Posted by Robyn on Jan 16, 2009 in
Technology So as it turns out, in my haste to snag Windows 7 bits at the earliest possible moment, I ended up with a checked/debug build of the beta from my MSDN account. Now something called “debug” might sound good, but it’s not a fully compiled version of the operating system. In other words, my WIndows 7 install was probably unstable because it was designed to be. The debug builds help Microsoft pin down potential errors and eliminate them.
I am currently downloading the actual beta from MSDN, and plan to try again with it on my Aspire One netbook and MacBook Pro this weekend! I have heard good things about compatibility on both. If all goes well, I might even try it on my desktop again. 
Posted by Robyn on Jan 14, 2009 in
Technology See you soon, I hope!
After playing with Windows 7 for a few days, I must leave it behind. I was hoping to make this the primary OS on my desktop, but it’s just not quite there yet. I really do love all the new features it has, but I am having hardware issues that I can’t seem to get resolved.
I’ll miss you, Windows 7! *sniff* See you next Beta? 
Posted by Robyn on Jan 12, 2009 in
Technology I installed Windows 7 on my desktop today. So far, I think the OS has a lot of promise, and I am looking forward to the final release. Naturally, it is Beta software, so it doesn’t have all the kinks worked out yet. But I like it so far.
The new taskbar layout is really appealing, not to mention long overdue. You can pin programs to the taskbar, and it just works a lot more like a Dock. Once again, Microsoft is playing catch-up to Apple in some ways, but this still has a very “Windows” feel to it, and really fits very well into the OS. I also like the way it organizes your system tray. GONE are the endless icons that like to take up space there. You can still access them if you like, but they are ALL hidden by default. Two thumbs up.
They seem to be taking networking and file sharing in the right direction as well, though I am anxious to see where this new “homegroup” feature goes. So far, it appears to be compatible only with other Windows 7 computers, so that could be a real issue in most households. UAC has also been vastly improved, as there are now levels of security to it that you can set, rather than only having the option to turn it completely on or off. Good progress there.
The new Libraries feature is also pretty sweet. I love being able to keep my files organized the way I like, then TELL Windows where they are. I can still use things like “Documents” and “Photos”, but also keep them organized in my Dropbox. It’s about time!
Overall, I’m pleased with it so far. If I can get some of the hardware glitches ironed out, I’m ready to make this the primary OS on my desktop. Yes, even though it’s beta. It’s that good. 
Posted by Robyn on Dec 24, 2008 in
Technology I’m sure you all know how much I love my little Acer Aspire One netbook. The Asus Eee PC really did spark a “revolution” of sorts in the mobile computing markets. Netbooks are cheap, portable, and “powerful enough” for everyday web browsing and document creation.
But the ONE thing I would love to have, and for which I would be willing to shell out much more cash, is a true TABLET sub-notebook. Here are the requirements.
1) 9″ or 10″ capacitive multi-touch LED backlit screen plus active pen digitizer.
2) No more than 2.5 lbs WITH battery that lasts 5+ hours of actual use.
3) Full keyboard with convertible screen for tablet mode.
4) Must fit in my purse. Small footprint is preferable to crazy thin.
5) Either a real 2.5″ SATA hard drive or fast SSD > 64 GB.
6) Full desktop operating system that supports true multi-touch.
7) Graphics that don’t completely suck (nVidia 9300/9400 would be great).
8) Dual-core CPU, but doesn’t have to be a powerhouse. The new dual-core Atoms would be perfect.
9) Real connectivity options. WiFi, Bluetooth, e-SATA, Firewire, USB, Ethernet, etc.
10) Integrated 3G would be a nice bonus.
This is clearly above the capabilities of a netbook, so I would be willing to pay well upwards of $1000 for such a device. Maybe even $2000, if it’s beautiful. As to operating system, I’m agnostic. Mac OS X, Windows 7, or Linux are all fine with me, as long as they support true multi-touch… but I’m looking at you, Apple.
