iTunes 10.2.2 released: It's Jailbreak safe

Apple released an update for iTunes with a number of stability enhancements and bug fixes to improve the overall performances of the app. Here are some of  the changes...

•  iTunes should not be as unresponsive when syncing an iPad.


• Resolves an issue where syncing photos with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to take longer than necessary.


• Stops video previews on the iTunes Store from skipping while playing.


• And the old standby companies like to use; improved stability and performance.


• Also Jailbreak safe if you have a device that is Cydia friendly

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NBA Playoffs: Not a walkthrough for top seeds

Seems these #nbaplayoffs are going to be closer than I thought. Both #BULLS and #Heat almost got beat today.

Rose MVP, Bulls 60+ wins. The most wins since Mr. Air Jordan ran the Bulls. Yet the number 8 seed almost took them out. In fact it was touch and go until a few minutes in the fourth quarter. LeBron MVP, Wade MVP, Heat more than 50+ wins. Yet they almost got took out as well. What s going on? Simple. The NBA playoffs are not the regular season. These teams went in thinking it as going to be a cake walk were violently woken up and sadly mistaken.



This years playoffs are going to be similar to the March Madness of the NCAA. Meaning here will be some upsets. That is not to see that Bulls are going to lose to the Pacers but they will have their hands full.  That goes for everyone in the playoffs this year. There are going to be upsets. I'm calling it now. NO SWEEPS for any team in the 1st round.

Apple starts selling Square’s Payment Device Service In it's online & Retail Stores

Square setup shop in a big way. It has got sales placement on Apple’s online store and the retail store. Apple will start selling Square devices in all of its U.S. retail stores starting this week.

Square offers an iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad and Android app which allows merchants to process and manage credit card transactions with a handy little credit card swiping device that plugs into the headset/microphone. Square’s technology was shoed off at the debut of Apple’s iPad 2.

This is Square’s first jump into retail stores. The device by Square will be the only payments product featured in the store. Apple and Square will also be partnering to host educational seminars at the stores, where consumers can learn how to use the device.

Square’s device is selling at the store for $9.95 but users get a $10 square credit when they sign up for an account and the apps are free. If you sign up for Square on its website, the device is free. I have been using the device for awhile now. I love it. Although I might have to buy another one since you now get it in black. Square devices were only available white when I signed up. It seems that Square will losing money on this deal but usage for the payments device will most likely go up. Therefore they will make it up on the transaction. Apple doesn’t use Square in its stores for transactions just yet but give it time. If you are a small business Square is the way to go. The device works on all iDevices and also select Android phones.

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White House gets ready for internet IDs

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ATbQnT0MSlM]

The White House has just today officially unveiled its plans for a national secure internet ID program all so known as the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC). At first it will be voluntary. I am sure that will change over time.

The White House is saying this is not a national ID program of any sort, and it's going to some length to play up the involvement of multiple credential providers

LivingSocial: Never heard of them? Get with the program. They're Big!

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  They have 520 million shares outstanding

  
  


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  LivingSocial is a $2.9 billion company

  
  


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   Revenue  $50 million a month

  
  


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  Projected revenue for 2011 $1 billion

  
  


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  Brought SocialMedia for $3 million

  
  

April 16th in New York City is Foursquare Day

16 is squaring four therefore April 16th now Foursquare Day. Foursquare users built loved the idea of dedicating a day to the online check-in service.  Foursquare's founders loved the idea too.  New York City Mayor Bloomberg has given the idea the NYC seal of approval. He even delivered a Mayoral Proclamation at the Foursquare offices. There are other cities that are also doing events as well if you take a look around the web.

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Love is costly emotionally and mentally. What are you willing to pay

Whoever said Love don't cost a thing told a bigger lie than when Bush said read my lips "No new taxes." Love is expensive. Very expensive. It can be monetary, emotional, mental even physical at times. Is it worth it? Well love can be wonderful. Love can be tragic. What becomes of love is up to you and your partner. Love takes sacrifice but it should not take more than you feel you are getting back in benefits. That is not healthy. So here are somethings that you should not be doing for the sake love.

[I] Will sex for love
Repeat after me; Love is love, and sex is sex. Guys get this at a very young age. Women seem to not get this fact very often or at all in some cases. At times women feel the need to have sex as an extension of love. That is not the case. It is a very big mistake to do this. Its very critical you don't do this when you are starting to go out with someone. Sex does not strengthen a relationship if it is failing unless that was the problem in the first place. Sex does not become love.

[II] Logically illogical
A white lie is like a white flag going up. That person has surrendered. They will no longer try. What have they given up on? Trying, thats right; they have realized that they don't have to be a genuine person anymore. Don't put logic to the back of your mind people. If someone is able to lie to you over some nonsence then what happens with the big stuff. STD's, cheating, money, life plans and love. That's right they will lie about those too.

