He said...Add Kraft Facebook app to help feed families!

Its the holidays and the time for giving, helping - overall goodwill and charity.

Kraft food has developed a new Facebook app in conjunction with social marketing company SocialVibe. Add this app to your Facebook, and it will show up in your feeds. For every friend that also adds the app, Kraft will donate six meals through the Feeding America charity.

In the past two weeks. 1.4 million meals so far have been donated, and Kraft has promised up to 3.2 million. C'mon guys, help out a few of the unfortunate. I know I will, and I literally dont have any apps on my Facebook for the entire time I've been a member of Facebook - nearly 5 years!

Link to add app to your Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=51533392928

Have a GREAT New Year everyone - be sure to ring in 2009 right!

-Chris

He said...to break through online ad clutter, ads should get as creative as these!

Here are a few humorous, creative online ads for Zippo Lighters. The ads are set on a faux webpage to simulate how it would look in context.

The first can be found here:

http://www.pointroll.com/PointRoll/AdDemo/ZippoManufacturingCompany/725_Zippo_StartSomething_StrippingLd7.asp

Although it takes some time for this particular one to get up to speed - I imagine most wont pay attention until the woman in the ad above begins to strip her clothing, its a great example of an online ad that is reaching past the boundaries of simple banner/display advertising by utilizing creative methods of catching viewers' eyes.

The second:

http://www.pointroll.com/PointRoll/AdDemo/ZippoManufacturingCompany/725_Zippo_StartSomething_BaldLd7.asp

This one is similar. While the digital space will only continue to grow, its safe to say that the world wide web will continue to be a pillar of human society, with over hundreds of millions of users worldwide advertising in the online space will have evolve and adapt in order to get their messages across. It will be quite interesting to see what crazy things they think of next.

-Chris

He said...LG's newest "iPhone Killer" - Dick Tracy style.

LG has a new iPhone killer underway for 2009. Its got the usual touchscreen interface, camera, voice and messaging features. Except this one...you wear. 

The LG-GD910 will hit the shelves in Europe and Korea in the upcoming year.

Features include a 1.43" touchscreen display with several buttons down the side of the watch-phone's body. It will support the latest 7.2 mbps HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) for over the air data access. This should make downloads fast. A nifty feature is its ability to make video calls using the camera at the top right of the phone. Bluetooth, mp3 player, speakerphone and text to speech help to round out its array of bells and whistles. Its also waterproof, for all your prone-to-drop-into-toilet-while-in-drunken-stupor tendencies.

Cool stuff. Now where'd I put my yellow hat and blazer...

He said...Playstation 3: 20gb, 40gb, 60gb, 80gb, 160gb PS3 differences/comparison

Hey everyone!

I trust everyone had a great holiday and is ready for the new year! While most of us are tweaking 2009 New Year's Resolutions, Sony has been at work to cut costs on its next-gen gaming console, the Playstation 3. As those of you who are familiar with the console world may know, the PS3 was a whopping $599 for its premium model at product launch. It has since then come a long way on a very rough road.

So far, there have been four models: 20gb, 40gb, 60gb and 80gb models. Now there is a 160gb. Curse Sony and their many models! The crazy thing is, each of them is/were slightly different at different price points. I'll definitively break down what is what, so all you people out there can finally know. I'll outline some info on outdated models, then clarify what PS3 versions have what features and their respective retail prices.

Here is a rundown on the models no longer in production:

Outdated models/out of production: 20gb, 40gb, 60gb

20gb - If you have the opportunity to purchase the 20gb, I recommend to stay away, but I doubt there are any left out there.

40gb - Soon to be/currently being phased out of production

60gb - this model was the first generation "premium" model - Can find the same features at the same price with a larger hard drive - e.g. 80gb bundle pack.

ALL PS3 models (40gb, 60gb, 80gb, 160gb) feature the following: 

-plays HD Blu-ray discs in full 1080p High Definition - all Blu-ray movies are 1080p, games are either 720p, or 1080p

-play DVDs and upscales to HD

-Plays CDs

-built in Wi-fi (for wireless internet connections)

-Comes with one (1) Wireless controller (May or may not have DUALSHOCK® vibration function)

-All necessary wires included except HDMI cable for HD output (should be less than $20 online)

-Bluetooth capability

-2 USB ports (60gb has 4 ports)

-Free Playstation Network membership

-Supports up to 7 wireless controllers

-Backwards compatible with some Playstation 1 ONLY!

