It's Keith not Kieth!

Inside My Geek Bag

2011-12-30T22:52:00.001-05:00

Everyone has a little geek in them, right?! You probably do not realize it; but if you have a gadget or piece of technology that you can't live without, you fall into this category to some extent. Here are the top gadgets and items that I use on a regular basis and find to be necessities. I have included links and videos where possible even though most everything can be ordered from Amazon.

The Bag

The choice of bag makes or breaks the entire experience! I am personally a tad bit obsessive compulsive over it. I admittedly have over 10 laptop/messenger/backpack bags, but only a small few really grab my attention. Majority of the time, I use the Command Messenger bag by Timbuk2 (video). This bag is large enough to hold everything I need when I travel and still be manageable. When you have as many as 2-4 flights per week, the TSA approved laptop feature is a must. I also use the Monsoon Gearslinger bag by Maxpedition (video) as a commuter bag or backpack. This style of bag is perfect for hiking, camping, or tactical use; however, it also works great for carrying around the city or anything else you can imagine. This also happens to be a pack used by Jack Bauer in 24. (nuff said, right?!)

There are tons of other options available to fit your need if neither of these are your style. I am also a fan of a few other bags even though I do not own them: Thule Crossover Sling Pack (video) or Crossover Backpack (video), The Bag of Holding, or any of the options available from Crumpler.

The Contents
I always try to travel around as light as possible, but you never know when you will need something. These items can almost always be found in my bag unless i'm feeling minimalistic or on a trip where everything is not necessary. Here is the quick list:

Macbook Air
iPad
Samsung Focus S
Bose - AE2 Headphones
In-ear stereo buds
Verizon Wireless MiFi 4G/3G Wi-Fi Hotspot 4510L
Zoom Q3 HD Video/Audio Recorder
Jawbone JAMBOX Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Speaker
Jawbone ERA Bluetooth Headset
Belkin Mini Surge Protector with Dual USB Charger
BESTEK 150W DC/AC Car Power Inverter w/ USB
Targus 4 Port Ultra Mini USB 2.0 Hub
Neiko Super-Bright 9 LED Heavy-Duty Compact Aluminum Flashlight
Targus Capacitative Touch Stylus
Moleskine Ruled Soft Notebook
Zebra F-701 Pen
Stereo 3.5mm (1/8") Y-Splitter
10" USB Cable Extender
4 Micro USB Cables (shortened thanks to Applecore)
A few backup Flash Drives

My Keyring

In addition to any bag that I carry, I always have my keys close-at-hand. There are two staples that i think everyone should have on their keyring.

LaCie iamaKey Flash Drive - This incredibly durable drive is always accessible and comes in a variety of storage sizes. It has lasted numerous drops and even a few washes and still works like a charm. I can't think of a better way to keep the important stuff close by than to have one of these key-sized drives.

TRUE Utility Cash Capsule - This weather sealed capsule can hold one bill for safe keeping and emergency situations. The tiny capsule is small enough that it’s doubtful anyone would notice it. If you have ever misplaced your wallet/purse or have been in a jam when only cash was accepted, this can be a life saver!

Highlights

Why did I choose the items above over others? Well, here are a few highlights on what helped lock in my purchasing decisions.

Macbook Air
The best laptop purchase that I have ever made! I have used my current Macbook Air since it was first released in early 2008. The hinge has cracked once approximately 6-8 months ago, however, Apple replaced it for free. It has held up strong for 4 years as my primary machine! The fact that it is thin and lightweight has made it perfect for travel. I never recall having anything crash or lock up. It still runs just as fast as it did the day I purchased it and there have been no virus threats! While the Powerbook excels with hardware performance and editing capabilities, the Air has kept up well with my editing projects and needs as is.

Samsung Focus S
I switched over from an iPhone to the Samsung Focus S running the new Windows OS, Windows Phone 7.5. If you're scratching your head and thinking to yourself "WHY?!", take a minute to breath and read on. The truth is that I find the iPhone OS boring and behind in both feature integration and hardware specs. I also find the Android OS to be annoying to use, battery consuming, and I can't get past the fragmentation issues regarding updates to the operating system. The new windows Metro UI is simple and the integrated features will make you hate, despise, and loath your current device. I have fallen in love with the social networking integration, productivity, gaming, 4G speeds (you would be surprised to know just how many people think that their iPhone 4 or 4s is 4G when it is not), and in short find myself immersed in everything about the phone. I have loaned out windows phone devices to friends and family only to see the same reactions from them as well. Regardless of what you might think, it doesn't crash or get viruses... Just try it, I promise you wont regret it. (video)

