Free.
Like Movies.app, BoxOffice asks for Zip or GPS location, then shows movies by title or cinema.
BoxOffice's strength is that it shows movie ratings from RottenTomatos, by high score or title. You can also set the radius you want to search, and it will show those within radius first. Another big plus is that you can see the showtimes across multiple cinemas all on one screen. This plus the ratings make BoxOffice the better app to find a movie to go to today.
Movie.app is better for planning ahead, but takes longer to use.
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Sunday, July 13, 2008
iPhone Apps: Movies.app
Free.
I've tried two movie finders (Movies.app, BoxOffice), each with their own strengths.
Both apps ask for your ZIP code (or use GPS) and then show you local movies, both by movie or by location.
What's good about Movies.app is that it lets you look a couple days ahead, tells you how much money each movie has made, shows you coming attractions, and has links to movie trailers and IMDB.
Movies.app is worth downloading for when you want to look ahead and find out more about movies.
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I've tried two movie finders (Movies.app, BoxOffice), each with their own strengths.
Both apps ask for your ZIP code (or use GPS) and then show you local movies, both by movie or by location.
What's good about Movies.app is that it lets you look a couple days ahead, tells you how much money each movie has made, shows you coming attractions, and has links to movie trailers and IMDB.
Movies.app is worth downloading for when you want to look ahead and find out more about movies.
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iPhone Apps: Currency
iPhone Apps: AOL Radio
Free.
Dozens (hundreds?) of CBS radio stations sorted by genre and location. Quality is good, but there are no NPR or BBC radio stations, which is all I'm usually interested in.
Still, if you do like normal music or talk radio, this is worth a download. Like Pandora, this app has to be the open one to play, no switching to browser.
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Dozens (hundreds?) of CBS radio stations sorted by genre and location. Quality is good, but there are no NPR or BBC radio stations, which is all I'm usually interested in.
Still, if you do like normal music or talk radio, this is worth a download. Like Pandora, this app has to be the open one to play, no switching to browser.
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iPhone Apps: Enigmo
$10
This is an excellent puzzle game. You try to direct different color bouncing water drops from faucets into recepticles, using a limited number of springs, slides, sponges and guns to navigate an obstacle course.
Each level takes several minutes, and the game is addictive. You save automatically after each level, and can pause at any time.
1 player
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This is an excellent puzzle game. You try to direct different color bouncing water drops from faucets into recepticles, using a limited number of springs, slides, sponges and guns to navigate an obstacle course.
Each level takes several minutes, and the game is addictive. You save automatically after each level, and can pause at any time.
1 player
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iPhone Apps: Pandora Radio
Free.
Pandora is a music streaming "Internet radio" application. You sign up (free), enter some music you like, and it starts playing similar music. You can click the info button to find out why Pandora thinks you will like the tune. If you don't like it, hit the thumbs down icon and/or click next. If you do like it, hit thumbs up. You can tag the artist or song as favorite. You can also tag the song to buy in iTunes.
Or you can also just sit back and enjoy the music. However, if you change to another app, the music stops.
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Pandora is a music streaming "Internet radio" application. You sign up (free), enter some music you like, and it starts playing similar music. You can click the info button to find out why Pandora thinks you will like the tune. If you don't like it, hit the thumbs down icon and/or click next. If you do like it, hit thumbs up. You can tag the artist or song as favorite. You can also tag the song to buy in iTunes.
Or you can also just sit back and enjoy the music. However, if you change to another app, the music stops.
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iPhone Apps: MPG (Green)
$1
There were two apps called MPG. This is the green one. You put in the date, # of miles on tripometer (not odometer), # of gallons and cost. It charts MPG for you, tells you average, last tank, etc.
You'll want to delete the example car first and add yours.
Works well.
The black MPG app (renamed FuelGage) didn't work as well for me (forget why), and was same price.
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There were two apps called MPG. This is the green one. You put in the date, # of miles on tripometer (not odometer), # of gallons and cost. It charts MPG for you, tells you average, last tank, etc.
You'll want to delete the example car first and add yours.
Works well.
The black MPG app (renamed FuelGage) didn't work as well for me (forget why), and was same price.
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iPhone Apps: PhoneSaber
Free.
A gimmick app, but the most popular at work. Launch it and you see a Star Wars light saber handle. Five colors are on the left.
Touch the handle (or a desired color), and the light saber blade appears. So far do boring. But the sound effects... A perfect capture of the sounds from the movies: a low hum, a groaning whirr when moved, a crashing sound of contact when direction suddenly changes.
