The Juice Box

Hyundai, not the "affordable option" anymore?

2012-02-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that Hyundai is a changed brand. Go drive a Hyundai Sonata from 2004 and you will most likely not want to drive another Hyundai ever again. Fast forward to 2012 and you have an array of gorgeous, high quality vehicles. Hyundai has, in the past, been referred to as the "affordable" option when compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota. Things are changing. Hyundai just announced the prices of the new Azera as well as the Genesis Coupe. The Azera's base price increased from $25,495 to $32,000. That is a substantial increase. The Genesis Coupe 2.0 base price went from $22,250 to $24,250 and the 3.8 went from $26,750 to $28,750. Now that Hyundai is shrinking the price gap between competitors, would you still consider a Hyundai?

The New Face of Lexus

2012-02-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Car companies have generally followed a similar design theme throughout the automaker lineup. This brings a necessary cohesion to the design team and also makes it easier for the brand to be recognized by consumers. When an automaker introduces a redesign, typically focusing on the front of the vehicle, it often is polarizing and can split brand faithful. Let's take a look at a few companies and the effect a "corporate face" can have on the brand's success.

Subaru

Sometime during 2003, Subaru decided it was going to introduce a new grille design that would become the face of all Subaru vehicles. Our first glimpse of this new face was the Subaru B9 Concept shown at the 2003 Tokyo Auto Show. Despite very opinionated responses from critics, Subaru designers went ahead with the new front end design. The first vehicle to showcase the design was the 2006 B9 Tribeca. The new SUV from Subaru was mocked and rejected for its ugly grille design and sales were evidence of that sentiment. This however did not stop the face from making its way onto the 2006 Subaru Impreza . Although not nearly as prominent or ugly as the Tribeca, the new Impreza was never deemed beautiful by the masses. Before the face could make its way to the Legacy, Subaru's flagship sedan, Subaru ditched the face with hopes that it would quietly slip into history with no serious fallout. With how strong Subaru sales have been the past few years, it appears that this is exactly what the public has done with the failed Subaru face: forgotten.

Audi

If you see a new Audi driving down the road, there is no mistaking that it is an Audi. What may be mistaken however is which model Audi you have just spotted. Audi vehicles have always had a very close resemblance to one another, but never as the current generations. What makes each Audi model so similar to the next is the single frame grille. Audi developed the "single frame grille" design almost 10 years ago and implemented it on the 2004 Audi A3. Subsequently it was integrated into the A6, A8, and A4. Now every Audi vehicle proudly displays this grille design. Audi is producing gorgeous vehicles right now but must be cautious as some in the industry have complained that there is "too much commonality" between models, specifically between an Audi A8 and the Audi A4, which can have a price difference of between 40-70k between the two models. Audi may need to differentiate more than they currently are but overall their current design theme is striking and is successfully helping customers identify and associate with the brand, regardless of which model in the lineup they see.

Lexus

Since the title of the article is "The New Face of Lexus", it seems appropriate to finally discuss the topic. Lexus, one of the most successful selling luxury brands in the United States, has been criticized for years for being "too soft and too boring." Despite the fact that many shoppers buy Lexus for just this reason, Lexus has decided to take Lexus in a direction that they hope will evoke more passion from owners. The first vehicle to display the new Lexus design is the 2013 Lexus GS. The first thing anyone familiar with Lexus will notice is the all new grille design. This new "spindle" design is anything but bland and screams for attention, quite a contrast from the quiet whispering done by the previous generation GS. Today, and the motivation for this post, a brochure for the 2013 RX leaked onto the internet. It looks like Lexus is going all in on the grille design and will be implementing it on other models in the lineup. This is a potentially risky move when you understand what the RX means to Lexus. The RX has not only been the best selling Lexus model but also the best selling mid-size luxury SUV in the United States. With Mercedes and Audi sales surging, Lexus can't afford to have a design failure with the RX, or any other future Lexus for that matter. The public is finicky. Luxury car buyers are even more so. Just look at the "Bangle Backlash" for proof of what uproar you can hear from brand faithful when you muck up the design of an entire lineup. Lexus is anxious to move ahead of the competition and that success depends on the company's brand new design. So the question is, will the public smile upon the new face? Only time will tell.

*Note: I avoided discussing Acura and the corporate front end design since I recently discussed my distaste for Acura's current lineup.

Hyundai, hard at work.

2012-02-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Now this is a company who is hard at work. Look at the new models/updates all due before Fall 2012.
Click HERE.

Honda: Asleep at the Wheel

2012-02-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

I haven't written an auto related post for some time. In fact, I haven't written any posts for a few weeks now. The wedding, honeymoon, the wife's birthday, and three jobs between the two of us has kept us plenty busy. However, this post couldn't wait any longer and so, without further a due, here it is:

The Chicago Auto Show Media Preview began today. As a result, we get a look at two new production Acura vehicles, the refreshed RDX and the all new ILX. Really? Seriously Acura? This is the BEST you can do? I think Acura has strayed a long way from the beautifully designed Acura Legend, Integra, and NSX of the early 90's. During a time when most car companies were still producing hideous vehicles, a result of a terrible design style of the late 80's, Acura was the exception. Sure Acura produced the terrible SLX(a re-branded Isuzu) but they made up for it with beauties like the Legend coupe. Fast forward to 2012 and you have a brand new ILX that does nothing to engender love in a car buyer. It has the now company standard "shiny beak", drab dark interior, and unconvincing lines. From a sales perspective, this car does not make sense because it will most likely cannibalize Accord and TSX sales. Does Acura really need a luxurious Honda Civic? These new Acura vehicles aren't as boring as the new Jetta or Passat, but they are pretty terrible. A discussion of the root of the problem is in due measure.

Honda, the parent company of Acura, is really to blame here. I would say the only semi decent looking model that Honda has produced lately would be the brand new 2012 Honda CR-V. This is primarily due to the fact that they basically copied the design of the Volvo XC60. The CR-V is the exception, the rest of the lineup is the rule. The 2012 Honda Civic is a design failure and a great example of how unimaginative the designers at Honda are. The 2012 Honda Civic, to an untrained eye, looks almost the same as a 2006 Honda Civic. The fact that the 2006 Honda Civic was probably designed sometime around 2004 means that Honda couldn't think up a better design for the 2012 Honda Civic, despite having over 6 years to do so. The 2012 Honda Civic is so bad that the CEO of Honda has practically made a public apology. I'm not the only one who feels this way either. Consumer Reports failed to recommend the Honda Civic for the first time in history and The Wall Street Journal referred to the Civic as heavy on the "ick."

The problems don't stop with the Civic. Cars.com just recently named the Crosstour to their "10 Ugliest Cars from the past 30 years List". The CR-Z easily could have made the list as well. Then you have the Honda Pilot which very nearly resembles the Acura SLX that I mentioned earlier. I actually don't think that the Honda Pilot is ugly, I just find it induces uncontrollable yawning. For some reason many car companies still like to sell ugly hybrids. The Insight is proof of this and tragically, the Insight is almost as ugly as the Prius. The Honda Accord is decent but, in my opinion, far behind the new Toyota Camry or Hyundai Elantra. We won't spend too much time on the Accord, since it continues to be one of the top selling vehicles in the country. This, however, is most likely a result of it being a good car and not a beautiful car. This brings me to my last vehicle in the lineup that I want to talk about: the Honda Ridgeline. Released in 2005 as a 2006 model, this truck has gone through nothing more than minor tweeks in the last 7 model years. That is a sad sentence since it was ugly the moment it hit Honda dealerships in early 2005. Being born ugly and staying ugly until you die is a tragic life and most likely the path that the Ridgeline will follow. The Ridgeline is also a sad excuse for a truck and is the laughing stock for every other truck on the market. It is kind of like a woman wearing a sweat suit and never actually doing any physical exercise or a guy in a full ski suit who just hangs out in the lodge all day because he can't ski down the hill.

Honda needs to wake up. The competition is increasing. Hyundai is selling more Elantras than they can keep on their lots. Kia is spending serious marketing money on the new Optima. Nissan is about to release the redesigned Altima and Toyota just debuted the newly designed Toyota Camry. Honda, your move. Acura too needs a hot coffee to alert the company's senses. If they haven't noticed, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus are all making extremely attractive, quality vehicles. Acura has the quality but the looks, when compared to the competition, are embarrassing. Since the ILX and RDX were just shown today it doesn't look like the design team will be making serious changes any time soon. And that is sad.

iMac or MacBook Pro?

2011-12-09T12:36:00.001-08:00

I had a request come from my friend Kelly over at Sportscavelive.com to write a post on an iMac vs a MacBook Pro. I've been so busy with wedding plans that I am just now getting around to it. I won't be long winded on this one. I just want to share a few thoughts.

iMac 21.5" and 27"

Quad Core Processor available in every model. In other words, great performance, even in the $1199 21.5" iMac.
Fantastic screen. Some people don't love the glossy screen but I love the iMac screen, ESPECIALLY the 27". This can double for great netflix, hulu, or iTunes movie parties when 1)Someone else is using the TV 2)You forgot to DVR a show and it is only available online 3)You want to watch it in your bedroom where the iMac is rather than the family room.
Reliable. I don't have any stats or evidence in the slightest to prove which Mac is the most reliable but I'd vote the iMac. My parents has been running almost every single day for 4 years and hasn't flinched. Oh, actually, it froze once. That my friends is awesome reliability. Proof of the "It just works" philosophy.
Can get a 2 TB hard drive in this bad boy. Load up all the movies and music you want, gonna take a while to fill it up. Well, unless you are torrenting Blu-Ray quality movies on a regular basis, then you may need a few extra external hard drives.
Moving this thing for One to One lessons or pretty much any other reason is a pain. Not as big of a pain as a Mac Pro, but don't think you are going to be portable with an iMac.

MacBook Pro 13"

It is the most "bang for your buck" laptop in the store. Now rocks a speedy dual core i5 and has a 500GB hard drive come standard. This is the choice of the vast majority of students. It will do pretty much everything you want your Mac to do except gaming. It will not do well in this area. Nor will the MacBook Air. For gaming, look to the 15" MacBook Pro or the iMac. Or get an Xbox.

MacBook Pro 15"

This thing screams. It is very so fast that the performance gap between the iMac and the MacBook Pro(the real pro models that is. I personally don't think the 13" should be labeled pro but for some reason Apple tried pro-less name idea for 6 months before slapping that "pro" label on there.)
Great for gaming due to a much improved graphics card.
Heavy and tends to run pricey for people on a tighter budget.
This thing runs hot! If you don't want to have any more kids, this may be a great option. Could also double as a space heater. It also can run loud.
The battery life is going to drain faster than the 13" MBP or the MacBook Airs.

MacBook Air 11" and 13"

If you've been around me enough, you know I love the MacBook Air line.
I love SSD. Solid state is a fantastic technology that will replace hard drives. Unfortunately, this is taking a long time and is still very expensive. It feels so much snappier than a hard drive.
The screen resolution on the 13" is equal to the resolution on the 15" MBP. In other words, it makes the 13" MBP screen look terrible.
Thing is light as feather and the battery is going to last a long time(as long as you aren't running flash).
If you are a media junky(you love music, movies, photos, etc) then you are going to run out of space on this thing. Living off an internal that is too small and an external is possible, but it is not very comfortable. This is the main reason I switched from my MacBook Air to my iMac. If I was ever in school again, I would go MacBook Air.
If all you do is email, facebook, listen to music, etc, the MacBook Air is the way to go. Or an iPad....but that will have to wait for another post.

Hope you enjoy my brief take on the current line up. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section.

Applecare+: Reason enough to buy an iPhone

2011-12-01T09:04:00.001-08:00

Let me recount a sad tale.

Nikki dropped her Samsung Droid Charge in the toilet about 2 weeks ago. This phone cost her $200 when she purchased it new. This $200 was a subsidized price. Verizon gave her a discount, according to their site HERE, of $300. This is how the cell phone market works here in the U.S. Cell phone carriers love to give you a subsidy in order to get you locked into that nice 2 year contract. However, they don't love to give it to you any sooner than they have to, which for most carriers, is between 18-24 months. Ok, so back to the story. Nikki's $499(retail price) phone is now dead. What are her options? Well, when she goes in to Verizon, they will kindly tell her that she is eligible for an upgrade in roughly 15 months and can get a discounted phone then. In the meantime, she can pay full retail price to buy a new Droid Charge. They will happily sell her this phone for $499. She will leave the store with a new phone and will now have invested $700 into her phone when we factor in the price of the phone she purchased 5 months ago. This is the Samsung, LG, HTC, Blackberry, Motorola way. If I am mistaken, please correct me in the comments. Now let me explain the Apple way.

If you buy a 16GB iPhone 4S on a 2 year contract, the price of the phone is $199. The full retail price of this phone is $649. You receive a discount of $450. You also have the option to add Applecare+, a $99 coverage plan of a two year duration. Let's now investigate two scenarios had Nikki's situation occurred with an iPhone with and without Applecare+.

Without Applecare+

Nikki drops her 5 month old iPhone 4S in the toilet. The phone is completely dead. She schedules a genius bar appointment at the Apple store. The store will give her two options. She can pay $199 and receive a new iPhone 4S. Now APPLE is giving her the $450 discount. This will replace her phone and her warranty will continue until the end of the 1 year mark from the original purchase of her iPhone 4S. She has now invested $400 total. Or she can purchase Applecare+ for $99 and she must pay iPhone replacement cost of $199. However, as a kind gesture, Apple will discount the replacement phone cost by $50. So she would pay $149 + $99 and now you have a new phone and coverage for 2 years from the original purchase date. She has now invested $450.

With Applecare+

Nikki would have paid $299 for her phone at time of purchase, this being the $199 cost of the phone and the $99 Applecare+. Nikki drops her 5 month old iPhone 4S in the toilet. The phone is completely dead and so she schedules an appoint at the Apple store. She walks in, pays $49, and leaves with a new iPhone 4S. She has now paid $350 total and is still covered for the 2 years from her original purchase date.

Luckily Nikki's sweet mother let her use her upgrade and we purchased Nikki a new iPhone 4S at the subsidized price and added Applecare+. So, were the same fate to strike twice, we would fall into the third scenario listed here.

Lesson to be learned? Buy an iPhone.

Note: I really hate the Verizon employees. I don't hate them on a personal level but I hate them for talking Nikki out of the iPhone when she went to purchase one back in June. She isn't the only one either. I have heard from other people that AT&T employees have done the same thing. Why would this happen? Why would Apple's partner carriers talk people out of the iPhone, which, as we learned today, has a 96% satisfaction rate? I have no idea.

Is your Android Outdated....Forever?

2011-10-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've discussed problems with Android before. This post is used, not to advocate the iPhone or any other device, but to simply point out a problem that currently exists with the existing Android model. There is a good chance that the Android phone you are buying is not running the current operating system the day you buy it and it may either take months or years to get updated or it may never get updated at all. This may not matter to the average consumer, but it sure makes a difference to the more technically disposed group. So, without any further ado, click The Understatement, Marco Arment, and Ben Brooks Review.

Why T-Mobile Doesn't Sell the iPhone

2011-10-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile customers have been clamoring for the iPhone for over 4 years now. We understand why T-Mobile didn't have the iPhone for the first 3 1/2 years. That was due to an exclusive contract made between AT&T and Apple prior to the launch of the first generation iPhone in 2007. However, that exclusivity ran out sometime around the end of last year/first of this year. Almost immediately following the end of the exclusivity, Verizon held an event announcing a February launch of the iPhone 4 for Verizon. 6 days ago the iPhone 4S launched and became available on Sprint. Now that 3 of the 4 big US Mobile carriers offer the iPhone, T-Mobile users are left asking the question, "Why not us?"

A few weeks ago, T-Mobile's Cole Broadman, sent a letter out to customers. He said, "We’ve heard from many customers who love their T-Mobile service, but are disappointed that we don’t carry the iPhone. To these customers, first, thank you for your business. Please know that we think the iPhone is a great device and Apple knows that we’d like to add it to our line-up. Today, there are over a million T-Mobile customers using unlocked iPhones on our network. We are interested in offering all of our customers a no-compromise iPhone experience on our network." So if T-Mobile wants to sell the iPhone, why would Apple not want to have a partnership with T-Mobile? I truly don't think that Apple doesn't want T-Mobile to have the iPhone, it must have simply come down to contract negotiations. Prior to the iPhone 4S launch, rumors asserted that Sprint paid a lot of money to get the iPhone 4S. This may or may not be true but it's possible that T-Mobile may not have been willing to meet Apple's pricing terms or it may be holding out with hopes that the merger with AT&T will still occur. With the Justice Department doing all they can to stop the merger, the likelihood is looking more bleak, but time will tell.

Whether the issue is technical or contractual, we don't know with certainty. However, if you are on T-Mobile, out of contract, and still not getting an iPhone, it shows that you really don't care to have an iPhone (or at least one that isn't jailbroken and unlocked, running on Edge speeds). T-Mobile's network, pricing, and customer service may all be positives but none of those outweigh the benefit of owning an iPhone on a supported network. I switched from T-Mobile to AT&T in 2008 in order to get the iPhone 3G and haven't regretted the decision once. In my opinion, the device is more important than the carrier. What's better, with the 3 largest US carriers offering the iPhone, you can now have the best of both worlds: a terrific phone and a terrific carrier.

Buy an iPhone 4S?: It May Save Your Life!

2011-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Are your chances of living higher if you purchase an iPhone 4S? Are your chances of inflicting injury or death upon another lower? How about survival chances if everyone were to start using an iPhone 4S? I believe the answer is YES. Here's why.

We are law breakers. We bend rules. We believe we are invincible and we have a "it won't happen to me" mentality. Utah law prohibits texting while driving. I'm going to guess this also includes tweeting, searching for a restaurant, or setting a reminder to do something. But we do it anyway. If you don't, I am proud of you and applaud your dedication to the safety of yourself and others on the road. However, the problem may not lie you. YOU may not text and drive but your neighbor may and she may end up side swiping you because she wasn't paying attention to the road. This could result in serious injury, loss of property, or premature death. Now, what if you had convinced your neighbor to get an iPhone 4S? Everything could have been different. Very different....with Siri.

Siri is the new personal assistant built in to every iPhone 4S. Siri is voice recognition software that goes above and beyond almost all voice technology we have ever used before, especially in a cell phone. Let me lay out a few scenrios for you. Scenario A will be without an iPhone 4S and Scenario B will be with an iPhone 4S and Siri.

Scenario A

You are driving and your wife texts that she loves you. You pick up your phone to read the text. You are so exciting she still loves you that you have to respond right then to tell her that you love her back. You start texting back and you end up rear ending the car in front of you.

Scenario B

You are driving and your wife texts that she loves you. You ask Siri to read the text message to you. You feel so good inside that she loves you. You then speak to Siri telling her to respond to your wife telling her that you love her too. When the car stops suddenly in front of you, you are prepared.

Scenario A

Your Boss calls you and tells you that you have to be at a meeting Thursday at 2 PM. You know that if you don't put the appointment in your phone right away that you will forget and when you don't show up, you will lose your job. So you start trying to put the appointment in your calendar and you run a red light a T bone a car in the intersection.

Scenario B

Your Boss calls you and tells you that you have to be at a meeting Thursday at 2 PM. You know that if you don't put the appointment in your phone right away that you will forget and when you don't show up, you will lose your job. So rather than manually inputting the appointment, you tell Siri to book the appointment for you. Siri happily does this and you are able to recognize that the light turned red and stop accordingly.

Scenario A
You are driving and need to call your brother-in law to let him know you snagged some free tickets to the Creed concert that you know he will love. You realize that he is at work and will only be reachable at his work telephone number. Naturally you don't have this number memorized and will need to flip through your address book to find his contact information with his work number. This causes you to take your eyes off the road and you end up side swiping the median on the freeway.

Scenario B
You are driving and need to call your brother-in law to let him know you snagged some free tickets to the Creed concert that you know he will love. You realize that he is at work and will only be reachable at his work telephone number. Naturally you don't have this number memorized and so you ask Siri to call your brother-in law at his work number. Siri dials and you continue on safely in the limits of your lane.

Siri saves us from looking at the phone. It helps us resist the temptation to take our eyes off the road while driving to do tasks on our iPhones. Siri is the future: So get buying or get convincing, it may very well save your life!

Twitter: What is this Twit Show?

2011-10-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

There I sat in Business Management, on the verge of dozing off when the professor posed a question that made my ears perk up. "Who in this class is on Twitter?" The class was about 60 students in size and two hands went up in response to this question. Those hands belonged to me and my friend Rachel. That was it. Later in the semester he asked the question "Who here shops at J.C. Penny?" The result was nearly identical and that my friends is a sad gig. So what is Twitter and why should you be on it?

Definition

Twitter describes itself as, "a service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" This is true and my friends and I do use it for arranging plans, celebrating birthdays and other noteworthy successes, #realtalk, and sometimes for outright #horseplay. Wait a second? What are those number signs doing there and why are there no spaces between real and talk, horse and play? They are actually referred to as hash tags and well...alright, let's just jump right into this.

On twitter you follow people. My twitter name is @juicelake. Check it out:
www.twitter.com/juicelake . If you want to mention me in a tweet, you would add the @ symbol to the front of my username, @juicelake. You can also use #. The # symbol is used to denote a subject, like #apple, #SLC, #superbowl. These are used to basically apply a tag or subject to a tweet. The use of hashtags makes it easier to search for specific topics.

Twitter as a news source

This is the main reason I love twitter. I have a few things I'm passionate about: the Utes, technology, and cars. Twitter allows me to "follow" these different topics. I do this by following the individuals who tweet about these subjects the most. You will surely be able to find people out there who are interested in the same things as you. They may point out things you never knew, cite helpful sources, link to You Tube videos, or may even link a twit pic of their own doing on the subject. This is the news source on the personal level. How about actual media outlets?

If an avid fan isn't tweeting about something that you have interest in then you can go straight to the source. But why go to websites of ESPN, CNN, Fox News, SL Trib, and the Des News in Safari when I can follow all these news sources on Twitter and get the same news in a more concise fashion, all in a central location? Use twitter to get your news.

Common Misconception

"I have nothing to say to the world so why would I join twitter?" I have heard this line from many. Let me put an analogy for you. When you turn on the TV to watch the news at 10(I know only old people and the Alllsops actually do this anymore but act like you do), do you talk to the TV? Do you have conversations with the anchors? No, you surely don't. You listen. Same with twitter. You listen. You listen(read) your twitter "timeline." But the great thing is, unlike talking to the TV, which is never rational, you can talk to twitter at any time you like.

Twitter isn't a life long commitment. Feel free to try it out. Try and pair with someone who actually utilizes twitter in helping you find people to follow and then give it a chance. Refresh that twitter timeline on a regular basis. Also, take a chance and share something with the world! Maybe we DO want to hear what you have to say.

Note: iOS 5 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch launched yesterday. Twitter integration is now part of the operating system so tweeting pics, videos, and text is easier than ever!

Facebook iPad App

2011-10-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Facebook iPad App!

Finally! The iPad has been out for just over 18 months now and Facebook has finally released it's iPad app. I've spent about 5 minutes with it and so far it is a great improvement over the options that were previously available, myPad or the standard facebook.com through Safari. The new app feels like the iPad and that is what makes it so great. The iPad is made for touch and we've come to love the way developers utilize the extra screen real estate for menus. Looking at your Friends list is a lot more fun now, it looks more like a yearbook now. And with Facebook close to releasing the new Timeline to the public, this makes sense. If you use Facebook, run, don't walk, to the update! Additionally, I must say, like many other tasks now, I will probably prefer the iPad Facebook experience to the computer Facebook experience.

Update: Here's the LINK to Facebook's iPad page and subsequent link to download the app from the App Store.

iPhone: Which Model Should You Choose?

2011-10-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Trying to decide which iPhone to buy? Hope my breakdown below will help.

iPhone 3GS Cost: Free on Contract

8GB Who: I believe the only people who should still be buying an iPhone 3GS are 1)Children under the age of 10 on family plans or 2)People who really don't care about cell phones but need a new phone and don't want to pay for it. Other than that, everyone else, I believe, should be buying either the iPhone 4 or one of the iPhone 4S models. Simply put, the iPhone 3GS is over 2 years old and in cell phone years, that's ancient. It is underwhelming in almost every technical specification. Is it better than some other cell phone alternatives on the market? Yes, absolutely. But don't shortchange yourself unless you truly have no money or simply don't care to do anything more than text and call and have a decent music player in your pocket.

iPhone 4 Cost: $99 on Contract

8GB Who: The difference is $100. So if you don't plan on using the camera very often, storing lots of music on your iPhone, playing games, or saving time by using Siri, then I would recommend the iPhone 4 to you. If you are basically getting an iPhone in order to Facetime with your kids and grand kids, text, and make phone calls, this is the best choice. You will never really miss the new features(since, if you are like my parents, you wouldn't have utilized them anyway) and you will have saved $100.

iPhone 4S Cost: $199, $299, $399 on Contract

16GB Who: Most people. Those who have moderation in all things: They don't have hundreds of apps, don't shoot thousands of photos and video on a vacation, don't put their whole iTunes library on their iPhone, and don't want to spend over $200 on their phone. I can't fault anyone for choosing this model. It is the same size I chose for my iPad and so far I have been very happy. As a Specialist, I will recommend this model more than any other iPhone option in the store. However, would I choose the 16GB iPhone 4S? No I would not. Why? Read on.

32GB Who: People like me. I love having enough space to breathe. I hate having to worry about space on a regular basis. I can manage that with my iPad because whatever doesn't fit on there, I put on my iPhone. This works well since I'm never without my iPhone. 32GB is going to come in handy for the camera and video camera on the new iPhone 4S. If you like shooting lots of video, you need to realize that 1080p video is huge and can eat through GB's of storage in a hurry. So if you are going on vacation for a week or two and don't plan on syncing your iPhone, you are going to want this model. It will also give you room for plenty of apps, music, and a few movies. This is a great choice for those who can afford it and want to do more with their phones.

64GB Who: The over-the-top people. This is for the people who don't use a service like Rdio, Napster(now Rhapsody), or Spotify to "stream" rather than "store" their music. These same people have thousands and thousands of songs in their iTunes library that they can't bear to be without. They are the same people who are blowing up Instagram and shooting pictures of everything. They are also shooting loads of video. They are also the type to play the games that are big in storage size, like those from EA. These are the same people who travel a lot and want to store lots of movies on their device for watching on the go. Or they tend to buy their TV shows from iTunes rather than streaming them from Netflix. If you have the coin, don't hesitate, snag a 64GB iPhone 4S. You'll be at the top and let's be honest, it never hurts to have free space.

White or Black? All personal preference. I personally love black but I may snag a white one just to mix it up a bit. White is bolder than black and will call more attention to your phone. I also believe that color is the least important decision in choosing your new iPhone(after carrier, plan, and iPhone model) so don't get too hung up on it.

iPhone Carrier Comparison

2011-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

iPhone 4S pre-orders started today(sometime around 12:20 AM here in Utah). If you are nerdy, you probably stayed up late to order your new iPhone 4S as soon as the page went live. If you value sleep and aren't uptight about your phone, you most likely haven't ordered yet. PCMag.com posted a very helpful comparison chart of the three carriers and what you can expect to pay with each.

So as you can see, the prices are not wildly different between carriers. Each one, however, will leave a gnarly hole in your bank account after two years. Welcome to the Age of Convenience, the Age of Cell Phone Carriers Have Way Too Much Control, the Age of Get Used to High Prices For Technology.

Let me break down for you what I know:

AT&T

AT&T, as a common consensus, tends to have the fastest 3G internet speeds. This may not be true in every instance or comparison but overall it tends to be true. AT&T, may also be the cheapest option if minutes are still important to you. This is why. When you sign up for the 450 minute $39.99 plan and then add unlimited text messaging, you also receive unlimited cell phone to cell phone calling. This gives you 450 land line minutes. Who calls land lines anymore anyway? 450 should be plenty. AT&T also has a $15 data option that the other carriers don't have, which is sufficient for users who use very little data consumption, like my parents. If, for example, my parents were on Verizon, they would both be paying double what they currently are paying for data and not reaping any significant benefits since it isn't something they need or use. AT&T tends to have pretty solid coverage along the Wasatch Front and is a good option for a lot of people. Simultaneous Talk and Surf exists.

