The Smorgasbord

I never would have thought my pussy cat could tweet with the help of Sony. Social Media is very prevalent in our society, and I personally know people that can’t keep off of facebook long enough to eat and take a dump – and that’s primarily because of their own stupidity (can you say ‘farmville’?). Good lord, who spends all their time that way?! I guess it’s no coincidence that most of ‘em are chain smokers – is it? It must be that “addictive personality”.

I found out that my pussy cat could now tweet in this article: Sony Makes cat lifeblogging device. WTF, a collar for that cat that can tweet 11 things? It has an acceleration sensor that can tell you when the cat is running, walking, eating, sleeping. Are our lives actually that disinteresting that we are self-absorbed into this nonsense? What’s next an underwear tweeter that says my 4 year olds peeing, or one that tweets my grandmother has fallen and can’t get up?

I’d like one that tweets me when I’m wasting too much time please!

Check out my FreeAgent Theater review, I just purchased this thing! I’ve been wanting one of these for a really, really, long time – and finally I found one that does just about everything I want. I mean, I’ve had DVD players with USB ports, and TV’s with USB ports – and nothing seems worth a damn for playing downloaded movies or mp3′s with long filenames (or pictures for that matter).

Enter the FreeAgent Theater + HD Media player! You can get this thing for under $200 (sometimes under $100 if you don’t need the 500GB storage). What this little box does is allow you to move all your music, pictures, and movies from your computer (laptop or desktop) to your TV. No more having to store crap on your xBox 360 or Playstation 3. The media player has a dock for a 250GB or 500GB external hard drive. You also get a separate docking station to connect the drive to your computer. If you have a Windows or Mac based PC the included software will automatically copy your media to the drive. If you run Linux – you have to copy your own s**t to the drive. In either event, plug the drive back into the bay on the media player and voila! You have your content from your PC to the TV!

The media player will to 1080i and Dolby 5.1 playback. You get a remote in the box, and there’s a front USB jack if you want to plugin in a USB stick, digital camera, or camcorder. Connect to your PC with a composite cable or HDMI if you prefer (or S-video and audio jacks). It does play in NTSC and PAL – and it doesn’t say so on the Amazon page, but if you reference the Seagate web site you’ll see that it does play MPC, AAC, WAV, OGG, WMA (window media), JPG’s, subtitles, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (which means AVI (windows), VOB, ISO), and MPEG-4 (which means both DivX and Xvid).

So download movie clips, trailers, rip DVD’s, record streaming video – move it all to the external drive, and watch them all on your PC without ever having to burn another damn DVD or CD! That’s why we bought it (lol)!

check out the FreeAgent Theater price at Amazon:

cheeck out the FreeAgent Theater price on eBay, I’ve seen it for as little as $50-$100, and many of them have the external drive included!

Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD Media Player - BRAND NEW
	USD 49.99 (46 Bids) | Buy It Now End time: 2010-09-07 15:11:00

Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD Media Player STCEA101-RK
	USD 21.01 (3 Bids) End time: 2010-09-04 15:09:13

SEAGATE FreeAgent Theater STCEB101-RK HD Media Player
	USD 49.99 (1 Bid) | Buy It Now End time: 2010-09-07 04:30:33

Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD Media Player (STCEA101-RK)
	USD 5.50 (7 Bids) | Buy It Now End time: 2010-09-05 01:54:17

I haven’t heard much about the fact that Google recently launched encrypted search. It’s pretty easy to use, all you have to do is go to https://www.google.com to encrypt searches (just add the “S” to make it secure to the http part).

What this does is encrypts your searches from prying eyes over public connections, wifi, even at work! Now, some privacy advocates still says “but google has the data” – but short of a court order nobody’s getting that! The nice thing about it is that it also doesn’t archive your searches in history, and your searches won’t appear in the “autofill” of future results on that PC either. I mean, you wouldn’t want your kids typing in “bunny” for the easter bunny – only to have your (previous) search autofill “bunny ranch sex” would you? LMAO.

Google encrypted search – you may have to use it someday!

I wanted to share with you 3 of the best web sites I’ve seen in 2009. It takes a lot to impress me, I’ve been working online for 15 years now. I visit new web sites every day, and it’s rare that I see something that is what I call a “game changer”. There are so many web sites that do so many things online now – it takes something really revolutionary to actually become “viral”, at which point it usually spreads like wildfire. I think in order to suceed moving forward, a web site would have to actually provide something for visitors that they couldn’t get anywhere else. I think all 3 of these web sites do that.

Fonolo.com

Check out fonolo.com. How many times have you put off calling the cable company, the gas company, the electric company, your credit card company, or some behemoth like gateway, microsoft, or dell simply because you didn’t want to have to go through the “phone system hell”, and you knew you’d be on the phone for at least an hour on hold? Enter Fonolo. Go to the web site, enter the company name, and where you want to connect in their “phone tree”. Enter your phone number. Fonolo will call the company and get connected to that part of their phone system, and then CALL YOU and you can continue the conversation from there! Hells Yea!

Aardvark

Aardvark is a cool service that helps you get answers. You probably think – WTF, there’s alread Yahoo Answers!? No dude, this is REAL TIME! I have to say I rarely use the old IM client, ‘cept for when I have to communicate with someone right away. However, with Aardvark – you just ask a question, and once you have an account seutp they find you an answer like in under a minute. You don’t have to worry about old creepy dudes having your IM info too, because you just accept “aardvark” as a friend, and it relays all the IM’s through it’s handle and everything is anonymous! I asked a WordPress question earlier today and got an answer in 30 seconds. Hells double yea!

Supercook

Supercook is the s**t. I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for a site like this? I mean seriously – I love to cook, I love to eat, and not only do I avidly find recipes online, but I publish them online to (on another site). Sometimes I search for hours to find what I want, and new stuff to make. Supercook is the bomb, because you just enter the ingredients you have on hand – and it spits out what you can make with it! I type in beer, hamburger, and onions – and voila – I got a recipe! w00t!

What were your favorite web sites for 2009?

Google just found another way to enter your life and make it that much more easy (and its free to boot!) Google voice is a (semi) new service offered by, you guessed, the giant that is Google. So when you start off you need an invite (You can request one from Google here http://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/. Once you’re in, by the way my invite took a few days; you need to decide if you want to keep your current number or if you want to have a new number.

The advantages of keep your current number do not need to be expressed, as most people have experienced the pain of getting an all new number, but if you get a new ‘Google number’ then you get several advantages that I personally took advantage of. First off you can set up call forwarding so that your Google number will ring to your cell, home or business phone number. Second you get FREE SMS (text) messaging, with all of them saved online (you can delete them if you so choose). Third you get several calling feature which either you pay extra for on your cell phone plan, or no not get at all. These features include blocking calls, record calls, conference calls and screening callers.

Now this may sound too good to be true, but I guarantee you it is NOT. All of your calls to anywhere in the United States are completely free. International calls will cost you but google does give you 10 cents free to make a international call. I can’t comment on the call quality of international calls as I don’t know many people out of the friendly confines of Michigan, but from the reviews I have read online the call quality is the same as it is from domestic calls, excellent.

Google rarely drops the ball and this is not one of those times. The call quality itself is enough to make you switch from your current VoIP provider, but add the fact that Google voice is nearly completely free and offers free text messaging make joining Google voice a literal no brain.

You can dump Comcast DNS for Google Public DNS for a much faster Internet on your computer! I’ve been a staunch Comcast cable Internet subscriber for nearly a decade now. Probably because I live in a small town and there’s never been anything else here but dial up and DSL that’s much slower. We can’t get Verizon Fios high speed service (or anything else). For better of for worse, Comcast has been the fastest game in town for years (like many communities).

We doing business with “the beast” there have been lots of issues of course – going back to when Comcast would “hijack” packets when people were filesharing or using peer to peer networks, to bandwidth caps, and all kinds of other things. There have been many times when web sites would hang (or be really slow) – but when I ping them from another data center they were just fine. Lately, the thing I really don’t like is the fact that Comcast now participates in “DNS hijacking”. When you mistype a URL that doesn’t exist, instead of giving you a “not found” page – they give you targeted ads! I guess other ISP’s do it too, and it’s called “DNS Redirection Advertising“. I call it BS.

So, when google announced “google public DNS” today – I about peed myself! Everyone knows google’s data centers are fast as hell and very redundant (all over the world). They are faster, more powerful, and probably more secure than Comcast will ever be – and they don’t filter a damn thing! No ads, no BS – woohoo! You can use google’s public DNS whether you are on Windows, Ubuntu, or Mac! It’s easy and quick to make the change, google has directions on using pubic DNS here.

If you’re using Ubuntu (like me), just to go to “System -> Network Connections” and “edit” whatever connection you’re using (Wireless, Wired, etc), and then go to the “IPv4″ tab:

Just enter their public server addresses like I did:
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

(make sure there is a space between the 2 sets of numbers).

I have to say – I noticed an IMMEDIATE improvement and MUCH FASTER speed! I LOVE it!!!

Sidenote – if you want to continue to use Comcast DNS – they apparently a DNS Health Portal, where you can use “opt out” servers for the DNS redirection. I’m sure nearly no one knows about this (or uses it) – AND it’s STILL slower than google! Some people use Open DNS because they have filtering options – might be good for families with younger kids, or protection against malware. Me – I now prefer the lightning quick speed on Google’s Open DNS!!

If you’re shopping for a “Dual Band Wireless Router”, I hope my review will help you. I decided that it was time for our family to break down and finally get a Wireless N router for the same of speed, but I had some questions to research first. Before putting out the bucks – I really wanted to make sure we got not only the most reliable product, but the fastest router we could find (our house is stacked from floor to rafters with wireless gadgets, lol!).

Can you get Dual Band Wireless N, both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time from one router? Is a dual band router twice as fast? Let’s find out!

Just about everyone who has multiple computers in their home have a wireless router. Most of those people bought theirs on a recommendation from [insert big box store here]. For most people these routers do their job and don’t give there “operator” any problems until it clunks out and you buy a new one. Well why not get educated on the new guy in the router game, IEEE 802.11n-2009, also known by its common name, “Wireless N”. The best way to take advantage of this technology are dual band routers as two is always better than one, right?

First off, if you go by CNET reviews (and I always do), no dual band wireless N router currently has above a 3 out of 5 rating, which if you’re not familiar with their system is only ‘good’. Okay, now that is out of the way, I rarely go with new technology or recommend it to others until it is completely fool-proof. I think that it just may be getting there now. Here are my recommendations of the best Dual-Band Wireless N routers.

Airport Extreme Review

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station 802.11n ($175, although you could get it cheaper) – Don’t call me crazy until you have read all the features this little Apple that could offers. It has all the features of comparable features of routers of this type, but offer the ease that apple offers with all their products. If you run a mixed mac and pc network this router is perfect, if you however run all windows machines then you can find something a little cheaper with all the same features (it just may not be as fast). Believe it or not, you can use this Apple product as a router – even if you have no Apple computers in your house (it works just fine with Windows). This is a “true dual band” wireless N router, meaning it won’t make you choose between 2.5 and 5 GHz – you can actually use both. It will support printers and network storage, but it’s pick about USB external hard drives. It only supports 50 clients, which is more than enough for most households, just be forewarned there is a limit. Bottom line, I think most Windows users (advanced ones) will want more features).

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Router (MA073LL/A)
	USD 35.00 (0 Bid) | Buy It Now End time: 2010-09-04 05:05:17

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Router (MA073LL/A)
	USD 15.00 (0 Bid) End time: 2010-09-03 23:52:09

Apple AirPort Extreme MB053LL/A Wireless Router
	USD 75.00 (0 Bid) | Buy It Now End time: 2010-09-04 22:45:26

Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi Wireless Router
	USD 61.00 (3 Bids) End time: 2010-09-04 22:53:41

Linksys WRT400N Review

Linksys WRT400N ($120-149.99 just look around) – In our home we have almost exclusively used Linksys routers since we got our first high speed internet connection many years ago. They have always been easy to use and maintain and have that weird little purple-blue look to them. Well the WRT400N sports a new design but works as well as you would a expect a Linksys should. This router has true dual band support, but no Gigabit or USB support. The 5 GHz speed is a bit lacking.

Linksys WRT610N Review

Linksys WRT610N ($160.99-199.99 again look around) – This one is the next model up from the previous Linksys. The routers only major complaint is that the warranty is too short. Sounds like a good problem to have, meaning at least the complaints were performance related. The router offers a single mode, mix mode and simultaneous mode for sending the signal out. It support both 2.5 GHz and 5.0 GHz at the same time. You can attach storage devices to it, and on this one the mixed-mode throughput could be better. Other than that, it may be the best of the bunch, especially if you have external storage you want to make wireless.

I know most of these routers are more expensive than most routers you will find at Wal-Mart but as they say, you gotta pay for quality. One final note if your computer, laptop or wireless capable device is only wireless G compliant you have a few choices. First you could just stick with what you have as your new wireless N router does accept all incoming signals. Next you could buy wireless n adapters which are usb enabled, work as they should and are relatively expensive. The final choice is yours, the consumer.

Just about everybody has a Netflix account. Most people get their DVDs in the mail, watch them and send them back, but there is a new way to watch some of the movies instantly. All Netflix subscriptions above the $8.99 include the ability to stream movies instantly. Currently Netflix offers over 19,000 (and counting) available streaming options. For most people sitting at your computer to watch a movie is impractical and downright uncomfortable. Thankfully Netflix knows this and has begun to integrate the ability into many popular consumer electronic devices including these:

Watch Instantly on your PC ($ Price included in Netflix subscription, no extra cost) – This is the throwback way to watch all the Netflix instant watch movies your heart desires. Like I said earlier this can be a very uncomfortable way to watch anything for a long period of time, but if you love your computer chair and have a nice monitor this is the cheapest option available.