Perfect to take out and express your frustration with the office, the phone conference, the traffic (from the passenger seat, of course).
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A gimmick app, but the most popular at work. Launch it and you see a Star Wars light saber handle. Five colors are on the left.
Touch the handle (or a desired color), and the light saber blade appears. So far do boring. But the sound effects... A perfect capture of the sounds from the movies: a low hum, a groaning whirr when moved, a crashing sound of contact when direction suddenly changes.
Perfect to take out and express your frustration with the office, the phone conference, the traffic (from the passenger seat, of course).
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iPhone Apps: Remote
Free.
This is the first app to download. You need to be on your home wireless network. Open the app and you get a 4 digit number. Go to iTunes and type it in (you may need iTunes open first).
Now when you open Remote, it will connect to iTunes and show you the currently playing song (if playing) or your library (if not). You can browse the library, not just the songs on your iPhone. The iTunes volume on the PC is adjusted by the volume slider in the Remote app.
This is easily the best free app, and has gotten universal acclaim.
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This is the first app to download. You need to be on your home wireless network. Open the app and you get a 4 digit number. Go to iTunes and type it in (you may need iTunes open first).
Now when you open Remote, it will connect to iTunes and show you the currently playing song (if playing) or your library (if not). You can browse the library, not just the songs on your iPhone. The iTunes volume on the PC is adjusted by the volume slider in the Remote app.
This is easily the best free app, and has gotten universal acclaim.
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iPhone Apps: App Store
Well technically this isn't an app.
App Store is available in iTunes and on the phone. Apps are a few MB max; you don't need to be on wireless to download, like you do with iTunes store on the phone.
When you sync to iTunes, apps bought on phone go to iTunes, and vice-versa.
On wireless/3G, apps take about a minute to download and install. In iTunes downloads are almost instantaneous.
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App Store is available in iTunes and on the phone. Apps are a few MB max; you don't need to be on wireless to download, like you do with iTunes store on the phone.
When you sync to iTunes, apps bought on phone go to iTunes, and vice-versa.
On wireless/3G, apps take about a minute to download and install. In iTunes downloads are almost instantaneous.
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iPhone 2.0 Software Review
There's a new Contacts icon, like the contacts tab under Phone, except it has search. Eh.
The calculator turns into a scientific calculator in landscape.
Support is added for stuff that most people don't use: foreign language, Exchange and MobileMe, PowerPoint viewing.
Google Maps now has GPS, so you get a blue pulsing dot when you move. Very cool to play with. Nice for finding places, rather than having to look for street signs and house numbers.
Then there's the App Store. This IS iPhone 2.0.
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The calculator turns into a scientific calculator in landscape.
Support is added for stuff that most people don't use: foreign language, Exchange and MobileMe, PowerPoint viewing.
Google Maps now has GPS, so you get a blue pulsing dot when you move. Very cool to play with. Nice for finding places, rather than having to look for street signs and house numbers.
Then there's the App Store. This IS iPhone 2.0.
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iPhone 3G Review II
9. Volume rocker is noticeably less "clicky". Preferred the old one, could feel it through trouser pockets and could tell when it was pushed. This one you can't much tell without listening.
10. Headphone jack is flush, meaning any standard headphones can fit without adapters. Last "click" is very firm, meaning the fit is as tight as the first generation. This is a very good thing; 2/3rds of my drops have been bungee-corded by the headphones. Improvement.
11. Maybe it's just me, but both screen and home button seem a little less sensitive. Maybe it's a case of "breaking in", and some may like it more this way. Home button more seamless, which is nice. Sensitivity takes some getting used to.
12. Stereo speakers noticeably (~30%) louder on new iPhone. More depth as well, richer.
Review of iPhone 2.0 software coming.
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10. Headphone jack is flush, meaning any standard headphones can fit without adapters. Last "click" is very firm, meaning the fit is as tight as the first generation. This is a very good thing; 2/3rds of my drops have been bungee-corded by the headphones. Improvement.
11. Maybe it's just me, but both screen and home button seem a little less sensitive. Maybe it's a case of "breaking in", and some may like it more this way. Home button more seamless, which is nice. Sensitivity takes some getting used to.
12. Stereo speakers noticeably (~30%) louder on new iPhone. More depth as well, richer.
Review of iPhone 2.0 software coming.
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iPhone 3G Review
Day 2 with the new iPhone 3G. First impressions:
1. 90% the same as first generation.
