This nicely done video trailer for the new search engine leapfish should remind us all of how the internet is a constantly changing environment. Just think back to the beginning of the decade. Not a lot of us were blogging back in those days. The web was made up of static webpages created by programs like Frontpage and Dreamweaver. In those days, search engines could get away with not re-checking certain sites for weeks since updates and changes were few and far between. But as broadband connections found its way to more and more homes, the internet integrated deeper into our daily lives. As blogging, youtube and social networking became mainstream, the flow of new web content exploded. sharing photos, videos and music have become as simple as sending email nowadays. And now with iPhones and the wireless web, updates on twitter and facebook are at our fingertips. With this constant flow of information coming and going, the internet has actually become the “living web”.

But how do we harness all this new information in “real-time”? Traditional search-engines aren’t currently geared toward real-time access. With twitter feeds and status updates, news can spread in an instant. A great example of this is how word spread on the web about Michael Jackson’s passing before traditional media made the announcement. We’re on the brink of a revolution. We just need some online tools to help access the speed of “now”.

Leapfish is the first that I’ve seen to merge traditional search with social networking. Their online portal integrates all the important tools that we use on a daily basis into one spot. Keep up with all your favorites including twitter feeds, flickr feeds, facebook and Digg without having to constantly surf to different sites. The search portal is definitely a step in the right direction.

It’s fascinating to see how the ‘net has evolved over the years. Our lives have permanently changed because of it. I look forward to the next “game-changer” that’ll once again shake things up on the web.

Want the very best in local and national music news, events and more? Rock Along Productions is the best online source for everything music related. Great articles, relevant discussions, contest, best in upcoming events and much more. The site is jam packed with music at its best. The site features monthly artist from all over. The company also puts on local concerts in which members of their mailing list can receive special offer and discounts on admission. They also offer up to date music news with Rolling Stone’s Rock N Roll Daily report. The site features an up to date events calendar in which you can find things to do in music and art. Interesting videos and tons of media makes this site one that you can visit everyday to discover new things.

here are the specifications for the PDX-60:
Supported iPods: iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano and iPod (5th generation)
features: iPod charging, remote control, wireless technology
speakers: Bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 60 Hz–20 kHz
Woofer: Dual 3-1/4″ full-range cone
Product Dimensions (W x H x D) : 13-3/4″ x 4-1/4″ x 4-7/8″
Product Weight (lbs.) : 3.7

But I suppose the creative team was simply doing what needed to be done to live up to “Cirque du Soleil” standards. And there seems to be a ton of interest in this show since Banana Shpeel is a bit of a departure for the successful entertainment brand. Cirque du Soleil is known the world over for their complex acrobatic trapeze acts and unique contortionists but with Banana Shpeel, they’re attempting to do a twist on vaudeville in a traditional theater-type setting.

My personal favorite show of theirs is “Love” but I’m sort of biased since I’m a life-long Beatles fan. The visual interpretation of Beatles classics was absolutely breathtaking and the newly remixed Beatles music in surround-sound was simply to die-for.

I can’t wait to hear more about Banana Shpeel once the show finally opens. With the show being promoted as being “light and fun”, expect big laughs and a lot of clowning around. Zany humor, clowns and slap-stick aren’t usually associated with the usual Cirque du Soleil show but I, for one, applaud the creative team behind Banana Shpeel for branching out and going for something completely different. Be sure to head on over to the Cirque du Soleil website for show dates and ticket information.

Take leapfish for example. LeapFish not only features real-time searching capabilities, their on-screen portal includes facebook, twitter and digg applications so that you can share info and interact with friends all in one place. Why go to all these separate websites to perform different tasks when you can do search, be informed, interact and share through the LeapFish portal.

I tested out the search aspect of LeapFish by using the term “AWATS”. It’s an acronym related to Todd Rundgren’s album “A Wizard a True Star” that he’s currently performing live in concert. Leapfish’s results are nicely organized in separate categories instead of just a straight list of links. There’s a section for web results and then a separate list of videos, photos and twitter feeds. the side bar conveniently displays related links from Digg, facebook and amazon. Leapfish correctly identified AWATS as a Rundgren album and gathered videos, photos and links from the recent shows in Akron. I like the look and feel of the website and think the added social networking apps are great additions to the search portal.

Head on over to LeapFish and check out the next level in search engines.

While booking a trip for my parents the other day, I came across a great deal offered by British Airways that I thought I’d share here with my readers. They’re currently running a promotion called the “World Sale” to help remind travelers their world-class service is not only for routes in and out of the U.K. but also for the rest of Europe, India, Africa and the Middle East. Along with their great fares, British Airways offer “upgrades” that you won’t find anywhere else including: more than 200 on-demand entertainment options, complimentary food and cocktails on ALL flights, ergonomically designed seating and of course their world-renowned customer service. You can save even more by combining hotel reservations and car rentals when you book your flight.

Currently, flights from JFK to London are only $659, round-trip. Flights to Madrid are only $755, round-trip. I booked a flight to Rome for my folks for just $749 each, round-trip. They had a fabulous vacation in Italy a couple years ago and they’re ready to go back and explore the country some more. It’s not too late to book your own vacation. Head on over to the British Airways website before November 19th to take advantage of the special sale.

