The new Windows Vista has finally been released. For all you Mac”ers” out there… you best keep your eyes open while you sleep.

Why do I have so much faith in the new Windows? Traditionally, the interface and overall presentation of Apple computers and products have always beat out Windows. Granted, Window’s doesn’t produce computers like Apple does, but it won’t take you long to find someone that will tell you the Mac OSX just “looks” cooler.

But now, we can put that aspect of the Mac to shame. Behold leather bound laptops and shiny buttons: Windows has finally fully stepped out of the box and have realized exactly what people are looking for: Snazziness. Sleek looking text. Windows that scroll and appear in 3D. A little widget that pops up telling me the weather (when and where I want it… with no ads). I give you: Vista.

The new Windows is easier, safer, more entertaining, and more connected. Sure I pulled that right off their promotional website… but it’s time that Mac steps off their monopoly on all things shiny.

So I pose this question to the AVERAGE computer user: If you had to choose between the Windows XP and Mac OSX, which would you choose?

Then compare the snazziness factor of each.Windows Vista or MacOSX?

And please don’t forget their beautiful blog.

So… my official opinion? I’ll let you know when I’ve actually tried it out; I’m sending my desktop out next week for a new hard drive and upgrade.

A recent study conducted by Kelton Research (commissioned by support.com) has found that 65% of consumers are spending more time with their computer than with a significant other. In fact 8 in 10 Americans are more dependent on their computers now than they were 3 years ago.

The study confirmed that computers are becoming an integral part of of American’s everyday lives.

Like any relationship, the test comes not when things are going well but when times are tough. And unfortunately in the case of their computers, things aren’t going so well for Americans.

— The average consumer has experienced computer troubles eight times -
about every four months – over the last three years.
— The average American is wasting 12 hours per month – the equivalent of
half a weekend – due to problems with their home computer.
— A majority of Americans (52%) describe their most recent experience
with a computer problem as one of anger, sadness or alienation.

“We empathize with consumers about the emotional nature of dealing with computer problems. As the leader in computer problem resolution for nearly 10 years, we have a distinct advantage in helping consumers quickly and conveniently solve their frustrating computer problems,” said Josh Pickus, CEO of SupportSoft. “For these reasons, we will be launching support.com, a service that speaks to consumers without talking down to them and uses proven, patented technology to resolve their frustrating computer problems – guaranteed.”

Dr. Robi Ludwig, renowned psychotherapist and host of TLC’s “One Week to Save a Marriage” stated “On my show, I teach couples that they don’t have to be an expert in resolving tough marital problems, they simply have to know whom to turn to for support. With the introduction of support.com, consumers can have a trusted advisor to turn to for technology relief when they experience frustrating technology problems.”

Considering the large role computers play in people’s lives today, experts agree that computer problems can sometimes cause significant emotional distress, similar to what happens when a problem occurs between spouses.

Reporting by PR Newswire

Gotta’ love YouTube:

The above segment was created in association with MitchellRose.com and BodyVox dance company.

this teaches the grammatical intricacies of body language. Yes, in just a few easy lessons you too can learn to speak body just like humans do.

Just so cute, I couldn’t pick one! From The Daily Kitten:

Nyan: “Here’s Nyan, a two-week old kitten. She was very sleepy for some reason, and instead of finding a comfortable place to curl up, she just settled down right where she was on my kitchen floor. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of her ball of sleepy cuteness.”

Guiness: “This is my friend’s cat Guinness. He’s very clumsy and overwhelmingly cute and thinks fluffing himself up is intimidating.”

Stuart: “He was given to us by a family friend. His name is Stuart because he looks like Stuart Little. He’s bright white and has two different colored eyes – blue and green. What a fiesty little guy!” Keep reading this »

Watch this funny video (yes I love YouTube). It has quite a Monty Python feeling, especially if you’ve ever seen Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Here’s a little Orlando dreaminess for you. This scene is from a show in which Orlando plays himself:

Extras starring Ricky Gervais premieres tonight at 10pm on HBO. Orlando Bloom guest stars as himself in the premiere episode of season two. Ricky plays a man that while trying to get his big break works as a background extra on films and TV shows. He comes face to face with big stars. The show also stars the hilarious Ashley Jensen of Ugly Betty as Ricky’s friend and fellow extra.

Story found on Dlisted.

Pretty soon the computer will exercise for us:

Windows/Linux only: Prevent RSI from setting in after long, uninterrupted hours on your PC with the free WorkRave timed break application.

WorkRave pops up and prompts you for a “micro break” or a longer exercise break at time intervals you determine. The app will even suggest anti-RSI exercises for your eyes, back and shoulders to help prevent backaches, headaches and carpal tunnel. WorkRave is a free download, Windows and Linux only. (Mac users, check out previously-posted AntiRSI for a similar app.) Thanks, gatorparade! — Gina Trapani

Thank you to the wonderful people at LifeHacker.

No more “Tomkat” or “Brangelina’s” please. No more “chipotles” or “we’re pregnant” couples. Oh thank you.

Lake Superior State University published its annual:“List of Words and Phrases Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness.”

Among the list are played out phrases from commercials – “ask your doctor” – to misused phrases – “gone/went missing.” Is missing a place you can visit?

From MSNBC:

Take “ask your doctor,” the mantra of pharmaceutical commercials. The university called it “the chewable vitamin morphine of marketing.”

Real estate listings were targeted for overuse of “boast.” As in “master bedroom boasts his-and-her fireplaces — never ’bathroom apologizes for cracked linoleum,”’ quipped Morris Conklin of Portugal.

THE OFFICIAL LIST FOR ‘06:

— Gitmo
— Combined celebrity names
— Awesome
— Gone or went missing
— Pwn or pwned, a misspelling of “own” used by online video gamers
— Now playing in theaters
— We’re pregnant
— Undocumented alien
— Armed robbery gone bad or drug deal gone bad
— Truthiness
— Ask your doctor
— Chipotle
— i-anything
— Search
— Healthy food
— Boasts

“Sometimes people write us and tell us, ’This isn’t working,”’ university spokesman Tom Pink said. “I tell them we need an enforcement division.”

At a family dinner conversation today we got onto the topic of “niche” blogging and the many opportunities out there for those who are very “specialized” to make some extra cash. We also started talking about podcasting; podcasting allows anyone who works on the computer (freelancers, designers, etc…) quite a bit to absorb information that would otherwise take the time to read and scan a traditional blog.

I generally enjoy podcasts related to freelancing and design, but I’m sure there are other great “niche” areas with some great programs. So, I have a question: Do you enjoy listening to podcasts as you work (or do anything else) and what are your favorite programs?

P.S. That’s the Snowball USB Microphone & Tripod Kit from Jazebra.com. Pretty cool eh?

Just a reminder for those interested, the Kim Family Art auction which I previously blogged about has begun today.

A quick update: The auctions had to restarted due to some confusion with eBay. So, if you made a bid before, please re-bid. It looks like some of the auctions are doing VERY well now. A few pieces are going for $600 already (way out of my price range) and there are more than two days left. Thanks to everyone bidding for a great cause!