Mens Rea

INSIDE SOURCE: Sanjaya to make Final Three

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA- According to inside sources, Sanjaya Malakar will end up in the final three. To many he has become the ultimate novelty act. He is William Hung taken to its furthest conclusion. At least Mr. Hung had the self awareness to realize that it was a comical experience. Unfortunately, the public perception is mixed as to Malakar's awareness. Surely, he must, but according to several ex-contestents, including the recently voted off Gina, Malakar does not care what anyone things. Clearly. Surely the brass at Idol must be slightly concerned as their numbers are notably down, the simple fact is that it is reaching a new audience. It now is reaching the legions of Howard Stern fans (and universal contrarians al over) who are watching this season with voyeuristic pleasure. It is estimated that Stern, along with votefortheworst.com are responsible for over 50% of Malakar's total votes. When you factor in the tween crowd, who you know will use every one of their 10 votes on multiple phones (because that is what tweens do), that is a force to be reckoned with. Let us remember that it is the number of votes cast FOR a person. It is not like the SAT where there is a negative point system. Surely, if there were, the "Sanjaya Effect" would be minimized to nil. But let's face it, the marginal singers or those who just haven't shined in a given week do not stand a chance against Sanjaya's considerable and growing crowd. Yes, at this point he is not in the final three, but you watch, as the time gets closer, there will be more and more stories about this amazing social psychology experiment and people will start changing their votes. While we are not at the point of being so delusional as to say he'll be the next Idol, we can confidently say that he will be among the top 3 (four tops).

Who's going get voted off tonight? Heavy odds are for Phil. Why? Haley is cuter than his good natured bald head. Shallow? You bet, but America is a very shallow place as Idol shows us each and every week. Idol should compulsory viewing in college.

Technorati Tags: American Idol, American Idol Analysis, Chris Sligh, Consumer Behavior, Haley, Howard Stern, Music, Phil Stacey, Randy Jackson, Sanjaya, Sanjaya Hair, Sanjaya Malakar, Sanjaya to Final Three, Simon, Votefortheworst.com

Blogging Stats

It seems that Saturday is a lull time for people reading blogs. Of course that makes sense, especially as much of the country emerges from a long and grey winter. Based on my stats it seems that people read blogs at work. What a surprise. Also, people like to read tabloid fodder. I posted two entries on American Idol and Sanjaya Malakar and my stats spiked tremendously (well, let's get real here, we are still talking only 80-100 people!). I can see that if one's desire was to create a popular blog, you could do it. You'd have to stay very current and do a lot of work by infesting your blog with trackbacks, comments, and tons of entries with tags such as "Spears Bald"; "Spears Crazy"; "Sanjaya"; "Reese Witherspoon Pregnant." You get the idea. This is, of course, how the New York Post, the National Enquirer and such rags make their daily living and with instant feedback from stats you can quickly titrate your entries to achieve maximum impact. But of course, your blog would be written in sixth grade (and that's being generous) English with zero intellectual value. As you can imagine, I do not intend to make this a habit, but I will post about American Idol went the bug strikes me as I really do think that this is a social phenomenon that is largely representative of our society today. It is a perfect microcosm. It is the Census that no longer exists.

There was a fascinating post by the Gotham Gal today about being caught in the echo chamber. I have actually commented on the Gotham Gal's blog as well as her husband about that topic. Specifically in reference to HD Radio. I posited that they are pushing for HD Radio because they live in NYC where there will be many adopters with great DJs. However, what they fail to think about is the so-called "fly-over" country. Joanne's post today recounted a story when she worked in the garment industry and was told when she needed to get back to consumer's tastes (as opposed to sophisticated New Yorkers) she would only need to fly into O'Hare. I agree! Like it or not, American Idol is representative of our country- it is the closest thing we have to unanimity I've seen in a long time. Do I own any of the winners (or losers for that matter) CDs? No way... wouldn't even dream to. But we have winners who have made large impacts on several different genres of music: from country to R&B to pop.