Zoom Q3 HD Video/Audio Recorder
I do a good bit of video and production work from time to time and nothing is more annoying than HD video with crappy audio. Flip Video Cameras are great for daytime footage, but can be more than unflattering in low light and virtually impossible to hear if your more than two feet away. Thankfully, this little device has come along to bridge the gap. For a portable video recorder, you'll find the High Definition Video and Audio to be pretty impressive. A movie maker's trusty sidekick! (video)

Jawbone JAMBOX and ERA Devices
Jawbone makes some sick pieces of hardware! SICK! Sure, it's a little on the expensive side, but know that it is absolutely worth every dime! Being field-based, I host and participate in multiple conference calls every week from restaurants and coffee shops to airports and car rides. The noise cancellation on the Jawbone bluetooth headsets is amazing. You would never really know the person on the phone could be in one of the loudest places on earth. They pair with practically any phone, multiple devices at once, and allow for voice commands if your phone supports them. (video)

The JAMBOX is a one-stop-shop that leaves any other iPod/MP3 speaker back in Kindergarten. A wireless Hi-Def speaker that carries an incredible low-end, built-in speakerphone, and shockingly battery lifespan is where it's at. (video)

While I am completely satisfied with the tech toys and gadgets that I have, the tech enthusiast inside me is always eager for more. If you have any techno-guru-gadgetry that you carry on-the-go, please feel free to share! For those enamored by what you've seen so far, happy shopping!

Stop The 3-D Movies!

2011-01-16T14:45:00.016-05:00

If you are in need of something to boycott this year, I have the perfect thing for you... 3-D Movies! We get it -- it's in 3-D, have a cookie. I can't think of a bigger waste of money in 2010. Movies are already expensive enough as it is and now you expect me to sit through the movie with psychedelic glasses on my face for an extra $3-$5?! Everyone says it makes the movie "more real". Really? You know what's NOT real? ...AVATAR 3-D ...Alice In Wonderland 3-D ...The Polar Express 3-D ...Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore 3-D!

As if that was not enough, you now want me to buy a 3-D television to sit inside my living room so that I can wear psychedelic glasses whenever I want?! Score! I can't even keep up with my remote control half the time, much less a pair of 3-D glasses. EVERYTHING is 3-D, its just ridiculous. All this talk about re-releasing older movies in 3-D is just dumb. I didn't want to pay to see your movie in 2-D. What makes you think I want to pay more to see it in 3-D? Especially if your not even going to give me the courtesy of SHOOTING the movie in 3-D. Look at who has 3-D concert movies out -- Miley Cyrus in 3-D, The Jonas Brothers in 3-D, and Justin Bieber in 3-D. That should give you a clue of how ridiculous this 3-D fiasco is right there.

Part of me thinks 3-D is an attempt to force cash-flow into the movie industry to make up for piracy. I mean, we were taping shows off TV and recording radio songs onto cassette tapes for two decades and no one said ANYTHING. Now, you can't even watch your own YouTube video without some silly Ad. Theaters are charging $3 for a pair of 1cent 3-D glasses that they ask you to recycle after the 3-D movie. America let's you slide on your outrageous concession stand prices all on the premise of a "Night Out". This 3-D business, however, has to go. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Side note: I used "3-D" a total of 21 times in this post. You might have become annoyed with the excessive use of "3-D"...my point exactly.

How You Know It's January

2011-01-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered if you would be able to tell what month it is without ever looking at a calendar or hearing the date? Me neither, however, if you did -- here's how you would know it was January.

Someone posts a "New Years Resolution" every 3 minutes as their status.
Someone posts that they've broken their "New Years Resolution" every 3 hours as their status.
Facebook/Twitter posts about fasting Facebook/Twitter.
HR Block, Jackson Hewitt, and TurboTax commercials.
Office Supply sales surge.
Football throws off your DVR causing you to miss the majority of your television shows.
At least one lame TV series kicks-off.
Someone says "____ is my year"
You find that a gift you purchased before Christmas is now cheaper.
The postman brings you nothing but bills.
Homeowners Associations hound you for your dues.
The word "gym" becomes overused.
All the gym's are crowded with "revolutionists".
The weather acts as if it hates you.
AND... you have more moments where you are bored out of your mind!

Quoth the Raven: Majority Drools

2011-01-04T18:24:00.001-05:00

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

Swagger Coach: Christmas Swag

2010-12-15T20:25:00.000-05:00

Eric & Taavon learn the tru meaning of Christmas... Swagger!