Sprint

Sprint is the newest carrier to obtain access to the iPhone. This is a big deal for Sprint. In fact, had they stayed out of the iPhone game, it could have been devastating for the company. Sprint is currently offering unlimited data on the iPhone, something both AT&T and Verizon once offered but have since gone away from. As a user who is still grandfathered in to unlimited data on AT&T, I can say two things about it. 1)You probably don't need it. Almost ALL users will be fine with 2GB of data. I myself, am a heavy user, and have only gone over 2GB a few times. 2)With that being said, it is also really nice not having to every worry about data usage. If I want to stream TV to my phone while away from a WiFi network, I can. If I want to stream music from Rdio or Podcasts from Instacast while driving to work and back everyday, I can without worrying about my data consumption. So with Sprint you get all the data you want, however, reports are saying that Sprint's 3G speeds are the slowest of the three carriers. I personally cannot confirm or deny that claim. As for coverage, Sprint appears to have even greater coverage than AT&T, at least here in Utah. Sprint may not be a bad way to go. Simultaneous Talk and Surf does not work.

Verizon

In regards to customer satisfaction and quality of network coverage, the usual consensus tends to give Verizon the advantage. On a road trip from SLC to Las Vegas, I was in and out of 3G coverage whereas those in the vehicle with Verizon had more consistent data coverage. Verizon tends to have a very solid voice network and great coverage here in Utah. Rural area coverage is usually the best of the three as well. Verizon tends to be the most expensive, getting less minutes and data for your dollar. However, you may save money compared to AT&T if you only text occasionally, since Verizon offers tiered texting plans. Verizon has the same Talk and Surf limitation that Sprint does. If you are on a call and want to look up something online, you will have to be connected to WiFi or end the voice call. AT&T is the only one of the group that allows you to do both. This may or may not be an important feature to you. Verizon is a great choice for many people.

Is there a perfect carrier? Most definitely not. I really tend to dislike the cell phone companies. They, unlike Apple, really aren't focused on customer experience. They do however really want your money. They also want to lock you in for life. 2 Year contracts bite but result in a savings of $450 on the cost of your iPhone. That $450 is incentive enough for most people to make the commitment.

Feel free to post any insight you may have in the comments section.

Note: Family plans are not mentioned in the comparison chart nor discussed here in the post however they will almost always save you money over personal plans. If you are on a family plan, it makes it more of a challenge to switch carriers since each phone may have a different contract termination date. If you are starting new, configure away on AT&T, Sprint, Verizon to determine the best price for your family plan.

2nd Note: Sprint and Verizon both use CDMA technology whereas AT&T uses GSM. GSM has come to be the international standard. However, the new iPhone 4S is a "World Phone" so a Verizon iPhone 4S will be able to roam internationally now. GSM phones use SIM cards, CDMA phones do not.

3rd Note: I will be posting later on which iPhone model to choose.

UPDATE: Engadget just launched a great article on this same topic. Even better price breakdowns. Check it here on Engadget!

Choose To Be Remembered

2011-10-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

I just spent the last few minutes reading quotes about the passing of Steve Jobs from prominent individuals in society such as Tim Cook, President Obama, Bill Gates, Eric Schmidt, etc. It caused a little emotion to well up inside me. As I read the remarks about Steve, I thought about the incredible impact one person can have in this world. We are so small and yet so capable of amazing things. It is pretty crazy to ask yourself questions like, "What if Steve Jobs hadn't been born?" or "What if Steve Jobs hadn't returned to Apple in the 90's?" What would we be using to talk to each other? What would we use for a computer? Where would I be sitting right now rather than the Apple Store? Steve took the talents he was given and he made something happen. He was a brilliant businessman and inventor. The incredible thing is that we all have something to give to the world. We can all contribute. We may not be as known as Steve Jobs but we can bless the lives of other individuals in a way only we could. So ask yourself, "What would the world be like without me?" Realize your worth and potential and strive for the top. By so doing, you too may be remembered by millions. And if it isn't millions, it will surely be hundreds. The number is insignificant. What is significant are the lives you will change and legacy you will leave.

Steve, we thank you.

2011-10-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

The man truly changed the world. Thank you Steve.

Apple: Offend No One! Part 2

2011-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote a piece regarding the iPhone 4 and why Apple didwhat they did. It touched briefly on the disappointment many are feelingfrom the fact that Apple didn't release an iPhone 5. I have since found anumber of good articles that I would like to point to.

Marco Arment states, "Wouldas many people be disappointed if Apple had released the same device but calledit the iPhone 5?" Interesting point. You should read his wholepost HERE.

Daniel Indiviglio alsostated, "As far as I can tell, mostof the dismay at the release of the iPhone 4s stems from pure semantics. Peopleare mad that an iPhone 5 wasn't released -- but they can provide few examplesof what they expected from an iPhone 5, that the iPhone 4s is lacking, otherthan its having a different name." He expounds a little more thanMarco does and his post can be found HERE.

I agree with Daniel in thefact that of course we would love 4G and many of us would also really like a3.7" or 4" screen. Those would be great features but we can't"throw the baby out with the bath water." Should this iPhone have been released in June? I think so. Nevertheless, No phone is perfect butthis is going to be a fantastic phone that translates to real day to daybenefits. Besides, if Apple had released a 4G 4" iPhone 5 yesterday,what would they release next year that would woo the masses? People's"disappointment" would have simply been postponed a year.

Apple: Offend No One!

2011-10-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of an interesting conversation with my great friend and tech buddy Zach Holmquist. What else would we be discussing today other than the iPhone 4S. So I'm getting the vibe that most people were "expecting more." What would I define that more as meaning? Different external design. First we should understand why so many people had such an expectation? The answer is that Apple, rather than releasing the iPhone 4S in June, released it in October and thus a delay of roughly 3 months lead many to believe "big things" were in store. So the big question is why did Apple not change the design and was it the right decision?

Customer happiness is all based on perception. To try and best explain this, I'm going to do a list of bullet point scenarios.

I bought the iPhone 4 on launch day in June of 2010. How do I feel about the launch of the new iPhone 4S? Great! Why? If I choose to upgrade, it will give me some great new features. If I choose to stay with my iPhone 4, I also feel great because it isn't "that different."
I bought the iPhone 4 on Verizon when it launched earlier this year. Would I have been upset if a completely redesigned iPhone had launched today, a mere 3, 5, or 7 from my date of purchase? You bet! I would have an OLD, USELESS, OUTDATED iPhone 4. How do I feel now that i know the iPhone 4S looks the same and "isn't that different"? Great!
I don't want to spend $200 on a phone because, ya know, technology really isn't that important to me. But my RAZR flip phone just broke and I need a new phone. Oh, I can get an iPhone 4 for only $99? How do I feel? Great! "I feel even better since I know it looks JUST LIKE that brand new expensive iPhone 4S that my son in law just bought."(Zach Holmquist)
I want an iPhone but why would I spend so much on an iPhone when there are Droids for less money? Wait, there is an iPhone 4 for only $99 that looks JUST LIKE the iPhone 4S? Oh, I want that! It's probably pretty much the same for only half the price!

Hopefully this 4 bullet points have helped point out the amazing genius that Apple is. You are always going to make some people upset. Yes, there were those in the camp pining for a thinner, bigger screened iPhone 5. But they have managed to release a fantastic updated product that will sell millions and all the while keeping everyone happy. They have also managed, as Zach put it, leveled the playing field for a BIG release next year. Well done Apple, you un-offending company you.

Note: If you still really want a thinner iPhone, come into the store sometime and hold the iPod touch up to your ear for at least 5 minutes. I'm guessing it will start to feel uncomfortable after about 1 minute. Too thin, the edges feel sharp. Also, you thought a lot of people dropped the iPhone 4? Give them something thinner and then we'll see a serious increase in dropped and damaged iPhones.

short skates

2011-08-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

i can feel a cough
a deep stunted struggling
inside my chest, filling up my throat
like an animal, caged and dangerous
ready to ignite this fuse, explode

like a sail boat with no sails
no wind to push me
no ruder left to steer me
no stars to guide me
no one to hear me
no life vest to save me

a face on a light post
enabling the entertainers
startling the suspects
angering the innocent
propagating paranoia
rioting the rebellious
all to solve a problem

let me hold your hand
grasp just tight enough
to ensure i'm here
to run away forever
through sunflower fields
and shady groves
to reach that new beginning
where the grass has no fear

Chapter 5

2011-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

The van sped down highway 4. Annie tried to open her eyes but they felt heavy, as if her eyelids had become small weights. She could hear rapid talking from the front of the van and a somewhat inconsistent breathing from someone near her in the back. Her head was spinning and she felt sick; mostly from the throbbing she felt at the base of her skull. The van continued bouncing along and each bump seemed to jolt her in the most uncomfortable way. She tried to make out what the men were saying but she couldn't maintain consciousness and passed out again. Annie woke with a thud that sent a pain through her back. She had been pulled by her feet out of the van and landed squarely on her back on a hard floor. She opened her eyes and was nearly blinded by the intense light from above her.

"Don't hurt her you imbecile."

"Sorry Sir."

"Annie? Annie can you hear me? Wake up dear."

She opened her eyes just enough to see a face about 3 inches from her own.

She struggled for words. "Who are you?"

It became apparent to the man standing above her that she was struggling to open her eyes.

"Turn off those bloody lights already, he barked."

The lights were dimmed almost immediately and Annie was able to blink a few times and finally fully open her eyes. Her eyes took a moment to focus and once they did she saw a man standing above her, apparently the one in charge and barking the commands. She recognized him. He had a somewhat round face with dark eyebrows and hair. She knew she had seem him somewhere but couldn't remember where. She started going through every dark corner of her brain in hopes that the memory would put a name with the face she was now seeing. However, her mental exercise was interrupted.

"Annie, you know why you are here right? Your husband, Jack, has something very important to us. The technology he invented belongs to us but he doesn't seem to believe that. You see, he is trying to maintain involvement for the next 18 months and that simply can't be allowed. He is also holding back a key portion of the code that we need. We really didn't want to have to do it this way but this is a sticky situation and my hands are tied. Things are turning desperate. And you know what they say about desperate times right?

He laughed to himself. A very obnoxious loud laugh.

"So thanks for coming with us Annie. Don't worry one bit....we feel confident that Jack will do the right thing. Smile!"

The man pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of her. When he moved the phone away she got another look at him and she nearly lost her breath. She recognized him as one who had sat at the same table as her and David at a special dinner they had attended in DC. She didn't want to believe it but she was pretty confident that there, standing over her, was the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense.

The Contract - Chapter 4

2011-08-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read chapters 1-3 yet, please start HERE.

Chapter 4

As David approached the house, he noticed that the garage door was open. So was the front door. This became even more alarming when David realized that he couldn't see a single light on inside the house. He quickly jogged up the steps to the front door. His eyes had pretty well adjusted to the darkness from the walk. He saw that the coffee table was overturned and the lamp was broken to pieces all over the carpet. David's heart began beating quickly as he stepped toward the light switch. Nothing. He swore again. This time it was barely audible due to the fear that was gripping around his mind like a vice grip. He ran into the kitchen and noticed the stove was still on high and a pot of stew was boiling over onto the range top and down the front of the oven. He quickly turned the burner off, somehow managing to not burn his hand in the process. Then he saw something that made his stomach churn. He couldn't contain it and barely turned in time to throw up all over the kitchen sink. There on the counter, barely visible through the moonlight coming through the sliding back doors, were strewn the internal remains of some sort of animal. David was able to regain composure, retrieve a flashlight from the pantry, and return to the disturbing site. He saw a piece of paper sticking out from the mess. He gingerly reached for it and turned the paper over. Then he read the words that for 17 years he had feared would one day resurface. "Hi Jack, we found you."

Okay readers, I need your help. I want you to suggest in the comments what you think should come next. Who is Jack and what is going on here?

Month of Concerts

2011-07-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

This month has been the month of concerts.

And boy has it been great.

The month started out with Mr. Mat Kearney himself.

I have blogged about Mat Kearney before. Click HERE to enjoy that post.

This was the second time I have seen Mat in concert at In the Venue.

Tragically, he didn't headline this show. Those honors went to Owl City.

Mat killed it. I cried when he played his last song of the night.

He will be back(hopefully) on his Young Love tour later this year or early next year.

I will be there.

Note: Associates in crime: Mr. Ben Barlow, Sarah Fennemore, Sam and Chelsea Lake.

Concert number 2 of the month was The Decemberists who performed at Pioneer Park

as one of the Twilight Series Concerts.

There were 36,000 people there. So not many.

Lots of pot being smoked.

But the music was awesome. And the price was great. FREE!

Partner in Crime: The beautiful Ms. Hattie Nicole Gardner.

Concert Number 3.

KATY PERRY!

I knew that this concert was going to be great. I hoped for amazing.

It was epic.

Blew past every expectation I had and more.

Became the definition of entertainment.

The lights, the music, the dancing, the dresses, the decor.

Unreal.

Katy is sexy and she killed it.

Partner in Crime: Mr. Benjamin Barlow. Or @argentino15

Month of Conerts: A Raging Success!

Benjamin

2011-07-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is Benjamin Spencer Lake.

He is the closet thing to Spiderman a 5 year old can come.

Watch out.

Need to be Needed

2011-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

My eyes were still stinging. I cupped my hands over my face and breathed in deeply. When exhaling, I tried to push the air between the slits in my fingers. I could probably fall asleep like this, my elbows on the table. I could fall asleep in most any position actually. Noise? Light? Not a problem. I slouched down again in my chair, letting my head hang uncomfortably over the back of the chair. This put a strain on my neck that let me know I was still feeling something. I had sunk into a boredom so deep that even the things I wanted to do were now sleep inducing. This whole sleep thing, it wasn't because of insomnia or even going to bed at extremely late hours. I think it was a result of not being pushed. I had started to feel worthless, not needed, unmotivated. This wasn't my fault. Not entirely. Sure, I could rummage through some tutorial somewhere on some computer related topic but once again, this would be just another sleep inducing activity. Maybe we should just refer to these as SIA's in the future. I like that. But what do you think, should we leave the apostrophe?

I wasn't desiring something to do on a scale between good and better. I was aspiring to do something that would make me feel needed. You know, that necessary human emotion we all long for. Just like love or success or happiness, it feels good to be needed. Like the time when you see a group of men carrying something heavy from a moving truck into a home, like an upright piano, and you are able to lend a hand to prevent the piano from falling. Even if they don't utter the phrase, "good thing you were there" you will still feel a sense of accomplishment. You feel glad that you were needed.