[III] Disappearing Act
Tell me if this sounds familiar. Your friend starts dating someone which is great but you don't see them anymore. I don't mean you go from girls/guys night out to only events. I mean you don't see this person anymore at all. They don't show up to the bar, Social Media meet ups or any of the things they use to like. Did they have high goals and for the most part were on track to meet them? Does it seem like they abandon those plans? Well guess what? This happens all the time. People lose who they are when they get infatuated with someone they date. You should never lose who you are in a relationship. If you do not keep your identity what are you brining to the table? That's right nothing. No one wants to be with a person that has no worth. Make time for the other person but don't follow them like a lost puppy.

[IV] Set guidelines and rules
Look if someone says they love you and you have not had a talk about being in a relationship; chances are they never will be in a relationship with you. Why? Most likely you are already sleeping with them and are committed to them because they used the words "I love you." Newsflash, they're not committed to you in anyway shape or form. Until you have a title other than friend. That will be what others know you as and what your non committed partner sees you as. You have to set guidelines as to what you will accept from a person. If you are alright and can justify to yourself that being friends with benefits to someone you love is acceptable then so be it. Most people cannot so set some ground rules that can not be crossed. These rules are for you to live by. They're to keep you in check.

[V] Why keep a penny with a hole in it
Integrity is one of the few thing you cant buy no matter how rich you are. If that is the case why would keep someone under the illusion that they still own such a priceless commodity. If someone cheats on you don't give a 2nd chance to them. Why? Well catching someone who is cheating means you caught them that one time out of god knows how many other times. A person does not just lie once. One lie has to cover another lie and another lie.. You are worth more than that. Don't sell yourself short to people that are really not worth the time, effort, or love.

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Getting Married?? Here's whats in this season!



Are you getting married this spring season? Attending many weddings? Wondering what to wear? Well here is a guide on what is in and trending for weddings this Spring and Summer of 2011 whether you're the bride, groom, bridesmaid, or just a spectator!

1. The Colors: To pull off a great looking wedding it is important to have the right color for the season. Having a dark color for a spring/summer wedding can look odd if not executed properly. Spring/Summer weddings need to look fresh and give the look of being in full bloom for  the season. The color of the wedding helps paint the picture you want for your day and this day should be absolutely perfect!

Whats in:

Navy Blue- Usually when you think of a blue such as navy, the thought may be more on the winter side but paring navy blue with a lighter shade of blue such as powder, baby, or sky blue can really be a great fresh look. Also try to add another light color that goes with blue to add an extra pop or pair it with grey for a more sophisticated feel.

Pink- Any shade of pink screams Spring. Whether it's a light pink or a dark magnolia or magenta pink, you're going to get a beautiful Spring season wedding. Pair pink with any shade of orange, yellow, or lime green to get a stunning look that everyone will remember.

Purple- violet is a cool and subtle look. especially for a wedding that is late in the evening. You will set a relaxing tone with a violet or even a deep royal shade pf purple. Picking 3 dramatically different shades of purple and putting them together will look brilliant. Or pair purple with a light white or ivory for a more simplistic look.

Green- A green wedding is definitely thinking outside of the box. Green pretty much can go with any color and look great. Powder blue, pink (any light shade), orange, purple, and yellow will all look amazing with a light apple green or even a  little darker if you prefer. Having green as a central color would be perfect for an outdoor wedding!

2. The dress: Considering the bride is going to be the center of attention the dress can really make or break a wedding. The bride can not look like a hot mess! Everything from the hair to the jewelry to the shoes all has to look like it was thought out and meant to go together. Think as if its  your first ( even if it isn't) and last wedding. How do you wanna look?

Whats in:

Strapless- Strapless will never be out of style for a wedding. Period! It creates a stylish hip look with being timeless at the same time. To jazz up the dress try adding a pattern like polka dots (not colored, just white so it blends in with the dress) or add layers cascading down the dress for a dramatic look.

Color- The tradition of having a white dress is gone with the wind. Dresses are coming in all different colors. Blush pink for a wedding dress is in thanks to Reese Witherspoon but another color to think about is gold. Ivory is classic of course.

Sleeves- If you  don't want to go strapless then go with sleeves on your wedding dress. The capped sleeve is becoming an interesting new trend of the season. This is surely for out of the box thinkers!

The Groom: Any tux your man wears is going to look nice but to really make it pop and something different experiment with different color ties and boutonnieres for a fresh up to date look.

Wedding Party: The bridesmaids and grooms men have to look good to complement the lucky couple.

