Murphy's Law: A Proverbial Thorn In Your Side

Have you ever felt like you've been on the wrong side of Murphy's Law? It's real, it's grimey, and I feel Murphy (whoever that may be) has a conspiracy.

For those that are unfamiliar with Murphy's Law (Laws), here they are:

http://www.murphys-laws.com/murphy/murphy-laws.html

Two notable ones are "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong" and "The other line always moves faster." These laws are basically made to play into everyday scenarios, showing what can and often does happen.

Now one should not blame Murphy's Law when in turn is their fault. If they gain 15 pounds but all they eat is fast food and ice cream, then, well, it's not Murphy's Law. If you get fired from your job but you are lazy, always show up late, and disrespect your employer, that's also not Murphy's Law.

Murphy's Law in a way ties in with good luck and bad luck. I believe more in blessings and being blessed than luck. However I do believe in fate and fate cannot be avoided. Often times we do everything we can but are still let down. This can or cannot be due to Murphy's Law.

It also boils down to being prepared, and watching out for every possible scenario and situation. That would be part of Murphy's Law, and what makes it so real.

Sometimes Murphy's Law can actually be funny because the things it talks about are really practical, common, and make one think. However, it seems to get me more often than naught.

There are times where I reach ruts in my financial, romantic, or physical standing and I'm doing everything right. I then chalk it up to Murphy's Law before sending up a prayer to God asking "Why?" However, one must have a sound, level mind and a sense of humor to realize that life is going to happen, and keep going. Therefore, there is no way to stop life, or Murphy's Law, but to continue moving.

It's still easier to blame Murphy's Law though, although often we should blame the person in the mirror directly in front of us.

 

REAL ILL HIP HOP HAS BECOME EXTINCT

Everything changes from generation to generation: fashion, cars, hairstyle, catchphrases, and of course, music. Hip-hop is one of the newest forms of music in our modern time, but one that has gone through many highs and lows. Depending on whom you speak to (especially if their a fan of the "REAL ILL"), hip hop is going through a major low right now. Basically, real ill hip hop has become extinct as dinosaurs and the planet Pluto. Album leaks, downloads, commercialism, and wannabes are some of the elements that have combined to make hip-hop a mere shell of what it once was and why folks are huge fans of it.

So what is "REAL ILL HIP HOP"? It is the forms of freestyling, MCing, breakdancing, beat making, producing, etc, that have stayed true to hip-hop's roots. Hip-hop was relevant, thought-provoking, political, and always saying something. It wasn't about flossing, Cristal, gorgeous, half-dressed ladies, and wearing as much jewelry as possible. Hip-hop has been about expression from the beginning. However, the 'REAL ILL' has to include true knowledge, intelligence, uplifting the black race. It started in the streets so the 'REAL ILL' keeps that grittiness, humble beginnings-style alive. It is truly music for the soul, fusing a lil R&B with poetry appropriate for many English classses, and even some mellow jazz.

You are hard-pressed to find any 'REAL ILL' on mainstream radio nowadays. The best outlets for this now are satellite radio stations such as Sirrius and XM (of which I'm a subscriber). They tend to filter out the predictable, even 'pop-sounding' hip-hop and bring the stuff that truly shows the movement and rhyming which defines and describes hip-hop the best.

Artists that fall in this category of the 'REAL ILL' include Slick Rick, The Roots, WU-Tang Clan, Outkast, 2Pac (especially before Death Row), the Notorious B.IG., Geto Boyz, EPMD, Leaders of the New School, Nas, Mobb Deep, Tribe Called Quest, and Camp Lo. More mainstream commercial artists such as Eminem, Ludacris, Jadakiss, Jay-Z, and Redman also provide many of the realness and purity that keeps hip-hop alive admist a lot of the fakers.

You then have artists such as T.I. and Lil Wayne (and no I'm not dissing Southern hip-hop, I am from the South) that are hits and misses. They can rap, have ill-beats and rhymes, etc. However, they tend to be more sellouts than anything and you cannot dub them among the ELITE in hip-hop. They are on a 2nd-tier at best, more likely a 3rd tier.

