Hello, technology.

Last night, I entered a brave new world-the world of smart phones. You may be wondering how I have avoided this trend for so long. One part of me was a little afraid of losing freedom and a certain sense of "hippiedom." The other part of me was just too damn lazy to go to the store and get an upgrade. But, last night when Best Buy sponsored a free-phone-with-contract deal, I was there.

After listening to my fiance debate and/or quiz the Best Buy clerk helping us, throwing out buzz words like "MotoBlur" and "Gingerbread," I signed on the dotted line and took my new phone home. A few minutes later I was adding contacts and e-mail and Facebook accounts to my phone. Then I was making direct dial shortcuts and playing with widgets. Today, I even downloaded my first app (NPR News, for those curious). I also took pictures that got geo-tagged, updated a Facebook status, and did some online shopping.

I'm not quite sure that I won't feel like a sell-out, but it hasn't been that bad so far. My phone is still in the opposite room that I'm in, it's not clipped to my belt, and I haven't had separation anxiety from not using it for the past few minutes. Maybe my reluctance to get a new phone has been pure stubbornness, a trait that I freely admit I possess. Or maybe I've always liked to be just a little different. Either way, I'm going to embrace my new smart phone, customize it as much as possible, and occasionally leave it at home to piss people off. I will not give into the believe that having a smart phone makes me a different person (for better or worse).

For all concerned, I do plan on continuing to go to art fairs, farmers' markets, and any other hippie things I can think of. Maybe the world will balance out after all. . .

Go, Go Power Rangers!

While recently searching IMDB for some silly trivia answer, I started thinking about a show I used to watch as a kid-Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (MMPR). Did anyone else watch this show? If you didn't, I'll try to explain it in as serious a manner as possible.

Basically, there were 5 or so "normal" high school kids who moonlighted as "Power Rangers" (karate specialists with color coded astronaut costumes) to fight bad guys. The "Mighty Morphin'" part comes along when the Ranger turned into their other-other alter ego (aside from average high schooler), which was a Transformer-type dinosaur/animal creature. These creatures were large, and would fight the enemies that somehow also grew to gigantic proportions.

Now, just writing out this plot makes me feel silly, but as a kid, I loved these guys (and gals). If you want to feel even more ridiculous, check out some of the season details from Wikipedia (I'll let you find the link yourself).

Anyways, as a kid, I was a big fan of the Yellow Ranger, Trini. I have a very distinct childhood memory of finding a Yellow Ranger belt-coin transformer device and hiding it at the local Wal-Mart so that I could come back and buy it later.

But, "Trini" soon was off the show and on to better things. The show got more complicated and many spin-offs and fancier-type things happened, and it was a little too much for me. They took some that was good, and really tried too hard. Soon after the original cast and plot was gone, I lost interest (starting middle school may have also had something to do with this).

I guess we have low standards of what we watch as children, but sometimes the original is always the best. This is especially true in TV and movies, but in many other things as well. What's so bad about vanilla ice cream, or a pepperoni pizza? But, we live in a world that demands Golden Rush Oreo ice cream and deluxe Italian meat pizzas. Sometimes, we need to just set back and enjoy some original Power Rangers with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your YouTube search for some episodes.

I Clearly Should Have Been on Jersey Shore. . .

Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Polizzi

I bet you didn't know Snooki (aka Nicole Polizzi) makes $30,000 per episode of Jersey Shore. Rutgers recently paid her to give a speech, much to the dismay of the Rutgers alumni and parents. In addition to late night TV appearances and college speeches, she's also been on Wrestle Mania, and even wrote a book (the most frightening fact of them all!). All of this celebrity stemmed from a bit part on a reality show.

Now, you may say I'm jealous, but that's not exactly the case. I don't want to be like Snooki (see above picture). I have no interest in running around like an idiot, saying catch phrases like "DTF?" and "Ready to smush?" or wearing trucker hats.

