Tretakoff Musings
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Digital cameras Tip: Rename your digital photos automatically in Windows XP
Where has this tip been? I go through this all the time, with auction or vacation photos. CNET explains how to rename your digital photos automatically in Windows XP.
Slick.
Slick.
Geek to Live: Put your idle computer to work for you - Lifehacker
Pretty cool. I expect this idea to become more refined. Most computers are on all the time, and have way more horsepower than can ever be used. Sure, you can put it to work with a distributed computing project, like SETI @ Home, but why not put your idle computer to work for you?
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Cable Internet as your DVR
Follow my logic here:
Computers: Most homes now have a computer. Most computers are hooked up to the Internet. Most homes have broadband now.
Entertainment: Digital entertainment has exploded, especially with the advent of MP3's. There is already a massively successful business model around downloadable digital content: the iTunes store. DVR's are already in more use than VCR's, and are set to become a mainstay of the home: people like watching their programs, when they want to. Placeshifting, the method of using one's digital content where ever you are, is starting (Slingbox). And YouTube is becoming one of the most trafficked sites online, because people like to watch video.
Gadgets: cellphones are becoming smartphones. The screens and memory are already there, and are set to become the mainstay of the cellphone set. The iPod Video has already proven there is a market for people to watch video, wherever they go.
Piracy: DVD's are routinely ripped and put online with BitTorrent. And let’s not discuss the old Napster model.
Internet access: DSL is dropping in price, and increasing in bandwidth. Voice over IP (VOIP) is not a novelty: it's the fastest growing phone service. Phone companies are grumbling, threatening a two-tier Internet, as video traffic takes up more bandwidth. Cable, which provides most people broadband, is fighting off WiMAX and other threats. And phone companies are frantically laying fiber to the home to try to take back what Cable has.
Ok, here’s the idea:
Cable companies should offer all their customers the ability to download almost any show that is shown on their video offerings, DRM free, for $20 a month. You would download an application that allows you to download an episode at a time, or set up a "season pass." The shows would have their commercials in them, or they could have a 30 second commercial at the start.
Read that again.
Now, why would they do this?
1) Cable wants to ensure stickiness with their customers: stop them from defecting to other services.
2) They can use the application you download as a Bittorrent tracker: the server load would be distributed by all customers, so costs to deploy would be low.
3) They can tie the access to the application with the IP address of your registered computer; you can only register one computer per cable bill.
4) $20 a month is all gravy revenue, for content they already HAVE.
Example: I recently decided I wanted to watch the new show, Eureka. However, I wanted to see it from the beginning. Could I do that with Cable? No, not even with OnDemand. I also wanted to watch the show on my Palm, as well as my TV. Could I download it with iTunes, at $2 an episode, and watch on my Palm? No; I'd need an iPod video. So what am I forced to do? Access a Bittorrent server, and download the episodes.
Is this illegal? Yes. Think of it: it's illegal for me to want to consume the content I already pay Comcast for, but I am being penalized because I decided I wanted to watch the show after it started. Could I have set it up on the DVR? Yes, but I didn’t; I forgot. What are my options today? Download from iTunes. That means I'd need to hook up a computer to the TV, and I could not watch on my Palm. AND, I'd be paying $2 an episode for that privilege.
Now, look at the original points I started with here. At $20 a month, are you telling me that this would not make MILLIONS for cable companies, given all of the points there? Plus, as iTunes shows, people will gladly pay a little more for content, if it means they make it easy, simple, and legal.
Cable companies. I'm not charging you a dime for this idea. Take it, run with it, but DO IT. This is the way to ensure your profits today, tomorrow, and offer what your competition cannot. The time has come: I want the Internet to be my DVR, and I will pay you to do it.
Follow my logic here:
Computers: Most homes now have a computer. Most computers are hooked up to the Internet. Most homes have broadband now.
Entertainment: Digital entertainment has exploded, especially with the advent of MP3's. There is already a massively successful business model around downloadable digital content: the iTunes store. DVR's are already in more use than VCR's, and are set to become a mainstay of the home: people like watching their programs, when they want to. Placeshifting, the method of using one's digital content where ever you are, is starting (Slingbox). And YouTube is becoming one of the most trafficked sites online, because people like to watch video.
Gadgets: cellphones are becoming smartphones. The screens and memory are already there, and are set to become the mainstay of the cellphone set. The iPod Video has already proven there is a market for people to watch video, wherever they go.
Piracy: DVD's are routinely ripped and put online with BitTorrent. And let’s not discuss the old Napster model.
Internet access: DSL is dropping in price, and increasing in bandwidth. Voice over IP (VOIP) is not a novelty: it's the fastest growing phone service. Phone companies are grumbling, threatening a two-tier Internet, as video traffic takes up more bandwidth. Cable, which provides most people broadband, is fighting off WiMAX and other threats. And phone companies are frantically laying fiber to the home to try to take back what Cable has.
Ok, here’s the idea:
Cable companies should offer all their customers the ability to download almost any show that is shown on their video offerings, DRM free, for $20 a month. You would download an application that allows you to download an episode at a time, or set up a "season pass." The shows would have their commercials in them, or they could have a 30 second commercial at the start.
Read that again.
Now, why would they do this?
1) Cable wants to ensure stickiness with their customers: stop them from defecting to other services.
