Edmund's Community Corner

Edmund's Top 5 Holiday Gifts for 2010

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Men!

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Ladies!

The end is nigh. 2011 is just around the corner and you probably have not completed your gift shopping. Hopefully you have at least started! Below are my top 5 gifts for 2010. Always try and find an alternative if you feel some may be beyond your price range. Enjoy!

1. Apple iPod Touch: $229-$299

Apple's flagship music player has come a long way. The installment we have all become familiar with is basically an iPhone without the horrendous AT&T network! Retina display, built in camera, video shooting with video editing, a robust App Store and plays music and videos! C'mon what are you waiting for?! http://www.apple.com/

2. Microsoft Kinect Sensor: $149Microsoft's Kinect just might be this year's Wii as far as popularity goes. Team Redmond out did themselves with this unique take on motion gaming. Anyone who uses this is bound to lose weight and get in shape while inevitably having fun. http://www.xbox.com/

3: HTC Evo 4G: $449 Unlocked, $199 2yr Sprint Contract

Personally, I feel buying an unlocked phone is much more beneficial than being tied down by a two year contract. Regardless, HTC's Evo 4G is in my opinion the breakout smartphone of 2010. What does it have going for it? The first 4G phone to market, the most economical data plan on a very reliable Sprint network, 8MP camera, Video Chat over WiFi and 3G/4G, Android OS, and all the great things that comes with a Google device. Find out more at http://www.sprint.com/

4. Barnes & Noble Nook Color: $249

Barnes & Noble's updated e-reader is a welcome change to this already crowded space. The Nook Color obviously packs a display with vibrant colors, it is also backed by BN's vast library of available titles, and features all of the great  perks that make the Nook franchise a buy. The Nook Color also has animated children's books, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, MP3 player, and the ability to read any book in BN's catalog for free within an hr when you visit any store. Top it all off with its unique book lending option and you have great device made for a specific function. The only caveat is that the Nook Color is currently only available with WiFi-perhaps that is a plus due to battery drain. Pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store or go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ to order online.

5.  Samsung 7000 Series 3D LED HDTV: 40"-55" $1,999-$3,299

Samsung is one of the market leaders when it comes to HDTVs. The 7000 series offers an immense lot of features including Samsung's own library of apps. Key options are 4 HDMI ports, DLNA Networking, WiFi Capability, BD Wise, and Skype Built in. Imagine Skyping on a 55" HD screen! Don't take my word for it, find out more at http://www.samsung.com/.

Now stop wasting time, you don't have much time left!

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

Edmund's Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for Ladies

Take a look at my Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for men!

Listed below are my picks for great gifts for the special woman or women in your life. Happy holidays and don't forget to look for deals.

1. Victoria Secret Miraculous Lace Garter Slip: $58

Every woman loves to feel sexy. The best part is that this is also a gift for you! Add to the experience two fold by including the stockings and sending your special woman to Victoria's Secret to get a proper bra fitting (Bra fitting is free). Now she feels sexy and comfortable. Enjoy your Christmas! http://www.victoriassecret.com/

2. Coach Gramercy Patent Small Wallet: $98

This wallet is a great gift for those who want to add classic style to their repertoire. It comes in various colors and is the perfect accent for your woman on the go. Take a closer look at http://www.coach.com/.

3. Fandango Bucks: $10-$100

Everyone loves movies. With the cost of movies averaging $13-$18  per person, Fandango Bucks is thoughtful and economical. Partner it with a card that says all the movies purchased with the Fandango Bucks are her choice! That way it's a double gift. http://www.fandango.com/.

4. Tiffany & Co. Hearts Pendant: $100

You can never go wrong with Jewelry; especially from Tiffany & Co. Exemplifying classic style and elegance the Hearts pendant is great way to show your love without busting your budget. Don't forget to keep it classic by getting a silver cleaner. For more details go to http://www.tiffany.com/

5.  LG Optimus T-BLACK: $0

Don't fool yourself, women love technology too. Right now the LG Optimus T in Black is FREE. This is up until 2pm December 20, 2010. The catch? This is only via the web, but shipping is free and overnight! Here are some key stats on the Optimus T: Swype Keyboard, 3.2 MP Camera, Google Voice Actions, and of course Android. If the lady in your life prefers a color other than black, then you have a choice of three others at $29.99. For more info go to http://www.t-mobile.com/

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

TOP 5 Holiday Gifts $100 and under for Men (2010)

     With Black Friday approaching, many holiday shoppers will be lining up early in the morning to get a head start on their gift buying. As I try to do every year, below is a list of the top 5 gifts for men $100 and under. Keep an eye out for my top 5 for ladies and top 5 $250 and under. Enjoy and happy shopping!


1.  Roku Media Player from $59.99-$99.99  
     The Roku Media Player comes in three flavors. The HD-$59.99, XD-$79.99, and the XDS-$99.99. All three give you the capability to stream video and audio via the internet. The XDS gives you the added capability of plugging  in USB enabled devices for video and picture sharing. The Roku wins over AppleTV by giving you the user, control on what content you want to view. An added bonus is Hulu Plus (a free month is included when you buy a Roku player) and Netflix baked in for access to all the movies and missed TV shows to your heart's desire. For more info go to http://www.roku.com/.

2.  Zen X-Fi Wireless $99.99
     The Zen X-Fi Wireless from Creative Labs is a great multimedia device for an economical price. Creative Labs is known for making quality devices that deliver great sound. The Zen X-Fi boasts a 2.5 in. screen, built in speakers, insant messaging support for Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messaging, iTunes and Windows Media compatibility, built in radio and SD card expansion! All this for under $100! Quick, go here  http://us.store.creative.com before they raise the price back to $199!

3.  Bose IE2 Headphones $99.95 

     Bose is synonymous, when it comes to rich, quality, clear sound. The purveyors of audio offer up their latest foray into headphones. Features include Bose's Stay Hear clips which prevent slippage during excercise or everyday walking, various ear bud and Stay Hear sizes, carrying case, and most of all Bose's noise cancellation technology that allows you to feel like the only one in the room while enjoying your music. Perfect for drowning out all distractions. Pick up a pair for $99.95. For details go to http://www.bose.com/.

4.  Canon Powershot A490 $99

     What does $99 get you on a digital camera? The Canon Powershot A490, that's what. Boasting such features as 10 megapixels, 3.3x optical zoom, and a low li Lght setting that allows you to take pictures in virtual darkness make this camera a sure-fire hit! Additional features include a 2.5 in LCD scr.een and video. Take a closer look at http://www.usa.canon.com/.

5.  American Express Gift Card $100 
     Have no idea on what to get for a gift, or is your man truly hard to please? Alleviate needless stress and possible disappointment by giving the gift of freedom. The American Express Gift card is a great gift, if not stocking stuffer.The AMEX gift card is one of the few that does not have an activation fee and in many cases no expiration date. This is possibly the best gift for teenagers because they will have the power to buy what they want without maxing out your credit card. The best feature is the fact that you are not restricted to one place unlike many store gift cards. Go to www.americanexpress.com/gift for more info and details.

Edmund's Community Corner

Please Shut Up
In light of all of the rhetoric and nonsense surrounding the possibly future Islamic Community Center in lower Manhattan from people who LIVE OUTSIDE OF NYC, and thus will not be affected, I felt it is my duty as a Native New Yorker living in NYC to speak up. I have comprised a list; take a look below.

Please shut up...

1. If you do not live in New York City.
2. If you are a bigot and a racist.
3. If you believe Christianity teaches you to hate anyone who is not Christian.
4. If you are not aware that there are at least 5 other mosques within the same vicinity. 
5. If you believe President Obama is a Muslim.
6. If you believe the U.S. Constitution only applies to you and people who think like you. 
7. If rule one applies to you, or NO ONE you directly knew or are related to perished in the WTC attacks.
8. If you are a career protester; because no one takes you seriously.
9. If you get your news from only one source.
10. If you believe the United States is the center of the universe.

