The Web Guy

Road Trip...

This past week, I made my big tech purchases for the year.  Working in TV doesn't leave me a huge discretionary budget (after those student loans).  I did buy a couple of items.  The first one is pictured on the left.  It's a Verizon PocketPC.  It's my first smartphone, and I'm looking forward to giving it a spin.

This phone is wi-fi enabled and hopefully give lots of places where I'll be able to check mail, the web, etc.  It will be fun to test the Corpus Christi wi-fi network.  (We'll see how good it really is.)

I bought the phone on eBay, and got a really good deal.  It was only used for a couple months.  I think a lot of people buy these phones because they're really cool, but they find they're more than what they needed.  Anyhow, I elected to have the seller ship via UPS Ground.  Like most guys, you want you new toys today...not tomorrow.

I figured that shipping from Tacoma, WA to Corpus Christi, the phone might see a plane somewhere along the trip.  It doesn't look like that's the case.  With tracking number in hand, I'm watching my phone make it's cross country journey to Corpus Christi.  It's going thru parts of the country I've never been to before.  Just for fun, I've been tracing the route with Microsoft Live Maps.

It's projected to arrive Monday....What will I do this weekend???   Maybe I'll get lucky.

To Vista™ ... or not to Vista™

My laptop has this wonderful little sticker "Windows Vista™ Capable" has been staring at me the last couple of weeks since the launch of Microsoft's new operating system.  The station says they'll upgrade my machine if I want it, but I can't make up my mind if I want to do it.  According to the Vista Upgrade Adviser, only two software issues are apparent.  Everything else says the system will run with XP drivers.    The interesting thing is I have some Document Manager software that says it needs to be removed, but doesn't say who makes it.

Now my laptop has 2GB of memory.  When I'm running all my applications at once, I know my computer can slow way down.  I'm worried Vista will really cause a traffic jam.  I'll keep you updated on my upgrade process.

CCAC - Proud sponsor of the Personal FutureTracker

CCAC has been a long time sponsor of the Weather Page on KRISTV.COM.  Now we would like to welcome them to the Personal FutureTracker.  They are joining Value Bank Texas to help provide this great public service application.  If you have not downloaded your Personal FutureTracker yet.... get it here.

Superbowl Commericials

So another Super Bowl has come and gone.  I was pulling for the Bears, but I didn't think they were going to win.  Still overall ... not a bad game.  Now on to the commericials...

Overall their wasn't one commercial that really impressed me for it's creativity.  I also took points off for commercials that were not in HD.  (You may be thinking how did I get CBS in HD when the local affiliate doesn't have HD?  I have my ways...If I told you I'd have to kill you.)

As always, Budweiser led the pack with great spots.  I'm looking forward to giving my first congratulatory face slap. 

My favorite of the night had to be the Blockbuster 'mouse' spot. It's probably the computer geek in me, but I laughed out loud.

E*Trade caught my eye with the following spot.  I did a double take because it wasn't want you expected, but it's SO TRUE.  Just look at my bank statement.

I also paid close attention to this year's GoDaddy spot.  No, not for the reason you may think.  The people inside the room were all podcasters.  I only could pick out one that I regularly watch.  Say what you will about GoDaddy's marketing tactics, but it's the domain register we use for KRISTV.COM and it's what I register my personal accounts with.

Trying to catch Islanders fever...

Most people here in Texas would consider it very weird that I went to a high school that didn't have football - the only Catholic school in Ohio without one to be exact.  (Then again IWA doesn't have a football team.)  Any away, my alma mater was a powerhouse in basketball.  That's why I always will favor the hard court over the field turf.

I have tried to make an honest effort to make it down to the American Bank Center to watch the Islanders play this season.  I've been to a few games, and have been impressed with the quality of play.  Now I'm not one to study the stats and all that jazz, (don't ask me to quote the starting lineup) but I do enjoy watching a good game.  My schedule has forced me to miss the last couple of home games, but I'm really looking forward to catching this weekend's home match-up against Sam Houston State.

It's safe to assume that every team in the Southland is looking to knock A&M-CC off their pedestal.  Frankly who can blame them?  It should make for some exciting games the rest of the way down the trail. So if you are looking for something to do this weekend...pony up the $8.00 for the cheap seats and watch the Islanders take on the Bearkats this Saturday night at the American Bank Center.