Garbage View

I wanted to post something I thought was quite clever executed by the new york transit department. I noticed this morning more police patrol at Jamaica LIRR than usual...believe there are usual quite a few. Anyway, when I reached the top of the stairs I noticed they changed the garbage bins.

One thing you see if you travel on NYC transit frequently are signs that say "if you see something, say something". With these new see through garbage bins (pictures within post), it helps to show what is inside. This is something that should go nationwide at airports, malls, etc. In these times of worry, maybe seeing someones garbage can be helpful!

1 Itunes & Multiple Ipods - Solution

I thought this would be a good video for those who are looking to have multiple ipods hooked to 1 Itunes, but you didn't want share all the music. Now you can manage your ipod and then you put on there what you want, but if you just want to set and forget take a peek at the VID!

Holidays Season Begins!!!

As this holiday season begins, I am noticing a change in the atmosphere but yet to know if it is for the better. We have a new hope in President-Elect Obama, pointing to the possibility of change for the better but our nature across the globe is showing more of a change for the worse. This is being echoed in the actions ranging from terrorist attacks in India to Black Friday shoppers!


Terrorist Attack in Mumbai

This man is trying to do his job to report the news but has to flee for his life as bullet wiz by his head in Bangkok because of the unrest in Thailand.

Bangkok TV

This walmart worker was killed at the Walmart in Valley Stream, NY 5 miles from my home just because he opened the door for people to SHOP!

Walmart Worker Killed

With people still shopping and laughing, even though this fellow man was in need…

Cell Phone Video of Walmart Worker

These actions taken by my fellow man have really dampened the spirit of the holiday season…at least for now. The holidays do tend to bring people together, let’s hope that is the case this year since it isn’t over yet.

The Day After...

I am not turning this into a political site, but what happened last night was historic. We are going through a transition that is desperately needed. America has shown to the world to be that leader we once were...looking beyond the color of one's skin to elect the best man for the job. Again I want to iterate I am not delusional of the racial issues that exist WORLD WIDE, but I am talking about being that leader to elicit that change. It will not happen over night, but I would like to see as giant a step in terms of progress as I saw last night. Obama needed our help, well this is that foot in the door! Obama has placed his Blueprint of Change (PDF) up and I must say if he get accomplished what he has put forth, we will be undoubtedly a leader/force for good on this planet. I especially love his plans for technology (link).

The following videos are one's I would like to point your direction towards. The 1st is Bush's thoughts on Obama's Victory, no applause...this man has left Obama with nothing but the people to work with.



This 2nd one is of Mccain's concession speech which I must say showed me who Mccain really was. He, in my mind, is not Bush and truly believed all his actions would be best for the nation he wanted to form, it just wasn't a nation we as the American people wanted. I tip my hat to this man, especially when he calmed his own crowd when they booed Obama. McCain if nothing else is devoted to America, respects the chain of command and knows when he has lost. No loss is shameful when being honorable.



This 3rd one is of an alarming situation development where Russia Warns of New Missile Deployment. Obama hasn't taken office officially, but he needs to start today, which he has (link)!



But Obama has more than just the military might of America behind him...he has the American people and the world's support (evidence via the world watching who the leader of America was going to be last night). Take your moment, well deserved...

How Old Are You...

"Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed." - G.K. Chesterton

November 4th, 2008 is going down in history! Yes, mark today down as the last day you knew of a world where anyone who wasn’t white could be leader of the free world via the Presidency of the United States of America…that dragon has been slayed. I for 1 have already seen a chance in this country, by the mere fact that an African-American has officially been place on “the” ballot for becoming the President of the USA.

But, I hear people talking about throwing up their hands as though this is it…this is just the beginning. To make an analogy, a friend of mine is in the process of applying for his MBA (scored awesome on his GMAT: CONGRATS!!) and is thinking of only the top 5-7 schools in the country. Now most would believe once he gets into Harvard, he is set. FAR FROM THE TRUTH! Granted getting into Harvard or any other equally recognized university, is an accomplishment only few have been able to achieve. But once you are in, you still have to perform…you still have to get that job.

Obama will be a great leader and I choose to look at what some may say is inexperience as opportunity. He has not been in Washington long enough to get caught up in red tape, lies and dead ends. Talking to that young child who still believes in Santa sometimes makes you WANT to believe there is a Santa. After tonight’s election, we will set yet another example to the world community, that there is great pride that comes with being an American, through leading by example (something we have not been doing such a good job of lately).

Now, do not get me wrong, I in no way believe we are perfect. When I went to vote this morning, the 1st thing I was told was that my machine was not able to cast votes for Obama. I couldn’t believe it. I was given the option of coming back later or filling out a paper ballot (which I was prepared to do). But another woman called from the top of the stairs at PS 155, informing the person who just told me the machine was broken that they fixed the machine and I could vote for Obama if I wanted. When I walked inside, my machine only had about 5 people in front of me, while the other 6 (representing other districts) had easily 50 people per machine. Those people who came and heard that they couldn’t vote for Obama might have just left, which is unfortunate. And when you look at the current process in place, it makes you wonder why we are using machines that date back to when voting first began.



One idea I have is to set up a more stream lined process for voting. Have a set up where people have to give their thumb print to identify who they are (this will be no different than when you have to give your thumb print for exams like GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, etc.). Have a website where people can precast their vote, accessed via their social security number and password. The website will stop taking submissions 2 months prior to the day of elections (to allow time to confirm there was no tampering). Send emails out to people confirming who they have selected. This will give people a chance to know who they are voting for and do subsequent research on their candidate’s views (as well as make them aware before hand of any amendments they may need to vote upon). On the day of elections, the machines (not hooked up to the internet, creating a closed system similar to exams taken in your state, for state exams) will have all ready been prepared with your pre-casted vote (if you made one) and once you confirm who you are via your thumb print, you will get a chance to see who you previously chose to vote for. It is at this time you can change your precasted vote, but then once confirmed, cast your vote. After, you are emailed confirmation that your vote has been counted and details of who you voted for. Since these machines can be prepared beforehand you don’t have to be locked to a location near your house. The machines can be placed strategically around the city to accommodate most workers, so that they can do this near work. Obviously, the lever system can still be available to people who do not want to use this machine, but at least it gives them the option of something more efficient.

You may be able to come up with a better system than mine, but I think this should be something discussed. Only when we discuss things (politics, race, economics, etc.) can there even be a chance of change. If you don’t agree, take a listen to my friend below, who had a dream on August 28th, 1963 that has not yet been completely realized to its core principle, but has taken a giant leap from subconscious to ballot!

Cousin Murdered - No Information in Digital Age

This occurred quite some time ago, but today for some reason it is one of the most popular - most read stories on CNN. I do not know why, but it just is. What happened to my cousin, I wouldn't want to happen to anyone...let alone a child! In this age of so much advanced technology, no one to this day has any information that can lead to the capture of the person who committed this crime.

Along with everything else going on today , I had to take a moment to recognize the reality of the world around us as individuals. If anyone has any information that can help, please contact me or TIPS via CNN.

President Bush Fooled Us More Than Once...

With the elections coming up right around the corner and all these polls coming out that clearly seem to put Obama as our next president, I have to take a moment to pause. If you think the person who gets the most votes wins (I understand electoral colleges)...I want to direct your attention to 2 term president "elected" George Bush. One might believe the smartest, classiest and well educated person would be elected to president but history didn't seem to teach us a lesson of true humility when it comes to our American Ways! But if I could be so bold, to correct as well as suggest to you before YOU vote on November 4th, as bush "tried" to say: "Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me"!

...wait he did get elected twice :P

Alternative Energy - Post Debate

Presidential Finance

Now I am sure you were affected in one way or another by this recent crisis hitting America. Whether you are CEO of Lehman or a regular joe (no pun intended from Palin), this financial situation really hits home. You can read all the blogs and new sites to try to understand how all this came about, but right now we all need to know where we are going to go! I myself have been trying to formulate a plan for my future, but it is hard to see in so much darkness.



Jim is talking from his heart…even if you were to think logically, for someone like him to say what he is saying, in his position, should really have you believe this is truly a crisis. His comments can be compared to a chocolate factory telling you not to eat any more chocolate because it is not good for you. Now, Jim’s whole business, his life, his show is about stocks but to say ”get out”…

I am not in need of my finances for right now, though this may change based on the climate of the market. When I initially invested I told myself I wouldn’t touch this money until retirement, but I don’t want to lose everything and have nothing to retire too. I am sure I am not alone, but I cannot help shake the feeling.

We have two candidates in front of us, which everyone has their opinion on and I will not use this moment to share mine, that really need to understand the decisions they make today will shape the future of America PERIOD

Thug Life: Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a movie that just came out today and I definitely want to go see that soon! I have not done alot of movie reviews on this blog, but again this is Random Lives. Movies websites now are getting more and more worth visiting. Before it use to be just there with nothing but casting information and other things that one just doesn't care to know. At least at Pineapple Express you get the chance to get free voicetones (words instead of just music), movie clips, "Sweet Game" and this:



I have yet to see the movie, but it looks funny and I am always down to laugh. Thug Life...lol! Ride the Express

Let's Go METS!

