I never thought I would say it, but I miss Teriyaki Stix. Even if they only have food half the time (funny post), I miss them. I’ll just have to settle for In-N-Out I guess.

-Peter

Well I’ve been here almost two months, but the state welcomed me with an earthquake this morning. It wasn’t too bad, and even kind of fun. Details here:

USGS

-Peter

I so want one….

uWatch

Why do companies think it’s good business to execute for the short term?

• eBay Seller Revolt Gaining Traction
• Qatar Won’t Raise Crude Oil Output as Prices Soar

If they don’t make it easier to use the service or product that they are selling, people will find substitutes. Oil became dominant because it was less expensive and easier to refine, transport, etc. than other fuels. For ebay, the situation was similar, they were easier than the alternatives. When organizations constrain, they make money in the short term, then fall away when substitutes arrive. I’m ready for an ebay substitute, because the common guy can no longer afford to “see if something will sell.” I’m completely ready for a reasonable electric car - Are you listening GM? I’ve even thought about converting one myself. It’s just a matter of time.

-Peter

My birthday was last week, and I’m at the point where the things that I really want require years of saving, weekends of making, or soul selling. The other stuff, I usually just pick up when I need it. It was great this year to have a few things that I didn’t have, that fall in the fun to have department, and weren’t too expensive. I got three really cool things:

• Apple Wired Keyboard
• Apple Mighty Mouse (Wireless)
• Griffen PowerMate
  

The keyboard is what it is, just better looking - and almost silent.

A mouse is a mouse except that the mighty mouse has a ball instead of a wheel which means spreadsheets are a dream. I’m also amazed that it really can recognize a right click. Finally, It think it’s great that Apple put on a power switch/optics protector.

The PowerMate is a horse of another color. It’s not just another substantial, well built, cool, and fun volume knob. It only has about 8 different things it can do, but it does them differently depending on the app that I’m in. The defaults are cool, I just wish that I could get more feedback from the cool LED on the bottom. It is taking time to get used to having it, (I find myself a creature of habit) but it makes scrolling a dream. As Ferris said, “If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”

All in all, it was a good day - Thank you to those who celebrated it with me.

-Peter