I've been enjoying this season's America's Got Talent. It reminds me a bit if the Gong Show (now, I'm really dating myself but I was just a kid back then). I've noticed a few things though.

First, it's an American show, right? What's up with 2 of the 3 judges not being from America? I really like Sharon Osborn on the show but she called an act "Anner and Patrique" instead of "Anna and Patryck." What? It kind of takes the wind out of the flag blowing when the judges aren't really from America. I think that Sharon and Piers could be replaced and the show would be better.

And second, the way they pick who goes through is obviously rigged. They're making it really noticeable, which I find strange. They make these "groups" of 3 acts or whatever and then one act wins from that group. So, it's not the top 4 acts of the night, it's the top act from a group... that they made!

The first group of acts could be the 1st, 2nd and 4th top acts and the 1st wins. The second group could be the 3rd, 5th and 6th top acts and the 3rd top act wins. You've then got the 1st and 3rd top acts going through because of how they arranged their groups. So yeah... rigged - just a little. Why are they being so obvious about this or are we not supposed to figure it out?

Anyway, my picks to go through... a magic act should probably win. The dance acts and singers have to compete with magic acts and that must be tough. I guess a singer made it through last year though.

There are better acts on there this year, it seems. Last year, I started watching and then lost interest. So, in general... two thumbs up - even though I'm a little puzzled.

-T

So, with the iPhone 4, you can finally do tethering, which is where you can jump back to 2005 and use your cell phone's Internet connection with your laptop. Yeah, I had this feature with my old Motorola phone way back when.

I called the other day to get it set up and was pretty well shocked at what was presented to me.

To enable tethering for my iPhone, I had to change data plans. Any AT&T iPhone user is already used to this annoyance that comes with each new iteration of the iPhone, so no big surprise so far.

The data plan I was on was called the "Unlimited" plan and to enable tethering, I'd have to go to a plan that is limited to 2 GB of data transfer per month. Also, I can NEVER change it back. And to switch to this will cost an extra $15 per month.

The lady on the phone asked me if I wanted to go ahead and it seemed like, since she has to tell people about this plan, that she knew exactly what my reaction should be. I said something like, "Ok, so to do tethering, I have to switch from unlimited to a limited plan AND pay $15 per month? No, that's a terrible plan. I will not switch."

I mean, it was nothing against her at all. She was just doing her job and I told her that. I felt bad for her that her employer made her try to sell such a terrible plan. That would get a little depressing, I think.

Anyway, that's their "plan" and I do not "plan" on switching to it anytime soon. Sure, you can't offer unlimited Internet access - that would tear down their fragile network. That makes sense but to pay more and then never be able to switch from it again? What's up with that?

I think I can speak for about everyone in saying that if the iPhone goes to Verizon, we're in!

-T

So it was supposed to arrive tomorrow, the 24th and I was all set to wait at home that morning for it but then I got all these emails saying it'll arrive on the 23rd instead - by 10:30am. It's now 11:15 and no sign of FedEx. What's the deal?

And on the tracking page, it somehow made it from Indianapolis to Madison in 17 minutes but can't make it to my place in 6 hours. Weird. :-)

-T

Update: And then as I was leaving it noon, it shows up!