When I was much younger, I posted prolifically to a Livejournal blog. I often created posts I called “Ramblers”, where I essentially live-blogged my life with short, pithy updates (I predicted Twitter–who knew?). I’m far too embarrassed to link to any of that here, but it’s out there on the internets somewhere. Re-reading those posts, I remembered how fun it was to write without a purpose (and how funny the output could be). So, I’ve decided to write something in the spirit of those old “Rambler” posts, but with a new voice.
In the middle of my vacation, my immune system decided that it wasn’t a vacation anymore. Yes, that’s right, I got a seasonal gift: the common cold. Between the headaches, sore throats, and medically-induced drowsiness (the worst kind, by the way) I was really unfit to leave the house. However, once the symptoms started to wear away, I realized I had a new illness: a bad case of cabin fever. I wanted out. Out of the house, out of the neighborhood, away from everything and everyone else. The only problem is that, rather embarrassingly, I know nothing about my hometown.
At the end of last year, I spent three weeks working in Taipei City, Taiwan, with my trusty iPhone as a travel companion (more on that in a later post). It was an incredible experience, and I’m thrilled I got the opportunity to go. Now that I’m back home, I’m going to reflect on the things I’ve seen and learned while on this trip.
So it’s finally happened. I bought a Mac. I’ve fallen to the dark side, bribed by the shiny glass and aluminum (and the semi-serious promise of cookies). However, once I get past the shock and surprise, I’m left with a new set of thoughts on computing, and where it’s headed. I’m not sure I fully subscribe to their line of thinking on this subject, but I must say, even if they’re ultimately really bad for me, these cookies are awfully tasty.
News regarding Apple’s iPhone tends to make like a flare. Lots of noise, a few dramatic explosions, but no lasting impact. Read: “antenna-gate” (see here). A few months ago, a pair of researchers working for O’Reilly found a database that contained detailed location data stretching over the past 10 months.
This story is interesting, though, and it’s not because it involves my favorite fruit. This story started long before this week, and it foreshadows discussions about mobile technology and privacy concerns that will only grow deeper as time goes on.
Man versus nature? Taken at La Jolla cove. Found this little eye-hook bolted into the rock. Reminds me of how sometimes, the only thing greater than man’s accomplishments is what’s just beyond our reach.