2. Feels sleeker, less durable than original iPhone. Fits the palm more smoothly, due to more rounded edges. Not fragile, but without the metal I'm not as inclined to bang it on a desk or duel with it.
3. Black seems to be more popular than white, though the white is only available on the more expensive 16Gb model.
4. 3G call quality much better. More like landline.
5. The 3G was $325 including tax, and $15 a month more than the 1st gen iPhone. 8GB model is $100 less. Existing non-iPhone AT&T customers not due for upgrade pay $200 more. 2 year contract, 900 rollover minutes, 200 domestic SMS texts and unlimited data for $95/month. 450 minutes is $20 less, unlimited SMS $15 more.
6. Battery life meant to be longer, but only if you turn off the new features: 3G, GPS, etc. And don't play those new games. In practice, battery life is noticeably shorter, enough that I'll probably need to start being aware of it (old phone never ran out during the day; recharge overnight).
7. Charger is a tiny block that goes onto the USB cable. Fits standard socket, unlike old oversized block that took up 3 spaces and had annoying blue light. Nice improvement, Apple.
8. No charger dock included; don't know if old one fits.
To be continued...
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1. 90% the same as first generation.
2. Feels sleeker, less durable than original iPhone. Fits the palm more smoothly, due to more rounded edges. Not fragile, but without the metal I'm not as inclined to bang it on a desk or duel with it.
3. Black seems to be more popular than white, though the white is only available on the more expensive 16Gb model.
4. 3G call quality much better. More like landline.
5. The 3G was $325 including tax, and $15 a month more than the 1st gen iPhone. 8GB model is $100 less. Existing non-iPhone AT&T customers not due for upgrade pay $200 more. 2 year contract, 900 rollover minutes, 200 domestic SMS texts and unlimited data for $95/month. 450 minutes is $20 less, unlimited SMS $15 more.
6. Battery life meant to be longer, but only if you turn off the new features: 3G, GPS, etc. And don't play those new games. In practice, battery life is noticeably shorter, enough that I'll probably need to start being aware of it (old phone never ran out during the day; recharge overnight).
7. Charger is a tiny block that goes onto the USB cable. Fits standard socket, unlike old oversized block that took up 3 spaces and had annoying blue light. Nice improvement, Apple.
8. No charger dock included; don't know if old one fits.
To be continued...
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Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Super Tuesday Revisited
Back on Super Tuesday, I said that Barack Obama had shown he was a stronger general election candidate than Hillary Clinton. He proceeded to reel off a string of 11 wins in a row, followed by a occasional big state losses in Ohio, Texas*, and Pennsylvania.
So the chattering classes now ask, is he really the stronger candidate?
To answer the question, I ask some of my own: which states are likely to be "in play" in 2008? Do Obama or Clinton play notably better?
States in Play
Game Changers
(Toss ups now and in the past)
Observations: There are 3 close states where Clinton plays notably better Obama: Ohio, Missouri and Florida (58 electoral votes). These are states Democrats have come close to winning in 2000 and 2004, but lost both each time. Clinton can claim putting these states in play much more than Obama. If the Democrats are to win Ohio or Florida, Clinton is much more likely to do so. Note however she leads McCain by 3,1 and 1 points respectively - none are guaranteed or even likely wins. They are just in play.
At the same time, there are 7 close states where Obama plays notably better than Clinton. Five of these are states where Democrats have won the last two elections, but Clinton polls badly (Michigan 17) or polls almost even with McCain (Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota 38). Obama also plays much better in perenial toss-up state Iowa. He meanwhile uniquely puts Colorado 9 into play, a state that has gone Republican in recent history. In 4 of these 6 Obama has a big lead and the risk is Clinton losing a Democratic state. Meanwhile, Obama's Michigan lead is only 3, not a guarantee.
Essentially, each candidate may put about 60-70 different electoral votes in play, Clinton via the traditional Democratic strategy of big states where Obama does poorly, and Obama through Western and Midwestern states, many Democratic, where Clinton plays poorly.
On to the long shots...
Hopes and Fears
(Close now but not in the past)
Obama looks to put Republican Texas, North Carolina and Nebraska into play, while risking Democratic Massachusetts, but none of these seem likely given their history. Obama may get 3 electoral votes from Nebraska, though. Clinton also appears to risk Democratic Connecticut while having a shot at Republican Kentucky, but this too seems unlikely. Clinton does get credit for putting West Virginia 5 into play.
Thus each candidate again puts a few more electoral votes in play, Clinton in the east and Obama in the west.