Now, onto features specific to 40gb, 60gb, 80gb, and 160gb models:

40gb - $399: Soon to be discontinued. Will not play PS2 or PS1 games. No chrome accents.

60gb - $ N/A: Already discontinued. First generation PS3, has 4 USB ports, and media card slots for SD, Compactflash and Sony memory sticks. Plays most PS2 and PS1 games.

80gb - $399-499: 

-First Gen ($499) is the same as 60gb model, but with an 80gb hard drive. PS3s that came bundled with Motorstorm or Metal Gear Solid 4 game are first generation models that have features listed under 60gb above.

-Second generation core system ($399 - does not include any games) - No media card  slots (SD, Compactflash, Sony memory stick)

160gb - $499: "Limited Edition" bundle includes "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune" game; voucher for free downloadable "PAIN" game (value $9.99, expires 3/30/09)

There. I've laid it all out for you and I hope it was helpful. In my opinion, either the 60gb or 80gb bundle that includes either of the games are the best value out there, since they are the only PS3s that play PS2 games, and for the vast majority, 60-80gb is way more than enough space. For those of you that do not know, it is possible to upgrade the hard disk with a standard 2.5" hard drive.

Im guessing Sony has some tricks up its sleeve this year in order to compete with Microsoft dropping prices on the very popular Xbox 360, and of course the Nintendo Wii. The next-gen console war is far from over.

-Chris

He said...It's even easier to shop for guys!

Lets just put it this way. Guys (well...most guys) are DEFINITELY easier to buy gifts for than most chicks.

And while I do not often necessarily get asked the question what a perfect gift would be for a guy, I do have a certain opinion and/or suggestions on what would likely be great gift ideas. I highlight top 5 picks below - there are 6, but... well, you'll see.

I will order the following from most to least in general awesomeness:

1) A new ride- Alrite, I know this is a reaaaaalll stretch, but I felt compelled to include it as the number one because it easily tops out in ultimate awesomeness. Unless you are the daughter of a ridiculously wealthy tycoon, or happen to be the ridiculously wealthy tycoon, this is likely not to happen. However, I am hoping somewhere, one of you will read this and make him a very lucky guy to be in cahoots with you. Nothing like a tiny box under the tree with the key to the Ferrari outside with the big pink bow.

2) Tech & Gadgets- Guys love a shiny new gadget that will make them feel like James Bond - some more "conventional" gift ideas would be akin to Carly's #4:

- Latest cell phone/Smartphone/PDA (that's personal digital assistant for all your public affection'ers out there)

- iPod - definitely spring for the iPod Touch as its only $80 more than the 8GB Nano for the same amount of space; you'll get much increased screen size, wi-fi and gaming capabilities from the App Store

- Some useful, cool looking gadget that have a practical use - The Oral-B Triumph with Smartguide is pretty cool

3) Some sick new threads- Clothing (that he'll wear) is always a great gift idea, and for some of you lovely ladies out there, this may be the perfect chance to dress your man up to look a bit more like the "man of your dreams" (you know who I'm talkin' about). Consider matching it with the Ferrari you just bought him.

A few stylish suggestions: 

- Argyle sweaters, sweater vests (please keep it classic, no outlandish colors!)

- Outerwear- A topcoat that falls mid-thigh, and keep it fitted and slim - this means when in doubt, opt for the smaller size. JCrew, Banana Republic have some nice pieces that wont break the bank.

- A good quality suit. Doesn't have to say Prada on the label, but fabric quality is key. And remember, a custom fit will make a less expensive suit look like just the opposite. Drag him to a good tailor and have it fitted slim through the leg, waist and shoulders - just make sure you put a leash on him when he goes out, cuz he'll look THAT good.

- Ties. Ties are GREAT because they can easily turn a casual shirt/pants outfit into a professional one, or a go great on a shirt with a pair of jeans for going out. Again, opt for a slim tie 2 3/4 inches or less at its widest point. Point to YouTube if he does not know how to tie an essential four-in-hand knot.

4) Practical but stylish accessories- This could mean watches, a nice man-bag or briefcase, tie-bars, cufflinks... You be the judge, but remember, it has to be practical; something he will only shove into a dusty corner of his closet does not qualify.

