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The Author of this post is Rory Reilly

After our latest move, I logged on to tvbydirect to look into setting up our satellite service. One show I am always drawn into watching is “American Idol.” Now, most people watch the show for the famous judges or performers. Others watch the antics of the fools trying out who are more trying to win their fifteen seconds of fame than make it through to the next audition. I, on the other hand, watch the show for the host, Ryan Seacrest. My claim to fame is that I went to college for a year with Ryan. In fact, we even lived on the same floor of the dorms, and we went with a large group from our floor on spring break together. At the time, Seacrest was working part-time as a DJ for a local radio station on the weekends and during breaks from school. He was well-known on our hall and was great fun to be around. After his first year, we all heard that he had left school to make his move to Hollywood. I had no doubt he would do big things. I followed him for a while as he made his start hosting some small shows here and there. And look at where he is now! At my exact same age, he has accomplished fame and success. He continues to grow in his success each year. He is really an inspiring story for anyone who knows what they want out of life and wants to work hard to get there.

The last X Files movie left this fan feeling like there was more to be done. However as time moves closer and closer to the 2012 deadline for aliens to take over, based on the final television episode on the show, I am left to wonder if another film will ever be green lit.

Rumor has it that there is a script somewhere but whether or not we get to see it is another matter. I cross my fingers daily with the hope we do get to see Mulder & Scully on screen one last time in the big send off they and us fans deserve.

Guest post of the week by Nestor Nielsen

While searching for http://www.tvbydirect.com/directv-deal/San-Antonio-TEXAS-TX-direct-tv.html , I came across something about a man who in his late eighties decided to go back to college because he had always dreamed of being a vet. This got to me to thinking about a student I taught several years ago. This man was probably in his late fifties. He came to class every day, sat right in the front row, did every assignment, and tried his absolute hardest on every aspect of that class. In short, he was one of the best students I ever had the honor or teaching. His program was commercial truck driving, and although most would hardly look at this as a “dream career path,” this student certainly did. I remember him talking to me one day after he had graduated about how much he loved being on the road driving a truck. He described the feeling of freedom in being on the road for weeks straight. He marveled over the parts of the county and the beautiful landscapes he had been blessed to see so late in his life. He cherished the satisfaction he felt when he made a successful delivery from point A to point B. He felt pride in knowing that he was the reason the cargo had reached its destination on time and without damage. This is what it is all about…not doing what the world views as “worthy” or “successful.” It’s all about doing what you love. That is the true mark of success.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Pimp my cube is doing something that we’ve never heard of before. Do you have the messiest desk? Or the smallest, most uncomfortable cubicle in the building? How about those who are stuck in the a dark basement with who knows what crawling around while you work? And let’s not forget those sad souls forced to slave away using computers from the 1970′s.

Any of this apply to you? Well here is your chance to show the world what misery looks like on video. The Pimp My Cube Contest is asking for anyone who has less than desirable conditions in their workplace to upload a video showing them how bad things are at your job. Make it funny, sell them on how awful it is to be you. It is easy to upload, whether from your webcam or your own cell phone. Then once you upload get your friends and family to vote for you. You get sweepstakes points for entering, voting, commenting and even inviting others.

So what are the prizes? Well they are very enticing, to say the least. The grand prize is worth over $1200, and could be one of these three amazing prize groups;  New high end computer system, New Desk, Chair and Decorations, or New Entertainment Package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc. A second prize of $200 will be given to a registered user chosen by random drawing also.

The contest began on December 5, 2011 and ends at 12:00PM on January 31, 2012. So what are you waiting for? Show the world the place you think is hell on earth!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Snapdragon by Qualcomm for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2011/12/12/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Qualcomm.aspx

http://www.scoopsandiego.com/news/home-of-the-san-diego-chargers-in-snapdragon-stadium/article_f0c176fe-22b9-11e1-b7a9-001a4bcf6878.html

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/09/snapdragon-invade-qualcomm-stadium/

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If we were all honest with ourselves we would probably be surprised at just how many hours we spend texting, checking twitter and Facebook, or just surfing our favorite sites on our phones. Telephones in this decade are no longer just telephones, they are our connection to the world when we are on the go. Or even while we are on the couch, wanting to catch up with friends. Where ever you are, whatever you are doing, it’s more than likely you will be using your smartphone in the next few minutes.

