerry (which you can do). Problem? You need all the BlackBerry stuff in order for it to happen whereas on the iPhone or Android device (which someone may develop) ya just download an application to make that happen.

Internet Explorer 9 Beta

I myself have not tested out this new version though some of you might want to or will get hit with the final product down the road. My gripe with IE is just slow and not what I like to use. I mainly use Google Chrome, FireFox, and IE (in that order.) Why? Chrome is simple, fast, and good for what I use.

The only glitch is webpages that say you must use Internet Explorer and then I flip to that browser.

Microsoft is only working on a new browser to keep/catch up with Chrome and FireFox. They still only get the most browser market due to IE is stuck on any computer you purchase no matter what.

They still have a high market share only due to the reason I stated above. That's it.

Here's a link to a current view of the browsers and their rankings.

In conclusion I'm sticking with Chrome unless I really need to flip to something else. Bash me all ya want yet, Chrome still is uber speed wise.

Thoughts/comments?

Share em or kick me a message jbblogs at gmail dot com

The Apple Breaks a Window

2010-05-31T23:15:00.002-04:00

Article Link

So, Apple is now ahead of Microsoft. Is too surprising? No considering Apple has spread into the Operating System market, devices, and other various avenues. Microsoft is still just mainly the operating system, Office suites, and a search engine.

The question remains: will Apple be king and keep that top spot?

My prediction: yes due to their innovation and multiple products that consumers like, enjoy, and keep coming back for. Would you rather get a new iPhone or a new Office suite? I, like many of you, would choose the first option. Apple also listens to the consumer, keeps things simple, and makes things work whereas Microsoft just pushes stuff out there at the consumer.

Could Microsoft pull ahead? Possibly, though they have a long way to go to catch up in the phone, iPod, and other user devices areas.

Only time will tell and at the moment the Apple has broken the Window. :)

Google's Wave A Comin

2010-05-20T22:50:00.003-04:00

Article link

For those of you who didn't know, Google Wave is now open to the public. What does that mean to the average guy or gal on the street? You now have a new way to collaborate, share information, work on a blog, put together a meeting, and more.

Will people be quick to adopt it? Maybe though only the tech people or those who aren't afraid of new stuff.

It has a lot of features (and I'm still new to Wave) yet, here is one that applies to everyone.

Let's say you walked into a room and missed an awesome conversation. Bummer right? What if you could play back that awesome conversation, see who said what, examine the kick butt lookin photos, and jump right on in as if you had been there the whole time. Neat eh?

Google Wave can do that! There's a button that plays back the entire wave. So, you can invite a buddy into the wave, they push playback, and are caught up to speed as to what has been going on with the wave.

That to me is freaking awesome.

So hey, carry on gang and be sure to get your wave on. :)

PS I'm on Google Wave; kick me an e-mail if you want me Wave address. Hit me up at jbblogs at gmail dot com and I'll give you my wave address.

Face to Face Time

2010-05-11T18:35:00.004-04:00

Article Link: Click here to read it

So, technology looses another battle vs actual face-to-face communication. It took a study to find that out? I could have told you that without even thinking about it. I enjoy hanging with my buddies or having them over for a gaming session on my XBOX 360. That is fun.

What I don't understand is people who throw all their time into the online realm and expect to be happy. Let me tell you from a guy who has been in the online realm awhile plus in the communications venue: face to face beats any e-mail, text message, Facebook comment, or latest Twitter update. Seriously.

You can't find happiness online, many have attempted and failed. Granted it is nice having an online guild/clan while in an MMO or online multiplayer game sure. Yet, that can't take the place of sitting down, having a cup of coffee, and talking with your best friend.

I myself have a wonderful friend who I hope to sit down with sometime and enjoy a cup of coffee/hang out/ go shopping etc. There are numerous issues in the way (and both of us are aware of that) yet, we are looking forward to the day when we are able to hang out and talk face-to-face. That'll be awesome for sure.

Flipside:

Now, I know there are those of you out there saying, "Hey JB! There's no way (insert online friend's name here or loved one) we can sit down and chat. (Insert name here) is on vacation, out of the country, across the world, doesn't live near by me etc. So what do you expect us to do JB?"