Let’s face it, the MacBook Air just doesn’t measure up when you can get pretty much the same thing in a netbook for less than 1/4 the cost. Make the device I just described, and you will be the king of ultraportables again.
Posted by Robyn on Dec 20, 2008 in
General How did I not know that Aspartame (artificial sweetener) is linked to Migraines!?
I have suffered from miserable migraines my entire adult life. We’re not just talking about a headache here. We’re talking severe vomiting, extreme light and sound sensitivity, and frequent trips to the emergency room. I finally got them under control with medication, but I LIVE on Diet Coke. I have two or three a day, at least. I never was much of a coffee drinker (until my beloved hubby got me started on Starbucks), so I have always gotten my daily caffeine fix from diet sodas.
Now I come to find out Aspartame could reduce serotonin levels, making a “hair trigger” for migraines. Which means anything else I do that could potentially cause a migraine even more likely to tip the scale.
Holy freakin’ hell. I have researched migraines extensively! I even saw a neurologist! And I never heard of this until I saw a commercial for some new sweetener called Truvia and Googled it. What are some of the benefits? IT DOESN’T CAUSE MIGRAINES. Oh, and everyone in the universe seems to have known this EXCEPT ME.
Pardon me while I go pour out all my diet sodas. BRB.
Posted by Robyn on Dec 7, 2008 in
Technology Justin and I bought each other iPhones for Christmas. Yes, they are very cool.
But any time someone gets an iPhone, there is also a rolling of the eyes that takes place. It’s an Apple product, and has a lot of hype surrounding it, so there are a lot of misconceptions about the iPhone. So here is a Q-and-A based on my first experiences with the device.
Q. Is the iPhone really better than any other phone out there?
A. No. It is quite different than any other phone I’ve ever used, so I don’t think it would be a “better” solution for all people.
Q. But the iPhone is better than any other smartphone out there, right?
A. No. It lacks a QWERTY keypad — or any keypad — and that is going to be a deal breaker for a lot of people.
Q. Yeah, I heard texting and emailing on it totally sucks.
A. No. I was able to text and email right away. The on-screen keyboard is far better than I expected. I prefer it to the two-or-three-letters-per-key solution on many cell phones. The predictive/corrective text feature is quite good at understanding what you meant, even if you don’t hit exactly the right letter.
Q. So, it’s as good as a full QWERTY keyboard?
A. No. But it’s a good compromise, and after holding it in my hands and using it, I understand why Apple chose not to include a full keyboard. It’s also great for those who often switch between languages.
Q. So what’s all the hype about?
A. What “makes” the iPhone is the App Store. There are so many cool things this phone can do, and it’s so easy to make the phone do them. Many apps are free, and none are terribly expensive (from what I’ve seen).
Q. How is the interface?
A. There are no words. The phone is incredibly intuitive, and I felt like an expert after just a few minutes. For a device that can do so many things, having an interactive screen with a multi-touch interface is just perfect. Web browsing, email, texting, applications — everything the iPhone does seems to “fit” into the iPhone. You’d just have to spend an hour with one to know what I’m talking about.
Q. How is the media playback?
A. Fantastic. That’s the one thing I’ve always found lacking in other smartphones and PDAs. This is a fully-functional iPod, in addition to a great smartphone, so the result is what you’d expect.
Q. I like all the data and media features, but how is it as an actual Phone?
A. Wonderful. No, really. Call quality is great, and the in-call features are much more intuitive than other phones I’ve used. (For example, conference call.) Visual voice mail is also a kick-ass feature. I’ve always HATED voice mail because navigating through the voice menus is a pain. Having it all in front of you makes managing your messages much easier.
Q. I really want an iPhone now. Is it worth switching carriers?
A. Absolutely. I was with T-Mobile for 12 years, so I carefully considered this decision. I looked into the unlocking options, and it’s just not worth it. The process of switching was quite simple, and keeping our numbers was far easier than I thought. If you want an iPhone, you’re stuck with AT&T (in the states), and that’s just the way things are. But it’s worth it. Trust me.