I had at times been needed but I wanted to play a bigger role; Get my hands involved in more assignments. More participation surely will lead to more knowledge and more knowledge will prompt promotion. No one wants to stay the bottom rung on a ladder. It should be noted however that pushing to be needed can be a risky thing. Realistically you shouldn't have to try and be needed. You just are. The egg whites aren't begging to be added to that birthday cake, they just are. They provide that yummy light texture we all desire and so naturally an experienced baker would be crazy to omit them from the ingredient list.

This brings me to a point of questioning: What areas do I shine in that would make it easy to be needed? This is not something I'm great at. You know, the whole idea of pinning down my strengths. That's one reason I don't love interviews. That ever so common question, "So tell me your strengths." Of course I can't blame an employer for asking it but it makes me flirt with the line between bragging and digging. Digging to find something I can highlight. This small piece written here was an exercise. An exercise to both keep me awake and to test my brain to see if it was still functioning, cable or writing a sort of oratory. Almost a dialogue with oneself. I don't know, you tell me, was it successful?

Pessimistic Unbelieving

2011-07-14T12:07:00.001-07:00

At some point you gotta realize that the Tooth Fairy doesn't exist

That there is no white unicorn

Never going to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

Stop searching for the Easter Bunny in the trees

Don't worry about cleaning the chimney, no Santa

Dido for those leprechauns in nasty green suspenders

Will never stumble upon a Sasquatch or Loch-Ness Monster

Those flying saucers called UFOs are bogus hokey-pokey

And nearly naked arrow shooting Cupids are a figment of fantasy

Dreams are dreams and only live for so long in this realm of reality

So elusive that they too must be put down; an often painful death

On the other side

2011-06-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

On the other side

Sometimes I think you are crazy

Sometimes I am crazy

I want to get out

Break free, unleash

Let the rules slip away, melt like hoarfrost

So that I can begin this journey

Into the horizon

With the windows down

So the wind will blow my hair, make me squint

Put my sunglasses on and drive

Forever

To you

This is how I express myself

A double backflip

Having the Newest, Fastest, Greatest: A Problem with Android and Consumer Satisfaction

2011-06-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

"If Android tablet releases are as fast as Android phone releases, I'm going to shoot myself." - from This is my next podcast, 6/18/11.

So what is he talking about? He is talking about the constant onslaught of new Android based phones being produced and released by cell phone manufacturers. This list includes: Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, Acer, Dell, etc. Unlike Apple, who only sells two iPhones at a time (the previous generation at a discounted price and the current generation), these manufacturers are releasing new Android based phones at a blistering rate. So why does this matter and isn't this a good thing?

There is something that has always been inherent in the nerds and geeks of the world: A desire to have the newest, latest, and greatest. This desire has also existed in the wealthy. And upper class. OK, and probably middle class. Now....it exists within pretty much everyone.

Satisfaction is based on perception. If you think you got the best cell phone, even if it isn't, you will probably be satisfied and content. So when someone walks into a T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon store, they are going to listen to what the 21 year old kid working there and what has to say. And he, most likely, will try and sell them on the newest, latest, greatest, best phone. That way when the customer leaves, they leave feeling content. This is good.

But what happens when the user sees a billboard, an ad on Google, or a commercial on TV advertising a bigger, faster, brighter, slimmer, smarter phone? How do they feel if this happens 1 week, 1 month, or 5 months later? The problem is, that person has signed a 2 year agreement to use that phone. Of course, the customer can buy a different phone at any time but without the subsidized pricing, that phone will most likely cost around $500-$700. Not a chunk of coin most people are willing to part with when, if they wait, they can get a new phone in 2 years for somewhere between $100-$300.

So if pushing out new phones on such a fast track can be a bad thing for consumers and their satisfaction level, can it also be a good thing for consumers? Of course. The intense competition that currently exists in the mobile arena is forcing better innovation and better products. I'm all about having newer technologies, faster processors, thinner phones, higher resolution screens, etc. My question is simply this?: If you know you are going to release a phone in 4 months with y, y, y, y specs, then why release an inferior phone tomorrow with x, x, x, x, and x specs? HTC does this constantly. Pushing out phones for the sake of pushing out phones. HTC is turning great profits and so maybe this isn't a bad business model. I just happen to prefer Apple's business model. So what does Apple do differently?

For the past four years, starting in the summer of 2007, Apple has released a new iPhone. We are 2 days away from the one year anniversary of the iPhone 4 release and we have yet to hear a peep from Apple about a new iPhone. This year may or may not follow the same trend as previous years. Regardless, at this point it looks like Apple isn't dipping below the 11-12 month release cycle on the iPhone. I like this. This is comforting to me. When I purchased my iPhone 4 a year ago, I knew that I was buying the very best Apple phone available....for an entire year. You don't get that kind of security with Motorola. You buy the Droid X today and soon the Droid 2 is out. Or the Droid Pro. Or the Bionic. Now how do you feel about that phone you bought just a mere period previous?

Apple is consistent. And this is reassuring. It is also nice knowing that Apple puts ALL of their effort into ONE phone and tries to release a phone as close to perfection as possible. If Apple believes there is a feature that belongs in a phone, it will be in the iPhone you buy. So even if you buy your iPhone later, say 8 months after the initial release date, you are still getting a phone loaded with amazing features and incredible software. They don't have model A with certain features and model B lacking those features but having others. Such a situation is confusing and stressful for consumers.

As consumers, sometimes we think we loves lots of choices. Sometimes lots of choices are good. Sometimes they are not. An example, and I don't have the book in front of me so I'm paraphrasing rather than quoting, comes from Malcom Gladwell's best seller Blink. It it, he gives a real example of a Jam seller at a fair. When the jam seller had just two choices, Raspberry and Strawberry, the seller sold more jams than when they had 15 different jams and jellys. Why? It was easier for the consumer to make a decision quickly, feel confident in their decision, and move on.

So do you need to buy an iPhone in order to get a good phone? No. Just do your research. If you are going to buy an Android phone, talk to others who have one and ask them what they like and dislike about their phone. Make sure there isn't a new amazing Android phone coming out a week after you buy yours. If you are going to buy an iPhone, just understand Apple's product cycle. There are obviously a lot of factors that go into when you can buy a phone so here is a pretty good article that Benjamin Brooks just wrote on the subject. LINK.

This article may lead one to believe I hate Android and love iOS (Apple's Operating System that is used on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch). This is not true. This article doesn't even touch upon the pros and cons of the operating system itself, it is simply an article about hardware, something that Google(Android) has little control over. This article is intended to focus simply on the fast moving mobile market and the way it affect's a consumer's buying experience and later, use perception. I will write an article later on how I feel about the current OS options available for mobile devices.

Notes:

1)This article doesn't touch upon a lot of different aspects. Those including cost factors, carrier limitations, OS preference, Android fragmentation, and other issues. These may be touched upon in future articles.

2)Everything written in this or any post on The Juicebox is strictly my opinion and is not the opinion of anyone else. I do not have access to any information that isn't publicly available to others.

Lexus IS 350

2011-06-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

I approached anxiously. Tragically the car hadn't been washed and sat covered in dirt from the week's previous rain storm. Yet it still, despite the water spots, shined its beauty. Wrapped in Smoky Granite, it wasn't hard to catch the tight lines that start at the headlights and lead you gracefully back to the trunk. I climbed in, immediately engulfed in black leather and Bird's Eye Maple. I pushed the start button and the car roared to life. I pulled the door closed with a thud and buckled up. This wasn't a lazy boy like my current car, where space abounds and you are lead to believe you are driving on pillows rather than tires. This car was tight. Snug. It was form fitting, like a custom tailored Armani suit. In fact, it was like a young, reckless boxer in an Armani suit.

I eased out of the parking lot so as to not call attention to myself or invoke concern in the salesman's heart. That was the last time I gently eased into the accelerator. I headed for the freeway. I dropped the hammer and the acceleration was immediate. Instant Gratification. Thankfully the 300 horsepower was being pushed to the rear wheels and the power felt harnessed and controlled, unlike that in a Mazdaspeed 3. Later, I took a corner hard and fast, one that would have had the Vehicle Skid Control beeping and screaming at me in the GS 300. Here it felt I was driving on rails. Overly impressed. If the gas light and my good conscience hadn't played their cards I could have spent hours paddling my way to speeds normally reserved for empty interstates. Lexus, known far more for luxury than sport, has a winner on their hands. As one who has lusted over the Infiniti G35/G37 for a decade now, I didn't believe my heart could be won over easily. However , the IS 350 accomplished that in just under 6 seconds.

Jailbreaking: Part 1 of the iPhone Series

2011-06-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

iOS jailbreaking is a process that allows devices running Apple's iOS (also known as iPhone OS prior to iOS 4.0) operating system (such as the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and recently Apple TV) to gain full access (root access) to unlock all features of the said operating system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple. Once jailbroken, iOS users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store, via installers such asCydia, one of a number of current means for older iPhones.

That's the definition I found on Wikipedia. This process has been around since the original iPhone that launched in 2007. After some colleagues raved about how great their iPhones were with the jailbreak, I decided to give it a go.

Once my iPhone was jailbroken, I installed LockInfo and BiteSMS. Besides those changes, I didn't mess with too much more.

Result: After about a week, I wanted to go back to the original iPhone OS, sans jailbreak. The reasons are as follows:

1. Jailbreaking did add some nice features that are currently lacking in iOS 4.3.3. Notably, notifications. The notification system on the iPhone is terrible. It was OK for 2007/2008 but it has worn out its welcome. Lockinfo accomplished this by putting the notifications on the lock screen as well as a pull down menu from the top of the screen. However, I found it to be a bit unpolished. It truly felt like someone in their parents basement had created it rather than a group of engineers at Apple.

2. BiteSMS gave me the ability to respond to a text without going into the actual Messages app. This was handy on occasion but I found that if I received multiple messages in a short period of time, this functionality was limited and ended up being redundant to the official Messages app.

3. The phone became SO slow. I love the iPhone 4 for how fast it is. It is quick! The jailbreak slowed the phone down and it was noticeable. People say they love jailbreaking because "you can do so much more!" To me, it felt like buying a sports coupe and then putting a luggage rack and off-road tires on it so I could "do so much more." In the process, I lost the whole reason I loved the car in the first place: To drive fast!

Trying to restore my phone and "unjailbreak" it was also less than ideal. I ran into hiccups that eventually lead me to force my phone into restore mode and then upgrade to iOS 4.3.3.

Lesson: I like how Apple does things. They don't do everything perfect and they don't have every feature. There will always be features that are missing from iOS. But that is because they don't just push out features to push out features. What they do offer "just works." (See Benjamin Brooks article on it "Just Works" HERE. They refine and polish the features of the phone and OS and then do a release. That is why Apple just announced the new notification system for iOS 5. They recognized a need, resolved it, and will be releasing it this Fall. The main reason I jailbroke my phone in the first place just went away.

adj.

2011-05-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

It all happened so quickly, like a cloud burst out of the sky

The connection, the intrigue, the rush, the love, the move

Through miles, connections, videos, texts, letters, and calls

Plans, progress, a visit, a failure, a success, a visit, a success, a failure

Lost hope, quitting, giving up, throwing in the towel, not caring

More progression, committed, connected, converted, completed

Reaching out to you, trying, texting, calling, connecting, waiting

Hurting, wondering, lacking, slacking, struggling, and quitting

Reached out only to be rejected, attacked, offended, disconnected

Shut off, deleted, removed, separated, distanced, shunned, done

Then an update, a tweet, dozens, confirmed, pained, saddened

Shaken, stirred, ruined, distraught, wishing, hoping, wanting, wondering

Let me Speak

2011-05-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have so many thoughts going through my head.

I want my new iMac to arrive.
I think I need to go to the Dominican Republic but I may have to wait till September.
I'd also like to do humanitarian work there.
I'm amazed at how some people I've known for so long remain true, stalwart friends. Others, on the other hand, are terrible at friendship.
Sometimes I wish life could be as simple as it was before 2007.
I'm so tired of cold weather.
I feel sometimes like I'm trapped.
I wish I was living in Virginia again. Or maybe somewhere in the dirty south.
I wish Connecticut was located where Nevada is.
I think food poisoning is absolutely terrible.
My nieces and nephews all live too far away. June will probably be the best month of the year in terms of fixing that. Even if it is just temporarily for some.
I want to go to Europe this summer but flights to Sweden are expensive. And I'm not sure I want to go alone.
I like Real Soccer. I love Utah football.
Twitter is something I enjoy using everyday.
I have little patience.
The Spanish language is a great thing.
I don't really care if anyone reads this.
I want a dog. A mini goldendoodle to be exact. Problem is, I'd never be home to take care of it.

I wish twitterfeed worked properly when posting to facebook and twitter.

I'd like to take Front Runner to work but Front Runner doesn't go to Draper. Not yet.

I wish my phone wasn't ringing with a problem from a user right now.

The Contract - Chapter 3

2011-04-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

David stood there, staring at the overpriced cheese puffs at the Sinclair convenience store. He had a weak spot for chips and in an attempt to "fix" this unhealthy habit, Annie always made him pay at the pump with a credit card when they were together. However, when he filled up on the way home, he never missed a chance to come inside to buy a few bags of the "Scorchin Hot Sauce Cheese Puffs". David glanced at his watch. 7:32. Wow, he was running later then he had realized. He grabbed a bag and went to the register. The total came $54.73. Months ago, the number would have made him slightly nauseous. Now, knowing the status of his bank account, he smiled at the Sinclair employee and headed to the car. He hung the gas pump back up, crinkled up the receipt that dangled from the printer, and climbed into his Volvo. Knowing the time, he knew he better call Annie and let her know that he was nearly home. He reached for his phone on the front seat and his hand came up empty. He turned on the overhead light and looked around. David was sure he had been tossed his phone onto the passenger seat when he climbed into the car leaving the office. He fumbled around, wedging his hand between the center console and the seat. Nothing. He leaned over the front seat and peered under. Still no sign of his phone. Leaning back in his seat, he let out a big sigh and turned the key. He felt confident that he would have better luck looking when he got back to the house. He pulled out onto Highway 41 and speed toward home.