2) They can use the application you download as a Bittorrent tracker: the server load would be distributed by all customers, so costs to deploy would be low.
3) They can tie the access to the application with the IP address of your registered computer; you can only register one computer per cable bill.
4) $20 a month is all gravy revenue, for content they already HAVE.
Example: I recently decided I wanted to watch the new show, Eureka. However, I wanted to see it from the beginning. Could I do that with Cable? No, not even with OnDemand. I also wanted to watch the show on my Palm, as well as my TV. Could I download it with iTunes, at $2 an episode, and watch on my Palm? No; I'd need an iPod video. So what am I forced to do? Access a Bittorrent server, and download the episodes.
Is this illegal? Yes. Think of it: it's illegal for me to want to consume the content I already pay Comcast for, but I am being penalized because I decided I wanted to watch the show after it started. Could I have set it up on the DVR? Yes, but I didn’t; I forgot. What are my options today? Download from iTunes. That means I'd need to hook up a computer to the TV, and I could not watch on my Palm. AND, I'd be paying $2 an episode for that privilege.
Now, look at the original points I started with here. At $20 a month, are you telling me that this would not make MILLIONS for cable companies, given all of the points there? Plus, as iTunes shows, people will gladly pay a little more for content, if it means they make it easy, simple, and legal.
Cable companies. I'm not charging you a dime for this idea. Take it, run with it, but DO IT. This is the way to ensure your profits today, tomorrow, and offer what your competition cannot. The time has come: I want the Internet to be my DVR, and I will pay you to do it.
Biking on the Golden Gate Bridge
I've recently been talked into biking home occasionally from work. Normally, I bike to the Sausalito Ferry, and then to the office, and then back the same, but Charles has been taking this biking a lot more seriously. His enthusiasm is infectious, so I've been talked into, after a long day at work, riding through the city, then over the Golden Gate.
First, I've come to one conclusion: I hate hills. I don’t know why, but even though I have been doing this bike thing for a while, I still can’t stand going up hills. I am absolutely unashsamed at walking the bike, when needed, and the ride to the Bridge has two major ones that I can’t quite get up and over: a Charlie Horse (why the hell do they call it that???) always strikes. Luckily, Charles is patient, and puts up with me.
Second, I never thought biking could be anything but a solitary endeavor. Yet, with Charles as a companion, we talk and ride, and, 13 miles later, I'm amazed I survived. Of course, he rides another 10 miles after we part ways, which just makes me stunned, but it really helps.
Finally, I will say that riding across that bridge is stunning. One side is just for bikes, and you look at the ocean and the coastline the whole way. Sure, when you round the Towers, you are blasted with a wall of ocean air that almost stops you, but it's worth it. And that breakneck speed ride down Alexander Ave into Sausalito "makes it all worth it," as Charles says.
In any case, when you are crossing the bridge, and see the slow moving guy on the bike, with a helmet (sigh) trying to keep up with the brightly clad guy on the world's lightest bike, wave and say hi!
I've recently been talked into biking home occasionally from work. Normally, I bike to the Sausalito Ferry, and then to the office, and then back the same, but Charles has been taking this biking a lot more seriously. His enthusiasm is infectious, so I've been talked into, after a long day at work, riding through the city, then over the Golden Gate.
First, I've come to one conclusion: I hate hills. I don’t know why, but even though I have been doing this bike thing for a while, I still can’t stand going up hills. I am absolutely unashsamed at walking the bike, when needed, and the ride to the Bridge has two major ones that I can’t quite get up and over: a Charlie Horse (why the hell do they call it that???) always strikes. Luckily, Charles is patient, and puts up with me.
Second, I never thought biking could be anything but a solitary endeavor. Yet, with Charles as a companion, we talk and ride, and, 13 miles later, I'm amazed I survived. Of course, he rides another 10 miles after we part ways, which just makes me stunned, but it really helps.
Finally, I will say that riding across that bridge is stunning. One side is just for bikes, and you look at the ocean and the coastline the whole way. Sure, when you round the Towers, you are blasted with a wall of ocean air that almost stops you, but it's worth it. And that breakneck speed ride down Alexander Ave into Sausalito "makes it all worth it," as Charles says.
In any case, when you are crossing the bridge, and see the slow moving guy on the bike, with a helmet (sigh) trying to keep up with the brightly clad guy on the world's lightest bike, wave and say hi!
San Diego: Day 2
A wonderful night's sleep in our Chinese wedding bed, followed by coffee, fresh fruit, juice and pastries delivered to the room, and we were ready for the next day of exploration. We intended to head straight to La Jolla, to the north, and started through Balboa Park, when Amy looked to the right, and said, "That's an interesting building. I wonder what that is?" I turned off to get a better look, and we found the magic that is Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is from the same vein as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Built in the early 1900's for an Exposition (why don’t we have more of these now?), it is a monument to the combination of classic architecture, art, and soul-enriching spirit. It's HUGE, and the landscape is lush, meticulous, and a discovery around every corner. For instance, the seemingly innocuous parking lot disclosed a glimpse of an amazing architectural gem; we headed in, and found an incredible theatre! Through the courtyard, we could see even more: a lush meadow, broken up by what seemed to be an aerie, but was an incredible arboretum.
