I am getting a BlackBerry, I have never had one. This should be an interesting change from the Voyager for sure. I am hoping I have more luck with the BlackBerry than I have had with Smartphones in the past. The main reason I am making the switch is I got an amazing deal on the 8830 BlackBerry World Edition with Verizon. I am going to list my Voyager on Ebay to round up some extra money.

But, I need some help. Does anyone out there know any must have apps, or any tips or tricks of the trade I should know. Any help would be greatly appreciated, so thanks in advance.

We all have had it happen. Somehow a telemarketer has gotten your cellphone number, or maybe someone you just don't want to have it, this can be a pain. What's worse is it can also use up your minutes.

I have Verizon and I know for sure they do not offer call blocking. I hear other carriers are the same. If you have this problem, and wanna put a stop to it. Look no further than Youmail.com. Youmail.com is a free substitute to your carriers voicemail service. It's free, and has a ton of fun and cool features. But most of all you can have it send a certain number to a disconnection sound or any other announcement you like. Don't just take my word for it.... Try it out now!

I have a confession...... I have fallen in love with The Family Guy. I am not sure if it's due to the raw humor of it, or if that it's just so fun to watch. Either way whats not to love about a fat father that tries to do what's best for his family and seems to always make the wrong choices.

I would have to say Chris is my favorite character, but to be honest all of them are pretty damn good. I mean the way Peter always flashes back when telling stories of his past, now those are just great. Stewie always trying to kill Lois, or even Brian the talking dog. It's just a great show overall. I have to say my favorite episode is to be determined as that I haven't found one I didn't like. Another awesome thing is how Fox has started streaming full episodes a few days after they first run, you can check that out here.

If you wanna show your love for Family Guy and want to grab some nice wallpapers here are a few sites I'd recommend.

Quahog 5 News

Planet Family Guy

I got to thinking today on my drive to work about all of the little apps, gadgets, etc.. that I am thankful for on a day to day basis. You know how it is. All of us have our "favorite" little websites, apps or other things that we couldn't really do without. Well, I am sure we could do without but they make life more fun and things so much more easier. What really amazes me is that for every thing tech related I love there is something out there that I don't know about that I would have fun playing with too. I have to admit I am a glutton for free web apps and fun/useful websites out there. whether it's a app that I use once a month or one I use daily I still just like being able to experience as many of them as I can find. I am also the type of person you could call a "Beta Whore". I embarrassingly enough love checking out and scoring Beta invites to new sites and apps. It's almost like an addiction. But hell it's a free one right so why not?

Before I list my favorite things, I would like to ask you what some of your favorites are? Be it a web app, website, or anything tech related you couldn't do without, or heck even just enjoy please share them with me! I'd love to discover more that I might have never ran across.

In closing here is my list. These are in no certain order.

Twitter
I think everyone knows about this one. I have easily become addicted and met a lot of very cool people via Twitter as well. Also hear about a lot of Beta software from the people I follow.

Tweetscan
A real-time search engine for Twitter posts. I use this to find people that talk about my interests, or are close to my location.

Tweetstats
Graph your Twitter stats

Twitter Karma
Find out if the people you are following are following you and vice versa....

Friend Or Follower
Pretty much the same as Titter Karma, but works better

Yourminis.com
Two years ago I started with My Yahoo, then switched to iGoogle, and then to Netvibes. Then, I found yourminis.... The rest is history

Skitch
This little handy app for the Mac is awesome... Best screen capture app I have ever used... And fun too!

Mac The Ripper
I think you know what I use this for, and it works great!

DVD2One
Same as above... Works great!

Visual Hub
Best converter for the Mac in my eyes.... Handbrake what?

Transmission
So light and yet does the job with ease!

Digsby
I used to use Trillian for my IM needs but then I found Digsby... Only downfall is not available for Mac just yet. I am not a fan of Adium.

Youmail
I don't have a clue how I lived without this! BEST free voicemail ever! Never be just "satisfied with your Cell's regular voicemail. And it's free!!!

eXTReMe Tracking
I have used this for years on my blogs. Love all the stats it supports and how well it tracks your visitors!

Pandora
Nothing better than creating my own Eric Church station!

w.bloggar
the only app that I could find that will let me post to blogger from work.... Works well... Lacks categorized abilities though.

I got to looking around this morning and noticed I have some Beta invites to spare. I have extra's for all the sites and software below. If you would like an invite please leave a comment with email address and which invites you would like, and I will send them out.

XOBNI
Xobni Insight is an add-on for Microsoft Outlook that offers effortless email management and provides instant access to the most important information in your email.

GRAND CENTRAL
With GrandCentral, you can be reached with a single number, answer a call at any phone you want, seamlessly switch phones in the middle of a call, and even know whether a call is important before you take it.

SKITCH
Skitch.com is a webservice that works hand in hand with our application Skitch to give you 1-click uploading of images for fast and fun image sharing.

DIGSBY
Digsby is a multiprotocol IM client that lets you chat with all your friends on AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber with one simple to manage buddy list.