Edmund's Technoblasts

HTC Evo 4G
The talk of the town for the moment is HTC's Evo, the first 4G offering exclusively available on Sprint. I have had this phone for about a week and I can say that I am very pleased. Boasting a 4.3 in LCD display, the Evo sports the largest screen on a U.S. mobile phone to date. The phone weighs 6oz, at .5in thick, 4.8in high and 2.6in wide. I have to admit that the phone has weight to it whenever I have it in hand, though I do not experience the reported wrist fatigue that iPad users have complained about. Included on the back is a kickstand so you can watch videos hands free (great for air travel) and use the device as a digital alarm clock. Also on board is Android 2.1 with HTC Sense with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor powering everything. Detailed specs are here. One caveat is the fact that 4G coverage is not widely available and being forced to pay a $10 "premium data" surcharge is definitely not palatable. However, the capabilities of the phone outweigh that small caveat, and Sprint plans to roll out 4G coverage to all major U.S. markets in the near future. Keep in mind that Sprint is the only U.S. mobile carrier with unlimited data plans. AT&T and Verizon have ceased unlimited data plans, only offering capped plans at tiered prices. Personally, the capped option would not have worked for me. I stream a lot of video and audio content on a regular basis as well as upload from my smart phone so it would not have been advantageous to continue with AT&T. $69.99 plus the $10 fee brings the base total to $79.99. Once taxes (NYC) and fees are tabulated my monthly total is approx $98/mo, which is about $15 cheaper than what I was paying with AT&T using a Blackberry Bold. Even if you were not planning on purchasing an Evo, Sprint is still the better option when it comes to smart phones. Back to the Evo. The Evo has two cameras. There is a 1.3 MP front facing camera that will allowing for voice conferencing and low-res self portraits. The back camera is 8MP and also records 720P HD video. Featured on the phone is HTC's Qik application. Qik allows you to seamlessly share video across multiple social networks as well as specific people you select from your contacts list. YouTube HQ is included so you can watch HD video on the brilliant 4.3 in screen. Sprint TV is robust and is a nice added feature especially during playoff time. Full episodes of prime time shows does not hurt either. Google is said to be releasing Froyo (Android 2.2) in the coming months. Notable attributes is the ability to use your device as a HotSpot, bypassing Sprint charging you $29.99 to use their HotSpot option. Other attributes include Adobe Flash 10.1, free syncing via cloud technology, as well as improved social networking capabilities. HTC, however is known to be slow to offer Android updates to their phones, but they have promised that this will not be the case with the Evo 4G; time will tell. Overall the HTC Evo 4G is currently the must have device. All of the features that are packed into this device make it one that can survive the voracious technology appetite of late; which causes the disease of obsolescence rather quickly. Once Sprint rolls out 4G nationwide, the full capabilities of the Evo will be realized.

My rating for this device is 4 stars out of a possible 5. The fifth star may come once 4G is rolled out to the NYC metro area.

Quick note: Many people have intimated issues with battery life. I did notice a significant lack of battery life until I installed a free app (Advanced Task Killer), which improved my battery life by 40%.

Edmund

Comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

Edmund's Technoblasts

HTC EVO 4G
Quick Rundown

Here are some of the quick facts:

Carrier: Sprint
Price: $299, $199 after rebate (2 yr contract required)
Display: 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen

Operating System: Android 2.1

UI (User Interface): HTC Sense

Back Camera: 8 mega pixels

Front Facing Camera: 1.3 mega pixels

Hot Spot capability*: Yes, however at launch not free. Will possibly be free when Froyo comes.

Kickstand to view media and use as Alarm clock

Click here for more info on specs

Edmund's Entertainment Corner

Entertainment: It's a Business

Becoming a Professional Recording Artist


Read Part I: Before You Embark

Read Part II: Taking the Stage

Recording your Demo/Promo CD

Patience is key when embarking on a new career. Having mastered networking and performing, you are now ready to record a demo. Remember, regardless of which artist aspect you choose (Producer, Performer, or Songwriter) it is imperative you record a demo. Earlier in this series I talked about networking and building organic relationships. Now is the time to utilize those connections. Many people will tell you that your Demo does not need to be professionally recorded (meaning in a professional studio), but I disagree. Granted, your demo does not need to be as slick and commercial as an album but should be pretty damn close. Always put your best foot forward. Also, what better way to get familiar and comfortable with recording in a studio than doing just that. Visit various studios, talk to producers and other singers/songwriters to find out who they worked with and what their experience was. Contrary to what most people will try to get you to believe; You are hiring Them. Ensure you vet at least 3 to 5 choices so you are making an informed decision and not just an emotional one.  Always do your homework-I cannot stress this enough.

Singer/Performer
Let us take a look at the Singer/and or Songwriter first. If you want to focus on being a singer in the beginning; there is nothing wrong with that-however, I suggest graduating to singer/songwriter when you feel ready. The first thing you want to do as a singer is find a producer. You want a producer even if you are going to be singing cover songs. A knowledgeable producer will be able to pull from you the performance that will make your Demo quality. If you are lucky, the producer may be aligned with a songwriter who is looking to showcase their songs just as you are looking to showcase your voice. If not, covers always work (American Idol anyone?). Approach your demo as a mini album; although you are only putting 3 songs on this, it should still be cohesive. Regardless of which type of performer you are, Singer, MC, Rapper, Band, your demo should consist of a mainstream song-this should be your best song, a fun/party song, and a ballad (within the parameters of your genre). Recording music in a studio is not easy-I would argue performing live is easier because you have more leeway it terms of precision-multiple hours singing the same thing different ways over and over again until everyone "feels" it's right takes a lot of physical and mental stamina. Keep in mind that it is not cheap either. As mentioned earlier, do your homework, you should not be paying $400/hr to record a demo. With that said, make sure you go in prepared and ready to work. Be a professional at all times. Grab attention early by placing your best song first, then your next best song, etc. Although  most who review your music may not have the time or patience to "discuss" your music, always be prepared to talk about how why you selected your songs, what your inspiration was for the songs, who your target audience is, and what type of artist/writer you want to be (All this should come easy to you, since it would be second nature by now-right?). Next week's post will focus on producers followed by MCs and Rappers-there is a difference.

Edmund

Follow Edmund on twitter!

Edmund's Entertainment Corner

Entertainment: It's a Business

Becoming a Professional Recording Artist


Read Part I: Before You Embark

Taking the Stage
Now that you have made some informal connections and become part of a community; it is time to begin shaping yourself as a professional recording artist. By now you should have numerous songs written, and plenty of concepts to  use as a base for new material. Your focus now should be honing your live performance and preparing to record a CD sampler or Demo. Prior to performing regularly, take time out to join a Performance Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC); better to get some simple tasks out of the way rather than having someone else "deal" with them later for you. I will go into detail of what these organizations offer you in my next post. Utilize your connections to garner choice/preferential placement at performance venues. The more performances you do, the more you grow as an artist; adding value to your repertoire, which will give you leverage when the time is right. The purpose of live performances is to connect with your fans, and therefore you must use as many tools possible with respect to growing your fan base-don't forget to get email addresses for those who attend your shows, it's a great way to follow up and retain fans. Websites such as Myspace.com (use the music option), iLike.com,  Facebook.com, and Bebo.com offer free profiles that will bolster your connection to your fans and even help you gain new ones. You can also use services such as Reverbnation.com, and Sonicbids.com to find more venues for performing. As you do these live shows, you will find out which songs would be best to include on your Demo. Recognizing that you are on a journey and not zipping by a drive thru will help you immensely. Delusions of grandeur are a hindrance and will do more harm than good. This is not the time to look for and hire booking agents, look for sponsorship deals,publicist and all the other "amenities" afforded to more established artists. Remember, the idea is to make these people seek YOU out, not you hounding them to give you a chance. Use the business to your advantage, do not have the business take advantage of you. Along with talent, connections, and perseverance, the key to making it in entertainment is preparation. Creating a set list, stage layout, fee structure, building relationships with venues, etc. are common ways of preparation. Live shows also help you determine whether you enjoy that aspect of the business; if not, you may decide that you would rather be a songwriter or producer than a performing artist. Knowing this early on will save you headaches, heartbreaks and most importantly time and money. Regardless of which option you choose, a Demo is still necessary. My next post will cover the three different options you can choose from as an artist-songwriter, recording artist, and producer as well as ways of getting your content to your fans.

--Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Technoblasts

Apple announces the iPad

After much hype and speculation the little company from Cupertino announces a device that fanboys have waited decades for...the iPad. The form factor is similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch with the familiar UI (user interface). Apple made a point to note that if you can use an iPhone/iPod Touch then you can use the iPad. Frankly, I do not think it would take much to learn the interface even if you had just emerged from exile in a deep water cave. That being said, the iPad will come in 2 models with 3 capacity variations 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB; all are SSD drives (Solid State Drives also known as Flash Drives). iTunes gets another extension with the introduction of the iBookstore. Avoiding the issues Google is having with publishers, Apple partnered with all major print publishers to populate their e-book store. All books are in the e-pub format, although it would have been nice if they could have emulated something close to an e-ink display. Apple's new device will feature a WiFi only option and an option with both WiFi and 3G. Thankfully, Apple took a page from Google and made the WiFi +3G model unlocked; meaning you can use it with any carrier that supports their cellular specifications. AT&T will over a No Termination Fee Data Plan for $29.99. This is good, however, it is unfortunate that is with AT&T. Hopefully other carriers will follow suit since the device is unlocked. Here are a few of the standout specs for the iPad.

Specs
Size and Weight
0.5 in thick
9.5 in H x 7.47 in W
1.5 pounds for the WiFi only and 1.6 for the WiFi + 3G

Display
Fingerprint resistant 9.7 in (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology


Wireless
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
3G network specs: UMTS/HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Data support only


Processor
1 GHz Apple A4 low power chip (That's right, Apple used their OWN chip!)


Price Points
WiFi Only: 16GB $499, 32GB $599, 64GB $699 
WiFi +3G: 16GB $629, 32GB $729, 64GB $829


Battery Life
Apple claims up to 10hrs (WiFi web surfing, video and music playback)


Personally, I believe Apple should have forgone the WiFi only option and offer only the WiFi+3G with a price not to exceed $700. Their target is the general consumer electronic demographic, not power users and therefore Apple's price points are misguided. The iPad will be released within a 90 day time-span. WiFi only model will be released in 60 days and the WiFi + 3G in 90 days.


Quick Pros and Cons
9.7 in fingerprint resistant display-Pro
Multitouch UI-Pro
No Multitasking-Con
Sealed Battery-Con
Unlocked 3G Access-Pro
Backlit LCD Screen-Pro (keeps price "low"), Con (consumes battery life-an AMOLED would have been nice)
No Flash support-Con (I want my Hulu dammit!)
Lowest Price $499-Pro, Highest Price $829-Con (this device does not do enough to warrant a price that could be close to $1,000 after taxes)


Preliminary Verdict
For all of the attention, hype, and mania attached to this device and announcement, I am left wanting more. A familiar feeling-Google Nexus One announcement-was elicited earlier this month. Basically, the iPad is an iPod Touch stretched out to 9.7 inches with 3G capability. Similar to Google's Nexus One, the iPad is a device that may have some trouble living up to its hype. Would I like to have one?-Yes, Will i pay a premium price for one?-No Would I accept it as a gift?-Hell Yes, but who wouldn't? If Apple adjusts the price structure, and works with Adobe to get Flash on the device, then I can see getting an iPad over an Archos or similar multimedia device.


Look for a complete review as the launch date approaches. Also look for a comparison to Slate PCs as more info is released.


Go to www.apple.com/ipad for complete specs and features.


-Edmund