S

Technorati Tags: American Idol, American Idol Analysis, Chris Sligh, Malakar, Phil Stacey, Reese Witherspoon Pregnant, Sanjaya, Sanjaya Malakar, Spears Bald, Spears Crazy, Technology, Trackback

American Idol Algorithm

I am guessing that someone could develop a statistical analysis of American Idol in order to come close to predicting the winner of the competition. It would even account for 'anomalies' like Sanjaya Malakar. It would go something like this:

1. Tier 1 voice = 50 points
Tier 2 voice = 25 points
Tier 3 voice = 10 points
Tier 4 voice = 2 points

2. Consistency, the more consistent, the better your chances. Consistency does not have to always be good as long as the crowd likes you X 25.

3. Like-ability factor X 25

4. Sentimental factor X 50

5. Looks Department X 25

6. Judge's comments X 10.

7. Vote for the Worst X 25.

Yesterday, Chris Sligh was voted off. I guess if you look at it from these variables it makes sense. I would love to do a table ranking them on these points, but of course that would take a lot of useless time. Perhaps someone will do something like this (I don't know, perhaps they have, I have not spent any time Googling American Idol). But here's my take:

Chris has a Tier 2 or 3 voice. I rather like it. Smokey and bluesy. He is very consistent in how he sounds. He is very likable and has a great sense of humor (although it is wearing a bit thin). Looks = 0. Judge's comments killed him. So when compared Haley? Voice is between 2 and 3, consistency is low, like-ability is high (not for me as I find her bland), sentimental is fairly high as I am sure she is perceived as something of a girl next door. Looks are high and judge's comments are low. Thus she wins against Sligh. Look at Stacey. Voice = 2, he's generally consistent. Like-ability factor? He has a lot going for him being a Vet in the eyes of many. Sentimental probably lower than Chris and Haley, but barely. Looks probably low, but not as low as Chris. Judge's comments were about a 2. Thus, we can see why Chris went. You can also see why the person with the best voice may not win as was the case with Taylor Hicks.

You know I honestly cannot believe I spent 5 minutes on this. But, I will confess to guilty pleasures unlike most. It is hard not to feel happy or at least entertained by AI. It is void of any semblance of thinking, which is exactly what TV is all about. I don't watch a lot of TV programs, so when I am stressed it is a good antidote.

I wonder if Sanjaya's hair gets him additional points. Lord knows it has him plastered all over the internet with pictures such as this:

Technorati Tags: American Idol, American Idol Analysis, Chris Sligh, Haley, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya, Sanjaya Malakar

American Idol Effect

You know I never watched this show until this season. I dismissed it quickly as I don't like the style of music that wins. The "look at me" vocals in the style of Mariah Carey send shivers down my body, despite the fact that I acknowledge that Mariah possesses a good voice. So, why would I watch it. Well, it started in the beginning where I just found the audition process to be both the best comedy on television as well as an indictment of our "you're special" society that we have become. The comedy is a given. Bad singers that think they are good is just too good to pass up. It is what makes a karaoke bar so much fun. The intermix of people who can sing juxtaposed with drunken fools trying to sing Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. While popular in the United States it has never reached a critical mass like it has in Asia where it continues to be extremely popular. American Idol is our vicarious karaoke. A place where we can voyeuristically watch people make total fools of themselves...sober.

Idol is facing a real dilemma now. One contestant, Sanjaya Malakar, remains, despite the fact that he is dreadful. He is like a bad high school musical. Yet he advances. Why? He has four things going for him:

1. YOUTH- American's love young people and factor in age in their decision when someone seems "innocent" Note this does not help Jordin, who is the same age as Sanjaya, as she is 'mature.'

2. INNOCENCE- This what Brittany Spears banked on early in her career and look how innocent she really was. It is why Clay Aiken went so far as did Stuart Little. It gets the granny card.

3. VOTE FOR THE WORST- Howard Stern and the Vote for the Worst website are rooting for Sanjaya to win and although the Idol officials claim that this has no impact, Stern controls a considerable audience and even if a small percentage took him up on it, it is enough to push him over the top.

4. LIEF GARRET EFFECT- Like Lief in the 70's there is always a place for a sappy guy with long waving hair to play to the hearts of the tween crowd.