5) Books- I love that Carly mentioned this, it is definitely an awesome gift. No, you don't necessarily have to give him "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Nietzsche unless of course, he's into that sort of thing. But you would be surprised at the plethora of books out there on any subject possible. The key is to find a book that is about one of his passions. He likes football? (Get him a book on his fave pro-football player. "Favre" by Brett Favre comes highly recommended.) If your man loves motorcycles like I do, get him "Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch - also very highly recommended - its also got lots of purdy pictures!

6) Tasteful, unique, decorative objects for his office/desk- There are plenty of things out there that are just awesome desk objects to have and look at. Try to find something that has a bit of character, preferably something that reminds you of him. He will appreciate it (although he may not voice it) that you understand him on some level as well as spicing up the look of his drab, all too common office/cubicle. 

Cool toys like the Hexbug look awesome as well serve as a quick stress relieving distraction

Happy Holidays everyone!

-Chris

She said...It’s Easy to Shop for Girls!

I get this question a lot from my guy friends:
“What should I get my girlfriend/fiancée/wife/important female in my life?”

Personalized gifts trumps all.
But if you find yourself stumped and crunched for time, then here’s my easy guide to winning favor with your lady – just in time for the holiday season!

1) JEWELRY – it never fails.
2) BOOKS – if you know she’s a reader, why not indulge her passion? Get her a book she’s been meaning to pick up. Or check the NY Times Best Seller’s list for ideas. Pair it up with PJs & a box of hot cocoa mix to add a special touch.
3) HAND BAGS – consultation with the friendly sales associate or a stylish friend is highly recommended.
4) LATEST TRENDY GADGET – iPhone, iPod, Blackberries, cameras. Things that don’t require assembly.
5) WATCHES
6) SPA PACKAGE
7) CONCERT/SPORTING EVENT TICKETS
8) CAREER RELATED ITEMS -- this is a no-brainer. If she's a photographer, maybe you can get her the latest greatest SLR, new camera lenses. If she's an accountant, get her a calculator (lol or a nice brief case).
9) SEX & THE CITY DVD BOX SET -- I have never met a woman that does not like Sex & the City. Seriously ... who doesn't like Sex & the City?! Just make sure she didn't beat you to it and has owned it for years now.

When all else fails – GIFT CARDS! My suggested picks are Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, JCREW, and Barnes & Noble.

Since gift cards require you to name the value you’re putting on the card (& in a way, a measured amount of how much you love this person), be careful how much you put on the card.
In the case of gift cards, sometimes you might find that you get what you give in return.
A generous amount could help lower the number of “I’m too tired” responses you’ll get.

HAPPY SHOPPING (and you're welcome, ladies)!

He said... Calling all mobile techie eco-conscious road warriors!

So for all those out there who are concerned with the increasing environmental issues plaguing our world, but yet require a large amount of energy consumption for on the go, there may be a solution! (albeit along with a hefty price tag!)

Behold, the Voltaic Generator, a laptop tote that is capable of charging your laptop and many other electronic peripherals via solar panels. The panels generate enough power to fully charge the internal battery in approximately 5 hours. The internal battery can be used to charge your laptop, cellphone, PDA, iPod, as well as anything else your heart desires via power adaptors. Most laptop models - Apple, Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo and Panasonic are supported.

Besides harnessing the power of the sun, the bag is mostly constructed from 100% recycled PET soda bottles. For a large laptop tote capable of holding a 17" notebook, it weighs in at a relatively light 4.5 lbs, comparable to both leather/synthetic laptop cases of similar size. One would think that internal battery would make the case heavier than it is! The case comes in black, but the solar panels come in a variety of flavors to help appease the fashion sense of some (or lack thereof, hehe): Silver, Orange, Green, Black and White. The handle contains an indicator light to let you know when the panels are getting a tan.

Voltair Generator found here

Voltaic Generator kryptonite: 

cloudy and rainy days (Utilize USB or car charger to combat these situations)

sun-starved offices

$499 price tag

Voltaic Generator likes: 

sunny days 

owners who love being in the sun as much as their Voltaic Generator does

tech-wired traveling consumer

Unfortunately, I do not travel with my gadgets nearly enough to warrant the need for this seemingly awesome case, but if the opportunity arises in the future, I will definitely be looking for one - in contrasting white panels of course!