Swagger Christmas from Keith Courtney on Vimeo.

North Point iBand: Christmas Technologic

2010-12-07T22:20:00.001-05:00

This was a really cool opener Antwane got to be a part of this year @North Point Church. What cooler way to bring a little Christmas laughter and joy then with the NP iBand doing Christmas Carols!!!

Hey Seattle, Bring out your Vampires!

2010-10-26T02:35:00.000-04:00

Seattle is cold... and I think I just saw Edward Cullen. Uh, nope, nevermind -- it's just one of the other thousands of pale people that inhabit the city. I'm here for the XBOX Kinect Product Launch Training taking place this week. It's an exciting launch and I can't wait to purchase one myself! Since I'm here, it would be a shame not to see a few sights while in town. So, I hopped in a cab and took in some of the hot spots.

Seattle is probably underrated. I was pleasantly surprised to find this area both breathtaking and very chill. If I didn't feel as if I were in a different country cut off from the rest of the world, I might consider moving here.

Swagger Coach: Eric & Taavon

2010-09-29T20:35:00.002-04:00

Eric Sebastian and Keith Courtney parody the original funnyORdie sketch for a large youth event. Funny stuff.

OC Gameday Volunteer Promo

2010-09-10T18:13:00.000-04:00

"Gameday" Volunteer Promo from Keith Courtney on Vimeo.

Volunteer/”Get Involved” Promo Video for Gameday Sunday, Sept 12th 2010, at The Oasis Church in Loganville, GA. Filmed and edited by Eric Sebastian & Keith Courtney. This video was setup to target regular church members to get involved and find their fit into our church body ministry. Coincidently, GAMEDAY Sunday is also a weekend sports event surrounding showing the games on the big screen and more.

90's Friday Throwback - Collect Call Wars

2010-09-03T15:11:00.001-04:00

It's still hard to believe that mobile phones are relatively young considering the fact that you now seem to earn them as a "right of passage" by the age of 12. However, not too long ago, people were still making collect calls! Who could forget the war between 1-800-CALL-ATT and 1-800-COLLECT?! Memory still cloudy? Check out the feud below.

Now, the phonebooth will be making it's "Classic Red" UK comeback as Google Voice places them across the US in airports and universities. People will be able to use the phonebooth to place free calls to anywhere in the world.

90's Friday Throwback - Sesame Street

2010-08-27T15:00:00.001-04:00

I loved Sesame Street as a kid and if many of you were honest -- you know you did too! I never really realized how many times they cut corners showing some of the same clips and excerpts in different episodes. However, I know they did... they MUST have! Everytime I think of Sesame Street, I think of the same three video clips over and over again. Classic! These are the ones that you just stared at sitting indian style with your mouth wide open.

Bonus:

90's Friday Throwback - Joey Lawrence

2010-08-20T15:00:00.001-04:00

Joey Lawrence is probably best known from my generation for his role in 1990-1995's "Blossom". He was cool, then not-so-cool, then cool again; and now... reemerging. If you ask me, I think he kept dipping in popularity because of his music aspirations. It's the cool guy in your high school having a nice voice and doing a music video making him look lame. Case in point -- "Nothin' My Love Can't Fix", his first hit single in 1993. Sure it was popular, aired on MTV over and over, and finally fizzled right out. However, he found a new coolness in the Disney show "Brotherly Love" alongside his two younger siblings Matt and Andy. Then what does he decide to do?! He returns with "Never Gonna Change My Mind", released in 1997. I'm a fan, Joey -- I just wanna smack you in the back of the head sometimes.

I caught the pilot of his new show "Melissa & Joey" this past Tuesday and thought it was pretty funny as far as family sitcoms go. It airs on ABC Family Tuesday nights at 8pm EST. http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/melissa-joey

Now, give me your best "Woah!" and check out the two music video's below! Notice that his moves are still the same 4 years later.

Remember Teddy Ruxpin & Grubby?!

2010-08-19T17:52:00.001-04:00

Age spoiler or not... I used to to be fascinated with this animatronic bear and his conversational counterpart, Grubby! I believe it was Christmas 1986 when my parents gave me this story-reading/animated series star. Never would I have guessed that he would make a 2000's comeback, but sure enough... you can a new digital one online! www.teddyruxpin.com They seem to also have a link to where you can buy the DVD of the series that aired on TV as well.