My interest (or hatred) lies far deeper. I'm really just disgusted that people like her (and many others) are celebrities for absolutely no reason. She has no talent (or at least marketable, legitimate talent), but makes more money in one episode of her show than many people make in an entire year. She really falls into the category of Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, and many other socialites. And consumers are too enthralled with the stupidity to realize what we're getting ourselves into. Yikes.

What is the solution? I'm not really sure. Maybe not watching Jersey Shore is too great of a concession, but please don't support her other efforts. Don't buy the book. Don't go to her website. Don't buy her Rolling Stone cover. Just don't; you'll respect yourself in the morning.

Pick-up Lines and Missed Connections

I have sort of an internet routine that I like to follow when I'm bored (see previous blog post about internet). Often, I find myself perusing Craigslist in order to find some new entertainment. One of my favorite stops is the "Missed Connections" section of the site. If you haven't seen it, you're really missing out.

People write a cryptic message to someone they saw in a public place but were too afraid to talk to. Most of them start out with a date or time (i.e. Tuesday at 4 PM) and include a location (Berea Wal-Mart, Richmond Road, gas stations, dollar stores, etc.). They describe the person that they are trying to find (hot dude with black shirt driving BMW) and then the writer describes his or her own self (creepy girl with binoculars at park, for example).

Here's an actual Lexington Craigslist Missed Connection: I saw you working at the Med Center Library. You were wearing a purple shirt. Your strawberry blond hair fell beautifully on your shoulder. You had to log me onto the computer. I kept flossing. Reply if you like public dental hygiene.

I think you get the idea. So, these are cheesy (and possibly fake in some cases). But my real question is, does anyone think that this will ever work? Yes, it's tempting to think that someone is out there checking the missed connections to see if you wrote them. But really, what are the odds that someone both was interested in you and is actually checking the same website as you (albeit it that Craiglist is very popular)?

The odds of a relationship of any kind starting on Craiglist are probably about the same as the odds of getting a date by yelling "Hey baby, nice ass!" out of a car window at someone walking by. No one is swooning at these actions, and no one will probably respond to you.

Why do we do it then? Why are there a handful of these "connections" daily? If you want to talk to the redhead in the purple shirt, do it on the spot. If you are peering at your neighbor with binoculars, go introduce yourself. If you're going to post a missed connection, make sure it's entertaining and not pathetic. I need as much worthless entertainment online as I can find. If not, I'll have to move to the "free" section on the site. . .http://lexington.craigslist.org/zip/2282895273.html

Reasons You Should Go to a Baseball Game

I know a lot of people are anti-baseball. And really, I understand. It can be a long game to watch, there are a lot of breaks, and sometimes nothing really happens in a game. With that being said, I'm still going to try to convince you to go to a game this year. No, really.

If you don't like watching baseball on TV, fine. It's hard to do, even for a devoted fan. But going to a game is a much different experience. There's a lot going on before the game and between innings. Many parks even have bands or fireworks after the game. In short, it's a lot more entertaining in person. Here are some reasons why:

1. People watching

There are a lot of silly, drunk people at games. Go see them! Make fun of them! Become one of them!

2. Delicious food

(See image above). Parks have a lot to offer. In fact, many Major League teams are going to a more "gourmet" style of food: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-baseball-stadium-food Crab cakes, tacos, ribs and other delicious items are available at many parks. Of course, there's always the traditional hot dog and popcorn treats as well. Some parks even have more healthful options, like salads or fruit as a side item. For myself, I rarely eat a hot dog outside of the park, but when I go to a game, it's the first thing I look for. Whatever your interests, there is surely something to enjoy.

3. Possible foul ball

At football or basketball games, you'll be asked to give back the ball if it comes into your seating area. At hockey games, you want to avoid the puck lest you have an emergency trip to the dentist. Not many sports can boast a souvenir such as this-a fresh new baseball.

There are a lot of baseballs used in the game. Players hit foul balls all the time, and if you're seated in one of the hot spots (behind the dugouts or maybe even home plate), you may catch one of these prize possessions. Just don't do what this girl did:

4. Free giveaways/discounts

One time, I got a Bald Eagle baseball card at a game! Sometimes, there are cards with real players on them, or even "signed" (mass printed) collectibles. On really good days, you'll get hats or t-shirts.

