Turns out, I think my reaction to FB and Twitter are part of a larger issue for me … Information Obesity. Never heard of it? I found a blog through Lifehacker that kinda parallels my thinkings on technology and the internet. Obviously, there is nothing inherently wrong with any of the social networking tools, and as M. Longnecker pointed out in a response to my original post, can actually be useful in relationships. But just like the food we put into our bodies (hi cory!), the food we put into our minds via the internet can have a profound impact on our though processes. The brain actually rewires itself over time depending on how you process information.

But enough of that … can’t wait for you all to hear all they stuff that’s been cooking up in the studio … killer stuff coming soon!

Check out a couple of these articles, and let me know your thoughts?

:: “Are Facebook and Twitter Bad for your Information Diet?”

:. jh

I’m taking a year off from social networking … facebook and twitter mostly.  And I’m looking for some good friends to join me. And I want to write and blog about it.  Why?

Facebook was launched in 2004, and I set up my profile on August 17, 2007.

Twitter was launched in 2006, and I sent my first tweet out on June 23, 2007 at  1:13 PM PST.

Can you even remember/imagine your life before all these tools to bring us closer together?  Here’s what I’ve noticed it’s done for us.  On the positive side, for friends and family who it’s been difficult to connect with due to distance and time, it’s actually helped us stay more connected.  It’s easier to mass send pictures, updates, and check in on cousins, nieces and nephews, know what’s happening with the aunts and uncles.  This part I love.

For closer friends, and newer people in my local community that I was to spend time with or get to know better, Facebook and Twitter have done the exact opposite.  For me, it has created a false sense of community, and a sensation of connectedness without the actual connecting part.  For instance … about 6 months or so ago, we met a couple (Michael and Nicole Longnecker).  I think since we’ve met, I’ve maybe had 1 or 2 conversations with Michael, and maybe 2 or 3 with Nicole.  But … I know he bought a motorcycle recently … they’re in Amsterdam right now, heading to France … he watched the World Cup, and has some great theories on Lost.  All this without any actual conversations.  So what’s wrong with that?  Well, when I’m driving around and I’m thinking of who I haven’t seen in a while, or who we’d like to go have dinner with, friends like the Longnecker’s don’t immediately come to mind, as our Social Networking connections have created in my mind a feeling that I’m all caught up with them … so we reach out to people that don’t post much on Facebook/Twitter.  Just a small example, but it applies to so many people that we actual care about and want to connect more with.  Even my kids … there’s little need to have the “how was your day” talk, as I already know … I’ve seen the play-by-play on facebook.

So, here’s the experiment … I’m keeping my personal Facebook active, but only for long distance family and friends who it’s impossible to connect with in person.  Anyone local, I’m gonna be dropping.  Then, if I want to know what’s happening, or you want to know, we’ll actually have to see each other.

For Twitter, I’m converting my account to my “business” account.  And it will be a one way affair.  I’m deleting my facebook and twitter apps from my phone.  And I’ll link my blog post, where I’ll be blogging about this process, so the twitter’s go out, but with hopefully a little discipline, I won’t be reading what’s coming in.

So there you go … i’m a little nervous, as I’m anticipating a little bit of isolation and withdraw from leaving “the grid” … but I’m really hopeful it will produce some more times like these :

.: Question : “What is the one thing more than any other thing that makes one person different from any other person?” …

I am currently reading “Miscroserfs” by Douglas Coupland, my latest author obsession. I’ve finished “Generation A“, and “jPod“, and am fully immersing in geekdom. Anyway, I’m going to ponder that question for a while. I’d love to know your thoughts.

Jason’s Lists :: 001

Things I Notice Most While Waiting In Airports

1. Children stare.  No, really stare.  They lock eyes with you, and don’t let up.  I usually make scary faces when this happens.
2. Most rules concerning right of way and politeness cease to exist while traveling.
3. The Starbucks sign at airport Starbucks is a farce.  I don’t think they’re really run by Starbucks.  It’s like it’s a cheap knock off, but twice the price.
4. Most people, including myself, tend to be really happy, or really sad at an airport.  You’re either leaving someone you love, or about to see someone you love.
5. Finding an available outlet is like hitting the lottery.  I can not wait until wireless power is available.

BONUS QUESTION :

What is a “SMOOT”, as seen in this picture?

That’s all for now,

JH

.: I’m really excited and honored to announce that I will be featured in an upcoming TV special called “Get Schooled : You Have The Right”, airing September 8th on BET, MTV, VH1, CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV and Nickelodeon.  Today I finished my 2nd day of filming, and have one more to go … more details will follow, but you can read more about the event HERE.  Also, as a part of this, I will be going back to school, and finishing my education at Berkleemusic.com! … I have to say, it’s been a fun process … but awkward for me … after all, I chose a career behind the keyboards, not in front of the camera … hopefully I spoke clearly enough that they don’t have to put subtitles under me … stay tuned

.:Check out Kennedy’s first live performance with The Cox Bros, at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN.

.: I thought I’d say a farewell to the Tonight Show … May 12, I performed for the last time on the show … we had an awesome time as usual.  We always enjoy sneaking onto the Days Of Our Lives set, eating at the commissary hoping we run into Marlena or Sammy (I did get to have lunch with her once!) … The crew is always incredible, and the green room snacks are yummy.  We enjoyed some NBC/Universal 5th anniversary cupcakes … and during the break between soundcheck and performance, talked a few of the guys into coming over to our house and help take down a couple of 200 pound chandeliers we’re taking with us to Nashville … anyway, here are some pics from the day …

And here are some links to past performance of mine on the show : (if you can help me find missing links, my mom would love it )

Nick Carter – Help Me

Justin Guarini – Sorry

Clay Aiken – Invisible

Clay Aiken – Solitaire

Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway

Kelly Clarkson – The Trouble With Love

Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone

Kelly Clarkson – Never Again

Kelly Clarkson – Sober

Kelly Clarkson – I Do Not Hook Up

jh

.: Well, what a cool day this turned out to be … left Vegas @ 10 am this morning to fly back to LA to meet Rhonda & the kids … we have a couple of days off before Wango Tango.  Right next to our hotel, we noticed some guys walking around in sci-fi costumes, and turns out they’re auctioning off all the set pieces and props from Battlestar Galactica … Well, needless to say, we were so there …. enjoy the pics … this must be what some people feel like at a meet & greet?? Oh yeah, got to meet Kate Vernon (Ellen Tigh) and Michael Trucco (Sam Anders) … they were super cool … although I cheesed out & sent Kennedy in to get the autographs … Check out some more photos here … 

jh

//Flickr Set Here//

.: I’ve decided to stop being web 1.5 for a while, and get up to 2.0 … so i’m now going to accept anyone that wants on my Twitter account (jasonhalbert), and will be overwhelming you all with mobile photos as we prepare to travel around the world … Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Australia, UK, and the US. See you online.

jh