Running across this today on the internet immediately jogged my memory to a picture that also clearly needed to make its re-appearance. As you can see below, I liked to show them off to everyone. (Character Flaw WIN!) This picture was taken while spending a few weeks during the summer with my grandparents in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Here is the new commercial (minus Grubby -- apparently he didn't make the cut):

90's Friday Throwback - Will Smith in "Men in Black"

2010-08-13T17:41:00.000-04:00

How can you think 90's and not include Will Smith, right?! When you weren't watching him on Fresh Prince, you were either listening to his CD/hit(s) on the radio or watching his blockbuster movies. At the end of Men In Black, Will took us to school in front of our TV's trying to learn the steps to this song in attempts to look cool in front of all your friends... c'mon, you know you did it!

Quoth the Raven: You Can Be

2010-08-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

You cannot be anything you want to be — but you can be a lot more of who you already are. - Tom Rath

H2O: Thunder River Sabotage

2010-08-05T17:22:00.001-04:00

Thunder River Sabotage from Keith Courtney on Vimeo.

Keith Courtney and Eric Sebastian devise a plan to soak a raft of their unsuspecting students at Six Flags. Thanks again to the guys from Chattanooga who helped us man all cannons!

Pictorial Thought of the Day: The Parable of the Blind

2010-08-01T15:19:00.001-04:00

Pictorial Thought of the Day: Pieter Bruegel’s 1568 oil painting, The Parable of the Blind, is what appears to be a literal depiction of a line of blind people following each other and stumbling into a ditch, as forecast in Matthew 15.

90's Friday Throwback - Amy Grant "Baby, Baby"

2010-07-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

Can you remember the first Album you ever purchased on CD? ...I can! The first CD's to ever enter my house were Amy Grant's Heart In Motion and Boyz II Men's Cooleyhighharmony. So, here is a throwback to my 9-year-old self -- Amy Grant "Baby, Baby". Enjoy little Keifer! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YjGN88NkE

Clearly NOT 17 Again!

2010-07-10T20:02:00.001-04:00

Over the past few weeks, my house has somehow turned into a teenager hot-spot. Late nights of movies, gaming, and clearing out the fridge have become a “normal night”. However, reality hit me hard yesterday - literally!

Every Friday night during the summer we have a youth night out on the Tara lawn at the Oasis. While it may sound cool to fly superman style down a 150’ Giant Slip-N-Slide with a 60’ running head start… It hurts… Specifically — your ribs! Yes, thanks to my over-zealous ambition, I think I’ve bruised or cracked a stinking rib! 24 hours has now gone by and it still hurts to bend, stoop, or pretty much anything else that would be in a typical job description.

Cue the extra strength Motrin.

4th of July 2010

2010-07-04T23:39:00.001-04:00

4th of July Fireworks 2010! from Keith Courtney on Vimeo.

Tip for Tat

2010-07-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

I'd say that I'm a pretty generous guy. It is not uncommon for me to tip more than 15% -20% given the services rendered were above and beyond "the norm". I honestly have a lot of respect for those in the food service industry. It takes a lot of patience and customer service to excel without mollywopping someone across the head. However, lets not get pushy with the tip jars and panhandling.

As a friendly reminder, here is why we tip/offer gratuity:

Tipping is a means of voluntary extra payment for services rendered that are considered satisfactory or exceptional. The amount is solely left to the discretion of the patron being served and is never legally required despite being deemed as a violation of etiquette in some cases.

Here is where I draw the line. I am frustrated that people get on their high horse when it comes to tipping based on being underpaid. Thats not a valid reason to tip... sorry. Do you tip your professors or children's teachers? They constantly have to continue their education and they are most certainly underpaid. (Many even have multiple degrees) The also prominent "tip jar" is gaining popularity everyday. Why?! (rhetorical question) There is no reason to tip you, Shane's Rib Shack, for standing behind a counter, saying "Welcome to _______" and taking my order. Thats in your job description. The same goes for fast food restaurants and coffee houses. Some even have tip jars at the drive-through window with witty banter on them like "Tipping is NOT a city in China". Well guess what? Likewise, "Thank you" is NOT a city in South Korea.

Simple statement is this -- If you want a tip, earn it. It's profound, I know, but let it sink in. For example: The next time you order from your car at Sonic, consider the fact that they WANT you to order from your car. It's kinda their "thing". If all you get out of it is a #1 with mustard and ketchup only with tots, mozzarella sticks, napkins, and a Route 44 sweet tea (all awkwardly handed to you separately I might add); you might want to re-consider what warrants a tip!

unChristian: Reflection

2010-06-23T22:59:00.002-04:00

Today I finished reading David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons’ book “unChristian: What a new generation really thinks about Christianity and why it really matters”. This particular book will walk you through the research, perception, and insight surrounding the most common views being held about Christianity and the church.