This week Drake's much anticipated album FINALLY dropped. Now Drake is not really a pure rapper but more of a singer, flower, and artist. His music sounds good, and he has collaborated with some of the best in hip-hop. I listened to his album and it's really good. There are a couple of tracks that probably could be considered "REAL ILL" However, his record label, Young Money (owned by Lil Wayne himself), plus the overall commercialism involved in creating an album, limited the album's potential somewhat.

Now it's perfectly ok if you like other artists such as Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane, Plies, Dro, Pleasure P, etc. However, please DO NOT dub them in the same category with the elitists I mentioned earlier. There is a huge difference in their music and style of rapping. Their music CANNOT be defined as 'REAL ILL' in ANY fashion and I'm not sure it claims to. Hip hop is generational, and this generation of hip-hop stars is sadly not on the same par or level as the ones from yesteryear (or the ones from the past still doing it).

True art in any genre or avenue is supposed to be saying something. Therefore, you cannot tell me that Nas is saying the same thing that Plies is, or that they are equal. I encourage one to educate yourself on hip-hop history, its origins, roots, past artists, and take a listen to the greats of the past. One can see the common thread in style, beats, and rhyming schemes that is absent in hip hop of today.

I had to do a bit of research for this blog, as I'm not the foremost authority on 'REAL ILL hip hop' myself. I do know, however, what's garbage and what isn't. When someone tells me they don't like hip-hop for whatever reason, I challenge them to listen to elitists such as the Roots and Common before they judge the entire genre on Young Money and Soulja Boy. My circle of friends are huge hip-hop heads, and they contributed heavily to this blog and my search for music and artists that can be easily deemed 'REAL ILL'

I even compiled a 'REAL ILL' hip hop playlist including elitists I mentioned and some others. I did this on Playlist.com. Anyone wishing to hear what the 'REAL ILL' should sound like needs to give me their email address. I'll be more than happy to send you this list and possibly educate you some. I know I've certainly feel educated and enlightened these past couple of weeks.

Remember, each one, teach one, reach one. Does today's hip-hop, or even today's music, still do that? That may be up for debate, but for those that know about the 'REAL ILL', we know without a shadow of a doubt, that you learn something and your soul is fulfilled after hearing it.

Chasing Down The Ice Cream Truck

With the summer season in full effect, there's one sight and sound seen all over the country. That's the little white truck playing the annoying but strangely addictive nursery school music. It's the ice cream truck, something I'm personally drawn to.

I've had a love affair with the ice cream truck since childhood. I didn't have the luxury or privilege of growing up in the middle of the city where the ice cream truck made 2-3 stops depending upon where you live. My grandmother had connections and therefore, the ice cream truck would stop at my house every day during the summer months for a few years. We would spend sometimes $40 between my immediate family when the truck came through. That could be why I started becoming overweight at 8 years old. But hey that was, and still is, some good ice cream!

I remember during my sophomore year at Winthrop, second semester, the middle of April. It was on a Sunday afternoon and I just woke up. I heard that ice cream truck music. Granted I lived on the 5th floor of Richardson Hall. That made no never mind to me. I FLEW downstairs and through the lobby to the parking lot where the ice cream truck was. People were clowning me that I was running after the ice cream truck as a 19-year old college student. But I didn't care because, again, that's some good ice cream!!

I then REALLY realized I had a problem in August 2007. It was the hottest month of the year, I didn't have A/C in my car I was driving at the time, and the ole truck was in front of me. So what did I do? I followed the ice cream truck for about 3 miles until it stopped in Fridy St. Apartments in Blacksburg. I then parked, and got behind the crowd of young children like I was Homer Simpson or Smokey from the movie Friday. I got my ice cream!

Many folks I tell this story to are just like "You could have just went to the store" or "Why didn't you stop by Dairy Queen or McDonalds? They have soft-serve.". Truthfully, I do like soft-serve ice cream better. However, you can get store-bought ice cream and soft-serve ANY time of the year. Plus the ice cream only runs about 5-6 months out of the year, and they have treats that you cannot find in stores. They have the red,white, and blue pops, the Good Humor specials that FINALLY made it to stores about 15 years ago, the banana-chocolate popsicles, double-decker ice cream sandwiches, and many others that aren't sold in stores. They are usually dirt-cheap also. For $5, you can have quite the sugar rush, and quite the headache if you eat it all too fast.