Conclusion
Both candidates seem equally strong in the general election. Obama secures much of the traditional Democratic states, while putting some western and midwestern toss up states in play. Clinton has more upside and downside potential, with weakness in some base Democratic states, but the only real shot at some big swing states that have trended Republican.
Obama would pick the Republicans apart with many little states, Clinton a few big.
So the chattering classes now ask, is he really the stronger candidate?
To answer the question, I ask some of my own: which states are likely to be "in play" in 2008? Do Obama or Clinton play notably better?
States in Play
Game Changers
(Toss ups now and in the past)
- Colorado 9 (Obama+3, Clinton-14, Kerry-5, Gore-9) - OBAMA ADD
- New Mexico 5 (Obama-1, Clinton-3, Kerry-1, Gore+1) - WASH
- Michigan 17 (Obama+2, Clinton-9, Kerry+3, Gore+5) - CLINTON DROP
- Ohio 20 (Obama-4, Clinton+3, Kerry-2, Gore-4) - CLINTON ADD
- New Hampshire 4 (Obama-3, Clinton-6, Kerry+1, Gore-1) - WASH
- Washington 11 (Obama+13, Clinton+3, Kerry+7, Gore+5) - CLINTON DROP
- Oregon 7 (Obama+9, Clinton+1, Kerry+4, Gore+1) - CLINTON DROP
- Wisconsin 10 (Obama+5, Clinton+0, Kerry+1, Gore+0) - CLINTON DROP
- Minnesota 10 (Obama+6, Clinton+1, Kerry+3, Gore+2) - CLINTON DROP
- Missouri 11 (Obama-8, Clinton+1, Kerry-7, Gore-3) - CLINTON ADD
- Florida 27 (Obama-15, Clinton+1, Kerry-5, Gore-1) - CLINTON ADD
- Iowa 7 (Obama+7, Clinton-6, Kerry-1, Gore+1) - OBAMA ADD
Observations: There are 3 close states where Clinton plays notably better Obama: Ohio, Missouri and Florida (58 electoral votes). These are states Democrats have come close to winning in 2000 and 2004, but lost both each time. Clinton can claim putting these states in play much more than Obama. If the Democrats are to win Ohio or Florida, Clinton is much more likely to do so. Note however she leads McCain by 3,1 and 1 points respectively - none are guaranteed or even likely wins. They are just in play.
At the same time, there are 7 close states where Obama plays notably better than Clinton. Five of these are states where Democrats have won the last two elections, but Clinton polls badly (Michigan 17) or polls almost even with McCain (Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota 38). Obama also plays much better in perenial toss-up state Iowa. He meanwhile uniquely puts Colorado 9 into play, a state that has gone Republican in recent history. In 4 of these 6 Obama has a big lead and the risk is Clinton losing a Democratic state. Meanwhile, Obama's Michigan lead is only 3, not a guarantee.
Essentially, each candidate may put about 60-70 different electoral votes in play, Clinton via the traditional Democratic strategy of big states where Obama does poorly, and Obama through Western and Midwestern states, many Democratic, where Clinton plays poorly.
On to the long shots...
Hopes and Fears
(Close now but not in the past)
- Texas 34 (Obama-1, Clinton-9, Kerry-23, Gore-21) - OBAMA ADD?
- Nebraska 5 (Obama-3, Clinton-27, Kerry-29, Gore-35) - OBAMA ADD?
- New Jersey 15(Obama+2, Clinton+1, Kerry+6, Gore+16) - WASH
- Massachusetts 12(Obama+2, Clinton+15, Kerry+22, Gore+27) - OBAMA DROP?
- North Carolina 15(Obama+0, Clinton-11, Kerry-13, Gore-12) - OBAMA ADD?
- South Carolina 8 (Obama-3, Clinton-6, Kerry-17, Gore-16) - WASH
- West Virginia 5 (Obama-18, Clinton+5, Kerry-13, Gore-6) - CLINTON ADD?
- Connecticut 7 (Obama+17, Clinton+3, Kerry+10, Gore+18) - CLINTON DROP?
- Kentucky 8 (Obama-34, Clinton-2, Kerry-20, Gore-15) - CLINTON DROP?
Obama looks to put Republican Texas, North Carolina and Nebraska into play, while risking Democratic Massachusetts, but none of these seem likely given their history. Obama may get 3 electoral votes from Nebraska, though. Clinton also appears to risk Democratic Connecticut while having a shot at Republican Kentucky, but this too seems unlikely. Clinton does get credit for putting West Virginia 5 into play.
Thus each candidate again puts a few more electoral votes in play, Clinton in the east and Obama in the west.
Conclusion
Both candidates seem equally strong in the general election. Obama secures much of the traditional Democratic states, while putting some western and midwestern toss up states in play. Clinton has more upside and downside potential, with weakness in some base Democratic states, but the only real shot at some big swing states that have trended Republican.
Obama would pick the Republicans apart with many little states, Clinton a few big.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Energy Markets
These aren't my words, but are from an old article I clipped. Safer to keep it here, and rarely were truer words spoken.
"Fundamentally, the energy market isn't really a market -- it is rigged by nationally run oil monopolies that dictate the supply and prices of crude oil, individually within their own borders and globally through the OPEC cartel. In that system, private firms such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron are mere price-takers. But they are also willing free-riders who benefit handsomely from the price-fixing of others.
"Fundamentally, the energy market isn't really a market -- it is rigged by nationally run oil monopolies that dictate the supply and prices of crude oil, individually within their own borders and globally through the OPEC cartel. In that system, private firms such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron are mere price-takers. But they are also willing free-riders who benefit handsomely from the price-fixing of others.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Obama's speech on race (37 min)
I know it's a long speech. Get a drink and have a seat. But listen to it.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What I posted to CNN
The idea that being a black man is an advantage in American politics (even Democratic politics) is laughable. Senator Obama is not the first African-American man (or woman) to run for president. He started the campaign running against a well-liked frontrunner who enjoyed the support of the majority of African-Americans. It is not Senator Obama's race that is the secret to his success. It is his powerful vision for what the country and its politics can be, which has attracted so many people.
It is perfectly fair to question this vision, and whether it is realistic.
It is also perfectly fair to "throw the kitchen sink", praise the Republican, offer the 2nd job, for when you are behind you want to start a fight to change the dynamic.
But listening to the conspicuous non-denouncements ('people are entitled to their opinions') of supporters, I now see a more disturbing pattern.
* Attempting to define Obama by his race (Mr. Clinton: doesn't he remind you of Jesse Jackson?)
* Encouraging racial division (Texas Latino leader Adelfa Callejo: blacks didn't support us... we're not going to get over it soon)
* Stoking resentment to affirmative action (Ferraro: the black man is getting the job the white person should be getting)
* Reminding superdelegates that there are a lot of racists out there (PA governor Ed Rendell: lots of people here won't vote for a black man).
Even if I give Hillary the benefit of the doubt on the "as far as I know" religion comment, I can't help but see a campaign strategy at work.
* Attack Obama until he responds angrily on something.
* Portray Obama as the big angry scary black man who attacks the white women, takes the white people's jobs, and is on the other side of a racial struggle against Hispanics.
* Stir up enough racial animosity that superdelegates fear a racial backlash against Obama in November and give the nomination to Clinton "for the greater good"
I hope I am wrong. As a former Clinton supporter (met her and liked her, encouraged people to vote for her last year), I am deeply ashamed of this campaign's behavior.
She seems willing to "cut the child in two"; I wish the superdelegates the wisdom of Solomon.
It is perfectly fair to question this vision, and whether it is realistic.
It is also perfectly fair to "throw the kitchen sink", praise the Republican, offer the 2nd job, for when you are behind you want to start a fight to change the dynamic.
But listening to the conspicuous non-denouncements ('people are entitled to their opinions') of supporters, I now see a more disturbing pattern.
* Attempting to define Obama by his race (Mr. Clinton: doesn't he remind you of Jesse Jackson?)
* Encouraging racial division (Texas Latino leader Adelfa Callejo: blacks didn't support us... we're not going to get over it soon)
* Stoking resentment to affirmative action (Ferraro: the black man is getting the job the white person should be getting)
* Reminding superdelegates that there are a lot of racists out there (PA governor Ed Rendell: lots of people here won't vote for a black man).
Even if I give Hillary the benefit of the doubt on the "as far as I know" religion comment, I can't help but see a campaign strategy at work.
* Attack Obama until he responds angrily on something.
* Portray Obama as the big angry scary black man who attacks the white women, takes the white people's jobs, and is on the other side of a racial struggle against Hispanics.
* Stir up enough racial animosity that superdelegates fear a racial backlash against Obama in November and give the nomination to Clinton "for the greater good"
I hope I am wrong. As a former Clinton supporter (met her and liked her, encouraged people to vote for her last year), I am deeply ashamed of this campaign's behavior.
She seems willing to "cut the child in two"; I wish the superdelegates the wisdom of Solomon.
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