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When Kodak announced the release of its Zi8 pocket video camera, the features alone created excitement in the pocket cam community. For so long, a Flip cam was eponymous with pocket camcorders. Kodak set out to change the minds of consumers by offering a superior product.
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Kodak was kind enough to send me a Zi8 to tinker with. While I prefer black or silver — simple colors — my review unit was an impressive aqua blue. Regardless of anyone’s color preferences, the Zi8 isn’t ugly. But at first glance, it isn’t as striking as its Flip competitor. But it’s certainly an improvement over the Zi6. The Zi8’s big personality is what sets it apart.
It’s easy to differentiate the Zi8 from its competition based on its features alone: it films in 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps) and at 720p at 60 fps, electronic image stabilization eliminates fidgety filming, it shoots 5.0 megapixel stills, and it provides support for both Facebook and YouTube. There are a handful of other important features including help with low-light filming, face tracking, and compatibility with both Mac & PC operating systems.
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When the 15 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien Award were announced on Monday, one noteworthy candidate was left off of the list. Apparently the “elite group of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners” didn’t believe Florida State QB, Christian Ponder, was worth a look. Is it safe to say that a large degree of subjectivity goes into the selection process?
The O’Brien honors the nation’s best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O’Brien aims to help instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate.
Christian Ponder – Florida State Seminoles | GETTY—–
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So what if Florida State’s record is 3-4.
Ponder has racked up impressive stats. The junior signal caller from Colleyville, Texas has passed for 2,176 yards (6th) and completed 70 percent of his passes (4th). And while he struggled with turnovers last season, he has only thrown 1 INT this season (vs. 13 in 2008). His direction has resulted in 12 scores through the air, and 2 on the ground. His 155.8 passer rating ranks tenth in the nation.
Fans can still help determine which of the semifinalists advance as finalists by voting at voteobrien.org. Fan votes account for 5% of the process in each round. So far, Jake Locker leads the fan voting with 24% of the vote. By the way, Washington is 3-5 this season.
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It slices! It dices! It plays DVDs & Blu-Ray discs! It streams TV shows & movies from Netflix! Beginning in November, you can add Sony PS3 to the list of devices that jive with the Netflix Video On Demand (VOD) service. However, it’s the only one that allows for gaming, streaming VOD and Blu-Ray capability. The service is available to Netflix members at no additional cost to the monthly fee of $8.99 (more information on Netflix membership).
Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live™ technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant Queues. Members can use the Netflix Web site or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their Queues. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the Wireless Controller.
Netflix VOD service is also compatible with the XBOX 360, the Roku HD player, one of a few LG Blu-ray Disc Players (including the BD 370 or BD 390, several Samsung Blu-Ray Disc Players (including the BD-P2500, BD-P3600 and BD-P4600) and internet-connected HD TVs from LG (with NetCast Broadband).
For more information and to get notified when Netflix is available for use on the PS3, visit netflix.com/ps3.
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BlackBerry users…rejoice! You knew it was coming, and now it is official. Today RIM introduced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 to the world. In addition to its great new looks, the new and improved Bold will feature a 624 MHz processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi® and a 3.2MP camera.
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The high-resolution display features over 65,000 colors. The new trackpad will undoubtedly be a refreshing upgrade to the trackball, which has a tendency to get stuck.
AT&T and T-Mobile were among the few carriers that also announced they would be carrying the phone sometime in November. For more information and a list of features on the 9700, visit blackberry.com/bold9700.
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By now you’ve seen the commercials featuring GM Chairman Ed Whitacre proclaim “…may the best car win”. During last month’s GM conference call, former vice-chairman Bob Lutz, issued another challenge: “If you own a car comparable to the Cadillac CTS-V (a 4-door production stock sport sedan) and you want to match up against me and the Cadillac, you can join us at Monticello.”
Bob Lutz issued a challenge. Journalists accepted. Run What You Brung, GM!
Auto blog, Jalopnik, quickly jumped on the opportunity. And now everyone will have a chance to do the same. The CTS-v Challenge will take place on October 29, 2009 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, NY. To sign up, visit ctsvchallenge.com. More information is also available on the GM Fastlane Blog.
Who knows…maybe a Porsche Panamera will be available.
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 Tim Tebow & Sam Bradford went down early…and hard. [Reinke|AP Photo, Jenkins|AP]—–
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This college football season has been enigmatic at best. But the uncertainty has also realigned the Heisman race…not to mention two of the three top Heisman candidates suffered serious injuries early on, and Colt McCoy started off slower than anyone expected.