Watch Instantly on your Xbox 360 (Starting from $199.99) – The Xbox 360 began offering Netflix instant watch in there Fall 2008 update. Netflix reported over 1 million people had begun and kept their free trial straight from the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 was one of the first generally used consumer electronic device to offer Netflix instant watch. One note, to stream Netflix on your xbox 360, it requires Xbox Live Gold which is only 40 dollars a year. Chances are if you bought one for your child they have Xbox Live Gold anyways.

Watch Instantly on your Playstation 3 (Starting from $299.99) – This is one of the newest ways to stream Netflix Instant watch titles. Currently, you need to go to Netflix and request an Instant Streaming Blu-Ray disc (which is free). Every time you want to use Netflix you put the disc in (just like you would a game.)

Watch Instantly on your internet connected Blu-Ray player (Starting from $149.99) – This are becoming more and more popular as each day passes. Some of the players are better than others (as you saw in our review of the Samsung BD-P3600. Do your homework before making a large purchase such as this, because the best Blu-Ray player that streams Netflix is the Playstation 3.

Watch Instantly on your TiVo HD DVR (Starting at $549.99) – I can’t recommend this to someone who doesn’t already own one. It is by far the most expensive option mentioned in this article, not to mention TiVo monthly subscription fee. If you do, however already own one this is your best option to watch Netflix instantly on your television.

As you can see Netflix instant streaming offers many ways to watch on your television, and more options are being created each day. If you already have a Netflix account this is the best way to get more outta your dollars.

We use Netflix nearly every day – I don’t know how we’d do without it. If you don’t already have a Netflix account – I suggest you get one:

Okay for those people who have been living under a rock with no Internet connection, the Keyboard Cat YouTube video is just one of the latest Internet phenomenons. So basically its a short video clip in which one does something dumb or fails, then a cat in baby blue t-shirt comes on and “plays them off” on his keyboard. So without further adieu here is the countdown! *Warning some contain a little foul language*

Number Six: C-Walking by the treadmill.

To start the list we have one of my favorite clips of July. This wonderful piece of Internet lore comes from a house were they can afford chairs, and they love filming themselves attempting everyones favorite hood dance, the C(rip) Walk.

Number Five: Keyboard Cat softens the mood after telling mom you’re atheist.

Here is another clip that was good before but, once Keyboard Cat was added it became epic. So if I understand the back story this kid decides to tell his uber-right wing parents that he doesn’t believe in god and since he knows there reaction is going to be great, he has his friend record it. The result? Internet GOLD!

Number Four: Putting Bill O’Reilly in his place

If your a fan of Bill O’Reilly boy do I feel sorry for you, but also you might want to look away now because after you see this you will never enjoy his right wing bias again!

Number Three: Don’t Jump Edward!

This clip is funny for two reason. Number 1, this little guy learned that even though what your parents tell you may not always sound like the best idea, it probably is and Number 2, never jump from a cheap piece of fisher price plastic. I’m there has gotta be grounds for a lawsuit here!

Number Two: “Walker told me I have AIDS.

Generally AIDS is not really a funny topic. Here though is an exception to that rule, Chuck Norris tells a young Haley Joel Osmond that he as AIDS in a classic Walker Texas Ranger clip.

Number One: A lot of well-placed “wait for it….” moments from Keyboard Cat

Well here it is my favorite keyboard cat of all time. This video is funny for a few reason. The kid thought it would be a good idea to have a melt down on his justin.tv channel. Then it gets even better when the kids dad walks in and see the mockery he is making of himself to the entire interwebz. To tie up the whole thing is the wait for it moments from everyones favorite feline pianist.

Well there it is folks, my favorite keyboard cats. Of course use the comments to point everyone to your favorites!

If you get a wireless Skype phone chances are you’ll ditch your landline for VOIP (if you haven’t already). A lot of people have switched over to Vonage already, and it appears that the idiot proof gadget the “magic jack” has sold millions as well. Skype started years back and you had to hook up a headset with microphone to use it. It caught on in droves because you could “call” anyone anywhere in the world using the service for FREE (as long as they also had a “skype” account). The ability to call anyone anywhere in the world for free was quite the incentive to sign up. Then Vonage came along and made it easy to just plugin a tiny box to your router and use a regular phone to make calls over the web unlimited for just $24.95 a month.

Now it appears that Skype has kind of caught up, because you can now buy a wireless skype phone – so not only do you not need the headset, but the phone works automatically over the Internet just like your land line! They’re pretty reasonable too, I’ve seen them for as little as $30-50. Skype has been growing in popularity, but in the last year it’s probably exploded due to the constant promotion of “Oprah” – every time she interviews guests now outside of the studio they’re shown on video “Skyping” in.

Here’s some wireless skype phones in auctions ending soon:

[nms:wireless skype phone,8,0,0,smorgas.wireless.skype]