Auto-Tune

The world of music is changing.

Recently, an audio editing software called "Auto-tune" has swept the music industry. The program is capable of taking any voice and turn it into singing.

What does this mean for the music industry? With music becoming easier to create, will it become as DYI as the video world has with YouTube?

Here is an example of auto-tune used on a famous viral video:

The "Game Changer"

Not long ago, a photographer from AP photo came to BYU-Idaho. Ted Warren, the photographer, spoke about his career as a photographer and where the business is heading.

It's the internet and video. This is, of course, coupled with good still photography.

He uses the Canon 5d Mark ii. He refered to it as the "Game Changer" camera. This meaning that a photographer could show up to his photo shoot with just ONE camera.

This camera shoots full HD video along with taking still photos. Imagine the change this camera can make/is making on the photography world.

I want one.

Check out a sample of the video:

The Eye of the Tiger

There is a whole lot of fuss over Tiger Woods and the recent events in his life. Within the past week or so, he's been involved in a car accident and accused of cheating on his wife.

My question is: WHO CARES!?

Major news outlets are covering these happenings as though it's hard news. Well, it isn't. This could happen a month from now and it still wouldn't effect our economy or position in Afghanistan.

It's only news because nothing else is news worthy right now. Oh, except for the war we're fighting and the condition of health care in this country.

Rehash-o-vision

We've seen a lot of resurfacing of shows that we thought were dead. Many of these shows include Scrubs and The Jay Leno Show. These shows were popular in their time, but is it becoming "cookie-cutter" television?

It seems that television networks are just bringing shows back in new packaging and handing too us as though we've never seen it.

Funny thing is, we're going for it.

The Night Elf Mohawk

The popular Mass Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft has started a new ad campaign. In it, we find Mr. T claiming that he is making the game "look good." The WoW spokesman's represented character, The "night elf mohawk," is giving out "mohawk grenades" in the game. These grenades turn yours and your friend's avatars into "night elf mohawks." Along with this magical enticement, the ad is coupled with an offering of a free trial.


This is clearly an enticement to hook more people. In my opinion, this is just like drug dealers giving out drugs to get people hooked. Quite frankly, it's smart. Well played, Blizzard Entertainment. Well played.

PSA on texting while driving

A police department in south-east Wales produced a Public Service Announcement that graphically shows the consequences of texting while driving. The PSA, produced by the Gwent, Wales police department, shows a group of girls smashing into a car head on due to the drivers distractions while texting.

This is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed. According to Vlingo, a cell phone application provider, 62 percent of teens admit to reading incoming text messages while driving. This harsh PSA could be in response to this epidemic.

Check out the video and judge for yourself.

Verizon Vs. AT&T

Verizon's recent attack on AT&T got me thinking, "Why the attack?"

With Verizon's take-over of Alltel, there was very little competition for the mobile powerhouse. However, there only competition is AT&T and their corner on the iPhone market. By showing the coverage of their competitor, they are attempting to downplay the iPhone.


AT&T attempted to sue Verizon on the basis that the ads are misleading. They stated:

"In essence, we believe the ads mislead consumers into believing that AT&T doesn't offer ANY wireless service in the vast majority of the country. In fact, AT&T's wireless network blankets the US, reaching approximately 296M people. Additionally, our 3G service is available in over 9,600 cities and towns. Verizon's misleading advertising tactics appear to be a response to AT&T's strong leadership in smartphones. We have twice the number of smartphone customers... and we've beaten them two quarters in a row on net post-paid subscribers. We also had lower churn -- a sign that customers are quite happy with the service they receive."

Though AT&T might be raising a stink, Verizon's ENTIRE network is 3G whereas AT&T's coverage is not. Hmmm....