A new group of candidates has emerged. Ok…let’s not use “emerged”. Based on their performances last season, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford were placed on the pedestal before the first snap was taken. But now those that were destined to be noticed are getting the attention they deserve. Despite the discernable nepostism in the beginning, we can focus on some new candidates for now.
My Top 5 Heisman candidates through Week 5:
[5] Jahvid Best. There’s no denying his talent. His acceleration is second-to-none. His video game moves are responsible for many broken ankles. (Random stat warning) He’s second among active players in number of career rushing attempts of 70 or more yards [thanks, HP]. But Best’s Heisman run is quickly coming to a halt. Oregon held him to 55 yards and USC to 47 yards…both resulting in only 3.4 yards per carry. Assuming he and his team can get back on track, he’s still worth a top nod. One more poor performance would definitely knock him off his perch. Next opponent: UCLA (3-1)
[4] Colt McCoy. Colt may have had a sluggish start, but the gunslinger is beginning to show his true colors once again. Coming off a bye week, McCoy doesn’t boast the huge Heisman stats in yards and TDs. Despite 5 picks to date, he has completed 71.0 pct of his passes, which is second in the nation. And he’s still sitting on a respectable passer rating of 151.0. Next opponent: Colorado (1-3)
[3] Tony Gerhart. Tony who? Tony “Leads The Nation In Rushing” Gerhart. With 650 yards rushing and 8 TDs, he’s the current pacesetter for rushing yards and only two scores away from the touchdown title. It’s also worth pointing out that the Stanford running back shares a conference with three other names you’ve probably heard: Jahvid Best, Joe McKnight and Jacquizz Rodgers. And don’t forget the exiled LaGarrette Blount. It’s probably safe to say that Stanford is 4-1 as a result of Gerhart’s efforts not to mention they’re #1 in the Pac-10. Next opponent: Oregon State (3-2)
[2] Tony Pike. While it may be surprising to most college football fans that Cincinnati is undefeated and ranked #8 in the nation, it’s more surprising that they’re the highest ranked team in the state of Ohio. While the debate for the best team rages on, there’s no debtate as to which Ohio QB is better. Pike has racked up nearly 1,500 yards through the air resulting in 13 TDs. No. 23 South Florida will arguably be Pike’s stiffest competition. This natoinally-televised matchup will be his best opportunity to impress voters. Next opponent: University of South Florida (5-0)
[1] Jimmy Clausen. Jimmy’s got a gun, and he’s definitely on a run. Despite the fact that the Irish can thank their lucky charms that they’re 4-1 (last three wins by 3, 2 and 7), Jimmy continues to shine brightly beneath the watchful eye of Touchdown Jesus. He boasts the highest passer rating (179.3) and is fourth in passing yards (1,544) with nearly 40% of those coming from playmaker, Golden Tate. But most impressive might be the scarcity of turnovers. He’s thrown 2 INTs to his 12 TDs thus far. Next opponent in 2 weeks: USC (4-1)
Don’t Forget These Guys. When your three sexiest Heisman hopefuls don’t pan out, the Heisman race becomes such a crap shoot. The five guys on the list above might be the most photogenic, but there are a handful that are making their case week after week. Up until last night, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert had impressed fans and experts with his athleticism. University of Miami QB Jacory Harris reminds me of Pat White — a great talent that just doesn’t seem to attract enough Heisman attention to make a case. If you ask him, he’s definitely made one.
Jake Locker is more than just the signal caller for the University of Washington. He’s their leader…their savior. As he goes, they go. He plays well under pressure and is unphased in big game situations. While he may not garner Heisman consideration, he’ll undoubtedly be one of the most sought after QBs in the upcoming NFL draft.
While Jevan Snead was destined to do big things at Ole Miss, teammate Dexter McCluster has shown why he’s just as important to that offense. Neither will separate themselves as the superstar, but their team better for it. Alabama should give them every opportunity to highlight their respective talents.
University of Houston QB Case Keenum may make the best case to be in that list above. He’s already passed for nearly 1,700 yards and 13 TDs…the only blemishes on his stat sheet are 2 INTs. The Cougs suffered an unfortuntate loss to UTEP last week after two impressive wins against Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. The remainder of their schedule gives Houston an opportunity to bounce back and therefore Case another moment in the spotlight.
Alabama QB Greg McElroy—–
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Under The Radar…For Now. Alabama QB Greg McElroy has flown way under the radar. It’s probably because his numbers aren’t eye popping. But his passer rating of 165.5 ranks fifth nationally. Tim Tebow isn’t the only leader to use an eye bulging, red-faced “talkin’ to” to get his team fired up. McElroy used some choice words in their win over Kentucky before leading them down the field on a 97-yard scoring drive.
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