-Chris

He said...Louis Vuitton's new posterchild

Timeless classic Louis Vuitton has once again convinced an historically iconic figure to show off LV's awesome garb. The new Louis Vuitton campaign, in which had included the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev and Keith Richards, embodies the rogue spirit of Madonna. She's fabbed up in complete head to toe LV-wear. She is full of attitude in this shot below:

I love the colors, all very warm, earthy tones that are vivid, yet give off a sense of a quaint, rustic feel. The backdrop of the modest restaurant/bar seems almost homage to throwback pre-prohibition era, while Lady Madonna's outfit has the unfettered  immediate-post-prohibition style and flair. LV's photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott keeps consistent with Marc Jacob's spring Vuitton collection, staying pace with the "smoky French bistro..." very "Brassai" atmosphere, undoubtedly enhanced by Madonna's presence. (But the restaurant, named "Figaro" is on North Vermont Ave in L.A.)

Madonna has been admiringly known as an innovator of sorts - music, fashion, pretty much whatever she puts her mind to. I still remember her music video bearing a strong resemblance to a certain Pierce Brosnan, his 007'ness and his sabre fighting turn mass chaotic, throw whatever you can get your hands on scene in "Die Another Day".

It is rumored that LV ponied up some serious dough for this shoot, with Madonna receiving as much as 10 million (although LV assures it is very far from that)  for the work pictured here:

Madonna's pose above really brings out certain elements of her outfit - her stillettos particularly call out to me. They are very tall, I estimate that heel to be over 3.5 inches and really adds to Madonna's penchant for deliberated exaggeration. They're quite complex, as there is a wide variety of textiles used; from the looks of it, leather, leopard print fabric, possibly even nylon as well as tassles to give it a sort of exuberance that is so characteristic of Madonna. She makes sure to show it through her pose too. Notice the offset dual colors of the soles of her pumps which are more prominent on the shoe of the foot she holds above her head - the offset dark and contrasting beige/tan gives a checkered look which really makes these unique. 

I'm no connoisseur of women's clothing, but I really like how this look was put together. The bold orange material by her waist transitions the flurry of materials, colors and prints seen on her wrist. And of course the signature monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag - almost like a hobo with its wrinkled slouchy look, but worn on a shorter strap (which I'm sure is adjustable).

Overall, her look is simple: dark fitted tee, fishnet stockings with several highlighted points that really draw the eyes - wrist, waist and feet.

The pose Madonna strikes in both of the photos above gives off such an aura about her. Effortless, elegant and yet full of attitude, but in a refined way. Marc Jacobs, who is Vuitton's creative director was inspired for this photo shoot for Women's Wear Daily when he saw her perform in concert the night before a Monday meeting to brainstorm campaign ideas. MJ impulsively, but perhaps intuitively wanted to do Madonna, and within minutes shot a message to Madonna BlackBerry style, who replied with three words in less than 5 minutes: "I'd love to."

Expect to be blitzed by the 6 picture print campaign in coming February and March issues up for grabs in newstands everywhere, running along a tandem campaign featuring our beloved original 007 scotsman, Sean Connery.

Well done LV cronies, well done.

-Chris

She said ... She's Making a List at JCREW and Checking it Twice

You're welcome :)

He said...Its SNOWBOARDING season, baby!

Yeapppp. Thats right. You heard me! As the temperatures drop from the ideal "flicking my motorcycle through corners" range on the 'ol thermometer, one great thing ends, and another begins - time to shred some snowy slopes!

So to honor the upcoming awesome-ness, here ya go, snowbunnies and Shaun White hopefuls:

Double black diamond?

Bring it on.

He said...Hilarious ad for new social networking service

Hi guys,

For those of you that don't know, in a given day I go through a fair number of industry newsletters/articles, blogs and updates as well as advertisements in various forms. One of the elements I wanted to bring to "He said, She said" is unique, interesting and funny ads that I see. 

Check out this new ad for a new service called Fuser:

Sooo...What the heck is it?

Fuser is one of the new types of services that I see coming to the digital space. Many of us belong to a host of web-mail (Gmail, Yahoo!) as well as social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn. Fuser looks to bring the basic elements of these services to one portal where you can access all your channels of communication with just one username and password. The concept is interesting and could be useful for those who need to access to-the-point features like messaging, but my main critique is that part of the appeal of Facebook, Twitter, Gmail etc. is the unique user experience each provides. Commercial was kinda funny though, wasn't it? =] 

If you'd like to see Fuser's other edgy and potentially slightly controversial ads, they are located here:

"Initiation"

"Found one"

Cheers!