When you factor the vote for the worst effect, the granny vote and the Lief Garrett effect, he has a shot to keep going. I wont say he'll make the final 4, but I think he's safe for a few more weeks. Unfortunately for Idol, the longer he stays, the worse its reputation as a star creator will be. The longer he stays in, the more it looks like a Simpson's paroday and becomes as irrelevant as Star Search. My advise to the producers of American Idol. Have the judges be allowed ONE veto until the top 10. Get rid of the person who is going to make a mockery of the competition. While slightly amusing, I don't think Idol wants to be remembered for Sanjaya. I think they'd rather have a Carrie Underwood (even though I cannot stand her music).

As alluded to, this is a sad indictment of our society, where people are afraid to give honest, frank criticism for fear that you'll injure their psyche. Where everyone is either bestowing phony niceties or being cruel in their attacks. There does not seem to be a middle ground here. This creates this phenomenon where these awful singers go out there and LITERALLY think they can sing and honestly believe that they have a chance to make it. When I worked in the crisis center throughout the 90's, this is what we'd call a perception delusion. I think the greater malady is that their parents and loved ones do not step up to the plate and just tell them "you know I love it when you sing, but your voice is just not strong enough to make it... maybe you can take some vocal lessons." See, that was not so hard. It gets the point across. I had a law school professor for Constitutional Law who would scream and holler (but actually in a good way). You were required to stand up to brief a case. When people would bumble and say they were nervous, he would retort "do you think you're special?" His point being, we are all in the same boat. We are less special than we'd believe. Our "specialness" has become something of a collective narcissism. I have noticed more in the last few years. It is interesting to note, that Freud, himself, thought that a narcissist cannot be helped as there can be no transference- that is the ability to have empathy. Are we creating a society of such people? Let's call it the American Idol effect.

Technorati Tags: American Idol, Lief Garret, Malakar, Music, puppy, Sanjaya, Sanjaya Malakar

Apple iTV

I know it gets old, but I love Apple products. They are svelte and beautiful pieces of machinery and software. Every once and a while, I just scratch my head and wonder how many people buy their mantra without thinking things through. This is my bewilderment at the new iTV. I just don't get it. However, let's examine another area where it seemed wonderful, but over time, you noticed its deficiencies- that is, iTunes Music Store. Like most enamored Apple users, I quickly plunked down well over $100 on songs when the store went live. I was amazed (still am) at the simplicity of the purchase and the speed of download. At the time, most P2P mp3s were in 128kps, so the 128 AAC was far better, but after listening to it on Apple's own iPod I realized that this level of compression leaved a bit desired. Addtionally, I grew pissed at the 5 device limitation. It sounds like a lot, but in reality it is not, especially when you have an mixed environment of Macs and PCs like I did then (still do, but less so). So... after around 6 months, I simply stopped buying them on iTMS and found them elsewhere (i.e. eMusic).

This iTV sounds wonderful, but really, isn't the same thing as iTMS? You are locked in with a DRM-protected proprietary video format whose quality is, at this point, unknown and the longevity of the format is also unknown. Is it even truly comparable to DVD as their stats suggest? I have yet to hear the reviews. So here are my objections over iTV:

1. The hard drive is paltry. Apple says that you'll rotate stuff so you don't have to worry about it. While that sounds find in la la land, if my kid is screaming and I need Dora the Explorer I don't want to wait 10 minutes for it to transfer.

2. What's up with 10/100 ethernet? Ummmm.... considering every Mac for years has come equipped with GigaBit, what gives? When you're pushing video, you need a big pipe. C'mon Americans are the most impatient bastards in the world and non-techies are even less so. Don't make them wait.

3. Draft N- nice touch,but I hope they put a warning out there. Wireless transfers are notoriously buggy.

4. No ability to record from the TV. This is an automatic deal breaker. What jackass would exclusively buy their content from iTMS? You're kidding yourself. Perhaps this is a long-term strategy, where you grow your collection of movies and then can stream anywhere. I understand that business model, but it is terribly flawed. The beauty of the iPod was its portability. With iTV it isn't. So, I guess if you wanted to put your iTV in your car, you'd have two choices: either use your video iPod or use a power inverter and take your measly 40GB drive.

5. It does not seem as if it streams music. Rather it appears that it stores it first, then you listen to it. I am not sure about this one, just basing it on my cursory view of Apple's site. If this is indeed the case, it is just wrong. I've been streaming music through Airport Express for years now (one of the most overlooked wonders of mankind!) and I've been streaming longer than that with my TiVo.