We parked, spent about an hour walking around, and vowed to head back the next day. We headed up the road to La Jolla, where we quickly found ourselves walking in a seaside delight. A lunch, high above the cliffs, had us looking down at the water, watching kayaks and snorkelers prowling the coastline. No, it wasn't much of a meal or service, but the warm sun and cool breeze as we looked over the Pacific made up for it.
As we headed back to San Diego, we stopped off at the Glider Port, to watch the sky sailers swoop over the coastline. We then took a detour to Old Town, where we found some surprising treasures:
- A shop, completely devoted to root beer, one of my favorites. The proprietor was friendly, and fun.
- A interactive Wild West shoot-out, with towering steel cowboys exchanging gunfire in the form of dueling water sprays.
- A cigar store (Racine & Laramie) with some of the most surprising short handmades I've smoked ever.
- A coffee and tea shop, with a dizzying array of both. Decaf Highlander Grog: yum!
We spent much of the rest of the day walking the streets of La Jolla, then headed back to the Inn. We relaxed on the upper deck of the Inn my father found, where he and I shared our surprising cigars (Fenna and Amy put up with us). Some rest, then off to Little Italy for a hard to find (and even harder to park!) repast at a surprisingly wonderful joint (review comes separately). We had a wonderful dinner, then retired back to Inn for the evening.
A wonderful night's sleep in our Chinese wedding bed, followed by coffee, fresh fruit, juice and pastries delivered to the room, and we were ready for the next day of exploration. We intended to head straight to La Jolla, to the north, and started through Balboa Park, when Amy looked to the right, and said, "That's an interesting building. I wonder what that is?" I turned off to get a better look, and we found the magic that is Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is from the same vein as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Built in the early 1900's for an Exposition (why don’t we have more of these now?), it is a monument to the combination of classic architecture, art, and soul-enriching spirit. It's HUGE, and the landscape is lush, meticulous, and a discovery around every corner. For instance, the seemingly innocuous parking lot disclosed a glimpse of an amazing architectural gem; we headed in, and found an incredible theatre! Through the courtyard, we could see even more: a lush meadow, broken up by what seemed to be an aerie, but was an incredible arboretum.
We parked, spent about an hour walking around, and vowed to head back the next day. We headed up the road to La Jolla, where we quickly found ourselves walking in a seaside delight. A lunch, high above the cliffs, had us looking down at the water, watching kayaks and snorkelers prowling the coastline. No, it wasn't much of a meal or service, but the warm sun and cool breeze as we looked over the Pacific made up for it.
As we headed back to San Diego, we stopped off at the Glider Port, to watch the sky sailers swoop over the coastline. We then took a detour to Old Town, where we found some surprising treasures:- A shop, completely devoted to root beer, one of my favorites. The proprietor was friendly, and fun.
- A interactive Wild West shoot-out, with towering steel cowboys exchanging gunfire in the form of dueling water sprays.- A cigar store (Racine & Laramie) with some of the most surprising short handmades I've smoked ever.
- A coffee and tea shop, with a dizzying array of both. Decaf Highlander Grog: yum!
We spent much of the rest of the day walking the streets of La Jolla, then headed back to the Inn. We relaxed on the upper deck of the Inn my father found, where he and I shared our surprising cigars (Fenna and Amy put up with us). Some rest, then off to Little Italy for a hard to find (and even harder to park!) repast at a surprisingly wonderful joint (review comes separately). We had a wonderful dinner, then retired back to Inn for the evening.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Dining Review - San Diego Edition: Dakota Grill
In the heart of the Gaslamp quarter, the Dakota Grill was one of several theme restaurants in the Cohn Restaurant Group's repertoire. Elegantly appointed, with the right mix of casual and class, the place was big, but not cavernous. Tinkling pianos came from the upstairs lounge, and we were seated on a Thursday night immediately.
First, the wine list. Nothing terribly remarkable, especially for a semi-chain in SoCal, but they did have a great option: flights! If you are not familiar with wine flights, buckle in. For a little more than the price of a single glass, a flight usually gives you a taste of three different wines, paired to let you really taste the difference. Usually, they are the same varietals, varied by year or vineyard, but Dakota offered a little different: irreverent pairings, titled "Red Red Wine" or "Sideways" and the like. I went for the Red Red Wine: Charles Krug Cabernet, a Zin from Paso Robles, and a blend from Alexander Valley.
Ok, the food: outstanding. The bread was freshly baked: sourdough and brown bread. Amy and Fenna shared the Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad, and both raved about it. I had the uniquely titled Pork Prime Rib, with apricot mustard glaze, green beans, and creamed spinach: unreal, and enormous portions. I wish I remembered what everyone else had, but I was lost in how good the food was, as well as the complexity of the wines. Got to pick up the Krug Cabernet, and stop talking down about central California Zins after that flight.
The cost was reasonable for what we ate. The only downsides? Parking is not easy or inexpensive, and there is a club downstairs: the entire floor was shaking in the later part of the evening, as the club started to get going. They explained they usually close off the area we were in on Thursday nights, but they were trying an experiment. Suffice it to say, ask for a table upstairs.
In the heart of the Gaslamp quarter, the Dakota Grill was one of several theme restaurants in the Cohn Restaurant Group's repertoire. Elegantly appointed, with the right mix of casual and class, the place was big, but not cavernous. Tinkling pianos came from the upstairs lounge, and we were seated on a Thursday night immediately.
