Just Some Stellar Thoughts

Okay so I just realized that writing for fun is totally different than writing with a sole purpose or for any teacher. This 10 essay assignment is just obsure. I'm almost done with the first set of 10. Hitting the books again later to get going on the second set of 10.

Let's see, it's a lovely Saturday night...I think.

Anyways, to the things that real people really want to read about.

RUMOR CONTROL...SINCE WHEN DO FINCHES HAVE EMOTIONS?
Little Feathered Finches

So I just found about this DOUBLE identity (yes, that's right, she has a legal name and a fake name!) bird (well a Finch to be politically correct). This Finch is very special...so special that no one knows whether it is a girl or a guy (maybe it's both?). As far as looks go, it's unknown exactly what color its feathers are. Eyes are bright brown. From what I understand, this bird just does not know what it wants. It says one thing, writes another, and totally psychs people out. What good is that? I know those reading this are like what is this about? But really, if you read about this Finch, too, you'd be sitting there with your mouth WIDE open. Reading, Rereading, Staring, just like wow.

I don't really know what lead me to want to know...ah know is over-rated...read about is more like it...this Finch. I think it was a Foreign (European/British maybe?) Birdwatcher. He came on very strong and just totally led me to believe everything he said was the brutal honest truth. Sadly, don't believe everything that everyone says, EXCEPT for this:

1. Birdwatchers only pay attention to the looks of the bird.
2. Birdwatchers like to receive things in return.
3. Birdwatchers consist mostly of men that do not have anything better to do.
4. Birdwatchers make BIG mistakes.
5. Foreign Birdwatchers are susceptible of being tricked by native Finches.

I was recently on a stroll through numerous web pages and thought that those of you that do not know what a Finch looks like should have some visuals. (After all, a picture is worth 1000 words right?)

image courtesy of google images

So there you have it, the 15 species of Finch.

woops, my bad there's only 14 shown up there...that's because I forgot the spotlight Finch.

Because of legal reasons, I'm unable to post the EXACT 15th species of Finch. I'll just do my best to describe the feeling this Finch gives off:

To the average person- OMG? REALLY? You must be kidding there is no such thing as a Finch that has emotions and even thinks about having two identities.

To the Foreign Birdwatcher- OH baby. This Finch is so gorgeous. If I could, I'd take its DNA and transcode it to make a HUMAN!

To the Finch- I have feelings. I get stressed. I need to LIE to people about everything! It's my job. I am just so beautiful.

To 3OH!3-

Nice legs, Daisy Dukes,
Makes a man go (whoot whoo)

Don't Trust a Hoe (or a Finch)!

Well that's it for now...more Finch Spottings in the future.

Not just another post on the rumored Apple Tablet

SO IS IT REALLY THE NEW APPLE TABLET???

here it is...well here's what everyone thinks it is...

image courtesy of engadget.com

...at least one version of it.

Gizmodo has yet another version here

image courtesy of gizmodo.com

The probability Gizmodo thinks the Apple Tablet will be released in 2009. Hm...three months to go...


These are just some Photoshop images I found:
image courtesy of gizmodo.com

Personally, I really like this layout. It is JUST like the iPod Touch, but with a bigger screen. Easy for new users and traditional users to get used to, don't you think?

Would you look at that?! That's a pretty sleek design too. Honestly, I'd be happy with either :)

Okay that's enough for now, I will look up some specs on these Rumored Apple Tablets. Anyone with more designs, information, etc. is welcomed to add a comment.

My iPtF Review 3- PandoraBox

PandoraBox
Don't miss out on "buying high-quality software at low prices or downloading for free anymore" (iTunes AppStore).

Released- August 06, 2009
Seller- Dmitriy Glebenok (AppZap)
Version- 1.3 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Space- 0.3 MB
Requirements- New updates are for iPod Touch or iPhone OS 3.0 only
iPod Touch/iPhone Users on 2.x need to upgrade to receive updates
Cost- FREE
Website- www.app-zap.com

Receive the latest deals on AppStore Applications using PandoraBox updated especially for 3.0 iPod Touch and iPhones.