In case you didnt notice DirectTV has released a new On Demand service thats in beta. For me this is an huge move in the right direction for Direct Tv. I can't wait to test it out. According to their websit here is what you will need.

To enjoy the DIRECTV on DEMAND service, you need:

* A DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receiver (HR20 or HR21 model)
* Your receiver must be connected to the Internet
* HD Access and DVR service
* Broadband Internet service with a minimum connection speed of 750 Kbps or higher (DSL or cable)
* A network router with an available Ethernet port
* A land-based phone line connection
* An available wall outlet

You can connect your receiver to the Internet in the following ways:

* Wired Connection: A direct connection between your broadband router and your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receiver via an Ethernet cable.
* Powerline Connection: Your home's existing power lines are used to connect your broadband router to your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receiver via a Powerline Ethernet Adapter(See "Get Connected").
* Wireless Connection: Your own wireless router and adapter are used to send data from your broadband router to your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receiver.

So if I like their convenience why do I wish I could cut them out? It's what happened today at Wal-Mart that makes me furious at them. They simply give NO training or background to their employees that sell items in particular departments. Especially the electronics department.Constantly you will find yourself when asking any questions if they have a certain item in that your dealing with someone that thinks your speaking a foreign language. You know withing 5 seconds that the person has no clue what the item is your looking for and they just say, "Oh, we don't carry those" and then 5 mins after looking around you find one on the shelf.

Today I went to the electronics department to get a USB wireless G adapter for a guy here at work. I knew they had them I had seen them before. Well, to my surprise they had re-organized that department and everything had changed. I politely asked the guy where their networking items were and routers. He looked at me in a very confused state and said "You mean for a TV?" I had to refrain from coming back with a big WTF are you serious comment. But after 5 seconds I recognized he was indeed serious. Stupid but very serious. So after finally tracking them down and pulling one of the shelf I decided to help the next guy like me by asking the three reps at the electronics counter to come with me, and then continued to school them on what a router and networking was.

In closing has anyone ever experienced this with any other of their departments or the electronics department? Or am I just very unlucky? Either way WAL-MART you NEED to implement a training program with as much profit you gain......

I am a "down to earth" type of guy.... When I say this I mean I am very simple. This comes from being raised in a small town in Ohio, and both sides of my family having farming ties. I am not necessarily your tipical "farm boy" or anything like that, but when it comes to the way I dress I'd much rather be in Jeans and a T for sure.

Now this is where my question comes into play..... We all know there are times when you are expected and required to "dress up". I have no issue with this but I will say as soon as I get home from a nice dinner with my girlfriend, and family and friends. I am ready to shuck off my clothes and get back into my usual comfort wear of T-shirt and athletic shorts...

It's not that I hat dressing up but I just feel so uncomfortable in anything but. My question to you all is what do you prefer to relax in? And when you dress up is it just a nice Polo or button down with an optional tie? Or do you go all out with a sport coat or suit and tie? When it comes to me, the only time I will be seen in a suit is a wedding .......

Ipod killer? Nope not even close…….

Wanna know whats amazing about that statement coming from me? I have NEVER touched an iPhone. The Voyager is lacking…… in all areas. Of course what’s con’s without some pro’s? So I’ll start with them.

Reasons I “like” or even better I am content with my Voyager.

• For HTML browsing I only have to pay $15 for the Vcast package
• I can easily use it as a modem for my Macbook over Bluetooth
• The qwerty keyboard, and believe it or not I like it’s looks.

Now the reasons I get aggrivated with it

• The screen just isn’t big enough for me
• The touchscreen is in now way comparable to the feel of an iPhone (I have an IPOD Touch so I know the feel)
• It’s not a PDA by any means
• And the biggest fault….. VERIZON software

Overall the Voyager is a good phone when quality, and looks are concerned. But when it comes to usability and a great experience for a Tech geek it fails …. miserably. I just keep wishing every day one or two things would happen. Either Verizon wakes up and realizes people would buy more of their PDA/Smartphones if the broadband service didnt cost $50 for unlimited added to your calling plan. Or the Iphone comes to Verizon. If they can offer full HTML unlimited browsing for $15 on the Voyager then why can’t they do the same with a PDA or Smartphone?

Hello everyone,

I am sure that this blog will be pretty useless all in all, and I am also prepared that no one will read it. If you do great! if not….. that’s fine too.

First, I guess I will start off by giving a little info about myself. My name is Billy Fairchild. I was born and raised in a small town in Southwest Ohio. I actually still live there. I am recently divorced and have two amazing little boys. I also have a girlfriend that I could never live without. If not for her I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Words can’t ever express everything she has done for me directly or indirectly. I am back on my feet in life….. all because of her.

Other than that not sure what more to say…… Hope you enjoy the ride cause it’s hard telling where this blog will go.

Here are some quick places you can find me…

Twitter

Myspace

My Podcast (PODCAST:TW3NTY3IGHT)