First, the wine list. Nothing terribly remarkable, especially for a semi-chain in SoCal, but they did have a great option: flights! If you are not familiar with wine flights, buckle in. For a little more than the price of a single glass, a flight usually gives you a taste of three different wines, paired to let you really taste the difference. Usually, they are the same varietals, varied by year or vineyard, but Dakota offered a little different: irreverent pairings, titled "Red Red Wine" or "Sideways" and the like. I went for the Red Red Wine: Charles Krug Cabernet, a Zin from Paso Robles, and a blend from Alexander Valley.
Ok, the food: outstanding. The bread was freshly baked: sourdough and brown bread. Amy and Fenna shared the Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad, and both raved about it. I had the uniquely titled Pork Prime Rib, with apricot mustard glaze, green beans, and creamed spinach: unreal, and enormous portions. I wish I remembered what everyone else had, but I was lost in how good the food was, as well as the complexity of the wines. Got to pick up the Krug Cabernet, and stop talking down about central California Zins after that flight.
The cost was reasonable for what we ate. The only downsides? Parking is not easy or inexpensive, and there is a club downstairs: the entire floor was shaking in the later part of the evening, as the club started to get going. They explained they usually close off the area we were in on Thursday nights, but they were trying an experiment. Suffice it to say, ask for a table upstairs.
- Service: 4 stars
- Food: 5 stars
- Ambience: 4 stars without the club; 3 with
- Overall: 4 stars
San Diego: Day 1
Coronado Island is home to some of the most tranquil harbors and beautiful Southern California beach land ever. Of course, it's also got the requisite tourist village and some fun restaurants; we ate at a 50's joint, called the Beach-N-Diner: nothing special but HUGE salads. Really loud music they were accommodating enough to turn down so we could all catch up. After filling our stomachs, we headed to the main draw of the island: the Hotel Del Coronado.
A sprawling, beautiful wooden hotel, it evokes the '30's sense of splendor. Everything too perfect, with the Pacific as the ideal backdrop. We toured the lobby, then headed to the deck to sit with drinks and take in the scenery. After, we peeked in the courtyard: the architecture is magnificent. Like the Levi Strauss building grafted to an oceanliner. Private decks, soaring palms, and a gazebo. Magnificent.
A short drive around Coronado to see the naval installations, then back to the Inn for some respite. Then, dinner. I will say that I did not expect all that good food from our trip: our last trip there, the places we went were just OK. Plus, it's such a tourist/military/convention town, I couldn’t imagine it would improve. We decided to try the city's famous Gaslamp district, filled with bars, restaurants and clubs.
One of the things I find unusual about San Diego: the restaurants all seem to be owned by local entrepreneurs who own maybe 5 or 6. They brand them proudly with their names, and advertise their sister restaurants in the one you are in. Kind of like the Real Restaurant Group in San Francisco. Anyways, after the help of some unprotected WiFi near the Inn and TripAdvisor, we headed to the Dakota Grill for a dinner.
I'll do a separate review of the restaurants in San Diego. Suffice it to say, it was wonderful. Tired, filled, and content, we retired to the Inn. I sat in the courtyard and had an evening cigar in the warm night. A nice welcome!
Coronado Island is home to some of the most tranquil harbors and beautiful Southern California beach land ever. Of course, it's also got the requisite tourist village and some fun restaurants; we ate at a 50's joint, called the Beach-N-Diner: nothing special but HUGE salads. Really loud music they were accommodating enough to turn down so we could all catch up. After filling our stomachs, we headed to the main draw of the island: the Hotel Del Coronado.
A sprawling, beautiful wooden hotel, it evokes the '30's sense of splendor. Everything too perfect, with the Pacific as the ideal backdrop. We toured the lobby, then headed to the deck to sit with drinks and take in the scenery. After, we peeked in the courtyard: the architecture is magnificent. Like the Levi Strauss building grafted to an oceanliner. Private decks, soaring palms, and a gazebo. Magnificent.
A short drive around Coronado to see the naval installations, then back to the Inn for some respite. Then, dinner. I will say that I did not expect all that good food from our trip: our last trip there, the places we went were just OK. Plus, it's such a tourist/military/convention town, I couldn’t imagine it would improve. We decided to try the city's famous Gaslamp district, filled with bars, restaurants and clubs.One of the things I find unusual about San Diego: the restaurants all seem to be owned by local entrepreneurs who own maybe 5 or 6. They brand them proudly with their names, and advertise their sister restaurants in the one you are in. Kind of like the Real Restaurant Group in San Francisco. Anyways, after the help of some unprotected WiFi near the Inn and TripAdvisor, we headed to the Dakota Grill for a dinner.
I'll do a separate review of the restaurants in San Diego. Suffice it to say, it was wonderful. Tired, filled, and content, we retired to the Inn. I sat in the courtyard and had an evening cigar in the warm night. A nice welcome!
Weekend in San Diego
One of the better things about living in California is the relative closeness of major parts of the West Coast. When I lived in Boston, I never thought of heading to Florida for the weekend, or even Virginia; out here, heading to Southern California is a 1 hour flight. Heck, I've even flown to LA for a speech in the morning, and been back for lunch in San Francisco!
This weekend, my Dad (Lou) and stepmother (Fenna) were in San Diego. Fenna had a conference there all week, so my Dad opted to come out and join her for a few days of R&R. A few months ago, we had thought this sounded great, so we arranged to meet them there. After all, how often do you get to see great people who you are related to, in a nice place?
Anyway, on Thursday, we headed to Oakland Airport. We left the car with Expresso Parking: they are an outfit that has really tried to take off-airport parking to another level. They offer Outdoor parking for about $8; Indoor parking for about $10, and Valet Indoor parking for $12. They provide free coffee, muffins, water, and even the day's newspaper. Valet parking? They'll even arrange to have your car washed for a small fee. With AAA discounts and coupons from their feedback site, it's a deal. A short shuttle ride, then on to Southwest Air for the 1 hr flight to San Diego.
San Diego is a strange mix of a city. You’re 20 miles from Mexico, but the city's population is remarkably non-Latino. It's the perfect climate: sunny, warm, with nice breezes, so it's very laid back, but yet it's a military town, so there's constant roaring of planes and helicopters. The airport is right in the middle of the city, on the water: you land, and you are 1 block from major tourist attractions. Easy to get around in, but hard to get used to.
We opted to stay in a B&B, instead of one of San Diego's plentiful hotels. Fenna had been there the whole week in one, and really needed a change of scenery. We had been to SD before, and stayed at a B&B: while we enjoyed their hospitality and food, the rooms were just OK. This time, we were determined to do better. We found the Balboa Park Inn, right in San Diego, on the edge of Balboa Park and 10 minutes walk from the San Diego Zoo. Location was not what drew us; it was the rooms: each one is unique, and done in a theme. We stayed in the Orient Express, which was fabulous; Dad and Fenna stayed in the Suite Cycles, which has a full kitchen, living room, and bedroom.
When we checked in, the front desk attendant cheerfully told me that my "Pop was upstairs," a peculiar but fun moment. We headed up, got all settled, and figured out we were directly across the hall from each other! Too funny. We decided to head out to grab some food and San Diego scenery.
First stop, Coronado Island.
This weekend, my Dad (Lou) and stepmother (Fenna) were in San Diego. Fenna had a conference there all week, so my Dad opted to come out and join her for a few days of R&R. A few months ago, we had thought this sounded great, so we arranged to meet them there. After all, how often do you get to see great people who you are related to, in a nice place?
Anyway, on Thursday, we headed to Oakland Airport. We left the car with Expresso Parking: they are an outfit that has really tried to take off-airport parking to another level. They offer Outdoor parking for about $8; Indoor parking for about $10, and Valet Indoor parking for $12. They provide free coffee, muffins, water, and even the day's newspaper. Valet parking? They'll even arrange to have your car washed for a small fee. With AAA discounts and coupons from their feedback site, it's a deal. A short shuttle ride, then on to Southwest Air for the 1 hr flight to San Diego.
San Diego is a strange mix of a city. You’re 20 miles from Mexico, but the city's population is remarkably non-Latino. It's the perfect climate: sunny, warm, with nice breezes, so it's very laid back, but yet it's a military town, so there's constant roaring of planes and helicopters. The airport is right in the middle of the city, on the water: you land, and you are 1 block from major tourist attractions. Easy to get around in, but hard to get used to.
We opted to stay in a B&B, instead of one of San Diego's plentiful hotels. Fenna had been there the whole week in one, and really needed a change of scenery. We had been to SD before, and stayed at a B&B: while we enjoyed their hospitality and food, the rooms were just OK. This time, we were determined to do better. We found the Balboa Park Inn, right in San Diego, on the edge of Balboa Park and 10 minutes walk from the San Diego Zoo. Location was not what drew us; it was the rooms: each one is unique, and done in a theme. We stayed in the Orient Express, which was fabulous; Dad and Fenna stayed in the Suite Cycles, which has a full kitchen, living room, and bedroom. When we checked in, the front desk attendant cheerfully told me that my "Pop was upstairs," a peculiar but fun moment. We headed up, got all settled, and figured out we were directly across the hall from each other! Too funny. We decided to head out to grab some food and San Diego scenery.
First stop, Coronado Island.
Let the Web help you fight the airlines
UPDATE: Farecast must have read my post, because they are out of beta. Lots of cities now available!
How many times have you been deciding to look at buying a ticket to fly, but you just know that the airlines will lower the price, right after you click the buy button. What if there was a way to know if you should wait?
Farecast aims to do just that: using really cool technical analysis and a good common sense, it recommends if you should wait or not, with amazingly good accuracy. It's still beta and free, but only works for Boston and Seattle and the destinations thereof, but WOW.
UPDATE: Farecast must have read my post, because they are out of beta. Lots of cities now available!
The First Example of the Reality Distortion Field
If you have ever been a Mac fan, you've heard of the famous Steve Jobs "reality distortion field." He speaks, and it becomes...overwhelming. Having been privvy to it many times, as well as having seen what it takes to build up to it (yes, Steve even fired me, even though I did not work for him :-)), it's even more impressive to see how well he pulls it off.
Have a look at the very first example: the introduction of the original Mac in 1984, over 22 years ago. Wacth the crowd. Remember: this was a tiem that the personal computer was barely understood as a concept, and Atari video games ruled the world on the TV. Then...this.
If you have ever been a Mac fan, you've heard of the famous Steve Jobs "reality distortion field." He speaks, and it becomes...overwhelming. Having been privvy to it many times, as well as having seen what it takes to build up to it (yes, Steve even fired me, even though I did not work for him :-)), it's even more impressive to see how well he pulls it off.
Have a look at the very first example: the introduction of the original Mac in 1984, over 22 years ago. Wacth the crowd. Remember: this was a tiem that the personal computer was barely understood as a concept, and Atari video games ruled the world on the TV. Then...this.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Mark Cuban...poet?
He's been the startup king. He's been the impetus for a whole new NBA generation. He's been the reason we have HDTV. Now, he takes the greatest leap: truly wonderful writing that will leave you laughing and in awe. :-)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Seen to be believed: UFO chased by MiG
| I'm usually skeptical, but this seems pretty wild. An older video of a UFO - a cylinder - Chased by Soviet MIGs, and then Accelerates. Wow. | |
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Free Documentaries!
This one is for the liberal free thinking blog readers (Lani & Pete). Check out this vast selection of documentaries, all offered to watch online free, courtesy of copyright law and Google Video!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
The Revenge of the ABA
Wow. Talk about foresight. These brothers, Ozzie and Dan Silna, co-owners of the long-forgotten ABA team, the Spirits of St. Louis, make $24 million a year and haven't had a team in 30 years, thanks to a single line in a contract. Amazing.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
A Tale of Robots, Parking Garages, and Labor Disputes
This reads like a sci-fi story from the near future. In, of all places, Hoboken NJ, the city has a parking garage that is the pinnacle of technology: no ramps, or spaces, but instead a full suite of the most sophisticated elevators. Of course, it's operated by software: no people. Twice the capacity of cars, half the time to retrieve your car...and a raft of unexpected consequences.
Now, imagine what happens when the city gets into a dispute with the company that operates the technology. Espionage, intrigue, and customers who can't get their cars out of the garage. Wired News said it best: Giant Robot Imprisons Parked Cars.
Welcome the brave new world.
Now, imagine what happens when the city gets into a dispute with the company that operates the technology. Espionage, intrigue, and customers who can't get their cars out of the garage. Wired News said it best: Giant Robot Imprisons Parked Cars.
Welcome the brave new world.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Dining Review: Boca
What is it about Marin? One of the highest concentrations of $ in the world, and yet the dining options are hardly commensurate. Sure, you have a few exceptions: Lark Creek Inn, Kitchen, Fork, but few others.
That may just starting to change. In the last year, several new restaurants have opened, and Novato seems to be the center of some of the best. Rickey's was one of the first. Then came Kitchen, with a flourish. Now, we discover Boca.
Now, I'm no talented foodie blogger, like the Restaurant Whore, but I think I need to share some of these places with the fellow Bay Areans, as well as Marinites. Boca is an Argentinean steak restaurant: think lots of great meat, with a plethora of sauces. The location is odd: it's in a part of Novato lacking any appeal and charm, and it seems completely out of place. It's definitely upscale, next to a nondescript office suite, and surrounded by gas stations, dry cleaners, and other daily necessities. Don't let that puzzle you too long: head in!
Inside is a treat: the architecture is evocative of a lodge, crossed with a Nordic/Arts & Crafts feel. Big, thick wood is everywhere, though all in light color. The place meanders: several large rooms and a sprawling, acres-wide deck, make for intimate dining with incredible capacity. Seating, even on a Saturday night, was a breeze; we made reservations with Open Table, but not sure we needed it. There is a full bar, and an impressive wine chiller, as you enter, but you are quickly whisked to your table, passing multiple handsome portraits of cattle (as if they are family members!) and a truly impressive dominating 8 Ft high wooden lattice, adorned with multi colored votives.
Ok, you're getting it: I like this place. Let's get down to business. First, the menu. Impressively diverse, there were literally dozens of choices for dinner, appetizers, and sides. Most were very reasonably priced, which was a surprise; about $20, on average. Of course, the menu featured at least 10 different beef dishes, but an equal amount of other choices, as well, and none of the obligatory ones you expect they have for the one person who wants something else: all excellent.
Ok, on to the food. How was it? Exquisite. Appetizers: Calimari, which was perfectly done, and plentiful for 4 people; Lobster Corn Dogs, which are a poor name for these treats. Picture a miniature corn dog, 1/4 the size, filled with lobster meat (no beef), and an amazing dipping sauce. Out of this world.
We had 2 different salads, Caesar & Butter Lettuce. Both were artful, fresh, and surprisingly full portioned; it belies their looks.
Main courses: Colorado Lamb Chops with a Pinot Noir-Blackberry sauce; a mixed grill of 2" thick pork chops, New York Strip brochettes, and lamb; and Argentinean Filet Mignon, grass fed. Every morsel was tender, flavorful, and sensational. The presentation was simple, with sides served on separate plates. Interestingly, this made you really taste the flavor, without diluting in an accompanying side (though I wish I ordered the creamed spinach!). Surprising the amount of meat: 3 out of the 4 or us finished our meals, but we were pretty full! There were four different sauces to garnish your meat, including chimiurri, smoked paprika, and Bernaise.
Service: pleasant, well paced, and not intrusive. Only demerit was they should have taken the menus away (and taken our order) before the appetizers were served. With smaller tables, it's hard to hold onto them while you are eating.