6 Primary Themes:

1) Hypocritical

2) Too Focused on “Get Saved!” (Conversion)

3) Anti-homosexual

4) Sheltered

5) Too Political

6) Judgmental

As the book progresses through the six listed themes, it explains both the current perspective of outsiders and what it should actually be.

Note-worthy Quotes:

“We have become famous for what we oppose rather than who we are for.”

(in regards to conversion focus) “...We have put the cart before the horse. We have communicated that we want people to believe something that is critical to their lives before they even know us, have experienced us, or have received anything from us... and before we know them. If we were abel to rewrite the script -- I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships... after all, God loved us before we were lovable.” - Andy Stanley

“Attack me, I do this myself, but attack me rather than the path I follow and which I point out to anyone who asks me where I think it lies. If I know the way home and am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way because I am staggering from side-to-side?!” - Leo Tolstoy

“The opposite of sin is not virtue; it is grace” - Philip Yancey author of What’s So Amazing About Grace?

“There is someone I love, even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me.” - C.S. Lewis

LOST: Now We're Flashing Sideways?!

2010-02-03T13:15:00.005-05:00

Wow! What an incredible season finale... err uh.. premiere! If you are not into LOST, drive to your local Target and pickup season 1 with a quickness! After the first disc, you will be hooked from there on out. Last night was the beginning of the end - the final season of LOST is now underway with an onslaught of unanswered questions yet to be revealed. Then again, in LOST fashion, we are typically left with a different set of questions after each "reveal". Here's what I learned and expect based on the first two hours of the season.

Exit flashback & flash-forward, Enter flash-sideways: In an interview with Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, the producers promised some answers and offered up some context for the remainder of the season. After pointing out that the trademark "whoosh" sound effect has been replaced for the transition between the present and flashback/forwards, they had this to say about the new flash-sideways.

DAMON LINDELOF: This is the critical mystery of the season, which is, “What is the relationship between these two shows?” And we don’t use the phrase “alternate reality,” because to call one of them an “alternate reality” is to infer that one of them isn’t real, or one of them is real and the other is the alternate to being real... But it is going to require patience. We’ve taught the audience how to be patient thus far, so while they’re getting a lot of mythological answers on the island early in the season, this idea of what is the relationship between the two [worlds] is a little bit more of a slow burn.

Damon went on to point out that since the LOST characters detonated the hydrogen bomb in 1977, it changed more than just their in-flight movie. The real mystery of how these cross or parallel will obviously play out over time. In the meantime, he left us with a great context about the sideways flashes for the remainder of the season.

DAMON LINDELOF: Right out of the gate, in the first five minutes of the premiere, you get hit over the head with two things that you’re not expecting. The first is that Desmond is on the plane. The second thing that we do is we drop out of the plane and we go below the water and we see that the Island is submerged. What we’re trying to do there is basically say to you, “God bless the survivors of Oceanic 815, because they’re so self-centered, they thought the only effect [of detonating the bomb] was going to be that their plane never crashes.” But they don’t stop to think, “If we do this in 1977, what else is going to affected by this?” So that their entire lives can be changed radically. In fact, it would appear that they’ve sunken the Island. That’s our way of saying, “Keep your eyes peeled for the differences that you’re not expecting.” Some of these characters were still in Australia, but some weren’t. Shannon’s not there. Boone actually says that he tried to get her back. There are all sorts of other people that we don’t see. Where’s Libby? Where’s Ana Lucia? Where’s Eko? These are all the things that you’re supposed to be thinking about. When our characters posited the “What if?” scenario, they neglected to think about what the other effects of potentially changing time might be and we’re embracing those things.

Man in Black = Smoke Monster = Shapeshifter: So, I was right in my ramblings after the season 5 finale! It was clearly confirmed that the Man in Black is appearing as John Locke and also doubles as the "Smokie" in his evil spare time. Did anyone else notice that he is also invincible to bullets? Maybe they should try silver ones? Since the Man in Black can shapeshift from a dark energy force (the Smoke Monster) to a dead body (John Locke), we can only presume that the Smoke Monster/Man in Black (lets just call him "Smokie"?) has been messing with the Losties since day one. Was Jack following his father Christian around the Island or was that the Man in Black? Is Hurley really seeing dead friends or is that the Man in Black? I'm guessing the Man in Black appeared as Alex to instruct Ben to do everything Locke says—all as part of Smokie's grand scheme to later get Ben to kill Jacob.