I would be remissed if I didn't mention the pictures on the side of the ice cream truck listing all of the available treats that can be bought. There's something about having that visual selection in front of me that makes me feel like a kid again, makes me crave the ice cream more, and somewhat makes the ice cream tastes a lot better.

I've seen the truck about 3 times so far since it's gotten warm, and I haven't stopped for any ice cream yet. I haven't even stopped the truck, followed it, etc, in over 2 years. Nonetheless, I still enjoy the ice cream truck and it is a vice of mine. Many folks I know enjoy the ice cream truck, especially those with children whom beg their parents for money to buy ice cream. I'm just able to come forward with how much I love it.

Maybe before the summer is over, I'll have another good ice cream truck story. Till then, let that music play and the truck roll on through town!

Observations from the gym

** DISCLAIMER ** I'm not a health professional, certified trainer, or even employed by any gym. I'm simply a fitness enthusiast who has been going to the gym for years, been involved and acquainted with physical fitness since 5 years of age, and am dedicated to my workouts. None of these comments are intended to hurt anyone. If anything, it's more like humor, or something you would find in any newspaper or journal across the country. I do have fitness tips and advice, but few are being provided in this blog. Remember these are just pure observations. Yours may vary, they may not. And one does not need to be seasoned in the gym to necessarily understand or get these gym types. This is a general audience type of blurb.

OK with that said, on with the blog.

When one goes in the gym, it can be for several reasons. One of the main reasons folks go in the gym is to improve their body types and shapes. Whether this be through cardio exercise or weights, one wants to shape the body. I will present 11 of the most common type of gym members.

1. Novice

These folks are usually brand new to the gym and possibly a workout routine. They may either stay less than 30 minutes (or even a couple of hours) because they are still figuring out what to do. Many even will hire a trainer or simply join an aerobics class and/or work out with simply partners to get their feel in the gym. You may not see much of the Novice as they are trying to establish a routine. One may be quick to criticize, but these folks are simply getting started and could improve if they stay with it

2. Play-it-Safers

I've been here before. These folks, whether based on their overall goal (short or long term, weight loss or muscle-building, etc), may be timid to do even more, even less in their workouts. They may not go too intense, do heavy lifting, or even use all that the gym has to offer. Their workouts are basic, vanilla, and they simply get in and get out. These folks may even come 3-4 times day and work out for an hour. But sometimes their workouts will be the exact same that it was the day before, just for the fact that they may have no interest in a trainer, further advice, or maybe not even a set goal. They know what they want to do, and just do it.

3. M*A*S*H Unit

I dub folks in this category such because of some of the unorthodox, unsafe things that they may do in the gym. Examples includes lifting waaay too much weight that they may not can handle without a spotter, not properly warming up, getting enough water, working out way too long, or even simply not consulting a physician before beginning a workout plan/program. These are health risks waiting to happen. You can see these folks going, going, and going hard. However, look closely and they are not working out smart. They are basically killing themselves, and have zero to no balance in their lives or workouts. Basically they are accidents waiting to happen. However, they always have excuses and explanations to back up what they're doing and saying it isn't right. Common sense is a must here.

4. The Natural Athlete

This is the person, male or female, that can do everything so well, catches on so fast, and has had a good healthy build since childhood. They vary in workout times, routines, etc. Some are very lax, and rarely come. Others come all the time, basically living in the gym. In short, these are the ones that irregardless of their workout regime, they always seem to have banging bodies. Their health may be a mystery, but what the eyes see based on body and the things they can do physically are breathtaking.

5. Caffeine Fiends

Energy drinks and energy supplements are becoming more and more popular in the gym. Heck some folks may just drink a Mountain Dew (although sodas aren't very healthy) before their workouts. Caffeine fiends feel they always got to have the latest energy drink in them, and they are super CRUNK and hype about working out. Think Richard Simmons' energy. They are going 100 mph in their workout, ALL INTENSITY. Most of this comes from the energy supplements though.

6. Dabblers

These folks can't stick or adjust to a certain workout program. While it is good (and necessary) to change up your workout routine every few weeks to avoid burnout and to achieve maximum results, these folks often can be frustrating. It's almost as if they have workout ADD. They do ALL sorts of different things, but nothing seems to be working for them. They follow the fitness programs, DVDs, and magazines, etc, trying to duplicate those programs and such. They do not tend to have a definite goal. More than anything, they want to be trendy and just try out the new workout craze just to try it out, not caring about the benefits or even the pitfalls.

7. Juiced Crew

Thanks to Jose' Canseco and several athletes being banned from sports and having medals and records stripped, this one is not foreign to most. I wasn't even going to discuss it but here goes. These are the folks that one minute have little to no build. In almost no time, they are looking like Hercules or the Hulk. They can also mirror Caffeine Fiends or M*A*S*H unit members with their enthusiasm and disregard for safety. The "roid rage" also comes out, as you are lifting weights and you see and hear a "Juicer" grunting, yelling, and gesturing. Safe and FDA approved supplements are good and Juicers use these as well. But they will pretty much inject anything in their bodies if it means achieving the results they desire.

8. Holiday Hoppers

These are the folks that ONLY use their gym membership (or even buy one) right after New Year's Day, or at the beginning of the summer, when beach season is upon us and they are making last minute adjustments to their bodies. These folks crowd the gym during these times, but around non-holiday months (working out wise) such as March or October, you cannot find them in the gym. The New Year's resolutions folks that pack the gym between January and March and then never come back also fall in this category.

9. Bogarts

Bogarts (or even hogs) take up equipment, machines, weight benches, for unnecessary amounts of time. These folks stay on the treadmill barely walking for an hour or more, spend an hour on the same weight bench, or has about 5 partners that use a particular piece of equipment their entire workout. In short, they can impede the workouts of others, especially during the busiest times in the gym. Many gyms have rules, especially in regards to cardio machines such as treadmills and bikes, that you have to be on and off in 30 minutes or less. Whether or not you want to report a "Bogart" is up to you. But these folks can often hurt themselves, and even others, maybe with not even realizing it.

10. The High and Mighty

Just as in church or the workplace, you always have the "holier than thou" or the folks that think they're better than you b/c they can run faster, do more, or because they lost X amount of weight, etc. These folks achieved their fitness goals and are now trainers and instructors in the gym. If not that, they are basically well-recognized but NOT well-respected. They are extremely arrogant and even mean. They are NOT willing to give any useful fitness advice for free. They may give you tidbits that are unhelpful, or may not work for what you're trying to do. These people honestly disgust me. They have let the positive opinions from others turn them into a very negative person. They can make one almost NOT want to go to the gym. When I dropped my weight this last time, I was VERY careful not to turn "High and Mighty" and I'm still staying true to that

11. Gym Rat

I'm borrowing this term from a certified trainer and virtual friend of mine. This person lives and breathes fitness. They possess many of the positives traits from the previous ten. They have achieved success in the gym in various ways. They have definite goals and detailed plans on how to reach them. They are always asking questions and observing. They are always in the gym, sometimes twice/day, for 2 hour sessions. They are often trainers. They may or may not work out every part of their body, but they are dedicated to the parts they do exercise. They also are very helpful and humble to others, quick to lend a helping hand or advice on something fitness related. They love to see others do well in the gym as well, and are their harshest critic. They are also always looking for ways to challenge themselves, and will try new techniques, tricks, and workouts to achieve this. Everyone knows a Gym Rat, and they are the easiest folks to respect in the gym. They often keep you coming to the gym and serve as moral inspirations.

I plan on doing more fitness related blogs but right now I wanted to stay away from being preachy or offering a plethora of tips. Those will come later. I just wanted to post some observations from my many years of research and experience in working out and chopping it up with trainers and such.

Kobe + Lebron doesn't equal Jordan, period

I had to add some very direct, even blunt force, with the title of this blog entry.

Now that the NBA Finals and NBA free agency are about to begin, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are all over Sportscenter. The main two questions are " Will Kobe win his 5th championship ring in his quest to better Michael Jordan's 6 championships in the 90s?" and "Where will Lebron go to try and earn his 1st ring, or will he stay in Cleveland?"

I usually stay out of this subject as to whom's better, Kobe, Lebron, or Jordan, simply because sports fanatics get very sensitive about it. This leads to long, drawn-out arguments, and folks throwing out stats left and right like they are statistics professors at Harvard. Well, with the hype going on this year and seeing the discussions a little too much, I had to come forward with my thoughts.

All three are great players, and will go down as some of the greatest players in NBA history. However, neither Kobe nor Lebron are the type of player Jordan was, gave to the NBA like he did, etc, etc. And I'm going to explain why, and I will even spare you all many of the mind-boggling stats folks like to use.

OK let's start with Lebron James. First of all, he may be the overall best athlete to ever play in the NBA outside of maybe Kareem, Wilt, or even Magic. The things he can do for his team, the shots and dunks he makes are amazing, and his character isn't perfect but it's not an apparent put-on. In 2007, Lebron took a team of also-rans to the championship against the San Antonio Spurs. They were swept in 4 games but the fact that he pretty much did it all says so much about his character and ability. He has also led his past two teams to 60+ win seasons and #1 seeds in the Eastern Conference. Lebron has worn Jordan's famed "23" since middle school, but has decided to give that up next season, whether or not he leaves the Cavs. He has been notable since his junior year at St. Vincent/St. Mary's High School in Akron, OH when his high-school team was nationally ranked and beating the bejesus out of everyone they faced around the country. I highly recommend that ANY basketball fan check out the newly-released documentary "More Than A Game" based on Lebron and his teammates, 3 of which he played with since 11 years of age. Lebron hasn't had the team around him necessary to win a championship ring, plus he still has plenty of time. Plenty of champions, such as Jordan and Kevin Garnett, didn't win a championship until later in their career and after they were surrounded by teammates and a coach capable of winning this championship.

Now we have Kobe Bryant. As a person, I do not care for him for many reasons. He's arrogant, thinks he's above the law, and tries to make his team all about him. With the exception of the latter, none of these apply to his skills on the court. Bar-none, Kobe is the BEST in the league RIGHT NOW. Lebron is the better athlete but Kobe is the best player. He shoots well, scores high, brings his A-game nightly, and has that killer instinct that allows him to rise to the occasion in the BIG games. Lebron has yet to display this. Kobe has 4 rings, and could have a 5th one in the next couple of weeks. Kobe has groomed himself since birth into becoming the consummate NBA player, being the son of former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant. Kobe chose Jordan to model himself after. He had a VHS collection of Jordan's games, drills, techniques, etc. Kobe's comparisons became stronger after the rape allegation in 2003. He changed his number from #8 to #24, and he shaved his trademark afro into a bald-cut like Jordan. He started even talking like Jordan during post-game interviews and chewing his gum like him, etc. Kobe-haters and Jordan-lovers have more reason to hate now. Instead of trying to become his own player and himself, Kobe wants to be Jordan. He has surpassed Jordan in many areas of the game statistically, and can actually do things on the court better than Jordan. But guess what, he's still not better than Jordan. No way!

Michael Jordan came into the NBA and didn't immediately take it by storm. However, the things he accomplished are undeniable. 6 NBA championships in 8 years, numerous MVP awards, scoring titles, big endorsements, jersey sales, and his trademark "Air Jordan" sneakers to name a few. Jordan became the face of basketball, even making others forget about those before himself. Granted, Jordan didn't have to deal with as much adversity as Kobe or Lebron, or things such as the hand-check rule, the Internet, bloggers such as myself, message boards, etc. Still, he was the BEST.