Nothing new to report, just at a Mets game with a friend of mine that has gone 12 innings so far. However we are leaving at the end of this inning. I am not a big baseball fan, but I do like the Mets. Let's GO METS!!

VH1 Bus Stop

This was the photo at a bust stop near my job in union square. As you can see VH1 puts out nothing but that quality material when it comes to educating the public.

Hopefully by now you have realized this blog highlights the random things in life, that has one say "huh"...whether it be through video, picture or text. Share your thoughts!

Iphone 3G Line...

After leaving work late, yet another night, I noticed these people sleeping outside the AT&T store. This is obviously people who are trying to get an iphone tomorrow morning.

This shot was taken from a cab, so I couldn't get the best picture of the line, but if you are still looking for a place to camp out, the AT&T store in union square only has about 5-6 people in line...so more than likely you can get your iphone tomorrow and enjoy the nice weather we are having tonight!

Bolt for a BUCK!

I am on 33rd street & 7th Ave and noticed the Bolt Bus (www.boltbus.com) which offers customers bus trips to/from New York and other major cities in the US to other cities, like Boston, Philadelphia, etc...for $1! Yes you read that correctly, for a buck (plus tax of course) you can get to travel.

Now with gas prices as they are, one would think they would be hurting, but obviously they have worked out some model that has them running out of town and not out of gas. What's so interesting is these buses are quite comfortable inside (mind you I haven't traveled on one...but I saw the inside from a news story I watched on CBS) with electrical plugs and push seating.

Bolt bus is not the only ones offering this, but since I am blogging live, I cannot find the other ones right now. Search google for $1 bus and you will probably find all the options. Leave a comment if you have any experience with $1 service.

Future...?

If you ever wondered if it happened...hey you never know! Check your future.

Independence Day...America!

On this 4th of July, I wanted to take a moment out for our troops. July 4th, Americas Independence Day, gives us all a chance to reflect upon a step taken by those who realized their inherent will to be independent. I am not a supporter of this war but I am a supporter of the men and women who are choosing to stand up behind something greater than themselves...America. The video below epitomizes what I mean. I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th of July!

...Attack the Hive

As the 1st day of summer just past (6/20), we get a chance to enjoy all the good and bad things associated with summer. Of course the blazing heat (which I am a fan of), the air conditioner (which I am also a fan of) and insects!

This is a picture of the hive (I believe they are wasps) that has squatted on the garage of my girlfriend's home. There have been many ideas on how to remove the colony...other than through obvious professional services. Throw a rock at it and run, spray it with something and of course possibly have the rejects of American Idol sing to them. I wouldn't be opposed to the American Idol rejects, except that I would have to listen to them as well!

So as summer begins let's just see how '08 pans out. Will the wasps win or do we have it in us to attack the HIVE!

Art as Building?

I had a work event yesterday at Chelsea Piers and as I was walking to Pier 60 I noticed the building in this picture. I have no idea what this building is (don't go to 12th Ave and 22nd Street too often) but is definitely a "show stopper".

I was debating with a co-worker of mine whether the clouds were somehow embedded into the glass or were the windows reflection that good that it made it appear as though the glass had clouds in them. Either way it was a beautiful building. Wish I could have better pictures or close ups, but like I said...I was there to WORK! :o)

Portugal, Boston & Z-Rat!

Fresh off the game, Portugal is out of Euro 2008. I don't think this game was one of their best. The Germans were clearly a better team (never say I am a bias person). Though I wanted Portugal to win, they didn't want it as bad as the Germans. Opportunity after opportunity came their way and they just didn't finish. Football as in life is hard and unfortunate as it may sound, both are about finishing. Doesn't mean its over by a long shot, just means that someone else gets their "15 minutes"!

Congrats to KG and Ray Allen on finally getting their championship. I by no means am a Boston Celtics fan...but I am a fan of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. KG is one of my favorite players because he plays the game with such passion. KG is one of the only players I can honestly believe gives it 110% every game (easily noted by his consistent blocks of shots made by players after the whistle has blown...dedication). And Ray Allen is one of the purest shooters this game has ever seen. If there were questions before, let their be answers now...Hall of Famers!