Sayid and Ben Were Saved the Same Way: Last season, Richard Alpert agreed to take young Benjamin Linus to the Temple to bring him back to life, but warned that he would never be the same, would lose his innocence and "will always be one of us." Sounds like not so good news after-all for Sayid...

Richard Alpert Was a Slave?! The Man in Black mentioned that Richard was in chains. There has long been talk that the crew of the Black Rock (the ship where the LOST crew went to get the explosives via the help of the french woman) were slaves, and when we've visited the ship in the past, skeletons were found shackled together. So was Alpert on the Black Rock? Maybe he struck a deal with Jacob or was saved from the Smokie in return for service to the Island or something? That's my best bet.

SPOILER for 2/14/2010! If you know me, I am in no way offended by spoilers... as long as they don't ruin the show for me. This one, however, just makes it more anticipating to watch. So read on if you dare... I read from a reliable source that Jacob has a child and it's one of the following people: Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Juliet, Hurley, Locke, Michael, Bram, Desmond, Caesar, Illana, Ben, Richard, Sayid.

GA Sales Tax Free Holiday 2009

2009-07-09T19:37:00.003-04:00

The quickly approaching Georgia Sales Tax Holiday for 2009 will be here soon! As expected, there are some important things to know about the stipulations surrounding what you can and cannot get "Tax Free" this weekend. This year, the tax free dates are July 30th through August 2nd, 2009. House Bill 120 provides for a sales tax exemption from both state and local sales taxes for certain items purchased during this time window.

Before you run out looking for tax-free deals on everything under the sun, you may want to stop to review the information below. During the sales tax holiday period, a sales tax exemption applies to purchases of tangible personal property in the following categories:

Articles of Clothing. The exemption applies to articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less per item. Clothing accessories such as handbags, umbrellas, cuff links, handkerchiefs, jewelry, key cases, wallets, watches and watch bands, and ponytail holders and/or similar hair products are not exempt. See lists of exempt items.

Personal Computers. A single purchase of $1,500 or less of personal computers and/or related accessories is exempt. If the single purchase exceeds $1,500, the entire transaction is taxable. See list of exempt items.

General School Supplies. The exemption applies to the purchase of general school supplies with a sales price of $20 or less per item. See list of exempt items.

The exemptions are intended for an individual's personal use. The exemptions exclude items rented, leased, purchased by businesses, or purchased for resale. The exemptions do not apply to items sold at theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels, restaurants, and airports.

Big Brother 11 Season Premiere!

2009-07-08T14:26:00.008-04:00

The CBS season premiere of BIG BROTHER 11, my guilty pleasure, will begin Thursday, July 9th at 8:00pm EST. Being a long time fan of the show, I have watched every summer since season 2 and the 1 winter version from February 2008. When it comes to Big Brother, you either love it or hate it. Many people cannot grasp the concept of being locked in a house with no contact to the outside world entertaining. However, keep in mind that this show is one, if not the only, reality show that runs for an entire 3 months! You have to find something to entertain yourself, stay off of the elimination block, win competitions, strategize, and all in the midst of never-ending drama! I don't see how anyone could NOT enjoy the show!

This season CBS has announced that the houseguests will be going "back to high school" as they are divided into memorable high school cliques. The 12 houseguests (plus the 13th mystery guest) will be divided into 4 groups: Brainiacs, Athletes, Populars, & Off-beats. The make-up of these groups should be as follows -- Braniacs: Ronnie, Michele, and Chima --

Athletes: Natalie, Russell, and likely Jeff -- Populars: Laura, Jordan, and Braden -- Off-beats: Lydia, Kevin, and Casey. For details on this seasons houseguests, click here!

There will be a special 13th houseguest. The identity of the guest is being kept secret and will be announced on the premiere of Big Brother, Thursday, July 9th on CBS. There are rumors circulating that three former Big Brother Houseguests are missing, and presumed to be sequestered. It is also rumored that the 13th houseguest will change from week-to-week. In addition to the houseguests being divided by high school cliques (brainiacs, jocks, populars, and geeks), the house will also be divided by the "haves" and the "have-nots." Where one group has a more luxurious existence in the house, and others will just get the bare necessities. For the first few weeks, they will be divided, and compete for the upper class status.

Here are two clips in regards to this year's Big Brother House and Interviews with the 12 confirmed houseguests: