I'm Actually Excited About Windows 10 →

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Happy and engaged" is one of those talking points you hear a lot from Microsoft. Myerson used it nine times in our hour together. But behind the PR-approved phrasing is a simple truth: it’s been a long time since Windows users have been either, and Microsoft needs to fix that. It’s as good a North Star as any, especially when your product development cycle is founded on taking user feedback seriously. If Microsoft can make people love Windows again, then the rest — developers and apps — is easy.

Head on over to The Verge's awesome piece on the story behind Microsoft's Windows 10 and tell me it doesn't get you a little excited.

It's been over a decade since I've used a Windows PC in an everyday setting, but I'm admitting here and now, I'll be looking up some Lenovo notebook options loaded with Windows 10 this fall. Maybe even an Alienware or Razer laptop as long as SkyLake gets into the mix already. Or even Intel's latest storage technology. That would be awesome! Now, about those bug fixes.

The MPAA is Evil →

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In other words, Jim Hood and the MPAA were out and out planning a coordinated media attack on Google using the editorial properties that supposedly claim to have editorial independence from the business side. Notice that with the WSJ piece, they flat out admit that the editorial will be based on the ideas that "we" have developed. If you work for the WSJ, your editorial independence just got shot down. Remember when CBS stepped in and interfered editorially with CNET for giving an award to Dish at the same time that CBS was in a legal fight over that same device? That resulted in reporters quitting.

The evil is within our theaters, entertainment and the media that we have helped create. They use their profits to further their agenda but I admit, that what most people do. Don't be swayed by the false news, advertising and those that have been bought out. Congrats to those that have taken a stand. Shame on everyone else working for these shameful media companies.

Nike's New Converse Chuck Taylor IIs

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Some of you may or may not know, but back when Converse filed for bankruptcy in 2003, Nike swooped in (pun NOT intended) and bought them out. Over twelve years has passed without major change but next Tuesday, July 28th (my birthday), Nike / Converse is changing it up a bit! Adding foam comfort via their latest Lunarlon technology, super soft micro-suede liner, padded non-slip tongue, premium canvas and even an embroiled logo, you can spend $70 for the low tops or $75 for the hitops only suggesting a higher price for $15 overall from their old counterparts.

I'm intrigued and to tell you the truth, this might be my first pair ever! I do miss the racing stripe, and I usually gravitate towards the Jack Purcells so I don't know. I'm sure we'll see multiple iterations of the Chuck IIs and their new shoe tech trickle to other shoes within Converse's portfolio. Are you going to pick up a pair? 


Traveling is Greater than Possessions →

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The instant gratification that comes along with the hefty price tags on new clothes, trendy sneakers and expensive jewelry is satisfying enough to be considered an actual addiction.

But it’s crucial for us to remember the importance of investing in our life experiences even more so than splurging on the next big thing from our favorite designer; it’s true that money can’t buy you happiness.

In fact, it seems the happiest people in this world have found a way to distance themselves from shopping addictions and unnecessary spending.

I'll admit, it's been pretty awesome flying as much as I do. The benefits along with an amazing travel partner help out too. ^_^

Verizon Adds Over 800k 4G Smartphone Users →

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Customer defections, also known as churn in the telecommunications industry, for Verizon's wireless postpaid business dipped to 0.90 percent versus the 0.99 percent estimated by FactSet.

Verizon said it added 842,000 4G smartphones to its postpaid customer base in the quarter.

Does this number include those that were already non smartphone subscribers? Just wait until Apple releases the iPhone 6S / Plus S next quarter. I'm betting that all those iPhone 5 & iPhone 5S users will upgrade. 

Gustin's Brushed Back Superlight #206

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#206 BRUSHED BACK SUPERLIGHT $89

A super light denim from Japan with a hugely brushed back that has an almost fleece-like feel. We haven't seen anything like it before and it's bound to be one of the most comfortable pairs of raw denim you'll find.

Gustin jeans made from sanforized raw selvage denim from one of the finest mills in Japan. Our super light denim is always a crowd pleaser. It's nice to have a pair of raw denim that you can wear very comfortably in the warmer months. This one may be the ultimate pair. It starts with an incredibly dark blue-black indigo warp. It's the darkest super light denim we've run. There is nice show through on the white weft which helps give it a classic denim look and serves as nice contrast to the dark warp. At at extra light weight of 9.8 ounces, it's butter soft. It gets better. The back of the fabric is highly brushed. It literally feels like fleece to the touch, which should make this denim absolutely supple when on. We've never found denim with a feel quite like this. If you want go-to super light denim with a rare feel, this is your winner.

Just got these in today and you can bet I'll be wearing the crap out of this pair while on reserve in NYC! Check out a pair of Gustin's today!

 
 

Can You Guess Who's the Best Coach Airline in North America? →

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Best overall coach-class airline in North America: JetBlue

Even after the current downgrading, JetBlue's extra legroom still beats any other airline. The de facto charge for a checked bag, at $15 over the minimum fare, is less than on most other airlines. The satellite-based Wi-Fi is free, at slow speeds, and $9 an hour for enough bandwidth to stream movies. And seats in JetBlue's Airbus planes are an inch wider than on any competitors' 737s.

Hope to see you soon on one of my flights!  

Intel Slowing Down CPU Advancement →

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Transitioning to 10nm isn't expected to be any better, so Intel is extending the timelines. Cannonlake is being pushed back, from 2016 to the second half of 2017, and in the interim, a third "lake" generation processor will be released in 2016. Like Skylake, this processor will continue to use the 14nm process. News of this processor appeared to leak last month along with its full name: Kaby Lake. Little concrete is known about Kaby Lake, but it's likely to be available in a range of lines from a 4.5W laptop part up to 80W dual-socket server and workstation parts.

Since selling my 2008 MacBook Pro a few years back, I've been patiently waiting for a newer architecture and design replacement to Apple's current 15-inch Retina Display. With Broadwell's deployment stagnant and almost non-existent, I'm hoping they just skip it and go straight to Skylake for a Fall release. I was definitely disappointed with the latest spec bump still on Haswell but at least the change in dedicated graphics cards helped increase processing power by 70%. Maybe I'll "settle" for that!.

JetBlue's New Fare Classes are Better than Meets the Eye →

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The big news is that the price differential between Blue and Blue Plus tickets is generally only $15. JetBlue has made it a better value to purchase a ticket that includes a checked bag than it is to pay a bag fee, even in advance. In addition, buying a Blue Plus fare earns more TrueBlue points than the base fare, for marginally more money.

In comparison, Delta and United don’t have fares that include a checked bag, nor do they let passengers purchase checked baggage ahead of time for a reduced fee. American does offer fares with checked bag included, but the premium is more than the cost of a checked bag, although it does include group one boarding.

Essentially, if you are going to check a bag, don't book on Orbitz or Expedia and just select Blue Plus via JetBlue.com. Attention media, friends and family, it's still the best out there.