Predicto Cares: Texting While Driving

November 4th, 2009

Texting While DrivingWhen operating a two-ton machine, how important is it for the operator to focus all of their attention on the task at hand? Most people would say extremely, yet every day, drivers take unnecessary risks as they text while driving.

Texting is the preferred method of communication for many of us in this mobile age, but it requires a great deal of attention to convey the appropriate electronic message. This often means sideways looks at that cell phone to make sure everything is spelled right and punctuated properly, and these takes divert attention away from busy city streets and freeways.

Think you have an issue with texting? Admitting it is the first step, followed by the acceptance that non-distracted driving is better driving for you and those with whom you share the road. Find yourself texting at a specific intersection or “safe” stretch? Take a different route to avoid falling into the routine.

You can also limit your text plan so that you have to use your messaging service more sparingly. You can also designate your car as a text-free zone or upgrade to a wireless device that converts your messages. (An earpiece is also a good way to avoid texting and driving. Instead, you can carry on a conversation the old-fashioned way.)

Though these may take some time to integrate, find support with your friends and family who will enforce your newfound rules. Have them be the “designated texter” should a message require an immediate response.

In this day and age, we’ve all gotten used to the instant gratification of electronic communication, but we want to encourage you to not let it dominate your life in a way that puts you in danger. Sure, we all might think we can handle texting and driving, but how many of us have successfully accomplished this feat without a swerve or slam on the brakes? Be safe and text responsibly.


Frightful Fun at Blood Manor Tour

October 29th, 2009

Just being in New York can be scary enough, so what are the city’s haunted houses like? For a special Halloween episode of Predicto TV, we got a VIP tour (or an RIP tour) of Blood Manor, one of the scariest fright factories around! The crew took a peek inside with Jim Faro, the owner of the place, who introduced us to his cast of costumed creeps and ghouls (all really nice actors, if you want to know).

The makeup and sets are the kind you see in a Hollywood production, and the cast of Blood Manor really seemed to take the job seriously: they want to scare the pants off you. After spending time in the ghostly halls of Blood Manor, we were convinced: this place takes Halloween to a whole new level. The team got the ghoulish group to answer Predicto questions (it was totally hilarious to ask them about Bernie Madoff and David Lettermen)! Check out Episode 47 of Predicto TV now!


Textually Active

October 8th, 2009

Have you heard of adult sexting? Chances are you’ve not only heard of it, but have probably done it, too. Listen to Predicto TV host Ereka Vetrini’s chat on Your Time with Kim Iverson about the joys and precautions of responsible sexting.


Will J.Lo’s Sex Tape Leak to the Internet?

November 6th, 2009

Jennifer Lopez Ojani NoaJennifer Lopez is reportedly furious at her first ex-husband, Ojani Noa. This lovers spat isn’t about finances or taking out the trash, though, but about something far more personal.

According to The National Enquirer, J.Lo’s ex is threatening to release nearly 11 hours of footage, some of which includes a naked Lopez running around and asking to be spanked by her former husband.

This is a far cry from the wholesome image she’s been representing with now-husband Marc Anthony, the father of her 20-month old twins. It’s also not the kind of activity stars on the A-list find themselves wrapped up in.

Does Noa actually have a tape? And if he does, will it leak on the Internet by 12/20? According to 52% of voting Predicto Mobile members, we should expect to see this flick on a nearby computer screen.

“I don’t think that’s right to do that. If she is on tape or not, [you all] should not do that,” says member “uylb2538.”

“Every man really wants to see it, but it ain’t really going to happen,” says “kwgy9958.”

“If the tape hits the Internet it will be proof he has no class and no feelings for J.Lo,” says “rvcm0305.”

“I don’t think it will. He [probably] doesn’t even have one of her,” says “mddh0619.”

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Tales of the Text: A-Rod’s Top 5 Mobile Moments

November 5th, 2009

Alex Rodriguez’s journey from “A-Fraud” to ALCS hero and World Series Champion has too many chapters to sum up in 160 characters. Still, a timeline of the Yankee slugger’s cell phone use reveals a similar, scapegoat-to-superstar storyline.

1. October, 2007 – Bad Form!

With the Bronx Bombers’ season over and the World Series in process – featuring New York archrivals, the Red Sox, zoning in on their own Championship – A-Rod opted out of his contract. Strangely, he and agent Scott Boras chose to release this news by a voicemail message. The beleaguered millionaire may not have wanted to meet face-to-face with Yankee GM Brian Cashman or deal with the tough New York fans, but this gaffe put Rodriguez in the doghouse throughout the major leagues.