As for the picture of the giant Rat...seems like in union square the Babies R US (not 100% it was that store, but they were parked right up in front of it) somehow supports unsafe working conditions. Was on a lunch break and thought why not pass the word. When you see the RAT in the street run...then again this is NYC!

Delay'd

As I sit here delayed in the airport, on my red-eye to New York and review pics from the weekend...I forgot to mention this good Soul Food restaurant "R & R Soul Food Restaurant". Its right across from the Home Depot Center. I ordered the dark fried chicken, with potato salad and mac & cheese along with a tall glass of cranberry juice. I would recommend this dish, not before sitting out in the hot sun to watch a 2 hour football match...but we all learn from our mistakes.

Pics from all my adventures are either on Flickr or Picasa. Check it out for the sweet clicks I did @ the match!

US VS BARBADOS

Straight from the Home Depot Center...as this father's day comes, I am remembered of the times my father and I talked about soccer (football in Trinidad). My father pasted away in 2004 and I know he is watching down on me, happy in knowning that he has done his best to give me opportunities that he just didn't have. And I try to take advantage of every opportunity I can, hence when my good friend Matt said he was heading to the game, why not!
Currently, the score is 3 nil US, but still its nice to be in the sun and enjoy a soccer match in America. America has slowly been adding more and more soccer events...I can appreciate the effort America is making to grow, which in itself shows progress. Soccer in America, my father called it, but to see it in my lifetime...is just another reminder of what he has left for me to enjoy! I Love you dad...Happy Father's Day!

Anonymous

It is not as though those of you who are coming to blog need to probably do, but it is something that people may think about. Anonymous surfing, so it’s even hard for you to know where you have been. Check out the video below for some tips on how to start surfing anonymously. I’m watching you!

LA Life

This morning, woke up and had to go to one of LAs classic LA burger spots...IN & OUT. Absolutely one of the first places to eat in LA. Then after that place we went to this really good ice cream sandwich shop called Diddy Reise. A new edition to my musts in LA.

I would have taken more photos, but in this paparazzi life...the owner asked me to not take photos of his $1.50 ice cream sandwich shop menu. Did he think I would release his crazy idea of a $1.50 ice cream sandwich shop...oh no I'm sorry, I just let the secret out. I know I have just flooded the market with $1.50 ice cream sandwich shops. Someone stop this maddness...

Going Back

Straight from my seat to LA!

When I was younger, I went to LA once. My brother went to school at UNLV so its an obvious trip to make. I didn't like it then, but you know what...as I have gotten older and now have friends that live in LA. Its kinda nice to go to a city that has awesome weather year round and has just a different twist on things. One could say a different culture (though we are all Americans, GO BAMA) with all the great cell phone reception. Now if I can only get that in BRAZIL...then we can talk. Te amo Brazil...Eu vou a LA!

Blackberry Tips & LIRR

If you have not realized by now, I have a blackberry and I am in love with it. Yes, I said it, I am in LOVE! IPhone users just walk away now, because you will not convert me…I will convert you! Now don’t get me wrong, apple has done the mobile industry a much needed boost. I have my own theories that mobile is the way of the future. Mobile isn’t where it needs to be just yet, but it will be there soon enough.

To own an IPhone or Blackberry, you have to have a data plan and I am sure that there is quite a considerable amount of people that have IPhones that do not have the internet in their own homes. This gives you a much wider and immediate audience. Now this blog post is not about the IPhone, this blog post is about Blackberry tips, but I just had to add my 2 cents about the way things are going.

Anyway, let’s get right to it. All across the internet you can find tips for blackberry (I will place the links below, so I cannot take credit for discovering them on my own) but I will list some I think are cool.

Reboot without Removing Blackberry: ALT+Right Shift+BACKSPACE for a full second. This will reboot your blackberry without having to remove the batter.

Lock Keyboard: ALT+ENTER

All Status Page: ALT+Left Shift+Letter H. This page has every detail of your blackberry. From PIN, ESN # to File Space

Dial Letters: Alt+Letter. Sometimes you may need to dial 1800GOFEDEX, but instead of trying to figure what letters represent what numbers you now can just type in 1800GOFEDEX and get the call. Example: Dial 1800 Alt+G, Alt+O, Alt+F, Alt+E, Alt+D, Alt+E, Alt+X + SEND

Smart Codes: The following codes can be entered in any location that you can type text (that would be emails, sms, memos, etc.) and you will get the corresponding information.
Local Time: LT+Spacebar
Local Date: LD+Spacebar
Owner Information: Mysig+Spacebar
PIN Information: Mypin+Spacebar

For more Tips, click the #’s below:
#1, #2, #3, #4

This next great tip is for those who live in New York City. This link I use every weekday from my blackberry to get the LIRR schedule. I use to use Google Stripper. Yes I said Google Stripper, which is a great link that can be used for website heavily image intensive and hard to see on a Blackberry of cell phone. Try it out with different links and leave a comment to some useful alternatives.

People are developing like crazy for the IPhone, but nothing for the blackberry. Blackberry, open up…just open up! That’s ok because it is still an awesome device.

Learn to dance Portuguese...EURO 2008

It is time my friends to enjoy EURO 2008…don’t mind the fact that I love Euro 2008 for PS3, I am excited that we can get these games in America. Finally the US has realized that Football (Soccer) is game of the WORLD! It has slowly penetrated America, but as long as they continue to push as they have I believe it will become quite large here.

If you are like me and do not know the TV listings in your area, here is the link. I personally am going for Portugal to win the entire thing. I have been learning Portuguese and Portugal Portuguese is different from Brazilian Portuguese, but do not forget my great grandmother was from Portugal, so I have roots there. And I believe in ROOTS! Teams

If you cannot watch the game in your area for some reason, but still want to watch the game…you can click here and watch it on Justin TV, where they stream live tv. The quality isn’t very good, but then again are you a true FAN?

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Jawbone...2!

Do not get use to this, but once again I have decided to blog directly from my Blackberry Curve.

This blog I wanted to give a brief review of the "new" Jawbone. The reason I say "new" is because Jawbone has decide to not change the name of the product with this new iteration of the same product.

Well, there is not much to say about this new version other than its SMALLER! That's probably the most noticeable and biggest difference between the "new" Jawbone and Jawbone! The other change is the noise assassin...hmmm, yeah. It cancels noise the same way the other one did. Just take a look at my previous post on the original Jawbone.

Overall, would I recommend this product...yes! I liked the first one, but with this being smaller, I think they hit it right on the head. The biggest difference was a big enough difference. If you are looking for a bluetooth headset and have a little extra from that stimulus check (that's for another discussion of course), go for it.

The pictures are to give you an idea of the size (taken from my blackberry curve).

Another Connection To The World

This blog posting comes to you from my very own Blackberry Curve. Yes, I had the world edition, but I wanted something smaller, lighter and took pictures. Well as you can see from the pictures on this post (straight from the phone)...it is as advertised.

I have had the phone one day, but for all you iphone users, Blackberry is the way to go (not to say you cannot do this from an iphone, but blackberry is still better). So far those who I have been able to convert never look back!

Expect more candid, on the move blog posts from your very own...Random Lives!

Starwood 2+ Offers

Staying true to my notion of Random Lives…I would like to pass on (while also bookmarking for myself) these wonderful opportunity! Click the link in the title to see how you can take advantage of the wonderful offers from SPG. I will not go into details of the offers available because I would like you to see it for yourself, but I must say that I use it quite often in my travels, whenever I find the link from the web. So instead of you search, I have done the search and being the nice guy I am, decided to share it with you. So click, sleep and enjoy. I am a believer of passing it forward.

No Excuses...

I have been away for a while and when I mean away, away from my blogging site. I am not going to apologize because I wouldn’t want you to feel as though I am making any excuses as to why I haven’t posted any blogs recently. But now is the time to take action, not only in blogging but in everything. Life is too short and thinking that there can never be anytime more important than the present…well you may just want to step out of the way. Because its on!

Day & Night

Day & Night originally uploaded by C Me Fli

It has bee quite some time since I have blogged, but I have been extremely busy! Given that, I wanted to come back to all of you with a little something. If you have been watching my blog you should see that on the right hand side I have at least been updating interesting reading section of the blog. The articles are interesting everyone...

Other than the new job in analytics (BI...those who know what I am talking about leave a post), I have taken up 2 hobbies. Hobby #1 is photography (hence the photo above). I will be blogging my photos or at least the ones I think are interesting...leave comments of your thoughts. Hobby #2 is Portuguese! I plan by the end of this year to be conversationally fluent in Portuguese! Lofty goals, but a goal none the less! Anyway, let the new year rain in people...its 2008 baby!

The reason I like this picture, is in the title Day & Night...if you look on the left side of the photo, it looks like morning, but on the right side it looks like night! But the photo was taken around 1am in the morning and in the same place, Que Legal!