Whats in:

Patterns: Having each bridesmaid in a different style dress but made with the same fabric as everyone else is a great way to make your bridal party comfortable and elegant looking. It also ensures that they will look good as each dress with be fitting to their body type. The groomsmen can also have that same fabric as their tie to coordinate.

Length: The short dress is in over the long dress for a Spring/Summer wedding. This is a good thing to consider for style and also comfort for those hot temperatures!

Just remember that this is your day. These are just things to think about. Getting the perfect location will also help everything fall into place. Happy Planning!

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You can get your name into 'BioShock Infinite'

Studio Irrational Games is hosting a contest where the winner will have their name honored in their upcoming title BioShock Infinite. Players can enter the "Name in the Game" contest via Irrational's website. Visitors have until April 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET to enter.

The winner "will be chosen to be incorporated into BioShock Infinite as the namesake of a character, a business, or a building -- whatever the Irrational development team comes up with," reads a statement from the studio. Infinite is the third game in the BioShock series, and features the floating city of Columbia in 1912. The game is launching in 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

[Via USA Today]

What really happened to MySpace?

Square: Great write up by Kevin Whipps

Whether you like it or not, the familiar ring of the cash register may be going the way of the dodo. Today, people use debit cards more than ever, and having cash on hand is definitely more of a rarity.

On top of that, buying a cash register for your business can be pricey, and integrating a register into your system with a separate credit card machine gets expensive – don’t forget about the high price per swipe charges the credit card processing companies charge. It’s quite the racket, and it puts significant strain on any small business owner.

But what if we told you there was a way to accept credit cards for your business, pay low fees, and replace your cash register, without even having to sign a contract? You’d tell me I was a crazy man with a funny hat, and you’d only be half right.

There’s an easy way to turn your iPad into a point of sale (POS) terminal, and we’re going to show you how to do it right now!

 

Start With Square

Before you can start swiping cards on the go, you need to sign up with Square. What’s Square you ask? It’s this:

That's a Square.

The guy who started Square is Jack Dorsey, who you may know as one of the people who founded twitter.Square is a personal credit card reader that plugs into your iPad or iPhone’s headphone jack. Download the app to your iOS device, plug in the Square reader and you’re ready to process credit cards.

The intro screen for Square.

OK, you’re not totally ready yet. You need to sign up for Square’s service, which involves a few different processes. You’ll have to register a bank account, enter your personal info, and then agree to the terms.

Right now, Square takes 2.75% for every swiped card, and 3.5% + 15 cents for a manually entered number, which is cheaper than many other traditional credit card processing companies.

Once you’ve filled out the important paperwork, it’s time to wait for the reader to show up in the mail. In the meantime, as soon as you’re approved you can process credit cards on the spot by entering them manually, and it takes just a few days for the payment to show up in your account. Not too shabby.

Setting Up Your Terminal

Once you’ve got your Square reader and your iPad has the app loaded up, it’s time to personalize the app to work for your business.

View your payment history and change tax and tip settings in the app.

First up is establishing your tax rate, which is going to vary from city to city. If you run a coffee shop or other business where you accept tips, plug in that option as well – that way, people can pay and tip you with one transaction.

Now, it’s time to enter your items.

Send Square to your friends and add in all of your items.

This is the tedious part of the process, depending on the size of your product line. Going back to the coffee shop analogy, let’s suppose that you sell chai tea, hot chocolate, and four different blends of coffee. Hit the plus sign to add each item and put down the specific requirements.

If you have images, or you want to use some taken by your iPad 2, just plug those in – it’s just like you’re adding a new person to your address book. The images become the buttons, making it easier to see items at a glance while you’re taking an order. And, if you don’t have a picture, choose a label color and the button is created with the first two letters of the item in the center, pleasantly similar to the Photoshop dock icon.

Put It in Use

Now it’s time to setup the iPad in your shop. We could spend hours talking about different types of iPad stands, but all you really to do is find one that works for you – and is secure enough that the iPad won’t get stolen. Plug in the Square and you’re ready to take some orders!

Enter your order and swipe the card.

Here’s how you use it: Customer walks in, orders two coffees and a donut. On the bottom of the app is a dollar sign and a circle. Swipe to the side to get to the circle, then push the icon for coffee. Hit the plus sign next to the price, and the quantity and price total up at the top of the screen.

Touch the donut icon and when everything is good to go, touch the charge button. You can choose cash or credit, so touch credit, then swipe the card in the Square reader. Hit authorize and the process starts.

So how does the customer get a receipt? Email, that’s how. Just ask them for their email address and it gets sent off right away, including a Google map of where the purchase was made. Oh and the signature? They sign with their finger. Pretty cool, right?

How It Adds Up

There are other options for your iPad POS terminal needs, but for my money, Square is the way to go. Not only is it portable between iPads, but also between iPhones as well. This opens up a whole world of different business options.