2. June, 2008 – What Are the Odds?

As one of baseball’s all-time greatest hitters, it’s no surprise that Rodriguez would seek out advice from another legend at the plate. In his own words, “I mean, it’s kind of like, if you’re a writer, why wouldn’t you want to talk to Ernest Hemingway?” Only problem here is that Alex’s “Hemingway” and text-message buddy turned out to be Pete Rose, the Hit King who nevertheless is under a lifetime ban from the game.

3. July, 2008 – Madge-League Scandal

Here’s where things heat up. When Cynthia Rodriguez served her ex-husband with divorce papers, she backed up her suit with threats that she would release Alex’s texts to Madonna. At the time, both Rodriguez and the Material Mom denied any shenanigans, but the pair’s SMS love notes would usher in the dawning of the ill-fated “A-Rod-ica” affair.

4. November, 2008 – “Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes…”

Of course, it’s not so scandalous when you’re already divorced. Back on the prowl in Miami, Rodriguez was introduced to actress Kate Hudson, on whom he’d been crushing hard ever since seeing the movie Almost Famous. The two kept in touch over the winter via tender texts, and early in 2009 started dating. While she’s been getting an allegedly chilly reception from Jeter’s GF Minka Kelly, after the 2009 season A-Rod’s enjoyed, nearly everyone in New York sees Hudson as a good luck charm.

5. April, 2009 – Rehabbed and Ring-Focused

Hip surgery early in the year looked certain to doom A-Rod’s – and the Yankees’ – 2009 season. Without their superstar, the team got off to a horrendous start, but everyone in the organization breathed a huge sigh of relief when Manager Joe Girardi received a text from Alex saying “Everything’s great.” Rodriguez would return to the team May 8 against Baltimore, and on the very first pitch of his first at bat, swatted a three-run homer that would prove to be a very good omen for 2009 after all.

Now that A-Rod has his World Series ring, is it time for him to bestow a diamond engagement ring on Kate Hudson? The Predicto community has voted, and 57% say that the super slugger will ask the movie star to marry him by New Year’s Day.

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Will the Northwest Airlines Pilots Admit to Dozing Off?

November 3rd, 2009

airplanepicOK, so the Northwest Airlines captain’s story is that he and his co-pilot where wide awake when they missed the Minneapolis airport on their way from San Diego. But let’s backtrack a bit. According to Captain Timothy Cheney and First Officer Richard Cole, the latter took out his laptop to tutor the captain on the new company policies brought about by a recent NWA merger.

While the pilots were simultaneously having their sky-high tutoring session and commanding the aircraft, they reportedly ignored quite a number of radio calls for about 90 minutes. Concealed behind the cockpit door, the session took place during the time when they should have already been preparing the passenger plane to land.

All of this has left everyone guessing whether the pilots where telling the truth and whether they might have actually fallen asleep, causing them to miss the airport. If the tutoring did take place, wouldn’t that mean that the two pilots were wide awake? And isn’t a wide awake person alert under any circumstances requiring sheer focus and attention, his chances of missing a detail slim?

Most people think that two pilots missing an airport by that much could only have been dozing off among the clouds. The pressing question now is will the two pilots admit to sleeping on the plane by 11/10?

So far, 54% of Predicto voters say no while 46% say yes.

While it can be observed that most voters think that the only plausible reason for the two pilots’ blunder was that they were asleep, voters are split when it comes to wondering whether both pilots would admit to napping while cruising. And if they would at all, it wouldn’t be happening that soon. One voter believes that admitting to sleeping while taking full command of the plane could cost the two pilots their jobs — which it did.

Then again, as one voter said, they could just make something up stating that they were just taking a rest and that they didn’t mean to fly to another state.

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Will Paris Drop Doug?

November 2nd, 2009

Paris DougLet’s talk Paris Hilton. Yeah, we had forgotten about her, too, but over the weekend, something happened to the notorious starlet that has us a little perturbed.

See, Hilton is back on again with her boy toy Doug Reinhardt. After a brief breakup, the two reconciled. Fast-forward a few weeks to when the cute couple donned his-and-hers Halloween costumes … as tooth fairies.

Probably not Reinhardt’s proudest moment. Paris’, either.