Minor league parks are the best about giveaways, because they have to bribe people to come to their games. They often have dollar beer or quarter hot dog nights, or other weekly promos. In addition, your ticket stub may give you discounts at local businesses. If you pick the right day to go to the park, you might end up with a good deal. Here's a list of promos from my local team, the Legends: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t495

In closing, give it a try. It can be pretty cheap to go to a minor league team and make yourself at home in the bleachers. Grab some food, a foul ball, a bobble head, and you're all set. You'll thank me later.

Spring Break Updates

So, I went on Spring Break this week (technically). I was in Florida with a few friends of mine of vacation. I realize that I have already graduated college and do not technically meet the Spring Break criteria, but I tried my hardest to blend in with the "Frat Lauderdale" crowd. Here are some interesting things I learned in my time in sunny Florida:

1. Pizza (or pete-za) is a very versatile food. Although I was unable to call Mad Mushroom while on vacation, I found several places that sold pizza by the slice. I had pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on the trip. It was a very economical meal ($3) compared to some of my other splurges.

2. Having a 60 year old man as your wing man could not go well for you. 60 year old men cannot keep their stories straight. Are you the Dad? The friend of the uncle? What is going on? Also, if you graduated high school in 1992, you should not be hitting on someone who graduated in 2003-2006. Not going to go well, dude.

3. There are a lot of tacky beach shops everywhere. Right along the beach (where I was staying, might I add), there were an overwhelming number of tourist trap shops. This is pretty par for the course. However, I noticed that many of the shop owners were of Indian descent. After noted this, I wondered whether or not they knew what any of the t-shirt slogans (mentioning sex, drugs, etc.) meant or if they just buying a standard package of Spring Break attire.

There was some pretty awful stuff in there (including t-shirt slogans I won't mention. (Go to T-Shirt Hell if you need some ideas: ) Also included were pipes for "tobacco" smoking and the like. Apparently, all cultures have an awful view of everyone on vacation. Probably a good call. If you're wondering, my friend picked up a sweet "GTL" shirt that was freshly screen printed.

4. I would like to move to Florida. Okay, maybe not. But, it was a pretty sweet place to vacation. Now, when is the next one?

Stage of Internet Usage

No, this post is not about tiered internet usage or anything from a technology standpoint (sorry, C-net fans). It's just about the rise and fall of the internet and its usage in the average human being. Okay, so I'm basing this on my own experience and observations. But, here's what I've decided.

Stage I
This is the stage where you've just gotten internet access (flashback to 8th grade for me). The internet is awesome (even though it may be dial-up) and endless to you at this point. You got an e-mail address somehow ("What is Hotmail?" I once asked myself) and maybe even started instant messaging. Life is good. Some of my older relatives who have just got the internet are still in this stage. They forward chain e-mails (to 10 friends before midnight, of course) to avoid bad luck. Any e-mail they get must be true (yes, Virginia, people are hiding under your car waiting cut your ankles with a razor blade at night).

Stage 2
You're now exploring sites for your favorite interests (Backstreet Boys and the Chicago Cubs for circa 1998 Katie). There's so much to absorb and you're trying to find every detail about everything. You visit "angelfire" fan sites and the like. Any source is a good source at this stage. The internet is still endless.

Stage 3
You've pared down your usage of the internet. You've established a routine (check mail, check Facebook, Google something, turn off computer) and no longer stray from your old haunts. For some, this may be a favorite news or sports site. For others, technology blogs. Whatever it is, it's a routine much like reading the newspaper is for many old men.

Stage 4
You are now officially bored of the internet. You watch YouTube videos mindlessly and go through your routine. Why isn't the internet more entertaining now? I think this could describe the phase that many of us 20-somethings are in. Now, we look for new devices to get the internet on instead of new content.

Maybe it's okay to be in Stage 4. You get straight to the point without getting lost in too much content. You can figure out reliable sources for research (no matter how unimportant). You avoid viruses more readily as you're not clicking on everything. Here's to the internet.