Q. Aren’t the plans expensive, though?
A. Yes, but that’s the case with pretty much all smartphones. We ended up paying about $30 more per month than we were paying with T-Mobile, but part of that was the leap to 3G, which costs more on both carriers. If you would choke on a $100 cell phone bill (per line), then the iPhone probably isn’t for you.
Q. Hmm. I really like a lot of what you talked about, but I don’t really want to switch carriers and/or pay that much per month.
A. That’s why the iPod Touch exists. If you don’t need or want the phone features, and you have WiFi available to you frequently, then go for the iPod Touch. You get the same interface and the same awesome App Store. It’s a win-win!
Q. Then why did you get the iPhone?
A. I don’t spend all of my time near WiFi connections, and I use Exchange for my personal email, contacts, and calendar. I also liked the phone features, and don’t want to carry multiple devices. Your choice will depend on your usage habits.
Q. So… does having an iPhone make you better than everyone else?
A. Yes. Yes, it does. 
Posted by Robyn on Nov 19, 2008 in
Politics With all the talk of corporate bail-outs, I just have a few things to say about this issue.
Obviously, we shouldn’t let giant companies who employ millions of people go out of business. This would just raise unemployment, and push us even deeper into a recession. And of course, there have to be conditions attached to the assistance given to those companies by taxpayers. When executives show up on private jets to ask for a bailout, I agree that sends the wrong message. Here’s my take.
1. If you take money from the government, you shouldn’t be allowed to lay off more than 5% of your workforce over the next five years. You can re-organize, consolidate, re-assign labor, or whatever you have to do to stay afloat. But if the whole point of the bailout is to save jobs, you don’t get to take the money, then cut the jobs anyway.
2. No employee earns a salary more than twenty times what the lowest-paid employee earns. That doesn’t prohibit performance-pay contractual bonuses and so forth, but I don’t see why any executive could “deserve” more than TWENTY TIMES what their workers make without proving their worth.
3. Quitcherbitchin about taxes. Seriously. The next time I hear some corporate fat-cat pundit on Fox News blathering about socialism and welfare moms, I’m going to freak. The amount of money taxpayers are spending on corporate bailouts is so much more than we’ve ever spent on social programs for the poor. Just STFU already.
4. What about the middle class? We just sit here, working away, paying taxes, and driving the economy. Meanwhile, all the handouts go to the rich or the poor. Meanwhile, we walk a tightrope. If someone gets sick or laid off, there’s no help for us. They’ve even made bankruptcy nearly impossible. Where is our safety net?
Okay, that’s it for my rant. It just seems like the people who work the hardest, take the most risk, and pay the highest percentage of their income in taxes are forced to make it on their own, while they watch others reap the benefits. 
Posted by Robyn on Nov 12, 2008 in
Politics I just read Keith Olbermann’s very eloquent argument on the subject of marriage equality. I have posted a couple of passages below, but I strongly encourage you to read the full article. This is an issue that will become an embarrassment to our country.
Think back throughout the brief history of our nation. Every single time we challenge progress and support hate because we cannot face change, the change always wins in the end. Those who fight for change write the history books, and those who fight against it are always left behind. Always.
Link to original article
If you voted for this Proposition or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some questions, because, truly, I do not understand. Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships, these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option. They don’t want to deny you yours. They don’t want to take anything away from you. They want what you want—a chance to be a little less alone in the world.
Only now you are saying to them—no. You can’t have it on these terms. Maybe something similar. If they behave. If they don’t cause too much trouble. You’ll even give them all the same legal rights—even as you’re taking away the legal right, which they already had. A world around them, still anchored in love and marriage, and you are saying, no, you can’t marry. What if somebody passed a law that said you couldn’t marry?
This part really does interest me. If you oppose the right for gay couples to marry, please help me understand why. I hear over and over again that it would “weaken” the institution of marriage. HOW!?