Michael Jordan is the BEST NBA player not necessarily in stats, games won, NBA titles, etc. He is the best because he was a pioneer, an originator. Like Michael Jackson, Muhammed Ali, or Babe Ruth, he has that timeless character and image that is often imitated but never duplicated. He just wanted to be (and became) his own man. You can't compare Kobe, Lebron and Jordan at day's end because they are all 3 DIFFERENT basketball players, and different men. Jordan had the famous sneakers, was the role model and the face of the NBA, and made not only the black basketball player but the superstar athlete exist. Most of the things Kobe and Lebron are doing have already been done. They are simply attempting to break records. Both of these young men need to focus on being their own player and person. Lebron's made a huge leap towards that by giving up #23. Kobe, on the other hand, is still determined to beat all of Jordan's records. It is a generational thing also. Many of the 20 and under crowd didn't watch Jordan like myself and my friends did. They watch Kobe and Lebron, so that's what they see and know. Therefore, Jordan cannot be the best for this generation. He is simply the greatest in the NBA for his intangibles that NO other player, before or after, cannot and will not bring. Kobe can win 10 NBA rings and it won't matter. Lebron can sign with the Bulls, play for Phil Jackson, wear #23, and win a few rings also. It won't matter because THEY ARE NOT MICHAEL JORDAN! They do not have his heart, his teammates, circumstances, etc. They are Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, period, and everyone should focus on this.

I'm sure Jordan is one of few folks that agrees that this is one sleeping dog that folks should let lie. Based on my criterion of character, intangibles, sneakers, and circumstances, Jordan did it first and BETTER than anyone else ever in the NBA. Kobe and Lebron have and will continue to do great things in the NBA. However, this is Kobe and Lebron doing this.

I await all comments, phone calls, text messages, FB posts, tweets, etc regarding this subject. I have wanted to say most of this for a while, but didn't know how to until a couple of weeks ago. Once again, these are my criteria. Based on your criteria, Larry Bird could be the NBA's best. Remember this is only my blog, not an official government proclamation.

The Good Ole Capri Theatre

Watching movies is a hobby of mine, whether renting them or going to the theater.  This love for the big screen cinema began as a child when I started going to the famed Capri Theatre in downtown Gaffney, SC.



The Capri was one of the vintage Mom and Pop operations. Back in elementary school, every time school was out for a holiday or a teacher workday, the school would give out free tickets for students to see movies at the Capri. They called it "The School's Out Special". My mom loved taking myself, my brother, and often some of our cousins and friends. I looked forward going to the movies then as it was often the only time we would go. 


Movie theatres have evolved so much now, offering THX sound, stadium seating, 3D screens and other features. They have become very corporate and therefore expensive. You can easily spend $25-$40 for a night at the movies. The Capri was very simple: cheap to free for admission, the cheapest concessions, and a couple of arcade machines. There was something special about that theatre that had a balcony open only for special occasions. It had history, represented a more innocent time in my life. It showed how small businesses can be a beacon to the local community, and then become obsolete when a larger corporate brand comes to town (i.e., Gaffney Entertainment). Granted I like Gaffney Entertainment a lot. It just doesn't give me that simple, nostalgic feel that the Capri provided.



I remember the FINAL time I went to the Capri. It was in summer 2006 and I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl. I felt like a child again, sitting in that theater.  It lacked the elements of the big time theaters, but that mattered not to me.  I enjoyed myself. 



Present-day, the Capri is open for local concert performances, open mics and special events.  It is now called the Capri On Main.  No newly released movies play in this theatre anymore. I have actually been to Capri On Main and it’s nice.  I like how they have remodeled the place and have given it some more flare. However, it’s not quite the same feeling that the movie theater aspect gave me.

Also, when I was younger, the Capri was NOT just a building or a theater. It was a good way to relax on a day off, bonding with family and friends, and simply enjoying a movie without all of the frills and whistles that enhance today's movies.   Those were indeed good times, simpler times. 

Smartphones: Blackberry, iPhone, and Android

Smartphones are the latest new hot gadgets to have. It is no longer good enough to just have a cell phone, or even a cell phone with a full keyboard with unlimited texting, 3G internet, picture mail, etc. Having one of the many smartphones on the market that allow different apps, games, email accounts, etc is a must-have for many consumers. Many of these smartphones make it unnecessary for one to use a traditional computer as often. I'm gonna discuss 3 of the most popular and proven smartphone brands: Blackberry, iPhone, and Android.

