Let me start by saying, “I am no Apple Fanboy.” That aside, I am strongly thinking about buying the new version of the iPhone. Can this mean that Steve Jobs has finally learned something about marketing? I am not easily swayed to buy every electronic device that happens to have a shiny plastic case. I only purchase products I can use for many different purposes. Here are my thoughts about the new iPhone:

1. GPS – I currently have a Google Maps app I downloaded for free to find my way around. Since my current phone has no location functions, I have to know where I am and manually move the map to follow my location. Though it seems that “turn by turn” directions will not be available at first with iPhone, location tracking will be a feature I look for in my next phone anyway.
2. GREED – Steve Jobs is worth 5.7 Billion (at posting date). I myself would like to keep some of my own money in my pocket. The price drop offered on this generation of iPhone makes it very attractive. Even though some say the end cost of the iPhone is higher than its earlier release.
3. GOOEY – When it comes to Graphic User Interface, Apple gets it. People want to feel all warm and fuzzy about how the interact with a device. Aside from volume, “on / off” and silent, the phone essentially has one button. Apple is all about the “One Button World” in the never-ending quest to dumb down every human-being on the earth.

With little research about whether or not all these electronic items are giving us brain cancer or making us sterile, I myself do not want to carry 6 more things on my body. Then the question becomes: Do we really want one device for every function? What do we do when (and I do mean “when”) it fails us? What happens when that end-all-be-all product falls to the sidewalk and is smashed or is more likely stolen from us at gun point while waiting for the bus?

And what to do with your iPhone if you were duped the first time into buying this magical little candy bar of Phoney delight? Here’s a suggestion from our friends at Blendtec:

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“Game We Play” by 3rd Day Syndrome

“Believe In Goodbye” by Uncrowned

“Blur” by Covergurl

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What the (expletive deleted) is wrong with Blockbuster Video ? That question alone should start an hour-long laundry list of complaints from just about anyone in America. Can’t they see the other video rental companies taking over the market they created, and leaving them in the dust like the dinosaur they are. Companies like Netflix and Redbox are making “The Block” look more like “The Brick”. A sinking brick.

Netflix revolutionized the video rental industry by getting rid of the annoying trip to the store. As well as, the late fees incurred by not getting the movie back to the store on the right day. Let’s face it, Buster banked on late fees. They designed their whole business plan around human nature, knowing all to well that people are forgetful and lazy. Buster was very slow to recognize the extremely profitable, and simple change to the distribution model. In fact, after fighting the inevitable for far too long, they got a huge slap on the hand for blatantly stealing Netflix’s delivery system. And yet again refused to follow suit when Netflix started to offer online downloads of movies. Large in part to being in bed with the MPAA and their myth of “Online Piracy”. The MPAA is still convinced that the “pirates” can’t figure out how to digitize a rented movie on their own. Rumors are that Buster may be trying to buy Movielink. This may be too little too late for this slow to move, movie renter.

Redbox has yet again changed the face of video rentals. By not building brick and mortar stores, or hiring extensive and highly annoying employees, they have somehow found a way to offer a movie at $1 per day. And guess what? You are only charged on that day, for that day, instead of demanding the money up front like some seedy loan shark. It has been shown time and time again that people will fritter away hundreds of dollars, one dollar at a time. It’s human nature again.

Wake up Buster, if you don’t learn to adapt at a quicker pace, you may find yourself going the way of Gateway Stores. Or you can continue to operate under the false idea that you own the only avenue to the consumer, much like the Record companies and RIAA.

If you should ever find yourself speeding your way down Rt 14, on the west side of Senaca Lake some afternoon, you will have the golden opportunity to treat yourself to a rare delight.  Located between Geneva and Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a non-descript little store, named “Lakemont Deli & Creamery”. Don’t blink, or you will miss it and a wonderful experience.

Originally called “Wixson’s” for the family that owned it, the small shop has been hiding right out in the open there on the highway for many years. Until recently a large glass box containing an active beehive was placed in the center of the store. Not very appealing to those who are allergic to bee stings but interesting nonetheless. The Wixson’s are known for their bee and honey products, but new owners have taken over the magic of the tiny shop. They are transplants from the city looking for a “nice pastrami sandwich”, not able to find one they decided to open their own deli near their new home. They fell in love with Wixson’s after many visits throughout past summers. They wanted to continue giving passerbys with the same great experiences they had come to remember, as well as make it better. Now instead of closing for the “off season”, you can enjoy the shop year round. The sandwiches, restrooms and new schedule are a wonderful addition to the store, but one thing has not changed in more than half a century, the Ice Cream. But its not just any ice cream served here. Can you imagine soft-serve ice cream with real flavoring ingredients. You ask for strawberry, real fresh strawberries go in the machine, along with a specially  made block of ice cream. A cone is place below the dish and the machine is turned on. A large “screw” turns and is moved down into the dish with a handle. As it crushes and perfectly mixes the ice cream and flavorings it also forces it out the bottom into the cone. It’s soft, cold, and delicious. The smell of the fresh flavoring is wonderfully strong. This delicacy melts in your mouth without giving you the annoying a brain-freeze.

The machine is called a “Choose A Treat”. The pull handle resembles a slot machine and its a jackpot every time its pulled. Such a simple machine and yet only 4 are are still in operation. Two of which were originally at this location, but one left with the previous owner. A simple design but an unbelievable delight. No other ice cream shop can compare.    Cold Stone Creamery mashes up hard ice cream with your choice of flavoring but you are still left with hard chunky ice cream. They seem to be too busy registering and trademarking snappy slogans to consider offering something different. Blizzards® and McFlurry® are maybe closest to the idea. These blended desserts have such a processed taste to the “ice cream” mix. The same mix used in the shakes. Plus they don’t offer many choices of flavors and none of the ingredients are fresh.

How could people forget about such a crowning achievement in summer time taste. This one was made in the 1940′s and still works today. Could the patent be that strong on the “Choose A Treat” that no one is able to remarket this remarkable design. Someone needs to look into this.

Do not pass up the opportunity to try this great dessert if you are anywhere near Central New York. Once these last machines are gone, you may no longer have a chance.