For example, I’m a writer and photographer and I often find myself making sales in a place other than my office. All I need is my iPhone or iPad and my Square reader and I’m good to go.

Maybe I’m out to lunch with my buddies and everyone wants to pay the waitress with a credit card. No worries, I pay the waitress with my card and then my friends pay me with their credit cards using the Square reader. It doesn’t get much more convenient.

You could make the argument that the cost of the iPad overrides the savings from the cash register and credit card machine lease, and you would be right – to a point. At some time in the future, your lease will still be going and you’ll still have to pay every month. The iPad will have paid itself off by then, and now it’s all profit.

If you need a POS terminal for your business, give the iPad and Square a shot. It’s worked well for me, and you might find it’s the perfect fit!

 

She said "This" but she means "This": What women really mean

Relationships are based on trust. Trust is based on what you do. Women love to tell you actions speak louder than words. Men will tell you that women say this because communication just does not end up working for them very well. Not to say that is completely their fault. Yes, signals to get crossed but we men are to blame too. We at times do not take the time to decipher the intricate code of a womans speech.  We hear a woman say 'yes' and mean 'no', or say 'no' but really mean 'yes'.  When it comes to understanding the language of women we all could use some help. This is my gift to you.

[I] I Love You
This is the most to the point as women can get. If a women says they love you. They mean it. They don't play games with  those magic three words.

[II] How Is Your Girlfriend?
Women never ever care  about the other woman. If she is your platonic friend asking this question what she really means is, "When are you two breaking up?" If its your girlfriend asking this question what she really means is, "I don't like you hanging out with your female friend. Stop it so I don't have to ask this question again."

[III] It's Cool
If during a discussion or disagreement a women tells you "it's cool" you need to stop what you are doing and apologize. Why? Well she is done with what you had to say. Credibility is out the door. She has made up her mind. She is not really calm. She is just over it.

[IV] Excuse Me?
What she really meant is What the hell did you just say to me?  This is like a warning shot in the air. She didn't like it and wants an explanation why you said it now, this very moment!

[V] Of Course I Miss You
Listen, if you have to ask then the answer is no. If she gives you this answer she just didn't want to hurt your feelings.

[VI] Nevermind, Forget It
What she really means is Its on my mind now and I am not forgetting it. You should be thinking of what you did wrong or what she thinks you did wrong and how to fix it.

[VII] I Didn't Hear My Phone or I'm going to sleep now
What she really means is that she does not want to speak with you. She looked at the caller ID saw it was you and just did not want to answer. Other side of that is she knows you will keep calling so she said she is going to sleep. If you know she never sleeps this early. Red Flag: what is really going on is either you did something wrong or she is doing something wrong.

[VIII] I'm Done
What she really means is I'm not done with you just yet but you are pushing it. She just wants you to shape up and do your part to make the relationship work.

[IX] I don't want a relationship right now
Most women do not like to be single. Truth be told men don't either. So if this statement is said. What is really meant is I've had too many bad experiences and the last person was just horrible. You could be their clone for all I know.  I am not trying to get hurt again. Yeah all that fits into 'I don't want a relationship right now.



[X] I'll Be Ready In Few Minutes
What she really means is I'll be at least an hour.

[XI] I'm A Free Spirit
What she means is I'm promiscuous and proud of it AKA a hoe.

[XII] Who Is She?
What she really means is "I have Googled her, checked her Facebook, looked at her resume on LinkedIn, read her twitter post and know she is more than just a co-worker. Y'all friends. So don't you dare say you don't know her or you're old friends from undergrad."  Don't lie to her. I mean if your cheating then you are caught anyway, just come clean. If this is just a platonic friend you might want to introduce the two or get rid of her. Clearly your girlfriend/wife is intimidated by her.

[XIII] It's Complicated
What she really means is 'I have someone in my life that I can't let go. Now this does not mean she is cheating on him. It just means she has not let him go yet.

[XIV] You Make The Plans or what are you planing tonight?
What she really means is "You better take me out somewhere nice. I'm not talking Red lobster no chain restaurants."

[XV] Fine
What she really means is I don't want to talk about this anymore. You are not getting it.

[XVI] Nothing
What she means is everything is wrong and it is your fault right now. Fix it ASAP.

[XVII] Go ahead
What she means is no or else. Can I go to the bar with the fellas tonight since we have no plans? She says go ahead. Don't do it.

[XVIII] No you call me
What she really means is Be a man and ask for my number. I don't want yours.

[XIX] He's just a friend
I think Biz Markie covered this already. But if you missed it what she really means is He is your replacement in case you mess up. We are just friends now but you just watch your step mister. *NOTE: May also be her friend with benefits. If this is new friend this should be a red flag.