I'm aware of those kinds of situations myself due to I'm in that boat regarding some of my friends out there. You could try doing a webcam chat, which in my opinion would be the halfway point, and having a conversation that way. Another idea would be to vacation near your friend or halfway then have him/her/them (clan/guild) meet up and hang out. That could work too. So, don't think I'm bashing you if you are in that situation. It is part of life and technology can help bridge that gap to an extent.

Conclusion:

Online avenues only supplments/adds to communication between people. Nothing beats talking face-to-face whatsoever.

Technology vs. Human Touch

2010-04-12T15:18:00.002-04:00

One has to wonder with all of our current technology if it will ever take the place of actual physical human touch. With all of our Facebook and Apps on the iPhone or BlackBerry for this and that, sending virtual hugs or smiles if we will just send a little message saying “You’ve just received a virtual hug!” while sitting or standing near an individual.

My theory is that it will not come to that particular end. Why? It is a cycle where the technology will keep moving us forward yet we (built into our own human condition) want even DESIRE touch. Touch ranging from a hug, a kiss, a pat on the back, holding his or her hand, a sexy S trace down your lover’s back etc.

It is somewhat depressing to see two individuals sitting across from each other at a table at your local restaurant, staring down at his or her phone texting or Twittering away while not even uttering one word to the other minus the “Let’s go” phrase.

Will we find ourselves with robotic hands similar to Luke Skywalker’s in Star Wars or devices such as the tricorder from Star Trek? Possibly and only time will tell how far we advance technologically as a society and what we will create or invent along the way.

The inevitable human touch will continue as a deep, inner longing until the end of time. Why? Nothing, not even virtually reality can ever replace feeling the touch or sensation of another physical, living, breathing human being no matter the technology.

Technology Works

2010-01-25T21:05:00.003-05:00

Article Link: Click Here to Read

You say technology is bad and people don't need cell phones? Think again after reading this article. Cell phones save lives and these aren't even iPhones or Blackberries. So, the moral of the story? Get some type of cell phone even if it is a prepaid one. It could save your life.

WOOT for technology! :D

Catholic Church moves to Cyberspace

2010-01-23T21:21:00.005-05:00

Here's the article: Click Here to Read

So, the Pope wants priests to start blogging. I think that it will be a good thing and is a tad overdue. You are probably thinking that a priest at your local parish blogging is insane and crazy. In all honesty it isn't. Today it is not about doing the traditional way of doing things rather connecting with people on various levels where they are at and giving them access to their spiritual advisors more then just face-to-face meetings. If they took it a step further (the priests) and had virtual office hours so let's say a parishioner is at work, has a question, pings his priests via chat, and then gets on with his day. Simple, easy, and very effective. That would be even better and add more icing on the cake as it were.

I am looking forward to the priests blogging and getting into this new digital age.

My view is that people who go to church want access to his or her priest, pastor, spiritual advisor easier and quicker more then ever. Think about it: when was the last time you say an individual without his or her phone at a coffee shop, in the line while at the store, or at the movie theater? People are accessing the web via their mobile phones now more and more. It is only logical that the church (Catholic and the rest of the gang) get into step with people out there.

The more avenues of communication the better and as the Pope said: "...start blogging!"

Wonder

2009-07-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days where ya wonder why something is happening to you/ what are you supposed to learn from it?

That's me today wondering and hoping for answers.

I hope you have some insights into whatever it is you're facing too.

A wise Godly man once told me and my class in high school: life can either make you bitter or better.

I hope the situation I'm facing will (somehow) make me better.

Have a good day all. :)
JB
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Chemotherapy & Technology

2009-07-08T10:41:00.004-04:00

Heyas all,

I must say getting chemotherapy isn't all that it's cracked up to be. :P LOL

It is nifty in that they can use an IV pump and put 1,000 mL of fluid through your system in a matter of 2 hours. Gang, that's nothing to sneeze at. On a sidenote, it does make sure your kidneys are working. :P

I'm doing ok and I don't think I could go on one of those eat green and purple food health diets which saves you from cancer etc etc.