Chris

He said...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOCHA!!!!!

Just wanted to say Happy 4th Birthday to my loyal buddy - Mocha Frappuccino!



I have never regret the day we met,
though headache after headache I endure
Unique is your nature, I am sure
Love for you only resides,
for the day's end yields you by my side
May you have many, many more!

Happy 4th ya crazy dog.


-Daddy

He said...Project Lego Runway, anyone?

As we are well into the fall season, a few of the great things we get are beautiful autumn colors, football and of course fashion!

When I came across this ad, I felt it was an interesting approach at presenting itself as a brand and product. I particularly though it was cool because it infused a favorite childhood toy of mine, with fashion and media.

Cue the techno!

This spot brought to you by the mind of French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

His work was featured in Charlie’s Angels, Prince in New York, Mrs. Doubtfire, as well as a number of exhibits throughout the world. For this spot, he teams up with Lego and Four-H, a French creative agency with a mission to bridge art and advertising in strategic and innovative ways.

As you can see, he actually features his Spring/Summer 2009 collection on Lego figurines in standard runway fashion! (pun intended) This is quite interesting as it is a break away from the ordinary, but yet delivered in a way that is familiar, with models strolling down the runway in various fabricated gab. Although the video is strictly for Mr. Castelbajac’s designs, there is a halo effect produced for Lego. Those familiar figures will not go unrecognized and brings the Lego brand to mind – just in time for the holidays, I might add. Fashion is continually changed and redefined as each designer pursues innovation and visual designs unseen before. It is nice to see that some designers are thinking outside (or inside?) the Lego Box. A few samples of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's kitschy designs, including the attention snagging Obama dress Katy Perry wore to the EMA awards, Europe’s MTV Music Awards.

Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed any of our blogs, I encourage you to suscribe to our RSS feeds!

jusqu'à la fois suivante, mes amis!
(Until next time, my friends!)

-Chris

She said...ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

Sunday afternoon is upon us & you know what that means.

For all you football fans out there, you're probably gearing up for kickoff at 1PM -- laptop in one hand ready to make any fantasy football changes & a can of Bud Light in another.

In honor of this glorious day, here's a quick 30 second Mastercard spot featuring yo boy, Manning (sorry NY, I mean Peyton), that I really liked.

Enjoy!

He said...great balls of fury!

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving, and stuffed yourself silly – I know I did!

Since we happen to be in the media/advertisement business, Carly and I have promised to include industry happenings in our blog writings. So a few interesting advertisements came to my attention, and I thought it would make for an interesting write-up to commend these advertisements for their unique and interesting approach to their product.

The first ad (can you guess what its for?) features “Bruce Lee” pwning a professional ping pong player in table tennis…with his nunchuks!! Hahaha, how AWESOME is that?? The clip of the action is slightly drawn out at over a full minute of ping pong play, but the action is pretty awesome as he even takes on two players at once ‘cause hes just that good. Here it is:

Like I had previously mentioned, the length could have been shortened; many television spots are under a minute, while video ads in the digital space should generally be shorter due to the more content-crowded environment in which advertisers must draw in and captivate viewers’ attention more effectively. Research has shown that the average viewer will tune out an ad within 2 to 3 seconds. While this generally applies to banner advertising, it is probably in the advertiser’s best interest to make their video ads (however amusing or humorous) as short and sweet as possible.

But...

This ad for Nokia’s N96 made its rounds throughout the world through viral channels within a few days of its appearance. The ad was featured in China towards a Chinese audience, but its viral potential was high – the advertisement featured a legendary famous person/character engaged in a situation he would not normally be portrayed in, not to mention he was kicking serious ass. While Bruce Lee has nothing to do with Nokia or the N96 for that matter, advertisers increasingly find the viral effect a powerful one as their message gets sent quickly and through highly effective channels of communication: friends of friends of relatives of more friends. While it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway - one is much more likely to pay attention to an ad recommended to him/her than in any other normal situation.

-Chris

He said...the indulging of carnivoral desires

Although I would not call myself a "foodie" per se, I love food. After all who doesn't? Food is great - it nourishes, it entertains, it is artful, and most importantly, tasty. So a friend and I decided to hit up what has been described as the "be all, end all" of steakhouses: Peter Luger's.