[XX] When Are We Hanging Out?
What she really means is "I am ready and want to sleep with you. When can you make this happen?"

She said "This" but she means "This": What women really mean

Relationships are based on trust. Trust is based on what you do. Women love to tell you actions speak louder than words. Men will tell you that women say this because communication just does not end up working for them very well. Not to say that is completely their fault. Yes, signals to get crossed but we men are to blame too. We at times do not take the time to decipher the intricate code of a womans speech.  We hear a woman say 'yes' and mean 'no', or say 'no' but really mean 'yes'.  When it comes to understanding the language of women we all could use some help. This is my gift to you.

[I] I Love You
This is the most to the point as women can get. If a women says they love you. They mean it. They don't play games with  those magic three words.

[II] How Is Your Girlfriend?
Women never ever care  about the other woman. If she is your platonic friend asking this question what she really means is, "When are you two breaking up?" If its your girlfriend asking this question what she really means is, "I don't like you hanging out with your female friend. Stop it so I don't have to ask this question again."

[III] It's Cool
If during a discussion or disagreement a women tells you "it's cool" you need to stop what you are doing and apologize. Why? Well she is done with what you had to say. Credibility is out the door. She has made up her mind. She is not really calm. She is just over it.

[IV] Excuse Me?
What she really meant is What the hell did you just say to me?  This is like a warning shot in the air. She didn't like it and wants an explanation why you said it now, this very moment!

[V] Of Course I Miss You
Listen, if you have to ask then the answer is no. If she gives you this answer she just didn't want to hurt your feelings.

[VI] Nevermind, Forget It
What she really means is Its on my mind now and I am not forgetting it. You should be thinking of what you did wrong or what she thinks you did wrong and how to fix it.

[VII] I Didn't Hear My Phone or I'm going to sleep now
What she really means is that she does not want to speak with you. She looked at the caller ID saw it was you and just did not want to answer. Other side of that is she knows you will keep calling so she said she is going to sleep. If you know she never sleeps this early. Red Flag: what is really going on is either you did something wrong or she is doing something wrong.

[VIII] I'm Done
What she really means is I'm not done with you just yet but you are pushing it. She just wants you to shape up and do your part to make the relationship work.

[IX] I don't want a relationship right now
Most women do not like to be single. Truth be told men don't either. So if this statement is said. What is really meant is I've had too many bad experiences and the last person was just horrible. You could be their clone for all I know.  I am not trying to get hurt again. Yeah all that fits into 'I don't want a relationship right now.



[X] I'll Be Ready In Few Minutes
What she really means is I'll be at least an hour.

[XI] I'm A Free Spirit
What she means is I'm promiscuous and proud of it AKA a hoe.

[XII] Who Is She?
What she really means is "I have Googled her, checked her Facebook, looked at her resume on LinkedIn, read her twitter post and know she is more than just a co-worker. Y'all friends. So don't you dare say you don't know her or you're old friends from undergrad."  Don't lie to her. I mean if your cheating then you are caught anyway, just come clean. If this is just a platonic friend you might want to introduce the two or get rid of her. Clearly your girlfriend/wife is intimidated by her.

[XIII] It's Complicated
What she really means is 'I have someone in my life that I can't let go. Now this does not mean she is cheating on him. It just means she has not let him go yet.

[XIV] You Make The Plans or what are you planing tonight?
What she really means is "You better take me out somewhere nice. I'm not talking Red lobster no chain restaurants."

[XV] Fine
What she really means is I don't want to talk about this anymore. You are not getting it.

[XVI] Nothing
What she means is everything is wrong and it is your fault right now. Fix it ASAP.

[XVII] Go ahead
What she means is no or else. Can I go to the bar with the fellas tonight since we have no plans? She says go ahead. Don't do it.

[XVIII] No you call me
What she really means is Be a man and ask for my number. I don't want yours.

[XIX] He's just a friend
I think Biz Markie covered this already. But if you missed it what she really means is He is your replacement in case you mess up. We are just friends now but you just watch your step mister. *NOTE: May also be her friend with benefits. If this is new friend this should be a red flag.

[XX] When Are We Hanging Out?
What she really means is "I am ready and want to sleep with you. When can you make this happen?"

Class Action lawsuit against EA for Madden games. Why didn't 2K Sports do this years ago?

A tip came in about EA getting a hit with a lawsuit for unfair practices when it comes to the Madden games. I was very surprised. Not that it was filed but that it was not 2K Sports. They were at one point very strong competition for EA Sports with their 2K Football series. Some would say they had a better and lower cost to buy product then EA. That rivalry was cut short when EA paid for an exclusive license to the NFL & NFLPA.  I love Madden and I'm one of those that get it every year. I need my football fix but it was nice to at least have a choice.  I harp on Madden because that is what I play but the suit is because the whole football market is under license by EA. The have exclusive licenses for the  NFL, NCAA and even AFL. There is more information at EA Sports Litigation. Let's see if this goes anywhere.