We brought a bottle of Ravenswood 2004 Zin, but also had a few bar drinks, and a couple more glasses of Cline Syrah. No dessert; we were stuffed. Total cost per person: about $55, sans tip. For all we ate and drank, that's a fair deal.
Conclusion: this is a keeper. The owner, and onetime chef, now tends bar on occasion. The staff is attentive and prompt. The place is great to look at, and the deck seems ideal for warm evenings. But the food is the star here: this is an Atkins dream, and a hearty and succulent choice. I'd give it 4 stars (out of 4), and I highly recommend you try it.
What is it about Marin? One of the highest concentrations of $ in the world, and yet the dining options are hardly commensurate. Sure, you have a few exceptions: Lark Creek Inn, Kitchen, Fork, but few others.
That may just starting to change. In the last year, several new restaurants have opened, and Novato seems to be the center of some of the best. Rickey's was one of the first. Then came Kitchen, with a flourish. Now, we discover Boca.
Now, I'm no talented foodie blogger, like the Restaurant Whore, but I think I need to share some of these places with the fellow Bay Areans, as well as Marinites. Boca is an Argentinean steak restaurant: think lots of great meat, with a plethora of sauces. The location is odd: it's in a part of Novato lacking any appeal and charm, and it seems completely out of place. It's definitely upscale, next to a nondescript office suite, and surrounded by gas stations, dry cleaners, and other daily necessities. Don't let that puzzle you too long: head in!
Inside is a treat: the architecture is evocative of a lodge, crossed with a Nordic/Arts & Crafts feel. Big, thick wood is everywhere, though all in light color. The place meanders: several large rooms and a sprawling, acres-wide deck, make for intimate dining with incredible capacity. Seating, even on a Saturday night, was a breeze; we made reservations with Open Table, but not sure we needed it. There is a full bar, and an impressive wine chiller, as you enter, but you are quickly whisked to your table, passing multiple handsome portraits of cattle (as if they are family members!) and a truly impressive dominating 8 Ft high wooden lattice, adorned with multi colored votives.
Ok, you're getting it: I like this place. Let's get down to business. First, the menu. Impressively diverse, there were literally dozens of choices for dinner, appetizers, and sides. Most were very reasonably priced, which was a surprise; about $20, on average. Of course, the menu featured at least 10 different beef dishes, but an equal amount of other choices, as well, and none of the obligatory ones you expect they have for the one person who wants something else: all excellent.
Ok, on to the food. How was it? Exquisite. Appetizers: Calimari, which was perfectly done, and plentiful for 4 people; Lobster Corn Dogs, which are a poor name for these treats. Picture a miniature corn dog, 1/4 the size, filled with lobster meat (no beef), and an amazing dipping sauce. Out of this world.
We had 2 different salads, Caesar & Butter Lettuce. Both were artful, fresh, and surprisingly full portioned; it belies their looks.
Main courses: Colorado Lamb Chops with a Pinot Noir-Blackberry sauce; a mixed grill of 2" thick pork chops, New York Strip brochettes, and lamb; and Argentinean Filet Mignon, grass fed. Every morsel was tender, flavorful, and sensational. The presentation was simple, with sides served on separate plates. Interestingly, this made you really taste the flavor, without diluting in an accompanying side (though I wish I ordered the creamed spinach!). Surprising the amount of meat: 3 out of the 4 or us finished our meals, but we were pretty full! There were four different sauces to garnish your meat, including chimiurri, smoked paprika, and Bernaise.
Service: pleasant, well paced, and not intrusive. Only demerit was they should have taken the menus away (and taken our order) before the appetizers were served. With smaller tables, it's hard to hold onto them while you are eating.
We brought a bottle of Ravenswood 2004 Zin, but also had a few bar drinks, and a couple more glasses of Cline Syrah. No dessert; we were stuffed. Total cost per person: about $55, sans tip. For all we ate and drank, that's a fair deal.
Conclusion: this is a keeper. The owner, and onetime chef, now tends bar on occasion. The staff is attentive and prompt. The place is great to look at, and the deck seems ideal for warm evenings. But the food is the star here: this is an Atkins dream, and a hearty and succulent choice. I'd give it 4 stars (out of 4), and I highly recommend you try it.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Customer Service held hostage
The following is a true story. I've been playing around with Skype more, especially now that SkypeOut is free in the US (able to call US phone numbers at no charge). So, I wanted to see if I could use my Plantronics Bluetooth headset with my PC for this. After all, my computer has Bluetooth; should be a no brainer. I even searched online, and found a few examples.
Paired it just fine. How, you ask? Well, I consulted Plantronics' support website, where I found this helpful document:
Seems pretty straightforward? Yep: worked like a charm. Yet when I went to place a call or transfer audio, inexplicably the headset simply died. Turned off. Kaput. After various attempts at trying to solve this, I decided to head back to Plantronics and consult a support rep with online chat.
Now, remember: I already found the info above ON THEIR SUPPORT SITE. Imagine my shock at the conversation that ensued:
Graham: Hi, you have reached Graham in Technical Support.
How may I help you?
Joshua: I'm trying to pair my 510 with my PC. Pairing is completed, but when I try to connect, it turns off the 510.