Not sure which application to buy in the AppStore? Well PandoraBox might be the new application for you. PandoraBox gives users updates on Applications when they go on sale for "20, 30, and even 80 percent off" (iTunes AppStore). If you want to be in the know for the latest price updates, then I'd recommend trying this app. You will not be disappointed.


Let me introduce you to this very helpful App:

PandoraBox

PandoraBox is a simple-to-use Application that allows you to view AppStore Apps that have recently gone on sale.


A Glance at all the Tabs in PandoraBox

PandoraBox is divided into 5 Tabs:

• Featured
• On Sale
• New Apps
• Favorites
• More

The Welcome Menu starts on the "Feature" tab. Just like the AppStore, this shows which Apps are featured and "hot" according to AppStore Sales. The Welcome Menu is divided into a "What's Hot" section and a "Wish List" section.

I personally like the "On Sale" Tab because it shows which Apps have recently been put on sale-most of them being from $0.99-$3.99 to FREE. Users can also check out which Paid Apps have recently been decreased in price.

The "New Apps" Tab shows recently added Applications; I think this is a nice feature to have because I am always looking for new Applications to try, so this comes in very handy.

Each App can be added as a favorite in their description. If you favorite an App, it later shows up in the "Favorites" Tab. This is an added bonus if users plan on buying Apps at a later time, or want to wait for price reductions.

Viewing an App

When users view a specific Application, they are shown the Application's Icon, given a description, and provided with the price that links directly to the AppStore for fast purchases. Users also can favorite specific Apps to view and/or purchase at a later time.

The "More" Tab encloses the Search feature and the Settings feature. Users can change the currency to whatever is native to their country; they also have the choice of changing which Categories are searched through.

I would like to commend AppZap for incorporating a bunch of features into this Application. All the tabs run smoothly and the connection to the AppStore is a nice added bonus.

Now onto PandoraBox's Design:

Graphics & Presentation-

• Fits in with the familiar AppStore
• Design is very presentable and easy on the eyes
• Text is easy to read; especially long descriptions
• Tabs that are in use illuminate blue
• Price buttons are green

The verdict:Dmitry Glebenok did a fantastic job to make a familiar design that fits in with the traditional AppStore and appeals to users. (10/10)

Audio-

• No Rating. This utility does not come with music/audio.

The verdict: No Rating.

Gameplay/Controls-

• Tabs load fast
• Connection to the AppStore runs smooth and quickly
• Search feature is a plus
• Users can adjust currency to suit their needs
• No Push notifications
• No price refinement selection

The verdict:With the benefit of choosing your currency and the fast-loading tabs, PandoraBox provides users with easy to use controls that work the way they are supposed to.(9/10)

Value For Money-

• Very easy to use
• FREE
• Regularly updated

The verdict: This free utility is no joke. It's regularly updated to suit your AppStore purchases. (10/10)

Improvements-

• Push Notifications
• Customizable Price Updates

PandoraBox provides users with recent AppStore Sales and updates. While lacking push notifications and customizable price updates, newly updated PandoraBox runs smoothly on iPod Touch and iPhone OS 3.0. The sleek design fits in nicely with the AppStore and Apple's default design. Overall, this is a necessary app for those who regularly shop at the AppStore and want to save some money.

Buyer BEWARE...you might be on a MAJOR AppStore Downloading Spree...


Graphics & Presentation: 9/10 (appropriate for Apple's Default design and user familiarity)

Audio:N/A (music is not necessary and not included in this app)

Gameplay/Controls: 10/10 (very user-friendly; fast-loading app)

Value For Money: 10/10 (PandoraBox is FREE and works with the original purpose)

TOTAL REVIEW RATING: 9.7/10 EXCELLENT
MY iTUNES RATING: 4.8/5

Click here to visit AppZap online.

taken from iPod Touch Fans.com

My iPtF Review 2- Remote By Apple Inc.

Remote
A review on a the free Remote Application

Released- June 24, 2009
Seller- Apple Inc.
Version- 1.3 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Space- 1.4 MB
Requirements- iPod Touch or iPhone OS 2.2 or later
Cost- FREE
Website- www.apple.com


The Remote application allows users to "play, pause, skip, shuffle, see their songs, playlists, and album art on their iPod Touch or iPhone as if they were right in front of their computers" (iTunes Store).

Tired of sitting close to your computer or laptop while watching a movie in iTunes or listening to music? Would you rather relax at a farther distance from your desktop pc or mac? Check out the Remote. As simple as the name sounds, this application, made by Apple, works with your Wi-Fi Network to control iTunes or Apple TV from anywhere around your house. Pretty cool? Definitely.

Remote Image courtesy of gadgets.boing.boing.net

Okay, but does it really work the way Apple promotes it?

Yes. I was actually pretty skeptical of this application when I heard about it and saw that it was free in the AppStore. I did not think it would work as well as it did, which actually shocked me.

Quote:

himynameisjuan recently mentioned that "you can control your Apple TV using a touchpad-looking display, making it more useful than the Apple Remote that comes bundled with it"

So, there you have it, even an iPtF member agrees that this Remote App is very handy. Thanks himynameisjuan for bringing that up.

iPhones and Wi-Fi needed image courtesy of hackmods.com

So how does it work?

To make the remote work with iTunes, you must have an iPod Touch or iPhone with OS 2.2 or later, a PC or Mac running iTunes or Apple TV, and a wireless network. Setup is seemingly simple and fast. The iPod Touch/iPhone if connected to the same wireless network as your PC or Mac transmits a signal that allows you to control your computer.

Passcode Digits

You mentioned setup. How do I set this up?

Basically, for the first time, you open up the Remote Application on the iPod Touch or iPhone, it will say "Remote No Library Detected"; another window will slide up and says "Choose a Library..." Click on "Add a Library" and a 4 digit passcode will pop up. At this time you will need to have iTunes up and running on your computer. Under Devices on the left side, it will say iPod Touch/iPhone. Select that and enter the 4 digit passcode into iTunes. Instantly, iTunes will confirm the iPod/iPhone and you're on your way to having a free wireless remote for your iTunes Library.

Loading the iTunes Library & My Playlists from my iTunes Library

So now that I have this remote, what can I access?

From what I could see after testing it myself, the user has access to their WHOLE music library; this is basically everything he or she has stored in there. All of it can be found or searched for using the remote app on an iPod Touch or iPhone. The basic play/pause, forward/previous icons along with volume can also be controlled just as if you were listening to music or watching a movie directly off the iPod or iPhone.

Remote's Design

Graphics & Presentation-

Artists Viewable in Remote

• Fits in with the iPod Touch/iPhone UI (gives the look and feel as if you were using the device itself)
• Familiar buttons and commands
• Easy to read/understand
• No coverflow
• Media buttons cannot be customized, even with jailbroken iPod Touch/iPhones

The verdict:While lacking cover flow, nearly everything about the Remote Application screams iPod Touch/iPhone. No wonder it was developed by Apple. (9/10)

Audio-

Remote Media Player

• Not Applicable. Users choose what to listen to, etc.

The verdict: No rating.

Gameplay/Controls-

• Easy to use buttons
• Surprisingly fast connection (may very between Wi-Fi connections)
• Very easy for anyone to use and figure out
• Fast setup

The verdict: Apple did a good job in creating UI very simplistic, understandable controls that nearly anyone can use. (10/10)

Value For Money-

• Very good value without paying a cent

The verdict: If you're an iTunes/Apple TV user, this app is a MUST. Get it, it's FREE.(10/10)

Improvements-

• Adding cover flow
• Wireless syncing
• Change the size of movies from the remote

While many free utilities are annoying and do not live up to their standards, the Remote application developed by Apple is definitely an outlier. The Wi-Fi Network combined with an iPod Touch/iPhone, and the user's computer make a perfect team. Remote does not lag and works great if you want to sit back, relax, and pull up a playlist or watch a movie off your computer.

Graphics & Presentation: 9/10 (appropriate design as expected from Apple)
Audio: N/A (media is chosen by the user)
Gameplay/Controls: 10/10 (very appropriate and easy to use)
Value For Money: 10/10 (this application is FREE and works amazingly well)

TOTAL REVIEW RATING: 9.7/10 EXCELLENT
MY iTUNES RATING: 4.8/5

Click here to visit Apple Inc. online.

taken from iPod Touch Fans.com

My iPtF Review 1- Ragdoll Blaster

Ragdoll Blaster- A Physics Puzzler
A review on a quoted "simple yet addictive" AppStore Game.

Released- July 03, 2009
Seller- Backflip Studios
Version- 1.1 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Space- 4.0 MB
Requirements- iPod Touch or iPhone OS 2.2 or later
Cost- Lite Version/FREE; Regular Version/ $1.99
Website- www.backflipstudios.com


Ragdoll Blaster, rated an average of 4.5 stars in the AppStore, is an addicting game based on simple, realistic physics.

Looking for a new and VERY addictive game? Check out the game Ragdoll Blaster. Don't let the name fool you. This game is very challenging and will have you playing for awhile. The purpose of this game is to tap the screen at an angle to launch a ragdoll from a canon towards the denoted target. While this may sound easy, there are many obstacles and moving targets at hand.

About Ragdoll Blaster

As said in a recent AppStore Review, "clear your calendars...this thing is addictive as heck!"
I highly support this statement because as soon as I played this game, I did not want to stop.

Okay so now onto the basics of the game:

Players have the option of choosing the level of play. This is a very useful feature if you like to jump around and do not necessarily want to play in default order. This feature also makes it so that levels are not definitively in order of increasing difficulty, but varied as the player advances.

choose-able level menu

To shoot the cannon, tap anywhere on the screen and a ragdoll will be fired. This game also keeps track of the last shot made so that if you want to adjust the angle that the cannon fires, there is a noted point of reference.

Level 5 screenshot

Scoring is based on the number of ragdolls it takes you to hit the target. At any point in play, you are allowed to reset that level back to 0 ragdolls. I think this feature is decent because it allows incentive for players to keep playing, knowing at any time they can better their score.

Ragdoll Blaster's Design

Graphics & Presentation-

Screenshot of level-play

• Very simple graph paper background with figures that look appropriately hand drawn
• Design is very presentable and easy on the eyes
• Ragdolls are in blue and the targets are always in red so that players know what they are aiming for
• Obstacles are in black/gray

The verdict:The graphics for Ragdoll Blaster are very simple, yet appropriate for the simplistic concept of this game. (10/10)

Audio-

Audio menu

• A version of "The Nutcracker Ballet" by Tchaikovsky is played by lower brass instruments/bells
• Repeated throughout
• Real cannon sounds when the screen is tapped (cannon is fired)
• Option to turn the audio on/off
• No volume control supported within the game

The verdict: The background song choice in my opinion is not very suitable for this game. I do like the added cannon sounds when playing; these; however, get rather annoying after a few levels of play. (5/10)

Gameplay/Controls-

• Simple tap to play control
• Visible Menu/Reset Buttons
• Very easy for anyone to use and figure out
• Tutorial at the start of the first game

The verdict: Backflip Studios did an excellent job of creating Ragdoll Blaster to have A+ quality Gameplay and Controls. (10/10)

Value For Money-

• Lite Version is FREE
• Regular version is $1.99
• Hours of Play PRICELESS

The verdict: Try it. Buy it. Simple as that. (10/10)

Improvements-

• Adding a volume control
• Changing the background music to maybe something more arcade-esque

With many games in the AppStore to choose from, the game Ragdoll Blaster is absolutely addictive and highly recommended. This game is very simple to play by using a "tap to play" interface with multiple levels and challenging advancement. Overall, this is necessary game for iPod Touch or iPhone users.


Graphics & Presentation: 10/10 (simple and appropriate for the concept of this game)
Audio: 5/10 (music choice may not be favored by all)
Gameplay/Controls: 10/10 (very appropriate and easily viewable)
Value For Money: 10/10 (the lite version is free; the regular version is only $1.99)

TOTAL REVIEW RATING: 8.75/10 EXCELLENT
MY iTUNES RATING: 4.38/5

Click here to visit Backflip Studios online.

taken from iPod Touch Fans.com

Top Summer Music Videos 09

INTO YOUR ARMS
the maine



This is probably one of the BEST alternative/romance videos out there now.
Check it out for yourself...

Look for the next music video & Poll soon!

The First €p1c Post

Hey Everyone!

So this is the First €p1c Post. I plan on updating this Blog daily...maybe every other day if I'm really short of time. I think my first official post will include a 2009 Summer Music Playlist. Everyone needs some good music to listen to, and this is just the guide.