thoughts.bjsintay.com

It’s tough to predict what Apple will do next in the ever-changing portable media market.  From the iPod, to the iPhone, and even the iBook, Apple is constantly on the move when it comes to developing products that miniaturize and combine technology to meet consumer needs.  So let me be among the first to predict the iScreen - the all new handheld media system with integrated phone, media player, and *cough* DLP video projector.

TI has developed a micro DLP array which is much smaller than your standard projector chip, while maintaining enough quality for smaller screen viewing.  Want to watch a movie on your 2012 flight to Europe?  Forget wearable OLEDs in your shirt.  Project your favorite digital TV station from your iScreen on to the seat in front of you.  Think portable digital TV is far off?  Think again.  That’s already in a new phone developed by Samsung.  The phone includes both analog and digital receivers.

Now, somebody needs to get TiVo in on this and we’ll be all set.

CSPAN is one of those channels you hate having in the lineup.  It just gets in the way causing yet another flick of the thumb as you pass it by.  I would never, even on my death bed, recommend watching CSPAN for extended periods of time - that is until I discovered something worth watching.  Last Wednesday I was flipping through the channels waiting for American Idol to come on when I saw an image of British Prime Minister Tony Blair half laughing, half screaming, at an opposing member of the House of Commons.  Being that I’ve never seen such a high authority figure do such a thing, I stopped.  The antagonist stepped back up and assaulted Blair in a causal, joking manner, but with words that would send even good ol’ Hillary into a fit of rage.  Blair took to the microphone laughing slightly and responded with harsh, jovial words with a smile on his face and giggles from a nearby party member.

I must have had a dumbfounded look on my face, because I was seriously confused.  OK, I thought, maybe this is just a joke or something.  The conversation continued.  As more and more members stood and insulted Blair and others, I became aware that this was not a game, nor was it unduly harsh.  It’s just the way they do it.  In fact, I found my gaping mouth began to laugh as Blair would send a zinger one way then catch another.  Fifteen minutes later I realized I was watching CSPAN - AND ENJOYING IT.

I can’t say I’ll be hosting a CSPAN party anytime soon, nor will I set the TiVo to record Prime Minister’s Questions.  I can’t say that you’ll find grumpy old men arguing in English accents amusing either.  Simply put, I was surprised by how entertaining this show turned out to be.  If you ever happen to catch a glimpse of this comic show as you’re flipping from Spike to ESPN, allow your thumb to rest and take in a bit of British politics.