For those of us in NYC, there are two locations: one in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the other in upscale Great Neck which is on the Queens/Nassau border. While it has been said that the one in Great Neck is the better of the two, I compared menus and found that the one in Great Neck did indeed contain a more comprehensive menu of additional entree items such as Maine Lobster, Broiled Chicken and Fresh Fish of the season. They also offer more robust luncheon specials, served before 3 PM including Sundays, whereas the 'burg location does not.

The Brooklyn Menu can be seen here:
Williamsburg Menu

Now I wouldn't give you the Williamsburg menu and not offer the other now would I??
Great Neck Menu

So... On to the juicy parts.

The Williamsburg location is set on a corner, with a rather uneventful facade, but still classy and suitable.





Upon entering, you are greeted by a lengthy classic wooden bar. To be honest I would have expected a slightly more upscale feel to match the reputation that precedes Peter Luger as well as its prices. We were seated quickly and courteously at wooden tables. The interior decor, although not ugly or distasteful, felt...lacking in a certain sense. I denno, maybe I had preconceptions going there and expected something different, but it seemed rather plain. However, there is beauty and function in simplicity and in no way does it necessarily detract from the experience. I would note, however, that the lighting could have been a bit more dim, it may lend more depth and detail to the wooden surfaces, as well as providing an ambiance more cozy and intimate that is usually characteristic of a good atmosphere for a date.

We were quickly greeted by our waiter and offered a bread basket and several cubes of butter. The wine list was extensive and I found myself wishing I knew more about wine culture and actually liked red wine (I'm more of a crisp Riesling kinda guy) I decided to make a decision where (and I borrow from Carly's repertoire of wise sayings) "I can do no wrong" and went with a nice cold glass of Brooklyn Lager. The lovely lady to my side suggested we go for the "steak for two" along with a side of creamed spinach; after looking over the menu, I could not help but concur. There is no choice as to how the steak is prepared or marinated, it is pan seared with a medley of seasonings and butter, served alongside the famous Peter Luger steaksauce.

After some chatting, a monstrous platter of sizzling steak, cooked medium rare made its way to our table as well as our side dish. The waiter curtly served us portions of each, and of course, we dug in. The first bite of steak was awesome - the exterior was cooked to a slight crisp and the inside was as soft as could be. The knife cut through each slice quite literally like a hot knife through butter. The steak sauce left me wanting; it was on the sweet side, and we both happened to prefer the tangy, slightly spicy taste of A1. Though the steak was very good, steak for two was more than necessary for the both of us, and I consider myself to have quite the hearty appetite. I would recommend ordering steak for one less than your party, and perhaps order an extra side dish or two instead. It will add balance and variety to your meal, while still giving you the pleasure of a finely tuned steak.

The creamed spinach was pleasurable, but again nothing to write home about (but good enough to blog about!). Again, I would recommend trying a few different side dishes and appetizers - it is easier to do this with a larger party, as two can only eat so much.

Dessert choices looked appetizing; staples like apple strudel, ice cream, cheesecake and pecan pie looked tempting, but we were both too full for its attempt to tempt to take hold on our penchant for sweets.

Overall the dining experience was pleasant, albeit somewhat overrated. This wall of seemingly unending Zagat reviews are far from being unfounded, but I found the experience to be YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).



Prices are on the expensive side, expect to spend $70+ on tax, tip and one drink. Of course, cost will vary depending on what you order and how large your party is, but nonetheless it is on the pricey side. It is definitely worth at least a visit if you consider yourself to be at minimum an amateur connoisseur of steak. Be sure to know your wine, (or at least pretend to!) and definitely bring good company. In my experience, a few awesome friends go a long way to make your dinner out that much better; and of course, I was fortunate enough to have had great company to make my first visit to Peter Luger's a pleasurable one.


-Chris

She said...Carly's long awaited BlackBerry Storm

After months of frantically surfing the web in anticipation of the official release date from Verizon, the day has finally arrived!

I've made the first baby steps into joining the ranks of crackberries worldwide and got myself a Blackberry STORM -- the first touchscreen smart phone from the geniuses at Research in Motion (RIM).

Photo courtesy of CNET.com

Never in my life have I felt more connected to the rest of the world.
Gmail/GChat, Facebook, AIM -- all in the palm of my hand!
But this joyous union didn't come without its trials and tribulations.