Here is the Lawsuit:

GEOFFREY PECOVER and ANDREW OWENS v. ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.

U.S. District Court (N.D. Cal. - Oakland Div.)
Case No. 08-cv-02820 CW

If You Purchased Certain Electronic Arts Brand Football Video Games
Between January 1, 2005 to the Present
You May Be a Class Member.

Membership as a class member in the Electronic Arts Litigation is the result of a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Oakland Division (Case No. 08-cv-02820 CW).

What Is This Class Action About?
The class action lawsuit alleges violations of California's antitrust and consumer protection laws in connection with the sale of certain football video games. Plaintiffs, purchasers of Electronic Arts' football video games, claim that Defendant Electronic Arts entered into a series of exclusive licenses with the National Football League (NFL), National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA), National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), and Arena Football League (AFL), which Plaintiffs claim foreclosed competition in an alleged football video game market. Plaintiffs allege that this series of exclusive licenses caused customers who purchased certain football video games to be overcharged.
Defendant Electronic Arts has denied any liability and all allegations of misconduct. The Court has not decided whether the Defendants did anything wrong, and this Notice is not an expression of any opinion by the Court about the merits of any of the claims or defenses asserted by any party to this litigation.

Who Are Class Members?
The Class includes all persons who, during the period January 1, 2005 to the present, purchased the Madden NFL, NCAA Football, or Arena Football League brand video games published by Electronic Arts with a release date of January 1, 2005 to the present. Excluded from the class are purchasers of software for mobile devices, persons purchasing directly from Electronic Arts, persons purchasing used copies of the relevant football video games, and Electronic Arts' employees, officers, directors, legal representatives, and wholly or partly owned subsidiaries or affiliated companies.

What Should I Do? (Getting Further Information)
If you believe that you may be a class member (see above "Who Are Class Members"), you should get more detailed information about the class action and its potential effect on you and your rights. Further information can be obtained by going to the following website: www.easportslitigation.com. Additional information about the lawsuit may be obtained from Plaintiffs' Counsel website at www.hbsslaw.com, or by calling Plaintiffs' Counsel at 1-206-623-7292.

To Remain a Class Member
If you are a class member and you do nothing, you will be bound by the court's rulings in the lawsuit, including any final Settlement or Judgment.

To Exclude Yourself from the Class
(Deadline to Request Exclusion: June 25, 2011)
If you are a class member and you want to exclude yourself from the class and keep your right to sue Defendant, you must take further action before June 25, 2011. By that date, you must request exclusion in writing to this address:
Electronic Arts Litigation Exclusion
P.O. Box 8090
San Rafael CA 94912-8090

Or submit a request for exclusion electronically at the following website: www.easportslitigation.com

For further information about excluding yourself from the class go to the following website:
www.easportslitigation.com

Please do not telephone or address inquiries to the Court.
April 6, 2011. By Order of the U.S. District Court (N.D. Cal. - Oakland Div.).

Class Action lawsuit against EA for Madden games. Why didn't 2K Sports do this years ago?

A tip came in about EA getting a hit with a lawsuit for unfair practices when it comes to the Madden games. I was very surprised. Not that it was filed but that it was not 2K Sports. They were at one point very strong competition for EA Sports with their 2K Football series. Some would say they had a better and lower cost to buy product then EA. That rivalry was cut short when EA paid for an exclusive license to the NFL & NFLPA.  I love Madden and I'm one of those that get it every year. I need my football fix but it was nice to at least have a choice.  I harp on Madden because that is what I play but the suit is because the whole football market is under license by EA. They have exclusive licenses for the  NFL, NCAA and even AFL. There is more information at EA Sports Litigation. Let's see if this goes anywhere.

Here is the Lawsuit:

GEOFFREY PECOVER and ANDREW OWENS v. ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.

U.S. District Court (N.D. Cal. - Oakland Div.)
Case No. 08-cv-02820 CW

If You Purchased Certain Electronic Arts Brand Football Video Games
Between January 1, 2005 to the Present
You May Be a Class Member.

Membership as a class member in the Electronic Arts Litigation is the result of a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Oakland Division (Case No. 08-cv-02820 CW).

What Is This Class Action About?
The class action lawsuit alleges violations of California's antitrust and consumer protection laws in connection with the sale of certain football video games. Plaintiffs, purchasers of Electronic Arts' football video games, claim that Defendant Electronic Arts entered into a series of exclusive licenses with the National Football League (NFL), National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA), National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), and Arena Football League (AFL), which Plaintiffs claim foreclosed competition in an alleged football video game market. Plaintiffs allege that this series of exclusive licenses caused customers who purchased certain football video games to be overcharged.
Defendant Electronic Arts has denied any liability and all allegations of misconduct. The Court has not decided whether the Defendants did anything wrong, and this Notice is not an expression of any opinion by the Court about the merits of any of the claims or defenses asserted by any party to this litigation.

Who Are Class Members?
The Class includes all persons who, during the period January 1, 2005 to the present, purchased the Madden NFL, NCAA Football, or Arena Football League brand video games published by Electronic Arts with a release date of January 1, 2005 to the present. Excluded from the class are purchasers of software for mobile devices, persons purchasing directly from Electronic Arts, persons purchasing used copies of the relevant football video games, and Electronic Arts' employees, officers, directors, legal representatives, and wholly or partly owned subsidiaries or affiliated companies.

What Should I Do? (Getting Further Information)
If you believe that you may be a class member (see above "Who Are Class Members"), you should get more detailed information about the class action and its potential effect on you and your rights. Further information can be obtained by going to the following website: www.easportslitigation.com. Additional information about the lawsuit may be obtained from Plaintiffs' Counsel website at www.hbsslaw.com, or by calling Plaintiffs' Counsel at 1-206-623-7292.

To Remain a Class Member
If you are a class member and you do nothing, you will be bound by the court's rulings in the lawsuit, including any final Settlement or Judgment.

To Exclude Yourself from the Class
(Deadline to Request Exclusion: June 25, 2011)
If you are a class member and you want to exclude yourself from the class and keep your right to sue Defendant, you must take further action before June 25, 2011. By that date, you must request exclusion in writing to this address:
Electronic Arts Litigation Exclusion
P.O. Box 8090
San Rafael CA 94912-8090

Or submit a request for exclusion electronically at the following website: www.easportslitigation.com

For further information about excluding yourself from the class go to the following website:
www.easportslitigation.com

Please do not telephone or address inquiries to the Court.
April 6, 2011. By Order of the U.S. District Court (N.D. Cal. - Oakland Div.).

Dear Marriott Customer we too have been hacked

Looks like there is another victim in the growing email hack that has been going on. The newest member of this sad ring is none other than international hotel Marriott. The breach is old news now so we won't harp on it anymore. What I did want to talk about is the staggering amount of business Epsilon was doing. It seems that they were almost as connected to my life as Google is. I'm getting about two emails a day from groups and companies that I don't know or rather didn't know I had signed up for there services. Now would be a good time to go through your password program to see if you signed up for something you don't remember. Ghent change the logins ASAP.


This is the most recent email I have gotten:



April 5, 2011

Dear Marriott Customer,

We were recently notified by Epsilon, a marketing vendor used by Marriott International, Inc. to manage customer emails, that an unauthorized third party gained access to a number of Epsilon's accounts including Marriott's email list.

In all likelihood, this will not impact you. However, we recommend that you continue to be on the alert for spam emails requesting personal or sensitive information. Please understand and be assured that Marriott does not send emails requesting customers to verify personal information.

We take your privacy very seriously. Marriott has a long-standing commitment to protecting the privacy of the personal information that our guests entrust to us. We regret this has taken place and apologize for any inconvenience.

Please visit our FAQ to learn more.

Sincerely,

Marriott International, Inc.

TiVo's email not the only one hacked

Seems TiVo was not the only one that had it's email system hacked last week. A security breach has exposed the names and email addresses of customers of major brands, including Target, Best Buy, Walgreen’s, Capital One, and more.  Millions of users’ information may have been accessed by an unauthorized party. Epsilon,notified its clients Friday that “an unauthorized entry into Epsilon’s email system” had occurred and “was limited to email addresses and/or customer names only.

Anyone who has signed up for or opted into email or other digital marketing campaigns from these companies may have had their name and email address or addresses accessed by an unknown party.Rumor has it Epsilon took immediate action to close the vulnerability and notified law enforcement. The entire list of companies whose customers’ data has been accessed is unknown.

• Target


• Best Buy


• Walgreen’s


• Capital One


• TiVo


• JP Morgan Chase & Co.


• Kroger


• US Bank


• Citi


• McKinsey & Company


• Ritz-Carlton Rewards


• Marriott Rewards


• New York & Company


• Brookstone


• The College Board


• Home Shopping Network (HSN)


• LL Bean


• Disney Destinations


• Barclays Bank of Delaware

1st Date Red Flags

Dating now a days is similar to jumping out of a plane. Its exhilarating, you are taking what could be a life changing step also it shows tremendous trust and faith in the person who packed your gear. Alright I could be over reacting but never the less; its scary out there. To attempt to connect with someone you just met is not an easy task. You have dinner, movie and maybe drinks after to make an impression. That is roughly five hours to convince someone that you are worth seeing again.