I guess, at the end of the day, besides the ability to play protected files (be it movies or video) and the AAC format, what does iTV do that my TiVo doesn't? My TiVo can stream music and pictures. I can record on my TiVO AND download AND covert it to watch on my iPod. So, for the price, I would stick with TiVO until I can see a true value added other than it has that sexy Apple logo on it.

Technorati Tags: Apple, iTV, TiVO

'24'

You know I got hooked on 24 this past summer. It blew me away. Going through seasons 1-5 on DVD was just fantastic. It was earth-shattering for me in terms of action TV. I have never seen anything like it. So I was really looking forward to the new season.

First, there are no spoilers in this post, so relax.

The season opened up with nearly 4 hours over a two day period. Now we're talking. That is a way to start a season. I was reminded of why I loved the show. But... soon after, I realized that watching it week-to-week sucks. At this point, I am far enough into it that I am sort of stuck. But for those who have some episodes on TiVo, Stop. Just wait until you can watch the entire season from start to finish. What happens is that from week to week you 'forget' the timing sequence. In other words you forget the "real-time" quality of it. It comes across perfectly on DVD as there are no pauses to speak of and you can see how each episode perfectly moves to another one, but not after a week. Also, as anyone has ever watched the show knows, there are occasions where you have to suspend logic to believe it. But, when the speed is going 100 mph, you just forget about it. Not so when you watch it every week. It seems campy and predictable (not the exact happenings, but the concepts). You lose the sense of urgency an your appreciation that Jack Bauer has been doing this for hours on in. You lose its immediacy. I would like to see how this plays out on DVD, but I will never know because a season of 24 only happens once and once you've watched a season, it is like a good book... you're done with it. Perhaps we will discover that this is just not a good season. Or... perhaps we will find out it was a fantastic season but only was a let down over my change in viewing habits.

Technorati Tags: puppy

Harmony 880 Remote

Well, despite have a relatively crappy sleep, I am trying to be optimistic and think that the last few days are just an anomaly.

Whilst checking my email, I am setting up a remote control that I got a Christmas time. A Logitech Harmony 880. I am still waiting for it to be transferred from my Mac, but so far if this works as it appears to, this will be amazing. Unfortunately my receiver, while still strong in terms of fidelity (an Onkyo Integra 880) it lacks some of the nice connections that modern higher end receivers have. Specifically, the ability to pass HD signals and to act as a switch. Considering I use component for both my satellite and my DVD (progressive thus the connection) I have to operate my TV and receiver independently. In other words, the audio is sent to the receiver, while the video is passed directly to the TV. This means that I have to switch both video and audio inputs. While I do not have that much difficulty, others do. My oldest managed to figure out how to watch a DVD but is still stymied on how to watch TV. Hopefully this will help.

On thing that frustrates me is the lack of TiVo. Unfortunately the TIVO does not work with this satellite controller (or at least it didn't). Besides the quality is not HD. TiVo Series 3 does not work with DirecTV. This is unfortunate as the cable companies are still way behind in terms of HD offerings as well as standard "digital" channels. I keep "basic" cable (for $8.95/month) because you get a $10.00 discount if you are a cable subscriber, so I save $1.05/month. Of course not much, but I do have a backup for TV in storms and also I have the local Canadian channel which is great during the Olympics as their coverage is far better.

Technorati Tags: Computers, Logitech Harmony 880, Mac, puppy

Weekends and a space-time vortex

I don't know why, but over the past few months, weekends are like a bloody blur to me. I feel like by the time I get home late Friday evenings, it is already Sunday night. It is almost to the point where it would probably be easier to just work everyday as it would not disrupt my "routine," however nutty that sounds. Of course one will say that I need a vacation. Well I just got back from one and it is worse than ever! I am convinced that there is a space-time vortex that literally makes time go faster during the weekends. Or... could there be larger issues surrounding my week at work? Hmmmm.