David thought back on his recent accomplishments. He was overly excited and appreciative in regards to his newfound fortune. Nevertheless, he couldn't shake a bad feeling about Grant Verneer. He and Grant had started the cellular encryption process together 3 years ago. Grant had been the one to pose the idea as well as fund the project. David had simply been the "brains" that made the project move. He was always amazed that whenever he asked Grant for additional funds, he was never denied. As more progress was made, Grant became more lavish with his money and had no intention of hiding it. The peculiar thing was that, although Grant seemed to be getting richer with the day, the project had yet to produce so much as a dime in profit. The funds were originally obtained through an Angel Investor out of Santa Monica California. A guy named Craig Lawrence, one of the few lucky beneficiaries from the dot com bubble. However, paying Grant or David had not been part of the original funding agreement. David had become suspicious that Grant was filtering funds from the project into his personal bank account. His obnoxious way of living, filled with women and alcohol, cars and vacations, was starting to wear on David. This coupled with the secrecy of how Grant was able to maintain such a lifestyle finally caused David to push Grant for answers. It had been on a Thursday morning over coffee. Grant responded with the same response he always gave, "David, you know my grandfather left me in great shape. If you need more money for the project, just let me know. Don't worry about the trivial matters of my personal life" David pried further which resulted in Grant cursing at him, causing a scene in the coffee shop, and taking off. Since that day, Grant had been around very little. Although he wasn't exactly missed, his absence was somewhat alarming to David.

David was approaching White Pine Drive when a large SUV came screeching around the corner. David jerked the steering wheel to the right and was able to avoid a head on collision but slammed into the curb as a result. There was a loud pop sound and it was quickly apparent that the impact caused an explosion in the front right tire. David threw the car in park and cursed repeatedly at the lunatic driver who David could see in his rear view mirror disappearing into the darkness. There were only 5 houses on White Pine Drive and he was determined to find out which of those neighbors was associated with this driver. David reached into his pocket for his phone to ring Annie and only then remembered it was missing. David reached back into the car and turned the engine off. He then locked the car and headed down the street to his house. He knew it was better to get home and let Annie know the situation rather then spending another 20 minutes trying to replace the popped tire. Little did David know that the SUV that nearly killed him moments before was also carrying his unconscious wife in the back seat.

The Contract - Chapter 2

2011-03-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

Annie's hand stopped just as her fingers touched the phone. She froze. The cacophony that had just filled the room stopped just as abruptly as it had all started. Goosebumps surfaced all over her body. She gasped for air and realized she had forgot to breathe. She let her hand grasp the cell phone and then fumbled in an attempt to dial David. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Her throat went tight as she heard the call answered to the sound of a low breathing on the other end of the call. "David!", she screamed into the phone. The breathing stopped. "David where are you!?" Then she heard a snap, like the sound of a branch breaking from a tree after an ice storm. She not only heard the sound in the phone but she heard it emanate through the room. It came from the bottom of the stairs. She tried to think but she felt like a fog had just settled in over her mind. She stumbled backward against the counter and reached for some sort of weapon to wield in self defense. She grabbed the potato masher she had been using for the dinner. She flung it across the room toward the stair well. Somehow, despite her trembling arm, she managed to land the masher in the stairwell where it bounced down the wood stairs before reaching the bottom. Annie turned and found the closest knife, a 8 inch flat bladed knife she had used to dice the carrots.

She slouched to the floor, using the counter top and surrounding cabinets as a barrier between her and the stairwell. She sat there for what felt like days but in reality was probably no more then 10 minutes. During those 10 minutes the only sound she heard was her own heart beating in her chest. What if David was injured? Was he being held hostage? What if he was lying on the driveway bleeding to death? Panic surged through her body and she realized she had to move. She had to find David. She started crawling through the kitchen toward the living room at the front of the house, hoping to get a view of the driveway from the bay windows. Her heart told her to run to the windows but her brain forced her to a slow crawl. She neared the hallway where she finally stood up, back flat against the kitchen wall. She peered around the corner and nothing appeared out of place. She started down the hall and had just reached the living room when the lights behind her went off. She swirled around and before she could see what was happening felt a blow to the side of her head. She didn't know what had hit her but an excruciating pain shot through her ear and down her neck. The blow caused her to stumble and her one foot caught the edge of the step into the living room and she fell backward onto the antique coffee table. Two of the table legs snapped upon impact and the table toppled over, flinging her helpless body into the base of the sofa. Blood was now running down the side of her face from the blow to the head and she tried to regain her feet to retreat but was overcome from behind by a strong arm that wrapped around her shoulders, pressing tightly into her neck. Then the tip of a needle sank into her shoulder, just above the clavicle. It felt like warm syrup had been injected into her skin and she couldn't think. Annie's world went dark.

The Contract

2011-03-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

Annie pulled her hand back quickly. She nearly let out an expletive but had made it a new years resolution to clean up her rough tongue, something she had learned from her coal mining father. The water heater in the house was the original when the house was built in the 1930's. It worked extremely well, too well in moments like this when warm water would be preferable over scalding hot water. Annie rinsed her hands for a minute in the cold water and then dried them on the front of her apron. She looked out the window above the sink and could see the lighthouse in the distance.

Being a girl from North Dakota, she often wondered how she had ended up in Maine. Sometimes she felt like a stranger here in New England, despite having left North Dakota over 18 years ago. It wasn't that she held a particular fondness for that flat and uninspiring state, it was simply "home". Her parents along with 2 of her 3 brother still lived on the family property near Mercer. She glanced at the clock. It was 7:18 and David should have been home by now. He usually called when he was passing the Sinclair but tonight he hadn't phoned. The Shepherd's Pie was just about done, the cheese turning a golden brown around the edges. It smelled comforting and she was proud of herself for not allowing their recent wealth to make her lazy and order out every night. David had begun work 3 years previous on a device that would allow voice encryption over cell towers at an impressive 512k. The government was informed and took interest in the chip. This led to a formal invitation to present in D.C. and after 2 weeks of negotiations, David sold the technology to the Department of Defense for 12 million dollars. The contract required David to stay involved in the transition and implementation of the technology for the ensuing 18 months. After which, David would be free and had promised to take her to Europe for the summer.

She had dreamed of floating down the canals of Venice and watching a firework show at the Eiffel Tower. It would be very unique to vacation together, just the two of them, and not have a single worry about money. She had always been so frugal, mostly a result of her low income upbringing, and now she didn't have to worry. She heard the old automatic garage door open and was relieved that David was home. She started toward the stairs to the garage when she heard her cell phone ringing from the counter. She headed back to answer it when the home phone rang. Almost instantaneously the door bell rang and a knock came at the back door. Then the sound from the garage door opening suddenly stopped. Annie froze and chills shot up her spine. Something very wrong was happening at 2564 White Pine Drive. She reached for her cell phone and as soon as she did everything went silent.

The Beginning

2011-03-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

The morning rain had drenched the city and the lines in the sidewalk lines were still dark. The sun had since burst through the heavy clouds and the heat from the July summer day was amplified by the extra dose of humidity. I walked more carefully this morning. Yesterday I nearly lost my big toe nail in a battle of toe vs. rough concrete. My mind felt refreshed. It had been months since I had slept that long. The job at Drisden Investments had been rewarding financially but draining in most all other aspects of my life. The job finally made possible the relocation from the musty apartment on 9th Street to the more spacious and airy condo on 2nd Street and Bentley. The real benefit gleaned from working so much was that I had very little time to spend at the new pad.

It was beneficial in that the place felt lonely since Stacey moved out. Stacey was the dream girl that I had met at the Fieldhouse during my Senior year at Columbia. We happened to both be looking for a tennis partner and soon the tennis games lead to getting drinks together and after about 5 months she moved in. Now, 2 years later, my days were mundane without her. I never thought I'd miss the sound of the blow dryer at 5 A.M. but now I'd give anything to be woken up by her getting ready for the day. One could argue that the relationship decayed slowly over multiple weeks but to me it felt abrupt, like that terrible feeling of rear ending the car in front of you. It happened on a night when I came home late. Of course I was late,I had been putting in extra hours almost every night, anxious to obtain the next promotion. I found her sitting at the kitchen table. She looked different. Her hair was pulled up and she wore no makeup. To me she looked absolutely gorgeous. In fact, everytime I saw her like this it reminded me of the first day we met. Except that day she had just finished the running on the treadmill and was red in the face and wet with sweat. Stacey was also staying fit and whenever I started to think I was in really good shape, she would quickly remind me how far I had to go. Tonight, however, the care-free smile she once carried, was now replaced with a blank stare. A blank face, like a mime. I knew something was seriously wrong. I hung my laptop bag on the hook by the door and swung the door closed behind me. I think in my unease from the situation I pushed harder then was necessary and the door slammed shut with a thud. At least the door closed without applying a heavy shoulder to it and pulling up on the door handle. Then again, this place did cost $475,000 so it better have a door that will close without great physical involvement. She didn't seem to notice the bang. And then, it really was over, practically before it began. She stood up, wrapped her arms around my neck, told me she needed something new, and was gone. My heart told me to run after her but my brain was stuck. It was like the gray matter had been sloshed against my ivory skull and the result was a tidal wave of confusion. I stood still for probably 10 minutes. My feet felt cemented to the floor and my eyes were having a hard time focusing. I closed my eyes and that only made matters worse. The dizziness was overwhelming and I collapsed in a heap on the hardwood floor.

Tears didn't come. At least not that night. Nor the next in fact. I went 2 weeks before I came home, called out her name, and realized she REALLY was gone. Even that annoying Yorkie I had threatened to drop kick at least once a week now felt missing. I busied myself with other things. I took up painting again but that didn't seem to help. I rode the stationary bike until my quads would spasm. I started watching cooking shows on cable television. And then I started spending money. A lot of it. Didn't matter if it was wanted or needed, I bought it; New computer, tv, summer clothes, flip flops, etc.

That's where I was headed now in fact. To buy something. I wasn't sure what but I had a feeling that the heat would influence the decision. I was now nearing the street market that dominated Donovan Avenue from about 11th to 14th every Saturday morning. Then I heard and felt it. The crackling of brick being blown to pieces and the bits of plaster and brick being sprayed into my face. It was then I realized that the bullet had graced my ear, instantly flowing down my shoulder and arm. This would be alarming except for the realization that I had just been 2 inches away from having my head become a splatter of graffiti on the wall. After 15 years, 3 countries, and 2 different names, I had been tracked down. The impossible had been accomplished. I was back on the dart board and I had a feeling they didn't want to fail again.

To buy or Not to Buy: Part 2

2011-02-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Provided by Mint.com

What to Buy!?

2011-02-22T10:32:00.001-08:00

I want these three things right now. Which should I get?

1. The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Headphones. HERE.

2. The Smith Broadcast Prescription Eyeglasses. HERE.

3. The Lebron 8 V/2. HERE.

So, what do I choose? Comment below!

Oh The Places I Want to Go!

2011-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Places I want to travel this year(or in the very near future):

Sweden

The reason for this: I love cold Scandinavian countries. Ok, actually, I want to visit the Morace and Julie Ann clan.

Next: Belize.

The caption for this photo says, "Imagine awakening with your loved one as the sun rises over the Caribbean." Can do.

While I'm in the area, I might as well hit up El Vecino: Guatemala

But I also really want to see my friends in the Dominican Republic:

And I've never been to Maui:

And to stay a little closer to open, I want to experience the marvelous Lake Powell!

And do The Subway:

And spend a few nights in the Uinta Mountains:

Who wants to join?

STOP!

2011-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

I worked 13 hours last night. Then I stopped and fixed a friend's alarm system. By that time we we had passed the 11 PM mark. I couldn't go home because of a wood floor fix. So Sam and Chelsea kindly obliged to let me crash on the couch. I was driving up 1300 S, a bit tired, but content, when next thing I knew I had sirens in my rear view mirror. I hadn't been speeding so I was excited; the thrill of finding out what menial law had been violated. Had I ran someone over? Maybe a cat or a raccoon? Had I driven too close to the curb? The middle line? And then panic: Had they finally caught onto my late night prostitution? Oh no! The officer approached. Asked me for the usual: Driver's License, proof of insurance, registration, and a Virginia Slim. I was able to provide 75% of requested items.(Will not disclose which 3) The cop then, seeing the fear in my eyes, informed me that I had been pulled over for not coming to a complete stop.

Oh dear! How could I? Once a law abiding citizen, in mere seconds I had become a hardened criminal, a menace to society, a threat to the population, a danger to the masses. The rape, drug use, theft, domestic violence, drunk driving, indecent exposure, reckless driving can go on. But the failure to fully halt at a 4 way stop on an abandoned street, this must stop. Think of the fatalities, injuries, repercussions, heartache, and loss that most likely occurred from my claimed infraction. Tears welled up in my eyes out of the shame I felt. My pulse sank to a mere 74/23 as depression and guilt overwhelmed my soul.

But wait? I had stopped. I hadn't blitzed that stop sign. There was a car I had pulled up next to. We hung out at that white line together before he went right and I proceeded straight. Hmm... So what if the cop was just upset that my car hadn't been washed in months? Maybe he had just failed for the 20th straight time on the same Angry Birds level. Maybe he was thinking about the recent streak of losses by the Jazz and Utes. Maybe he was imagining what it would have been like to be in Egypt without internet for 5 days? Maybe he had tried to order his Verizon iPhone on his dinner break and realized they were already sold out? So maybe I was the scape goat? The truly innocent citizen, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Like the innocent gazelle who happened to meander down to the river to quench its thirst only to be at the wrong river bend at the wrong time and find itself feet up, head down the alligator's throat.

So I had a decision to make. Did I get out of the car and challenge the officer to a smack-down, a thumb war, or break dance competition? I quickly determined that this was a bad idea. Leaving your vehicle during a moment like this was always frowned upon and interpreted as a sign of hostility and defiance. So i abated my desire for a game of paper-rock-scissors and waited patiently. The officer returned after some delay to proudly hand me a citation. As he handed me the citation, I noticed him quickly wiping what appeared to be ketchup off his fingers and onto his fine pressed navy slacks. Wait a second? He'd been back there eating Wendy's Sea Salted Fries this whole time? My paper had dark spots from where the sodium content had soiled the starch on the ticket. Next thing I knew, he was throwing up the peace sign and parting ways with a simple, "Ten cuidado Justino, tu salvacion esta en juego." Jaw dropped and stunned, like a deer in headlights, I slide the ticket onto the floor, the shifter into drive, and eased my way back onto the road and into society, Heaven alone knowing the who the real violator in the situation was.