I scoffed at the notion earlier in the week that I would need to be at the Verizon store at the ass crack of dawn on the release date in order to get my hands on the phone.
I mean, afterall, there wouldn't be a lot of Blackberry fanatics out there on the Verizon network vying for this phone (I'm sure that they would've jumped on the Curve already. We just got the Curve a few months ago and their contracts wouldn't be up yet), I'll be getting the phone near my home in Queens (less populated than Manhattan), and it's Friday -- people have work, for Pete's sake (only I'm crazy enough to take a personal day to get a phone)!

But I underestimate you crackberry users out there.

The Verizon store on Austin Street opened promptly at 8AM.
I arrived at approximately 8:15AM to the horrendous sight of ....

.. a LINE.
A line of about 36 people ahead of me with approximately 5 people inside the store that were being helped.
Needless to say, the line got longer as the day progressed.
And due to the massive requests on the Verizon network to activate the phone, we experienced massive delays.
I waited outside the store (in 30something degree weather might I add) for 2 hours and waited another 3 hours inside the store before I walked out with this beauty.

So as you're shaking your disapproving head at me and my foolish ways, the first question that comes to your mind must be: Was it worth it?

Well, that has yet to be determined.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
To be quite honest, I was a little bit overwhelmed with all the functions and buttons to the phone as I was going in as a BB newb.
Because it's my first touch screen phone, I had to get used to how it types, how it feels and wait, how do I make outgoing calls with this?!? Doh!

Here's a list of my PROS & CONS:

PROS
1) Browser -- I am really impressed with just how fast the browser is on Verizon's 3G network. It's so fast that I sometimes forget I'm surfing the web on a PHONE and not at home on my laptop. Verizon is known for its exceptional service and cell coverage so I imagine that connectivity to the web should not pose a problem.
2) The Screen -- looks amazing in high resolution 480 x 360 pixel color. The quality is so great that I can't stop staring at this pic of the rain forest I have set up as the background of my phone. Ooooooooooo ...
3) The SURE PRESS Touch Screen -- I was never a big fan of touch screen anythings because I felt like it was very clumsy and that it was too touch sensitive for my fat fingers. Unlike other touch screen devices, the Storm's "Sure Press" feature requires you to select the button first and push on the screen when the desired button is highlighted, which makes you feel like you're selecting something and not everything next to it.
4) Cost -- At $199 after mail-in rebate and a 2 year contract, I think this smart phone is quite a steal considering what the device offers.

CONS
1) I don't know if it's my fat fingers or what, but whenever I'm on GChat and I'm trying to crank out a message out at 5 WPM ("words per minute", Chris!) , somehow, in the middle of my attempt, the camera turns on. Once that happens, I can't seem to turn off the camera and go back to my GChat window. OH! And I noticed my screen flickered a couple of times (think TV static). I think my phone is possessed.
2) It's been 12 hours since I charged the phone to its full capacity and it's now running on one and a half bars (out of 5 bars) of battery. Maybe it's because I was using it a lot today in order to set up stuff, draining the battery life or it's because I haven't found the power saver function of this phone.

Though these cons seem kinda scary, Blackberry is usually very good about working out their kinks and providing system updates to improve their devices.

It's been brought to my attention that there might not be another shipment of Storms until 12/5 or 12/15. Yikes!
Here's why:
http://crackberry.com/next-batch-verizon-storms-not-shipping-until-december-5th
(This explains why my phone keeps locking up)

So hopefully by then I'll be able to discover more Pros or more Cons to share with you guys in order to make a more informed purchase decision before you take a personal day from work, go out there and wait on line for 5 hours.

~ CARLY

Drumroll Please.............................

Hi everyone!

To introduce ourselves, I am Chris, and *points somewhere in the direction of Queens* that, is Carly! We're fairly new to the blogging world, and this is our first blog - the idea was the brainchild of probably the most random conversation between her and I, but hey, we decided to roll with it and here it is!

To give you guys an idea of the direction we would like to take the blog, there is no direction; we felt that the blog should be an extension of ourselves and our personalities - blog posts will come from our passions and interests which encompass everything from A to Z (really, we actually sat together once and listed them all), items of discussion that ignite the flames within us to the most random happenings around the Big Apple. I must say, however, we do have a bit of a unique twist to our writings: from time to time we will offer a bifocal view of a topic from each of our unique perspectives which are, of course, drawn upon each of our individualistic experiences! Plainly put: He said, She said!

I hope you all enjoy!

*pssssttt - hey you! yeah, you! suscribe to our RSS feed! Ya know ya wanna! =D*