Ask Willie Stylez - The Posts

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

Recently The Boy Genius himself, Jonathan Geller at BGR (Boy Genius Report), reports that Verizon's new fall 2012 lineup is proposed to include such flagship-worthy, smartphone eye candy as:

• Samsung Galaxy S3 - Exynos Quad-core processor, 4.7" HD display
• Motorola RAZR HD - 4.3-4.7" HD display and Quad-Core processor
• HTC's yet to be named phone-tablet - 1080P HD 5" display, Quad-Core KRAIT processor and HTC Scribe Pen
• Apple iPhone 5 - redesigned body, 1080P HD 4" display and an Quad-Core A6 processor made by, get this, Samsung

First off, I'm tired of hearing about these "redesigned" Apple iPhones that always only come with a few updates and the world goes crazy! Its annoying at best. At this point in the phone game its all about the bigger and more dense, HD screens so until a REAL iPhone comes out with a screen bigger than my thumb, I don't want to hear it. At this point, Apple at least did prove with iPad 3 that its time ALL devices break the Full HD barrier!

I'm excited about the prospects of that 5" HTC model which should compete nicely with either the current or next generation Samsung Galaxy Note phone-tablet. And for anyone thinking QuadCore is unnecessary in a phone, must have never heard of (Motorola) WebTop or Ubuntu for Android. These next-gen smartphones will need laptop and desktop quality specs with the inclusion of these full desktop OS's built into their underlying ROM or app space. That's the future of mobile phones!

That is what Stylez thinks! So what will get you excited about the next-gen smarthphones? More cores, bigger screens, better Apps, etc? Let me know in the comments!

One of my blog sisters, Ms Nikks, recently (well about an hour ago, as I write this), wrote a post where she asked, in so many words:

Do you think you can love two people at the same time?

It was based on a quote she read:

If you love two people at the same time, choose the second. Because if you really loved the first one, you wouldn't have fallen for the second."

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

That's a hard one! I have to say, he is partially right. I would have to say, you didn't love the 1st AS MUCH AS YOU THOUGHT, or you wouldn't have loved the 2nd. BUT, as Nikks brought out, I think it IS possible to love 2 people! You have to think about, what love is, and what makes people love one another. Love isn't a set, static, clearly defined thing! It is a dynamic emotion, shaped by life, by experience, by choices made and regrets of the heart. Love cannot be directed, sometimes it just attaches! And if you find that you are in love with 2, then you have to find what "Love Is" to you. Is it comfort, is it stabilty, is it excitement, etc. It is not easy, and there may be heartbreak at some point. But if you truly know what love is to your heart, it makes it easier to decide. Love is not easy. And you can't control where it may lead you. But YOU have to make that final decision of where you end up!

That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think?

From: Posterous Spaces [mailto:no-reply@posterous.com]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 6:03 PM
To: @WillieStylez
Subject: Posterous has been acquired by Twitter

Hi Willie,
I’m thrilled to announce that Posterous has been acquired by Twitter! The opportunities in front of Twitter are exciting, and we couldn’t be happier to bring our technology and expertise to hundreds of millions of users around the globe. Plus, the people at Twitter are genuinely nice folks who share our vision for making sharing simpler.
Posterous Spaces will remain up and running without disruption. We’ll give users ample notice if we make any changes to the service. For users who would like to back up their content or move to another service, we’ll share clear instructions for doing so in the coming weeks.
You can find more information answers to other questions you may have here.
Thanks again and I look forward to building great things for you at Twitter.
- Sachin

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

I know most of you don't realize this, but Twitter as a company, is EVIL! No, they aren't Illuminati (I guess), and no they don't trip old folks, or eat babies... but love to RUIN good technology! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Twitter, the social networking site. I live for it. But Twitter the company, has a very bad habit of buying GREAT companies (Tweetdeck, BagCheck, AdGrok, etc.) and then ruining them! Or cannabilizing the talent!

It's OK for some companies I'm sure, especially when they are built on the premise of looking for the next big acquisition. But it just sucks for us regular folks looking for great software, services and apps. But then a big bully like Twitter comes along and decides the technology no longer needs to survive! I wouldn't care if they weren't so abrupt about flexing their preferences and likes and attitudes upon us (a la Apple Inc & Steve Jobs).

Case in point... TweetDeck. It was a great web service and application. Most people knew it as one of the best, if not THE BEST social network client (able to handle Twitter/Facebook/etc). But then Twitter came along, they not only cannabilized the talent, but then they forced the TweetDeck to remove signature and loved features; including long tweets and RT of any tweet. I mean the latter was a (very slight) security concern, since before Twitter got involved, we could RT anyone's tweets, including people who had locked their accounts. But to remove long tweets because you don't think people should be allowed to go outside of your small, limited box, of 140 characters is just assinine! I mean, where they do that at!? ... Oh yea... @ TWITTER! SMDH!

Anyway, I just hope Posterous workers/developers can influence some change at Twitter. But if things go the way it appears to be, we may have to say good bye to Posterous far too soon. FML!

That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think? Do you have any other beef with Twitter? Leave it in the comments!

I have been asked by many people... What is Willie Stylez doing to lose weight!?

What Does Stylez Think?

Well, to help with the weight loss, I'm mainly sticking to a few healthy staples. I believe these 5 things are the core of my weight loss success and may work for others as well. So here is the list.

1. Eat 4 to 5 times per day (2 meals, 3 healthy snacks)
   • the biggest mistake overweight people make is thinking if they only eat once or twice a day they will lose weight. On the contrary, that is what makes you gain weight! If you starve your body, it will absorb everything you put in your mouth, literally!
   • but eating 4 to 6 times per day, of course smaller portions, will make your body get into a metabolizing mode, where it will expel more waste in anticipation of more food to come. You have to train your body to expect more food every few hours for it to burn off the calories versus absorbing the calories as fat.
2. Excluding sugar, bread, high carb foods
   • Personally, and for some people, carbs and sugar are my biggest downfall for weight
   • excluding carbs and sugar from my diet immediately gives my body the ability to burn calories and lose weight
   • this doesn't work for everyone but it's definitely worth the try
3. Drinking 8-12 cups (8oz each) of water per day. Also eliminating all other soft drinks (except occasional unsweetened or sugar free sweetner teas)
   • this is another instance, like the eating food often, where your body retains when it thinks you are going to starve it. If you don't drink water enough, your body is going to retain the liquids you do take in. And most of those would be juice and pop, and that is all filled with sugar and high calories! Thus those calories will turn to fat!
   • If you drink enough water, your body will be able to expel more water in anticipation of more water to come
   • Give it a try, start drinking 8 to 12 cups and see how much weight you will lose in 7 to 10 days! You'd be amazed!
4. Workout 2 to 3 times per week, especially on cheat days
   • Of course, when you are trying to lose weight, you can't avoid working out! You really should workout or get involved in a physical activity no matter what to live a healthy lifestyle. But when you are looking to drop the pounds, nothing better than good old fashion workout!
   • I currently do a lot of aerobics (high-impact power walking) and light weight training
   • Remember, you don't need a gym membership or a lot of fancy equipment. If you have a DVD player or Comcast On-Demand, there are plenty of workout videos out there to get you started!
   • And again, no matter what your health level, physical activity is GREAT for everyone's health. Get out and play a sport, run, play with the kids, whatever... JUST MOVE!
5. Limit cheat days to 1 per week. Gives me a chance to enjoy foods I like but normally restricted from
   • And finally, don't be afraid to have a day where you can just relax. No calorie counting, no menu watching, etc. Just enjoy foods you normally would have to restrict yourself from.
   • Now, don't go crazy, a meal or two is ok. But try to stick to the diet the rest of the day! ;-)
   • And it's BEST to workout on planned, and especially unplanned, cheat days. It may make the difference between feeling bad for breaking the diet, and feeling really bad for having gained a pound or two!

With these 5 core staples of weight-loss, you too may be able to see your results! I hope it helps someone else. And, of course, adjust for what's best for your lifestyle and weight-loss goal. And PLEASE KEEP IN MIND... not all programs work for EVERYONE! There is NO MAGIC PILL, or single regiment that works for everyone! Everyone's body is different and everyone has to find what works best for their own body!

That is what Stylez thinks. Any further questions? Leave them in the comments!

So What Does Stylez Think?

Yesterday, I stepped on the scale... I had been doing fairly well with the diet, so I wasn't worried... and there it was...

285

I probably haven't been sub-290lbs since 2008-09 when I first went to the Bahamas! I have been doing pretty well on this second attempt in 2 years to get back down to my goal weight of 240lbs! I have lost 40lbs since December 2011 and am determined to keep it off. I am not as aggressive as I was 8 years ago when I was down to goal. Or even 4 years ago when I hit 278 and rebounded! But I think the method I am using now will promote a healthier and less stressful eating/exercise lifestyle that I can maintain into old age! That's the key right!? Well, 45lbs to go! I'm ready... I'm willing... LETS GET IT!

That is what Stylez thinks! What is your health goal? Feel free to comment!

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

I have been seeing SO many Google Android related articles about...

• Am I getting Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Why am I not getting another update
• What's taking so long to get my update

Well! I'm tired of it! Most of these people paid all of $12 bucks for their phone and they are demanding updates! OK, yes I'm exaggerating a bit, but $100 retail is NOTHING for a phone! Especially since MOST people never pay retail! They usually get like $25-$50 off, if not more!

So seriously, when will the whining end! I'm tired of hearing the complaints about updates! If you want the new Android software SO BAD, then go to XDA Developers, learn how to unlock and customize your phone, then get the new updates! That's what I've done! Stop waiting on, and whining about, carriers and manufacturers! Google put the code out there for use and good XDA Developers are making use of it for most of the better phones! So there's no excuse for people to get off their lazy behinds and go get it!