But what was worse was what happened later in the night. Apparently the pair were partying it up, alcohol took over and a photog snapped an image of Paris in what looks like a choke hold at the hands of Doug.

Reports said the former “it” girl was mad, as well one should be during and after a domestic dispute.

Will this be enough to split the couple up? 76% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes!

“If she is getting choked she should split and file charges. No one has the right to put [their] hands on anyone,” says member “ybre3155.”

“If any man choked me I would [have] called the police and never seen him again. That’s awful to me,” says “qswq4573.”

“She’d have to be a complete idiot not to split from someone who choked her!” says “cyrb7532.”

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Will Mya Win Dancing with the Stars?

October 30th, 2009

MyaR&B singer Mya had a slew of hits in the late ’90s and early ’00s, most notably “Case of the Ex” and “Lady Marmalade,” her collaboration with Pink, Lil Kim and Christina Aguilera. These days, though, she’s better known for her moves on Dancing with the Stars.

Having received tap lessons from the renowned Savion Glover, Mya is no stranger to intricate choreography. However, she’s faced her fair share of challenges on the hit ABC show, jiving to the jitterbug and working it out during the waltz — a far cry from the hip-hop and tap styles she’s used to.

That hasn’t deterred her from being one of the show’s top contenders, usually ranking in one of the top two spots after each competition. The fans also seem to love Mya, as there are only seven contestants left in the competition.

Will she win this season’s edition of Dancing with the Stars? 57% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes!

See what they had to say about the starlet going the distance!

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Will Adam Lambert Change His Album Cover?

October 28th, 2009

Adam Lambert AlbumWe have a new addition one of our favorite blogs, Funny and Worst Album Covers. Yes, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has glammed it up for his debut disc, For Your Entertainment.

The hair, the makeup, the pose … it’s a little difficult to pinpoint what exactly it is that’s bad about the cover.

We’ll just go with “everything.”

Thing is, Lambert wants the album cover to be campy, accusing his critics of not “appreciating” what he’s channeling here. (Maybe that’s why he and Lady GaGa are buddies? He did say “she gets it, ya know?”)

Clearly unapologetic, Predicto wondered: Will Adam cave into public opinion and change the album’s artwork before it is release on November 23? 70% of voters say no, he won’t.

“The cover gets everyone’s attention,” says member “ckmr1440.”

“It’s his album, let him do what he wants to do,” says “nerm9329.”

See what else voting Predicto members had to say!

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Celeb Couples are New Territory for Psychic John J. Oliver

October 27th, 2009

It was a big day around the Predicto TV offices on Seventh Avenue when John J. Oliver stopped by recently. In the two years (yay us) that Predicto has been around, this was the first time that a professional psychic has paid a call on us. We were thrilled to welcome the co-star of ‘Haunting Evidence’ on truTV to make Predicto predictions of our favorite celebs.

John was a gracious and nice guy as he settled in for an interview in our office (John facing south, at his request, for better feng shui). At this time of year John is gearing up for 2010 predictions, and he made so many for us, we will have to break it down into multiple episodes. In this clip, watch him focus on celebrity couples Brad & Angelina, Chris & Rihanna and Jay-Z & Beyonce.

Of the erstwhile Chris Brown and estranged girlfriend Rihanna, “You’re going to see wonderful romantic news or news of new children” and Jay-Z & Beyonce, “I don’t get this strong feeling like I do with other celebrity couples… I wonder if their relationship in large part is a publicity vehicle, I wonder that when I see their auras together.”

Check out Episode 46 of Predicto TV now!


Will the World Series Go for 7 Games?

October 26th, 2009

Derek JeterAfter a rain-delayed game 6, the New York Yankees finally ended their grueling series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and clinched a spot in the 2009 World Series.

They’ll be up against last year’s champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, who have been on hiatus since October 21. Having had plenty of time to rest and in possession of 2008’s trophy, the Phillies are going to fight hard to keep their place as baseball’s best team even though they’re up against the million-dollar bankroll of the Yankees.

No matter who wins, fans will be the true champions the longer series extends through October and November. Though both teams dominated their competitors throughout the playoff, will this battle royale extend to seven games in the World Series? 57% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes — but not everyone shares the enthusiasm in their comments.

“No, the Yankees will win it in [fewer] games,” says “ybre3155.”

“The teams are great! Should be a matchup of the century,” says “jpru7358.” Wow, and it’s only 2009.

See what else voting Predicto members had to say!

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!