3G, 4G, what G do I need?

2011-02-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a nut for technology. I love the stuff. I love following people who tweet about it. I love subscribing to blogs in my Google reader that discuss it. I spend my days troubleshooting windows based machines. At nights and on weekends I talk Mac. In all of this and being that we are 1 week from the launch of the iPhone 4 on Verizon, I felt it pertinent to write a blog post about something many people seem to be either curious or confused about: 3G vs. 4G.

vs.

First, it should be made clear that cell phone manufacturers and carriers have done us no favor in the use of the terms 3G and 4G. The use of 3's and 4's crops up nearly everywhere, so what does it all mean?

Smartphones connect to the internet. However, unlike the majority of people's computers in their homes, which connect to the internet through a DSL or Cable connection, smartphones connect to the internet through cellular towers. Cellular towers were originally used for the transmission of voice but our unprecedented need to always be connected caused a conversion to occur so that data(internet) transfer could occur as well.

For most people, and we will keep this simple, Edge(2G) was probably the first cellular internet standard you may have heard of. This is what the original iPhone used and it was PAINFULLY slow. So let's not worry too much about that.

Next came 3G (which really just means 3rd Generation). This is the technology that ALMOST everyone who has a smartphone is taking advantage of. So, to clarify some confusion, the iPhone 3G(released Summer of 2008), the iPhone 3GS(released summer of 2009) and the iPhone 4(released summer of 2010 on AT&T and February 10th of 2011 on Verizon) ALL use the 3G network. The iPhone 4 is not a 4G phone, it is simply the 4th generation OF THE iPhone.

For about a year now, we have been seeing Sprint's advertisements for "4G". Now Verizon and T-Mobile have followed suit. Expect AT&T to be right behind.

I'm going to try and give a very basic explanation here. For a more detailed article, and a better explanation of 4G LTE vs. 4G HSPA+, click HERE .

The biggest difference for users between 3G and 4G is going to be speed. But the main point I want to make in this article is this: Do you even know what speeds you are getting? When was the last time you used the Speedtest.net application on your Android or iPhone? The reality of it is, people just like things to work. They want to click on the Facebook App and have it show their news feed. Or they want to open the weather app and see if they need to wear a jacket. MOST users aren't cursing the air because they are getting 1 MBPS compared to 1.3 MBPS. Most users in fact probably have no idea what that means except that the 1.3 is probably faster and better. And that's OK not to know or care! If you do care, here's John Gruber's comparison of the iPhone 4 on AT&T compared to Verizon:

Ok, so back to our discussion. Yes 4G is faster. Yes Facebook will load a bit more quickly. So will you end up wanting/using/needing 4G? Yes. Do you need it right now? Probably not. Think of it as the very first of the HDTV craze. Manufacturers were selling HDTVs before we even had our cable companies broadcasting in HD.

So many Verizon customers are anxious and excited to finally get the iPhone but then they hear, "It doesn't have 4G." What!? No 4G!? Psh, must be a bunch of garbage! "Maybe I should wait!?" Wrong. Most of the cellular companies are still in the early stages of rolling out their 4G network. Verizon doesn't even have 4G in Salt Lake City, let alone Bountiful. (ok, it's at the Airport). Nor do they even have any 4G phones for sale at this time. In fact, here is where they do have 4G coverage:

Will it be here 18 months from now? Yes. Will you be ready for a new iPhone in about 18-24 months? Yes.

So if you are the type that had to have a blu ray player before everyone did, already has a 3D HDTV, and has placed your order for the Nissan Leaf, then you probably won't want to buy the iPhone 4 next Thursday. However, if you are part of the majority, the iPhone 4 is going to be an amazing phone that you will absolutely love! Even if it's not "4G" ;)

To Buy or Not to Buy

2011-02-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

Interest rates are low. The housing market is flooded with foreclosures, short sales, and other sales. I'm 24 and working full time (58 hours is full time, right?) so I started thinking about buying a home.

Then I spoke with Spence. He's a very smart, rational human being. We discussed the pros and cons of buying a home.

Here are some of the costs associated with owning a home:

1. Mortgage Payment

2. Home Insurance

3. Property Taxes

4. Water and Sewer

5. Heat/Cooling

6. Internet and TV

7. Furniture and Appliances.

8. Lawn Care

9. Upkeep and Maintenance

10. Other

These are not reasons to NEVER buy a home, but they have definitely caused me to reconsider WHEN I will buy a home.

Leave your opinion in the comments section!

Favorite Artist of 2009/2010

2011-01-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

A few hints and facts:

He spells his name with only one T.
I stayed at a Best Western in a city in Nebraska with the same name as his last name.
He rocks a white button up, skinny black tie, and hat.
When he played at The Venue in 2009, I got a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.
His passion and talent is contagious.

I speak of the man Mat Kearney.

Favorite Songs include: All I Have, Fire and Rain, Never Be Ready, Undeniable, Girl America, Bullet, Won't Back Down.

That list seems long but it was hard enough getting it narrowed down to that.

Check out a vid Mat posted on his site where he discusses his forthcoming album. Click HERE.

If you don't have his music: Get it and let it wash over you. Great stuff. Keep it coming Mat!

You can also follow him on twitter @ twitter.com/matkearney

Breathing made Hard

2011-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this, please follow the instructions below:

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath through your nose, all the while keeping your mouth closed.

Hold the breath for roughly 5 seconds and exhale through your nose.

Now plug your nose and repeat.

The process goes from simple to impossible.

Welcome to my life.

I suffer from chronic sinus congestion. I decided to write this blog post for two reasons: 1. I am frustrated with my situation and am really hoping to find a remedy ASAP. 2. I am made aware of those everywhere who suffer and struggle with problems far worse then mine. To those, I praise and applaud you for being amazing to keep smiling and to keep going despite your ailments. I am also grateful to not have problems of such magnitude.

So.

Here is what I have tried:

and this is how it is used:

I have also gone through the magical experience of squirting water up my nose and having it come out the other side.

So to try and facilitate drainage:

Which leads to an irritated throat that causes a cough, so now i'm puffin this:

Oh, and i've been drinking this:

In conclusion:

I'm going to try and schedule an appointment with an ENT ASAP.

I miss the easy to breathe Dominican air.

I don't like Utah's winter air.

My mouth is tired of doing all the work: Talking, eating, and breathing. Time to give the nose the breathing duty back.

The Partyyyy Out Back....Is Gone!

2011-01-18T21:44:00.001-08:00

Well, my glory days, the days of my youth, my wild and rebellious days of flowing long hair are gone. Good bye lovely mullet. Hello short trim. Please click HERE for documentation enjoyment.

*Note: Watch Mullet first and then Allll business.

The Road Not Taken

2011-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

My favorite poem is written by Sir Robert Frost. The Road Not Taken was penned and first published in 1916. I was required to memorize the poem in sophomore english class and it has remained with me since. Just as the subject in the poem knew not which path to take, and indeed feared a future feeling of remorse for choosing wrong, I too hope that the decisions I make this year will take me down "the road less traveled by, for that will make all the difference."

Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

11 Months of 2010

2010-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of post you would normally save for the end of the year. But no calls are in coming in at work yet, so I think it's a good post for 12/13/10. Today, for starters is Nick Terry's birthday. Happy Birthday old man. Hope this year is your best ever!

Let's review the year 2010 for a minute.

*Note: I'm at work and so the only photos I have are the ones I still have on my iPhone.

I started the year working at Consulmed and taking 5 classes at the U. I was also dating Cristy Ann Bubert, who is now engaged to the charming Scott Smith-Sound.

On May 1st, I embarked on a 2,400 mile journey across the country to Virginia. Accompanying me was Kyle Ray Brown. 4 days later we arrived in Yorktown, Virginia. We took a picture by the Nebraska state sign.

I flew home on June 17th. Two of my husbands were marrie off in two days. Brian to Courtnie on the 17th and Mark to Brooke on the 18th.

On July 19th, I met Lauren St. Mary, the beautiful life guard at the pool at Grafton Station. We spent the next 14 days together before I had to drive away from Virginia.

I drove 8 hours the first day, 8 hours the second day, and 17 straight hours the third day. This is the Nebraska state sign going west. Missing a state sign was one of the most devastating aspects of the drive. Besides the drive itself that is.

Morace, Julie Ann, Ezra, and Sofia moved to Stockholm, Sweden.

I started working at Edwards Lifesciences. I started out setting up iPads, then Windows 7 Deployment, and now I'm working on the Global Help Desk.

Nick and Carrie had their first baby: Natalee!

Spence and Kathy had their fourth baby: Emelia Lou Lake. She is the ninth niece/nephew. I get to hold on her Christmas!

Utah beat BYU on a blocked field goal. It was my last home game in the MUSS. We rushed the field. See video HERE.

I was hired on at the Apple Store at the Gateway!

Mark and Brooke had their first baby: Everett

I had my last undergad class of college on 12/9/10! 1 Final to go.

I'm single.

Summary: A good year and glad to be alive!

Utah Field Rush Celebration vs BYU 2010

2010-11-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

Utah Man Am I!

Danny MacAskill - "Way Back Home" - NEW street trials riding short film

2010-11-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

The Apple Event Effect

2010-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

There is a phenomenon that occurs, roughly every 3 to 6 months. It is an Apple event. Apple traditionally has a keynote event in January, an iPhone event in June, iPod event in September, and now Apple has hosted a Back to Mac event. Yesterday, Apple announced new iLife 11 software, highlighted future Lion features, and new Macbook Air models. After watching these Apple events, I experience a very similar reaction. "I WANT that!" Yesterday was no exception. After watching the iLife 11 demos, my reaction was, "I WANT iLife 11." No harm in that. The software costs a mere $49. After watching the Macbook Air presentation, I immediately responded, "I WANT a Macbook Air" The problem with this is the cost. I would opt for the 13"with the 128gb storage and then throw down an additional $90 to upgrade to 4GB of RAM. Even with the student discount, that build will set me back a cool $1,339. I spent the rest of the day analyzing, stewing, debating, comparing, reading, and ultimately trying to find a way to justify this computer. I read a great article by Marco.org, (click here) that did a great job at putting a lot of my thoughts down in writing. Since I am 2 months away from graduation, my computer needs/usage may change drastically. Will I need a ultraportable Macbook Air? Would a powerhouse, 15" Macbook Pro be the way to go? How about settling down with the 27" iMac? Or maybe I should just keep on trucking with my nearly 3 year old white Macbook. Ultimately, I have had to step back, relax, and let my initial appetite for new Apple products assuage. I think I'll give it a couple months to settle and come back to this decision in January.

Utah vs. Pitt Game! Victory!

2010-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Football is back. Victory is in the air. And the Utes are 1-0.

A little tailgate action to kick things off.

Then onto the game.

These are our season tickets this year. ROW 1 Baby!!!

Rice Eccles was a rockin full house.

The attending crew! We were glad to have MJ with us!

We are legit. Mainly because we are cool. Also because we sit on the front row.

Pre Game Photo!

And for a little video action!

The North Liberty and Nauvoo Reunion

2010-08-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we had the first annual Bob and Diane Lake Family Reunion. The original plan was for all members of my immediate family to be in attendance. Unfortunately, due to a move to Sweden, Morace, Julie Ann, Ezra, and Sofia were absent and sorely missed! We had a great time though! The kids in this family are amazing!

Baby Ian. I love this kid.

The bullet hole in the door of Carthage Jail.

The kids made friends with Joseph and Hyrum!

Us with Paul Bunyan, I mean Joseph Smith.

True pioneer cowboys.

Precious Pioneers.

Doesn't get much better then this pic! 4 beautiful Lakes!

Dress up!

Thanks Parents for the great time! Let's do it in California next year!

Lauren St. Mary!

2010-08-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

In the last blog post, I eluded to the fact that something great came out of the summer. That would be Lauren. We met on the 19th of July and spent everyday together for the next 2 weeks. We went to Busch Gardens for my birthday, hit up the Outer Banks in North Carolina, went to Virginia Beach, saw Salt, stayed up late, had birthday dinner, hung out at the pool at Grafton Station, hung out with the wonderful St. Mary family, and much more. I'm heading out to Virginia next month and she be coming here in October! I love Lauren!

Silverline Security

2010-08-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

The typical pattern for bloggers is to be gung ho about the blog, with regular updates, only to wane in the ensuing months. I appear to be falling into that group. To curb the trend, I'm writing a post this morning. I figured I would talk about my experience with summer sales and working in Virginia for 3 months with Silverline Security.

There were six technicians on the team: John Travis Hopkins, Austin Bridge, Nicholas Thomas Terry III, Chad Talbot, Eric Berg(see The Eric Post), and Me. Peter Lowe was our trusty manager who knocked and sold as well.

I didn't mind the actual work of installing security systems. What was hard for me was the lack of consistency. There were days when I'd install 4 systems(my record was 6) and other days where we would sit around all day and not get an install. We had to drive a lot. I put 12,000 miles on my Lexus in 3 months. Some days we would drive 80 miles to Richmond, sit at a McDonalds all afternoon, and then get one job at 8:30 at night. I prefer more structure, so that was a challenge. The main problem was simply not being busy enough. We had 6 amazing techs that could install quickly but not enough installs.

Now for the bad. The owner and co-owner of Silverline came out on July 27th. They told us that they were moving our office to Mississippi. When it was discovered that licensing in Mississippi takes a month, they simply shut down our office. Shutting down our office a month early basically kept all of us from hitting the next level of the pay scale along with rent and experience bonuses. This wasn't very kind of Silverline.

I am yet to be paid for a couple jobs and time will tell if a backend check comes in October and if the backend is accurate. I love the guys I worked with, I loved living in Virginia and had some awesome experiences, and I'm glad I made the decision to go. The next blog post will explain a little more about the great things that came out of living in Virginia!

P.S. One more thing, Chad may look bigger and tougher, especially in that truck of his...but we all know that Chad was scared of me and never wanted to mess.

Goodbye Eric!

2010-07-23T13:19:00.001-07:00

My trusty friend and roommate Eric Berg has moved back home.

