AskMetaFilter weighs in with the best apps for the new iPad. On the other hand, here are some quick negatives after a week’s use:
– the app store seems A LOT less useful on the iPad than the iPhone. On the iPhone, it’s really easy to drill down by category in something like Games -> Board Games or whatever. That same ease-of-use doesn’t seem to exist for the iPad version of the app store
– on top of that, apps for the iPad seem to be way more expensive, even for the same program
– the iPad itself and many apps don’t easily support multiple user profiles which makes it awkward for sharing within a family (Pace’s solution: “Dad, you need one iPad for you and one and buy another one for me!”)
– no voice recorder app by default
– no clock app by default
– the speaker is on the outward facing edge rather than the bottom on the iPhone which means when you hold the device tilted towards you, the sound is projected outwards more than down/towards you.
– there are some complaints about the iPad running extremely hot but I haven’t used it long enough or intensively enough (no 6-hour gaming marathons) to know if this is the case
– also rumours about bad wifi but I’ve only noticed this once when I was Skyping with someone and went to the opposite end of the house from where our router is located and the signal got a bit herky-jerky.
As usual, the Calgary Flames are doing their annual trick of the last couple years and look to be heading for a massive choke after being oh so close to making the final playoff spot. As of today, they look to have about a 25% chance of finishing in 7th or 8th spot whereas a week ago they were at about 50%. But you lose a couple games to the two worst teams in the league then lose in OT against the team you’re competing with for one of two available spots (actually FIVE teams are currently competing for two spots), your odds aren’t that good.
This does give me an opportunity to do something I’ve meant to do. Memories in sports can be short and it’s honestly felt like the Flames have just missed the playoffs for a number of years. But looking at the Flames’ finishes since the glorious 2004 Stanley Cup run, we see the choking has really only occurred the last couple years (and pending the next few games, may be three in a row.)
Well, based on how slow it’s been lately, either my computer’s dying or I have too many tabs open. Let’s hope it’s the latter as that’s easily solved!
Super excited to see Ryan Meili’s name pop up as a strong “definitely maybe” in a recent list of potential NDP leadership candidates, especially since, as the runner-up last time, he’d have to be considered the front-runner if he put his name in the hat this time around.
Skatch – a Saskatchewan-based and -themed clothing company
The Euthanasia Coaster – a hypothetical thrill ride that will literally take your breath away (and yes, I’m not sure why I had this in an open tab? Maybe for a really twisted Friday Fun Link?)
Toronto Public Library has gone on strike so I’ll send this song out to my former classmates, colleagues and others who are walking the picket line. Here’s hoping for a fast and fair resolution.
Probably not surprising that I really like it so far. Stood in line to buy it Friday morning and the best part was chatting with the other hardcore nerds who easily put my geek ness to shame (or maybe wishful thinking?).
Anyhow, on a different note, here’s a photo of the jambalaya we had for supper tonight (using cauliflower for rice!)
Chris Turner, author of the Hammy winning book, “The Leap”, has an outstanding article in the latest issue of The Walrus about the unique relationship between Canada and Cuba which captures, way better than I ever could, much of the mixed emotions you feel as a wealthy Canadian tourist in Cuba – are you helping their economy or exploiting it? Should you give in to the tourist trappings or seek an “authentic” experience? Does such a thing even exist? Why do we feel the need to bring gifts of medicine and dollar store trinkets in Cuba when we rarely do the same for our trips to Mexico and the Dominican?
Here’s my own mixed message colonization attempt: “Here’s some books for your children (good!). They’re all in English (not so good?)”