If your device doesn't support a new update (or doesn't have XDA Dev support), then you probably shouldn't have gotten that weak piece of $50 crap that you bought 2yrs ago! Every Android (and some WinMo) phone that I have ever bought has cost AT THE VERY LEAST $200 AFTER rebates and each one of them have been upgradeable! I have a 2.5YO HTC HD2 that has Android v2.3.7 on it now (the most up to date phone OS available, outside of ICS)! If you actually pay something for a phone, then yes, I think you deserve updates (sorry Sony owners). But whining and crying about your FREE phone not getting updates... you get NO sympathy from me!

And for everyone that says... but I'm not a techy, I just want my phone to work and be updated when Google puts out new software... Then you know what, you've all been warned before! And here it is again...

BUY A GOOGLE NEXUS PHONE!

Every Nexus phone that has been released has been supported by Google with updates! NO EXCUSES! You all love your updates, so stop circumventing the process and buying OTHER phones. YES, Android is about choice, that's the beauty... but if you made the choice to go outside the Nexus line, then live with that choice and make it work for you! Go get your updates when you want them! Or stop your whining and wait for them to be released (or buy a new phone)!

That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think? Please share in the comments!

I just received a request for recommendation of a good RDP or Remote Desktop control app on Android phones & tablets.

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

My first recommendation is 2X Client RDP/Remote Desktop!

It works on Android 1.6-4.0. I use it on my 4.3" touchscreen and it works AWESOME! It has great reviews on tablets too. It's free and uses true RDP (only problem there is only Pro or Ultimate versions of XP & Vista allow RDP, I think all versions of 7 allow it). And it works even better than Wyse PocketCloud (which is $25). And I see they just introduced an AMAZING new features... Published Apps! If you don't know what that is, think VMware ThinApp meets Android! You can run apps from a machine in your network as if they were natively running on your phone or tablet!

My second choice would be TeamViewer for Remote Control.

This app is also FREE! It runs on Android 1.6 and up (not sure if it has Android 4.0 support yet, but if not, I'm sure it's coming). It doesn't use true RDP, it uses a Host/Viewer (or Host only) service app on the desktop (which is great for people running Home versions of XP & Vista). It's an AMAZING app that works internally and externally when you're on the road, with NO router changes. I think you have to change a setting in the server portion of the software combo to allow internal network connections. But otherwise it works GREAT! I use it on friends and family PCs so that I can assist them remotely!

Where does a business cross the line from smart business development via social media to "over-social" behavior that scares prospects away?

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

I don't mind companies having a Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or other types of pages. However, it just bothers me when they lose sight of WHY they should have those kinds of pages. I don't want to visit your empty YouTube page, it should have your commercials or product sample vids or something! I don't want to follow you on Twitter just for you to pump the same advertisments down my throat that everyone spouts, give me useful info, announcments, tech/customer support, something of value. And I definitely don't want to "like" a Facebook page just for a banner ad or a few pictures of your magazine ads; there should be a fully interactive, media experience there to engage and enlighten the consumer! Without the right elements, social media can be incomplete or just plain annoying!

That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think? What companies do you think are breaking the rules and best practices of social media?

How many of us really have TIME to be a good Mentor?

This was a poll and at the time, 46% said they had the time, 15% said they didn't, 31% said only if the mentee was seeking relevant professional help and 8% were undecided!!! That's 23% of people who either wouldn't give their time or didn't know if they would have time to mentor someone! Keep in mind, these are answers given by PROFESSIONALS! People with good jobs, working for great corporations! That's a sad state of affairs I think!

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

I agree with the 46%, and I think that it doesn't take A LOT of time, because you don't have to dedicate an entire workday to being a mentor. But also I must say, it is a two-way street! There must be commitment from both parties, the mentor and the mentee, in order to add value! When I was younger, I had a mentor who spent about an hour a day (two hours on one day each week) helping me with life lessons and providing support for whatever activities I was invovled in. That was beneficial to me for the lessons I learned and the attributes I gained such as supporting others, caring and professionalism. It was beneficial for my mentor's time because I actually listened and applied the lessons and advice he gave me! The thing is, you don't always have to seek out a person to mentor and go to a special place, like my mentor did. Sometimes, being a mentor is just about helping and guiding the people around you that need your expertise and experience. It's about providing sound advice when asked and taking a few minutes out your day to lend a hand to person who needs your help! I try to do that with anyone I come across, because I wouldn't be where I am if someone had not done that for me! Get involved, lend a hand, give back, be sounding board, whatever it takes, because believe me, if you don't provide the positive; there's someone MORE THAN WILLING to give that person the negative! And that would be a sad state of affairs, indeed!

That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think!? Let me know!