At any rate, some good things: tonight's West Wing was fantastic and it truly is a shame that it has been cancelled. I would firmly agree that it is nowhere near its first season's brilliance with the incredible cadence of Aaron Sorkin's dialog, however when compared to nearly everything else on TV it still shines brightly. I've heard that Commander in Chief may be in trouble as well. I rather liked that show, despite the melodramatic moments. Geena Davis is actually very credible in the role and Donald Sutherland is his usual brilliant self. Alas, shows that require more than a 5th grade education are few and far between these days. The other good thing was the return of the Sopranos. Excellent as usual and still at the pinnacle of TV dramas. The acting is top notch and I don't think there has been such a talented group of actors assembled since perhaps MASH in the 70's. David Chase's surreal and disjointed plots are always intriguing and beguiling I love the way he juxtaposes beautiful big band music with the violence of a firearm assault. It is hauntingly beautiful, almost operatic in themes and over the top emotions.

Technorati Tags: Sopranos, Television

Time Matters 6.0

I am going to start to write more more about Time Matters case management software as I think that there is a noticeable void in terms of the instruction and troubleshooting on the web.

There are two very good listservs out there:

1. Elder Law
2. Time Matters- Authorized Independent Consultants

I will first let everyone know: I am not an Authorized Independent Consultant for Time Matters, Lexis/Nexis or their affiliates. This site is not connected to any of the above and the information listed herein is for information purposes only. We do not take any responsibility for any potential damage caused by any hint, suggestion or information. Time Matters is an exceptionally complex program that should not be toyed with. As always, if you are going to make any modifications, always make sure that you backup both the Administration Files as well as the SQL Server tables if using the Enterprise version.

While the above forums are good, my problem with them is that they do not typically do "technical support." I don't know how a company has a monopoly on technical support, but Time Matters does. There are times that one needs proper technical support that only the developer can answer. Also, Time Matters has a fairly wide network of Authorized Independent Consultants (AICs) who will provide some support, albeit with a hefty price. I will take this moment to personally plug Time Matters tech support: it used to be unbelievably good and more importantly, inexpensive. Now, many of their tech support people do not know answers to what should be basic problems. I suppose that is one of the "problems" that happens when a giant company, such as Lexis/Nexis buys you out. As for the AICs... it is difficult, if not impossible, to really grasp how Time Matters "thinks" without using an AIC. I would strongly suggest that if you are a newbie, you should probably have 1-2 days of basic instruction. Otherwise you'll have difficulty in understanding how case management software differs from a contact specific application such as Outlook.

With that said however, once you know the basics, the firm should be the one to make or at least suggest modifications. AICs are wonderful, many of them were practitioners at one point, but they may not know your practice nor your methodology. Thus, the firm must drive what it needs. I was at first excited about the concept of having package features that people may have created and shared openly within the TM community, but unfortunately, people see a buck in this so they are not likely to do so. There are some professional developers out there such as Out of the Box that are doing some really amazing cutting edge work, and the deserve to be paid for their efforts. However, I see no reason why people do not share some of their creations.

CSI

What does everyone think of all the CSI's? (you know I hate doing that, because it looks like CSI is possessive when is should be plural, but CSIs doesn't look right...ahhh, English, you must love it!)

Here's my thoughts thus far:

CSI-Miami's storyline has been better than the original thus far. That show is constantly improving. Caruso will never have the subtlty of Peterson, however, his role is designed for his style of acting. I was shocked that they killed off one of the main characters. Took me for a loop.

CSI: although I like that techie lab kid, making him a more integral part of the show I think will cheapen it and is resorting to unneeded measures to invigorate a show that most thought did not need invigorating. We're behind an episode because of the debate so perhaps I'll post more later.

CSI:NY I have always liked Gary Sinese. I have never thought he's the best actor however, because clearly he is not. The first episode I was very disappointed. The story was average and they tried too hard to make NYC the classic Gothem. When you use the dark shots and filters, it works in Miami and Las Vegas, but in NYC it is already gritty enough, you don't need to do that--its over the top. The second episode was far better and Sinese brought a sensitivity to the lead role that is altogether lacking in the others. (yes, Caruso tries, but it seems so contrived and not natural for him).

All in all, I know there are three, but they are still better than most of the schlock on TV. I have only a few shows I watch regularly and I count the CSI's as some of my "must see" TV.