Living on the Edge of Cell Phone Technology

First, anyone who regularly reads my blog (I think there are two of you) will note that this is my second post of the day, after a long period of inactivity on my blog. Well I have a really good reason. I finally splurged (kind of late Christmas present to self) and upgraded my cell phone. I'd been living pretty happily with my Sony/Ericsson T616 for many years. Once it was hailed as the current great phone. Even featured in several movies. But alas, techo-time marches on and it was king of time to upgrade. A Friend got the cool and funky Sony/Ericsson w580i recently and has been taunting me with it. I guess I finally caved in (OK so my old phone was starting to act up and some of the buttons are finicky), so I decided to get a Christmas present and upgraded.

Well the new phone came today and hence my blog. Actually, this post serves two purposes. First to happily convey my new upgrade, and second, because in order to activate the new phone, I was told to leave it OFF for twenty minutes, after which time it will work. Sooooooooo. I'm typing this blog while I wait those 20 long minutes before turning on my new toy, er, I mean, gadget, er, I mean tool, yeah, that's it my new TOOL. At any rate, this phone as some nifty features, like also being a walk-man (iPod-like music player) a 2, (yeah you heard right 2 mega pixel camera (OK so my Nikon D80 has 10 Megapixels, but then it's a REAL camera), and I think it has some other features thrown in for good measure. Not sure what they are, or if I'll use them, but hey, they're there! Maybe exploring the new features will give me something to do next time I'm sitting around on a set waiting for the director to call ACTION!

At any rate, I'll keep you posted on how I like the new TOOL, once I've had a chance to work with it.

--Rex

Smile - You're on Camera

Hi All, I haven't posted in a while due to various reasons. I felt compelled to share this video which shows some pretty cool technology - Apparently it's a camera which takes your picture (don't they all?) but wait - this one does it automatically - when you smile! WOW! Now I have to say - that IS cool! Check it out. I'll have some more posts in the near future about what's been going on with my acting and some other things. I'm getting back in the swing of blogging.



Also want to give a huge shot out to my friend and fellow actor Leon Cohen, for becoming a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild). I'm very proud of you Leon on a professional level, and very honored to know you and have had the occasion to act with you on a few occasions. I think your star is bright!

Link Between Thanksgiving and the Law of Attraction

Inspiring video about the law of attraction and Thanksgiving.

--Rex Hoss

Spycrosoft, Er, I mean... Microsoft

This information has been surfacing around the Internet today so I thought I'd share it too. How would you like a free copy of Windows Vista Ultimate, Office Ultimate 2007, Money Plus Premium, Streets and Trips 2008 or Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008? Well one of these fine (hmmm) products can be yours for the low low cost of nothing, yep, that's right FREE!

But wait, you're saying, didn't my momma tell me there's no such thing as a free lunch? Well, your mom (and mine) was/is apparently one smart cookie. Because while Microsoft is offering up these applications free of charge, the company would like something in return: the ability to look over your shoulder for a few months.

In a nutshell, Microsoft is seeking volunteers for its Windows Feedback Program. In order to qualify for the free goodies, you'll have to fill out an occasional survey and install an application that will monitor your PC usage in the background for about 3 months.

Microsoft say they your data to understand how users configure their systems, what hardware they use, and how Microsoft products work with various configurations. In other words, you'll theoretically be helping Microsoft to make better products while getting free software. But if you're the sort who values your privacy, this might not be the offer for you, since Microsoft will potentially be monitoring every game you play, pirated piece of software you download, or web site you visit!!!

I'm not personally going to go for this offer, but I'm just passing it along in case someone wants to. If you do take the Microsoft offer - let me know how it goes!

The offer expires December 31.

--Rex Hoss

Christmas Gift Ideas

The Holidays are here! It's that annual cry heard around the world. Christmas, Hanuka, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Whatever world you call it they're here. I'm going through my usual self-debate about what to get people, if anything. I'm, in some respects diametrically opposed to buying gifts for people. I NEVER know what to get people, and when asked what I want, my taste is invariably more expensive than most people want to spend! So, my question to you my dear readers, is What and how do you go about deciding what to get people for the Holidays? Do you use any software or websites to track your purchases and recipients? Last year I made an Excel spreadsheet, but I'm exploring some websites. Also I've found a nifty Amazon.com website which I use to list my wishlist of items (remember my previous statement about price all you potential gift givers.)

Anyway, let me know! I really want to know how you feel and deal with gift giving for the Holidays! Cheers to you, I look forward to your comments!

--Rex Hoss