LG has again transformed the smartphone into something more than smart. It’s called the LG DoublePlay™, and if you think you’ve seen it all you haven’t seen this. Solely available at T-Mobile, the phone has dual, yes dual, touch screens. One is a 3.5-inch main display with the other 2.0-inch sub display that you can use at the same time. Say you want to check Facebook but need to check your email? The dual screens deliver that with ease. Never again do you have to waste time closing one app to jump into another. Not only are they both touch screens but the DoublePlay even has a QWERTY keyboard if you would prefer answering important messages that way. There is almost nothing that hasn’t been included on this phone, except a kitchen sink.

So what do you think about your smartphone now? It’s just not smart enough is it? Busy people could get much more accomplished with the DoublePlay and chatty people get to keep in touch with ease. How much more could you get accomplished with this genius product? And why are you waiting to find out?

Whether you are already a T-Mobile customer or looking to switch to them, the LG DoublePlay is the choice to make. Leave me comments and let me hear what you think of this product’s pushing forward of technology.

Written by Fermin Washington

I went to this swanky boutique to get my haircut last week. As it came time to pay, the hairdresser used her iphone for bank card processing . I gave her my credit card and was impressed at their savvy technology! She swiped my card but there was no printer to print out my receipt for me to sign. She told me my total was fifty dollars; then she asked me the dreaded question: “Do you want to make it for fifty dollars?”. How awkward is that? The lady that just spend 45 minutes cutting my hair is asking me if I want to tip her. It seems so much more appealing to have a receipt to sign and write in a tip. So I am stuck there, face to face, wondering what the etiquette is for tipping a hairstylist. Do you do 15% or 20%? Do you even have to tip your hairstylist? I mean, isn’t she already getting my fifty dollars? In situations like this I end up totally over or under tipping. It all depends on how I feel in that moment!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Untitled Jersey City Project for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Amidst an army of almost identical and boring reality series, the Untitled Jersey City Project looks to be the game changer. The story is set in Jersey City, right across the river from Manhattan. The series seems to be as fascinating and dogged as the area itself.

The new drama focuses on eight different episodes that are connected to a larger story. The tale appears to be an in depth study into the trials of everyone involved in creating a sparkling new Jersey City, complete with high rises and big business. The acting in the trailer was immediately noticeable, very realistic to the seemingly dangerous elements in the series. What I appreciated was the refreshing setting and story. There aren’t many television shows that are located in this area. Seeing how things develop in this setting looks fascinating. Also the intrigue is apparent, so much so that you are left breathless wondering just what is going on in this series.

Check out the video preview and leave your thoughts. Could this series be the best drama to come out in a long time? Or is reality TV killed all of our drama quota? I for one think we could use more high quality programming, the Untitled Jersey City Project might fit the bill.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In this modern world we have to stretch our dollars further than we ever thought possible. There are some things that have to be sacrificed in order to get necessary daily items. For instance, not being able to afford all the minutes you desire in order to keep up with loved ones far away. it may be important to you to talk to your friends and family but unfortunately phone companies just want to gouge you for all they can.

NET10 is filling the void where other cell companies are lacking. Plans start from just $15.00 for the Easy Minutes Plus with 200 minutes. The unbelievable Unlimited Minutes which includes unlimited talk, text and data for only $50. Yes only fifty dollars. It may sound too good to be true but it is not.

There is also the option for those who don’t consistently use their phones for the very convenient pay as you go plans. This plan has minutes that carry over as long as the service is active. Hard to believe isn’t it?

Real NET10 customer

Best of all is that with this company you get no contracts, surprises on your bill and no credit check. Your credit score remains private as it should remain. There is no trick to what NET10 offers, other than amazing deals for everyone.

What Rob has to say

Guest post written by my buddy Aldo Mays

My new favorite show is on HBO. It is called “Boardwalk Empire”. The “boardwalk” refers to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The “empire” refers to the shady gangster and bootlegging business that was going on during the boardwalk’s hay day. Like most HBO dramas, you get hooked. I did not realize how much organized crime was going on with the mob and politicians in the 1920’s. Everyone’s house is getting broken into and robbed ( too bad they didn’t have ADT Atlantic City back then!). The actors are great and the costuming is even better. I love twenties gowns. I think it would be so much fun to live in the 1920’s and dress like a flapper with a finger wave bob. The zoot suits that the men wear are also colorful. The whole show has given me a different impression about Atlantic City. It’s fun watching a historical drama that highlight’s the darker past. I have definitely learned that Atlantic City is just not casinos, sunbathing, and salt water taffey.