For crying out loud I'm a techie, I couldn't be a food guy. If the technology is there for chemo, I'm gonna use it.

I must say so far so good. Medicine helps too along with the technology so chemo isn't as bad as some might say. I could be wrong and it might catch up with me over the weekend who knows.

The unknown part is that chemo affects people in different ways. So it isn't like you could say you'll have symptoms 1-5. No, you might get one or all 5. It depends.

So there's my rant.

Have a good day all. :)

Staring Down the Barrel

2009-06-17T22:49:00.002-04:00

Ever face a moment in life where ya were staring down into the barrel of something bad? I don't mean an actual gun rather in a figurative sense.

I unfortunately had to face my own life head on. Due to some medical stuff, I could either be facing life or death. Cancer has hit me though the kind I have is curable. I don't have any specifics or details yet, we'll see what happens.

One might think I should have a bad outlook on stuff and what is gonna happen next. I don't. Why? I can't control it and besides modern technology and medicine is pretty cool. I had my first cat-scan the other day. Basically a big doughnut and I was moved back and forth on it while being scanned. Pretty nifty to say the least.

So don't be against technology til ya try it. It might be better then ya expected.

That's it all and have a good one! :)

Technology & Distance

2009-05-21T13:30:00.000-04:00

Isn't chatting or calling a friend overseas fun? I can agree with the rest of you that it is. I even had a webcam chat with a buddy who was in China for work. It was cool and awesome to see him.

It still amazes me one can be chatting with someone who's on the other side of the world in real time. Pretty awesome.

One program I would recommend is called Skype. It's secure, reliable, and has great voice quality. Plus it's free; Skype to Skype PC calls are. Skype to a land line is not.

Try it and see what you think.

http://www.skype.com
JB
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

New Tech in a Movie

2009-05-09T21:16:00.000-04:00

So, you wanna see some new technology? How about stuff that's not even here yet?

If so, then go watch Star Trek. There's new technology plus a darn AWSOME movie. :D

JB
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Appreciation

2009-04-18T23:00:00.003-04:00

One thing that occurred to be the other day as I was driving home in this warm weather and tonight where friends we're sharing their life experiences, is how we as humans don't appreciate things or the "little things" as much as we should.

I do that at times, do you?

We all are happy when it is sunny and warm (especially here in Michigan) after the winter season or a bad storm. My friends were telling about how they had just 1 faucet or going from a toilet outside to one inside the house. To me that's something else. I am blessed to be living in the time I'm in. Heck, I was able to chat with my webcam with a good friend of mine who was over in China for some work stuff. It was as if we were in the same room yet thousands and thousands of miles apart. Neat huh?

God appreciates us as well. Here's the difference though: it is so vast, everyday non-stop, and it doesn't matter on what happens on day 42. Seriously. His love and appreciation for us is so much, if we felt the full brunt of it, we'd go insane I'd think. Isn't that awesome about God? I sure think so. :D

Just something to much on & think about.

Have a good day all :)

New Game Technology

2009-04-01T16:55:00.003-04:00

Check this out!!!

http://www.onlive.com

Press Conference Video:
http://tinyurl.com/cyuqf2

Thoughts on Unity

2009-03-02T16:46:00.002-05:00

Heyas everyone,

Today while at the Surgical Center (Building P) while at the Cleveland Clinic, something struck me. It was the thought of unity. One might not have that while waiting for a loved one to get out of surgery or just killing time waiting until he or she can get an update from the doctor. It stuck me when I walked around just to stretch my legs a bit. Out from (when we arrived at 6 AM nobody was there) where the main doors and on the main floor were people just waiting for a loved one to get out or surgery, get the doctor call, or a text messages notifying them of their loved one's progress. They were all there just sitting, some sleeping, and others using their PCs and we all had something in common: we were unified in the waiting process. Granted some might have not believed in God, were from the West coast, or even might not have had English as their main language, we still were waiting. Some had just started the wait game for today, others were even here before we showed up. Many I'm sure were anxious just like myself yet, regardless we all were waiting.