Eric was a great roommate for these reasons:

1. He let me sport my birthday suit, only throwing sandals at me once or twice.

2. He allowed me to hang my shirts all over the furniture for 48 hours before telling me to get a clothes rack.

3. We never left dishes in the sink.

4. He brought a microwave and blender from Utah and then left them for me to use!

5. He let me use the entire freezer for my Costco goods.

6. He was my date on Saturday dinner outings with the crew.

7. We listened to Eminem on the drive to Woodbridge!

8. See #1.

Goodbye Eric. See you at school!

Revival

2010-07-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Like an itch, a chronic collection of reminders

No stopping, an escalator of time

The body, lagging, exhaustion

Minutes don't matter, surpassed by moments

Priority recall, a holding pattern at the wings

Soaked in confusion, muscles and the mind

No real solution, an opportunity to take

A change, notions and conceptions in control

Let this in, don't shutter, no surrender

June and Family

2010-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

I went home in June and had an amazing weekend with my wonderful family. Here are some of the best photos from the trip!

Ezra. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

Of course he loves Root Beer. We all do.

The classic lion drinking fountain!

With Grandpa Ace.

The girl in the window!

Model? Yes.

Can you look at this picture and not smile and love this little girl? no. It is not possible!

Cousins!

When you are as old as Spence is, you need this many people blowing out the candles!

Grandma and Grandpa Lake!

Kisses!

We love this beautiful Lake family!

This photo is perfect.

Great Lakes!

Hugh M.D.

2010-06-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight I saw a shuffle. Then I saw a skip. The shuffle came from Creepy Cockroach and the second came from a young frog, whom I shortly thereafter named Hugh M.D. His name came as inspiration which I owe to the extremely high moisture content in the air. So I scooped up this little Doctor and carried him inside with me. I placed him in my plastic bin where he went into dead mode. This is a survival technique I have seen used by potato bugs and a trick performed by some high functioning canines. I got nervous. Frightened. The last thing I wanted at midnight was innocent blood on my hands. I snatched the camera in hopes that the flashes would make him feel like a superstar. I think this only furthered his fear. Although the friendship had just started, I realized that it was about to come to an end. I knew that I couldn't be friends with a frog who plays dead. Frogs are supposed to jump around. We went back outside and down the stairs and I finally shook him out of the container. The container Hugh considered a coffin. He didn't budge. I tried coaxing him but nothing seemed to work. Ultimately, I had to leave him and return to my apartment. I hope that Hugh M.D. will be ok. I hope he finds a friend as good as me. Good luck Doc!

iPhone 4 Release Day!

2010-06-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

I waited all morning. I even saw one Fed Ex van pull into the apartment complex and so I chased him down. He had no iPhone. Then at 12:40 I received word from Nick that the goods had been delivered. I raced to his house.

The unboxing ceremonies began!

Goosebumps and smiles abounded.

I started the syncing process!

And.... 5 hours later it finished! (Picture shown twice to give you a feeling of how long those 5 hours were).

First impressions:

1. Fast! Fast! Fast!

2. Beautiful.

3. The screen is amazing.

4. Multitasking. Welcome to my life Pandora radio!

I am very happy with my new daily companion.

Now the question is: Does my iPhone need protection?

The iPhone 4 Pre-order Mayhem.

2010-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day to pre-order the iPhone 4. I woke up around 8:20 EST and found that pre ordering had gone live. Unfortunately, I'm on a business plan and was unable to order my phone through Apple. I attempted the AT&T site quickly but gave up and headed to the store. Trouble at the store as well. The servers were overwhelmed and it took 45 minutes to process the order of roughly 4 people ahead of us(Nick went with me to order his as well!). I finally got my phone ordered around 10:30. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me order one for my mother as well. By afternoon, AT&T had sold out of iPhone 4 and by evening, Apple had as well. Lines, crashed servers, potential security breaches, and lots of anxious and frustrated customers described the day. AT&T reports that it was the busiest day of online sales in company history. Yeah...it seems like the iPhone 4 is going to make a killing just like its predecessors. I can't wait till June 24th! This is what will be arriving in 32 GB fashion!

District of Columbia!

2010-06-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Me, Nick, Carrie, Kate, Pete, and Carson hit up DC last weekend. We only had one day but we made the most of it. It is a really fun place. We walked a lot and all our feet were very sore! We are hoping to go back again before summer is over! Here are a few pics from round one!

It is pretty much just a big toothpick.

Descending to the center of the earth....D.C. Metro.

Two of the most beautiful things that day captured at once: Nick and the Monument.

We love Abraham Lincoln. I think I'm going to start studying him. Any suggestions on books?

So many brave men and women, so many names. Such an impressive memorial wall.

Some dude's house...

I'm just a bill, yes i'm only a bill, and i'm sitting here on capital hill.

VIVA LA HUSBANDRY!

2010-06-04T07:43:00.001-07:00

Two summers ago, the husbandry (Me, Mark, Jasen, and Brian) went backpacking to White Pine Lake. It was an event for the ages. Tragically we didn't have a repeat last summer. Now, I live in Virginia, Brian lives in Ohio and is getting married in 13 days, Mark is getting married in 14 days, and Jasen, yeah, he's around. Mark was wearing his man thong and we all got in the freezing cold lake. Here's a little video tribute to Mark and the rest of the husbandry!

Memorial Day: Remembering Nana

2010-06-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

We love and miss you Nana!

SUGAR!!

2010-05-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Check THIS out! DRINKS AND THEIR SUGAR EQUIVALENTS.

Razor Blade Cuts, Phone Boxes, and Hoarder Houses

2010-05-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Life as an Installer can get pretty wild. This post will focus on three exciting things from the past 2 weeks.

1. Nick sliced his leg open by a very unfriendly little razor blade protruding out of his bag. I was not there to witness the event but in his words, "blood just gushed out and down my leg." I saw it later. It was a fairly deep slash. Now fast forward 2 days. Opposite leg, same injury. This time I was there. I couldn't help but laugh, then take a picture, and then use my car's first aid kit to bandage him up. Here's the evidence.

2. R.J. Blocks and Phone Boxes. We install two types of systems: Cellular and Two-Way voice. As you would guess, one uses a sim card, like those found in our cell phones(except Verizon and Sprint) and the other goes through the customer's phone line. I'm still getting a handle on the phone line stuff. Here are a few pictures I snapped and sent to Pete and Nick to get assistance.

3. Compulsive hoarding (or pathological hoarding or disposophobia^[1]) is the excessive acquisition of possessions (and failure to use or discard them), even if the items are worthless, hazardous, or unsanitary. This definition is taken from Wikipedia. I have now installed two systems for hoarders. It is both disturbing and a health risk. I have no idea how people live like this. The photos will never do justice for what it is like to step into one of these homes, but here are a few to give you an idea.

Depth of field in this photo is a little challenging. The very bottom of the photo nearly shows the floor. The rest of the picture is of stuff about 3 feet high filling the whole room. "Stuff surfing" would be the only way to enter the room.

I've learned:

1. I don't want to cut my legs like Nick does.

2. I prefer installing cellular systems.

3. I'm grateful I grew up in a clean home(thanks mom) and I want to always live in a clean home.

Road Biking

2010-05-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

I went on a bike ride the other morning. First I took a picture.

Then I wrote a little poem.

I go solo

Pedal harder, not to keep up

But to keep going

Towering trees provide a tunnel

A flat course, unfettered alas

Winding turns, not sure to where

Until I arrive, serenity in a bay

And a bench to breathe it in

Then I did a video.

Then I mapped my ride back.

These are the kinds of things you end up doing for entertainment when you ride alone.

Technology is wonderful.

Now...who wants to join next time?

How to keep People Following?

2010-05-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

People constantly check facebook, right? But do people constantly check blogs or do they quit? This post is a test to see if twitterfeed sends my new blog posts as status updates on facebook and new tweets on twitter. Keep fingers crossed for automation!

Dandelions!

2010-05-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

A collection of Dandelion photographs from Iowa. Vote in the comments on

your favorite!

Tribute to Tiana

2010-05-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful friend Tiana. Tonight I texted to her to let her know how great I think she is. She called me a few minutes later and we had an awesome time catching up. As I walked into my apartment, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and love. Tiana became a friend to me last fall when I needed one most. She is an incredibly caring, thoughtful, happy, wonderful, spiritual person. When I have lacked faith, she has reminded me to look to Christ. When I have doubted my abilities, she has bolstered my confidence. And when I'm 2,300 miles from almost everyone I know, she is there with a phone call. Tiana is getting married next month and I can't help but smile when I think about it. From talking to her and reading her blog, I can tell she has fallen in love with an amazing guy and I can tell she is so happy. I wish I could be there at her wedding but I know it will be a beautiful day for the two of them. I'm so excited for the two of them! Check out their beautiful photos at http://tianajeppsen.blogspot.com. I'm grateful to have a friend like Tiana. I know she truly cares about me and about my happiness. I know she will always be there. I'm blessed to have such a good friend. Thanks T.

A Broken Neck and a Gift of Life

2010-05-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

I was 4 1/2 years old. This is what I remember. I was tired and my mother was just finishing up at a department store in Salt Lake. Ironically, I don't even know what it was called. I walked over and started turning a large jewelry rack, revealing dangling earrings and necklaces. Due to a simple human failure to secure the two blocks together, the large, heavy block fell over on top of my little boy body. It was probably the whiplash from hitting the ground that broke my neck. X-rays of my head came back clear. My neck wasn't imaged. A couple weeks passed. My neck muscles tensed up so tight that I couldn't turn my head. The doctor's said there was just some lingering issues from the trauma.

Finally we went back to Primary Children's for more x-rays. This time they checked my neck. This time they found the fracture. The next day I had 4 screws in my head, a hal0, and a vest with bars securing the whole fancy system in place. I don't even know how long I was in the halo. I think I should get more details. I think it was 3 months? I remember all the cards that came to the hospital. I remember playing Nintendo there as well. I remember being stared at wherever I went. I remember being loved by my family.

Why did I survive? Why did I not become a paraplegic or a quadriplegic? Why was I spared so that I could live a completely normal and functional life? I can run, swim, jump, bike, ski, wakeboard, play sports, write, think, and live. Other people suffer injuries and aren't so fortunate. Why?

I don't know what my Heavenly Father has in store for me but I hope to live up to it. I have the scars on my head to remind me of the miracle. I am grateful for the chance at life that He gave me. Angels really were there to sustain and protect me. I'm grateful to Dr. Walker who was my surgeon through it all. I can't ever repay my Heavenly Father. But I can try to pay it forward. I can try to be ready to marry one day. I can be a good dad. I can find ways to help others. I can try to bear another's burden. I'm lucky. I'm blessed. And I want to never forget that.

Iowa Camping!

2010-05-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow Roasting Lessons

Wet dandelions don't blow away so well...

Peace to you too, Noah!

BEAUTIFUL BOY!

EASTER!

2010-05-10T06:13:00.001-07:00

We went to St. George for Easter weekend and had a blast!

Cristy and Julie Ann's fingers turned black from dying eggs!

But resulted in beautifully colored eggs!

Someone liked the plastic eggs a little better...

And baby food!

And....a little someone discovered the high powered faucet on the back of the house!

I love my family.

Finals Week

2010-04-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

The inevitable is nearly here.
I have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
5 classes. 5 finals. 5 days.
Survival Rate = 64%

Bring it on.

Random Pics from Spring Break 2010

2010-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do a post on Mexico Spring Break 2010. Here's one. There were so many of The Crew that I decided to put pictures of random things. What do ya think?

This is an Iguana...in case you've never been to a zoo.

One tight Mexican child.

Sunset

Chichen Itza

The 'staches!

Spring = Biking

2010-04-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm stoked for Spring. I'm stoked to ride more this year then I ever have in my life. I'm excited to see places on my bike that I've never seen before. I'm excited to ride longer and harder. I'm excited for the semester to end so I have time. Here was a ride I fit in last night.

Track ID#C4FS (Road Biking) | South Davis, UT, USA

Random Facts about Tickets

2010-04-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Is it any wonder why we hate cops?.....Ticket Facts.

Goodbye Mullet

2010-03-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

So, as many may be aware, I've been growing out my hair for some time now. It went from a rat tail to more of a mullet. The time came for a trim.

After:

What's to Come...

2010-03-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

In 2 weeks, The Crew will be in CANCUN!

Now, my skin hasn't seen the sun for like 6 months.

This is what happened last time I went that long....

and

Sun...Bring it On!

Classics

2010-02-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

This was a car show I went to with Ace last year.

I haven't edited any of the pics but thought i'd throw them a few of the best for fun

How to eat a sugar cookie

2010-02-24T17:26:00.001-08:00

What happens when you give Ezra a sugar cookie with lots of green frosting?

First it goes all over his face.

Then he shows you the responsible item.

Then the bragging!

The Peralta Family

2010-02-21T23:37:00.001-08:00

If these had been the only two converts I was able to work with on my mission, it still would have been worth it. This is Maria and Leuterio Peralta of Sabaneta. I love these people. They were my parents away from home. It's 12:40 a.m. and I'm studying for a test and I thought of the Dominican Republic. And I thought of these amazing saints.

1 Crazy Uncle and 8 Crazy Kids!

2010-02-17T13:51:00.001-08:00

Take a look into our adventures!

Do we sometimes wonder who's the craziest? - Yes

Would we ever stay up late and take pics like this in our pj's? - No ;)

Do we ever stop partying to nap? - Yes

Do we laugh at ourselves? - Yes

Is there any doubt as to who their favorite uncle is? - No

For their lives to be better, do they all need to live closer to me? - Yes

Will we ever part ways? - No
Are some of us still hilarious while being very serious? - Yes

.........

Would my life be complete without them? - No

Haiti

2010-01-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

Haiti was hit a week ago by the worst earthquake in 200 years. Haiti, as most know, is on the island La Española, which is shared by the Dominican Republic. Here are some random thoughts and remarks about it all.
1. Haitians are amazing people. There are hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the DR and they are discriminated against and looked down upon as a lower class. Very similar to the racism that exists all over the world between bordering countries. Haitians are super hard workers and make very little. Most would work construction all day long and make 200-300 pesos(which is about $6-$9 US dollars.
2. I read the book Mountains beyond Mountains. Click HERE to see my review on Goodreads.com. It opened my eyes to how poor these precious people are and how "one man can really change the world."
3. I'm back in Iowa. I told Libby that we should donate her kool-aid packets to Haiti. So she kept telling me, "I'll give my packets to Katie." She thought Haiti was not only Katie, but also that Haiti was a little girl. I laughed. I let her believe it.
4. These pictures were very eye opening to the damage done by the earthquake. First the damage and death. Then the looting and chaos. The rebuilding of both structures and lives is yet to come. Click HERE to see the pictures.
5. I've been waiting to buy a pair of Toms shoes. Then I saw on twitter that if I bought a pair, they would donate $5 to the Haitian relief. It isn't much, but it was enough to cause me to buy the shoes now rather then wait till spring. I love Toms business plan. 1 for 1. Take a look. Here are the Burlaps that I purchased.
6. Here are a couple pictures I took on my trip related to Haitians. The first is of of the feet of a Haitian girl we met on the beach. She didn't speak much Spanish but she had a great smile. I could only wonder what she has gone through in her life. The second is of a Haitian man building a house in the rain. He was hoisting cement blocks up to the roof, one at a time.