Sometimes 1st dates a rigged to fail because of expectations. I'll skip physical stuff. You should have filtered that out before you agreed to the date. I've found people go on dates for a few reasons. They use dates to try to get over their ex but that mindset shows they are not ready. They could be seeking that special someone to form a committed relationship or looking anyone to form relations with. Friends with benefits while a good movie does not end with a happy ending in real life. So how do you know if the 1st date is going well and if theres any hope for a future with this person? Here are some red flags to look for so you can avoid wasting your time on a needless 2nd date.


[I] I don't think so
Its the 1st date and the topic of sex has come up more than an episode of MTV's Skins. Even if it's discreet. This is still a red flag with an alarm blaring. If you're in it for a quickie then continue as you were otherwise it's time to form an exit strategy. Go to the restroom, call a friend and have them call you back in 10 minutes.

[II] It's all about me
I’m all for confidence but not at the expense of conversation. If halfway through the date you know everything just short of their DNA than thats a problem. Not only does it not leave room for discovery but shows how most of your interactions will go. So unless you are equally sharing information or one sided conversations don’t bother you than ignore this red flag.

[III] Case of the Ex
Talking about the ex is part of getting to know someone. You have to know if there is some drama or baggage in the persons past. However there are limits to how much and how often this information is shared. If they keep talking about the ex even after you try to change subjects; chances they're still stuck on the ex. Skip the drama.

[IV] Date with phone
Texting, talking, updating Facebook or tweeting should not occur at all. This is very rude and shows that their focus is not on you. In which case, why are they out with you then? Emergencies happen but for the most part they don't.

[V] Love at 1st sight, literally
If wedding talk is part of the conversation. They are most likely a commitmentaholic. They are desperately looking for a relationship regardless who it is. Desperation is not sexy. On the first date it's unacceptable.

TiVo's email Provider gets hacked. Change your emails ASAP

	TiVo® Service Announcement
	Dear TiVo Customer,  Today we were informed by our email service provider that your email address was exposed due to unauthorized access of their system. Our email service provider deploys emails on our behalf to customers who have opted into email-based communications from us. We were advised by our email service provider that the information that was obtained was limited to first name and/or email addresses only. Your service and any other personally identifiable information were not at risk and remain secure. Please note, it is possible you may receive spam email messages as a result. We want to urge you to be cautious when opening links or attachments from unknown third parties. We regret this has taken place and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We take your privacy very seriously, and we will continue to work diligently to protect your personal information. If you have unsubscribed in the past, there is no need to unsubscribe again. Your preferences will remain in place. Sincerely, The TiVo Team

The above email was sent from TiVo to it's customers. Should you be concerned? No, not really. It was just email and not any financial information. So you can expect some spam to your email. Although I take it most people home some good filters in place. If not, you might want to jump on that.

Upgrade to 20 GB of Amazon CloudPlayer Storage for $2; I kid you not.

Buy an MP3 Album, Upgrade to 20 GB of Cloud Drive Storage

That is all they say about that but do you really want to buy a CD. Don't be a cheap person. Drop the money and buy a some music. No I am not talking about the $7.99 to $14.99 you normally see. You can always buy the special of the day. They are always low cost. It was very simple to just buy the today's special. A cd called Liszt - 200 Years Celebration: Piano Pieces Vol. 1 The asking price $1.99 Right after you but this CD, you well get an email from Amazon. Mine is listed below.

Thanks to your recent purchase of an Amazon MP3 album, you have qualified for a free year of the Amazon Cloud Drive 20 GB storage plan starting today for one year.

* If you do not have an Amazon Cloud Drive account:

If you do not already have an Amazon Cloud Drive account, you can find details about starting with Cloud Drive at: https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/learnmore . To take advantage of this offer, sign in to Cloud Drive with the same Amazon account you used for your purchase and you will see that the 20 GB storage plan has been already applied to your account. This storage plan is not set to renew automatically, which means that at the end of the year your Cloud Drive will be reverted back to the free plan.

* If you have the 5 GB Cloud Drive plan:

The 20 GB storage plan has been applied to your account. This storage plan is not set to renew automatically, which means that at the end of the year your Cloud Drive will be reverted back to the free 5 GB plan.

Google Gmail Motion: A must see

A new way to communicate

The mouse and keyboard were invented before the Internet even existed. Since then, countless technological advancements have allowed for much more efficient human computer interaction. Why then do we continue to use outdated technology? Introducing Gmail Motion -- now you can control Gmail with your body.



[via Google]