So, even when things seem down or might not make sense look around. You might have something common with the person sitting next to you.

Have a good day all. :)

Love & Life

2009-02-15T22:10:00.004-05:00

Love is a curious thing. It can bring two people closer together or at times drive them apart. I am currently finding out more about this weird thing we call love. I'm not going to share all the details, yet I will say it is interesting to say the least.

So far it has been rough and painful, yet I'm moving forward as best I can in this relationship. Some might say, "John, this relationship of yours does not count, it isn't real." That might be true yet, considering a friend and I had a few knocking of the heads yet, we made up, doesn't that show that it isn't "fake?" If it was, this relationship would be over in my opinion.

One thing regarding human love is that it can change, not be entirely real or fade vs. God's love is non-stop and has no bounds. To me that is pretty cool considering some of the crap & bad stuff I have done.

Still this relationship I have is different; I don't know what is or will be down the road nor am I shutting out my other friends. I'm just sharing that I am learning/finding out more.

Is this love thing singled out and nobody else? No, otherwise I could not love Dad, Mom, or my brother. Love is complex and has different meanings/layers just like our relationships. One thing in communications class is that a relationship is like an onion. Layers ranging from surface stuff i.e. how are you? to the deep, inner core i.e. what is your deepest fear? That kinda stuff.

I hope that helps and just gives ya something to chew on as you go through this week.

Have a good one all. :)

New Star Trek Online Video!

2009-02-08T16:47:00.002-05:00

WOOT!

I am so excited about this upcoming game; I will say this Star Trek game will probably be the one (only?) game I do my best to get on, and play my heart out in. I've included the new character creator trailer plus the Star Trek Online trailer itself so enjoy.

:D

Relationships

2009-02-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

One wonders about life at times. I have found out (as many of you out there have) that any relationship is complex and can be challenging as well. The key thing about any relationship is that one must be diligent in working stuff out. Be it good or bad or something entirely in between. That is the key. If one forgets to do that, things will get funky that's for sure. I'm not even talking about marriages here, just the regular friends you have at work, church, school, etc.

One of my friends and had a long talk last night (chatting online if you wanna be picky :P ) about some stuff. What was going on between us/what each of us thought about our friendship. It was a good talk don't get me wrong and somewhat confusing. Though the key is we talked vs just one of us bailing out. Something stuck my nerve and I pinged my friend and said ok have fun/whatever and was gonna just log and go sleep. Yet, my friend said hold on wait/talk and we did for quite awhile. I'm glad my friend did that.

So, in closing if you are feeling funky about a relationship, just sit down over a cup of coffee and just talk. You'll be amazed at how just by talking, discussing, and thinking about what's going on how it will help you then and down the road. The bonus of course, it makes your relationship stronger. :)

Snow and Nature

2009-02-01T19:26:00.004-05:00

Well, I am not a big fan of snow. Granted I use a snowblower to move it for a snow shovel as necessary, I still hate it with a passion. Why you might ask? I'm either clearing off the driveway or driving it in, neither of which is fun.

Now today I had to snow rake the roof to remove the snow that was piling up. It did go easier then normal due to the warm temperature outside today. Now as I was doing it I stopped and took a brake a bit while doing it. The folks have a big roof let me tell you! lol Anyways, I stopped once and just looked around and listened. It was funny due to it was quiet, mostly everything had some snow on it, and it was just cool. Usually I'm not one to do that (especially regarding snow). I guess I just had some time to relax while working, clear my mind, and appreciate the prettiness/beauty of nature.

I also had a thought regarding snow, how it says in the Bible that we'll be cleansed as white as now plus how it related to the seasons. Think of it, winter where stuff dies and the white snow covers it. Next is spring where there's green and new life comes back and kicking. Summer where the temperature warms and the sun is out making life/the plants/trees etc greener and more oomfy. Fall where the leaves change color (who we in life might change our hearts or thoughts about God) plus this is the time where the plant/trees etc get ready to shut down and some even might die. Then the cycle goes all over again. Some neat connections there don't ya think?

That's it for now everybody. Enjoy! :0