Sushi

2010-01-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

I love Sushi. I was introduced in the fall of 2008. I've eaten at Takashi, Shogun, Naked Fish, Mikado, a place in Provo, and a few others. I dig the Connect and Vegas. Post a comment on your favorite Sushi restaurant and favorite rolls.

Lie to Me

2010-01-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'm hooked. I blame Spence and Kathy. Weird. I never thought I'd be blaming those two for getting me addicted to a TV show. But, unlike the animosity one may feel toward someone who introduced them to a new addiction, like smoking or drinking, I feel deep love and gratitude to Spence and Kath for the exposure and subsequent obsession. In case you aren't familiar, Lie to Me is a TV show that airs on Fox and is in its 2nd season. I got completely caught up on Season 2 during my visit to Minneapolis. When it is 5 degrees outside but really feels like -8, what else are you going to do? Sure, I could have watched Hook with the kids every night(amazing how they can watch the same thing over and over again and not get bored) but this seemed to be a little more in my league. The show is about The Lightman Group, a company hired by the FBI and other organizations, to help determine if people are lying. They study microexpresions, body language, voice pitch, etc., to determine if someone is lying. Paul Roth is the main actor and I think he is awesome. I bought Season 1 on blu-ray, which I'm currently watching. Once I'm down with it, I will be happy to let you borrow it! In the mean time, start watching Season 2. It's like eating dessert first; nothing wrong with that. Who knows, maybe you will become addicted to... In a good way!
P.S. Paul Eckman, the world's foremost expert on facial expressions, is the brain behind the show. Check out his blog and website.

An Autumn Escapade

2010-01-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Just a little slow getting some autumn pictures posted. These photos come from a collaboration photo shoot with Tiana, thus I can not take all credit! Enjoy. Comments accepted.

Poinsettia Bowl

2009-12-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

The trip to Cali for the Poinsettia bowl now makes it 2 bowl game attendances in a row. The crew rolled down, that being Steve, Sam, me, and Ben. We stayed the first night in St. George, then lived the Vegas life for a night, then spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in San Diego. We cooped up at the BayFront Hilton. Nice place, good price. We spent some time talking with coach on the elevator one night on our way to the hot tub. The game was dope. The Utes put the hurt on Cal. We win bowl games. That's just what the Utes do. Then we hit the road and made it to St. George by 4:00 a.m. The trip was made up of hot tub hoppin at Hooters, an imaginary person, horrible chinese food, some crazy guys trying to sell us a speaker system, massages in Tijuana and having trouble getting back over the boarder, hitting up 2 Ross stores and 1 TJ max, and something like 1600 miles. Quality times. Can't wait till next year!

Sugar Bowl

2009-12-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

I never blogged about the Sugar Bowl. So since we are coming up on this year's Sugar Bowl, I think that it is time. New Orleans is a pretty sick city. I loved the warm temperatures, the cool old buildings, the attitude of the people, the amazing food, the madness of Bourbon Street, and then the best Utah football game of my life. I loved being with my parents(the roommates), Daws, and my bros. Great memories. Next post: Poinsettia Bowl.

wings

2009-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

My mind is like the park carousel. Never stopping long enough to allow the children of my life to climb aboard. Too much school. Too much work. Too much thinking. Too much? When the vocab needs to run across my marathon mind, I close my eyes to the music. The pain and healing are wrapped up in the same parcel, the bright red bow and golden wrappings. Should it be kept, till Christmas morning? Where will I go? Do I catch this polar express to the middle of my new beginnings? When do I search? A poem, a verse, a prose? Three eggs, so carefully cared for, they hatched into swans. Does the story so, by necessity, include an ugly duckling? Will the lagging one, fluff up it's wings? It was born with wings. I found the ground, so hard before, now soft and avoided. Not to continue, this carpet needs these knees like these knees need His wings. So lift off, pilot of the parable, you've controlled these aluminum wings before. This time, you've seen the airstrip, you've seen the war. The altitude calls. A bell rings. An angel gets its wings.

Hands down Best Ride

2009-11-27T12:27:00.001-08:00

Track ID#AEPJ (Road Biking)

Won't

2009-11-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Won’t

I’m not going to stop till I get there

Not sweat till my body is worked

I won’t cry till the pain pulls me apart

Won’t choke until my throat is blocked

Unbreakable until you shatter me

Not going to eat until I’m emaciated

Can’t bleed until my heart becomes impaled

I’m not going to breathe till the air is gone

This body won’t drown until it’s sunk

Won’t take prescriptions till I’m terminal

Not going to crack until I’m hollowed through

Never done until you’ve robbed me dead

Death: A Double Connotation?

2009-09-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I decide to journal for fun or because something exciting has happened. Unfortunately, I’m driven to journal, many times, due to unfortunate events that occur. I feel alone inside this morning as I write this entry. God has been good to our family, both intimate and extended, in, for the most part, not allowing death to rear its ugly head upon us. In my lifetime a few grandparents, acquaintances, and a rare friend has passed away. Death is something that many people in the world have great experience with. Most gratefully I can say that I don’t and I hope to elude such experiences with it. But what hurts the most about death in the small element that I have felt and seen in other’s experience comes from the pain of absence from the one who has moved on. Their smile, the hugs they gave, the jokes they cracked, the service they volunteered, the listening ear they had ready, the love they showed, etc, etc. They are a part of one’s life and then they are not. I think that death could be defined as just that, a removal from, an absence, the cutting off of one from another. Maybe the word death is always used in the literal sense: Of one's passing from this life to the next or the physical change from functioning to ceasing. But could it not also be used in the more figurative meaning mentioned above: the removal of? If death can signify the removal of, then I would say that this week I have felt that “death” in my life.

Road Biking

2009-09-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

A new era has begun. Road biking. I just got my first road bike, a Roubaix Elite. The maiden voyage was yesterday, 9/11/09. I followed that up with another ride today. I recorded the second half of the ride and I'm now going to attempt an upload of the map showing my return route.

Track ID#95IX (Road Biking) | Bountiful, UT 84010, USA

So long Philadelphia!

2009-08-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

6 years. 72 months. 312 weeks. 2,190 days. This is how long the Spence and Kathy Lake family lived in Philadelphia. Or at least pretty close to that. If you want the exact numbers, I feel quite confident that they can be obtained from the Philly Folk themselves. So Spence originally went back to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles but when the team maxed out their salary limit, they were forced to let him go. He decided to do some sort of schooling thing of sorts and after a few tests and lab results, he finished with this thing they call a PHD. Since, I just realized that this is getting cheasier by the minute, I'm going to switch to a more serious tone. Congratulations to Spence and Kathy! We all know how much work these last 6 years have been. I was lucky enough to go back one last time to The City of Brotherly Love to hear Spence's thesis and spend time with such a great little family. I love all you guys. I'll see you soon in Minneapolis!

Put it On!

2008-12-25T12:30:00.001-08:00

2008 brought another resounding success at the annual Lake Bingo Party. And, in a way, Lake Bingo has become a holiday of its own. There is a phrase that some years back started gaining popularity until it has now become a slogan. "Put it on!" The bingo party has money, trinkets, and other things. But Grandma also stocks up on a good amount of sweaters, golf shirts, and pajamas. It is a rowdy bunch and this year we broke into the Utah fight song! Here are a few pictures from this years extravaganza. Thank you grandma and grandpa!

Chaotic Body

2008-11-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Closing faces, blinding eyes, watered over
Still no heart beat but a lub dub in your throat
Balmy sweat that drips forensics on the forehead
Nameless notions swallowed slowly by listless lips
Pacemaker in your stomach grinds these lazy minutes
Becoming electrical pulses, a shock of this statesman
Who knew the seconds multiplied infinite over
Took back this soft spoken tongue ignited in flame
Now just a ringing by the anvil in these caverns

A Gaze To Ponder

2008-10-28T18:14:00.001-07:00

The bench screams hard and my body cold
Fingers once chilled now nearing numb
Yet the mind forgets to grow weary
These tender eyes gaze upon the House
The place where outgoings are from Him
Home to come from a foundation firm
My heart feels far less then once before
Realize now that a quilt was once a thread
Woven by tireless hands that knew no seam
To soften a life, to kindle a heart of sorts
No doubt worth the potential arthritis
For apart from parting is another blink
Feet that muster to squint a setting sun
Upon a feeble chariot, one mounts tall
In order to ride, no more fear of collision

El Tren

2008-10-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

El Tren
My shoes kick the textured yellow strip
A hair closer and a modern day scalping
Distasteful at best but a social reality
Rather then wait, a push ahead gets the go
Why go up when legs scream sit here
Nose bleeds and thinner air, naturally
But a vista that takes such a precedence
Not going to unplug myself from acting
Simply a technological revolution starting
So a bizarre concoction of words spilt
Finally become a motivation to do likewise
No hurling, this ride is smooth as silk
A caterpillar’s invention, man’s discovery
At least you listened in a foreign language
To a rhythm that went without saying
A new progression that needs no introduction

Spiritual Snipets

2008-09-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in life is attending institute classes taught by S. Michael Wilcox. This guy has been given a true gift for not only obtaining and retaining knowledge, but also sharing it with others. I have tried a number of other classes and with the right spirit and desire, valuable lessons can be obtained. But nothing has ever caught my attention and retained it like Wilcox's classes. Before the mission I took Pearl of Great Price and Women in the Scriptures. This semester I'm in the first half of the Old Testament. So in this first blog in many long months, I would like to share some snipets of knowledge I have obtained from Brother Wilcox. I hope you enjoy. Also, feel free to comment with your feelings. Before proceeding, a last note should be made. Some of the snipets below may not be pure doctrine. Just like any of us, he has the liberty to make his opinions on things. You can choose to accept or sweep aside the snipets below.
1. "It is Better to be intellectually uncertain rather than to be superficially sure." This is a fantastic quote, especially for the study of the Old Testament. There are many things that are vague in the Old Testament. Some things are literal, some are figurative, and we aren't always certain which are which. Thus I love this quote. Some people are willing to bet their life on some piece of doctrine or another that they are really only "superficially sure" about. I hope that as I obtain spiritual knowledge, I will focus on being intellectually uncertain about some of the more ambiguous things.
2.Going on with the first quote are "One spoke concepts." If you can picture a wagoon wheel or a bike wheel, it has a center hub with many spokes going to the outer rim. These spokes serve to provide strength and support so the wheel can sustain weight as it rolls. Now picture how long a one spoked wheel would last. Not long. The problem is, it just can't support much weight. In the church, throughout the years there have been many "one spoke quotes" or "one spoke concepts." They have been made by members, Apostles, and even Prophets. They may be true, but it is better to put our weight on quotes and concepts that have been backed up repeatedly by a number of valid sources.
3. The flood could have been a local flood. The logistics just don't make sense when you think of every animal in the world fitting in the ark. It is possible that the flood was a local flood.
4. Read Genesis chapters 21 and 22. "Can we have faith and trust in a God who is often incomprehensible; who makes and fulfills unbelievable promises and demands unthinkable sacrifices." That is a question each of us must ask ourselves. These two chapters show the amazing promises the Lord made(that Abraham and Sarah would have son) and then he required an unthinkable sacrifice of them(the sacrifice of Issac). We can't comprehend our God. At times he may give us things we never deserved or asked for and at other times he may require things of us that we don't think possible. We must pray for faith in this great God.

These are just a few for now. If these snipets are enjoyed, I will continue to add more as the semester continues.
-Juice

The Accounting Drudgery

2008-04-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

I hunker down in my leather chair and release the lever till the back swings low enough to skim my bench. I spin around in my confined space, bumping the table until it sways. I lean forward in the semi natural light; the accounting book still lays open-faced on my desk in front of me. I squint through my lint ridden glasses at the story problems of the practice test. I'll work one, get answer C and then check the key. Wrong again! Oh these cunning people, purposely putting the wrong answers on the key, knowing all too well the mistakes we will make. I swivel closer to my computer, only to burn more precious time surfing sites I have already hit at least twice today. My phone sits quiet. Even though she texted an hour or so ago, it feels longer. Danielle left me for some other...cruise. Can i blame her? No, no I can't. If I were done with finals and had California sitting in front of my nose, I'd be whiffing that up the nostrils too. So although I miss her and am jealous of the good time she's having, I'm glad she isn't still thinking about grade calculations and pesky finals. As I ponder on procrastination, I come full circle in realizing it won't prolong the inevitable forever. Soon i must figure out how to factor a bond's discount rate and determine whether a stock is preferred or common. So now would be a good time to get back to it. I think I can stick to it for a good solid five minutes. Let me try....

Expressions of the Mind

2008-04-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the world screams my name
And chases me around till my legs give out
I slip into the grass as if it is made of down
I close my eyes to release the reeling darkness
Waiting for the key to unlock this jigsaw
To release his organ from a trove of momentos
Clasping my hand around these blades I squeeze
Juice flows from my veins into the dry topsoil
Floating upon a layer of these lasting impressions
They let my limbs etch out a list of flowing letters
Until we’ve spelled out the ultimate expression

Help your Utah Jazz!

2008-04-21T18:55:00.001-07:00

As the semester comes to a close the jazz tip off the second game against the Houston Rockets. After being in the D.R for two years, it is nice to be cheering the jazz on again. I like being a jazz fan. I decide that as a loyal Jazz fan, I should do my part in supporting the Jazz. Thus, I am now accepting donations to support the Jazz. This is a true way to show your love for the jazz. Your donations are preferred in check and can be made out to Justin Lake. Please make out checks in the amount of 100 dollar intervals. Rest assured that your money is going toward a good cause, rooting the jazz on to victory!