There are plenty of issues I don’t agree with. For example, I don’t support the Iraq war. But I would never dream of taking rights away from our troops. Yet, it seems that many of the same people who cry out against abuse of our troops are also waving signs of hate against “Adam and Steve”, just because they want to get married. I don’t understand.
I keep hearing this term “re-defining” marriage. If this country hadn’t re-defined marriage, black people still couldn’t marry white people. Sixteen states had laws on the books which made that illegal in 1967. 1967.
The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn’t have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead. But it’s worse than that. If this country had not “re-defined” marriage, some black people still couldn’t marry black people. It is one of the most overlooked and cruelest parts of our sad story of slavery. Marriages were not legally recognized, if the people were slaves. Since slaves were property, they could not legally be husband and wife, or mother and child. Their marriage vows were different: not “Until Death, Do You Part,” but “Until Death or Distance, Do You Part.” Marriages among slaves were not legally recognized.
You know, just like marriages today in California are not legally recognized, if the people are gay.
I think this is one of those generational issues. Unfortunately, it seems there is only so much change that any single generation can tolerate. But this is a CHOICE. You have a choice to fight change, or to embrace it.
So the next time this issue comes up on a ballot, please don’t vote for hate. Please don’t become obsolete. Please don’t become an embarrassment to history. Support marriage equality.
Posted by Robyn on Nov 10, 2008 in
General I am starting to wonder if Heroes should have continued after the first season. I really enjoyed the first season, and the second season was okay. After seeing the DVD, I think it would have made a LOT more sense if they could have followed the original story arc. Stupid writers’ strike. But I digress.
This season just has me alternately yawning, and saying “WTF” repeatedly. I’m kind of wondering if the writers have run out of ideas, or if they have any clue where they’re taking all this in the long run. If there is a long run… I mean, the show is getting its ass kicked in the ratings by Dancing With the Stars. Seriously.
ZOMG SPOILERZ!
If you’ve never watched Heroes, then by all means, don’t read the following rant. It will give away every plot device detail ever used by the series ever.
Something “really bad” is going to happen, which may or may not be the fault of someone with or without “abilities”. These abilities are the result of evolution, unless they were artificially created. Anyway, the good guys have to stop the bad something, while the bad guys try to convince them that the bad something is actually a good something. Someone travels through time and/or has a vision of the future or past that changes everything.
The bad people turn out to be good people, and the good people just turn out to be regular people. The person you thought was in charge turns out to be manipulated by someone even more powerful than the last season. Then, there is an eclipse or something, and all the good guys and bad guys and everyone gets together to thwart whatever plan the newest most powerful person had in mind. Then, they get a few months, or sometimes just a few minutes until the next powerful dude reveals he or she has actually been pulling the strings all along.
So, yeah… the show is not only repeating itself, but keeps re-inventing itself all the time in quest of that next big “revolution” that will get people to stop watching washed up stars ballroom dancing and talking about Heroes again. I’m really trying to remain a die-hard fan, but throw me a bone here.
This show started out with a cool idea — that super heroes could just be regular people, and if they were, what would they do? I think the show would be a lot more interesting if they stopped trying to be so epic all the time, dialed back the destiny bullsh*t, and got back to telling stories about the people. People are cool.
Posted by Robyn on Nov 2, 2008 in
General I have now worked my way through the first third or so of Rock Band guitar solo mode on Hard. Somewhere in Seattle, I remembered to have fun! The game really is quite enjoyable, once you get the hang of things. Fortunately, there’s a song every now and again that pops in just to remind you this game is supposed to be hard work. 
I just hit a solid brick wall on Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones. I managed to get through it in practice mode on 50% speed, and it’s actually got some fun parts in it. There’s just not many passages you can “bluff” your way through in that one. So, it’s going to take me at least an hour to practice before I can “play” it well enough to pass, and I was planning to go to bed half an hour ago.
See you tomorrow, Rock Band!