And speaking of British Airways, they put together a special website for frequent flyers of New York and London, highlighting the best of both cities called MetroTwin. It’s a handy resource that helps you find a great restaurant, attraction or place to shop. The best thing about MetroTwin is the interactivity. Add your own two-cents on various hot-spots, vote for your favorite places and even submit your own photos to the site. It’s definitely a must-see for New Yorkers and Londoners alike.

While browsing through the online destination guide that’s also available on the British Airways site, I was reminded a trip I took in my youth that I’d love to re-live again with my wife and kids. It’s a trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. I loved the incredible architecture, the intriguing castles, the food and of course their culture. Hopefully I can save up enough to take my whole family there in the near future.

Their all new show titled Banana Shpeel will be premiering at the Chicago Theatre in November. This is Cirque du Soleil like you’ve never seen before!! It’s their own take on vaudeville which will blend comedy, music and dance into something new and exciting. The story centers around a struggling actor named Emmett who meets Shmelky, a cruel producer who enjoys power and control a bit too much. Emmett ends up falling for the beautiful Katie and encounters a variety of characters including the mysterious “Banana Man”.

Written and directed by David Shiner, Banana Shpeel looks to be another hit for the company which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. I absolutely enjoyed their Vegas show “Love” which is based around newly remixed Beatles songs. And I can’t wait to see this new show. I’m very intrigued about this Shmelky character and this so called “Banana Man”. If I had to guess, the banana guy will probably turn out to be the one to help Emmett find his happy ever after with Katie. But whether my guess is right or wrong, it doesn’t matter because the show is much more than just a storyline. One thing you can count on with Cirque du Soleil shows is the “wow” factor. This is no ordinary night at the theater. They want to expand your world and bring you something that you’ve never experienced before. Their creative use of music and visuals hava always impressed me over the years. And I’m sure Banana Shpeel will deliver in the same tradition.

Find out more about the new show on the Cirque de Soleil website.

Cooking classes offered at local schools and even higher-end grocery stores are a good place to start for those interested in expanding their repertoire in the kitchen. But what I’ve noticed recently is the rise in popularity of vacation packages built around gourmet cooking classes. As a matter of fact, I just learned about one being held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel on October 16th and 17th.

Since my wife loves working out new recipes and interesting dishes in our home, I thought she’d might like a weekend getaway that would feature fine dining as well as tips and instructions from a professional Chef. The weekend cooking school in Branson is hosted by Chef Nathan Read and attendees get to enjoy and feast in his restaurant and learn how to prepare the meals the following day. Looking at the itinerary, I’d love to learn more about the Berkshire Pork Porterhouse as well as Bison Short Ribs. There’s an art to grilling meat and keeping things tender and juicy and I’m sure Chef Nathan would have helpful tips for me in that regard.

Now, I’ve been to Branson years ago and had a blast. I took in a couple shows and I remember checking out some of the neat museums in town including the Roy Rogers museum and Hollywood Wax museum. And the Hilton in Branson is located conveniently in the heart of the historic downtown district. While the summer months are typically the busiest, there are still tons to do in the fall. Besides working with Chef Nathan, I’ll personally take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the kids.

Just like cars, I like my internet super FAST and as it so happens, Charter offers one of the fastest broadband connections in the nation. And not only are they giving away a great sports car, they’ll also give you a $100 gift card if you bundle 3 Charter services together such as digital phone, internet and digital cable.

I think it’s pretty cool that Charter continues to come up with these neat little giveaways for their customers. I remember them giving away laptops a few months back and last year, a brand new Hybrid car was up for grabs. Charter has also embraced social networking and openly interacts with their customer base. Whether you connect with Charter on Facebook or tweet with Charter on Twitter, it’s great to know that they are actively seeking your feedback. That’s pretty rare in this day and age where customer service has gone the way of the dinosaur.

Head on over to Charter.com/camaro to find out more about registering to win the 2010 Camaro 2SS.

As a matter of fact, LG, the maker of the sleek new smartphone called Bliss suggests that we should lose the ugly and follow our bliss. Why hold on to something that brings us down everyday? Let’s set ourselves free of these “stumbling blocks” so that we can make room for some joy. And to help us along in our journey to find our bliss, LG has recently set up a FaceBook page for us to share our photos and videos of our “ugly” objects and get a chance to win a brand new LG Bliss phone.

The contest is pretty simple to enter since it’s on FaceBook and we all know that everyone including their grandma has a FB account. And while you’re on the LG Bliss page, be sure to browse through the “Gallery of the Utterly Ugly”. There are already some outrageous examples of some ugly items!! yikes! Share your own photos of what you think is ugly and who knows, you might just become one of the 55 winners in the contest. The contest ends November 6th so get your photo posted on the LG Bliss Facebook Fan Page today. Photos can range from outdated fashions or furniture to low-tech electronics and even weird looking plants. Oh and put away that photo of your “freaky looking” Uncle Larry. No photos of people will be accepted. Also photos of violent, indecent or illegal activities aren’t acceptable either. More details are available on the LG Bliss facebook page.