Blackberry:

I currently own a Blackberry Curve so I realize I am biased in this analogy. Therefore, I based this discussion on research I conducted prior to deciding on a Blackberry, and on opinions and facts from others I know. The Blackberry is currently the #1 selling smartphone on the market, and the most business practical. It was previously behind Palm in terms of organization and business-use. However, it became more user-friendly for the general user in late 2007 and has since boomed in popularity. The Blackberry Messenger (BBM) app is one of the more popular apps, as it allows one to keep in contact with other Blackberry users, irregularless of the Blackberry model they may own (Pearl, Curve, Storm, or Tour). Blackberry messaging also doesn't take away from your text message usage, and is more advanced than traditional texting. It's also easy to do a conference with very little delays, and some BBs are international. Having access to up to 10 different email accounts at once is a major positive as well. BBs have more apps than ever now, especially with the App World app that lists all of the free and paid apps. Some of my favorite apps include BBM, UberTwitter, Facebook, Poynt, and Pandora. It is now possible to personalize your BB for recreational use. Many complaints, outside of the app selection, are that BBs are "disposable" and crash very often. This can be true, esp if you use too much of your data, don't back your phone up regularly, etc. Companies do offer significant discounts on BBs, and EVERY major cell phone carrier has the Blackberry. The trackball on the Curve and Tour has also caused problems, users complaining of them getting stuck. Nonetheless, I still love my Blackberry, although I've only owned mine for two months.

iPhone:

The iPhone has been out for 5 years now and there has been several upgrades but the basic iPhone is still in place. AT&T is currently the only carrier that offers the iPhone so you have to be an AT&T customer to own one. There have been many complaints about AT&T service, often comparing it to Sprint (those that know me know my feelings towards Sprint mobile). Nevertheless, the iPhone is considered a dream of a smartphone, particularly for Apple lovers. They have almost any app known to man, plus the many capabilities of the iPod Touch. It is purely touchscreen, which is a positive if you are a fan of touchscreen phones. It is very much a recreational phone, although it can be used for business as well. iPhones also have uStream, and you can have live video chats with other iPhone and even Droid users. However, the iPhone isn't even as durable as many BBs or Droids, and replacing them is a much greater chore. The Internet on the iPhone is superb however, waay moreso than a BB. In my opinion, however, the iPhone is more for the casual user and doesn't have the business capabilities of a BB. One of my friends that despises BBs was making the joke that BBs are basically kiddie phones and that a toy company such as Fisher-Price should distribute them. To me, you could possibly make that same argument for iPhones. I mean, the apps, music and games are great. But how many apps and games does one adult really need? Also, the iPhone battery is built-in, until BBs and Droids. If the battery goes bad, you often have to replace the entire phone.

Android:

The Android, Droid, etc. is the hottest new commodity in the smartphone market. Microsoft and Google were NOT going to be out-done in this arena, so they have created a variety of phones capable of competing with the BB and iPhone. HTC, Samsung and Motorola are the main distributors for Droid phones, and they are available on every carrier. In a sense, Droids are the PC-answer to the iPhones. They also have several apps, many of them are free where they are not on the BB. The Internet, video, and uStream are superb as well. Many Droids have the options for the virtual and the traditional keyboards on the same phone. Droids also do not crash as often as BBs, and are typically faster on running apps and such than BBs or iPhones. Just like the iPhone, if you're a fan of Apples and Macs, the Droid is a great option if you're a huge Microsoft fan. Droids have definitely taken smartphones to the next level. They're not as proven as BBs or iPhones in my mind but they are definitely on their way

Basically, whichever phone you decide to end up with (or stay with) is merely a matter of personal preferences. I have my reasons for why I chose my Blackberry, and that is that. I don't condemn anyone for their choices. I ask that folks keep an open mind, and look at the advantages/disadvantages of each phone. Some phones have many negatives, and need waay more "cowbell" than the next phone. However, I truly believe there is a smartphone out there for every gadget junkie. Question is, which one is it for you?