Category Archives: Tech

All the things that can be said about the passing of the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs have been said at this point. I couldn’t begin to summarize his legacy like Stephen Fry does so brilliantly in this essay, or pay a better aggregated tribute than Wired or Fast Company or a dozen other tech sites have. All I can say is that I find his death profoundly sad. It’s sad because of all his accomplishments. He was a Tesla, an Edison, a Lindbergh, a Van Gogh. It’s sad because he created a company I admire, that makes products I enjoy and rely on.

In an attempt to be timely, I wanted to capture my thoughts on yesterday’s news that Apple founder Steve Jobs has stepped down as CEO. He remains Chairman, heart and soul of the now iconic technology company, but there’s little doubt that his unfortunately poor health has pushed him to this. The internet is buzzing about all the things his resignation does and doesn’t mean to Apple and the technology-fetishized world he helped create. Steve Jobs has fans, haters, admirers …

Upon its debut, I was summarily unimpressed with Apple’s upcoming iPad tablet thingy. I don’t hate the thing, I’m simply disappointed by several of its hardware and software omissions. Those gripes remain, but this Engadget story has opened my eyes to what will be the killer feature of the iPad: content.

About 15 years ago, my dad built a 1/6th scale radio controlled flying model of Charles Lindbergh’s iconic Ryan NYP, better known as The Spirit of St. Louis. In the two years he spent constructing his 91″ replica, dad extensively researched Lindbergh’s life and seminal, 1927 New York-to-Paris flight. This research showed in the meticulous detail of his plane. Every detail is represented in immaculate miniature — from Lindbergh’s uncomfortable wicker seat, to each and every one of his instrument panel gauges, to a tiny working version of his side periscope complete with mirrors. Dad’s research gave him enough expertise that he could see un-captioned photos of the plane and know when and usually where they were taken. He even uncovered inaccuracies in some of the written accounts. However, one detail escaped him: the golden nose.

This is getting talked about absolutely to death right now, so I’m going to say my bit, hopefully add something, then be done with talking about it.

I think Apple is really onto something here. The form factor looks good, aside from the over-rounded corners. The price is way better than expected. Even the data plans seem reasonable. The potential of this device is almost limitless. It’s ability to completely revolutionize how we use computers is very real. However, unless …

October 4, 2009 — Today I went for the best ride I’ve had all season. It wasn’t a long ride, only about an hour. What made it such a great ride was two things: I met someone interesting, and I rediscovered a great stretch of scenic road.

It’s been a while since I did a recommendation. Not because I’m lacking in fabulous things that I’d like the world to embrace, but because I’ve been otherwise busy. However, about a month ago I was introduced to the music of Jonathan Coulton and I’m not the same.

Music recommendations are always really tricky because

I love Twitter. It’s the best way to find things like this. Via the Definitive Touch blog: