Jumping on the Nike+ bandwagon

Every year I have made a resolution at the start of the year that I’m going to  work out more. Of course, like most people, this goal falls short each year. How am I going to rectify this travesty that is my exercise regiment? Nike+iPod of course.

I have been interested in trying out this whole Nike+ scheme that Nike and Apple came up with. The problem was, I’m not interested in dropping $80 or more on the shoes just to get started. I found an alternative option – an inexpensive pouch that holds the small Nike+ sensor.

Since my iTouch already has the software baked in, I got started with my first 20 minute walk. I went around the block, walking a little over a mile for my first go; I just wanted to give the whole system a quick test.

The Nike+ system keeps track of the distance you run, how fast you’re going and gives you encouragement along the way while playing your music in the background. In an effort to get myself that much more motivated, I am publishing my workout results on the Nike+ website along with Facebook and possibly Twitter (sorry to all those followers who could careless).

Today, Sunday, July 4, I decided to give it a little more intensive tests with a mile run. I have now set up a 5K run goal from now until September.

I’ll keep you posted as I go along.

The best review I’ve found for the iPad

I might not agree with her, but at least she lays out her opinion in a succinct way.

I love it when a plan comes together

Where the 360 falls short

If you look at the long list of things the Xbox 360 can do, you would think it would be the ultimate home entertainment package. It’s close, but it falls far shorter than it should.

The 360 does a lot of things right. You can play some of the best games on the market today, you can stream Netflix, play nearly any video and audio format you could want plus DVDs and so on. On paper, it’s perfect.

The flaws come in when you listen to the box. The 360 has a loud fan that kicks in instantly and doesn’t let up when you do the simplest task. For a media device this is a problem, for a gaming device you can live with it. (Update: The fan issue has been resolved in the latest revision of the Xbox 360. Can’t knock them for that anymore.)

Microsoft points. For some reason Microsoft is really into this whole “points” based monetary system. You would think having a simple dollar value to products such as video downloads, game downloads and so on would be obvious, but instead Microsoft forces its users to purchase points that buy the goods in the virtual store. Without a one-to-one conversion rate it serves to confuse customers and leave them with loose points that serve no other purpose than to make Microsoft more money than they would without the points scheme.

iTunes. This one isn’t Microsofts fault, but without a connection to the iTunes media content, those of us who have invested into an iTunes library have less value in the Xbox 360s media capabilities. I can’t fault them on this one and it’s not going to change any time soon.

Blu-ray. This one would require either an add on or a revision to the console, but adding Blu-ray playback would make for a more compelling device today with HDTVs etc. It serves as a decent DVD up-converter and those of us who invested in the HD-DVD add on have that going for us. In the end though, this is a handy cap to the system.

I know what you’re going to say. But the PS3 does nearly everything on your list. This is true, but it falls shorter in the gaming side of things. There are some decent games, but the 360 just has more to offer on that end of things.

I wish the 360 was the one set-top box to rule them all, but as of now it is not. It is a good start though, just wish it would stop squealing.

Yeah, what he said

The real cost of news

Earlier this week I sent out a Tweet asking my followers what, if anything, they would be willing to pay for news content online. While I didn’t get a large response, what I did get didn’t surprise me. People don’t want to pay for news they can get else where for free.

As a newspaper editor, working on three papers in southwest Minnesota; the subject of online news interests me greatly. Recently we launched three new online editions of our paper, all free to the reader. We’re still working on our online model and watching with great interest what others are doing.

Continue reading The real cost of news…

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-27

• I'm sorry but it is NOT cool to wake up and find a snow filled drive way. #
• "Taper Jean Girl" that's the Kings of Leon I love. #
• Looking into ways to improve my antennas reception for OTA TV. Learning all about the differences in coax cables. #
• @ronxo That's so bad it kinda makes me like Charles in Charge a little less too. Just by association. in reply to ronxo #
• @modsuperstar Nothing says the Holidays for me like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. in reply to modsuperstar #
• What is going on with the Vikings tonight? This isn't the team we've been seeing this year. #
• @krschuerman I had the same thought and now I'm done watching tonight. Weak game. in reply to krschuerman #
• Hit Girl trailer of "Kick Ass" http://twurl.nl/6iywoe I have been reading the comic and yup, it's that messed up. #
• I'm not liking the weather outlook for this holiday. Thinking of making a trip home early. #
• Made it to my parents before the big storm hit. Merry Christmas one and all. #
• @dwj My "mysterious" gift was brought back here Friday. I'll open it Friday morning and take lots of pictures at that point. in reply to dwj #
• Keeping an eye on this storm, plotting next weeks front page. I'm thinking a feature on those who keep our roads clear is in order. #
• Watching a doc about the formation of the moon. Holiday dinner planned at 7 p.m. #
• Hoping to return home today. Not looking forward to the foot or so of snow I must have on my roof and driveway. #
• @dwj see that's what I'm affraid of. Is it still snowing? in reply to dwj #
• @dwj we have about the same amount here in Benson but we've had it cleared a few times. My house on the other hand. Yikes. Happy holidays. in reply to dwj #
• @krschuerman If you want to keep working out you're more than welcome to come help me later today. Mine has yet to be touched. in reply to krschuerman #
• @krschuerman You are a lucky man sir. Happy holidays indeed. I'm still at my parents and don't know what my place looks like. in reply to krschuerman #
• @dwj If you go out, tell me how the streets are looking in Marshall. Debating about when I'm going to head home. in reply to dwj #
• @dwj I didn't bring my charger so I've had it turned off for a couple days. I'll give you a call in a bit. in reply to dwj #
• Just finished digging out my parents drive way/my Explorer. Not looking forward to finding out how much more I have to do at my own house. #
• Took 1 hour to go 25 miles. Guess my plans have changed. #
• @krschuerman thanks. I am adding a day at my parents. The roads up here stink. in reply to krschuerman #

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-20

• So I spent part of my afternoon clearing my driveway of the remaining snow only to find out we're in for more. Why do I live in Minnesota? #
• Finally found some motivation to do some much needed house work today. Feels good. #
• Coffee pot set for the morning, winding down for the night. Best part of waking up indeed. #
• @jeffcannata I think they're fantastic. Obviously a lot of work on your end but truly enjoyable. I'm constantly impressed with them. in reply to jeffcannata #
• Randomly I find myself in the mood to listen to Rufus Wainwright. #
• I love Craig Feguson, no one else could get away with using a cheep puppet to his a 1,000th episode. Brilliant. #
• Every time I see an ad for the film version of "Nine" I get excited, then they reach Fergie in the cast list I become disappointed. #
• Best musical guest on Ferguson ever. Dracula from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Epic. #
• Watching the Resident Evil animated movie. Yeah, Capcom design looks strange in film format. Bad lip-sync too. #
• Re: Resident Evil flick – It really does replicate the game experience in film though. Right down to the music. #
• @Ihnatko DVR is a nice choice but if live viewing is your pleasure, remember they re-air only a few hours later. Sleep or Mythbusters. in reply to Ihnatko #
• I thought I liked the story behind the Resident Evil games. Watching the movie, I'm not so sure any more. Maybe? #
• A night of horror continues w/ more Supernatural season 2. #
• Retweeting @iFanboy: the Iron Man 2 Trailer is live! Go check it out and make snap judgments about the movie! http://bit.ly/5mFW0h #
• So I guess I'm looking at buying a new car now. The good news it a keeps on comin'. #
• Tuning into twit Xmas special. If only I could have it on the home theater. #
• I love the sketch but I'm shocked they're showing the Schweddy Balls SNL sketch on prime time. #
• Just noticed, Netflix has moved the "Watch Instantly" tab to the first spot and browse DVD second. Interesting. #
• @krschuerman I started watching a 10 episode doc on Jazz on instant watch only to find out they only had every other episode. Frustrating. in reply to krschuerman #
• @krschuerman That's my big problem with Netflix Instant. There is SOME good stuff, but the never give you all the goods. in reply to krschuerman #
• @krschuerman Agreed. The whole Comcast buying NBC is a bad sign for Web video. One step forward, four steps back. in reply to krschuerman #
• I woke up this morning not knowing I would end the day an owner of a 2003 Ford Explorer. And yet… #
• @ronxo you really take ALL your lettering serious don't you? Down to the movies. in reply to ronxo #
• http://twurl.nl/z3g440 How could anyone not like JoCo. Good stuff. #

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Space Doggity – Jonathan Coulton

Go ahead, try not to tear up.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-13

• Oh I'll just watch one episode of #FNL this morning. Well there goes the rest of my day. Episode 2.8 here I come. #
• Alright, I have to say it. I really don't like this trend of toolbars that Facebook has started. Please web designers, stop it. #
• It's a football kind of Sunday. #FNL season 2 marathon followed by the KC/Denver game. Vikings tonight. Good times. #
• Rooting for Washington to take down the Saints. Up 2ith a minute plus in the first half. #
• That was the uggliest most amazing play I have ever seen (Wash. v. NO) Those watching know what I'm talking about. #
• Wow, AT&T is making me not like Luke Wilson. Sigh. Like at all. #
• Just downloaded a compilation of Robert Johnson songs. Been wanting it for a while and finally pulled the trigger. #
• I wish the officials at the Washington vs. Saints game luck getting out of the stadium. #
• I know I complain about TV ads, but they're getting worse and worse each year. This holiday has been horrible for TV ads. #
• I'm looking at you Alltel. #
• Not thrilled w/ the #Vikings game so far. Let's hope for a better second half. #
• Orange Bowl here we come #Hawkeyes! #
• @GeoffJohns0 Congrats, what page is the story on? in reply to GeoffJohns0 #
• What is going on with the Vikings? This isn't how I wanted my Sunday night to play out. #
• Favre seems to be making up for all those interceptions he has avoided all season long. Hangs head in shame. #
• I'm really disappointed in the Vikings performance tonight. #
• @cskilpatrick I actually watched that episode of Numb3rs shortly before I listened to your show. Always good to have a DB Cooper story. in reply to cskilpatrick #
• They're using the Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop" to promote Cartoon Network shows. Umm? #
• Great episode of Community tonight. The show is official a favorite now. #
• After doing some research, looks like the Verizon ads with AT&T's 3G coverage map are accurate. I don't see why AT&T is complaining. #
• @krschuerman That was a great ad. In an age of ads that annoy me to no end, that one put a big smile on my face. in reply to krschuerman #
• CAKE! That is all. #

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