Thumbs Up – Wolfram|Alpha

Thumbs Up: Wolfram|Alpha is a new search engine that launched this month that takes a different approach to searching online.  Instead of only searching webpages online, it also searches a series of databases for pertinent information to your query.  For example, try searching your first name to see how common it is in the U.S.  Finding the same information on Google would be a huge hassle, if it’s even possible at all.  Right now, it’s not fully fleshed out, but as more and more information becomes part of the “knowledge engine,” it will be able to easily pull pieces of information from multiple databases to answer questions you might have.  It’s a bold project, and I hope it reaches its full potential.  Try it out.

Thumbs Up – Diversity

Thumbs Up: At first I was surprised to see that Susan “YouTube-Sensation” Boyle lost the finale of Britain’s Got Talent, but after watching the video of the dance group Diversity, I think the right talent won.  They had an incredible performance.

Thumbs Down – Nissan Cube

Thumbs Down: While the Nissan Cube has been sold internationally for years, it is just being introduced to the North American market this month.  It’s definitely being targeted at young drivers, but I feel like this is a case of older designers not understanding younger consumers.  If any of my friends drove this car, they would be made fun of every day.  It’s just a weird looking car – with the unsymmetrical rear window being the highlight (lowlight?) of the weirdness.

Thumbs Up – Ender in Exile

Thumbs Up: While the newest book by Orson Scott Card in the Ender’s Game series, Ender in Exile didn’t have as many surprises or interesting new ideas, it is still an enjoyable read for anyone familiar with the series. The book seemed more about connecting the dots in Ender’s story and weaving it with the Ender’s Shadow quartet more than adding anything significant.  Even though this book happens after Ender’s Game chronologically, I would recommend reading all four books in the Ender’s Shadow quartet before this book because the story lines overlap and you would get much more out of the read. For anyone who hasn’t read the novel Ender’s Game, I would strongly suggest adding it to your summer reading list.

Thumbs Up – Axe Ad “Muchas Maracas”

Thumbs Up: Maybe I’m just partial to Axe’s advertising because I did a marketing project on them, but I appreciate the way they always push the envelope with their ads. This humorous ad for their new scent “Hot Fever” definitely does just that – I’m sure some people will be offended.

Thumbs Up – In B Flat

Thumbs Up: Music has always seemed to be a significant aspect on youtube, and this is a great way for more interaction with youtube videos. I’m constantly amazed by people’s creativity online – and this is another example of that. Check it out.

Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus – Thumbs Down

Thumbs Down: This looks like one of the dumbest movies ever.

Motherlover – Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up: I love the Lonely Island guys that do the digital shorts on SNL.  This is their latest installment just in time for Mother’s Day. It’s top notch – I’d say that behind “I’m on a Boat,” this is my favorite song they’ve done. Here’s a link to the video.

Texting T Diver – Thumbs Down

Thumbs Down: There was a nasty crash on the a Boston subway recently.  One train rear ended another one because the driver was text messaging his girlfriend!  Ridiculous.  I can’t believe that he would do that in a position where he is responsible for so many people.  Forty-nine people were sent to the hospital.  I am in shock that someone could be so irresponsible.  Here’s the link to the article

Yes Man – Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up:  Yes Man gets a surprising thumbs up.  From the previews, it looked like a carbon copy of Liar Liar, so I wasn’t expecting to like it at all.  However, I really ended up enjoying it.  Admittedly, it wasn’t a “great” movie – the plot was kind of predictable, and things get kind of goofy, but the movie is full of good jokes.  Also, I enjoyed several of the characters including Allison (played by Zooey Deschanel) and especially Norman (played by Rhys Darby from Flight of the Conchords).  Here’s a clip I give a thumbs up.