Why I'm not thrilled with my Blackberry

I got my first mobile phone in 1988. Since then, I've had lots of different devices, but typically they've never been your run-of-the-mill, basic mobile phone. Whether it was custom portability options in the early 90s or email synchronization today, I've always been willing to pay a bit more and stretch the capabilities of my device in order to gain some additional benefit.

For me, the cars I have had have been, for the most part, acquired under a similar vane. For those that don't know, I've owned approximately 45 cars, and have usually kept them less than a year. Typically it's been a financially positive experience, although there have been some times where I did end up losing money.

In any event, the cars that I have bought have always had some level of "special-ness" to them, without some key tenets - like reliability - being at the top of the list. For Pete's sake, I've owned a few Alfa Romeos, and not because they had stellar reliability! But what I haven't owned have been things like Honda Accords or Toyota Camrys (well, I did have one, but that was one for my wife), or what most would term "appliance" cars. Nothing too exciting, but they are uber reliable and generally cost very little to maintain. But without a fun factor, for me, what's the point?

So as I've recently been given a Blackberry Tour by my employer, I've found myself amazed at certain things. Like how the battery will last more than a day. Like how email and calendar sync just works. Like how bluetooth pairing doesn't require three reboots and a short prayer to sync.

Yet, I still long for something else. Something that maybe doesn't always do those things as reliably, but has a "cutting edge" quotient. Like a really cool user interface, or really nice web browsing. Rather than just doing what it's supposed to do - handle phone calls and emails. Something that's not like a Honda Accord.

But for now, the economic realities of having a tween in middle school, a home near the beach, and [insert lame excuse here] have put both my car buying and phone buying on hold. Someday, however, I will have another Alfa and a phone that makes me grin from ear to ear whenever I use it. That is, in between the cursing from when it breaks down.

Yes, both the car and the phone.

Shark Tank

I have to admit when I first saw the title "Shark Tank" on my DVR menu, I thought "Well, it must be another stupid reality show where some idiots swim around with sharks and try not to get their extremities bitten off".

Little did I know I was right...sorta.

Shark Tank is a show where there are 5 investors (the "sharks") that sit and listen to individuals pitch their company in hopes of securing investment dollars. Those that come in well prepared, well trained, and have some track record for their company come out relatively unscathed and with an investment partner. Those that don't, or are too arrogant about what their company is really worth, are treated to a verbal dismemberment that is enlightening and entertaining at the same time.

I do have some followers of my blog that actually know VCs and have worked with companies to secure funding, so they may tell me that this isn't really how it works. That may be true, but I gotta say that, as an aspiring entrepreneur, it's great to see others who have passion and personal investment in their companies either find the partner they need to grow or are taught a lesson in what is really important in building a sustaining business.

My DVR has found a new friend for now.

Should Obama Speak to Children in School?

There's bit a lot of dialog about this upcoming week's speech by Obama to kids in our public schools. I've heard both sides of the political aisle state their opinion on why he should be able to do this and why it's such a dangerous thing if he does.

Let me start off by saying that I didn't vote for Obama. I think that many of his economic and social policies are dangerous to the long-term viability of our country. I really don't like the way he struts.

But all that aside, a recurring theme from those against Obama speaking is the fear of our kids being "brainwashed" by his propaganda.

Really people? Come on.

Our kids hear messages all the time from advertisers, Disney, their teachers, parents, and others in authority over them. And you know what I do as a PARENT? I help them filter through what is truth, what is destructive, what is appropriate, and how to react in each circumstance. You know, teach them how to THINK based on what they hear. And, to quote a fellow blogger of mine, use discernment to filter what you hear.

Anyway, I think parents should be less concerned about this speech - given everything else they are exposed to that is likely much more toxic than anything Obama could say - and more concerned about their role as parents to teach their kids to process and react appropriately to all of the stimulus around them.