Graham: We don't have any info on using the 510 with a computer. It should work, but is only supported and recommend for a blue tooth cell phone.
Joshua: Huh? You have an FAQ on it: (URL of page)
Graham: Because we know it is possible. But do not support it.
Joshua: You're serious? You're not pulling my leg? You are saying you offer support documentation on pairing the headset with a PC, but you don't support it? Not trying to be an ass here; just want to make very sure I understand.
Graham: Yes, we can tell you how to put the headset into pairing mode. But have no info on using it or making it work on a computer.
Joshua: I appreciate how difficult this question is, and I appreciate you answering it honestly. Thank you for your help!
I was serious: I did appreciate his honesty. This man was being hamstrung in his job by a company who could only do a half-ass job of equipping him. It's stunning: the frontline of trying to make your customers happy, and Graham is having his testicles kept in a jar by his employer.
Companies should want to push the edge, should want their products to become more valuable to their customers; that's how they succeed. Did Google say "Stop searching Google from anywhere but Google.com?" or "Hey, we know you can put maps from Google Maps on your site, but we don't want to make it easy for you." No. And that's why they have eclipsed all search and maps sites: they learn from their customers.
Think I'm off base here? Consider this: Plantronics clearly knows their customers want to do what I did; after all, they have a support document on just that! Yet officially supporting it? Hell no, they can't be bothered. Read that again: they have a customer base who wants to use their product MORE, and they will not support it.
Doug Fleener tells his readers constantly about the importance of looking at your business from the perspective of the customer; Plantronics, it's time to listen.
The following is a true story. I've been playing around with Skype more, especially now that SkypeOut is free in the US (able to call US phone numbers at no charge). So, I wanted to see if I could use my Plantronics Bluetooth headset with my PC for this. After all, my computer has Bluetooth; should be a no brainer. I even searched online, and found a few examples.
Paired it just fine. How, you ask? Well, I consulted Plantronics' support website, where I found this helpful document:
Question
How do I switch my Voyager 510 from PC to Phone and vice versa?
Answer
After connecting your Voyager 510 base to your phone following the setup instructions in the Quick Start Guide, you should be able to use the headset with your desktop phone.
Next you should pair the headset with your PC by putting the headset in discovery mode and going to My Bluetooth Places on your PC "search for nearby devices".
When the "PLT 510" is found, right-click on its icon and select "Pair Device".
Enter the four-digit pass code and click OK.
Then right-click again and select "Connect Headset". You will hear the tone in the headset similar to a ringing. Press the Talk button on the headset to answer. You are now paired and connected to the PC.
While you are listening to audio from the PC, you can switch to the phone by pressing the Talk button twice.
To listen to the PC audio, Press the Talk button. Go to My Bluetooth Places and right-click on the "PLT 510" icon. Select "Connect Headset". You will hear the tone in the headset similar to a ringing. Press the Talk button on the headset to answer.
You can then repeat the steps to go back and forth between the two devices.
Seems pretty straightforward? Yep: worked like a charm. Yet when I went to place a call or transfer audio, inexplicably the headset simply died. Turned off. Kaput. After various attempts at trying to solve this, I decided to head back to Plantronics and consult a support rep with online chat.
Now, remember: I already found the info above ON THEIR SUPPORT SITE. Imagine my shock at the conversation that ensued:
Graham: Hi, you have reached Graham in Technical Support.
How may I help you?
Joshua: I'm trying to pair my 510 with my PC. Pairing is completed, but when I try to connect, it turns off the 510.
Graham: We don't have any info on using the 510 with a computer. It should work, but is only supported and recommend for a blue tooth cell phone.
Joshua: Huh? You have an FAQ on it: (URL of page)
Graham: Because we know it is possible. But do not support it.
Joshua: You're serious? You're not pulling my leg? You are saying you offer support documentation on pairing the headset with a PC, but you don't support it? Not trying to be an ass here; just want to make very sure I understand.
Graham: Yes, we can tell you how to put the headset into pairing mode. But have no info on using it or making it work on a computer.
Joshua: I appreciate how difficult this question is, and I appreciate you answering it honestly. Thank you for your help!
I was serious: I did appreciate his honesty. This man was being hamstrung in his job by a company who could only do a half-ass job of equipping him. It's stunning: the frontline of trying to make your customers happy, and Graham is having his testicles kept in a jar by his employer.
Companies should want to push the edge, should want their products to become more valuable to their customers; that's how they succeed. Did Google say "Stop searching Google from anywhere but Google.com?" or "Hey, we know you can put maps from Google Maps on your site, but we don't want to make it easy for you." No. And that's why they have eclipsed all search and maps sites: they learn from their customers.
Think I'm off base here? Consider this: Plantronics clearly knows their customers want to do what I did; after all, they have a support document on just that! Yet officially supporting it? Hell no, they can't be bothered. Read that again: they have a customer base who wants to use their product MORE, and they will not support it.
Doug Fleener tells his readers constantly about the importance of looking at your business from the perspective of the customer; Plantronics, it's time to listen.
Are they insane? Study says Women like tech toys more than shoes
Ok, this has to be a complete plant. Has the paradigm really shifted that much? This story, that USAToday/Yahoo News says shows Women like tech toys more than shoes, is bizarre. Reminds me of the hype around that "toothing" phenomenon a few years back, that turned out to be a fraud.
